Monika: Do you see transgender rights as the next significant frontier in the ongoing struggle for human rights? How do you think society’s understanding and acceptance might evolve in the coming years?
Dawn: The more I learn about LGBT history, the more I see parallels between LGBT human rights and the human rights struggles of the African American community. It took them many years to get where they are now. If you ask them, they will tell you they are not totally where they want to be, but they are far better than they were 50, 100, and 200 years ago. I believe the same is true for transgender people.
Dawn: The more I learn about LGBT history, the more I see parallels between LGBT human rights and the human rights struggles of the African American community. It took them many years to get where they are now. If you ask them, they will tell you they are not totally where they want to be, but they are far better than they were 50, 100, and 200 years ago. I believe the same is true for transgender people.
I believe that soon, straight people will come to see transgender people as individuals who deserve equal rights just like them, and when that happens, it will open the door for a new frontier related to LGBT rights. Right now, transgender people are a hot topic in the news and reality shows. I believe that interest will continue to grow and eventually open doors for human rights.
With increased visibility and education, I am hopeful that empathy and understanding will deepen, leading to greater acceptance and legal protections for transgender people everywhere.
Monika: Are you involved in political advocacy or lobbying efforts related to transgender rights? In your experience, do you believe transgender women have the power to create meaningful change within the political arena?
Dawn: Even though I am a trans activist, I am not actively involved in politics or lobbying within my local and state governments. I am well known within the state of North Carolina, USA, and I travel whenever requested to speak on transgender issues. I stay quite busy with other activities, including serving a church, speaking at universities, and publishing. If the opportunity arose and I was invited to speak at a political rally, I would not hesitate to do so. I just do not seek it out right now.
Monika: Are you involved in political advocacy or lobbying efforts related to transgender rights? In your experience, do you believe transgender women have the power to create meaningful change within the political arena?
Dawn: Even though I am a trans activist, I am not actively involved in politics or lobbying within my local and state governments. I am well known within the state of North Carolina, USA, and I travel whenever requested to speak on transgender issues. I stay quite busy with other activities, including serving a church, speaking at universities, and publishing. If the opportunity arose and I was invited to speak at a political rally, I would not hesitate to do so. I just do not seek it out right now.
Yes, I feel transgender women can make a difference in politics. The more the public sees a transgender woman functioning in a professional capacity, the more the harmful prostitute stereotype of transgender women will diminish.
I believe that visibility combined with authentic voices in politics can challenge misconceptions and pave the way for real equality.
|
|
"God Does Love Me: My Trans Journey To Finding My True Self” (2012) - Amazon. |
Monika: The transgender community is often grouped within the broader LGBT movement, sometimes feeling overshadowed as the “T” in the acronym. In your view, is the transgender community able to effectively promote its unique needs and rights within the larger LGBT coalition?
Dawn: Yes, but it takes a lot of effort. Most of the LGB people I know have a poor understanding of what it means to be transgender. I believe the gay community, as a whole, is uneducated about the subject. Because of that, the gay agenda is pushed in politics and activities, as would be expected, because that is what they know.
Dawn: Yes, but it takes a lot of effort. Most of the LGB people I know have a poor understanding of what it means to be transgender. I believe the gay community, as a whole, is uneducated about the subject. Because of that, the gay agenda is pushed in politics and activities, as would be expected, because that is what they know.
I believe the transgender community will never truly be recognized and given the dignity it deserves until it comes out and stands fully on its own. I believe that day is fast approaching, as transgender people become more mainstream and society ceases to see us as freaks.
With increased visibility and education, I am hopeful the transgender community will gain stronger representation and respect both within the LGBT movement and beyond.
Monika: Could you share with me what role love has played in your life and how it has shaped your journey?
Dawn: I firmly believe that love is the greatest gift in life. The love of my Creator and Savior allowed me to embrace who I truly am. The love of my parents, along with the faith they instilled in me, brought me home from the throngs of death to a new and better life. The love and acceptance of my dear friend, Carrie, gave me the courage to pursue my dream.
Monika: Could you share with me what role love has played in your life and how it has shaped your journey?
Dawn: I firmly believe that love is the greatest gift in life. The love of my Creator and Savior allowed me to embrace who I truly am. The love of my parents, along with the faith they instilled in me, brought me home from the throngs of death to a new and better life. The love and acceptance of my dear friend, Carrie, gave me the courage to pursue my dream.
