Dear Bette Midler,

You are glorious and magnificent, and I am hoping you are busy sewing up mermaid tails and adding more sparkles to your ever growing Harlettes’ tattered hemlines. I want to thank you for your work as a singer, an actor and an advocate for a clean earth and a bright future. Recently, I read a tweet of yours concerning Caitlyn Jenner and it seemed to me you might have been a bit confused on some things. So, I grabbed my e-cig, made some tea, sat myself on the porch at 1 a.m. on a Saturday night and alongside my two kitties, I wrote you a lengthy missive. Since then, the HRC has gotten a hold of you and you have deleted the offensive tweet and apologized.

To them.

Only.

So it seems to me that the original letter I wrote, along with some updated tweaks, is still regrettably necessary, and to be honest, I would very much like to see if perhaps I can clear a few things up.

To be clear… Caitlyn Jenner is not a drag queen. She cannot change into what she was because what she was, was actually a lie. So… she never really was Bruce Jenner. Being Trans isn’t a fad, or a choice or a decision. It isn’t something we can change or discard. Being Trans is how we were born and where we come from and it is our history and our great privilege. Being Trans is steeped in revolution and sweat and rides on the backs of a bloody and battered tribe, free to finally live a life usually drowning in shame and regret. Being Trans is a right and we are Americans, just like you, and what we are, as what you are, cannot be undone.

So when you ask a question publicly, even half kidding as I know you were, that suggests that since Cailtyn’s show has been cancelled, she might:

“…Go back to being Bruce.”

… You are undoing what took us years to do and has cost us lives to finalize.

I cannot take my Transness off, Ms. Midler, and it has taken me 54 years of survival through centuries of violence and suicides, to finally make friends with my past. And I will not be the butt of your jokes simply because you cannot take the time to write from a place of truth, instead of a place of fear.

The danger of what you tweeted is your influence on public opinion and your blatant disregard for the Trans experience and a glaring lack of compassion towards a people you do not know. I am asking with as much openness as I can, to rethink what you put out in to the universe. I am forever with you in your love of nature and beauty, and in your constant quest of camp and art for art’s sake, but I will not support you in your ignorance of my brothers and sisters as we still lay at the mercy of an under educated government bureaucracy and a misguided and sometimes lethal populous.

Our Trans youth don’t live very long, Bette. And when they die, they do it with guns and ropes and pills and leaping off the edges of buildings. Giving their tormentors misinformation that already incites a sense of righteous indignation in them by suggesting they are merely in costume, is not only irresponsible, it is terribly cruel.

The LGBT community adores you. We have given you our souls in the common understanding that both of us come from both adversity and triumph. We see that in you. We recognize you. We know each other very deeply. And now, a community who has recently been in the forefront of a new revolutionary cracking needs to rely on our allies for kindness in print and education in actions.

What I am is not a choice. It is a gift.

Please know Bette that your deleting of the tweet and subsequent apology is deeply appreciated and received. However, I believe there is a difference between an apology and an amend. One requires regret and the other requires ownership. Think of it this way, if you had written that Michelle Obama was a highly intelligent and very successful woman for a black person, and the NAACP called you on it, would you apologize to them alone? Or would you take time to speak to the African-American community at large, as well as Mrs. Obama personally, and hopefully look into what would make you react this way in the first place. Joke or not. Racism and transphobia run hand in hand. Both thrive on ignorance of community. It seems to me you might have some more diligence due. Look inward, Ms. Midler that has always been where your truest self lies.

I am saying this to you both for me and for the ones who can no longer speak:

“Kindness in the center of a spirit is easily accessed through the reflection of one’s own deeds. For it does not matter that you understand us. It only matters that you honor us.”

Treat us as we have treated you, Bette. That’s all we want, really.

