Transgender people have been documented throughout history in various societies and cultures. Many communities even created space for individuals who did not clearly fit into male or female gender norms. Sometimes these people were revered or thought to have a special purpose or considered a third sex. Today most societies don’t recognize anything but male and female, forcing many transgender people into the margins.
But thanks to the hard work of lots of courageous transgender people and their allies, things are changing, especially when it comes to transgender youth. Many young people are coming out as transgender, genderqueer or intersex (for a definition of these words and others, see “Dictionary”), showing their families and communities that a person’s gender is not as simple as checking one of two boxes. At the same time, violence against transgender or gender-nonconforming people is on the rise and concern for personal safety is at an all-time high. Despite these challenges, transgender youth have rights.
Whether you’re transgender or gender nonconforming, just coming out, questioning or simply an ally, this kit is designed to help you navigate the world and make your school a safer place. We’ve included action tools and information to help you advocate for change. There’s also an extensive list of resources to give you more information about the transgender community and to offer help in protecting your rights.
The movement for transgender equality is still young, so any action you take to help yourself will benefit others, too. Working with other transgender youth and allies will help you build stronger communities and schools and increase legal protections.
So, be proud. Support one another. And organize!
Combating Invisibility and Isolation
You may not have words to describe how you see yourself in the world. Building a community can help give you a voice. While the Internet offers an incredible array of resources, including Listservs, you may have trouble finding community and support offline. The transgender identity is often
lumped in with lesbians, gays and bisexuals, without an understanding of its unique differences or any recognition of the need for specific services. And mainstream American culture offers little beyond the stereotypes of the drag queen, sex worker or criminal put forth by the media.
Take action
1. Form an inclusive gay-straight alliance (GSA). As long as your school accepts public funds and lets other nonacademic clubs meet (and most do) then you have the right to form a GSA. This is one of the most important ways to advocate for transgender issues within your school. (For more information on starting a GSA, see the Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network (GLSEN) website at www.glsen.org or the GSA Network website at www.gsanetwork.org.)
2. Develop a public education campaign. Train your teachers about trans issues. Start a letter-writing campaign for gender-neutral bathrooms. Hang posters around school.
3. Talk to your friends about transgender issues. Change society one mind at a time. The more people who understand gender difference, the better our schools and world will be for transgender youth.
Protecting Confidentiality
Your school should never disclose your transgender identity -- or anyone else’s -- without your express permission. Breaking confidentiality can expose you to transphobia from family, school personnel, students and others in the community. At the same time, you have the right to be out about your gender identity, which means that teachers and administrators should treat you with respect by using your preferred name and pronouns.
Take action
1. Educate teachers, staff and administrators about transgender issues and the importance of using the name and pronouns that you’ve chosen for yourself. Consider having speakers share their experiences as transgender youth or adults. Share poems, art, testimony and firsthand stories of being harassed because of your gender expression.
2. If you think a student’s confidentiality is violated in any way, ask your school counselor to identify the process for reporting a complaint. If your counselor can’t help you then take your problem to the next level (e.g., vice principal, principal, superintendent, school board).
3. Support students struggling with coming out by holding a support/discussion group or staffing a peer helpline. (For more information, see NYAC’s website at www.nyacyouth.org.)
How Does Your School Measure Up?
The following questions will help you understand your school’s policies regarding transgender youth. Teachers should either be able to answer these questions or help you locate the information through a principal or your local school board. If your school doesn’t measure up, contact
Lambda Legal, NYAC or one of the other organizations listed in “Resources."
Is transgender or gender identity included in your school’s nondiscrimination policy?Are there resources available for transgender youth?How often are gender issues discussed?Do students experience prejudice or intimidation due to their gender identity?Are there any unisex bathrooms?Is there a school dress code?Are teachers, counselors and staff trained on LGBT youth issues?What referrals do counselors make for transgender youth?Do transgender youth feel safe in school?Preventing Violence
You have the right to be open and honest about your gender identity at school without being teased, harassed or subjected to violence. Unfortunately, statistics show that this right is too often violated. Some schools blame the victim for bringing on negative attention by acting differently. But all students are not the same. You have the right to fight for the free expression of gender differences at your school and not be discriminated against for it.
Take action
1. Start a safe-zone sticker campaign designating transgender-friendly teachers, administrators and bathrooms. (For materials, contact NYAC at the address or email listed in “Resources.")
