Tag Archives: transgender

transgender

My Guest Spot on ‘Think Opposite’, and Why You Should Tune in EVERY Week

I’m filled with gratitude and excitement to announce my upcoming guest spot on Think Opposite, hosted by thought strategist, public speaker, successful business owner and author: Alison Donaghey.

The 1-hour talk show will air live on the Contact Talk Radio Network Wednesday, May 24 at 4:00 PM EDT (1:00 PM PDT, UTC -7:00)

Normal is the New Mental Illness
We’ll be talking about controversial anti-transgender bathroom legislation, related social challenges and why legalizing discrimination against any segment of the population causes hardship all around (not just for the targets of discrimination). I’ll also be sharing life lessons and wisdom learned along my journey – knowledge that can empower and benefit everyone.
Continue reading My Guest Spot on ‘Think Opposite’, and Why You Should Tune in EVERY Week →

LGBTQ, transgender

The Truth About Anti-Transgender Bathroom Laws – A Political Charade that Endangers Lives

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Gabrielle HermosaMy not so hidden agenda
It is my goal to offer useful information, insight and opinion in thoughtful, respectful ways least likely to be off-putting. When I get things wrong, I’m always grateful to be called on it. Feedback and criticism are welcome and appreciated. Some seek to shame, manipulate and control people. My passion is to enlighten, inspire and empower, starting with you…

What’s up with all this bathroom stuff?
You may have heard a thing or two about controversial “anti-transgender bathroom bills” and confusing messages about what it means to be transgender. Although most of the proposed and existing bathroom legislation includes trans men and trans women, I’m going to focus primarily on trans women because we’re the main target of misleading political propaganda and fearmongering tactics. So, what’s all the fuss about transgender bathroom use and how come no one seemed to care until late 2015? I’ll attempt to explain that and reveal dangerous implications that may affect all women transgender or not. Here’s a hint: these laws have nothing to do with “bathroom safety” and have created danger where there used not to be.
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LGBTQ, transgender

Writing for Rochester Woman Online – “All About the H”

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Just as 2016 was coming to a close, a cool and exciting new opportunity came knocking at my door. I was invited to join the writing team of Rochester Woman Online (formerly Rochester Woman Magazine). The publication started the new year moving from printed magazine to digital distribution.

My contribution will be a monthly column called: “All About the H” Please take a few minutes to read the first entry featured in the January edition: Meeting Life’s Challenges as Growth Opportunities. My biggest challenge in life has been being a transgender woman in a world that doesn’t understand what “transgender” means. I share how I turned this challenge into a rewarding career path as a public speaker and human rights advocate.
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LGBTQ, transgender

Transition Transmission: Episode 71 Gabbing Gabby is Back!

Transition Transmission PodcastI was invited to join podcasters: Amber, Tibby and Ramona for Episode 71 of Transition Transmission. It was an honor and joy to join the Transgender Trio for my third appearance on their entertaining and informative podcast.

Show topics:

  • I talk about public speaking, personal history, family and the complicated relationship with my wife
  • The potential social impact of trans model Carmen Carrera getting married on reality TV
  • Caitlyn Jenner’s remark about trans women who look like a “man in a dress”
  • A 46 year old trans woman living as a 6 year old girl
  • Discussion about a woman who claims Star Wars is racist

I’ve been a big fan of Transition Transmission since discovering it about a year and a half ago. Give it a listen and I bet you’ll become a fan, too! One of my favorite things about the show is that they’re not all about trans stuff, all the time. In addition to intelligent and thoughtful discussion about the latest transgender news, there’s plenty of humor, fun, geek-talk, banter and off-topic side discussions.

Website: Transition Transmission
iTunes: Transition Transmission
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public talks, transgender

Free Public Presentation: Understanding & Supporting Transgender Friends & Family

understanding transgender graphic v2b1_50

If you live within reasonable travel distance of Rochester, NY, please join us for this free public event! It will be held at Open Arms MCC (707 East Main Street Rochester, NY 14605), Sunday November 15, 2015, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

Knowledge is power and I’m all about empowering people!

About the event
Transgender people face a variety of social and economical challenges. Issues such as: discrimination, disparagement, ridicule, assault, murder, and lack of access to affordable healthcare from qualified providers, are just the tip of the iceberg.

This adversity isn’t limited to the transgender population. It also affects friends and families of transgender people, who may feel powerless to help. Our loved ones want to be understanding and supportive, and sometimes need a little guidance and support themselves.
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tips and advice, transgender

The Savvy Psychologist and Transgender Awareness Done Right

Psychology has long been a topic of much interest to me. Over the years, research and study in this field has been immensely helpful in understanding myself better and maintaining a level of sanity in an insane world. My enthusiasm for psychology continues and there are so many handy resources to tap into, including a number of excellent podcasts.

About a month ago I discovered The Savvy Psychologist’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Mental Health. Podcast host Ellen Hendriksen, PhD, invites listeners to, “Meet life’s challenges with evidence-based research, a sympathetic ear, and zero judgement.” She offers “quick and dirty tips” using “practical psychology to help you be happy, relaxed and most importantly, yourself.”

Transgender 101: 6 Essential Questions and Answers
This week’s episode is about a topic near and dear to my heart: transgender awareness and education. In preparation for the show, Ellen enlisted my help as a consultant. As a fan of the podcast, it was fun to get involved behind-the-scenes and play a supportive role. Her dedication to providing useful information and treating the subject with dignity and respect was clear from the start, and very much appreciated. To say I was impressed with the end result would be an understatement. I encourage you to check it out for yourself here on the audio podcast and transcript page.
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LGBTQ, transgender, video

Trans Documentary: “Line in the Sand”, Vanity and My Personal Struggle With Gender Dysphoria

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Line in the Sand
This short documentary by University of Rochester student and talented filmmaker: Hayden Freedman, explores being transgender in a society that doesn’t quite understand “transgender”. Trans woman: Natalie Robin shares some of her experiences in coming out, gender roles/expectations and discusses a rather questionable suggestion from her therapist.

Also included are interviews with my friend and mentor: Jeanne Gainsburg, Education Director for the Gay Alliance, and another trans woman you may be familiar with: me.

Natalie has a YouTube channel and Tumblr blog where she shares her transition progress, thoughts and feelings. I encourage you to check out her offerings and maybe send her a little love and support in a thoughtful comment.

Painful realities that are difficult to share
Rather than rehashing what the documentary covers (and rather well, I might add), I’m going to take this opportunity to talk a little about gender dysphoria and share my personal struggle living with it.
Continue reading Trans Documentary: “Line in the Sand”, Vanity and My Personal Struggle With Gender Dysphoria →