Sincerely, and with all the sequins I can find,

Alexandra Billings

Lifelong Fan and Transgender Activist

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Actor Scott Turner Schofield is officially joining the cast of the CBS daytime soap The Bold and the Beautiful on May 8, marking the first time a transgender actor will play major, recurring role on a daytime soap in the U.S.

Schofield will play a character named Nick who is a mentor to fashion model Maya Avant, a trans woman.

Schofield said of the soap, “I am an expert on this stuff, and I do study it. I’ve seen everything there is to see and I am telling you that it is unprecedented and it’s going in the right direction. It’s going in the direction that transgender people can be happy about. And not only transgender people, but everyone who knows and loves a transgender person.”

Related: Diversity speaker Scott Turner Schofield speaks to TEDx Houston about transgender identity and ending gender.

However, this day is about celebrating the living and showing our pride. It’s a day to look back at how far we’ve come and what we’ve accomplished and make plans to go even further in the coming year.

Despite some setbacks, we certainly do have a lot to celebrate.

Visibility Wins

Lavern Cox Proves She Isn’t Going Anywhere

Ms. Cox made waves when she hit the scene three years back by being cast as Sophia Burset in the Netflix series “Orange is the New Black”. What you might not know is that the talented 31-year-old actress has been working steadily for several years now leading up to her star-making turn. She has had roles in 13 movies, and many TV shows including two of the Law and Order series, and the Mindy Project. Not to mention she has been cast as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the upcoming remake of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. We are so excited for her success and we believe we can count on Lavern Cox being around for a long time. Hopefully, we will see her playing more women (period), and not just transgender women.

Our First Transgender Oscar Nominee

Anohni was the first transgender performer to ever be nominated for an Oscar. She was nominated for best original song for “Manta Ray”, which was a collaboration with J. Ralph and used in the documentary, “Racing Extinction”. A historic moment to be sure.

However, there is a loss in there too. Which you’ll see below.

Lilly Wachowski Joins Her Sister

We first reported about Lilly Wachowski, one half of the Wachowski directing duo, coming out as transgender a few weeks back. You, of course, know Lilly and Lana as the directors of the Matrix trilogy, V for Vendetta, and Cloud Atlas. While her hand might have been forced in coming out, it’s a tremendous moment of visibility to have two high-profile directors like the Wachowskis both come out and further show, we aren’t on the fringe- and we will no longer settle for being put there.

Caitlyn Jenner Brings High-Profile Visibility

Despite her many…uh…flubs (we will get to them), Caitlyn Jenner made huge waves with her coming out this year. Never before had the community gotten so much mainstream media attention. While she has brought some negative attention as well, she has contributed by sparking a conversation about transgender people and forcing mainstream media to acknowledge us. And her magazine cover was pretty awesome too.

Larger Visibility in Politics

It has been a tumultuous year in politics for transgender people. However, there have been highlights. Mostly, the discourse and discord in politics over transgender people has really brought out who our allies are and who are at least willing to admit transgender people aren’t a clear and present danger. Even republicans like Stephanie Clayton (R) from Kansas, who spoke out against some egregious legislation that puts a bounty on trans students heads. She is opposing the bill, reminding congress that perhaps they should be more worried with keeping schools open and the dire financial situation they face, rather than worry about who is using what restroom.

Another show of support came in from Rep. Mike Honda, who proudly displays the transgender pride flag outside his office in Washington D.C.

I'm proud to display the #transgender flag outside my DC office on International Transgender Day of Visibility #tdov pic.twitter.com/EBnUFqmlK0

— Rep. Mike Honda (@RepMikeHonda) March 31, 2016

The entire city of Calgary, Alberta, Canada is showing their support by lighting up the city in pink, white and blue. That’s a lot of visibility.

