Claire Russell is a young yet remarkably dedicated transgender activist from San Diego, California, whose work is rooted in empathy, optimism, and an unwavering commitment to her community. As the creator of the San Diego Trans Resource Center and a co-organizer of the city’s first annual Trans*Pride and March, Claire has played a meaningful role in building visibility, connection, and support for transgender people in Southern California. A former Ms. Trans San Diego, she is deeply engaged in volunteer work, with a particular focus on transgender youth, while balancing multiple jobs and the support of her family. Claire’s activism is shaped by both creativity and practicality.
With a background in video game design and a deep love for art in all its forms, she brings a strong sense of design, imagination, and care into everything she does. One of her most inspiring initiatives is her plan to provide free permanent hair removal for transgender people by partnering with LGBT non-profits, addressing a vital need that is often overlooked due to cost and lack of access. For Claire, community work is not about recognition but about reducing harm, saving lives, and helping others live more safely and authentically. Thoughtful, compassionate, and driven by a creed of kindness, she represents a new generation of transgender activists who create change through presence, generosity, and genuine human connection.
Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to speak with Claire Russell, a transgender activist from San Diego, California, the creator of the online San Diego Trans Resource Center, and a co-organizer of the first annual Trans*Pride and March. Hello, Claire!
Claire: Hey! Thanks for having me!
Monika: For readers who may not know you yet, could you tell us a bit about yourself?
Claire: I’m a 25-year-old trans woman from Southern California. I live with my supportive family and work two jobs. I love archery, sailing, video games, nature, etiquette, technology, NPR, children, dogs, and piña coladas. I was Ms. Trans San Diego in 2013 and 2014. I mostly volunteer with and for trans youth.
Claire: I’m a 25-year-old trans woman from Southern California. I live with my supportive family and work two jobs. I love archery, sailing, video games, nature, etiquette, technology, NPR, children, dogs, and piña coladas. I was Ms. Trans San Diego in 2013 and 2014. I mostly volunteer with and for trans youth.
I love art in all its forms, whether it’s ballet, graffiti, music, comics, or anything else. I’m extremely empathetic and optimistic. I live by a creed of kindness and positivity. I have a bachelor’s degree in video game design, but after discovering a lack of job opportunities in the field, I found a whole world of opportunities in community organizing and volunteerism.
Monika: I was really touched by your Indiegogo campaign. You are hoping to go to school in order to provide free permanent hair removal for trans people in Southern California. Could you tell us more about this initiative?
Claire: Yes! If I can raise the funds for schooling and equipment, I can provide free permanent hair removal to trans people by partnering with LGBT non-profits across the SoCal region. It’s an invisible need for most trans women especially, and it is prohibitively expensive. If I can help even one trans person change their appearance and avoid a violent attack, suicide caused by gender dysphoria, or even help them get a job, it will all be worth it.
Monika: I was really touched by your Indiegogo campaign. You are hoping to go to school in order to provide free permanent hair removal for trans people in Southern California. Could you tell us more about this initiative?
Claire: Yes! If I can raise the funds for schooling and equipment, I can provide free permanent hair removal to trans people by partnering with LGBT non-profits across the SoCal region. It’s an invisible need for most trans women especially, and it is prohibitively expensive. If I can help even one trans person change their appearance and avoid a violent attack, suicide caused by gender dysphoria, or even help them get a job, it will all be worth it.
|
| At San Diego’s Mission Beach standing on the Northern jetty. |
Monika: Have you ever tried contacting Ar’lene D. Lafferty? She is a well-known professional electrologist and transgender icon, and perhaps she could offer support or guidance. I had the honor of interviewing her two years ago.
Claire: I have not had the pleasure of speaking with Ms. Lafferty. It is so awesome that she’s been able to be a trans person who serves other trans people through electrology. Seeing trans business owners and trans professionals in general, especially trans women, is inspirational to me. They help remind me that even when the whole world doesn’t want you to exist, you can still carve out a successful life for yourself.
