Voices of Transgender Pride: Andrea from Indiana (1 of 15)
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Aug 15, 2016)
Ferndale, MI – The largest gathering of transgender people in Michigan happens every year in Ferndale with over 200 gender non-conforming individuals and supporters coming together for Transgender Pride in the Park.
An unexpected downpour had nearly 100 people huddled under a pavilion while much of Geary Park flooded and heavy rains knocked down the tents over vendor booths. The closeness and the futility of the mess meant lots of laughter, getting to know strangers, and a memorable experience for attendees.
For some, Transgender Pride in the Park is the only opportunity to be around trans people. For some it is even the only time they go in public dressed the way they wish they could the other 364 days of the year.
This series is a result of an afternoon’s worth of conversations with trans people about their experiences.
It’s important to note that no individual story can speak for the transgender community. People have different perceptions of themselves, different labels, different pronouns, and different ways of expressing themselves. But the one thing almost everyone there (including the cis gendered folks) wants is to simply be themselves without the scorn or judgment of others.
Here is the first of 15 Profiles from Transgender Pride.
#1 – Andrea from Indiana
Andrea came from Fort Wayne, Indiana after being invited by a deacon from Christ Good Shepherd Church in Ferndale who does a lot of outreach online and in the community in support of LGBT people.
“I met Angela [Lippard] through a mutual friend and we became friends online. She came to visit, and I wanted to come here and be part of this,” said Andrea from Fort Wayne.
“Fort Wayne has very little. One Pride event a year. It’s like this but about 20 times as big. But it’s only two days a year. You’d think there’d be more visibility, more support groups. We can meet people online but it’s worth it to come and make friends in person,” she said.
Andrea came to Pride in the Park with her wife Stephanie, who seems an even more bold supporter. Her purple and rainbow tank poked fun at the recent “bathroom issue” discussions of what restrooms transgender people should use.
“You can pee next to me,” the shirt said.
“If you’re going to the bathroom, you’re going to the bathroom,” she said. “The whole discussion is ridiculous. I don’t care who it is, if you gotta pee you can pee next to me.”
In contrast to the boldness of their Saturday afternoon 175-mile-away adventure, at home Andrea is mainly known as Andy because the economic consequences of coming out would be devastating.
“In my job I have to present as male. It’s a very Christian-based company, so I must lead a double life. I don’t know how it is here in Michigan, but in Indiana there are no employment protections and it’s an ‘at will’ state. You can be hired and fired for no reason. So if a boss doesn’t like the way you look, you’re gone.”
Learning that Michigan did not have employment discrimination protections either, Andrea said she was not surprised. “There is just not a lot of opportunity if you are transgender. There’s not a lot for anybody really, but standing out in any way makes it harder. We’re all supposed to look the same and act the same.”
When asked how it feels going into work as Andy every day, Andrea replied. “I would like to be someplace where I can be myself at work, and not feel like I’m hiding or holding back.
“But I can’t.
“So for me it’s just part of the job.”
Transgender Pride in the Park is an event that grows each year. It is hosted by Transgender Michigan, and other groups come with information and smiles to share. PFLAG Detroit, Gender Identity Network Alliance, and FTM Detroit were among those in attendance.
The oc115 is doing a series of profiles from the picnic. CLICK HERE to search for others, and SIGN UP FOR DAILY HEADLINES so you won’t miss future features.