Transgender Activist Joanna Blackhart Recalls The Challenges Of Coming Out In College

The Challenges Of Coming Out As Transgender While In College

Activist and musician Joanna Blackhart recalled the experience of coming out as transgender at a Catholic university in Texas as part of an interview with HuffPost Live this week.

"I remember very much the day [I came out of the closet] was one of the most awkward and uncomfortable days of my life," Blackhart said. "I was very proud of myself for making that jump but at the same time, it was very difficult for me ... I was extremely isolated for the rest of my career at that college because everyone knew that I was trans."

Coming out, she said, had a negative impact on her social life with fellow classmates.

"Women didn't want to talk to me, men didn't want to talk to me, and I spent a lot of time really uncomfortable in my classes," she said. Sadly, she soon learned that the struggle extended beyond the confines of the college campus.

"There is no place where trans women can be equally accepted without lots and lots of stress, without trouble and without really having to work for it," she said.

Watch the full segment here.

Before You Go

1. Defining Transgenderism

15 Things To Know About Being Transgender By Nicholas M. Teich

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