Monika: How do you assess the current situation for transgender women in American society?
Nancy: We are fortunate; society is becoming more open and accepting of trans people, and our lives are improving as a result. Many trans kids now enjoy supportive families and schools. Many trans adults now enjoy supportive employers and workplaces.
But there’s still plenty of room for improvement. Some trans women are at heightened risk due to their race, class, or social situation. Too many people still victimize trans folks. Too many people blame their own gender discomforts on transgender people. And some trans women still fall into the trap of thinking that being more feminine is the goal, rather than a means of achieving greater gender fluency. We must continue to push for equity, understanding, and a society where all trans women are safe and accepted for who they are.
Monika: Do you believe transgender rights could become the next major frontier in the fight for human rights?
Nancy: Certainly. But there are plenty of other human rights yet to be won. There is more human trafficking worldwide now than ever before. My country incarcerates more people than any other nation, ever. Women are still not treated as equals. Racism is rampant. Too many kids suffer from bullying at school and at home. So while we’ve made gains for transgender people, there are many people around the world suffering needlessly. Ours is just one of many issues requiring serious attention, and we’d best give some attention to other issues if we want others to give attention to ours. True progress means addressing a broad spectrum of human rights concerns to create a more just and equitable world for everyone.
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| Gordene and Nancy doing GenderTalk from KUNM in Albuquerque, NM. |
Monika: Are you involved in politics or participate in lobbying campaigns? Do you believe transgender women can make a significant impact in the political sphere?
Nancy: I’m happy to participate as needed. I led the first trans lobby day in my state and participated in early trans lobbying efforts in Washington, DC. I still lobby my elected representatives. I’m a member of the Beverly Democratic City Committee and made a big effort when Obama was first running for president. I stay informed and enjoy talking politics, lobbying for change in the right direction at every opportunity. Transgender women have an important perspective to bring to politics, and our involvement helps to push for the change that affects not only our community but society as a whole.
Monika: Can you share the role that love plays in your life?
Nancy: Love is what gives my life meaning. When I suffered a near-fatal motorcycle accident, the love shown to me by caregivers, friends, and family transformed my life in a good way. They not only fed my will to recover as fully as possible, but they also gave me the inner strength to come out.
I always wanted a life partner, but it wasn’t until 1998 that I met Gordene MacKenzie, who I’d been told was one of the Southwest’s leading activists for trans rights. She and I have now enjoyed an amazing partnership of equals for 16 years. We come from very different places but keep discovering new ways, and we complement one another. We share a love for the environment and animals and a passion for creating change. I love her deeply and always will. Nothing is more important to me. Love, in all its forms, has been the anchor and driving force in both my personal and activist journeys.
Monika: How do you feel about fashion? Do you have a go-to style or any particular fashion preferences, colors, or trends that you enjoy?
Nancy: When I think of fashion, I can’t help but think of worker exploitation, toxic processes involved in the production, and irresponsible consumption. That said, I love bright colors and fun designs. Gordene and I especially enjoy buying secondhand or directly from artists. She is a jewelry designer who loves the southwest and creates her own style that always involves fabulous jewelry and colors. I enjoy the many beautiful items she lavishes on me. I work mostly at home, so I dress quite casually most of the time, leggings and t-shirts, etc. But we love dressing up together, the wilder and more fun the outfit the better. Fashion, for me, is about enjoying creative expression while being mindful of its impact on the world.
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GenderVision: Gender, Race & 2008 Presidential Politics. Source: YouTube. |
Nancy: I’m working on it. I’ve always figured that I’d first live a life worth writing about, then spend my senior years writing about it. That time is approaching, and I’m looking forward to sharing my reflections. I’ve already drafted many chapters and look forward to crafting and polishing and picking the very best stories to tell. Writing this memoir is a way for me to leave a legacy that might inspire others on their own journeys.
Monika: What advice would you offer to transgender women who are struggling with gender dysphoria?
Nancy: Gender Dysphoria is a medical term that implies pathology. I prefer to think of gender as a rich interpersonal language that is fun to speak. Most people only know two words, which doesn’t make for a very exciting conversation. There are so many possibilities! My ideal gender is alive, awake in every way and every moment, always open to change, and never just a choice between two possibilities. Embrace your uniqueness and explore what feels authentic to you, because gender can be as fluid and expansive as you allow it to be.
Monika: Nancy, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me today!
Nancy: Thank you, Monika, for the thought-provoking questions and this opportunity to reach your readers! It's been a pleasure reflecting on these topics and sharing my experiences.
END OF PART 2
All photos: courtesy of Nancy Nangeroni.
© 2014 - Monika Kowalska
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