democrats

This is the second post in our new “Member Spotlight” series. Our goal is to introduce some of our awesome members, and hear more about why they choose to be involved with Canyon Dems.

This time, our spotlight shines on member Christine Roy. Here is a bit more about Christine — her story in her own words:

“I went back and forth over if I should respond to this because outing one’s self is never a light decision. I am a transgender woman. My way of giving back to the trans community is to be open and share my story with the general public so that you get to know me as your neighbor, your coworker, your friend — your fellow Democrat in this case. I volunteer with PFLAG to speak to college students and OC Sheriff’s Academy Recruits about what it is like being transgender, so that they can relate to us as people, not stereotypes. I also volunteer within the trans community helping those that have come after me as I was helped by those who went before.

So my life was cruising along pretty well: Good job, bought a condo in Laguna Hills before prices got crazy, started my transition in 2008 while also transitioning politically and enthusiastically voting for President Obama both times. I used to be a Republican! (Talk about outing yourself!) and I couldn’t believe as a So Cal native that race would actually be an issue in 2008 America? Sadly I was naive.

My transition went well, my family accepts me, I kept my job, most of my friends. Those are not givens for transgender people. Some lose everything when they transition. Transgender people were in the media in a positive light: Laverne Cox, Sarah McBride, Janet Mock, Chas Bono, Jazz Jennings, Caitlin Jenner, etc.

Then HB2 in North Carolina the 1st of the “bathroom bills” passed. A report by the Human Rights Campaign notes that 100 anti-LGBT bills were introduced in 2017. These are about more than the bathroom. These bills are about making life as difficult as possible for transpeople and vilifying us. Next Donald Trump won… That was terrifying! Like so many I attended my first Canyon Dems meeting in early 2017 still in shock. Currently I volunteer with Voter Registration staffing tables at places like the Irvine Spectrum, Mission Viejo Library, even the Laguna Hills DMV. I enjoy attending the meetings, hearing the candidates for the 45th speak, learning about the variety of activities we are doing to reverse what happened in 2016, and getting fired up by Vivian. Who doesn’t enjoy that?

Not bad for someone who is an introvert! I am single. I love my cat, biking, reading, nerding out on tech, being an usher at church (mine is big on social justice), spending time with family and friends; and most of all just being comfortable, happy, and my authentic self. Despite the struggles I am living in a wonderful time and place to be me. If you’ve never met a transgendered person say hi at the next meeting. I’m a nice person.”

Thank you Christine, for sharing your story with us. Members like you are what makes our group great!

Canyon Dem members, we want to hear from you. Your voices are important as we work toward turning Orange County blue. If you would like to share your story with our group, please complete the form below. Once received, our Communications Team will contact you to get started.