This post is kind of a play away from a post I made a few days ago about role models and such. Seems like every trans person has one so if you don't mind let's share!

I want to give my recognition to a few. One was this New England girl I used to pen pal with regularly for about a year, following her I have to say Katie Rain Hill, the Oklahoma one was another masssive role model. I have yet understand how a woman like her can possess so much strength, bravery and forgiveness of others. Perhaps one day I too can have those qualities she has, such a good example of a person.

Kim Petra's is another , but that is obvious hahha as she is for so many. Others include some personal friends I have made over the years on both end of the spectrum and middle to. How about you?

When I was around 10 watching Harvey Feirstein in Torch Song Trilogy. I know, drag performer and not a trans person but I loved watching that movie at the time [emoji4]

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I really started wondering about the possibilities when I saw Caroline "Tula" Cossey. Contrary to what I was told, I saw a woman. Not a pervert. I remember wondering what it would be like. But even in the eighties. transgender was not a coined term. I went to Gender Odyssey last summer and saw 1700 other people just like me. I guess I have 1700 role models.

Powerlifter/bodybuilder/marine Janae Marie Kroc, San Diego police officer Christine Garcia.

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In my childhood and teen years, I was unaware of any adult trans women in the countries I was living in, and as a young adult, the first local trans woman that I read about was working in sheltered employment for people regarded as mentally deficient.  I can't say that I was inspired by anyone local to me but I did occasionally venture out in women's clothes.

When I was about 13, though, I read a lurid article about the British trans woman April Ashley.  That was my introduction to the idea that it might be possible to transition from male to female.  The article suggested that she was not having a successful time of being recognised as female, though.  She would have to be my first role model, although I don't approve of her outing Amanda Lear in later life. 

Later I eagerly read about "Tula" Cossey, already mentioned by Dawn.  She was the first trans person that I read about who seemed to be having a successful life.  I think that I still have my first magazine cutting about her, somewhere.

As I am from UK, it has to be Jan Morris aswell as the aforementioned Caroline "Tula" Cossey.

I recall Jan being interviewed on television in 1972 and of course several appearances later by Caroline who pursued trans litigation in the courts often unsuccessfully, as it happened.

Pamela

Well seeing as I never transitoned into a woman, but into an angry trans woman activist, I have to say that I do admire most the transactivist, be it present or past.

Marsha Johnson and Sylvia Rivera of course, but also Lili Elbe, Roberta Cowell, Christine Jorgensen and Jacqueline Dufresnoy and many others, for having to courage to be themselves, in a time when I think I would have died from the outside pressure.

When I think of them I get a courage to continue forward.

Quote from: pamelatransuk on May 04, 2018, 06:37:11 AM
As I am from UK, it has to be Jan Morris aswell as the aforementioned Caroline "Tula" Cossey.

I recall Jan being interviewed on television in 1972 and of course several appearances later by Caroline who pursued trans litigation in the courts often unsuccessfully, as it happened.

Pamela

Jan Morris, gosh!  I have her books on Oxford and Hong Kong and until now I didn't know that she is trans!  I was away from Britain for most of my life, though.

There are several members here who have been a role model through their positive attitude and great wisdom.

In a more public setting, I have to admit it is Danica Roem - She has accomplished something unimaginable and has brought a big blow to all of the anti-LGBT people. I do hope she succeeds, I believe she has a great future ahead. Oh - and she is so funny, a total hoot to meet.

I didn't have any particular role model. I just knew what I wanted and did it with the help of the folk here at Susan's.

I didn't really have a role model either but a few years ago when I was first going out (pre transition) I met a bartender who had just recently had her GCS. She was incredibly nice and had some great advice. I only met her about 5-6 times but was able to learn about her experiences and gain some confidence which has helped me get to where I am today. Hello Tia if you are out there!

My role models all came from this forum.

There was Keri (no longer on the site), then there was Jessie (I am Jess) and OC Anne, and finally HappyMoni.

I really admire Drs. McGinn and Bowers, but I am not sure they are role models for me. I've never met Dr. Bowers, but Dr. McGinn was my surgeon, and while I admire her for what she has accomplished and how she has put her life together, I am not sure I would want to be like her.

~Terri

Edit: Forgot to add Ashley Campbell (tgirlamc)!  Now there's a woman who has her s**t together.  Beautiful, married, and successful!   

A few months ago, when I was beginning to mentally prepare myself to start the transition process, I went to the DMV to get a new license.  There was a transgender woman working there.  She wasn't a model or a celebrity or an activist.  She was just a woman living her life.  She is my role model.

Haven't really had a role model, but since finding the real me I've been devouring a lot on social media platforms & on YouTube is a girl called Claire Michelle, who's vlog how to transition was actually the video that gave me enough courage to come out.
She just leads a normal life getting on with things, and I find hers and other girls vlogs so educational at times.

Sophie

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