Pronouns: "Gender neutral, though I'm starting to not really pay any mind to pronouns."
Identifies as: Genderqueer and trans*
Job: "I currently work the front of The Bleeding Heart Bakery in Lakeview."
Life's work:
"Raising awareness for the trans*/gender-variant community, as well as pointing folks to resources that they might not know are out there."
Hobbies:
"Other than activism, music is a big one. I also enjoy reading, writing, playing video games, and doing stuff in the city."
Do you have a coming out story?
"I started questioning my own gender after a partner of mine came out to me as trans*. I did a bunch of research online to become familiar with what that meant because I had never heard the term before. Eventually the gears in my head started turning and my research became more of a checklist and I came to terms with my own trans*ness. I have been the happiest I have ever been since then."
What is the best thing about being trans/ gender-variant?
"There's a few: I get to wear whatever I want, I have learned to love and accept my body for what it is and not what it isn't, and the community is absolutely fantastic. They're so inspiring!"
Do you consider yourself an activist?
"Absolutely! I have done work with queer rights groups and currently organize for Genderqueer Chicago. I also consider myself a trans*/gender-variant educator and advocate since most folks I run into don't know much about trans* or gender-variant folks. I take the time to answer questions they may have and inform them on what not to say to members of the community."
How do you explain the way you feel about gender to others?
"Everyone does gender in their own way. No two people have the same gender, even if they both identify with the same word(s)."
In your opinion, what are the most important issues facing the trans/ gender-variant community?
"Housing, employment, access to resources, targeting by police, and the biggest is social acceptance. It's hard to believe that we still have to fight just to be accepted."
(Editor's Note: When used with an asterisk, "trans*" aims to be inclusive of all gender non-conforming identities).
To nominate a person for T in the life, email: Kate Sosin sosin@windycitytimes.com