Companies Standing Against Bigotry

There is currently some legislation in Georgia that threatens to remove any protections that are offered to LGBT people, in particular transgender people. While that is certainly not a win, there is a huge win that has come from it. Several businesses have stood up and said they will boycott the entire state including several studios threatening to cripple the Georgia Film Commission. Despite the lucrative incentives provided to draw studios to film there, many studios have stated that if the bill is passed that they will no longer be producing in Georgia. Marvel and Disney in particular have come out as strong opponents, as well as the producers of the hit show “The Walking Dead” who have threatened to pull all production.

Visibility Losses

Photo by Alice O’Malley

The Oscars Cut Anohni

While her nomination was a huge achievement and a great win for our community, it was soured by the Academy subsequently cutting Anohni’s performance at the Oscars in favor of other nominees in the category like Sam Smith, Lady Gaga, and the Weeknd. It was a strange move to not include this nominee when others were invited over her. Especially given the good will and visibility it would have given. Even if the Academy wanted to look at it selfishly, it would have been great publicity.

Now however, they have a different publicity as Anohni declined to attend the event due to her exclusion. She wrote about her reasoning for Pitchfork.

“I am the only transgendered performer ever to have been nominated for an Academy Award, and for that I thank the artists who nominated me,” the essay begins. Anohni adds: “I was in Asia when I found out the news. I rushed home to prepare something, in case the music nominees would be asked to perform. Everyone was calling with excited congratulations. A week later, Sam Smith, Lady Gaga, and the Weeknd were rolled out as the evening’s entertainment with more performers ‘soon to be announced.’ Confused, I sat and waited. Would someone be in touch? But as time bore on I heard nothing.”

Legislation Hasn’t Been Kind

Transgender people have gotten a lot of bad visibility in the form of legislation that seeks to target trans people and paint a target on their back. One such case, as we mentioned before, is in the form of legislation in Kansas that puts a $2500 bounty on the head of every trans student if they are caught in the “wrong bathroom”. And we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the outrageous legislation that actually passed in North Carolina. The bill essentially undid the protections provided to transgender people in the state. However, it has been called out by the North Carolina Attorney General who called it “A national embarrassment.” The legislation is currently the focus of a lawsuit against the state and the governor that challenges their decision.

Caitlyn Jenner Won’t Shut Up

At first many were excited to see such a public figure as Caitlyn Jenner come out as transgender. After all, this is an Olympic athlete we are talking about. That’s huge! Then she talked. She has repeatedly put her foot in her mouth about other transgender people, criticizing their journey. Apparently everyone is supposed to just go schedule all of their surgery immediately and not worry about employment or homelessness. She has blasted less-fortunate transgender people for their use of public aid and lack of drive.

Not to mention that Caitlyn, a staunch Republican has publicly praised Donald Trump for president. She claims that he would be fantastic for women’s issues. A move that has baffled most multi-celled organisms. However she has stated that she hasn’t actually endorsed anyone and will instead be voting for whoever the Republican candidate winds up being. Jenner has also made comments condemning gay marriage, and stating that the Republicans would do so much more for transgender people.

She was recently quoted as saying, “I get criticized more for being a Republican than being transgender.”

Gee Caitlyn, I wonder why…

Our Visibility, and Our Future

While I and TOL honor the accomplishments of those that came before us and all the sacrifices they have made, I personally believe this is the single most important time in our history for transgender people. We stand on the precipice of something great. We have hit a “tipping point” in entertainment, we have youngerand younger people coming out and being encouraged and supported, we are part of a national conversation, and we have more public support than we’ve ever had. We are finally beginning to be taken seriously.

This is the time to seize the opportunity. We have to keep our momentum going and capitalize on how much we have going for us. No, it’s not perfect. Yes, we have so far to go. But we cannot ignore how far we’ve come. Those that came before us blazed an indelible trail. It is our time to pave that trail and take our place in society as valued and vital individuals.

We can do great things, if we work together. No more bickering and fighting. No more judging each other because their journey is different than yours. We are equals, we are brothers and sisters. We must hold each other up if we are to have any chance at winning this war.

Let’s see how great we can make the next 365. See you March 31st, 2017.

