Interview with Lana Moore - Part 2

Monika: More and more transgender women are stepping into the spotlight these days, and unlike in years past, some of them have real celebrity status. Just think of Lana Wachowski in film-directing, Jenna Talackova in modeling, Kate Bornstein in academic life, Laura Jane Grace in music, or Candis Cayne in acting. Where do you see this trend heading?

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 regarding 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: Sadly, alongside these success stories, we still hear horrifying news, like the infamous case of Chrissy Polis, beaten by two teenagers at a McDonald's simply for using the ladies' room. What do you think it would take to prevent violence like that?

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: Here's a bold one for you: could you imagine a transgender woman becoming President of the United States within our lifetime?

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

Monika: So many transgender women end up writing memoirs. Has the thought of putting your own story into a book ever crossed your mind?

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

Monika: Switching gears entirely, do you have a personal sense of style? Any favorite designs, colors, or trends you gravitate toward?

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: How connected are you to 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 with many administrative duties at PINKessence.com and TRUessence.org, two online social networks for trans people.

Monika: You've been a familiar face at conferences like First Event, Colorado Gold Rush, TransOhio, and the Southern Comfort Conference. What kinds of topics usually come up at gatherings like these?

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: Shifting to something more personal, what role does religion play 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: Beyond your community work, you're also active in charity. What is it about helping others that draws you in?

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: After everything we've talked about, would you say you're a happy woman today?

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, this has been such a pleasure. Thank you so much for opening up.
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.

END OF PART 2

Back to PART 1

 

All the photos: courtesy of Lana Moore.

© 2013 - Monika Kowalska