Many people outside society’s description of “norm,” have felt embarrassed because they were made fun of, guilty because they were “taught” that it is wrong, and continue to believe it because it is enforced in the collective social mindset.So many of us suffer needlessly with feelings of low self-esteem, guilt, and embarrassment. That shouldn’t be a surprise when our society is rooted in a belief system with little room for anything or anybody outside the status quo. Most of us were raised in that belief system. It’s ingrained in the depths of our subconscious. To therefore express ourselves outside the norm contradicts what we were taught. Larger groups, and even countries many times deal with conflicting views by killing each other, so apparently, the mainstream doesn’t appear to have all the answers either. After all, killing defies the very God that Christians, Muslims, and Jews (to name just a few) say they worship. I was raised in a mixed religious household, both Jewish and Christian, which either makes me more confused, or less, I’m not sure which.I was at a family reunion during the 4th of July weekend and — in my brother’s absence — confronted with questions, and fishing expeditions, as to how I felt about my brother and his partner raising an adopted 16-month-old baby. My Midwestern relatives love my brother, but don’t agree with his ‘lifestyle’. The idea of a gay couple raising a child — to them — is “against the laws of nature.” On the more practical side, according to them, a child needs a mother and a father. I would argue that a child needs love. I informed them that their approval wasn’t required and that my brother and his partner would make great parents – and by the way, it wasn’t so long ago in Salem that they burned witches too!https://briannaaustin.com/and-they-burned-witches-too/

Transgender women are faced with more challenges than other people, esppecially when it comes to work. For those that "pass", they can excel in retail and other professions -- beauty, corporate, and entrepreneurship.  But for those that don't pass, or are in countries where opportunities are fleeting, it can be a struggle just to survive. 

This event takes place November 10th-12th at the Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey Hotel (in Pennsyvania), the original home of the Keystone Conference.

  A Trans Voice Introductory Workshop with Jess Gibbard

  In a small, stuffy nightclub with walls scrawled with graffiti and flaking plaster, a queer function took place unlike anything seen before in the city that residents still call by its former name, Saigon.

The complexities of gender identity and its subcategories can be difficult to navigate. These categories include, but are not limited to, Transsexuals, Crossdressers, Shemales, Drag Queens, and Sissies! In this blog post, we delve beyond simplistic labels and stereotypes, embarking on an exploration that challenges preconceived notions. Join us as we uncover stories that defy societal norms and celebrate the beauty of self-expression. 

 TRANSCHAIR RESEARCH Have you ever wondered what research the Chair in Transgender Studies is doing?  Check out our new webpage that shows some of our recent Trans+ research projects! 

A new online artwork exploring a personal archive of a trans life will launch on Saturday 1st April.  Mandy Romero is a creative artist and transgender provocateur whose work has taken her across continents and round the world, whilst also staying close to her native lands. She has worked with live performance, film, photography, site-specific actions and web-based writing and continues to have fun in each and every medium.

  I'm currently in the progress of completing "The Detour", and the first few chapters are available to read, but meanwhile let's also heck out my coming of age novella "An Unexpected Turn" and see what people are saying about it. 

Dr. Javad Sajan is one of the leading surgeons in the US performing FTM top surgery, as well as Female Feminization Surgery, breast implants, and many other specialties.. Read more about the movement and petition. 

  Even notice that those who 'claim' our agenda is to convert the youth are themselves the only ones trying to convert people? Fear is what it is, but sometimes becomes what you make it. The religious right is so afraid that gays are deteriorating marriage, and yet it is their fear that isthe culprit, not the communities that they are afraid of. Could it be that the GLBT communities have and continue to be converting all the little boys and girls of the world? Not! Historically, it is the religious right that tirelessly works to convert people, not the GLBT communities. Still, it is understandable why they would make such a claim: people tend to fear in others that which they see most in themselves. Continue reading here

  An Unexpected Turn is ranking 293 on Amazon, and the reviews are encouraging. 

This transgender trailblazer was awarded the Roger Baldwin Award at the age of 14 year's old, and since gone on to win 11 other awards, including Glamour Magazine's Women of the Year. And, she had super powers too!

How to find a gender affirming doctor. This is a good article for those living trans.

Thank you to everyone that has checked out my new book. It has now risen to #596 on Amazon.