Interview with Marisa Richmond

It is with heartfelt admiration that I introduce today’s guest, Dr. Marisa Richmond, a pioneering figure whose grace, strength, and intellect have long lit the path for so many in the transgender community. A trailblazer in American politics and a historian by vocation, Marisa embodies the spirit of service, advocacy, and unapologetic authenticity. Her name is synonymous with trans rights progress in Tennessee and far beyond. As a former lobbyist for the Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition, and a member of the Boards of Directors for both the National Center for Transgender Equality and the Trans Advocacy Network, Marisa has used her voice to amplify the needs of our community at the highest levels of government. She has helped craft inclusive platforms within the Democratic Party and has served with distinction on the Davidson County Democratic Executive Committee in her beloved Nashville, Tennessee.

 

Beyond her political work, Marisa’s heart lies in mentorship and education. A passionate historian, she treasures the classroom and the power of stories to shape the future. She has witnessed firsthand the slow but steady unfolding of trans inclusion across federal, state, and local landscapes, and has been a crucial force in that unfolding. And yet, she is quick to remind us that her activism is not a career, but a calling, driven by love and a profound sense of responsibility to future generations. In our conversation, Marisa reflects on landmark victories, persistent challenges, and her dream of a world where every young trans person can see themselves not just surviving, but thriving. With a gentle fierceness and an unwavering belief in justice, she invites us to remember our shared history, and to keep writing it, together. It is my deepest honor to share this moment with her.

 

Dr. Marisa Richmond is a trailblazing transgender politician, a passionate activist, and a dedicated educator. Marisa serves on the Boards of Directors of the National Center for Transgender Equality and the Trans Advocacy Network, and she has long championed the rights of our community as a lobbyist for the Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition. A proud Tennessean, she continues to be a prominent leader within the Democratic Party in her hometown of Nashville, where her voice and vision have helped shape more inclusive policies. Marisa, thank you for joining me today, it's such a joy to have you here!

Marisa: Hi Monika, thank you so much for that lovely introduction. I’m truly delighted to be here with you. It’s always a gift to have thoughtful conversations that shine a light on the work so many of us are doing, not just for visibility, but for lasting change. I’m looking forward to our chat!

 

Tennessee United for Human Rights (YouTube)

 

Monika: You've worn many hats over the years, as a historian, educator, activist, and political leader. Could you share a few reflections on your journey so far, particularly in the realm of trans advocacy?

Marisa: I assume you mean as a trans activist. I don’t really consider that a career since I do it for love, not money. I enjoy the challenges and doing what I can to move our community forward. I want to make everyone’s life easier. I am especially concerned about doing so for the younger generation. BTW, my real career is as a historian. I love teaching, but I need to get back to research and publishing.

Monika: Looking back, would you say 2013 was a landmark year for the transgender community in the United States?

Marisa: Yes, it was. At the federal level, we saw the adoption of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), only the second trans-inclusive federal law ever passed, along with Senate passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). We saw new non-discrimination laws covering trans people enacted in Delaware and Puerto Rico, and one for trans students in California. Delaware also added trans people to the hate crimes law, while Oregon and the District of Columbia liberalized their gender change and name change laws. There were also numerous local laws, including two in my home state of Tennessee. We also saw more private employers adopt new policies ending discrimination against trans people and, in a few cases, expanding health care for trans employees.

Monika: What would you say are the most pressing issues that still remain on the transgender advocacy agenda today?

Marisa: At the federal level, we still need to get the House of Representatives to pass ENDA. An executive order from the President would also help in many states that lack their own protective laws. We also need to end discrimination against trans people in the military and stop the bullying and harassment of our youth. We must continue pushing for comprehensive healthcare access, including gender-affirming care, across all states. Too many trans people still face denial of coverage or outright hostility from medical providers. Housing discrimination is another critical issue, trans people, particularly women of color, are at higher risk of homelessness and housing insecurity.

Monika: Beyond legislation, what additional actions or strategies are needed to create lasting change for trans communities?

Marisa: We also need more legal protections in education, employment, and public accommodations, especially in states where anti-trans legislation is gaining traction. The rise in anti-trans rhetoric and violence is alarming, and we need stronger hate crime enforcement and community protection. In addition, accurate data collection on trans populations is essential to understanding our needs and shaping effective policy. We need to ensure that trans voices are part of every conversation about civil rights and equality. And above all, we need to center the most vulnerable among us, trans youth, disabled trans people, immigrants, and those living in poverty. This movement must be about equity, not just visibility.

 

Marisa with President Obama in the White House, June 2011.

 

Monika: In 2012, you were part of “Trans United for Obama,” a national coalition of transgender individuals, allies, families, and friends that successfully mobilized support for President Obama’s re-election. What went into organizing such a groundbreaking initiative?

Marisa: There were about 30 of us around the country who came together through multiple conversations to message around the Obama Administration’s accomplishments for trans people. We also wanted to raise money, to show our commitment, and help publicize the work of the trans delegates at the Democratic National Convention, to show that we were a full part of the process. Some of us were already leaders within the Democratic Party, while others were just committed activists. We are expanding it in 2014 to become “Trans United for Progress.” We want to elect more openly trans candidates, but we will also support cisgender candidates who have done exceptional work for the trans community.

Monika: Reflecting on President Obama’s time in office, how would you evaluate his administration’s engagement with the transgender community? 

