Quote from: ZoeM on August 14, 2013, 04:20:11 PM
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.

Thank you! I didn't know about Jennifer Finney Boylan. But thanks to you I checked out her website and found a news clip about her and her family that has hugely inspired me.

Zoe, you made my day! 

Quote from: Emmaline on August 15, 2013, 04:25:58 AM
Jordan (minorqback) - so inspirational.

Yes, Jordan is awesome! I wouldn't call her my idol or role model (I don't really have one) but her videos helped me a lot. Especially as I tried to sort out the fact that I'm not all that girly, and I don't really want to be. That made me question myself every step of the way. So Jordan really resonated with me, being the sort of tomboyish sporty girl she is. Watching her made me feel more confident about myself and realize that I don't have to play into some female stereotype. That I can just be me.

I wish she'd start posting videos again.

Me too.   

Carmen Carerra, Harmony Santana and a LOT of ladies here.

Caroline Cossey. She was the nearest I could possibly relate to when I was transitioning. Having an idol today would be absurd.

I dont have any  transgendered role models. Just people I respect. Such as Mia Macy and Mina Caputo. Both of whom I have chatted with.

And with my upbringing, there arent any role models I can relate too. I'm whats known as a Pads Brat or a 3rd culture child. I was raised in the Army.  And even on my fb Pads Brat home page, it seems I am very much alone in that group.

Back in the day there were some online-transitioners with diaries that I admired.

I really like Laura Jane Grace for her music and for daring to do what she does. I love her work and I think nice that I finally have some music that I can take refuge in. The White Crosses album is peppered with references to her trans-status. It's nice to know that there is music out there made by someone who is going through what we all are and have been going through.

Christine Jorgensen was my inspiration! She was the first one I heard about who was "like me" in the 1950s; she was the one who let me know it was POSSIBLE and set me on the path to DIY hormones at 13 and fighting/struggling to find medical help in my teens.

There was a small group of girls I met in a city 2 hours away when I was 14 who were just like me but they were more bold and adventurous and helped pull me out of my shell and lead a more normal life 'on the other side'. I am afraid I don't even remember their names after all these years but they inspired me to BE me.

My only role models were women, just normal women, I met after transition to stealth. From them I learned how to integrate into normal, every day life, how to become all I could be.

Quote from: Northern Jane on August 16, 2013, 04:47:40 AM
Christine Jorgensen was my inspiration! She was the first one I heard about who was "like me" in the 1950s; she was the one who let me know it was POSSIBLE and set me on the path to DIY hormones at 13 and fighting/struggling to find medical help in my teens.

There was a small group of girls I met in a city 2 hours away when I was 14 who were just like me but they were more bold and adventurous and helped pull me out of my shell and lead a more normal life 'on the other side'. I am afraid I don't even remember their names after all these years but they inspired me to BE me.

My only role models were women, just normal women, I met after transition to stealth. From them I learned how to integrate into normal, every day life, how to become all I could be.

I have to admit, Jane, that since I've started coming to Susan's you've been a real inspiration to me. I see you as a pioneer. Someone who had the courage to face what was virtually unheard of at the time, and I can't even imagine how scary. Every time I read you words, it puts my own fears into prespective.

All of you who transitioned long ago, yet still come here to share and offer your support to the rest of us -- I just want you to know how appeciated that is. Thank you.

Quote from: Jillian on August 16, 2013, 04:42:02 PM
All of you who transitioned long ago, yet still come here to share and offer your support to the rest of us -- I just want you to know how appeciated that is. Thank you.

Most definitely and emphatically seconded. Thank you very much.

Rosie.

Kate Bornstein

Quote from: Kim 526 on August 18, 2013, 10:22:08 AM
Kate Bornstein

She wrote a great line about what she replies when people ask her what it's like to have female genitalia, after SRS:

'The plumbing works, and so does the electricity.' 

***HUG*** Thanks for the kind words girls.

It really had nothing to do with courage - it  was only about survival.

I never forget the time i first read 'Branded' by Rosalyne Blumenstein, it really helped to put things into some perspective when i was a lot younger.

There was a local girl who I admired who is one of the kindest nicest people I have met.

Sour skiddlez!!!!!

I greatly admire and respect Northern Jane as well.  Though she is a few years older than me, she had the courage to address her issues at a time when few understood what transsexualism is all about.  She, and her generation, are very much pioneers. 

And then, we have those in the following generations, such as Susan Larson and Cindy James, who have tried to create a supportive environment, unlike any that had been tried before.  They have shed "blood, sweat, and tears" so that we would have the opportunity to blossom in a world that still does not readily accept us.

We all, MtF, FtM, androgyne, and transgender alike, owe them a debt of gratitude, because "the times, they are a-changing."

Not so much and idol or role model, but an inspiration.

She was a waitress at a local restaurant and I had the chance to see her progress through her own transition. After seeing someone do it right before my eye, transition went from something that I read and hoped about to being an actual possibility.

Like many of the others I don't really have role models as such. Rather these are people I respect and admire.

Laura Jane Grace, for continuing to not only rock the punk thing, but also for actively making her trans status a part of that creativity. It's great to see someone not afraid to own every aspect of their person and lay it all bare to the public.

And the less well known Dr. Lydia Foy, for her tireless campaigning and long fought, arduous, and ongoing fight for trans recognition here in Ireland. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lydia_Foy and o course the people at TENI and the Free Legal Advice Centres for standing and fighting along side her and countless others.

I fell in love with Calpernia after watching this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjqsB1huDxg&list=TLJ1mHewTBWlA

Oh you sassy girl you