Interview with Lana Moore

Lana Moore is a true testament to the power of self-realization and courage. She is a transgender woman and captain with the Columbus Division of Fire. Lana's journey from a life lived as Larry to becoming the woman she was always meant to be is one of profound transformation and resilience. Growing up in a Catholic home in East Columbus, Lana's struggles with gender identity began early. She felt like an outsider in her own body and often sought solace in secret dress-up sessions as a child. It wasn’t until her late 40s, after years of living in silence and battling gender dysphoria, that Lana found the strength to transition and embrace her true self. Her decision to transition was not just personal but professional. As a respected firefighter and leader, Lana's courage to be open about her identity in a traditionally male-dominated field was met with an unexpected outpouring of support from her colleagues.

 

Today, she continues to excel both on and off the job, advocating for transgender rights and serving as a role model for others. Lana’s story has become a beacon of hope, not only for transgender individuals but also for the many who struggle with their own identity. A fierce advocate for equality, she remains an inspiring figure, proving that one’s true self can emerge, no matter the obstacles. Beyond her firefighting career, Lana is a parent, coach, mentor, public speaker, and national board member for GLAAD. She is an advocate for transgender rights and has worked tirelessly to raise visibility and equality for the trans community. Lana’s journey has been one of self-discovery and resilience, and in our interview, she shares insights into her on-the-job transition, the importance of leadership and support, and her belief that being trans is just one part of her unique humanity. Her story is a powerful reminder that, with the right support, barriers can disappear, and true transformation is possible.

 

Monika: Today is truly my lucky day, as I have the honor and pleasure of speaking with an extraordinary woman. Lana Moore is not only a trailblazing firefighter and transgender activist, but also a true transgender icon from Ohio. On top of all that, she’s a proud parent of two children. Welcome, Lana!

Lana: I'm not sure that many would consider me an "icon," but I’m flattered just the same, and happy to participate. Thank you very much for thinking of me!

Monika: So, what does daily life look like for you these days?

Lana: Just trying to live my life. Most of the turbulence from transition has subsided, the dust is finally settling, and things seem to have returned to “normal.” Running a fire station and a household takes quite a bit of mental and physical energy.
I’m not quite as active in the trans community; however, my daughter, who is a psychology major, is working with me on a workshop presentation for the TransOhio Symposium coming up in April. We want to share our story of transitioning together as a family.

Lana at a gathering of female firefighters in Columbus.

Monika: Firefighting has traditionally been a male-dominated field. How did you navigate that dynamic as a woman, especially when you first started?

Lana: Yes, it does present some difficulties, many of which, I suppose, are no different from the challenges that all women face in the workforce.
When I started, 32 years ago, there was only one other woman in the department. Now there are 39 women out of over 1,500 members, so in many ways, it can seem like a “boy’s club.”
I have seen much progress and acceptance gained over the years. Having been part of our “fire family” on both sides of the gender aisle, my perspective is unique. I am very happy to report that the men treat the women with the same dignity and respect that all good brothers extend to their sisters.

Monika: Where did you grow up?

Lana: I grew up in Columbus, Ohio.

Monika: Could you walk me through your childhood? Do you remember the first moment you felt you weren't meant to be a boy or a man?

Lana: I am the second youngest (by four minutes) of five children. I have a twin sister, so you can only imagine how gender, and the difference between boy and girl, were played out incessantly.
From my earliest recollections, the first thing anyone wanted to know was: which one is the girl, which one is the boy? I remember always feeling like we were supposed to be the same, and I was sad that I had to be a boy. I didn’t like it at all, but I must’ve learned very early on not to express those feelings, and instead I always tried my best to please everyone.

Early Childhood as a twin.

Monika: School, college, or university tends to be the most painful stretch for transgender girls, full of discrimination. Did that hold true for you?

Lana: I was an extremely skinny kid, and of course, not very masculine. I didn’t like contact sports. I was a dreamer; I liked to climb trees, explore, and pretend.
As such, I was bullied. There was a day, back in fourth grade, when I stood up to the class bully on the playground, and I think it was a defining moment for me. That might have been when I first learned to face fear head-on and to step up as a leader. 

Monika: At what age did you transition, and how difficult was the process? Did family or friends support you, and did it affect your job?

Lana: I was 48 when I finally transitioned. It was the most difficult challenge I have ever faced in my life. I was fortunate to have the support of my spouse, my siblings, and my mother.
I also had the complete support of my employer, the City of Columbus, from the mayor’s office, all the way down the fire division chain of command. It’s amazing the barriers that can vanish when key people all do the right thing.

