In Nebraska, as in every other state in the U.S., trans people contribute meaningfully to our communities.
The Williams Institute estimates that at least 5,600 transgender people live in Nebraska. Meet some transgender Nebraskans who shared their stories with us. These videos are available for showing at your classroom or event without cost.
Share Your Story
Transgender Voices
"We should never be afraid to show ourselves."
“I was in the Air Force Reserve and then the National Guard…After transition it allows me to be me and be the authentic person I’m supposed to be. It gives me a sense of satisfaction. Having to fight the person I was made me a miserable person…it made me a pretty sad parent…The best thing anyone can do is just respect us as people…We’re not out to harm anyone, we just want to live our lives as productive citizens.”
“I was raised in a mixed family to begin with, my sister and I were both adopted. We were raised in a family where being different was the norm…there was definitely a period where it was uncomfortable being at family gatherings. What is most important is that it’s not as much a change as a revelation. A lot of people might view it as lying or deceiving. Making it more inclusive will make it easier on both ends for people who know others who are trans and transgender individuals themselves…we won’t have to be as careful about it…there won’t be any deception at all because my only goal in life is to be as authentic as possible.”
"I was raised Catholic…I have always adored Jesus…I don’t think I could have transitioned without God in my life…transitioning was one of the things I thought could have been the worst thing for me but it was one of the best things for me.”
“For me, it’s living authentically…I did my best before, but when I realized what was happening and what I needed to do, everything just suddenly felt better. The process can be really difficult and scary at first, but if someone is going through that it’s also kind of joyous.”
“I spent six years in the United States Air Force…I found the most macho career fields I could find to mask my identity…I knew that some day I was going to transition, so I raised my kids in a diverse environment. My youngest son is totally accepting. I walked in the front door and he said ‘you look gorgeous’…the public needs to know we’re no different than anyone else. We go through the same emotions and trials and tribulations that everyone else does.”
“We are a family of two, and Lincoln is our home. We are about loving each other, and treating everybody with respect. It is important to me to know that when my son finishes school and gets a ‘real job’...that he would be protected, feel safe and that there’s support behind him. Because the most important thing in life is to be yourself—your authentic self.”