Monika: Despite your young age, you have already played an important role in building and supporting the transgender community in San Diego. What motivates you to stay so deeply involved?
Claire: I feel compelled to give back to my community. I am not well off at all yet myself, but every time I find spare time, I volunteer or work on my website. Every time I get a second or third job, I spend a little more on community-building social events or donate to organizations that help trans people.
Every time someone needs someone to simply care about what they have to say, I always stop what I’m doing and give them my undivided attention. I can’t imagine not doing it, and I highly recommend that everyone get involved in helping their community in whatever way that looks like, and whatever community that may be. It not only helps make the world a better place overall, but it makes it a better place for you, too.
Monika: From your perspective, what is the current situation of transgender women in American society?
Claire: For every Laura Jane Grace and Janet Mock who rises to international fame, there are a hundred who are murdered simply for living authentically. It’s been amazing to see the rise of transgender visibility and to be able to tell that the world around me is more informed about our struggle.
At the same time, every week, every month, I see another article about a murdered trans woman. And they’re usually trans women of color, too. It never gets easier to read those stories. Every Day of Remembrance is just as heart-wrenching as the last.
The violence we face is astronomical, and I have been unbelievably privileged to live without having to face much of it so far. No matter how many movie stars, musicians, and best-selling authors we have, we must not forget how most of the rest of us are struggling with poverty, homelessness, unemployment, and access to medical care.
Claire: I have not had the pleasure of speaking with Ms. Lafferty. It is so awesome that she’s been able to be a trans person who serves other trans people through electrology. Seeing trans business owners and trans professionals in general, especially trans women, is inspirational to me. They help remind me that even when the whole world doesn’t want you to exist, you can still carve out a successful life for yourself.
Monika: Despite your young age, you have already played an important role in building and supporting the transgender community in San Diego. What motivates you to stay so deeply involved?
Claire: I feel compelled to give back to my community. I am not well off at all yet myself, but every time I find spare time, I volunteer or work on my website. Every time I get a second or third job, I spend a little more on community-building social events or donate to organizations that help trans people.
Every time someone needs someone to simply care about what they have to say, I always stop what I’m doing and give them my undivided attention. I can’t imagine not doing it, and I highly recommend that everyone get involved in helping their community in whatever way that looks like, and whatever community that may be. It not only helps make the world a better place overall, but it makes it a better place for you, too.
Monika: From your perspective, what is the current situation of transgender women in American society?
Claire: For every Laura Jane Grace and Janet Mock who rises to international fame, there are a hundred who are murdered simply for living authentically. It’s been amazing to see the rise of transgender visibility and to be able to tell that the world around me is more informed about our struggle.
At the same time, every week, every month, I see another article about a murdered trans woman. And they’re usually trans women of color, too. It never gets easier to read those stories. Every Day of Remembrance is just as heart-wrenching as the last.
The violence we face is astronomical, and I have been unbelievably privileged to live without having to face much of it so far. No matter how many movie stars, musicians, and best-selling authors we have, we must not forget how most of the rest of us are struggling with poverty, homelessness, unemployment, and access to medical care.
|
| With her mother at an art show in Laguna Beach. |
Monika: At what age did you begin your own transition, and was it a difficult process for you?
Claire: I began my transition around 19 or 20. I was able to grow my hair out early in high school and start wearing some girl clothes on the sly. That helped immensely with passing when I came out.
But I came out and started hormones in college. I was very lucky. My transition was pretty smooth. My family didn’t kick me out of the house, and after a few years, they grew to love the real me more than they did the old me.
Monika: At the time of your transition, did you have any transgender role models you looked up to?
Claire: I didn’t. It wasn’t that long ago, but just a few short years ago, we didn’t have trans visibility in Hollywood or elsewhere in the way that we do now.
Monika: Are there any transgender women you admire and respect today?
Claire: Anyone who can find their place in this world, anyone who can find love, find a purpose, and find a way to live authentically has my respect and admiration.
Monika: Looking back, what was the most difficult part of coming out for you?
