So I've been reading articles about the fabulous Jamie Clayton and I realized just how much I look up to her. I can identify with her entire story. I didn't start hormones at 20 though, I just presented female for a long time before falling into a deep depression. But other then that, we have a lot in common. Especially now. I do wish I was as pretty. But I'm still relatively young so a girl can dream.

Mainly, she is prolly a lot stronger then me and that is something I aspire to. She broke up with this guy because he said he could never love her and I don't know what I would do. I hope my BF would never say anything like that. He's really sweet so I doubt it. But it is great reading stories and identifying with the person. I mean for most of my life the whole concept of trans women was alien and yeah I knew they existed and I read about it on the Internet when I was younger, but until now that I have started hormones I just felt like they were these strong people who had the courage I could only dream of. But now that I am transitioning and well on my way to being complete to read these stories and realize I have some of the same problems with men or dating or just life is awesome. I'm actually really doing something and I mean if you would have told me like two years ago I would have a BF and guys would be hitting on me when I walked down the street and I'd be dressing so femme and using the the women's room and no one would think anything of it, I would have died.

So who is your transsexual idol and why? It's so great reading positive stories like this about trans women. Maybe someday I will be the second most beautiful girl in Philadelphia. And maybe pigs will fly lol It's just so great to be able to finally completely identify with a beautiful trans woman.

http://observer.com/2008/08/the-second-most-beautiful-girl-in-new-york/

I guess either Jennifer Finney Boylan (obvious reasons) or the success stories here like Alainaluvsu. I'm not looking to do more with transition than transition itself, so mostly I look up to people who stuck with it and made it to the other side.

Idol? Role model? Don't know anyone that is significant, and also TG to be honest.

I have met people here that I have come to respect though.

The only human I have ever admired was Carl Sagan, because we shared interests, but he was a genius at communicating the science.

I really admire a lot of the guys who started decades ago (the "pioneers" as it were). Like Jamison Green, Stephen Whittle. I remember when I was first coming to terms with my transsexualism, I was looking at youtube to see guys who had transitioned, and the number was fairly small in those years. It was scary, to have all those unknowns. So I think of these people who started first, how scary it must have been to deal with so many unknowns and to see so few other transsexual men who had done the same things.

There's a guy on Tumblr (of all places lol) who I really admire. Not so much because of his transition, just because he doesn't let anyone get him down. He knows how to stand his ground and he won't take anyone's garbage if they talk badly about his transition. Those are skills I really need to develop.

My role models are Kristen Beck, Laura Jane Grace, and Masen Davis.

Kristen and Masen are out there fighting for our rights on many fronts. Trying to make the lives of transgender people better.
And Laura Jane is singing her story night after night, letting the world know through song the struggles that we go through.

My idols are those who have transitioned before us. Most importantly are the true pioneers, Christine Jorgensen, and Roberta Cowell. And the doctors who pioneered the treatment of transexuals. Dr. Christian Hamburger, and Dr Michael Dillon.

Quote from: caleb. on August 14, 2013, 05:37:40 PM
There's a guy on Tumblr (of all places lol) who I really admire. Not so much because of his transition, just because he doesn't let anyone get him down. He knows how to stand his ground and he won't take anyone's garbage if they talk badly about his transition. Those are skills I really need to develop.

That is admirable and a quality I need. I'm so sensitive not only do words get me down, but the words people don't say will get me down too. I used to let people walk all over me...and still do.

I also really repsect people who could be stealth and choose not to...like Jamie Clayton! I mean she is so freaking pretty (and dresses so awesome!) and no one would have ever known and she chose instead to come out and show wimps like me the light! Maybe one day I can chill with her as she is only five years older than me. I could be her ugly sister!

Is it okay for guys to weigh in? If so, Lou Sullivan. He almost single-handedly won acceptance for gay trans men. If not for him, I might still be considered a screwed up straight woman. Or I'd be dead.

Quote from: Arch on August 14, 2013, 06:03:25 PM
Is it okay for guys to weigh in? If so, Lou Sullivan. He almost single-handedly won acceptance for gay trans men. If not for him, I might still be considered a screwed up straight woman. Or I'd be dead.

Oh of course! FTMs are always welcome (and in fact encouraged) to post in any thread I start.

Mine is Paris Lees, I think her story and trans campaigning make her amazing.  She is also amazingly beautiful.

Her Web site http://lastofthecleanbohemians.wordpress.com/

I'm going to say Janet Mock but really I find most proud, active trans* people are role models for me

Lana Wachowski, who is one half of the directing team The Wachowskis. They did The Matrix, V For Vendetta, and more recently Cloud Atlas.

She won an award for being visible and made a speech:
http://m.hollywoodreporter.com/news/lana-wachowskis-hrc-visibility-award-382177?page=2

I also look up to a lot of trans girls on here or on tumblr.

Carmen Carrera!



I often see my idol though when I look into the mirror 

In the mid 1970's Dr. Renee Richards fought for her right to compete in womens tennis.  While so many people insulted or otherwise made hateful and ignorant jokes about her, I somehow found her life remarkable.  She truly chased her dreams in many ways, while accepting the hardships.

When I went through transition I looked up to women as my role models. I suppose if someone wants the call themselves a trans something then it would be appropriate that they look up to another trans person. Since I was a woman since the day I could remeber I thought best to simply be one.

Katie

Quote from: Katie on August 15, 2013, 12:11:10 AM
When I went through transition I looked up to women as my role models. I suppose if someone wants the call themselves a trans something then it would be appropriate that they look up to another trans person. Since I was a woman since the day I could remeber I thought best to simply be one.

Katie

I do agree with you but I view Jamie Clayton, and myself for that matter, and anyone else who chooses so, as a woman first and trans second. Trans is the adjective. Woman is the noun. I certainly look up to women too but I can't deny what I am and I am trans, no matter how much I don't want to be. I just think she is fantastic, beautiful, and courageous. There is almost nothing I wouldn't give to be that pretty. I'll never come remotely close, but I think it's great a trans woman can look so good. I'm vain I know.

One of my personal friends fits the bill for me.  Before I met her, I didn't know whether it was possible to transition or live a successful or happy life as trans person.  She proved just that to me and has remained as one of my biggest supporters throughout this whole period. 

Besides role models in real life, many here and on youtube have been secret inspirations to me. 

April Ashley is my idol, she met a lot of celebrities, was a semi celeb in her time and was extremely beautiful.

Roberta Cowell and Julia Grant

I've been thinking about this since I saw this thread posted and have to say I don't really have one.. Our very own Cindy would probably be the closest person to a role model I have..

Cant decide.
Jessica from Tiffany's vlog - unashamedly open about her life
Jordan (minorqback) - so inspirational.
Paris lees too.  Stunning stuff.