Monika: Why do you think the media tends to focus on the most flamboyant personalities rather than showing a wider range of transgender experiences?
Anshu: I think it’s because dramatic, colorful personalities grab attention and make for easy headlines. But the downside is that it creates a narrow and often distorted public perception. The truth is that most of us are just living our lives, going to work, paying bills, and doing everyday things.
Monika: Beyond media representation, how would you describe the government’s role in supporting, or failing to support, the transgender community?
Anshu: Unfortunately, the government does not want to help the transgender community either. They want to create separate bathrooms for “us,” as well as many other laws and restrictions. This discrimination and prejudice really bother me. In all the years that transgender people have openly lived in the United States, there has not been one reported incident, of any kind, by a transgender person (that I am aware of) sexually harassing someone while trying to go to the bathroom, not one. Meanwhile, rape continues to rise in our community.
Monika: That’s a powerful point. How do you respond to those who push for “bathroom bills” despite the lack of evidence for any safety concerns?
Anshu: There are far more crimes of sexual harassment committed by teachers, religious leaders, and people in positions of power than there are by transgender people just wanting to use the bathroom. They don’t make teachers use a separate bathroom from the kids at school, nor do they have any kind of checks and balances for the people we trust with our children in churches, school activities, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and so on.
Monika: In your view, what is the true purpose of such laws, and how do they impact the transgender community?
Anshu: The “bathroom bill” is nothing but a form of discrimination designed to create separation and hatred toward the transgender community. It’s wrong. Unfortunately, the administration we have right now in the United States is not going to do anything to help the transgender community. This is why I, and other trans women, have to have the confidence and work hard to show that we are just as much a part of the “normal community” as anyone else. As the old saying goes, “It may seem difficult at first, but everything is difficult at first.” – Miyamoto Musashi
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| Soke Anshu Christa Jacobson sharing some of the ancient scrolls and densho in the Budo Ryu Kai Hombu Dojo. |
Monika: Have you ever been involved in political or advocacy campaigns? Do you believe transgender women can play a significant role in shaping politics?
Anshu: As of now, no. I have never participated in any kind of political campaign. However, with the way things are going, I may change my mind on this topic in the future.
Monika: Fashion can be a powerful form of self-expression. How would you describe your personal style, and are there any particular designs, colors, or trends you love?
Anshu: I’m all about fashion! With my eclectic lifestyle, clothing is just another way to express who I am! Here, check out my “Random Christa Photo Album” on Facebook.
Monika: What are your thoughts on transgender beauty pageants? Some activists argue that these competitions reinforce an obsession with youth and physical appearance.
Anshu: I feel that beauty is beauty. Trans women should not be looked at any differently than any other woman. Everyone, no matter if you are trans or otherwise, wants to look good and feel confident. So I do not agree that transgender people have some different ideas about fashion, beauty, or self-image. Everyone wants to look good and all kids want to dress and look a certain way. You don’t have to be transgender to want to look good.
Monika: Could you share with us how love has shaped your life?
Anshu: It’s very important! As I said above, I’ve been married now eighteen years and we have two beautiful daughters. I would not be the woman that I am today without my wife by my side. The support and love that one can get from family and friends are beyond anything else. When no one else had my back, my wife did. Having a strong supporting cast is always a good thing.
Monika: Are you currently working on any new projects that excite you?
Anshu: I’m always working on new projects! It seems like my work is never done! The next project that will come out is a new book that I am writing called: “Kage-no-Sho” (Book of Shadows). It is an esoteric look into the art of Budo Ryu Ninjutsu as well as historical ninjutsu!
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| Soke Anshu Christa Jacobson demonstrating Ninjutsu Bujutsu at the Annual Budo Ryu Ninjutsu Daikomyosai. |
Monika: What advice would you give to transgender girls who are struggling with gender dysphoria?
Anshu: Follow your heart! You only have one life to live, live it! No one needs to live their life by someone else’s standards. Do what you need to do to survive and be happy.
Monika: My pen friend Gina Grahame once wrote that we should not limit our potential based on how we were born or what we see other transgender people doing. She said our dreams should not end on an operating table, but begin there. Do you agree with this idea?
Anshu: The “operation” is nothing but a physical thing that has nothing at all to do with the start of one's journey as a transgender person. It does not start with a physical change that is just one moment within the journey. The start of a transgender person’s journey is looking in the mirror, gazing into your eyes, and admitting to yourself who and what you are. From there, that is the start of one's true journey.
Monika: Anshu, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and experiences in this interview!
END OF PART 2
All photos: courtesy of Anshu Christa Jacobson.
© 2017 - Monika Kowalska
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