Hi Everyone!!!

I was just wondering about a question a friend asked a few months ago.

If there are any transgender role models the trans community could look up to?

I guess one would be Calpernia Adams (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calpernia_Addams) , any ideas who could be called a role model?

It was the article I read about Caroline Cossey ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caroline_Cossey ) when I was 14, made me realise I can transition and be a woman one day. So she was my first role model.

Then some years later I read about Prof. Lynn Conway ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynn_Conway ), who is a pioneer in the technology behind modern day computer processors and she became my role model ever since. Reading about her made me realise I can be successful after my transition too. Infact that is one thing kept me focus on my studies. Also in her website there is a separate section about Successful transmen and Transwomen. 

http://ai.eecs.umich.edu/people/conway/TSsuccesses/TSsuccesses.html

Not that I have ever "looked" for role models, but Susan is as good of a role model as you need.  She has done a lot with the forums and chat.

Off the top of my head: Billy Tipton, Susan Larson, Jennifer Finney Boylan, Anna Grodzka, Christine McGinn and Marci Bowers. A few others will no doubt come the more I think about it.

http://janetmock.com/

one of my fav is Lana Wachowski

Laura Jane Grace!

I'd consider all of the trans-girls on Youtube that I watched to be my big role models... Jesslyngirl87, Paige Abendroth, and Minorqback are probably my three biggest role models in terms of transitioning. And you know, I don't think someone needs to be a celebrity or a recognizable name to be a role model anymore. These three girls taught me two of the most important lessons that I ever could have learned... 1, that transition really was possible, and 2, that not only was it possible, it really wasn't the big flamboyant deal that mainstream society makes it out to be... you're still yourself, just female. And their videos continue to remind me that it's okay, the changes will come, and I just need to be patient. I don't need to put on a show for anyone, I just need to be myself. And I really don't think I could ask anything more from a role model.

I have looked up to people on youtube and even here on this board.  But my biggest role model is a dear friend of mine who showed me transitioning was a possibility.  I suppose friends in real life are different from role models, but she always was there for me and has been instrumental in all the progress I have made in this area.  Personally, I see every woman who takes this on as a role model in some way.  Really, it does take courage and we all have an inspirational tale to tell. 

Christine Jorgensen, Dr Marci Bowers, Laura Jane Grace, and really anyone who has transitioned before me. Because without them paving the road; I don't know if I would have the courage to do it myself.

Wendy Carlos (born Walter Carlos in Pawtucket, Rhode Island on 14 November 1939) is an American composer and electronic musician.

Carlos first came to prominence in 1968 with Switched-On Bach, a recording of music by J.S. Bach painstakingly assembled, phrase-by-phrase, on the Moog synthesizer, at the time a relatively new and unknown instrument. The album earned three Grammy Awards in 1969. Other classical recordings followed. Carlos later began releasing original compositions, including the first-ever album of synthesized environmental sounds, Sonic Seasonings (1972) and an album exploring alternate tunings Beauty in the Beast (1986). She has also worked in film music, notably writing and performing scores for two Stanley Kubrick movies, A Clockwork Orange (1971) and The Shining (1980), as well as Walt Disney's Tron (1982).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendy_Carlos

My roomie Christina, keeping her last name withdrawn for safety reasons.    when I first started HRT I was at an all time low, worked at a native casino, got jumped every week. fought with depression, tried to end my life several times.  And she took me into her home, helped me be and feel like Teela and shed Thor.  Has helped me find happiness and and the belief in a brighter future. She is like, no is my big sister. my family.   here her and me are.

Quote from: Teela Renee on May 13, 2013, 02:12:56 PM
My roomie Christina, keeping her last name withdrawn for safety reasons.    when I first started HRT I was at an all time low, worked at a native casino, got jumped every week. fought with depression, tried to end my life several times.  And she took me into her home, helped me be and feel like Teela and shed Thor.  Has helped me find happiness and and the belief in a brighter future. She is like, no is my big sister. my family.   here her and me are.

How's Christina doing?  Is she feeling a little better?

I can relate a lot with having a dear friend being a role model and big sister.  It really is helpful and I couldn't imagining transitioning without having such an awesome support structure. 

Quote from: learningtolive on May 13, 2013, 02:38:39 PM
How's Christina doing?  Is she feeling a little better?

I can relate a lot with having a dear friend being a role model and big sister.  It really is helpful and I couldn't imagining transitioning without having such an awesome support structure.

Mild pain here and there. Doing real well tho. I dont wanna highjack the thread so ill leave it at that. Thank you for asking ^_^

I have a few girls I look up to on twitter. @a_cognito @MizBrea both amazing gals that have had successful transitions. I also have found inspiration from JessylnGirl87 on YouTube

Like so many others, YouTube was the one place that provided me with role models that made me realise that it is actually really possible.

Jesslyngirl87, minorqback, Jessica Tiffany, and HarukaKei were my four main go-to channels, and I watched single episodes from various others, mainly mid to long term transition videos.

Jennifer Finney Boylan because she's funny, not self-indulgent and is able to describe the transgender experience so much better than I can.  Her books have helped me explain myself to other people, and I always recommend friends and family to read her books.

Adrian Dalton is my role model. It is really uplifting to see a gorgeous transman that is so comfortable in both his masculinity and femininity. Oh, and my exboyfriend.

I too found inspiration on Youtube, JessylnGirl87, NoNittaWig (they were so gorgeous and normal, they really made me want to transition) and others..

I might get some boo;s for this... but, ok maybe not a ROLE model, but an transsexual rockstar idol of sorts?

JohnnyBoyXO on youtube.  I love her attitude, even if its alot egotistical (but ya know thats what shes going for)
I think she is absolutly awesome, and has an amazing singing voice.  I like to sing, and Ive never quite mastered a female singing voice.


Not really my typical kinda music, its more that I think shes awesome.