A Fluid Identity
Multimedia story by: Robert Devenuti. Click here to view.
November 20th is the Transgender Day of Remembrance
“If someone is going to respect me and see me for who I am, they need to do it whether I look like a man or not.”
Text by Robert Devenuti
Kai Kohlsdorf has gone through several transformations in his life. Growing up in the Midwest, Kohlsdorf struggled with his identity as a transgendered person. First, he identified as a bisexual female; then as a lesbian; then “a dyke;” and eventually he decided that he was a transgendered, gay male. Currently, a post-graduate student at the University of Washington and the assistant director at the UW QUEER Center, Khohlsdorf works with students to raise awareness about trans-identity.
In the past year, over 120 people have been murdered in hate crimes against transgendered individuals. That number does not take into account the hundreds of trans-associated people who lost their lives due to self-hatred and suicide. Each year, on November 20th, the LGBT community gathers together for the Transgender Day of Remembrance, mourning the loss.
Kohlsdorf believes gender and sexuality are fluid and always changing. He does not mind exploring himself and his relation to the rest of society. Kohlsdorf would like to continue his physical transformation into a man, but feels there is no hurry. “If someone is going to respect me and see me for who I am, they need to do it whether I look like a man or not.”
3 Responses to “A Fluid Identity”
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You made a really good choice deciding which photo to use for your Soundslide. Good Job Rob.
At first I was a little scared to view your soundslide, but well done! The audio was wonderful and it’s great you were able to publish!
Really compelling, Robert. Fantastic topic, well done.