2. Learn whether your state or school district has antibullying laws or programs. Create a forum for antiviolence discussions with other students, or work with a teacher to have an assembly program focused on antibullying that could include guest speakers.
3. Make sure transgender students are included in school nondiscrimination policies and in student handbooks. (For more information, check out the GLSEN website at www.glsen.org.)
Your Social Change Tool Kit
Use some of the following actions to help change the world for trans and gender-nonconforming youth.
Help parents and teachers learn more about transgender issues.Hold a community discussion or make a presentation to the PTA.Start an inclusive GSA to take the lead on transgender issues in your school.Join or create a coalition with transgender advocacy groups in your community.Draft a petition to show support for making trans-friendly changes in your school.Become a member of your school board, if it has student members, and create policy yourself.Advocate for trans issues with elected officials and school administrators.Start a campaign to have your local school board adopt policies and directives for transgender support in school.Send a note about trans issues to elected officials.Write a letter to the editor, an opinion article and press releases about your activities.Take advantage of free advertising in community listings.Create a poster campaign to advertise a meeting or rally or to raise awareness about a cause.Raise money by holding a bake sale, drag show or ribbon/patch campaign, or write a grant proposal. A little effort can bring in big bucks for your cause.Distribute information at pep rallies, farmers’ markets and the town square.Interact with your community.Get people together for a meeting, community rally or protest.Print up some funky T-shirts and give them away in exchange for donations.Write a song, a poem or an article for your high school paper.Show a film or documentary about transgender rights, or make one of your own.Set up an activist email network, start an email petition or join a chat group.Lobby to alter school policies to be inclusive of transgender students.Hit the road and attend a conference or training on trans issues.Seek opportunities to help yourself and others understand the links between transphobia and homophobia, sexism, racism, ageism, class bias, xenophobia and other oppressions.Making Bathrooms & Locker Rooms Accessible
If you’ve faced the challenge and outrage of others who assume you’re in the wrong restroom, you may think twice about putting yourself in the same position again. Some transgender people avoid public restrooms altogether, which can lead to health risks if physical needs are constantly ignored. Also, negotiating the locker room can be difficult when you have to change clothes at school. Many colleges and universities have already taken the lead in offering multi-stall gender-neutral bathroom and shower areas. See the Sylvia Rivera Law Project’s website (www.srlp.org) for a list of these schools and for other resources that might help you advocate for trans-friendly bathrooms and locker rooms at your school.
Take action
1. Organize and petition to have genderneutral or transgender-friendly bathrooms created in your school. You may want to begin your petition drive by promoting it with an article in your student paper. (For more information, see the National Center for Lesbian Rights website at www.nclrights.org.)
2. Speak up when you see teasing or harassment in bathrooms, locker rooms or anywhere on school grounds.
3. Talk to your teachers about your needs and why it’s important to have a safe space to change clothes. When changing is a necessary requirement for graduation (e.g., gym class), the school should make every effort to accommodate you, instead of simply instructing you to use the locker room that corresponds with the gender you were assigned at birth.
Express Yourself, Dress Yourself
While schools can set policy about appropriate dress, you should be able to dress according to your gender identity. But too often students are subjected to dress codes that conflict with their gender identity. This kind of rigid enforcement has resulted in successful lawsuits against schools, school administrators and sometimes the school district. You should be able to dress comfortably (which may be a combination of “male” and “female” clothing), without reprisal from school officials. You may also want to express a political message by wearing a T-shirt with a slogan or symbol, a button or an armband. Keep in mind that some schools have questioned students about their clothing and required them to change, especially when the student is expressing a political message. If you think your clothes will be considered controversial, have a game plan. Be sure to contact Lambda Legal if you have any problems or questions.
Take action
1. Remember that schools are charged with maintaining an orderly and safe environment, but there is no reason why this should conflict with transgender expression. Issues are often decided on a case-by-case basis (by schools and courts), so be prepared to advocate for yourself or a friend.
2. Organize against any effort to have a school uniform; such rigid dress is rarely inclusive of transgender students.
3. Start a T-shirt/patch/armband campaign with slogans like “What is my gender?” or use the transgender symbol:
How to be a Trans Ally
Don’t make assumptions Just as you shouldn’t make assumptions about someone’s sexual orientation, you also shouldn’t make assumptions about a person’s gender or gender identity. Exploring gender (and sexuality) is a healthy expression of growing up and developing as a person. No one ever benefits from being labeled.
