Meeting Sarah Scott

Sarah Scott

Introduction

I originally met Sarah Scott at an event just before Covid. Sarah is trans. She was congenial, funny, and oh so charming.

I was drawn to Sarah’s style. The clothes she was wearing. How she interacted with other people. But there were so many people at the party, I did not have the opportunity to learn more about her life.

Fast forward to 2023, and Ms. Scott and I again attended a gathering of girls strutting our stuff along with other girls, and lo and behold many other people who happened to be guests in a public hotel setting. We were in a State that is not particularly friendly to people in our lifestyle. Oh, we got those looks, but overall, everyone was congenial to us. You never know what might happen, and if folks might let out a little of their hostility towards crossdressers and people who are trans.

I got to know Sarah a little more and we found a quiet place where we could chat about our outlook on life. One topic led to another, and I asked if she would do a short interview with me for TGForum. Here is her story.

By Shelley Anne Baker

TGForum: Why did you decide to transition?

Ms. Scott: Transitioning from one gender to another can be a complex process. I started my transition about three years ago after a lengthy process of soul searching. I was feeling out of touch with myself. Like something was missing. My soul searching was the process of figuring out my purpose, motivations, and what may need to change in my life to live in greater alignment with my true self.

TGForum: Did you have family support?

Ms. Scott: Some of my family knows. The people who are my family and friends. Most live far away. My life is my life.

Sarah and Bobbie.

TGForum: Was the HRT procedure difficult?

Ms. Scott: Not at all. I had all my ducks in a row before I started. I researched the procedure for more than three years. From counseling to medical. Plus, I had support from the community which I did not realize was there at the start. My therapist suggested I talk to other girls.

TGForum: You are getting married later this year. That is a big step.

Ms. Scott: Yes. We are planning a fall wedding. We are so excited. We met over six years ago at an event and have been friends ever since. To be honest, it hit us both unexpectedly. 

TGForum: Talk about the weekly hosted Zoom meetings. Who can participate?

Ms. Scott: Since March 2020, we have had a Zoom meeting every Sunday. We are mostly unformatted. It is usually just us girls chatting about what is on our minds. Occasionally, we do get experts in their respective fields such as make-up, fashion, healthcare, and other areas to join us and share their insights that will help enhance how we live our lives. We have wonderful people who stop by every week for chats from all around the globe. If you would like a link to join our discussions, you can email [email protected].

TGForum: How are you helping others with their transition?  

Ms. Scott: Primarily listening and providing moral support. Everyone has a different journey. There is no single explanation for why some people are trans. The diversity of trans expression and experiences argues against any simple or unitary explanation. Many experts believe that biological factors such as genetic influences and prenatal hormone levels, early experiences, and experiences later in adolescence or adulthood may all contribute to the development of transgender identities.

Sarah & Bobbie.

TGForum: There’s a documentary called This Is Me, that will be released soon. You are one of the subjects. Please share the movie plot and where it can be seen.

Ms. Scott: This is a documentary about trans people. It is supposed to be released sometime soon, either through HBO or Disney. I do not know at this time, but I have seen the trailer, and know it will be awesome. I was honored to be interviewed and be one of the subjects. My hope is there will be great acceptance. It will be interesting to see if Disney does release it. They are getting so much backlash from their support of the LGBTQ+ community. They have been in battles with the legislative community in Florida, as most know.

TGForum: Do you find it challenging to pursue a new lifestyle in your geographical location?

Ms. Scott: It has not been that difficult. My surroundings are heightened a little bit more, in awareness of where I am at considering the way things are these days. Anti-discrimination laws in most U.S. cities and states do not protect trans people from discrimination based on gender identity or gender expression. Consequently, trans people in most cities and states face discrimination in every aspect of their lives. 

TGForum: What are your feelings about the local and national political situation?   

Ms. Scott: Without saying, it is a mess. Frankly, I try to stay optimistic even in these times. In recent years, as most in our community know, many states have considered or enacted policies related to people who are trans. On a couple of these measures, there is agreement among Americans, but views of other policies are more divided.

In Oklahoma, students, teachers, parents, and caregivers have all rallied to support the LGBTQ+ community, which has felt threatened by legislation currently making its way through the state house. Bills that most concern advocates for include restrictions on gender-affirming health care as well as on drag performances. The Oklahoma State Legislature does not allow for public comment on any bill before it heads to a vote. But Freedom Oklahoma, an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, has offered anyone the chance to speak in the group’s People’s Forum.

At this time to my knowledge, at least 21 states have passed some kind of restriction on trans people, such as limiting the ability of trans student athletes to play on sports teams that match their gender identity; making it illegal for health care professionals to provide someone younger than 18 with medical care for a gender transition; excluding coverage of medical care for gender transitions from state Medicaid; or making it illegal for public school districts to teach about gender identity in elementary schools. At least seven states – Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Texas – have passed two or more of these restrictions.

TGForum: You are on the Board of HeartlandTG. What plans do you have to help grow the organization and its annual events? 

Ms. Scott: Yes. I was part of the director’s team to suggest we change event locations in the Oklahoma City area. This after 16 years at the same location. Change does not always come easy, no matter the situation. We are now able to break bread within a much-enhanced venue while getting to know so many lovely and wonderful people from across the U.S. and other countries including Canada and even Australia.

We do virtually all the set-up for the events ahead of time, and I arrive several days in advance to ensure all is in place. Our new venue has a spectacular staff and management that we have found to be quite helpful in collaborating with us. Our maiden voyage in May came off without a hitch. Our next HeartlandTG event at this location will be in November.

We have people tell us every time that they wish they could do something to help. We can always use a little help. The biggest little thing anyone can do is bring a friend or two to the next party. If everyone brought just one friend, it would be twice as big as the last one. For attendee information I suggest visiting www.heartlandtg.com.

TGForum: HeartlandTG is mostly a gathering of crossdressers. But like you, trans people are welcome too.

Ms. Scott: Absolutely correct. First, it is the largest trans live music event in America. Only trans musicians and bands, and guest appearances by established recording artists who wish to perform are invited to entertain. Bands and acts must have at least one trans/t-girl/t-man member to participate. All genres of music are accepted.

Attendees vary. All trans women and men – transsexuals, transvestites, drag queens, drag kings, fully feminine or masculine crossdressers, plus spouses, girlfriends, boyfriends, mistresses, Sirs and BBC who love girls and t-men, plus non-judgmental friends are always welcome.

Tags: featured, Transgender, Transition

Category: Interview