TransGriot Ten Question Interview-Kokumo Kinetic

Let's get 2014 started properly with another one of my  TransGriot Ten Questions Interviews.

Many of you have been asking me as I've been out and about in the community or e-mailed me requesting I do more of them.  Consider it a New Year's resolution to you dear readers I'm determined to make happen.

Here's the first one of many in 2014 featuring the beautiful and multitalented KOKUMO, the 'revolutionary artivist', CEO and Founder of KOKUMOMEDIA, Inc.  

She is the founding organizer of the T.G.I.F.(Trans, GNC, Intersex Freedom) Festival, the Midwest's first trans and intersex themed pride event, was one of the people named to the inaugural Trans100 List and part of the Chicago event revealing the initial names.  She's garnering well deserved attention and name recognition inside and outside our community as one of our dynamic young trans personalities. 

It's time for KOKUMO to answer the TransGriot's Ten Questions.

1. You're one of nine Chicagoans that was named to the inaugural 2013 Trans 100 List.  What is it about the Windy City that produces all these great trans activists?

KK- With all due respect, Chicago doesn't have the glamour of L.A., or pretense of New York City. We don't have Hollywood and the MTV Awards. We don't have these ostentatious industries that characterize our city or the Midwest. We just have each other. We just have our collective unmet needs and denied rights. We just have our work. Thus and such, we get busy! P.S. East and West coasters yawl know I fucks wit yawl!


2  You described yourself in one interview as an 'artivist'.  Can you elaborate on that for my readers what an 'artivist' does?

KK-There was a time in my development when I identified as an activist. That time was when I foolishly thought I could destroy the government by using government funds. That time was when I worked in the non-profit industrial complex. And that time has passed. If I have to identify as anything as of now, it will be a revolutionary. In regards to my pedagogy, an activist is concerned about a specific cause, whilst a revolutionary is concerned about all causes. Since I no longer identify as an activist, subsequently I don't identify as an "artivist". However, I do operate as a revolutionary artist. And as a revolutionary artist, my mission is to indict and dismantle racist capitalism via the mediums of music, film, and literature. Ultimately, I plan to leave a template for how to use art and entrepreneurship as tools for revolution for future generations via my production company, KOKUMOMEDIA INC.

3. When did you transition?
KK-At the age of 17 I began my mental transition. While it wasn't until I reached 21 did my physical transition begin.

4.  How did you choose you name and what's the symbolism behind it?

KK-Under the tyranny of racist capitalism, Black trans/cis women are not entitled to happiness. Still to this very day, whenever I am happy I feel an urge to see if someone is maneuvering to steal my joy. So when I finally was to rename myself, I had to give myself a name that didn't describe the person I was, but the person I wanted to become. And I want to become immortal. Not in a vainglorious way, but in a revolutionary way. After my flesh has rotted, I want the truth I believed and lived to be understood by the world. What is that you ask? I believe that as long as racist capitalism exist there will always be oppression. Why do I say that you ask? Because racist capitalism is so omnipotent that it broke the nose off the Sphinx, made Cleopatra white, Columbus a hero, Malcolm X a villain, and made Castro, satan. And racist capitalism even went so far as to make transwomen of color invisible and disposable. KOKUMO is Yoruba for, "This one will not die". I embrace and respect death, but I don't embrace or respect racist capitalism and it's history of erasure. Therefore, I named myself KOKUMO because I am determined to make sure my truth lives beyond the idiocracy that is racist capitalism. Our truths, must live beyond the idiocracies that are all oppressive governments.

5. Who were some of your transfeminine role models growing up and who are some of the people (both transmasculine and transfeminine) you look up to in our community?
KK-Sylvester! I was born the year Sylvester transitioned. I believe the universe sent me to further what Sylvester did, as it sent Sylvester to further the liberation work her fore bearers did, so forth and so on. Therefore, I believe when I transition the universe will send someone to continue the work it sent me to do. Aside from Sylvester, Angelica Ross was the first Black transwoman I saw who was a musician, and she was fly! I found out about her via Transgriot.com and couldn't comprehend her existence. She literally, was everything I was taught couldn't be. She was a transwoman musician, she's an entrepreneur, and she wasn't a show girl. And with the opportunities for transwomen in life being so limited all I had ever known were show girls. I respect and revere show girls but I had never seen an alternative. And I longed for an alternative. Drag is so widespread I thought that that was what I had to become because society wouldn't except a transwoman singing her own songs. White supremacy is interesting like that. I feel that the world will accept Madonna co-opting Black transwoman culture before it accepts an actual Black transwoman. And that's where Sylvester and Angelica Ross came into play for me. Sylvester and Angelica Ross taught me that being mainstream is relative and actually not needed in order to be successful or impactful. As a fat, Black, dark-skinned transwoman, the only way I could ever be palatable to mainstream (White America) would be if I completely nixed my pedagogy and existed for their entertainment and not my liberation. Sylvester and Angelica Ross were my biggest Black/transfeminine influences because they taught me that it's not about being mainstream to White America, but the people who look, live, and are oppressed just like you. But the most important thing that Sylvester taught me was that, "Nobody can conceptualize me, because I am the concept".

6.  As a beautiful and full figured dark skinned woman, do you believe we focus too much on how we look in the African American trans feminine community versus what's between our ears?

KK-Thank you so much. And the feeling is mutual Mama Roberts! In nature, there is duality and equilibrium. In civilization and unfortunately, most movements, there is ultimatum and dichotomy. I posit that racist capitalism has taken enough of Black people's agency as it is. Therefore, Black people don't need any more ultimatums and dichotomies. Black people shoving ultimatums and dichotomies on other Black people can't possibly help revolution, because having said tools of oppression imposed on us is what necessitates revolution in the first place. Furthermore, I rebuke any notion that trivializes or attempts to dictate to femmes/women. Femininity may be an antiquated tradition to some but it's an act of resistance and a form of spirituality for others. And the sanctity of Black/POC customs should be respected. As a proud Black, dark-skindid, fat, femme transwoman I understand the urgency of having to carve out a niche for yourself, to develop traditions and culture for yourself. Especially when your original traditions/cultures were stolen and replaced. I understand the urgency of carving out a niche for your body and your identity in a world that holds your very antithesis as the axum of beauty and subsequent worth. I don't believe the work is for Black trans/cis/POC femmes to stop prioritizing the work of defining, comprehending, and harnessing their beauty. POC femmes reconstructing, and revering our own beauty constructs is an act of revolution. I believe the work is for the government to stop imposing its beauty pathos on the bodies of people of color. I would much rather see Black trans femmes engaging in radical acts of self-love than acquiescing acts of self-abandonment such as facilitating toxic relationships where we are abused due to our sequestered proximity to the beauty construct. I think the government efficiently tricks us into always blaming each other for the reason we're oppressed, when in reality it's the government's fault. I see this argument no different than the whole pull-up-yo-pants-and-racism-will-end disposition. Oppression isn't somewhere smoking a cigarette saying, "Why don't they realize dat I'll leave em alone as soon as they stop getting $200.00 sew-ins"? Black trans femmes/women, don't need to choose between being beautiful or revolutionary. We must realize that being revolutionary is beautiful.

