MTPC adds three new videos to I AM: Trans People Speak, including Diego Sanchez, a Transgender Man and Legislative Assistant to Barney Frank.

January 3rd, 2011

The Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) is announcing the release of three new videos as part of their multi-media public education campaign entitled  I AM: Trans People Speak.

MTPC launched the groundbreaking I AM: Trans People Speak project in conjunction with Transgender Awareness Week in November 2010. I AM: Trans People Speak is a collection of recorded stories that aims to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions of transgender individuals by highlighting the realities of their lived experience. These voices span across a diversity of communities and intersecting identities. I AM: Trans People Speak fosters support and raises awareness for transgender communities by providing a forum where these unique stories can be shared and given significance.

One newly premiered video features Diego Miguel Sanchez, Legislative Assistant to Congressman Barney Frank. Sanchez is the first openly transgender person to work on Capitol Hill, has an impressive policy portfolio, and was named an LGBT Latino Hero by Washington, DC’s Mayor Fenty. Sanchez has also been named among the Top 100 Powerful Latinos in Corporate America by Hispanic Business Magazine and by El Planeta newspaper. He has served on President Obama’s LGBT Policy Advisory Committee and been a national LGBT Advisor for Senator Hillary Clinton’s Presidential Candidacy. In his I AM video, Sanchez talks about what it is like to be openly and visibly transgender in his field.

Another video being premiered is that of Marcia Garber, a Quincy resident. Garber adds an exciting perspective to the Trans People Speak project, being the first ally of the transgender community to be featured. Garber tells an emotional story of both the discrimination her son faced as well as the love, support, and education that she has received from the transgender community.

The last new video to premier on the I AM: Trans People Speak website is of MTPC’s own Steering Committee Vice Chair, Rachel K. Zall. A poet and a highly creative person, Zall weaves an engaging narrative that discusses identity and family. Zall describes both ends of the spectrum, telling the joy of being accepted by some of her family, as well as the painful reality of not being accepted by others.

All three new videos were filmed and edited by Jesse Begenyi, a Boston filmmaker. Begenyi and MTPC plan on uploading new videos to the website periodically and are always looking for participants.

For more information please visit www.transpeoplespeak.org or direct questions to info@transpeoplespeak.org