Create a safe and open environment Work toward creating an affirming environment where individual gender expression is supported and where there is room for dialogue and discussion. Challenge homophobic and transphobic remarks and jokes. Use inclusive, supportive, non-gender-specific language. Support others who challenge inappropriate behavior. “What are you” is not an OK question to ask. “What pronoun do you use?” is an example of a better question.
Be informed and examine your own biases We are all products of a society with rigid gender roles. We are taught what is feminine and masculine, female and male, and told not to blur these categories. Recognize your level of comfort with different types of gender expression, and see how this can affect your interactions with your friends, classmates and others. Read reliable sources, attend workshops to educate yourself about gender issues and talk to people in the know.
Understand what gender identity means Each person’s gender identity is natural to that person. Gender may not be experienced solely as female or male. Educate yourself about sexual identity and social stereotypes. Most importantly, understand that sexuality and gender identity are only two aspects of a whole person.
Walk the walk Support your friend or family member’s gender explorations and encourage healthy dialogue and development. For many youth, accessing an LGBT youth community may be their first chance to explore gender identity and nontraditional gender expression. Actions beyond creating safe space may be important in empowering youth to ask for support with gender identity issues. Be personally accountable when mistakes are made and model active support for gender-nonconforming expression.
Fighting for Equality in Sports Teams and School Activities
In general, you should be able to play on school sports teams according to your gender identity. Honest questions about fair competition can be considered on a case-by-case basis. The same goes for other school clubs associations and activities. But many schools have never considered integrating trans students into all areas of school life, so be prepared to educate and advocate.
Take action
1. Talk to coaches, bandleaders and cheerleading personnel about transgender youth and how they can be included in activities.
2. Support individuals in their efforts to participate in sports and activities according to their gender identity.
3. Strive for cultural awareness and exchange. Have art classes, create an exhibit, sponsor a creative writing session about gender or encourage the drama department to produce a play that explores gender nonconformity.
Accessing Health Care
It may be challenging for you to find adequate health care. If you want to begin gender transition, you may not be able to get permission from your parents. On your own, you might not be able to find knowledgeable health professionals who will understand and support your experience. In addition, many young people often find it difficult to afford the services of qualified health professionals. Don’t be tempted by people involved in black market health care or other untrained practitioners who offer suspect treatments like silicone injections and unregulated hormones. These quick fixes have numerous health risks. Stay focused on the long-term goals and remember that when you turn 18 you will have the right to medically transition and more options will become available to you. In the meantime, check out the clinics listed in “Resources” to find a qualified doctor.
Take action
1. Most counties have a public health department with sliding-scale fees. Try and find a doctor who will work with you and who is willing to consult other clinics for resources and information.
2. Search for LGBT-friendly medical professionals in your area; search the Internet or the clinics listed in “Resources."
3. Do your own research; arm yourself with information, medical studies and personal stories. This is one of the best ways to figure out what type of medical transition, if any, is right for you. It can also help you get your parents or guardian on your side. If you are currently in counseling, consider taking your parents to sessions with you, or ask your therapist to talk with them.
Dictionary
Here’s a quick reference for some of the most commonly used terms in the trans community. Remember that people defy labels and not everyone will fit into a definition, label or box, no matter how large we make it.
biological sex or sex: a term used historically and within the medical field to identify genetic/biological/hormonal/physical characteristics (including genitalia), which are used to classify an individual as female, male or intersex.
cross-dresser: a person who, on occasion, wears clothing considered typical for another gender, but who does not necessarily desire to change their gender. Reasons for cross-dressing can range from a need to express a feminine or masculine side to attainment of erotic gratification. Cross-dressers can be of any sexual orientation. Many crossdressers identify as heterosexual.
drag king/drag queen: wearing the clothing of another gender, often involving the presentation of exaggerated, stereotypical gender characteristics. Individuals may identify as drag kings (female in drag) or drag queens (male in drag) when performing gender as parody, art or entertainment.
