Anthony Grider’s Bio
City born in: Greeneville, Ohio
Where did you grow up? I grew up in Dayton, Ohio. It wasn’t much of a great neighborhood, but it tought me to be tough.
How old were you when you went on your first date? I was 16, and I went out to a movie with someone that had been a good friend for years.
First Job: A buser for Mel – o – Dee resturant in New Carlisle, Ohio
Did you admire a famous person? Why? The only person I have ever admired has been my mom because she has always been such a independent person. I like to think she is the reason I am the man I am today. Thanks Mom.
Random favorites: My favorite movie is Rent, favorite color is red, favorite book is “3000 Degrees: The True Story of a Deadly Fire and the Men Who Fought It”
Is there something you wish you could do over again? I would go back and finish high school.
Most memorable moment: I will never forget the day I received my Level 1 Fire certification and the the day I got my name changed to Anthony.
What are some of the changes in our society that you have seen in your lifetime? Biggest change I’ve seen in society has been peoples’ opinion of gay/lebian community. They are more accepted now than even just five years ago.
Future Goals: I’m still working on getting my top surgery and growing facial hair. Also graduating college for nursing.
When people look back at your life, how do you want to be remembered? For the person I was while living and the lives I touched with just a smile.
Kesley Page’s Bio
City born in: Clarksville, Tennessee
Where did you grow up? In a small town. There wasn’t much to do and most of the people were very closed-minded. Overall, it is a pleasant place.
Where did you go on your first date? There could be some debate on my first date, but I am thinking it was hay ride.
First Job: I cleaned buildings, churches, and houses. Then I moved on to mowing yards and taking care of elderly people. Mainly odd jobs until I was 16 and went to work at Subway.
Did you admire a famous person? Why? I admire a lot of famous people, especially when they share events or struggles from their life and how they got through it.
Random favorites: My favorite color is blue. I love a lot of food. Choclate icecream in a bowl with a little milk is my favorite, but I also love cotton candy icecream cones and dip cones. “Feeling Buried Alive Never Die” is my favorite book for now. “Taledaga Nights, the ballad of Ricky Bobby” is probably my favorite movie. I also like playing pretty much any sport.
Is there something you wish you could do over again?
If I would of had the choice, I would have transitioned at age 12 and just moved to another state to have a fresh start. I can definitely see ups and downs about that, but if I would of had the choice I would of loved to do it.
Most memorable moment: When I got all of my information changed on my IDs and social security card. It was like a sign from God. If all of this wasn’t meant to happen it wouldn’t have. It’s hard for some people to understand that but it’s true.
What are some of the changes in our society that you have seen in your lifetime? People are getting a lot more accepting of each other, and our rights are actually getting viewed instead of pushed over.
Future Goals: Even though my wife and I already had a commitment ceremony, we are looking forward to getting legally married in Tennessee. We are also planning for the next set of surgeries and being able to finance those surgeries. In the future, we are both going to go back to college. Then we will settle down and expand our family.
When people look back at your life, how do you want to be remembered? Just as I was, nothing different.
James Huff’s Bio
City born in: Nashville, TN
Where did you grow up? Smyrna, TN– a normal, middle class, suburban lifestyle.
How old were you when you went on your first date? I don’t ever remember going on a first date.
First Job: Bar-B-Cutie. I’ve been working at a grocery store for five years.
I also worked at Wal-mart for three months. I worked at Earthbound Trading Co., where I sold hermit crabs and worldly knick knacks.
Did you admire a famous person? Why? I’ve always admired female fronted bands. I think they are pretty awesome. I didn’t really look up to anyone in particular.
Random Favorites:
Color: Black
Food: Anything vegetarian
Ice Cream: Cookies n Cream
Book: “Stone Butch Blues” by Leslie Feinberg
Movie: “Party Monster” and “Pulp Fiction”
Song: “Currently, Men In Love” by The Gossip
Sport: Roller Derby, Drag
Vegetable: Broccoli
Candy: Reeses Peanut Butter Cups
Is there something you wish you could do over again? I wish I would have not let certain people fall out of my life, I have realized too late what could have been, and I was too blind to realize that they were important enough to fight for.
Most memorable moment: It was really significant for me to get my name changed. To have society finally recognize me as James. I was very nervous and relieved at the same time.
What are some of the changes in our society that you have seen in your lifetime? I have seen us grow as a community, provide more resources for our youth and more voices have been heard. Also, all the kids are coming out a lot younger and not getting as much backlash as earlier decades. I think that’s great.
Future Goals: I am working on getting through school, making myself happy, and I want top surgery within the next two years. I also want a better job and to find somewhere where I “fit.”
When people look back at your life, how do you want to be remembered? I want them to remember me as an honest, trustworthy person and someone who helped others have a voice.
Director Bio
Tiffany Gibson is a Cookeville, Tenn. native, who is a senior at Middle Tennessee State University and will graduate in May 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism.
She aspires to be a website reporter, covering breaking news and generating community content for the Web. She also strives to become an online editor and videographer someday.
