"Chaz Bono is one of the bravest, yet modest LGBTQ voices of our time," said Elgin.
Recently, Elgin had an opportunity to sit down and talk with Chaz, about his life and activism.
Bono, who was invited by MT Lambda as the keynote speaker for their Spring Out! Pride Week, sat down for an exclusive, one-on-one interview with The Lavender Table, prior to addressing the packed auditorium April 9.
Read an excerpt from host Gary Elgin's interview below and find out how you can see it in its entirety later this month.
What was it like coming out, not once, but twice?
Not fun-it was tough once, harder twice. There's just a whole lot more acceptance for gay & lesbian people in this day and age, than for trans.
Did you experience any backlash or discrimination from the lesbian community when you came out as trans?
Not that I'm aware of... I've received nothing but love and support from my gay and lesbian friends.
In your autobiography, Transition, you spoke about the fact that, if you had been anonymous, you would have come out as trans ten years earlier. Can you tell us more about this?
There was a fear of being judged
You've talked about, previous to your transition, having difficulty feeling anger. Can you explain a little about that?
There were many emotional changes that came along with the transition. With anger, prior to my transition, I had difficulty accessing that emotion. I've never been prone to wild spikes of emotion, but now, I can access anger, I also can access greater joys.
What do you say to someone who is LGBT and says they're not political?
That's not something I understand. I think it would be impossible to be a minority of any kind and not be political.
You have become an inspiration to so many, by increasing awareness of the transgendered community. What would you say to that young person out there who may be struggling and searching for answers with gender identity?
Learn as much as you can. There are so many more resources now. Books, films, documentaries, the Internet... and ask for help.
What can you say is on the other side?
For me, it is an amazing life!
The Lavender Table's Chaz Bono interview will premiere with a special public viewing, on Friday April 26th at Club Exile, in Knoxville. Stay up to date with the latest on The Lavender Table (including the full Chaz Bono interview at the end of the month) by visiting them on YouTube, Facebook and thelavendertable.org.