7. What projects are you currently involved in?
KK- As the CEO/Founder of KOKUMOMEDIA INC a Black transwoman run and operated production company. I am overjoyed to announce the projects KOKUMOMEDIA INC. has coming in 2014. We will once again do the TGI State Of The Union Address, T.G.I.F (Trans, GNC, Intersex Freedom) in July. And in 2014 the theme for T.G.I.F. will be, "Unshackling My Body". We want to have a gathering where TGI people of color talk about what our freedom will look like since we already know how oppression does. Also, KOKUMOMEDIA INC. will release my sophomore EP, "After The End". After The Ends explores what would happen if God came back not as a cis white man, but fat, Black trans woman. After The End will be a multimedia project that'll culminate via an album, play, and short film. I'm elated to announce that I'll be doing a North American tour in support of After The End. The film will be released for free via Youtube but the album will be $10.00 via iTunes. The release and tour dates haven't been solidified but if you frequent KOKUMOMEDIA.COM you'll know everything. KOKUMOMEDIA INC will also finally release my 30 minute docuplay/visual memoir, "The Faggot Who Could Fly" exclusively for purchase and screening via KOKUMOMEDIA.COM in 2014. The Faggot Who Could Fly is my story of confronting sexual abuse and racist capitalism in order to actualize my Black transwomahood. And last but certainly not least, Summer 2014 is the launch of KOKUMOMEDIA INC.'s seasonal digital publication KOKUMO. KOKUMO magazine will be dedicated to all things black, trans, and revolutionary. KOKUMO magazine will offer original content from black, trans visionaries such as Dr. Kortney Ryan Ziegler, Laverne Cox, Louis Mitchell, and Janet Mock just to name a few. We even have gotten confirmation from the revolutionary Monica Roberts. I don't know if you've heard of her or not, but she's kind of a big deal. Stay tuned for updates for all KOKUMOMEDIA INC. is doing via KOKUMOMEDIA.COM. And thank you to everyone who supports what we do now!

8.  Since Chicago is producing all these great trans activists, who are some of the people you believe are up and coming trans activists we should be paying attention to?

KK- There are so many QPTOC doing great work across the country: Sasha Alexander, Sasha Kaye, Kylar Broadus, Laverne Cox, Dr. Kortney Ziegler, Trisha Lee Holloway, Shayden Gonzalez, Janet Mock and that's just to name a few. We are on the precipice of a QTPOC Trans Renaissance! And I'm happy to be alive to witness it!9. Now you get to flip the script on me and ask me a question you been dying to find out the answer to.

KK-What's next for you Goddess?

TransGriot-That's always an interesting question for me.  Besides continuing to expose the world to the news, views and history of the trans community from an Afrocentric perspective via TransGriot, do have Creating Change 2014 coming up and the first of what I hope are many panel discussions and speaking opportunities.  

Janet Mock and a few other t-community people have been gently nudging me to write my own book, and I may explore the possibility of doing that. 

Will probably be involved in helping my hometown finally pass a trans inclusive NDO then fight like hell to keep it on the legal books.  I'm slated to make an appearance at the BTMI conference in Dallas this April, at Houston Splash (our Black Pride event in H-town) have a keynote or two here internationally and make 2014 a better year for me fiscally.   

10  Where do you see the Black trans community 10 years from now? 


KK- In ten years black trans people will become the new Hollywood film stock character. And our lives will become generally interpreted by everybody accept us. The only way we can prevent this artistic genocide is by creating our own work, branding ourselves, launching businesses, and developing industries run, operated, and most importantly regulated by us. We must set the standard for what's acceptable in regards to our media depiction just as much as we are adamant our lot in the government. The mass media industrial complex is nothing more than a by-product of the government so we must understand this approach them in tandem since they work in tandem. We can no longer have everyone profit off of us, except us. Black trans revolutionary entrepreneurship is what I'd love to see.

Happy New Year!  Thank you KOKUMO for your time and answering the TransGriot's Ten Questions!

TransGriot Ten Questions Interview-Carmen Xtravaganza

What can I say about the person I'm about to have the pleasure of doing this Ten Questions interview with? 

She's an actress, runway model and legendary house mother of the legendary international House of Xtravaganza.  She's in the iconic documentary Paris Is Burning and How Do I Look, and has led a fascinating life as well that she's contemplating writing a book about (and should).

It's time to ask Carmen Xtravaganza the TransGriot's Ten Questions. 

1. You're originally born in Rota, Spain because your father was in the military.  How much moving around did you do as a child and when did you realize you were meant to be Carmen?

CX-We did a lot of moving as a child. My Dad was stationed in a lot of different naval bases around the world. My parents had split up when I was a very small child but they both shared custody of us so we spent some years with my Dad and some with my Mom. 

Well I knew I was meant to be Carmen around 5 years old or so.  As far back as I can remember my dad always knew from when I was a small child I was always effeminate.  He explained it to me much later after I had already transitioned.  My Dad had no problem at all. My Mom took it a little harder, but once she saw me as Carmen she understood and we became much closer. She was my protector, my everything.

2. You began your transition at 16.  How difficult (or easy) was that for you to do at that time?

CX-Actually I began at 15 years old in Washington.D.C.at DuPont Circle. I actually ran away from home  and started staying in a runaway house there. Life was hard because I was on my own and had to hustle to survive. In Washington D.C. at that time it was very dangerous. I got robbed, mugged, raped and incarcerated during those early two years.  Then I headed up to New York with a friend from school who was in the same situation I was.


3.  When did your involvement in the ballroom community start and what drew you to it? 

CX-I first became involved in the ballroom scene in 1981. I became Carmen St Laurent through the father Robbie St. Laurent. I was drawn to this community because of the adrenalin of competition. The girls that were there were working girls that I had met working the stroll on the West Side Highway in Manhattan near the Village. 

It was a community that I felt totally comfortable in. In those days it was much more family oriented than it is today.  There were no programs for trans girls like there are now.  I became Carmen Xtravaganza in 1983  when I competed for face as Carmen St. Laurent and sat down 7 girls including some Xtravaganza beauties.  I then took my trophy and gave it to Mother Angie and she made me an Xtravaganza at that moment. It was exactly 30 years ago this month in August at the Elks Lodge in Harlem 

4. I came close to spending my gender variant teen years in New York in the late 70's as my Dad contemplated taking a radio job there.  What would have awaited me had my parents decided to make that NY move? 

CX-Well at that time New York was street hard but to get your transition going it was very easy. You had access to the best hormones in the world and lots of support through the girls and great surgeons who modified their prices for our community of trans women.  Money was easy to make in the hustle life. There was GG's Barnum Room, Guilded Grape, 2-20, The Grapevine, Plato’s Retreat, Casa Dario, Paradise Garage, Studio 54 and so many others. There are those girls that didn't live the same life that I did but for me this was my path.  It wasn't without pitfalls and risk. There are many of my close friends that didn't make it for a variety of reasons, whether it be murder,drugs or AIDS. .


5.  As a house mother, do you believe there should be better cooperation and working partnerships between the ballroom and the trans activist communities?

CX-Yes, I love this question!  I do believe that their should be a blending of these two communities.  It needs to happen with the quickness. There are a lot of kids out there today that are outcasts from their own family, they have nowhere to go and no one to ask for advice. Since the house scene has changed there is no longer the same kind of camaraderie and support like in the days when I was coming up.  The kids today have a very shallow understanding of being trans. For them it's about looks and looks only.  Yes, it was about how do I look, but back then we had a sense of self and understanding about core values of community.

