We Helped Save Each Others Lives

Summary: Listen to a conversation with two local trans community members who share their coming out stories, the ways TransPonder has been a valuable and lifesaving resource, about their book group which emerged during Covid Lockdown and how allies can support trans people here in Eugene.
About Guests:
Karon Barter
As writer and performer Kate Bornstein names us, I’m a ‘gender outlaw’ - my mere existence transgresses and upsets gender norms and stereotypes. I came out as a transgender woman in my late middle-age, during the COVID quarantine. The TransPonder book club became my community as I began to figure out who I am and how I want to live. It’s still an important part of my life and I’ve been a co-facilitator of it for several years now. Being part of the Hult Center Community Resource Group has been an opportunity to educate others about the existence of gender diversity and our need for acceptance and representation in the arts and media. In spite of the dangers, I feel it’s important for me to be publicly visible so other gender non-conformists know they’re not alone and so people who haven’t been aware of our existence can learn about us.
Jacob Griffin
I feel that I am having a full go at this life of mine. I was raised as the daughter of a Baptist minister. I was a drunk who chose to get sober, an atheist who chose Judaism, a woman who became a man, all on a journey to become the person I wish to be.
At the beginning of the pandemic Transponders was seeking ways to keep our community connected in that isolating time. I offered to start a book club. I was very early in my transition and the friendships I have made there have been lifesaving. For four years we have huddled together each week in a sort of virtual campfire, sharing our love of books and each other. In the rest of my life, I have been married for 23 years to Marian, am the mother to three adults, and Zayde to one perfect child.
Learn More:
transponder.co...
www.cnn.com/st...
www.eugeneprid...
hultcenter.org...
hultcenter.org...
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Get tickets to a show: hultcenter.org...
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