Eden Lane
Television journalist and producer, homemaker, wife and mother; host, 'In Focus With Eden Lane'

When Trans Identity Meets Media Career
Posted: 10/18/2013 5:44 pm

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eden-lane/when-trans-identity-meets_b_4124329.html?utm_hp_ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false#sb=762130b=facebook

Last year, I decided to stop refusing media requests to profile me as "The First Transgender Television Journalist in the U.S." and accepted a pitch from a journalist I knew and trusted. John Moore wrote a wonderful article for the Denver Post that I hoped would be the definitive piece on the subject and let me get back to work. While I never concealed my trans history that facet of my life began to generate attention as far back as the Democratic National Convention in 2008. Then in October 2010 two political interviews I broadcast turned up the heat by making my trans identity an issue. The tone of some journalists seemed to imply a criticism of these candidates for giving an interview to a "transgender journalist."

After the Denver Post article a national radio host whom I admire, Michelangelo Signorile invited me for what was intended to be the only follow up on the print article. He was also wonderful to me. Appearing on his SiriusXM show was actually fun. I didn't have any idea how much of an impact these interviews would have on my future.

My hope was that, by addressing questions raised about my past, I could move beyond initial curiosity and keep the focus on my work. Giving interviews about my trans identity wasn't an easy decision for me. That may surprise some who think that, because I work on-air, I must welcome attention. Finding the balance between public personality and family privacy isn't easy. It was also an opportunity to uphold my responsibility to LGBT youth who see my platform as proof they can reach out for larger opportunities. At least that is what I hoped would be the result. Was that naive?

Thank you for sharing this! 

Shana, you weren't naive at all. Questions about your gender identity will invariably come up. It's a great opportunity to educate people. I agree that keeping your personal life separate is important. One area I would love is that the media stop sensationalizing stories about trans people.

Quote from: gennee on October 24, 2013, 04:05:59 PM
Shana, you weren't naive at all.

Gennee, that was quoted from Eden's article.

I happily answer all questions about my gender identity/expression (except surgical status) from people I encounter in my daily life. I am committed to educating people about trans issues in any way that I can.

Shana