However, it’s important to note that


my experience is not every trans person’s experience. For a lot of trans youth, one of the biggest challenges is dealing with transphobia, but because of the fact that I grew up in an incredibly inclusive environment, transphobia was not the biggest struggle for me. I think that the biggest challenge I faced, was having to wait to transition. Prior to medically transitioning, I was incredibly dysphoric, which caused a lot of insecurity. You are the honoree for the Trailblazer Award at this year’s JQ Awards Garden brunch. What does that mean to you? I am incredibly honored to be receiving this award.


To me, a trailblazer is someone who is working to create a more inclusive environment in a space that historically may not have been a very inclusive space. For me, being the first trans man to play high school baseball allowed me to be a trailblazer. A lot of times people don’t want to be the first person to do something, because it can be scary. It would have been great if there had been a trans man to play baseball before me. It probably would have been a lot easier, but I’m glad that didn’t deter me from playing. Being a trailblazer allowed me to make the baseball community more open to difference, by showing them that when we’re on the field, we are just players. My hope is that now, other trans people can play the game without having to worry about being trans when they are on the field. They can just be themselves and play the game. I think that is what a trailblazer does. You have had your struggles and are now doing well. What advice can you give to someone in your situation that may be reading this and is in a dark place? Don’t give up! Times may be hard now, but I promise it will get better. I know that sounds very cliché, but it’s true. For me, one of the best things that I did for myself in order to get out of that dark place, was to stop caring what other people thought. I know that can be really hard to do, especially if people refuse to respect your identity. What you have to remind yourself of, is that when someone is mean to you or disrespects your identity, it is not reflective of you, but rather their own insecurities. My parents always told me to ignore the bullies and bigots. You have to treat them the same way you


would treat internet trolls. While it can be really hard to do, if you don’t give them the response they are looking for, they will just get frustrated and eventually they will stop. Keeping a journal can also be really helpful.


It’s a good way to vent and get your frustrations and dark thoughts out of your head. Don’t bottle it up, write it down. After you have written out your dark thoughts, write down a few things to remind yourself of how beautiful you are. Positive thinking helps. Even if you don’t believe it now, if you tell yourself why you are amazing and beautiful, eventually you will believe it. Try to remind yourself of these things each day. Can you share how others who want to get involved with the organization can help? Attend events! JQ is constantly running pro- grams. Go to their queer shabbat events, volunteer at the JQ Helpline! If you are a teen, start attending JQSA events. They are a great way to meet other Jewish and queer teens, plus they’re really fun!


OnSunday, April 15from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., these inspirational leaders will be honored by our community as we celebrate their accomplishments over the past year. The2018 JQ Awards Garden Brunch will be hosted at the beautiful Beverly Hills home of Dr. and Mrs. Jamshid Maddahi, featuring entertainment, brunch and cocktails, silent auction, and awards ceremony! For tickets and info, go tojqinternational.org/awardsbrunch.


For a wonderful resource and social service referral line for LGBTQ Jews, their families and allies at call 855.574.4577 or go to helpline@JQInternational.org.


APRIL 2018 | RAGE monthly 15


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