[MissC]

How serendipitous! I found a wonderfully apropo story today even as I was thinking about this thread.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/24/lgbt-history-month-icon-chris-tina-bruce_n_1932941.html

Chris Tina Bruce made history in October 2011 when she competed as the first transgender woman in a bodybuilding contest in San Diego. Since then, when Bruce isn't busy competing and running her personal training business, she has used her visibility to speak out about transgender issues.

Bruce situates herself in the center of the gender spectrum, preferring to identify as not entirely male or female, a position that many people -- including LGBT people -- find difficult to understand. But Bruce has offered us the chance to reconsider our approach to gender and is helping to shatter antiquated notions about gender identity and expression and exactly how diverse they can be.

More, plus pics, at http://www.christinabrucefitness.com

I haven't found any reference to name changes... I'm guessing the Chris was original, the Tina not... well played, I say.

I don't suppose a life in the spotlight is for everyone, but the more of us do it, the easier it gets for everyone. I see a role model here. My life goals have long seemed destined to require some public speaking and press at some point, but I no longer fear it.


Another hero of mine (in similar vein) is Stu Rasmussen, mayor of Silverton, Oregon. Actually, "another hero" is an understatement. He and Eddie Izzard... gave me the idea that I could be authentic... without an alias.

http://www.sturasmussen.com/realityCheck.htm