FTM (female to male): a term used to identify a person who was assigned a female gender at birth (or who is female-bodied), and who identifies as male, lives as a man or identifies as masculine.
gender: a social construct based on a group of emotional and psychological characteristics that classify an individual as feminine, masculine, androgynous or other. Gender can be understood to have several components, including gender identity, gender expression and gender role.
gender identity: the inner sense of being a man, a male, a woman, a female, both, neither, butch, femme, two-spirit, bigender or another configuration of gender. Gender identity usually matches with one’s physical anatomy but sometimes does not. Gender identity includes one’s sense of self and the image that one presents to the world.
gender identity disorder (GID) or gender dysphoria (GD): an intense, continuous discomfort resulting from an individual’s sense of the inappropriateness of their assigned gender at birth and resulting gender role expectations. Also, a clinical psychological diagnosis that offends many in transgender communities but is often required in order to receive medical services such as hormones and surgery. Keep in mind that gay and lesbian people were considered mentally ill until 1973.
genderqueer/fluid gender: a term used by some people who may or may not fit on the spectrum of trans, or be labeled as trans, but who identify their gender and sexual orientation to be somewhere on the continuum in between or outside the binary gender system altogether.
gender reassignment surgery (GRS)/sexual reassignment surgery (SRS): the surgery or surgeries that medically alter someone’s body, especially in regards to genitalia or secondary sex characteristics. Sought to attain harmony between one’s body and one’s gender identity.
gender role: the social expectation of how an individual should act, think and feel, based upon one’s assigned gender, the social expectation that an individual must be defined as a man or woman.
hormone therapy: administration of hormones to develop characteristics of a different gender than the one that was assigned. This is a process, possibly lifelong, of taking hormones to change one’s internal body chemistry. Hormone therapy is safest when administered by a medical professional and after discussion of potential health risks.
intersex: a person born with an anatomy or a physiology that differs from cultural ideals of male and female. Intersexuals may be born with “ambiguous genitalia” and/or experience hormone-production levels that vary from those of culturally “ideal” females and males.
MTF (male to female): a term used to identify a person assigned a male gender at birth (or who is male-bodied) and who identifies as a female, lives as a woman or identifies as feminine.
non-op (non-operative): a term used to describe transgender, transsexual or gendervariant individuals who have not attained and may not desire to attain gender reassignment surgery. For many individuals, self-identification and self-expression alone achieve harmony between one’s body and one’s gender identity.
post-op (post-operative): A term used to describe transgender, transsexual or gendernonconforming individuals who have completed gender reassignment surgery, and/or other surgeries to change their bodies to more closely match their gender identity.
pre-op (pre-operative): a term used to describe transgender, transsexual or gendernonconforming individuals who have not completed gender reassignment surgery but who desire to and are seeking that as an option.
transgender or trans: a term used to describe those who transgress social gender norms; often used as an umbrella term to include transsexual, genderqueer, gender nonconforming, cross-dressers, etc. People must self-identify as transgender in order for the term to be appropriately used to describe them.
transition: the period during which a trans person begins to live more fully as their true gender, this can include the period of full-time living required before gender reassignment surgery. After transitioning and surgery, some transsexuals identify only as a man or as a woman.
transphobia: the irrational fear of those who are perceived to break or blur stereotypical gender roles, often expressed as stereotyping, discrimination, harassment and violence. Frequently directed at those perceived as expressing their gender in a transgressive way, those who defy stereotypical gender norms or those who are perceived to exhibit nonheterosexual characteristics regardless of their actual gender identity or sexual orientation.
transsexual: someone who experiences intense, persistent, long-term discomfort with their body and self-image due to the belief that their assigned gender is inappropriate. This person may then take steps to adapt or change their body, gender role and gender expression to achieve what they know their true gender to be.
Adapted from: T. Aaron Hans, “Words We Speak, Words We Tweak: A List of Gender Terms,” http://www.riseconsulting.org (2003).
Resources
Lambda Legal
120 Wall Street, Suite 1500
New York, NY 10005
T 212-809-8585
F 212-809-0055
National civil rights organization seeking equality for LGBT people and people with HIV through the court system, advocacy and public education.
National Youth Advocacy Coalition (NYAC)
1638 R Street, NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20009
T 800-541-6922
F 202-319-7365
TYY 202-319-9513
National social justice coalition of organizations and advocates for LGBT youth.
Support
The American Boyz
212A S. Bridge Street #131
Elkton, MD 21921
Online support for transmen, resources, directory listings. Coordinators of the annual True Spirit conference in Washington, DC.
FTM International
160 14th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
T 415-553-5987
International organization providing support and services to FTMs. Publishes a resource guide and directory of members. Links to additional resources.
Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA)
459 Fulton Street, Suite 107
San Francisco, CA 94102
T 415-255-4547
F 415-255-4784
Organization seeking to support and network LGBT people in the medical field. Has gay-friendly doctor listings online.
Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association (HBIGDA)
1300 South Second Street, Suite 180
Minneapolis, MN 55454
T 612-625-1500
F 612-626-8311
International organization that establishes a medical standard of care for transgender people. Also works with health professionals through biannual conferences. Directory of members/medical providers available for purchase.
International Foundation for Gender Education (IFGE)
P.O. Box 540229
Waltham, MA 02454-0229
T 781-899-2212
F 781-899-5703
Clearinghouse for transgender books, materials and resources. Publishes Transgender Tapestry magazine.
Intersex Society of North America (ISNA)
4500 9th Avenue NE, Suite 300
Seattle, WA 98105
T 206-633-6077
F 206-633-6049
International organization providing support and medical information to intersex people and health professionals.
PFLAG Transgender Network
1726 M Street, NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20036
T 202-467-8180
F 202-467-8194
Support for parents, friends and families of transgender people. Resources for transgender people.
Survivor Project
P.O. Box 40664
Portland, OR 97240
T 503-288-3191
Support for intersex and transgender survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Transsexual Women’s Resources
Complete transition resource for transgender women; includes youth-specific resources.
Trans-Health.com
A health and fitness magazine for transgender people.
National and International Organizations
Advocates for Youth
2000 M Street NW, Suite 750
Washington, DC 20036
T 202-419-3420
F 202-419-1448
Provides information and peer support to transgender youth. Great listing of resources and articles.
Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
121 West 27th Street, Suite 804
New York, NY 10001-6207
T 212-727-0135
F 212-727-0254
National organization fighting to end antigay bias in K-12 schools. Resources for gay-straight alliances, including trans issues. Contact information for school districts around the country.
GSA Network
160 14th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
T 415-552-4229
F 415-552-4729
California-specific youth-led organization that empowers youth fighting homophobia and transphobia in schools through gay-straight alliances. Advocates on behalf of transgender youth through lobbying, policy changes, education programs and grassroots organizing.
National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR)
870 Market Street, Suite 570
San Francisco, CA 94102
T 415-392-6257
F 415-392-8442
National organization that litigates on behalf of the LGBT community. Significant online resources and publications with specific focus on youth concerns.
National Center for Transgender Equality
1325 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20005
T 202-639-6332
F 202-393-2241
National organization seeking transgender equality. Provides national lobbying and local community assistance.
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF)
1325 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20005
T 202-393-5177
F 202-393-2241
National organization seeking civil rights for LGBT people. Transgender specific legislative policy resources.
National Transgender Advocacy Coalition (NTAC)
P.O. Box 76027
Washington, DC 20013
National political advocacy coalition seeking civil rights for transgender people.
Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS)
130 West 42nd Street, Suite 350
New York, NY 10036-7802
T 212-819-9770
F 212-819-9776
National organization and clearinghouse on youth sexuality. Fact sheets, reports and bibliographies on transgender resources. Links to additional resources.
Silvia Rivera Law Project
322 8th Avenue, third floor
New York, NY 10001
T 212-337-8550
Organization working to guarantee that all people are free to determine their gender identity and expression, regardless of income, and without fearing harassment, discrimination or violence.
Transgender Law Center
1800 Market Street, Suite 408
San Francisco, CA 94102
T 415-865-5691
F 415-865-5601
California-specific organization providing direct legal services, advocacy and education on behalf of transgender people.
Transgender Law and Policy Institute
National organization tracking current developments in legal and public policy issues affecting transgender people and their families. Lists legal, medical and social science resources.
Clinics
Each clinic listed is an LGBT community health center that provides a wide array of health services on a sliding-payment scale. In addition, most offer transgender health and transition services and referrals.