Nowadays there is a lot out there for younger trans folks to access compared to the 70's and 80's and 90's.  This is something I'm on a mission to change starting with speaking out and explaining my life narrative. I am involved in developing a project with my sister Koko Jones Xtravaganza called 'Stories From The Edge'

Our vision for 'Stories From The Edge' is to travel to colleges and community based organizations around the country to tell our stories which vary and explain that everyone has a different path and no path is wrong as long as you get to where you want to be.

6.  As someone who has done runway modeling what do you think about the Brazilian trans girls like Lea T and Carol Marra getting that opportunity and would you like to see more American trans girls get their shots in New York fashion shows? 

CX-I remember Marc Jacobs telling me in the 90’S in Sally's Hideaway that he loved my look for fashion. He felt I could do it in Europe but here in the States it would be hard for me.  It's the agencies that are in control of who is hired on shoots and runways. The only agency here in the States that has changed their policy since the early 80's is the Wilhelmina Agency who had as a model Caroline Cossey (Tula). She was the first one there. I have done a lot of modeling overseas in Europe and have had a much easier time with the agencies knowing my secret (Carmen's not Victoria's) LOL.. But not the public.

7. You have the power to change or erase one thing that happened during your lifetime.  What would that point in your life be? 

CX-Honestly, I wouldn't change a thing.  I have learned from my mistakes and the lessons that I was taught through them.  Knowing what I know I would like to be able to impart  some of my knowledge to those that I have lost due to AIDS, violence and racism.

8.  What are some of the current projects you are currently engaged or involved in?

CX-Like I said before I'm involved in developing a multimedia presentation called 'Stories From The Edge' with my sister Koko Jones Xtravaganza. It will highlight both of our careers and our transitions. I have such a different story than Koko but at the same time both of our stories are similar. I have also been doing makeup for photo shoots and music videos. Koko and I just did a photo shoot for Beth Israel medical Center in New York for their new LGBT  services.  I'm happy to say that we are the faces of LGBT services in New York City.


9. You get to ask the TransGriot one question that you've been dying to ask me.  What would that be?

CX-How difficult was it for you to transition and create the life you have now? (I hope this is not too personal a question)

TransGriot: Nope it isn't.


10. Where do you see the person of color trans community ten years from now?

CX-Well, I hope to see trans people of color in a better situation, for violence against us to be reduced. For our brothers and sisters to be able to get the healthcare and service that we most urgently need.  There is a need for us to be educated about our gender identity so we can empower ourselves to reach greater heights and become more visible in society. 

Carmen, thank you so much for answering these Ten Questions!

TransGriot Ten Questions Interview-Louis Mitchell

I had the pleasure of first meeting Louis Mitchell during the 2005 Transsistahs-Transbrothas conference we held in Louisville.

Over the next eight years I've had the opportunity to not only call this trailblazing leader in our community a friend, but be his house guest when I was in western Mass for the 2008 Trans Pride March and Rally. I've also had the pleasure of either seeing him in or participating with him in numerous conferences and events since TSTB including the recent Black Transmen, Inc Conference in Dallas back in March. 

Louis was part of Dr. Kortney Ryan Ziegler's documentary Still Black: A Portrait of Black Transmen, and remains in demand as a consultant, public speaker, trainer and preacher

He was honored by BTMI with an award named after him for his years of principled leadership to our community and is a devoted friend, father and husband.

And today is also his birthday!  Happy birthday, bro! 
So it's time for Louis to answer the TransGriot's Ten Questions.

1 We met back during the 2005 Transsistahs-Transbrothas Conference.  How important was that event in building our community?  


LM-I really began to see and imagine the magnificence, diversity, range and talents of our community! It was, to my knowledge, one of the first times that black transmen and black transwomen came together to produce an event that wasn’t primarily for entertainment or social services. The depth and breadth of us was and continues to be awe inspiring to me! I will admit it…I am in love with us! I love black transwomen, black transmen, black gender-variant people, black gender non-conforming people, black queer people! I can’t say with any certainty that the stone that we threw into the ocean in Louisville originated the ripples that have become the waves of amazing-ness that I’m able to witness now, but I sure hope so.


2. What are your thoughts about why the Black transmasculine community doesn't get the love, respect and visibility it deserves?

LM-I’m not sure that anyone gets the love and respect that is deserved – not trans folks, not black folks and surely not most, if any, black trans folks…lol.

I think that the intersections and overlaps of stigma and oppression play a part in so much of our experience. I don’t have hard data, but I would conjecture that most black men of trans experience (most trans men of color, actually) transition to and with a goal of living a no or low-disclosure life, i.e. stealth. So, I don’t believe that visibility is always desired.

I think that we, as most men, suffer discrimination, violence and assault in shame and silence – either because we risk being outed or because we fear the additional stigma of being weak, unmanly.
The black transmasculine community is very diverse and therefore we have many of the same issues as all black men – un/under employment, addiction, fatigue/lethargy, increased likelihood of arrest, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, misogyny, disablism, etc. We also have many of the same attributes – a strong and principled faith journey, a generationally practiced work ethic, strong commitment to family and community. We also face challenges in our personal lives like everyone else – who wants to date us, who wants to love us, who will accept us? Often, we, like some of our trans-sisters, believe that once we have medically “arrived” we can put our whole past behind us forever. And that may be true, I don’t know. But I am challenged by the idea that one becomes a whole man by amputating parts of your life.

All of that said, I believe that my brothers and I are on a path of learning new and creative ways to love and support each other, our families and our trans-kindred – respecting personal disclosure choices, gender presentation choices, affectional preferences and spiritual journey choices. I believe that we are on the path to giving ourselves and each other the love, respect and dignity that we deserve and having enough left over to share with others in the world who need love, support and nurture.


3.  When did you transition and why?

LM-I began my spiritual/mental/emotional transition in 1996 and my medical/hormonal transition in 1999 – after much research, discernment and getting the nerve to tell my momma!

I’m not sure how to answer the “why” question. There are so many reasons. I knew from the time I was a little child, age 3 or so, that I wasn’t a “girl”, but I had no idea what that meant. I had never heard of a man transitioning – women, yes, but men no. It was a dream, a fantasy that I could enjoy because I never needed to risk anything to realize it. When I met someone who was ftm for the first time, I had a rush of conflicting emotions! I was overjoyed, terrified, angry, resistant! I was thrilled that it was really possible. I was terrified because I knew that I would have to risk everything and everyone to transition. I was angry that I had to make these difficult decisions. I was resistant to let go of the relative comfort I had in communities that I’d long been a part of.

Ultimately it came down to a few things. I was going to keep hiding in my “lesbian” skin, taking away rare opportunities from women because I wouldn’t get out of the way or I was going to move into a manhood that I’d only imagined, but not been prepared for. I was going to try to stay sober living a “half-truth” and risk relapse or I was going to step out in faith that all of my recovery work had prepared me for. I was going to die to avoid upsetting my mother and my friends who would feel abandoned and betrayed by my transition or I was going to live into my greatest integrity.

4.  As a spiritual leader, do you have a message for the transpeople who feel beaten up by the folks who use faith as an attack weapon against us?

LM-I don’t know that I would call myself a spiritual leader – more of a spiritual comrade to the disquieted, disgruntled, wounded, betrayed, yet still seeking.

