Monika: Did you have any transgender role models to follow at the time of your transition?
Laura: That’s a great question. I’m trying to think back and the best answer that I have is that I really didn’t have a “Trans*” role model to follow. If I had any role models to follow in general, they were the people in my life that I admired, some of whom may have been trans*.
Monika: What was the hardest part of coming out for you?
Laura: The hardest thing about coming out was actually that I, in essence, came out three times. Once to myself. While in that process, I was involuntarily outed. That was a very painful and demoralizing experience that took a long time to heal. Then I came out of my own choosing and under my own terms. The difficulty there was the realization that there was no going back to the shadows.
Monika: How would you describe the present situation of transgender women in American society?
Laura: Another great question and it’s really difficult for me to answer. I think much depends on the individual and how they navigate their everyday life. There are so many complex interactions and real-life situations that enter into the question. I feel that the present situation is unfortunately hinged upon race and class. If you are poor, a person of color, and without much in the way of resources, the situation is life-threatening. If you’re white, educated, and have resources available, the situation is certainly less life-threatening and certainly a lot more hopeful. That’s also probably true across the board for everyone in American society. I’m also pretty sure that it goes beyond geographical boundaries.
Monika: Many describe transgenderism as the new frontier for human rights. Would you agree?
Laura: No offense Monika, but I find myself having a problem with the wording of the question. I find it difficult to think of a new frontier for human rights when we have so many other issues to solve in regards to human rights globally. In other words, I don’t feel like we should set off on the exploration of a new frontier when we have plenty to work on now.
A new frontier also kind of says to me that trans* rights are new and different from other human rights. In my way of thinking, human rights are universal. We are not a new species of humans and our struggles have been ongoing for centuries. Our people have been struggling and persecuted for centuries. It’s not a new frontier but rather a very old turf. It is just now, in our modern society, that we are at the dawn of recognizing these struggles and doing something about it.
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| Courtesy of Laura Calvo. |
Monika: What role does love play in your life?
Laura: I’ve lived, loved, and lost. No regrets.
Monika: Do you enjoy fashion? Tell me about the outfits you usually wear and any special designs, colors, or trends you like.
Laura: I’m intrigued by and admire some of the fashion trends. However, I’m so not fashionable by any stretch of the imagination. I’m happiest and most comfortable in jeans and a hoodie. I work outdoors, so sunglasses are a must and most often on top of my head. Shoes are always sensible and I don’t own a pair of heels.
Monika: Are there any new projects on your plate at the moment?
Laura: Working in politics, there is always a new project or projects. Mainly it’s due to the election cycle. So we are now gearing up for the 2014 election cycle. I work closely with ten constituency groups and two county parties at the state party level and then as vice-chair of the Democratic National Committee LGBT Caucus. There are always new projects!
Monika: What message would you share with transgender girls who are struggling with gender dysphoria?
Laura: I think my recommendation is to really remember to take care of yourself, be forgiving of yourself and others. Remember that you’re most likely the hardest on yourself. Try not to forget about all the other things in your life which bring you joy and try to keep doing them as you deal with it.
Monika: Laura, thank you so much for the interview!
END OF PART 2
All photos: courtesy of Laura Calvo.
© 2014 - Monika Kowalska
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