Claire: The hardest part of coming out was coming out to my parents. The fear of being abandoned, rendered homeless, and having to drop out of school prevented me from telling them for years before I finally came out. Had my parents been slightly different people, that could have been my reality. Now it seems so far away. These days, my parents are very proud of me and love me dearly.
Monika: The transgender cause is often represented alongside the wider LGBT community. As the last letter in the acronym, is the transgender community able to effectively advocate for its own issues within the LGBT movement?
Claire: Yes, I think it can. The “LGB” is the “T”’s biggest ally, and while we are very different from them, our communities have a long and tangled history. Hopefully, the “LGB” will not forget about us when they finish their race for marriage equality.
Monika: What is your general view on how transgender stories and characters have been portrayed so far in films, newspapers, and books?
Claire: In general, I think the more visibility, the better. Every story won’t be positive, every fictional character won’t be perfect, and every depiction won’t be perfectly accurate, but the more of us who appear in our books, are sung about in our songs, and shown in our movies, the more the world will sympathize, understand, and carry that new feeling about us into their communities.
Monika: Is there anyone in the U.S. transgender community today whose work could be compared to what Harvey Milk did in the 1960s and 1970s for gay activism?
Claire: We had amazing activists back then, too, people like Sylvia Rivera. But today we have some pretty amazing people as well. Mason Davis, Bamby Salcedo, and Brynn Tannehill come to mind.
Claire: I didn’t. It wasn’t that long ago, but just a few short years ago, we didn’t have trans visibility in Hollywood or elsewhere in the way that we do now.
Monika: Are there any transgender women you admire and respect today?
Claire: Anyone who can find their place in this world, anyone who can find love, find a purpose, and find a way to live authentically has my respect and admiration.
Monika: Looking back, what was the most difficult part of coming out for you?
Claire: The hardest part of coming out was coming out to my parents. The fear of being abandoned, rendered homeless, and having to drop out of school prevented me from telling them for years before I finally came out. Had my parents been slightly different people, that could have been my reality. Now it seems so far away. These days, my parents are very proud of me and love me dearly.
Monika: The transgender cause is often represented alongside the wider LGBT community. As the last letter in the acronym, is the transgender community able to effectively advocate for its own issues within the LGBT movement?
Claire: Yes, I think it can. The “LGB” is the “T”’s biggest ally, and while we are very different from them, our communities have a long and tangled history. Hopefully, the “LGB” will not forget about us when they finish their race for marriage equality.
Monika: What is your general view on how transgender stories and characters have been portrayed so far in films, newspapers, and books?
Claire: In general, I think the more visibility, the better. Every story won’t be positive, every fictional character won’t be perfect, and every depiction won’t be perfectly accurate, but the more of us who appear in our books, are sung about in our songs, and shown in our movies, the more the world will sympathize, understand, and carry that new feeling about us into their communities.
Monika: Is there anyone in the U.S. transgender community today whose work could be compared to what Harvey Milk did in the 1960s and 1970s for gay activism?
Claire: We had amazing activists back then, too, people like Sylvia Rivera. But today we have some pretty amazing people as well. Mason Davis, Bamby Salcedo, and Brynn Tannehill come to mind.
|
| A graphic she made of herself at Pacific Beach in San Diego. |
Monika: Are you active in politics in any way? Do you participate in lobbying campaigns, and do you believe transgender women can make a real difference in politics?
Claire: I do not do any lobbying. I would say I am not directly involved in local politics in San Diego, but I am adjacent to it. I avidly pay attention to politics, but participating in it myself is stress I am not quite yet prepared for, haha.
Monika: You mentioned creativity earlier. Do you enjoy fashion, and how would you describe your personal style? Are there any particular colors, designs, or trends you love?
Claire: I love fashion! I love clothes! Earthy and dark jewel tones are my favorites, and I love buying dresses at Nordstrom. While I tend to be a flowy-top-and-jean-shorts kind of girl in my day-to-day life, I absolutely die for shrugs and A-line dresses with the right accessories. They make me feel so beautiful and feminine! I may not be an artist by trade anymore, but my sense of design, color theory, and taste has been put to good use in assembling mega cute outfits.
