transgender history
Sandy Stone on Living Among Lesbian Separatists as a Trans Woman in the 70s
Before pioneering transgender studies in academia, Sandy Stone was a member of the legendary lesbian music collective Olivia Records—and the target of vitriol from early trans exclusive radical feminists.
Felicia Elizondo's Wild Memories of Trans Life in 60s San Francisco
In the 60s, activist and entertainer Felicia Elizondo was a regular at San Francisco's Compton's Cafeteria, the site of a historic 1966 riot for trans rights, and the only place she felt free as a transgender woman.
Legendary Showgirl Tiffany Arieagus Wants Trans Youth to Get More Political
"You can have all the money in the world and have to hide in your house because your neighbors won't let you out without gawking at you. So how do you change this? You stand up and you speak."
After Years of Fighting for Trans Kids, Lawyer Mia Yamamoto Came Out Herself
Mia Yamamoto was born in a Japanese internment camp and served in the Vietnam War. Then, after she became a leading criminal defense attorney, she came out as transgender.
LA's 'Mother' Karina Samala on Years of Transgender Advocacy
For years, Karina Samala worked for the military by day and secretly performed as a woman in bars at night. Now, she's one of LA's hardest fighting transgender activists.
Trans Performer Chilli Pepper: What I Learned from Decades of Entertaining
Chicago's iconic Chilli Pepper reflects on winning trans beauty pageants and appearing on sensational talk shows in the 80s, and the three decades she's spent performing at legendary clubs like The Baton.
Transgender Activist Judy Bowen Recalls the Stonewall Riots
"Back in those days, GLB did not really care much about the T part. ... Hasn’t changed much, either." Transgender activist Judy Bowen recalls growing into her advocacy in 60s New York alongside Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera.
R&B Legend Jackie Shane On Growing Up Trans in the South
"You have no idea what you could become or who you could become until you stop playing follow the leader." Trans legend Jackie Shane reflects on her time touring as an R&B singer in the 60s, and offers advice on being unapologetically yourself.
How Should We Remember the Stonewall Uprising?
In his new show, artist Chris Vargas of the Museum of Transgender Hirstory & Art skewers the politics of LGBTQ memorialization.