One of the things I want to do with this blog is introduce other Trans Men & Women that I've come across over the past few years. As much fun as it is talking about myself it's important to remember that there are others out there who need their voices heard as much as mine, if not more so. For the first few of these I'll probably keep them strictly question and answer pieces. In the future though I'd like to expand into video based stuff. This won't be limited to just Trans folk either, I want to speak to any supporters I've come across since I began my own journey. Where possible I'll tailor each question to suit. I’m going to try and keep these interviews as edit free as I can. Keeping them as raw as possible means you get a fuller experience but as a film maker and content maker I understand the need to keep things on point and snappy.
To kick this off I've spoken to one of the most important people in my life, as far as the Trans community goes she is definitely up there at the top of my list of reliable, honest and trustworthy friends. It’s about time I introduce you all to Roxanne Parker.
Charlotte - Hard bit first. Tell us a bit about yourself
To kick this off I've spoken to one of the most important people in my life, as far as the Trans community goes she is definitely up there at the top of my list of reliable, honest and trustworthy friends. It’s about time I introduce you all to Roxanne Parker.
Charlotte - Hard bit first. Tell us a bit about yourself
Roxy - I'm a 22 yr old genderfluid/transgender girl from Nottingham uk. I'm studying graphic design, love music (metal/rock), reading, art, gaming, make up, Disney and fashion ^^ starting questioning my gender when I was about 9 years old.
Charlotte - Since starting on your own Trans journey what positive experiences have you had?
Charlotte - Since starting on your own Trans journey what positive experiences have you had?
Roxy - My positive experiences? Hmmmm. Meeting some awesome people online and being part of a community. The Internet has been amazing as it’s been what made me realise I'm not alone and not the only person who feels this way. Mainly coming out to my gf/mum and how accepting you were. There's nothing better than being loved and accepted for who you are inside and out :) all the encouragement from the Trans community has been awesome.... Using it as an art form and escapism also been majorly positive.
Charlotte - What challenges have you faced? And what challenges does the community face as a whole?
Charlotte - What challenges have you faced? And what challenges does the community face as a whole?
The community? We just face an incredible amount of Transphobia and hate. Sometimes I've found even from the LGB part of LGBT. The fact that male to female Trans people are often sexualised and seen as taboo doesn't help the public see us in the right way. Those who reckon we are trying to infiltrate women’s places and shit don't help either (it’s a thing! I promise!)
It doesn't really help that FtM (Female to Male) and MtF (Male to Female) Trans people have it completely different from another. There was even a case where an MtF was getting hate off of a FtM. WTF is that about? Our challenges are endless.
Charlotte - Scariest moment so far?
Roxy - Coming out to my gf on the cusp of moving in together. I knew my gf as a 100% open minded and kind individual and knew she would t react badly, but when you’re in that situation you over think every little thing that could go badly. Luckily I had ma super duper girl Charlie to egg me on and get me through it: P
Charlotte - Inspirations time. Who or what has really inspired you to push forward?
Charlotte - Inspirations time. Who or what has really inspired you to push forward?
Roxy - Not to kiss ass, but my Sista from another Mista Charlie. She's been massively inspiring to me and I wouldn't have taken some of the steps I have without her in my life. Even if it has just been over Skype ^^ she's actually amazing and gorgeous and beautiful and If you say otherwise... Watch out muthafucker... I'm coming for you
Otherwise...
Just my fellow Tran’s bros and sisters, some of the people I've chatted too and met are amazing people and been through some shit. Being in the closet all my life and being very careful has led me to being pretty sheltered. I've always spoken up for the trans community and will always vocally, loudly and aggressively back anyone’s right to live how they want and to express themselves however they feel. But I've never come out as Trans to my friends or public. Only to the online Tcommunity, my gf, and recently mum. Anyone who has the ovaries to come out to the people in their lives and say out loud "you know what? I'm not a fucking boy ok? That's how I am and you can get the fuck over it" is my hero. Anyone who has the courage to go out representing themselves as the gender they are even if they're born with a chromosome out of place. You are my hero. In this community there is no braver thing you could do. And I fucking salute you.
Charlotte - I know you’re just as much of a film & TV geek as me. How do you think the media has portrayed the Trans community in your opinion? How would you change it?
Just my fellow Tran’s bros and sisters, some of the people I've chatted too and met are amazing people and been through some shit. Being in the closet all my life and being very careful has led me to being pretty sheltered. I've always spoken up for the trans community and will always vocally, loudly and aggressively back anyone’s right to live how they want and to express themselves however they feel. But I've never come out as Trans to my friends or public. Only to the online Tcommunity, my gf, and recently mum. Anyone who has the ovaries to come out to the people in their lives and say out loud "you know what? I'm not a fucking boy ok? That's how I am and you can get the fuck over it" is my hero. Anyone who has the courage to go out representing themselves as the gender they are even if they're born with a chromosome out of place. You are my hero. In this community there is no braver thing you could do. And I fucking salute you.
Charlotte - I know you’re just as much of a film & TV geek as me. How do you think the media has portrayed the Trans community in your opinion? How would you change it?
Though I've seen some pretty horrible portrayals throughout my screen watching... Why are they always fucking hookers? Sex and city = black transvestite prostitutes. Dexter = transsexual prostitutes. Sons of Anarchy = Transgendered Prostitute (although SOA later redeems itself with a bit of Trans awareness stuff in future episodes)
The fact is... Is it’s sexualised... The main cause for hate seems to be homophobic men who have magicked up the opinion that we are trying to trick them into being gay or some shit Instead of trying to reflect what we are inside. We've been portrayed as dirty weirdo’s and fetishized in the media. Though I think this is slowly on the change. The film Transamerica is pretty damn challenging of all of this (even if it is played by a genetic female actress), Glee has tackled the subject positively and head on telling the story of unique/wade (In a VERY close to home portrayal of modern attitudes) and I can’t carry on without throwing Laverne Cox into the mix from OITNB (Orange is the new Black). God that show just has everything.
How would I change it? I'd make it more fucking normal.
Charlotte - So what's next for Roxy?
Roxy - What’s next for big ole me? Life!! I'm finally at a place where I'm pretty secure with my transgender.... Urm.... ness? Yes... I'm making that a word. Transgenderness.
I finally settled for being genderfluid. Sometimes I feel masculine, sometimes I feel feminine. Sometimes I wana sit with a beer, playing Call of Duty, smoking while in a dress, sparkly heels and some fabulous makeup and hair. Other times I wana paint my nails pink and sketch fashion designs while watching UFC.
I'm out to just enough people to be satisfied and know I'll be loved whatever gender I am. In that sense I'm amazingly blessed.
All that's next on my list is to hit the town with roxy' first public appearance!! And finally fucking meet Charlie!! FFS.... It's been like 2 years or some shit and we've never actually met!
So there we have it. Since knowing Roxanne I've become inspired by her no nonsense attitude. There are those in the community such as myself who perhaps may like to skirt around subjects a little, taking a more diplomatic approach however sometimes we need a fierce character who isn't afraid to say what she wants. Roxy I salute you !
Charlie xx
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