My only message is that we are not alone and must find comfort in each other and in those that understand the messages of love in the spirit. If you are bruised and battered, stop visiting/paying for/singing for/preaching for your oppressor. There are open and loving arms and hearts that will welcome you – every part of you, all of you. Get support for yourself – get out of the SDV (spiritual domestic violence) relationship that you’re in. Just as all survivors of abuse and trauma will need time and nurture to grieve and to heal, so will you. Try to be as patient and loving with yourself as you can. Those of us (and there are a lot) who have been through it are here and many of us are willing to be a support to you through your journey.


5. There are transmasculine leaders doing amazing things. Who are some of the leaders that deserve more recognition for what they do but aren't getting the attention for their work?   

LM-There are so many! Many of the men who are doing so much won’t ever get the kind of community wide recognition that I think they deserve out of respect for their disclosure choices.
The men who are doing the hard work in our growing number of greek organizations, Carter Brown and all of the men heading BTMI chapters around the country, just to name a few. Again, I would love to tell you who they are (and you know them already), but I am committed to respecting their own disclosure choices.


6.  Where are the places in which the Black transmasculine and transfeminine communities do an excellent job of working together and where are the areas in which we can improve?  



LM-We seem to do an amazing job every time we work together! The difficulty seems to be that many of our communities of origin, where we transitioned from, are not connected. The bridges that need to be built now are many and will require some growth on all of our parts. It’s been my experience that some of the things we say in conversations with each other and when we think that we aren’t around each other, have been really hurtful! Especially around love and companionship – “we don’t date t-women, we only date real women/we don’t date t-men, we only date real men”. We all have our romantic/sexual preferences, but if they are about anatomy or even what we assume the anatomical make-up of a person is, then how can we ever expect to be loved or valued in ourselves? Additionally, we have the challenges of sexism, homophobia and look-ism to contend with – intra and inter community. There is so much wonderful work that has been done, but there is yet plenty of work to do!

7.  What are some of the projects you are working on now?


LM-I have just finished developing curricula for spiritual care givers specific to suicidality in the trans and gender-variant communities for the Trans Faith Institute. It is an issue that is especially dear to my heart and of critical importance to our community. Many folk who are in clergy or in another form of spiritual practice are ill equipped to deal with suicidality and even less equipped to deal with the issue specifically in the trans communities.

I am spending most of my time being a dad, preparing to return to school, preaching and making myself available for speaking and trainings again.


8.  I know you are immensely proud of your daughter.  What's it like being a parent?



LM-I can’t even describe it! I melt when she smiles and opens her arms and says “Dada”! A lifetime ago, I dreamt of this moment and felt certain that I would never know this feeling – I can scarcely believe I’m not still dreaming. Kahlo has just turned one and she is amazing! She is curious, observant, assertive and vociferous. She is strong-willed and determined and I love that! She makes me want to practice more self-care and self-reflection and to be a better person, so that I can be a better father. I’m so very, very, very grateful for her…and I love her so very, very, very much!


9.  You get to flip the script and ask the TransGriot a question you've been dying to ask me. Fire away. 

LM-I’m going to cheat and ask two…lol. When are you going to write/finish your autobiography? You are so awesome at lifting up our history and our history in the making, but what about you and your amazing life? And two (they are related), when are you going to start a publishing company for our works? I know and you know you could do it and do it with excellence! I love you, sis…so grateful for you!!!


10. Where do you see the Black trans community ten years from now?

LM-I see us everywhere, doing what we do! Producing, shaping, creating – holding offices, starting businesses, finding cures, making art and music, breaking athletic records, creating families of all kinds, healing families of origin, starting/opening/seeding mosques, churches, yoga studios, retreats, writing fiction and non-fiction, owning our own work, our own land/houses, supporting each other in philanthropic ways! The sky isn’t even a limit for us. I’ve seen us do so much with so little – we are chosen, called, anointed and purposeful!!!!

TransGriot Ten Questions Interview-Koko Jones Xtravaganza

Past time for another one of my TransGriot Ten Questions interviews.

One of the benefits of me founding the Transsistahs-Transbrothas group back in 2004 was not only establishing a place in which transpeople of color could chat about the issues of transitioning while a person of color, it also jump started working partnerships and friendships that have lasted to this present day. 

One of the fascinating people I met at that time was Koko Jones Xtravaganza, who is a multitalented New York metro area based girl like us musician, composer, parent, instructor and trans advocate who is currently writing a book about her very interesting life

So now it's time for Koko to answer the TransGriot's Ten Questions.

1-You're a Jersey girl, and as I alluded to in the intro you are a musician.  So what is it about that part of the country that produces so many chart topping musicians?

KJX-I don’t know if we produce more chart topping musicians but the music scene has changed drastically since I was coming up. I’m from New Jersey, just outside of New York, New York on a whole from the days of Jazz was and still is like a Mecca just as Chicago, Philly and other cities around the country. New York audiences are probably some of the toughest audiences to perform in front of. If you don’t come correct don’t come at all. That goes for any type of performance so the standard here is very high.

From the early days of jazz when Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker and Thelonious Monk were around, the highest of standards were expected of the players. I was fortunate to be a part of two different scenes here; the New York jazz scene and the R&B/Funk/Soul scene out here in Jersey.

I grew up in the small enclave of Englewood, NJ which boasted groups like The Isley Brothers, The Moments (Ray, Goodman and Brown), Regina Belle, Bernard Belle, Guy, Ed Townsend, Sylvia Robinson, The Sugar Hill Gang and David Townsend of Surface; Jazz artists Tyree Glenn and Roger Glenn, and transplanted artists such as The Five Stairsteps, Wilson Pickett, Dizzy Gillespie, Sam Rivers, Hilton Ruiz and so many others. Besides that, Sugar Hill Records and The Isley's T-Neck Records were both operated out of Englewood and the Teaneck area. Most of my fellow musicians of my generation became professionals working with top names in the industry. Other Jersey bands include Kool and the Gang (Jersey City), Parliament/Funkadelic (Plainfield, NJ) and a host of others. So yes the pressure was on from an early age. You had to perform or get off the stage!

By the way, Texas and Oklahoma boasts some talent as well!!!!

2- I'm a huge R&B fan in large part to my late father being in radio.  I noted as a musician you got to tour with some major artists. Who are some of those artists you toured with and what is that experience like?

KJX-Well, I first went on tour at the age of 13 backing an all boy band called “Spoonbread”. They did a remake of the Bee-Gees song, “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart”. It was a big hit in 1972. We toured and opened for acts like the Chi-Lites, Harold Melvin and Blue Notes, The Four Tops, Eddie Kendricks and The Isley Brothers. I didn’t tour again until I was 19 when I joined Archie Shepp’s band and went to Europe. Just a couple of months later I was asked to join the Isley Brothers and toured with them for the next 6 years.

Almost immediately after the Isley’s tour ended I was called to join Whitney Houston for her European tour in 1986 and stayed with her until the early 90’s. I rejoined the Isley Brothers as well as Angela Winbush in 1990 but it was nothing like those years between 1980 and 1986. This was mainly due to my increasing distress and awareness of my trans status. I’ve toured with many other Jazz artists since then. Including my recent work and touring with Urban/Folk/Soul-Jazz artist KJ Denhert (www.kjdenhert.com)

The years with both The Isley’s and Whitney were fast paced and it seemed as if it would never end but mainly I enjoyed my time with them. The Isley Brothers were like family to me, especially the younger brothers Marvin and Ernie and brother-in-law Chris Jasper. Those times included not only touring but recording as well. I recorded 8 separate projects with the Isleys; something that no other percussionist can say.

