Indy Pride to host transgender history event
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The transgender community is in the spotlight now more than ever, because of Caitlyn Jenner’s story in Vanity Fair.
Wednesday night, Indy Pride will host its first history night, focusing on being transgender in Indiana. Three prominent transgender people from central Indiana will speak at Indy Reads Wednesday – Michael Woodward, a lecturer and author, Marissa Miller, the Program Director for Brother’s United and Jacqueline Patterson, the Executive Director of the Indiana Transgender Wellness Alliance. They will share their stories, their struggles and answer any questions people may have. They will also address the specific needs of people who are transgender living in Indiana.
Miller sat down with 24-Hour News 8 ahead of the event and said Pride Week offers opportunities to answer questions and talk about serious issues like how transgender people are more affected by poverty, homelessness and HIV. Miller said it’s also important to realize that transgender people are a major part of Indianapolis and deserve to be treated like anyone else.
“Maybe 10 years ago they weren’t visible. We’re doctors, we’re lawyers, we have degrees, we are program directors and we’re very prominent in the community, so I think it’s extremely important that we approach the ideal, the conversations about the ideal of [cultural competency] trainings as scary as they might be. But it’s the best thing to do,” said Miller.
Mark Lee, one of the event’s organizers, said Caitlyn Jenner’s story has raised questions for many people and has sparked some added interest in the event. Miller said while Jenner’s transition is in the public eye, it’s important to remember that not everyone has the money to make it possible, or an accepting family to give support.
At Wednesday night’s event, Miller wants to focus on the need for cultural competency training in the workplace, for specialized health care and support for transgender people living in poverty.
Miller hopes other transgender people can find comfort through the story of her own transition and Jenner’s.
“She [Jenner] lived as a hostage by her gender for many, many years and that’s the story that is most important to me. Not how beautiful she is. Not how privileged she is. Not how she’s transformed, but about being held hostage. That’s what so many people go through on a daily basis,” said Miller.
The free event will start at 7 p.m. at Indy Reads Bookstore on Massachusetts Avenue. More than 500 people have registered, so it will also be streaming at Indiana Youth Group, Theatre on the Square and the Metro. Anyone can stream it online here. You can also dial in by calling +1 (571) 317-3131 and using access code 661-120-885.