006: Becoming an Activist with Staley Munroe — Part I

In the last few years, the LGBTQ community has received unprecedented attention from the media. This means two things: It means people who belong to this community have faced public disapproval, hate, scrutiny, and extreme violence. It also means there are many strong, valiant people fighting for the equal treatment of all people.

The stress, anxiety and fear that accompanies transgender people from a young age is paralyzing. How can a person not belong in the one place they have no choice but to be, their own body? For transgender people, there is a constant disconnect between their sense of self and their body.

The conflict between mind and body does not simply go away or fade. Often, resources aren’t readily available for people who feel cornered by their anatomy. Friends and family may not understand how to support a transgender son, daughter, or friend, and that can be painful for both parties.

Many transgender people, choose to medically align their bodies with the the gender they identify with. That journey is scary, and lonely, but it’s also powerful and liberating.

Staley Munroe made the courageous decision to medically transition into the person she knew she was from the time she was a child. Today, she is comfortable in her own skin and is a creative director for Prizm Magazine, a photographer and art director in the fashion industry and a fearless activist.

Staley explains the hurt and confusion of being a young child trapped in a body that didn’t feel right. In college Staley describes herself as the” goth kid” this was her outlet to avoid confusion and shame. Eventually, through some moving, enlightening experiences, Staley knew she was ready to begin the medical transition to be a trans woman.

Staley knows the many challenges of being a trans woman. At one time Staley was homeless, struggling, and unable to tap into resources to get the proper healthcare she needed.

Another issue transgender people face is having prejudice wherever they go, including the workforce. Often times, businesses are not sure how to approach the idea of hiring a transgender person. In short, Staley believes it’s time to change the way people think about transgender people in the workforce. She is actively working to make a difference.

At the end of the day, the fight is long from over. Transgender people will continue to face incredible challenges, and violence. The future is daunting, but it’s also promising. There are people, like Staley who are boldly pressing forward to make the future better than the past.

Key Takeaways:

[:02] Staley Munroe is introduced as today’s guest.

[1:30] Staley is congratulated on her recent engagement. She shares her sentimental proposal story.

[4:38] When Staley was in college she was a “goth kid.” The goth scene was an outlet for her.

[6:00] Staley explains her “trans-brand.” She decided to be honest and choose activism.

[7:15] Assimilation is addressed, often assimilation into a new life is a matter of safety.

[8:35] Heather brings up a recording from when Staley was a child and she says she feels like a girl trapped in a boys body. Staley and Heather discuss the psychology and discomfort of feeling trapped as a child.

[11:20] Staley talks about the gradual process of any transition. She discusses the process and events that led to her decision to medically change her gender.

[14:50] Staley is in an episode of Glee; she participates in a musical number that felt like a declaration and experiences a moment of clarity.

[16:00] What is the real problem with healthcare and being transgender?

[17:50] Staley overcomes internal issues and grows spiritually largely because of relationships she developed.

[19:39] Why are transgender people not included when it comes to advocating for diversity in areas business and communities?

[22:00] Training within a company could help businesses and employees accept transgender people.

[22:50] Companies have the opportunity to lead and be proactive, they can seek qualified transgender people to fill roles within their companies.

[25:10] Intersectionality is discussed.

[26:40] “You can’t be it if you don’t see it.”

[30:25] Staley talks about what keeps her motivated as an activist? Discussion on the progress made in the most recent election and what the new wave of activism looks like.

[34:40] Thank you for listening. Follow us on Twitter @prtini, and use the hashtag #rewritetherules. Please like, share, and review if you like what you heard today.

Mentioned in this Episode:

http://prtini.com/about/

@prtini

@silverwindrider

http://prizmnews.com/about/

Therepresentationproject.org/film/miss-representation/

Soundcloud.com/adamsinger