S.A.G.E. Presents "Becoming Me" Event

Be honest with yourself for a second, do you know what life is like for a transgender person? More importantly, do you care? If you answered no to either or both of those questions, a great way to change that would be attending one of the S.A.G.E. Center's events.

On Tuesday, February 27^th, PSU sophomore Julia Hafford, in partnership with the S.A.G.E. Center, held a powerful and eye opening event called, "Becoming Me" concerning transgender awareness. They showed a film that followed a few transgender people and their families to show what their lives were like. After, there was a panel of five extraordinary people who were transgender and spoke about their lives.

Sophomore and fellow S.A.G.E. center coordinator, Kristy Stiles said, "I couldn't be more proud of my best friend for creating such an incredible event that can bring awareness to the PSU community."

The film gave a fairly well rounded view of the different 'lifestyles' transgender people have. The most surprising story was about  two five year old children who had socially transitioned from female to male. Their parents were not only one hundred percent supportive of their children, but they were also very proud of them for taking charge of their own lives.

"I thought seeing the movie was very eye opening, and I really enjoyed hearing first hand stories about transgender men and women in our own community," said junior Megan O'Gara.

The panel came together to talk about their personal experiences living as a transgender. Julia Hafford reached out to five people: Mason Dunn, his wife Lauren Willford, Christen Bustani, Kelly Davies, and Melissa Tracy.

After the event Hafford said, "I came across the video and I wanted to show how important it is to have support of any one and everyone. After that, I decided it would be a good idea to have a panel speak so people could hear about other's experiences first hand."

Each of these individuals had a unique story to share that brought them to where they are today. Taking charge of the discussion was a transgender male named Mason Dunn. He fearlessly shared opinions and stories from his life with the room of more than 70 people. He explained, "I identify as transgender but I do not define myself as one hundred percent male." Dunn helped clarify some of the different meanings of being a transgender and kept everyone in good spirits by adding a few witty comments along the way. "I love my beard," he joked, "it's my pride and joy."

Seeing Wilford and Dunn sitting together openly talking about what they have been through as a couple was truly moving. While talking about Dunn's transition, Wilford mentioned, "Yes, he was going through the actual transition, but we went through it together as a couple."

Christen Bustani provided the crowd with a powerful and moving story on the other end of the transgender spectrum. She approached the crowd without fear, and it was obvious that she was confident with who she was, herself. "I don't fit a gender stereotype, I am who I am inside," said Bustani.

Another participant in the event was Melissa Tracy, who happens to be Julia's mother. She told stories about Julia coming out, and what they went through together as a family, she was the perfect example of a loving mother recognizing and supporting her courageous child at such a complicated time in her child's life.

"I told her that I will always be there for her and I will hold her hand through the beginning, middle and end," said Tracy.

The "Becoming Me" event was more than just your typical event; it was an all around experience. Before the event, I only had an idea of what transgender really meant, and now I know there is a lot more behind it. I left Hyde 220 that night reflecting on my own life. I felt like I had gained a completely different perspective not just for transgender, but what it means to be a part of the LGBT community-especially  considering I am part of that community. So the next time you see an advertisement for a S.A.G.E. Center event, do your best to go to it-you might be surprised what you learn.