Jay M

I was born and raised in McLean County, Illinois, and lived most of my first 20 years on a farm north of Hudson, Il. Our farm was very isolated --and wonderful-- with woods, a creek, and a pond. We raised Horses, Dogs, and Fruit and Christmas trees, "Gentleman Farm" stuff. Nevertheless, when I was 21, I moved to New York City (read: escaped) and there ended up as a staff member of the National Gay Task Force as my "Intro to Activism." But I came out as Trans when I was 3 years old, in 1958, before there was even a word to describe someone like me (at least none known in Bloomington-Normal Illinois!). From the time I "met the public" by starting Kindergarten in 1959, I strenuously advocated for myself, which is fancy way to say that I was At War with most of the World until about two years ago when I finally transitioned the rest of the way. I have been a professional Writer and Journalist since age 16, had a career in the Theatre ---and about ten other fields. I've lived in many places in the US and Mexico and now I find myself "back home" in Illinois, living in a very small country town again, this one called Chenoa, about 90 minutes south of Chicago. I am the pet "Town Tranny" here and so far, I get along okay. Why I am in Chenoa, when I really want to be back in Chicago again, all has to do with being in love with a 115 year old Arts and Crafts home. But I hope to be able to give this wonderful old house over to someone else in the next six months!

I have been yearning for more contact with the LGTBQ+ community since I started transition at Rush. My advocate there, Morigana May, has inspired me to embrace this aspect of my life. I am very, very excited to be part of this, to hear the stories of other "Elders" and to become familiar with the stories of young people within the LGTBQ+ community.

Photo Attached. (I sort of wish I could add "Appearance Prior to Facial Overhaul" at the bottom of this casual photo. Yes, my Old Age Look haunts me. Surgery next year!)