7 Questions – Stephen
Our friend Stephen Ira (or the trans Ira Glass to us his fans) has contributed a hyper-charming video to the 7 Questions project. Kudos to this fine young man for saying more in six minutes than many say in 60, and yet delivering each point with clear dexterity an auctioneer would envy. And what a smile.
Stephen is an activist, excellent writer and a force for fabulousness that all should know. Check out his blog and Twitter feed.
Stephen is so charming! I can see why he is so celebrated within our community, with his reach expanding rapidly.
I watched this video a second time to just to write down the people Stephen mentions as role models. I love Kate B and I want to research some of the other’s he spoke about.
I am not trans. I’m just a heterosexual woman who heard about Stephen’s video and have to say that he needs his own TV show. Beyond that fact that he’s just so brilliant and super, super intelligent, his energy is really intoxicating. What a incredibly knowledgeable 20 year old you are. I’m so happy to hear that you became who you are, are happy with who you are and are enjoying life. I wish I was that together at 20. I think you’ll be able to help a lot of people with your infectious personality! Love, katie
I am a mother of a 15 year old boy and a 13 year old girl I am very open minded and would accept and support “almost” anything that they would choose to do. I say “almost” because I do not condone hate against anyone. I don’t believe either of my children are considering a gender change but I would support them but also be concerned how the world would treat them. I’m very glad that you have the confidence that you have and that you are out there trying to help others.
I have a few questions to ask, it’s not about judgement it’s about curiosity. When you stated that you were gay does that mean that you are attracted to men as a male or women as a male? Also do you think that liking or wearing traditional women’s clothing is due to being born a female?
I would also like to comment on Katie’s post, she is right on the mark. Best wishes to any and everything you do.
Stephen is amazingly insightful for someone so young. As a parent, I’m as proud of him as I am of my own children, and know that he will have much to contribute to this world as he continues to evolve as a human being. I’m heartened that he plans to use his intelligence and communication skills to move civilization forward.
Tried to find Stephen on Twitter, but couldn’t. STEPHEN: if you read this – you talked a lot about consensus-building, empathy, and that words have meaning. I wonder if you have checked out Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent communication. They have communities all over the world (mostly in the US I think) that practice a high level of intention in their communication. Biggest communities in the US are probably in the Bay area (see http://www.bayareanvc.org) and Compassionate Communication of Central Ohio (see http://www.nvcohio.org/). I’m working with business leaders to increase their level of empathy, honesty, and authenticity through the community college systm. I can’t wait to see what you create!
[...] IRA BEATTY a junior at Sarah Lawrence College uploaded a video last March on We Happy Trans a site that shares “positive perspectives” on being [...]
Ben’s Dad here……Brilliant, Stephen….and funny and moving! I’m delighted to make your acquaintance, albeit through this video medium (which I reached through the NYT article on 1-10-13). I applaud your sharing of insight, your choice in teapots and your ability to speak at a speed approaching the speed of sound.
I just want to say that I’m happy that there are positive perceptions and comments. One trend in these comments that is bothering me is the seeming need to qualify oneself as hetero-normative and/or gender binary. Please be aware of your language… it’s so important. Trans-identified persons are not “them” or “they.” There are not different groups here. We’re all people and we all lie somewhere on gender, sexual orientation, intelligence, energy, etc. continuums. These characteristics are all just single facets of a whole person and cannot be taken separately, but must be considered, appreciated, and loved all together.
P.S. wonderful video
I’ve read about this transition over the past few years, because of the celebrity of his two parents. I see their talent reflected beautifully by an articulate, exuberant and loving young man – one capable of speaking without resorting to four-letter words that diminish so much current conversation. I am glad that it appears he will not resort to surgery, unless I missed the meaning of his remarks about fathering children.
What eloquence and from such a young person! I don’t have much to say except to hopefully contribute to the general air of positivity displayed in previous comments. It’s impressive to see someone so young demonstrate such self-possession, awareness and general “being comfortable in one’s own skin”-ness and be honest and brave enough to share that message with others. Look forward to seeing Stephen leave his mark on the world!
Firstly and inappropriately I may be in love.
Secondly, just wow. 7 minute episodes as a video blog could great a whole lot of positive change in the world.
First time on this site, bookmarking and sharing widely will now commence.
Stephen,
I am so encouraged by your post, and thank God for people such as yourself.
Nancy
I join with the other comments in congratulating Stephen on such a heartfelt, educating and entertaining video blog/post. I just shared the NY Times article with a link on my facebook page. I hope others will read it and become aware of all the differences we are as a collective and by doing so, come to understand and accept each other for ALL of who we are. I am so touched by this. Thank You.
Stephen, you are brilliant, charming, and I truly feel that if everyone were at all like you that there would be peace and harmony all over the world!
[...] We Happy Trans: A place for positive stories about transgender people- including the wonderful 7 Questions series of videos, including my favorite, by Stephen [...]
What a wonderful video! I am so glad the world is changing and there is support for people in all our flavors. Be proud, be happy, don’t let the haters get you down and keep making noise, you are changing minds daily!
Much love to everyone, those happy and those struggling out there in the world <3