Interview with Lana Moore - Part 2

Monika: We are witnessing more and more transgender ladies coming out. Unlike in the previous years, some of them have the status of celebrities or are really well-known, just to mention Lana Wachowski in film-directing, Jenna Talackova in modeling, Kate Bornstein in academic life, Laura Jane Grace in music or Candis Cayne in acting. Do you think we will have more and more such women?

Lana: Yes, I think maybe in the past, highly visible public figures, like all of us, were concerned with losing their ability to maintain a living. And, especially with their celebrity status, any sort of privacy throughout something as personal as a gender transition. The more that come forward, the less sensational it is becoming, so I think it is likely there will be more.

Lana met and was inspired by Kate Bornstein
at the onset of her transition in 2008.

Monika: At the same time sometimes we get horrible news about transgender women being killed or beaten just as in the infamous case of Chrissy Polis that was beaten by two teenagers in Macdonald’s because she used the ladies’ toilet. How can we prevent it?

Lana: I think hate crimes come about when people who are prone to violence are afraid of something that they don’t understand. They are also emboldened when they feel as though the ones they hate are considered “fair game.”
So, getting trans* people included as a protected class in hate crimes legislation is one very important step. And then, the best thing is prevention, by breaking down those walls of misunderstanding and ignorance. We do that by putting ourselves out there in the public eye as positive examples, by educating, and by speaking up collectively when these things happen, and by insisting that justice be served.

Monika: Do you think that in our lifetime we could live until the day when a transgender lady could become the President of the USA?

Lana: President? I’m an optimist and a dreamer, but I wouldn’t hold my breath on that one. Some day, yes, but not soon.

Monika: Many transgender ladies write their memoirs. Have you ever thought about writing such a book yourself?

Lana: Of course, doesn’t every transwoman have a book deal?

Monika: Do you like fashion? What kind of outfits do you usually wear? Any special fashion designs, colors, or trends?

Lana: I try to be fashion-forward while remaining age-appropriate. Purple is my favorite fashion color.

Conducting a workshop at TransOhio in 2010.

Monika: Are you involved in the life of your local LGBT community?

Lana: Yes, I was involved in my local transgender group as it first formed back in 1988 and I remained involved, off and on, over the years, and also with CrossPort in Cincinnati.
In addition to staying in touch with a local peer-led support group, I also assist Chloe in many administration duties at PINKessence.com and TRUessence.org, two online social networks for trans people.

Monika: You attend many transgender conferences such as: "First Event", "Colorado Gold Rush", "TransOhio" or "Southern Comfort Conference". What is usually discussed at such conferences?

Lana: In addition to a wide array of social activities, the various conferences offer a variety of seminars and workshops providing information on all types of topics related to being trans.
There are usually many professionals there to demonstrate what they have to offer, voice therapists, surgeons, vendors, activists, you name it, and you can usually find the information you are looking for.

Monika: What is the role of religion in your life?

Lana: I am not a religious person, rather I am spiritual. I am a person of faith. My faith has carried me through some pretty dark times. Many people use religion as a tool to attack others, and when opposing trans people, they will say things like, “God doesn’t make mistakes.” To that, I always say, “Thank you.” Because in my heart of hearts, I know that God created all of us with imperfections and unique journeys. Just because someone is on a different path, doesn’t mean that they are lost.

Happy at home in her kitchen.

Monika: You are also involved in charity activities. Do you like helping other people?

Lana: I have found that the only time I feel truly alive is when I am helping others and it’s one of the best cures for depression. Dr. Jack McConnell, who started Volunteers In Medicine, once said, "It's not where you come from or where you're going but whom you help along the way that makes a difference in your life."

Monika: Could you say that you are a happy woman now?

Lana: Oh yes, absolutely! What’s not to be happy about? I have a loving family with two beautiful children, I work with amazing people on a job where I get paid to help others when they are in great need, I have a multitude of friends and kindred spirits, and above all, I get to experience all of this as my authentic self.

Monika: Lana, it was a pleasure to interview you. Thanks a lot.
Lana: Thank YOU, Monika, you do a great job with your web pages, and thank you for thinking of me, I really enjoyed being interviewed.

All the photos: courtesy of Lana Moore.

© 2013 - Monika Kowalska  

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