The years with Whitney were magical! She had a voice that was so unbelievable that the first gig I did I spent shaking my head in awe; it was almost a surreal experience. But her heart was golden. It sickened me to hear all of the stories in the media of her being a scornful diva. That picture that was painted was so wrong, she was such a sweetheart. She brought me to places I never would have been and met people I never would have met if I hadn’t had that gig. I am truly indebted to her and her family for that opportunity. I remember when I was going through my transition and having a difficult time she pulled me aside, held me in her arms as I was in tears and told me, “If you ever need to talk my door is always open. You know I love you, we love you and God loves you.” I will never ever forget that.

3-When did you transition and why? 

KJX-Let me say that my transition was a life saving measure. I felt I had done all the running away from my gender identity that I could do. It came to point where I looked in the mirror and had to be truthful with myself. When I transitioned is a hard question. I took my first hormone shot in 1987 and began electrolysis.

However, I was in between tours with Whitney at the time. I will never forget the look on the faces of band members and crew when I showed up for the rehearsals with long relaxed hair, eyebrows done and no facial hair. However, my transition stalled because of the touring which made it impossible to keep up with when you’re moving from city to city, night after night. Also, when you’re in a band on tour it’s almost like being on a sports team. You dress together, you eat together and you travel together. You are with each other everyday all day! I began living full time around 1990-1991.

The one thing I didn’t mention in all of this history is that I have a daughter. In 1999 my daughter called me to ask to come live with me. So I decided to petition the court and ask for full custody of my child. The court rejected the petition citing that it would be psychologically damaging to her to come live with me. The only way I could gain custody would be if I would present myself as a male. In weighing my options at that time I decided to transition back to presenting in my male persona.

Certainly I didn’t believe I was damaging my daughter’s psychological well being but the time involved with appealing that decision would be too costly. I would never get that precious time back with my daughter that I might lose in waiting to appeal the case. It wasn’t until my daughter left to live on her own that I could reasonably think of living the life that I needed to live. That happened in 2008.

So the short answer is I lived 9 years previously and then for the last 4 years.

4- We met because of the Transsistahs-Transbrothers Yahoo discussion group.  How important are the online groups, especially to transpeople of color? 

KJX-I must say that Transsistahs-Transbrothas was the first online group that I was ever in. It served as an oasis for me during those times before my second transition. It was incredibly important to hear stories from other trans folk of color. My culture and heritage is something that is very important to me. I live for my people.

The friendships I bore there have supported me through my darkest hours. I felt so understood there. I think that we as black folks in America have such a disparate narrative due to the way we process our history and our view of the world around us. What we know happened and what is still happening now. I am not saying that our Anglo trans brothers and sisters don’t have difficulties; just that our view is different due to institutionalized and internalized racism. (I won’t go into current events in this interview).

5- Did you have any trans role models at the time you transitioned?

KJX-Well my role model at that time was my “Gay Mother”, Jovanna Lopez. We shared an apartment back in 1988 through 1990. She taught me a lot about the life that I had never known. Back in 1988 the only folks I knew were her and the many friends I was introduced to back then. Those girls included Angie Xtravaganza, Tiny Showbiz, Carmen Xtravaganza (she was introduced to as Carmen from Spain), and many, many more.

Eventually, when I transitioned I was able to go to “the Center” (Gay & Lesbian Community Center) in Manhattan when the Gender Identity Project was just being formed for social support. Rosalyne Blumenstein was also one of my role models. In my most recent transition Carmen and I became very close and I started living with her in 2009. I was basically put out of the house where I was renting due to my transition. We supported each other and have since been each others support. I can say now that we truly are family.


6- How did you become a member of the House of Xtravaganza and how much has the ballroom scene changed from the time you first encountered it? 

KJX-I first encountered members of this House when I was living with Jovanna. When we had our apartment, Mother Angie Xtravaganza would come with some of the girls in tow and stay for the weekend but I never had any interest in joining the House.

More recently when I began living with Carmen who is the current Mother, I was made an Xtravaganza. For me it’s more of honorary title for my years of struggle and what I bring to the table as a trans woman and advocate. The role of the houses is changing. The ballroom scene is much different now than it was back in the 80’s and early 90’s. Yes there are still balls and the “kids” still carry on.

There have been a lot of changes in the balls themselves with the categories and costumes. It has become very bizarre at times and some balls are more of dance competition than anything else. The disturbing trend unfortunately has been this category of sex siren. It’s a very healthy category for the boys but for the girls it’s sometimes judged on the amount of silicone one has placed in their body; a practice that can be somewhat dangerous to say the least. But I haven’t been big on the ballroom scene myself lately so I could be wrong.

My focus has been more on trans advocacy and the work I’m doing at CHEST/Hunter College with the new research study I’m involved with.

7- You recently had the opportunity to participate at the 2013 Philly Trans Health Conference.  What was that experience like?

KJX-I attended the Philadelphia Trans Health Conference officially as a presenter with CHEST (The Center for HIV/AIDS Education, Studies and Training at Hunter College). We presented our new research study and intervention for trans women called T-Talk. We did an 80 minute presentation that was pretty well attended for an 8:45 am slot. There was a lot that needed to be said and the most vocal in the audience were Transwomen of color.

The conference was such a positive experience for me. I was able to meet lots of people in the community and best of all got to meet with a lot of people I had established a long time online relationships with; namely Dionne Stallworth, Fredrikka Joy Maxwell and our Transsistahs-Transbrothas community.

It occurred to me while reflecting about the conference that many of us need a voice. We need to speak what’s on our mind. I think there needs to be a comprehensive conference for trans women of color. We have so much to say and we need a forum to be able to do that and not just online. Maybe a conference can be developed where we can meet others just like us from around the country and around the world exclusively to talk about these issues. I hope I’m not being too separatist?

8-What are some of the projects you're currently involved with? 

KJX-I am in the midst of writing a book of my memoirs. I’m calling it “A Very Different Drummer – Journal of a Triumphant Life”. Writing is tricky; what to disclose and what NOT to disclose about my private life. I finished 2 separate recordings last year under my own name. It’s called “Who’s That Lady”. It’s also a document of my life as well. It tells my story of triumph and struggle. I wrote most of the songs along with band members and have of course a cover of an Isley Brothers song and a song by Whitney Houston.

The other album I have completed is also my own. It’s folkloric in nature featuring blazing percussion and vocals only. It’s called “Native Soil” and produced by Babatunde Lea for Motema Music

I’m also creating a multi-media presentation along with my sister Carmen Xtravaganza called, “Stories from the Edge”. It’s the story of two trans women of color who have similar but disparate paths to live the life they have always dreamt of living.

Also, as I mentioned before I’m currently working at CHEST (The Center for HIV/AIDS Education, Studies and Training at Hunter College), doing a research study and intervention called T-Talk. It’s not direct services but a study designed to address the acute health needs of trans women that live in the NYC metro area.

9-Let's flip the question script for a moment. What's the one question you're dying to ask the TransGriot?

KJX-Okay….. What prompted you to start the Transsistahs-Transbrothas group and why do you think it was so successful?

10-Where do you see the Black trans community in the next ten years?

KJX- I think that there are many challenges ahead of us as a community. There needs to be more acceptance and understanding in the Black community of trans folk. I think that a dialogue needs to be opened up between leaders and members in the overall African American community. For us our community is everything. This is where I see the need for inclusion. Will our voices be heard? Are our black leaders culturally competent when it comes to the issues of black trans folk? This will determine where we go from here.

