That's the unexpected journey Susan Stanton has taken in recent weeks. Known as Steve Stanton while the city manager in Largo, Florida, the announcement of a sex change where he would transition into becoming a woman landed Stanton in the national spotlight, and out of a job.
Susan made her public debut in Washington, DC this week to lend her voice to the lobbying efforts being made on behalf of transgender people.
From the Washington Blade report:
“I was joking with one of the newscasters that I wish I was gay,” said Stanton. “If I was, it would have been an easier issue. If you said 20 years ago that you were gay, the same thing would have happened, but many communities now acknowledge you can still be gay and be a doctor, lawyer, professional or a city manager. We’re not there yet in the trans community.”
Stanton said going to court with a lawsuit, even if it means taking a stand for other transgender people, doesn’t interest her because she would rather advocate for change outside a courtroom.
“At that point you don’t talk, you start deposing people. The legal process is not nearly as substantial as the ability to impact societal thinking through advocacy and providing information.”
You don't often see someone, especially during a major life changing event, who is willing to weigh the consequences toward the greater good against personal benefits, then choose the unselfish path. Having just getting involved in GLBT issues, Susan Stanton is already setting a very positive example.
There is a lot more about Stanton in the Blade article, including her struggles with transitioning and her current job prospects.
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