LGBT History Month Icon Of The Day: Kate Bornstein

LGBT History Month Icon Of The Day: Kate Bornstein

Throughout her career Kate Bornstein has worked tirelessly to investigate -- and explode -- as many labels as she can.

As an acclaimed author, theorist and queer advocate, Bornstein's groundbreaking books on postmodern gender theory include "Gender Outlaw: On Men, Women and the Rest of Us," "My Gender Workbook," "Hello, Cruel World: 101 Alternatives To Suicide For Teens, Freaks, and Other Outlaws," and her most recent, the memoir "Kate Bornstein Is A Queer and Pleasant Danger."

The North Dakota-native now lives in New York City with her partner, Barbara Carrellas, and frequently tours the U.S., Europe and Australia, giving talks on college campuses -- where many of her books are taught -- among other venues. Bornstein, who grew up Jewish and spent 12 years as a highly ranked official in the Church of Scientology before defecting, told Mother Jones in an interview in May, "I don't speak for all transsexuals or all transgender people. Certainly I honor anybody who wants to be a man and do the work of becoming a man. I honor anyone who mindfully becomes a woman. That's cool. But, I really don't get how there's only two choices. There's no two of anything else in the entire universe; why should there only be two genders? I don't get it."

For more from Bornstein, visit her official website and follow her on Twitter.

Each day in October, which is LGBT History Month, we'll be featuring a different LGBT icon. Check back tomorrow for a look at another incredible individual who changed history and visit our LGBT History Month Big News Page for more stories.

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