We’ll post them all here over the next few months in chronological order.

First up is Pamela, a fellow redhead, a computer and engineering wiz who, in a first for this series, shows off her talents with a 3D printer. Check our her submission, then look for all of her videos on the Trans By Def channel.

Thanks to Jaye for the lovely message, to Matt for engineering, and to all you beautiful people for listening.

Click here to listen. 

Episode 1 here, or download this and previous podcasts here.

WE HAPPY TRANS, THIS IS HOW, CHICAGO HOUSE AND GLAAD ANNOUNCE FIRST EVER ‘TRANS 100’ LIST

Inaugural Trans 100 List Focuses on Positive Work Being Accomplished by Trans People Nationwide

Chicago, Tuesday, April 9, 2013 – We Happy Trans, a website that celebrates the positive experiences of transgender people, and This is H.O.W., a Phoenix based non profit organization dedicated to the betterment of the lives of trans people, today announced the full published Trans 100 list, an inaugural overview of the breadth and diversity of work being done in, by, and for the transgender community across the United States. The 2013 Trans 100 list was presented at an event sponsored by Chicago House, GLAAD, the Pierce Family Foundation, Orbitz.com, and KOKUMOMEDIA.

The list began as an idea by This Is H.O.W. Executive Director Antonia D’orsay, then developed in partnership with Jen Richards of We Happy Trans. The project received over 500 nominations in December 2012, with over 360 individuals recommended for inclusion.

The first effort of its kind, the list intends to shift the coverage of trans issues by focusing on the positive work being accomplished, and providing visibility to those typically underrepresented. A launch event for the Trans 100 list took place at Mayne Stage in Chicago on International Transgender Day of Visibility, a day which aims to bring attention to the accomplishments of transgender people around the world.

The event featured guest speakers Janet Mock, a trans activist and writer, Dr. Kortney Ryan Ziegler, a GLAAD Award-nominated blogger and filmmaker, musicians Namoli Brennet and Joe Stevens, performer and activist KOKUMO, producer Jen Richards, and 10 co-presenters representing the Chicago trans community.

“The only sustainable self-interest is that which extends the sense of self to include the whole,” said Jen Richards at the Trans 100 launch event. “Look around: women, men, people of color, genderqueer people, crossdressers, showgirls, sex workers, academics, activists, artists, and allies. We are all one community.”

“I am here tonight because of the 99 other names on the inaugural Trans 100 list and the unrecognized thousands who are not on this list whose quiet acts are changing lives,” said Janet Mock. “They are the dream realized.”

“It is my hope that everyone in this room will use the names on this list as inspiration to continue doing the necessary work,” said Dr. Kortney Ryan Ziegler at the event. “Let them propel you to be the advocates and activists our community needs. If you do not identify as either, then I urge you to use the names on the list as a simple gesture to keep living.”

“The value of the work that is represented by the 100 people on this list is immeasurable,” said Executive Director of This Is H.O.W., Antonia D’orsay, about the Trans 100. “These people demonstrate the diversity, the determination, and the incredible triumph of spirit that informs all trans people, no matter where they are. This is just a glimpse of what trans people can accomplish.”

“The Trans 100 will bring much-needed visibility to the critical, grassroots work that trans people have been doing in communities across the country for years,” said GLAAD’s Wilson Cruz. “While media coverage so often misses the mark on accurate portrayals of trans people, the Trans 100 is changing the game by sharing the inspiring and diverse stories behind trans advocacy.”

KOKUMO, an artist, activist, and African American transgender woman, hosted the event. Two accomplished transgender musicians – folk-rock songwriter Namoli Brennet, and singer Joe Stevens of the West Coast-based Folk/Roots group Coyote Grace – gave live performances.

Jen Richards partnered with Chicago House and KOKUMOMEDIA to produce Chicago’s Trans 100 launch event. GLAAD served as Inaugural Sponsor, with additional support from the Pierce Family Foundation, Orbitz.com, Progress Printing, and Dr. Graphx. Both Chicago House’s TransLife Project and This is H.O.W. provide direct services to transgender people experiencing homelessness, unemployment, violence, health disparities, and HIV infection. KOKUMOMEDIA uses film, music, and literature to provide to create and generate realistic depictions of transgender, gender non-conforming, and intersex (TGI) people of color.