But I am an eternal optimist. I believe in ten years we will have taken a step in the direction of understanding, empathy and inclusion. Of course the entire country needs to have an ongoing discussion about race in America. Our society is still feeling the brunt of slavery. Jim Crow has ended but is still going on underneath the surface in the hearts and minds of many.

***

Koko, thanks for your time and for doing this TransGriot Ten Questions interview!   

TransGriot Ten Questions Interview -Sabrina Samone

Haven't done a TransGriot Ten Questions interview so far this year and it's past time I started doing them again.  

This one features the new girl on the trans blogging block in South Carolina's Sabrina Samone, the creative force behind TransMusePlanet. 

Her blog is fast becoming another place to go for insightful commentary on a wide variety of issues inside and outside the trans community

So it's not only time for you to get to know Sabrina, but have her answer the TransGriot's Ten Questions

1-You're originally from New Orleans.  What's it like growing up trans in a city that has a gender bending undercurrent to it?

SS-Yes, I was in born in New Orleans, but left at such a young age, at five, so I doubt it affected me environmentally but it was obviously in the water, right? LOL. My father’s family can trace their roots there to before the Louisiana Purchase, so that African/Creole blood still runs deep. Whenever I get the chance to go back, it’s the only place that ever truly feels like home to me and it does have an infectious LGBT vibe and you can’t help but be affected by it though. Sadly, like here in Charleston, outside of the area that liberal attitude totally disappears.


2- Did you have any trans role models growing up and if you did, who were they?

SS-Not in the beginning no, I grew up in Hartsville, SC, a small town an hour southeast of Charlotte, NC and I didn’t even know there was a term, Trans, until around until my late teens when I heard of Dana International, before that it was just RuPaul, who was beautiful but I only saw him as a man dressing for entertainment purpose only and really couldn’t relate to that. The movie The Crying Game came to my town and that was an eye opener, then I moved to Atlanta and met an older Trans-woman who became like a mentor to me and kept me out of the trouble that so many young Trans-women of color were finding themselves in. I wasn’t an easy nut to crack either, so she was a saint for sticking by me, LOL.

3- In terms of your own transition, is there any part of aspect of it that with hindsight you wish you could change?

SS-Physically I’m very glad I didn’t follow the crowd and go for the quick, cheap and easy silicone route. No disrespect to anyone who has, but it was very important to me to be as natural as possible and that meant being patient and let the hormones do their job, along with a strict diet of mainly vegetables, fruit and fish, for me.

My greatest disappointment was that I did follow the crowd at the time in where looking “fabulous” or doing the next gender illusion show was the only issue. A better education was never as important, so now I find myself in my thirties playing catch up. Luckily I did have two years of college before transition, so that feeling of finishing has always loomed over my head.

4- You presently live in South Carolina.   What's your assessment of where the local trans population is in terms of building a cohesive community?

SS-For years her in SC, a Trans-girl of color’s options had been limited to being a show girl, sex worker or at best a hairdresser, if you wasn’t planning or could live stealth. As long as those you worked with didn’t know, you were ok pretty much in any profession, especially here in Charleston, which has a large “ex-Yankee” population. It’s a lot easier here than anywhere else in the state and I’ve lived all over it, which is probably why you have a better organization of Trans advocates and supporters here.

The C.A.T.S (Charleston Area Transgender Support), has made great strides here in reaching out to all within in the Trans community, that exclusion of “certain types of trans people”, is really not accepted here and that’s what I appreciate the most about it. Outside of Charleston you can still meet people in SC, who has never even heard the word Transgender and if you mention TS for short, they will assume you’re talking about a tropical storm. Ideal for living stealth, but can be very lonely.

Thankfully things are improving dramatically, there is a growing network of Trans groups throughout the state within the past ten years and a few at the helm of the LGBT state organizations are doing great work lobbying for the Transgender Community and bridging that gap that’s been a part of LGBT culture for too long, so there’s a lot of positive hope for the next generation.


5- Do you think that transpeople who live in blue states far too often have knee-jerk reactions to transpeople who live in red states?
SS-I think so.  There are pockets in every region that have their more conservative and liberal sections. Even states like New York and California have areas that are as against LGBT people as much as some parts of SC and TX. Just like New Orleans seems to be separated from the rest of Louisiana, Charleston is to South Carolina. It really depends in a red state what part you’re in, just as it does in a blue state. Syracuse, NY is not as liberal as NYC either.


6- You are Queen of the Universe with unlimited power to permanently fix whatever ails humanity.  What would be your first act in exercising your newfound powers and why?

SS-Well actually I would pass on that amount of power and let fate work out humanities problems. I think one of the greatest gifts God has given us is the power of free will. If I could just wave a magic wand and make the world join hands and sing together as one, it would be only temporary because I think the nature of man is to seek out his own free will and things may go to being worse than before, but I’d wish for more hope and togetherness for all in mankind, with hope and faith all is possible.


7- What are some of the projects you're currently working on?
SS-Currently I’m waiting to get in the nursing program for my RN after finishing my prerequisites, that’s number one priority and hoping I start in January 2014. There is such a list to get in, if not I may be looking at nursing programs in other areas, so that’s a big question mark these days.

Before the end of this year I hope to have my first novel, “The Premiere” on e-book. A local producer friend and I are still working on scheduling, to start work on a documentary. Unfortunately this summer my mother is going through two knee replacement surgeries, one down and one to go at this point and she is currently in rehab. Most of my summer will be spent between here in Charleston and back at her home in Hartsville to check on her.

8-  What motivated you to start your blog and what are your likes and dislikes about it?

SS-I simply started TMP as a place to practice on improving my writing skills. I had been a fan of your blog and a couple of other trans-women, just to keep up with what was going on in our community. When I decided to do a blog, my first instinct was to show my fictional side, but I was so influenced by what others like Cheryl Courtney-Evans, Janet Mock and you had to say about what was going and on the divide in the community I decided to do the same.

The other trans blogs to me only seemed to focus on “their day to day hormone regime” and “look at my transition progress pictures.” Everywhere I looked it seemed a vast majority of the blogs were only discussing taking a pill and its effects and I was baffled to why they’re not discussing what life is like being Transgender, how we’re treated in society, why is there even a divide within the community. To me, these issues were so obvious and only you and few others were even touching on the subject.

I know those type of blogs about hormones have an important informational role to play, but once one starts HRT there’s a whole life adjustment that’s going to happen ready or not.  I felt there’s too few blogs preparing the vast majority of the younger Transgender Community members for that. and so I decided to be a part of the discussion that questions our community.

If I can sum up what I feel Transmuseplanet is about; is me asking not only myself, but all my fellow Trans sisters and brothers to question things within our community, question the lack of unity, togetherness and understanding. I don’t have to tell anyone life can be difficult as a transgender person, but I will question why any other transperson or LGB person would make life even more difficult for a fellow transperson.

Regardless of race, religion, social economical status, nationality or religion, yes all Trans people differ, but the one thing we have in common is being Transgender. Unity is the only way to earn respect and equality, not only in this country but the world. It troubles me that someone with a masters degree, a home and a nice 401k, that decided to start transition at 30+, after they’ve accomplished all this, disrespects or degrades a young trans-woman of color (or otherwise), that was kicked out of her home at 17, had to drop out of high school to save her life and found herself on Eros.com or in porn, be ostracized from taking part in a community that needs all the numbers it can get to fight for equality.