Marisa: It has been very good. Besides the fact that the President has signed the first two trans-inclusive laws in history (VAWA and the Shepard-Byrd Hate Crimes Act of 2009), we have the first openly trans presidential appointees, several trans-specific policy meetings in the White House and across the Administration, and several new policies, of which the passport and Social Security policies permitting gender change without surgery are probably the most important. There is still work to be done, but at least this Administration is willing to work with us on our issues.
Monika: As someone deeply involved in politics, how would you compare the ways in which the Democratic and Republican parties addressed transgender rights during the last U.S. presidential campaign?

Marisa: The Democratic National Platform was trans-inclusive for the second time in a row. The Republican National Platform was not. The Democrats also had the largest and most diverse trans delegation at the Convention. There has been a total of only one openly trans delegate in the history of the Republican Party, and that was way back in 1992. We currently have two openly trans members on the Democratic National Committee, and at least three on State Democratic Committees.

Monika: That’s a significant difference in representation. What role have you personally played in advancing transgender inclusion within the Democratic Party?

Marisa: In 2013, I served as President of the Davidson County Democratic Women in Nashville. To my knowledge, I am the first openly trans person to head a mainstream Democratic group. Both DCDW and the Davidson County Democratic Party Executive Committee, of which I have been a member since 2008, expanded their non-discrimination statements to include trans people, and I am proud of getting that done in both groups.

 

As a member of the Davidson County Democratic Executive Committee, Marisa
was on the subcommittee that wrote a new platform this year. That platform
has explicit, fully inclusive language, and it even uses  the word "transgender"
which the DNC Platform does not.

 

Monika: In a political system driven by coalitions and advocacy from interest groups, how well has the transgender community been able to mobilize influence and build strategic partnerships?

Marisa: Those of us who work in the political arena put a lot of stock in alliance building. We have developed key allies among organized labor, women’s rights groups, immigrant rights groups, and of course, traditional civil rights groups. Some also work to build alliances with the faith community.
Monika: Within the broader LGBTQ+ movement, the "T" for transgender often finds itself at the end of the acronym, both literally and sometimes symbolically. Do you feel the transgender community has been able to carve out space to advance its specific priorities within this larger coalition?

Marisa: We have more and more trans-focused groups who provide a voice on our issues, to ensure that those are not overlooked. We still face the challenge of making sure our groups get a seat at the table, sometimes forcing us to kick down the door, but we have a growing number of activists who are showing other trans people how to be effective. We have made leadership development a priority so that the next generation can move the ball even further.

Monika: In the history of transgender advocacy in the United States, has there been a figure whose influence and visibility could be likened to Harvey Milk's role in the gay rights movement of the 1960s and '70s?

Marisa: We have had several groundbreaking activists over the years. We must not forget the contributions of the late Dr. Virginia Prince, who organized one of the first trans support groups in Los Angeles. Her publication, Transvestia, also got her arrested. Many others, including Jane Fee in Minnesota, and Phyllis Frye in Texas, have also been pioneers in the political and legal fields. Today, the Executive Director of NCTE, Mara Keisling, is certainly the most prominent trans activist, but she will tell you that she is hardly alone. We literally have people working in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, who are advancing the cause.
Monika: Do you believe the fight for transgender rights represents the next major chapter in the global human rights movement?

Marisa: I think we are already doing that. We may not be recognized by everyone for it, but it is already happening. As a historian, I feel confident that our work, and successes, will be recognized in the long run.

 

Tennessee's First Trans City Board Member (YouTube)

 

Monika: In your view, what is the current state of life for transgender women in the United States today?

Marisa: It varies greatly, depending on race, class, education status, and even geography. Those who are white, well-educated, in large urban areas, have lower hurdles than those who are People of Color, have limited education, or who live in rural areas. For all of the successes we are having, we must not overlook the challenges that our immigrant brothers and sisters face. Plus, the injustice foisted upon CeCe McDonald just infuriates me whenever I think about her case.

Too many trans women, particularly women of color, continue to experience violence at alarming rates. Access to healthcare, employment, and safe housing is still uneven across the country. In some states, there are supportive services and anti-discrimination protections in place, while in others, trans women are actively targeted by harmful legislation. Trans women are also disproportionately affected by poverty, and many are pushed into survival economies simply to get by. Mental health resources are either inadequate or inaccessible for too many in our community. Until these deep-rooted disparities are addressed, the progress we celebrate will always be partial.

Monika: How do you feel transgender people are portrayed in media, whether in books, films, or journalism?

Marisa: The historical and sociological works being produced are getting much better, especially those written by trans authors. Fictional works are still pretty bad. They focus on negative stereotypes way too often to titillate the reader or viewer.
Monika: Looking back, were there any transgender role models who inspired or guided you during your early years?

Marisa: When I was growing up, the only images available were of entertainers or sex workers, and I knew I was not interested in going in either of those directions. Fortunately, today, we have many people coming out in lots of areas. We now have transgender academics and political activists, we have trans business professionals, we have trans scientists and engineers. Today, a young person can see someone like themselves in nearly every field and can now imagine themselves doing the same things. That not only benefits the trans person but also the rest of society. It means that we can now benefit from the talents and abilities of everyone, not just a select few.

 

In her capacity as President of the Davidson County Democratic Women, she
got their Membership statement expanded to include trans people. When she
proposed it at a Board meeting, the only response from her fellow
Board members was "Amen!"

 

Monika: More and more transgender women are publishing memoirs to share their journeys. Have you considered writing one yourself?

Marisa: I have had several people tell me that I need to do it. I guess I need to slow down first so I can find the time to write one. That day may not be too far off in the future.

Monika: Marisa, thank you so much for sharing your time and thoughts with me today!

All the photos: courtesy of Marisa Richmond.

© 2014 - Monika Kowalska

  

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