When We Rise Up

When ABC solicited transgender story pitches for the network Black couldn't believe it. He had labored to get MILK produced (Focus Features eventually picked it up), none of the networks interested in the historical iconic figure.  Now they were looking for trans stories. Unbelievable.

'Pose' To Feature Most Transgender Actors Ever

Hmm, what does that actually mean? Can someone be more transgender than someone else? 

Court Blocks Trump's Transgender Military Ban

President Trump caught the entire military by surprise when he tweeted some months back that transgender people would be barred from joining and serving in the military. In a rare circumstance it looks like the courts are going to support the trans community despite the Commander In Chief's opposition to it.

Brianna Austin Status Updates

I was back in NYC for a few months in June and July, and it was so good to meet up with friends and revisit some of my old haunts. I got to hang out with Crissy, was really thrilled to get the free time to join Fran on Fire Island to see a great show. And, after  long period of inaction, I'm re-engaged in getting all my content, websites and social media organized so that I can actively start posting again.  So here is what's new.

Should We Have Transgender in the Military

As you all know by now, President Trump, two words that still don't seem right in the same sentence, issued a Tweet that transgender people would no longer be allowed to serve in the military.  Kristin Beck, a former Navy SEAL took exception.  Other veterans have voiced their opinions, and the Pentagon -- after the president said consulted with his generals and experts -- said they had no idea what he was talking about. So it's time once again for romper room politics.

Defining Normal

Many years ago, Johnny Carson, being the recipient of a Sally Fields practical joke, looked at her and said, "You really aren't normal are you?" She playfully responded, "Well Johnny, I guess normal is as normal does!" It was a cute punch line and yet beneath the surface made a larger statement.

L.I.R.R. Impacted by Gender Rules

With transgender people and their rights to fair and equal treatment are thrust into the national discourse. there are many issues that are not longer so clear.

it Wasn't Activists, but Rather Sports That Rattled NC's Cage

We were all a bit stunned last year when North Carolina passd the infamous 'bathroom bill.'  The debate gripped the nation and spurred a national dialogue. The ideas spread across the country as 16 states had some variation of a bathroom bill of their own. Now that NC has repealed their bill, the fallout is just getting started.

Free Name and Gender Marker Legal Clinics

In addition to their upcoming synposium on April 28th, TransOhio  is providing these free legal clicnics to nearly 250 communnity members, helping those unable to afford the costs for legal filings and applications due to hardships. They provide this funding through grant funding.   

Are You Transparent?

When I finally looked in the mirror and admitted to myself that "I am transgender," that my actions are not momentary lapses of sanity, life changed. Because at it's core, it is self-awareness that changes everything.

Meslissa Says 'It's O.K. To Be Different'

Not only is it O.k. to be differnet, I've often thought -- and said -- it is preferred. When we find our individual center to transcend the standard expectations of others, it is then that people begin to see "you" and not just the shell you reside in.  I came across an inteview of Melissa the other day, and the more trans stories I read the more they are all rooted in the same beginnings -- though the journey and destination may differ.