Captain Lana Moore on the job at a training fire.

Monika: Was passing as a woman ever a struggle for you, and did you turn to any cosmetic surgery?

Lana: I have been fortunate to blend as a woman even before I had cosmetic facial surgery. Most of what I had done was for rejuvenation to look more youthful and refreshed. It was not a dramatic change, and there were many friends who did not seem to even notice that I had the surgery.
It should be noted that surgery alone, no matter how skilled the surgeon, would not make it possible for someone to simply “pass.” In order to blend in, if that is the goal, one must be comfortable in their own skin, have confidence, and put forth “positive energy” as they present themselves in public.

Monika: Cosmetic surgery has advanced enough that transitioning in one's late fifties or sixties feels within reach today. Do you think that's really possible, and what advice would you give transgender women at that age?

Lana: Yes, it is possible to transition at any age, as there is no one path. Cosmetic surgery may be deemed “necessary” for some, but not for others; it all depends on one’s specific needs and priorities. Cosmetic surgery can improve one’s confidence and make blending or “passing” easier to achieve; however, it cannot inherently change what is on the “inside,” and at the end of the day, that is what is most important.

Post-op recovering from FFS. (left)
Wearing Ice-Packs in a scarf after jaw/chin tapering. (right)

Monika: Did you have any transgender role models to look up to during your own transition?

Lana: Donna Rose inspired me. I found her web page at a point where I had already started to transition, but I was really struggling with whether or not I could actually do it. Her writings and her example gave me reassurance that yes, it was possible. We have since met and gotten to know each other. I value her friendship immensely.
Additionally, I was encouraged to transition on the job by Diane Schroer, who took me aside and convinced me that not only could it be done, but that I needed to do it. There are so many others that I’m afraid to leave someone out, but to name just a few: Julie, Malana, and Daralyn, if you happen to read this, thank you all!
And then, last, but surely not least, of course, there’s Chloe Prince, who has taught me so much and been such an important force in my life over the past few years. Chloe and I have traveled so far together. She is my soul-sister for whom I have the utmost love and respect.

Monika: What was the hardest part of coming out for you?

Lana: Having the courage to be honest with myself.

Chloe Prince, Lana Moore, and Donna Rose SCC 2010.

Monika: How did it feel, finally, to be a woman?

Lana: Becoming a woman involves much more than just surgery; it is a complex, evolving process.
There is no one exact moment when it is simply so, but I can say that once I had transitioned socially, and began living authentically, I felt like I had finally been let out of prison… free from the torment I had endured for so many years, and ready to spread my wings and fly.

Monika: If you had to pick, what do you enjoy most about being a woman?

Lana: I think I enjoy being a woman because I am one. I’m not sure a man would enjoy it at all. For me, and this may sound sexist, it involves being softer and gentler, clinging to such things as intuition and emotion, rather than strict logic and brute force. Males in our society have such a narrow latitude of “acceptable” or expected behavior. As a woman, I am free to express myself naturally and to simply be ... me.

Post-op from SRS in Thailand.

Monika: You were married once. How did your wife react when you came out as transgender?

Lana: My ex-wife is a nurse, and she is the best one I know. Nurses are special people because, like angels, they care for others selflessly. She was not surprised when I told her that I needed to transition.
She calmly and kindly placed her hand on my shoulder and said, “I know, I’ve seen this coming for years.” We are no longer a couple, but I will always love her, and we remain partners as parents, committed to our children. Through her grace and loving ways, she has shown me what it means to be a woman.

Monika: And your children, how did they take it?

Lana: My children had a difficult time at first, which is understandable. They were ages 13 and 17 when I came out to them. No doubt I have taken harsh criticism from some people with good intentions, who might assume that my transition was bad for my kids. What they may not understand is that just because something is difficult, that doesn’t make it wrong.
My family has since grown through our transition experience, and we all still love each other. The best part is that now, they know me much more completely, and they have learned the value of living life authentically. We spend as much quality time together as we can arrange.

Lana and her children enjoying a dinner show.

Monika: Stepping back, how do you view the overall situation for transgender women in American society today?

Lana: There are many very strong trans women living openly and with dignity in our society, and it seems to be becoming more mainstream.
More and more every day, and with each of us, as we live our daily lives honestly and authentically, we break down barriers of misunderstanding. There is still a long way to go, and progress is slow, but we are getting there.

END OF PART 1

PART 2

 

All the photos: courtesy of Lana Moore.

© 2013 - Monika Kowalska

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