We don’t have the luxury of the Women’s Liberation movement that condemns such women.  We simply don’t have the numbers to be feminists with our noses stuck in the air. I say on TMP and believe in the unity and duality of being Trans.


9-Let's flip the question script for a moment.   What's the one question you'd like to ask the TransGriot you're dying to get an answer to?

SS-Probably my biggest question to you is; how do you do it, LMAO?   I notice you tackle the very negative issues at the heart of our community and often go head to head with those like the radfem hate group and others with such negative and damaging comments that if only if they took to the time to realize, undermines all of us.

If you’re white and Trans and can’t have support for black Trans people, how the heck do they think mainstream cis-gender society is going to take any of us seriously?  The same goes for Trans-men who can’t do away with any misogynistic attitudes against Trans-women.

I think you handle those issues well and any pointers would help LOL.


10-Where do you see the Black trans community in the next ten years?
 
SS-Well, thankfully with all what is going on with young transgender kids, I’d like to see and hope that young Trans kids can be accepted and supported by the black family. Transition much sooner in life; go to college and instead of living a life as a trans woman to just be a woman. That’s what I hope, but until then we as trans people of color have to put the pressure on our families, and the African-American community to understand and be more accepting of their transgender children, sister, brother, cousin, aunt, uncle, niece and nephew.

I’d also like to see our young Trans black women take better care of their health, protect themselves from HIV and to respect themselves more. It’s not always what you do, but how you do it. There’s a lot that rush to get illegal silicone injections and are consumed with beauty.  I’d also hope we move beyond looks and judging each other on merits of beauty alone, but strive to be more than a pretty face.

 

TransGriot Ten Questions Interview-Tracie Jada O'Brien

Haven't done a TransGriot Ten Questions interview in a while.  In this one I have the honor and pleasure of interviewing another of our iconic transwomen in Tracie Jada O'Brien.  

It's time for her to answer the TransGriot's Ten Questions.. 

1. You're another person that has seen a lot of our community history in terms of watching the rise of the trans community.  What was it like 'back in the day' and being a part of that?

TJO-We were chased a lot by people in the neighborhood and sexually objectified at the same time. It was quite scary, yet exciting ( 14 years old until I left St. Louis in 1970)

San Francisco in the 70's was an excitingly dangerous place, so free and open.

As a teen I imagined myself in college as my female self (hair in a larger afro and wearing a maxi-skirt) but my reality showed me a different landscape.

I went to San Francisco and began my transition, began experimenting with drugs, and sex work (all the activities was what I saw my peers doing )

I also had the opportunity to go to school but I lacked the drive and confidence at that time .

San Francisco was pretty liberal when it came to living free and open but on the other hand if you were a " working girl or hung out at bars and discos , you ran the risk of being arrested for Female Impersonation.

I saw Trans women excelling in school and work as well as "party girls" . Drugs were definitely present and done freely .

2. When did you transition and what are the differences you've observed between how it was done then and now?

TJO-I began my mental transition early on in my life knowing something was amiss but not know sure what it was . I discovered the Christine Jorgenson autobiography at the library.  I stole it and kept it under my bed.

In my teen years I began experimenting with mascara and wearing very unisex clothes as it was the 60's and bright colors and bell bottoms were in style. It was also during this time that I discover the "gay scene" in St. Louis and drag queens. I had friends that expressed themselves in a very feminine manner . As we all began to express our feminine selves it became very clear (and at times violent) that if I were to continue this journey (whatever it was to be) that I would have to leave St. Louis.

I went to San Francisco in 1970 and met others young folks like myself (mind you during this time there really wasn't a term or name for what I was about to do except for Transsexual or Queen ) and began taking hormones. I went to the "Center for Special Problem " ( YES , the real name of this clinic) on Van Ness Avenue, met with a doctor and was prescribed hormones and given a letter that I took to the DMV where I changed the name and gender on my California ID, to this day ,this is the only " name change" procedure that I have completed. (works for me)

That was the beginning of my transition as I can and only will speak from my own experience

I do know that in the late 60's Harry Benjamin wrote a "standard of care" for treatment of this "issue"

It seemed more simplistic then, however today it appears a more structured precise set of steps that may vary from person or group of person

3. I believe that it is important for transpeople, and especially transpeople of color to know our history and who our history makers are. Do you think we POC transpeople would be in better situations if we youngsters had gotten the opportunity to get to know the stories of you pioneering transwomen?

TJO-Well, the history as I saw it (when I came out in the 60's ) was invisible especially given the "standards of care" and the "stealth" nature of POC trans people

I do belove my generation gave birth to leaders that just had had enough. I did not know of a Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera or a Stonewall ( Stonewall 1969) even though that was the year I graduated from High School and formally began my personal journey with a suicide attempt.

Maybe had I known of others that were "fighting" for our existence, things would not have been so emotionally challenging for me ( I must say , I don't regret any of my past as those experiences give birth to the "fighter" in me .) and I would have made more healthier choices and reached my journey of confidence, self acceptance and self love sooner than I did

I definitely believe that if the experiences of Trans POC of the 60s, 70s, 80, and 90's had been documented correctly "youngsters" would have a platform and a base of reference to give credibility to their existence.

4. Who are the up and coming activists that you think will make a positive impact on our community?

TJO-Oh, My............ I am happy to say that there are few I could mention

Ashley Love, Laverne Cox, Valerie Spencer, Janet Mock

Wow, it give me chills to be able to mention these incredible up and coming activists!

5. You're queen of the universe with the power to grant one wish for the trans community. What would it be?

TJO-My dear, I AM the Queen of the Universe! (kidding)

If I were Queen, my wish for my community would be that Transgender would be defined n the following manner : Male , Female, Transgender (mtf), and Transgender (ftm)....instead of GLBT.....I still feel deep in my heart that WHOEVER made the decision to add us to the ladder made a GRAVE error that has and will continue to do a disservice to us.

6. You're based in California with two other iconic African American transwomen, Miss Major and Sharyn Grayson. Do you ladies ever get together to talk shop or about the state of our community?

TJO-I speak with Miss Major very often as she is my sista-friend, mentor, and confidant. She is responsible for me making decisions that changed my life in 1995.

She convinced me that I would be okay and safe if I went to City College.  I did, I excelled and now I pass it on the others that may have fear of the unknown. Facing fears and over coming obstacles and barriers and coming out unscathed "

She and I often speak of the forgotten TG women of color, the most visible and most underserved and unfairly targeted for sexual objectification and violence

7. What advice do you have for young transpeople who are just beginning their transitions?

TJO-You can look at others as role models and might want to pattern your  transition after them  But you can only be the BEST YOU that you can be.

You have a beautiful canvas that is YOU.  Refine and perfect YOU. Only when you are the BEST YOU you can be, you will be able to reach YOUR full potential.
8. What is the one thing that people don't know about you that you feel comfortable revealing to my TransGriot readers?

TJO- I am actually still that scared little child yearning for my mother's love.

9. What are some of the current projects, either personal or activism related that you are pursuing at this time?

TJO-Currently I am in talks with a professor to assist me with writing my autobiography

10. Where do you see the African American trans community ten years from now?

TJO-We're such a diverse and very often (forced) stealth community. As a  whole I just wish everyone could feel that they are whole humans beings wonderfully and powerfully made. With this perhaps we as community could aspire to greatness.