Monika: Could you share your thoughts on the role and importance of love in your life?
Claire: I am single. Some relationships have come and gone in my life. They are short-lived, for the most part. I tend not to talk a lot about my relationships, but I long for them. It is hard to find a serious relationship when you’re trans, but I won’t let that leave me feeling too lonely to keep looking.
A friend once told me, “I can’t wait until you fall in love, Claire, because it’s going to be so passionate and beautiful.” I think she’s right. But I won’t hang my life on that hook. While love is important, it is not important enough to keep me from building a life. My career comes first. Love will come when it will come.
Monika: Many transgender women choose to write memoirs about their lives. Have you ever considered writing one yourself?
Claire: I have. But I think I will wait until I have a few more years of life to write about under my belt, haha.
Monika: Are you currently working on any new projects or ideas?
Claire: My fundraiser is my most recent project. I also have an idea or two on the drawing board, but those are tippy-top secrets for now!
Monika: Finally, what message or advice would you share with transgender girls who are struggling with gender dysphoria?
Claire: LOVE. YOUR. SELF. When no one else will love you, YOU can love YOU! And it is the most powerful thing you can do for yourself. It doesn’t matter what you look like, how far into transition you are, where you live, or what kind of job you have. So long as you can show yourself the love, tenderness, and forgiveness you deserve, you will make it in this world.
Monika: Claire, thank you so much for this wonderful conversation.
Claire: It was my pleasure, Monika!
Claire: I do not do any lobbying. I would say I am not directly involved in local politics in San Diego, but I am adjacent to it. I avidly pay attention to politics, but participating in it myself is stress I am not quite yet prepared for, haha.
Monika: You mentioned creativity earlier. Do you enjoy fashion, and how would you describe your personal style? Are there any particular colors, designs, or trends you love?
Claire: I love fashion! I love clothes! Earthy and dark jewel tones are my favorites, and I love buying dresses at Nordstrom. While I tend to be a flowy-top-and-jean-shorts kind of girl in my day-to-day life, I absolutely die for shrugs and A-line dresses with the right accessories. They make me feel so beautiful and feminine! I may not be an artist by trade anymore, but my sense of design, color theory, and taste has been put to good use in assembling mega cute outfits.
Monika: Could you share your thoughts on the role and importance of love in your life?
Claire: I am single. Some relationships have come and gone in my life. They are short-lived, for the most part. I tend not to talk a lot about my relationships, but I long for them. It is hard to find a serious relationship when you’re trans, but I won’t let that leave me feeling too lonely to keep looking.
A friend once told me, “I can’t wait until you fall in love, Claire, because it’s going to be so passionate and beautiful.” I think she’s right. But I won’t hang my life on that hook. While love is important, it is not important enough to keep me from building a life. My career comes first. Love will come when it will come.
Monika: Many transgender women choose to write memoirs about their lives. Have you ever considered writing one yourself?
Claire: I have. But I think I will wait until I have a few more years of life to write about under my belt, haha.
Monika: Are you currently working on any new projects or ideas?
Claire: My fundraiser is my most recent project. I also have an idea or two on the drawing board, but those are tippy-top secrets for now!
Monika: Finally, what message or advice would you share with transgender girls who are struggling with gender dysphoria?
Claire: LOVE. YOUR. SELF. When no one else will love you, YOU can love YOU! And it is the most powerful thing you can do for yourself. It doesn’t matter what you look like, how far into transition you are, where you live, or what kind of job you have. So long as you can show yourself the love, tenderness, and forgiveness you deserve, you will make it in this world.
Monika: Claire, thank you so much for this wonderful conversation.
Claire: It was my pleasure, Monika!
All the photos: courtesy of Claire Russell.
© 2015 - Monika Kowalska
this is so true and so real
ReplyDelete