“My Transgender Coming Out Story” is, naturally, all about Molloy’s coming out. So, other than a little background, you won’t get a lot about her childhood or the lives of others. This is all about the coming out process and how it affected her. However, that does mean that some questions go unanswered and it leaves you wanting for those answers.

Instead we learn as much as we can about her relationship with her girlfriend, and her coming out email to her parents, as well reactions from her employers who weren’t quite as accepting as they claimed. Leaving the questions open about what has yet to happen, only hinting at a life left full of opportunity and chance.

I won’t go so far as to say that Molloy is a great author, but her effort is solid; and she can certainly turn a phrase. And it’s absolutely a great thing to get this perspective. Parker was 26 when she started to transition, and just starting to climb up the ladder of her career in Chicago- an often unforgiving city. I would absolutely read a follow-up that talks more about her experiences as a trans woman in the city at some point.

However, I have to take points for the narration. Parker isn’t terrible, but she isn’t the greatest orator of all time. She sounds unsure at times, and disinterested at others, sometimes stumbling over words and adopting an odd rhythm. It isn’t so distracting as to null the experience of “My Transgender Coming Out Story”, but it’s not helping to engage either.

Charlotte Tortorella and her friend Chelsey Sanderson launched the website a few weeks back to fill the gap in the transgender podcast arena. Tortorella wanted to contribute to the community by creating an entertaining but educational show that would address the issues in a friendly and conversational way.

“I thought ‘why don’t I make one, I know a lot of transgender people and I could have them on the show'”, Tortorella said.

Already they have over 400 subscribers to the podcast, and their reach has extended as far as the US and Canada. The need was clearly there to inform the community and help them to understand a very confusing and overwhelming turn in their lives.

“There are a lot of words and concepts to get your head around and it can seem daunting sometimes, even if you’re in the trans community.” explained Chelsey Sanderson.

The duo also hopes that a transgender podcast can serve as a way to inform those outside the community as well as being a resource for allies. And that would certainly be a great thing.

Check out their website here and you can find them on iTunes here. You can also find their direct podcast link here.

In the states you may not be as familiar with Jordan Raskopoulos or her group “Axis of Awesome”, but in Australia they are a very well known comedy troupe that has been around for a very long time now. In the states they are probably most well known for their song “4 Chords” which pokes fun at all pop songs using the same four chords.

Recently Jordan and the Axis made news with a statement about Jordan (still using her birth name) coming out as transgender and revealing that she has been in transition since March of 2015.

Jordan very quickly gets to the heart of the matter by addressing the elephant in the room.

“The truth of the matter is that there is a very good reason I got rid of my beard… that reason is that I am transgender.”

The reasoning was simple, and her experience all too familiar.

“Gender dysphoria is something I can remember dealing with ever since I was a kid, but I learned early on to be ashamed of it, and keep it a secret.”

In 2014, Jordan was on tour in the UK and found herself facing her biggest realization. She knew at that moment that if she wanted to be happy she would have to transition. Despite the fears over the reactions of her partners in the Axis as well as their fans, Jordan decided to start her journey towards happiness and fulfillment.

Part of her strength came from the trail blazed by trans women in entertainment, specifically naming Lana Wachowski and “Against Me!” frontwoman Laura Jane Grace. Their strength helped her own inner resolve and determination to be happier. And, as Jordan says in her video:

“Being trans does not mean you have to give up on your life, your friends, your family, your career, or your achievements.”

The response following the video’s release has been overwhelmingly positive, with their fans offering support and love to Raskopoulos and her group. Jordan has stated that she is completely relieved by the response and happy to finally get back to what she loves doing.

But she did leave viewers who might not agree with her decision a little bit of advice.

Check out the entire video below. And say good bye to Jordan’s beard. Let us know in the comments what you think.

Check out Axis of Awesome’s website here or on social media at Facebook and Twitter. You can also see their official YouTube channel here.