TransGriot Ten Questions Interview-Diamond Stylz

One of the cool things about me being back home is discovering I'm not alone in terms of African descended transsisters in Houston who are more willing to stand up not only for their own human rights but role model what it means to be a Black transwoman.

Meet the multi-talented actress, singer, tell it like it T-I-S is video blogger and civil rights warrior from Indianapolis, Diamond Stylz.  Discovered her video blog in 2010 and her interesting backstory in terms of her transitioning at age 13 and being a plaintiff in a 1999 ACLU lawsuit. The fact she lives in Houston is a bonus.

It's time to ask Diamond the TransGriot's Ten Questions

1-What was it like to transition during your teen years, and what are your thoughts about transkids being able to do so at earlier ages as we have kids doing now?  

DS-At the time of my transition, I didn't know that transitioning so early was a blessing. During my teen years, my mother was battling on the losing side of a crack addiction. I was going from living with hateful Jehovah's Witness family members to homelessness to group homes.  The lack of stability and inconsistent authority figures allowed me to embrace who I was slowly without much change in consequences. I was still getting bullied and Bible thumped just as I was prior to changing how I dressed.

The state funded group home had rules and policies.  They cant kick you out on the street for dressing in girl clothes or because "the Lord says YOU are an abomination." I was smart and some would say cute. I knew how to rub the staff members the right way literally and figuratively, if you know what I mean.

I made it work for me. I didn't have time to think about how lucky I was because I didn't feel lucky at all. I was just surviving what was going on in the outside world, so I needed as little chaos as possible on the inside. Transitioning gave that serenity to me.

That ability to express who we are is so important to everyone in their development. Trans kids that are allowed to transition earlier can focus on dealing with the world instead of dealing with that AND battling themselves.

2-Did you have any trans role models growing up and if you didn't, who are the women that you role model in your life?

DS-I did not have trans role models when i was in my teens. It was very slim pickings in my area.  Every older trans I knew was a drunk drag diva, semi-full time, on drugs, or in a totally abusive relationships. Most were combinations of two or more of those qualities if I can call them qualities. The few older ones that were "normal" were very standoffish and shady.   I found camaraderie in trans people my age and gay men. Gay men get a bad rap sometimes when it comes to trans issues but they can be a blessing. They were my protectors and listening ears during the early years.

Now during my 20's I found my gay mother. She changed my life. She was loving, fun, and genuinely cared for me. She inspired me to be more because she was more. She is definitely one of the elements that propelled me to a better place in my life right now.

3-I understand you graduated from the same high school that actress Vivica A. Fox attended and that your paths crossed during your time in Circle City.   Is she as trans supportive as I have heard her rumored to be? 

DS-Yes Vivica did graduate from my high school. I met her very briefly a few times. It was not long enough for me to really get into her but she was very nice and personable.

4-You had to fight for the right with the help of the ACLU to rock your prom dress when you graduated.  What was that battle like and what triggered it?
DS-I have the story on my site to give you more details. I'll summarize here. Basically I was rude and tactless li'l tranny. I said something I should not have said to my principal about her breath consistently being stinky after she kissed me on the cheek in front of the superintendent. 

The comment, although the truth, was inappropriate and started her on this vindictive rampage to ruin my senior year. 

During our class picture she tried to make me sit in the back so people couldn't see me. She waited two days before the prom to tell me that I couldn't go to the prom as a girl. This was strange because the school administration had never had a problem with me dressing in girls apparel in all those prior years.  So when one of my teachers whispered in my ears about the ACLU, I called them and the local news and the two day battle began.

The principal stopped me in the hallway after I was on the news and said,"You know you are gonna lose and just embarrass yourself." I looked and her and smiled and said "I guess we will see."  In the end, I won the case and she ate good ole crow. That win gave me the spirit to fight for my rights that I have today.

Years later, I found out that allegedly the judge who ruled in my favor was a regular client of the local trans escorts. So I was lucky in many ways


5-Do you think that Black transwomen are doing a better job of building sisterhood, it's at the same level as when you came into the community, or it's worse? 

DS-I think the exposure to quality transwomen is much better then ever before. We have people like you showcasing our lives, issues, and history on the web. Successful role models like Tona Brown, Valerie Spencer, Janet Mock, Isis King, Laverne Cox, model Lea T and others are shining their lights for the world to see.  The younger generation can see this clearly.

Even our non-ethnic sisters give us inspiration like Lynn Conway, Andrea James, Candis Cayne, Amanda Simpson, Phyllis Frye, Cristan Williams. All of them inspire as well.  Like-minded transfolks can come together like never before, networking, sharing each other stories, promoting projects, and listening to each others needs. This will help us become a solid unit and force to reckon with toward change.

6-What are some of the projects you are currently working on?

DS-Well I am the first African American transgender YouTube partner. This was a wonderful medium to build myself an audience. I want to keep growing in that area.

Most people don't know this because I cover activist type issues and comedy, but I am a singer/songwriter. I am in the process of saving to record an album. I have released some of the song on my music page of my site. Studio time is expensive so I'm working hard to get the money to get the project done.

If there are any music buffs out there. I would LOVE to collaborate. I want to use the profits for my album to start a college fund for first year trans students. I think it important to have financial support during that time in a trans person life. I needed it during college so I want to give back what was given to me.


7-You are queen of the world with unlimited power to erase injustice  What are the first three things you would focus on?

DS-I would get rid of this monetary based system of government. That is the root to any marginalized groups demise. I am an avid supporter of the Venus Project created by Jacques Fresco. I think it a wonderful idea. Yes, it has some things to be work out but the idea of overall social change that would stop the depletion of our resources and drastically impact the injustice of the world is an overwhelming concept. There would not be a greedy bureaucracy controlling our lives and well being aka there would be no Wall Street to occupied.


8-What are your perceptions of the differences between the Indianapolis and Houston trans communities?

DS-Everything is in extreme here (in Houston) from my perspective. The shadiness of the community is at an extreme and the activist spirit here is at an extreme. I have seen some of the most evil, vengeful heartless acts being done here, but on the flipside there are so many progressive trans people in the Houston area compared to Indianapolis. I was surprised at both ends, but I'd rather be in place at the boiling point than a place that is lukewarm.  That's why I love it here in Houston.  .


9-What's the one question you'd like to ask the TransGriot you're dying to get an answer to?  

DS-One of my favorite parts about TransGriot is when you showcase some of our trans history.  It opens my eyes to a world in the past that I can't imagine living in. From Lady Java to Lucy Hicks Anderson, I appreciate knowing that we didn't just pop up in the millennium. We have been here fighting. It shows me that I have been handed a torch and I need to continue running with the torch.

So my question would be: When will we see more of that and can you give us any sneak peeks on who might be next to be showcased?


10-Where do you see the Black trans community in the next ten years?

DS-I see us busting the mainstream media wide open. I believe exposure to our lives is what will change society. As long as we are stealth or in the shadows they will never see us. As negative as shows like Jerry Springer and Maury Povich are, the positive to them is they did help to expose us to the world outside of porn and a local adult bookstore.

It's now time for the more positive images to be exposed.  I see our talents, passions, and normalcy being pushed forward and more interesting than the taboo and physicality of our being. I am speaking that into existence right now. I see that happening in our future.

Thanks Diamond for your time and hope you readers enjoyed this latest TransGriot Ten Questions interview.