Pronouns: Female
Identifies as: MtF
Neighborhood: Matteson, IL
Hobbies
Strategy games, crossword and Jumble puzzles, reading, sports, nature, travel, science, economics, geography, history, trivia.
Life’s work:
“Computer programmer. Toastmaster where I sometimes talk about transgender issues such as insurance coverage for transsexual procedures. Getting my company to regain [a Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index] rating of 100 or leave to company that covers trans procedures.”
Do you consider yourself an activist?
“Yes, I like to think I caused my company Pride group to form a GLBT health committee where we are trying to make our concerns known to management.”
Do you have a coming out story?
“There have been several funny incidents where people thought I was female when dressed male, or I had to convince train conductor I was legally male while dressed female and using male ticket. I have been lucky that people have treated me well wherever I’ve been, even when my legal male status becomes obvious such as when I present ID.”
What is the best thing about being trans/gender-variant?
“Women can wear anything!”
How do you explain the way you feel about gender to others?
“I talk about it often, though I don’t raise issue before strangers except in groups such as Toastmasters. At a recent conference, the international president went in crowd asking for what Toastmasters has meant to them. I said though I had confidence already, Toastmasters gave me even more confidence to appear before my club as Linda. I didn’t state my status except to one person later, but that certainly made some wonder! I mentioned my male name, but later an audience member and I went to the same session and she called me Linda several times!”
What do you think are the most important issues facing the trans/ gender-variant community?
“Passing anti-discrimination laws such as ENDA. Getting inclusive health insurance covering all TS procedures… Being able to use restrooms that match gender identity without fear. Defeating bigots and haters by continuing education. Younger people are much more tolerant of different gender and sexual orientation, so [they] should eventually overwhelm older bigots and improve social, legal and political climate.”
To nominate a person for T in the life, email: Kate Sosin sosin@windycitytimes.com