My first step in self acknowledgement was in 8th grade when I came out to my mother, telling her that I was attracted to men but did not like being called gay. My attraction was like any other girl my age. Later on, I met my first transwoman at the age of 14. She was a pageant girl from Atlanta, and she was absolutely beautiful. I was fascinated with how she became who she was, and the more she and I developed a relationship, the more I knew that this was who I was; this was the answer to all of my questions. I experimented with dressing up in private on the weekends, when I was with friends, … [Read more...]

At 34 years old, I have lived a few lifetimes of pain and what seems to be bad luck. To the point where I just begin laughing about it, it was like a routine. It took me years to finally realize that by surviving, I had become a stronger person with enough compassion to want to make a difference in the lives of others. When I got the call about being one of the grantees of the Jim Collins Foundation, it seemed unreal. So few dreams come true in our lifetimes, and I have received one of mine. It has been hard to describe. It feels like I am living inside a great dream, and every time I think … [Read more...]

At first, I didn't think there was anything wrong me. I knew I was a girl, until my preschool teacher told me I couldn't play with the kitchen set at playtime. I cried and told her, "I have the same one at home. Why can't I play with this one?" Her answer was the beginning of a journey down a dark lonely road. "It's for girls," she said, "You're not a girl, you're a boy. Boys play with boys' toys; go play with the Lincoln Logs or trucks!" From then on, every single night when we said prayers, I would wait until Mommy left the room and pray, "Dear God, please make me a girl." Many nights, I … [Read more...]

As a 45-year-old, married, disabled veteran who is unable to work, I thought I had perhaps gone as far as I could in my transition until I won the lotto or managed to sell a book or something. I did what I could, helping with the Transgender American Veterans Association, as well as my local support group. I also went to a few conferences and talked about writing as well as TAVA. I tried to get involved. When my health started declining I began writing even more, putting more stories online on various websites for the trans community, as well as writing fan fiction. It kept me occupied and … [Read more...]

Every day prior to my surgery was like a living nightmare.  Most of my earliest memories include asking my mother when I was going to be 'fixed' so I would be like the other girls.  She would always reply in the same way, "You're not a girl."  I couldn't have the things I really wanted, I could never wear the things I wanted to wear, and I thought I was never going to be the person I knew I was inside. As I got older, I went into acting and music to try and avoid how I really felt inside. I had one failed marriage, almost had a second failed marriage, and I gained so much weight that I topped … [Read more...]

I’m a warrior in the battle that has been through a lot. My life has been very difficult since I was born. I’ve always dressed and acted like a man. My family rejected me because of my gender identity, and I’m alone in the world, battling for my life in order to be a great human being. I was on the honor roll, delivered the graduation speech at my high school, and was a leader in LGBT clubs in school. All my life, I have been discriminated against by family, co-workers, and the state of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. I have been on the news speaking about the discrimination so that other people would … [Read more...]

When I first applied to the grant I was homeless and jobless and felt as though I had little to no support. It might have possibly been the lowest point in my life. I have pushed against discrimination towards me even in high school and middle school when no one would talk to me. I have lost many friends and family upon coming out. But it has ultimately led me to further happiness with myself. I am seeking to further my transition to allow me to be more aligned with my body and comfortable with myself and my identity. To be more comfortable in public, less worried about being outed, go to the … [Read more...]

Before surgery I would recoil inside when I saw a reflection in the mirror that was not congruent with my true identity. It left me stuck in a gray zone most people do not understand. It was a shadow that followed me everywhere. There is a comfort in knowing who I really am but with that comes limitations imposed on people like us by society and other relationships that may come along. To me gender confirmation surgery is not what brings happiness but what allows one to live life to its fullest, with confidence. While I’m transgender, I’m more than the sum of that. I’m an artist, a person … [Read more...]

One grant recipient, Séverine Pierre, lives in government-subsidized housing in New York City and survives on food stamps. In 2010, she joined Americorps to assist survivors of the earthquake in Haiti apply for temporary protected status in the United States. "Even though I knew this job choice would affect the savings I had accumulated towards surgery, I could not miss the opportunity to help my people in a time of such great need." Séverine is now a full-time graduate student pursuing a degree in social work and working part-time. "Surgery will not undo the wounds of the past, nor will it … [Read more...]

(North Branford, CT) May 9, 2011 - The Jim Collins Foundation is proud to announce that its first grant for gender-affirming surgery has been awarded to Drew Lodi. The Jim Collins Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, raises funds to provide grants to transgender individuals who need, but cannot afford, gender-affirming surgery. “Our hard work is paying off,” says Tony Ferraiolo, one of the organization’s co-founders. “Friends, families, and allies have helped us to raise these funds, and with their help we are able to fulfill our mission by providing Drew with the surgery that he has long … [Read more...]