Callen-Lorde Community Health Center
365 West 18th Street
New York, NY 10011
T 212-271-7200
Chase Brexton Health Services
1001 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
T 410-837-2050
Fenway Community Health
7 Haviland Street
Boston, MA 02115
T 617-267-0900
Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective
1841 Broad Street
Hartford, CT 06114
T 860-278-4163
Howard Brown Health Center
4025 N. Sheridan Road
Chicago, IL 60613
T 773-388-1600
L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center
1625 N. Schrader Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028
T 323-993-7400
Lyon-Martin Women’s Health Services
1748 Market Street #201
San Francisco, CA 94102
415-565-7667
Montrose Clinic
215 Westheimer
Houston, TX 77006
T 713-830-3000
F 713-830-3023
Philadelphia Community Health Alternatives
1201 Chestnut Street, third floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
T 215-563-0652
Tom Waddell Clinic
50 Lech Walesa Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
T 415-554-2727
Whitman-Walker Clinic
1407 S Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
T 202-833-3234
Highlights in Transgender History
While the concept of transgender did not exist until the 20th century, there have been many men and women who bent gender throughout history. While they certainly did not use our language to describe themselves, their daring and bravery is nevertheless something to behold.
1577 King Henry III of France frequently crossdressed and while dressed as a woman was referred to as her majesty by his courtiers. Even his male clothes were considered outrageous despite the flamboyant standards of 16th-century France.
1654 Queen Christina of Sweden (often considered bisexual) abdicated the thrown, dressed in men’s clothing and renamed herself Count Dohna.
1676 MTF transsexual Abbe Francois Timoleon de Choisy attended Papal inaugural ball in female dress. His memoirs, published postmortem, offer the first written testimony of cross-dressing.
1700s “Molly houses” provided a space for the English gay community to meet, carouse and relate to one another. “Mollies” were men who often crossdressed and developed their own queer culture.
1728 Chevalier D’Eon, born Charles d’Eon, was a famous French spy/ambassador who was born male but lived a significant part of his/her life as a woman. Chevalier’s birth sex was a hotly debated question.
1804 George Sand, born Amandine-Aurore-Lucile Dupin, became an accomplished French romantic writer as famous for her affairs as for her words. She was the first woman in modern European history to frequently wear men’s clothes, shocking her contemporaries.
1839–1844 “Rebecca and her daughters,” a group of male-to-female cross-dressers, battled throughout the Welsh countryside destroying road toll barriers, which were making the poor even poorer. These warriors also adopted the names and identities of women.
1850 Crow nation “woman chief” Barcheeampe was spotted by appalled white travelers in Wyoming and Montana; she was renown for her war exploits and for having several wives.
1861 Franklin Thompson, born Sarah Emma Edmonds, fought for the Union Army in the Civil War. During the war, Franklin served as a spy, nurse, dispatch carrier and later was the only woman mustered into the Grand Army of the Republic.
1886 We’Wha, an accomplished Zuni Weaver and potter, was two spirit — born male but lived as a woman. She spent six months in Washington, DC, and met President Grover Cleveland, who never realized this six-foot Zuni maiden was born male.
1897 Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld founded the first gay liberation organization in Germany (the Scientific Humanitarian Committee). Hirschfeld coined the term transvestite and was known to cross-dress himself.
1952 Christine Jorgensen is the first American whose sex reassignment surgery became public. Her surgery caused an international sensation, and for many, she was the first visible transsexual in the media.
1969 Transgender and gender-noncomforming people are among those who resisted arrest in a routine bar raid on the Stonewall Inn in New York City’s Greenwich Village, thus helping to ignite the modern LGBT rights movement.
1974 Jan Morris, one of Britain’s top journalists who covered wars and rebellions around the globe and even climbed Mount Everest, published Conundrum, a personal account of her transition. The book is now considered a classic.
1989 Celebrated jazz musician Billy Tipton died in Spokane, Washington, revealing that he was a woman. Tipton, who played in big bands in the 40s and 50s, lived for 56 years as a man, marrying several times and raising children.
1991 FTM activist Jamison “James” Green took over Lou Sullivan’s FTM newsletter and transformed it into FTM International, Inc., the world’s largest information and networking group for female-to-male transgender people and transsexual men.
1993 Cheryl Chase founded the Intersex Society of North America (ISNA) to build awareness and offer support to intersex people.
1993 Transgender youth Brandon Teena was raped and murdered in Humboldt, Nebraska. This hate crime brought widespread attention to transgender discrimination and violence and became the subject of the award-winning film, Boys Don’t Cry.
1997 Trans activist Leslie Feinberg published Transgender Warriors: Making History from Joan of Arc to Dennis Rodman, a who’s who of transgender people throughout world history that traces the roots of transgender oppression.
Organisation Intersex International
Bending the Mold:
An Action Kit for Transgender Youth
