Kingston and what it means to be you!

Kingston, what does being trans mean to you?

This is an interesting question because technically “trans” is simply a socially constructed concept used to categorize people based on their gender identity and gender expression. Similar to any other socially constructed identity, the concept can mean so much and yet fail to communicate the most important aspect of any person – their humanity. As a culture, and I’m talking mainstream popular culture, we’ve seemed to have found ourselves in this chamber of reducing people down to their bodies: how they do or allegedly do not conform to what society has allowed to be “normal,” or perhaps even more problematic, “natural.” It’s eerily reminiscent of purity politics. Where we fail to see the beauty in divergence, are dogmatic about inception, and attempt to control variation; regardless of the fact that nature’s most extraordinary quality is the way it refuses to conform.

I’m talking conceptually first because identity is layered and my transness is simply one of my many layers, and perhaps, a more superficial one at that. Don’t get me wrong – I absolutely love being trans. We are a powerful, courageous, complex and diverse group of people who descend from a lineage of resistance to systemic oppression, state-sanctioned violence, and social exclusion. We are a people who are unapologetically ourselves on a daily basis even in the face of such grave threats as death. Just look at our statistics, Black and brown trans-women have been getting murdered at epidemic levels for years, but it rarely reaches the news. And yet, we continue to organize and not only fight to liberate ourselves but fight to liberate the most marginalized communities across the globe because those are the very communities we intersect with. Often, our intersecting identities are overlooked. You see, along with being trans we are BIPOC, gay and straight, womxn, immigrants, working class, differently (and perfectly) abled, nuerodiverse, spiritual and religious, and on and on and on. We are not solely trans. And, beyond these layers of socially constructed identities, we are people with hopes, dreams, desires, passion, ideas, hurts, grief, and loss – we are valuable.

So, to answer your question … to me, being trans, is as natural as being cis but more dangerous, it’s a form of resistance to oppression, a display of immense creativity, an expression of unapologetic courage, and a continuation of human expression which has asserted itself since antiquity.

When did you know you were Trans and what did that mean for you?

If trans was part of my lexicon at birth, I probably would’ve claimed it. However, I grew up in the northshore of Boston in the mid-80’s. The only thing about transness that I knew was through the storytelling of what my dear friend calls, The Jerry Springer paradigm. That multi-million dollar talkshow platform, completely based on harming trans people (amongst other vulnerable groups) while simultaneously teaching the public to abhor us.

I am laughing though, just a little bit, because it’s very hard to package transness into a palatable tale. For so many, it’s not a linear journey. I mean, life isn’t a linear journey. Transness gets scapegoated but really anyone can review their life and see all the twists and turns that make it difficult to reduce into a single thread. I even actually think this question derives out of a misconception that has been sold for years now in mainstream media. That is, kid realizes they’re trans at X years old and proceeds to go through a transgender journey to become their authentic self. How many specials have covered this trope?

What I can say though is that my decision to share this part of myself publically was both a terrifying and liberating one, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

What are misconceptions you hope others will stop having towards the Trans community?

It’s tough to say because “trans” doesn’t mean just one thing, it’s really an umbrella term that captures countless gender identities and gender expressions, which makes the misconceptions incalculable depending on how one is defining or perceiving transness, and ultimately discriminating against it.

I think generally though, there’s a way in which cis people are centered in this movement to “demystify” transness or make it more “acceptable” to the public. And, I don’t mean to sound icy but I think this is a dynamic we see in many liberation movements where those who hold power are continuously centered in the disempowered people’s fight for freedom. Meaning, every step towards freedom for people who are marginalized is enshrined in being asked to make sure those who hold power are comfortable, comprehending, and in agreement. Our integrity is also constantly called into question, we are silenced, policed, and attacked. I think this is why the book “White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk about Racism” hit so hard this last summer. It elicited a new wave of reckoning with white supremacy; and the thing about supremacy is that it’s not solely occupied by whiteness. It can also be occupied by cis-ness. So, I guess, I’d much rather we get to a place where we are more interested in centering trans people. Asking what trans people actually want and need rather than offering them fleeting moments where we’re asked to dissect, disclose, and explain the (often) most basic aspects of our identities, bodies and histories to fufill the curiosities and mend the misconceptions of cis people. I’m more interested in creating spaces where trans people can be honored and valued; provided with equitable opportunities for employment, housing, and healthcare. Decriminalized.

Of course, I look forward to the time when cis people no longer view trans people as an abberation but I believe this only comes when we learn to center trans people.

For those raising a child that identifies as Trans what advice would you give them?

Temper your fears. Be curious and open. Protect your child. Not only from the world around them but from your own prejudice. Call them in instead of calling them out (or throwing them out). Most importantly, perhaps, is to educate yourself. Don’t rely on your child to educate you. The canon of trans literature, research, and resources is immense at this time. Absorb what you can and explore your own edges. Ask yourself as many questions as you ask them. Knowing consciousness is a lifelong commitment.

What are some Trans rights people need to be aware of that affect the Trans community negatively?

We’re actually in the midst of a record breaking year in terms of anti-transgender legislation. In March the 82nd anti-trans bill was introduced into the state legislative session, surpassing the 2020 total of 79 and marking the highest number of anti-transgender bills in U.S. history. Just three months into the year! The legislation filed includes anti-transgender medical care bans, sports bans, and bathroom bans to name a few. I think the discourse around sports bans is perhaps the most popular and wide-reaching right now. And, I actually think NCAA champion CeCe Telfer has been outspoken in this area and is a phenomenal resource for learning more about it. Beyond legislation, trans people have a right to privacy. Point-blank, period.

You have gained fame and notoriety in Hollywood. Has Hollywood become more progressive to writing and having roles for Trans people? What is something you wish Hollywood would embrace more about the Trans community?

You’re kind. I think there has been some progressive movement in Hollywood. We’re seeing major networks making pledges to diversify their programs, shows and films with trans characters, we watched Janet Mock become the first transgender woman of color to write and director a television episode. However progress, when not led by those who have been marginalized, is incredibly slow.

I’d, of course, like to see more trans actors filling roles that aren’t explicitly trans. I love that we have talent agencies emerging that are geared towards trans people, but I also want established agencies to welcome trans people in. We absolutely need more trans writers in the writing room and directors on set. We also need resources for trans artists to continue harnessing their talent and refining their skills. Trans people are last in the race and running on the longest track. See, what we’re not yet speaking on is equity. It’s powerful to have a transwoman in the room writing and directing, but what does it mean when she isn’t even paid half of what her cis counterpart makes? It’s dope to have a transman make an appearance on a show but what happens when that character isn’t recurring or there’s no other opportunities after that one ends.

I’d like to see Hollywood take a more equity based model when it comes to embracing the trans community.

What ignited your activism in Trans rights?

Being marginalized ignited my activism. Loving my community so deeply and seeing the ways in which we suffer. Circumstances, for sure. And, not only having a deep desire for more but a vision that more is possible.

Is there a difference in how people view Trans men versus women?

Is there a difference between how people view cis men verse women? Absolutely.

What are some up and coming projects / works for you?

Right now, I’m working with an artist and editor on a graphic novel for kids. I’m co-writing a television pilot that I’ll also be acting in. I’m lecturing and doing a ton of anti-oppression work within the prison industrial complex. And, I’ve been working on a passion project, called: Love Your Vehicle, the integration of mind | body | soul for historically marginalized bodies. Through strength training, movement, and meditation, we (re)discover the parts of ourselves that we’ve lost along the way.