The love and advice of my therapist, Dr. Lisa Griffin, saved my life by showing me that in being transgender I was simply being my true self. And last, but not least, the love of my soulmate Pam has been my mainstay throughout my journey and life. I am now sexually attracted to men, would love to date, but have not dated yet. I believe God will send the right man into my life when the time is right.
Love has been the foundation that gives me strength and hope every single day.
Monika: How important is fashion to you, and what styles or trends do you find yourself drawn to? Are there particular colors, designers, or types of outfits you prefer to wear?
Dawn: I’m addicted to fashion, girl! I love to dress up. I have always been a girly girl, so I dress up whenever I get the opportunity. I love expressing my femininity. I’ve been obsessed with earrings since my episode at age 8 with my grandmother’s pearl clip-on earrings. I now have over 160 pairs. I have many dresses and skirts. My favorite color is pink, but everyone says I look good in red and pastel blue too. I’m not a subscriber, but I read Glamour magazine whenever I can. Fashion, for me, is a joyful form of self-expression that helps me celebrate who I truly am every day.
Monika: How important is fashion to you, and what styles or trends do you find yourself drawn to? Are there particular colors, designers, or types of outfits you prefer to wear?
Dawn: I’m addicted to fashion, girl! I love to dress up. I have always been a girly girl, so I dress up whenever I get the opportunity. I love expressing my femininity. I’ve been obsessed with earrings since my episode at age 8 with my grandmother’s pearl clip-on earrings. I now have over 160 pairs. I have many dresses and skirts. My favorite color is pink, but everyone says I look good in red and pastel blue too. I’m not a subscriber, but I read Glamour magazine whenever I can. Fashion, for me, is a joyful form of self-expression that helps me celebrate who I truly am every day.
|
| With Pam, Charleston, SC June 2011. |
Monika: Are you currently working on any new projects or initiatives, whether related to your activism, writing, or professional career?
Dawn: My church keeps me busy, but I have other activities too. My first book, God Does Love Me. My Trans Journey to Finding My True Self told my story through transition, ending with SRS. Many readers have asked me to write a second book about how I perceive life as a woman, the pluses and minuses. I have been taking notes and am starting to write.
I am a trans activist, active in numerous trans organizations in the state of North Carolina, USA, and continue to talk about my book to university students and any organization that asks. I am also a professional entomologist (a person who studies insects) and have been for over 40 years. I am one of 14 world authorities on a group of insects called treehoppers.
Dawn: My church keeps me busy, but I have other activities too. My first book, God Does Love Me. My Trans Journey to Finding My True Self told my story through transition, ending with SRS. Many readers have asked me to write a second book about how I perceive life as a woman, the pluses and minuses. I have been taking notes and am starting to write.
I am a trans activist, active in numerous trans organizations in the state of North Carolina, USA, and continue to talk about my book to university students and any organization that asks. I am also a professional entomologist (a person who studies insects) and have been for over 40 years. I am one of 14 world authorities on a group of insects called treehoppers.
I have published numerous professional papers, including an extensive paper on the treehoppers of Panama, and have just had a paper accepted that describes two new species of treehoppers from Panama.
I continue to correspond with professionals throughout the world and do worldwide treehopper research as a volunteer at a local Natural History Museum.
Balancing my passion for both activism and science keeps my life exciting and fulfilling every day.
Monika: What advice would you give to transgender girls who are struggling with gender dysphoria?
Dawn: Hang in there and always believe in yourself. If you are serious about transitioning, seek online help about presentation and deportment to improve your self-esteem and find a professional therapist as soon as possible who specializes in gender dysphoria. It is a tough journey with many sacrifices and heartaches but well worth it if you truly are transgender. Remember, you are not alone, there is a supportive community ready to help you through every step.
Monika: Dawn, thank you for the interview!
Monika: What advice would you give to transgender girls who are struggling with gender dysphoria?
Dawn: Hang in there and always believe in yourself. If you are serious about transitioning, seek online help about presentation and deportment to improve your self-esteem and find a professional therapist as soon as possible who specializes in gender dysphoria. It is a tough journey with many sacrifices and heartaches but well worth it if you truly are transgender. Remember, you are not alone, there is a supportive community ready to help you through every step.
Monika: Dawn, thank you for the interview!
END OF PART 2
All the photos: courtesy of Dawn Flynn.
© 2014 - Monika Kowalska
Other publications about Dawn Flynn:
No comments:
Post a Comment