A Trans Popstar's Story

Book excerpt: It all began with the dream. Ever since I was young, I had wanted to be somebody who participated in the cultural conversation, rather than just observe it. I was determine to be one of those who made the culture. I didn't know what I wanted to make, I didn't know what I wanted to say, but I knew I wanted to 'join the conversation', and help shape the culture. However, there were a few problems. Firstly, I didn't know how to get into those exclusive places where they make the culture, i.e. TV studios, Hollywood, established record labels, or at least your local radio station. I knew nobody who had any connection to that world, and it seemed like most people in that world were connected with each other. In other words, it seemed that you had to 'know the right people' to 'get the entry ticket'. Secondly, well, I'm trans. And back in the 1990s and 2000s, there certainly weren't any trans people I knew of, in those exclusive places where they made the culture.