Interview with Christine Beatty - Part 2

Monika: At the same time, we sometimes hear horrifying news about transgender women being attacked or even killed, like the infamous case of Chrissy Polis, who was brutally beaten by two teenagers in a McDonald's simply for using the ladies’ restroom. What do you think can be done to prevent such violence?

Christine: Increased social and political gains. We can take a lesson from the gay rights movement and Harvey Milk’s philosophy: it’s harder to hate people you personally know. More visibility and education about transgender lives can help reduce ignorance and foster understanding.

Monika: Do you think we will live to see the day when a transgender woman could become the President of the United States?

Christine: Definitely not. Perhaps in another country, but not in the USA. The religious right has our nation in a near-stranglehold and way too much political influence. However, progress is happening, and more transgender individuals are stepping into leadership roles, which could pave the way for future possibilities.

Monika: Do you date men or women? Did your transition influence your romantic preferences in any way?

Christine: I am far more attracted to women and essentially identify as a lesbian, though ultimately, I want to fall in love with a person instead of sex or certain genitalia. Over time, I’ve learned that emotional connection matters more to me than strict labels.

Monika: In 2000, you were honored as Transwoman of the Year by the Los Angeles Transgender Task Force. What did this recognition mean to you?

Christine: Of course, I felt proud. There are far more trans women playing in rock bands now, but back then, it was a very lonely club. It was a validation of my journey and a reminder that visibility can make a difference for others.

Monika: You founded your own publishing company, Glamazon Press, to support the TS/TG community. What publications has your company released, and what inspired you to start it?

Christine: "Alice in Genderland," plus my own two books. A lot of people are choosing to self-publish, so there haven’t been many promising manuscripts coming our way. However, I still hope to discover and support fresh voices in the community.

Monika: Are you passionate about fashion? What styles or outfits do you usually gravitate toward? Do you have any favorite designers, colors, or trends that inspire your wardrobe?

Christine: I’m a hippie girl at heart, so I’m not very concerned with fashion, though I do enjoy the Heavy Metal and fetish looks when I want to make a statement. That said, I do appreciate unique accessories that add a personal touch to my outfits.

Chicago Be-All Convention 2011.

Monika: Are you actively engaged in your local LGBT community, or has your focus shifted to other areas? How do you see your role within the community today?

Christine: I’m too busy with writing, music, and now learning film-making. I did over a decade of LGBT activism, and it was time to focus on creating and leave the activism to the newer people. I’ve no desire or real aptitude to be a leader, but I still support the community in my own way by sharing stories and raising awareness through my creative work.

Monika: In 2004, together with Lynn Conway, Andrea James, Calpernia Addams, and other distinguished transgender women, you participated in the groundbreaking project "The Vagina Monologues." This initiative later inspired Josh Aronson's 2006 documentary Beautiful Daughters. Could you share more about the project, your role in it, and how it felt to step into an acting space?

Christine: It was Calpernia’s and Andrea’s vision from the beginning; they’d be the ones to ask about that. I didn’t come on board until they were casting, for which I thankfully had a small role reading a short monologue. Unless one counts prostitution, I’ve never been an actress, and since I was just reading my monologue in front of a microphone, I wouldn’t call myself one. I think many of the other cast members far more deserve the title of an actress than I do, but it was still an honor to be part of something so meaningful.

Monika: You wrote a memoir titled Not Your Average American Girl. What inspired you to write this book, and what message did you hope to convey to your readers?

Christine: Originally, I wrote it as a tool to recover from addiction and hopefully to help me be “cured” of my gender issue. Eventually, I realized that writing wouldn’t help me understand why I was a trans woman, much less “cure” me, so I began to think it might help others at least know what some of us go through. Looking back, I see it as a testament to resilience and self-acceptance.
Monika: Your most recent project is the documentary movie “Radio Wars”. What is it about?

Christine: It’s the story of some of the major conflicts that the radio produced: the proper credit for its true inventor, how the print media tried to squash it, how FM radio was invented and then stolen from the genius who did so, and finally all of the drama and conspiracy behind satellite radio.

Monika: Are you working on any new projects?

Christine: I’m finishing a novel titled "Homegirl" and starting a new semester of film school.

Monika: Christine, it was lovely to chat with you. Thanks a lot!

All the photos: courtesy of Christine Beatty.

© 2013 - Monika Kowalska

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