The Trans 100:

• Abigail Jensen
• Aidan Key
• Alexis Martinez
• Allyson Robinson
• Andre Perez
• Andy Karol
• Andy Marra
• Anna Anthropy
• Asher Kolieboi
• Avory Faucette
• Bamby Salcedo
• Baylie Roth
• Ben Hudson
• Blake Alford
• Bree Sutherland
• Carter Brown
• Cecilia Chung
• Channyn Lynne Parker
• Charlie Solidum
• Che Gossett
• Christina Kahrl
• Cristina Herrera
• Claire Swinford
• Diego Sanchez
• Drago Renteria
• Dru Levasseur
• Earline Budd
• Eli Erlick
• ellie june navidson
• Elliot Fukui
• Erin Armstrong
• Harmony Santana
• Harper Jean Tobin
• Ida Hammer
• Ignacio Rivera
• Ja-briel Walthour
• Jaan Williams
• Janet Mock
• Jenn Burleton
• Jenny Boylan
• Justus Eisfeld
• Kate Bornstein
• Kate Sosin
• Katherine Cross
• Katie Burgess
• Katy Stewart
• Kay Barrett
• Kelley Winters
• KOKUMO
• Dr. Kortney Ryan Ziegler
• Kylar Broadus
• Laverne Cox
• Lincoln Rose
• Loan Tran
• Mara Keisling
• Marisa Richmond
• Marsha Botzer
• Masen Davis
• Matt Kailey
• Mel Goodwin
• Mia Tu Mutch
• Michelle Enfield
• Miss Major Griffin-Gacy
• Monica Roberts
• Monika MHz
• Namoli Brennet
• Nicholas Love
• Nick Teich
• Niko Kowell
• Nino Dorenzo
• Ola Osaze
• Owen Daniel-McCarter
• Paisley Currah
• Pauline Park
• Phyllis Frye
• Qwo-Li Driskill
• Rebecca Allison
• Rebecca Kling
• Reina Gossett
• Ruby Corado
• Ryan Blackhawke
• Ryka Aoki
• S. Bear Bergman
• Sadie Baker
• Sasha Alexander Goldberg
• Sassafras Lowrey
• Sean-Michael Gettys
• Shane Morgan
• Shawn Demmons
• Spencer Bergstedt
• Stephen Ira
• Susan Stryker
• Tei Okamato
• Tracie O’Brien
• Trisha Lee Holloway
• Trudie Jackson
• Van Binfa
• Van Nguyen
• Yoseñio V. Lewis
• Zander Keig

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About We Happy Trans: WeHappyTrans.com was launched in early in 2012 in response to the lack of positive depictions of trans people in the media, and the absence of an online space that focused on the positive aspects of the trans experience. For more information, please visit www.wehappytrans.com or connect with We Happy Trans on Facebook and Twitter.

About This is H.O.W.: This Is H.O.W. Inc. is a 501c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the betterment of the lives of Trans (transsexual, transgender, and gender variant) persons experiencing crisis situations such as homelessness, substance abuse, familial abuse, and transition related difficulties. For more information, please visit www.thisishow.org or connect with This is H.O.W. on Facebook and Twitter.

“This is my community. This is my truth.”

I came across Jahaira’s YouTube channel after trying to track down one of the 360+ nominees for the Trans 100. Her name was misspelled, and the nominator didn’t provide any links, but eventually it became clear it was her. I watched a video and instantly fell in love. There are many, many trans vloggers on YouTube, but I can’t think of any others in whom so much insight, intelligence, wit, and eloquence, meet with so much uninhibited joy.

Watch the video. The whole video. And then go subscribe to her channel and watch more. You’ll be glad you did.

Thank you Jahaira!

Welcome Nicole to the family, who posted this video just one week into her transition. Follow along on her journey via her Twitter feed. Thanks Nicole, and we wish you the best!

The launch will include remarks by special guests Janet Mock and Dr. Kortney Ryan Ziegler, live performances by Namoli Brennet and Joe Stevens, and will be hosted by KOKUMO. The list will be released on March 31st in order to coincide with the International Transgender Day of Visibility, and the event will be telecast live from Mayne Stage in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago and documented to be viewed and celebrated by individuals, groups and organizations in other regions and nations.

This is a joint production of We Happy Trans, This is HOW, Chicago House, and KOKUMOMEDIA. The event will be free, but donations are encouraged and reservations are recommended. For sponsorship opportunities and media inquiries, please contact producer Jen Richards via jen@WeHappyTrans.com.

For more about the origin and context of the list, see this interview with Jen, and this blog post by Toni D’Orsay.

Trans 100 Event Launch

Personally, I also love that Carolyn mentions Janet Mock is a role model in part because Janet own her trans identity, while also making it clear that she is so much more. This is why the last of the seven questions is about who you are beyond your gender.

Our thanks to Carolyn! And you can subscribe to her YouTube Channel here.

There’s really so much to love about Nino and this video, from his touching and honest discussion of homelessness, to the Chaka Khan-ness of his inner child.

Nino is proud to work with National Youth Pride Services, a wonderful youth leadership and development organization for black LGBT youth. Check out their website and Facebook Page. Thank you Nino!

Learn a bit about Claire in her video below, then stay in touch via her blog. Thanks Claire!

Currently serving openly in the military, he’s a big fan of our friend Laura Jane Grace, and not one to care whether you like grasshoppers or not.

Enjoy this video and then keep up with Alix via his Tumblr.