Dina, Comedian, Writer & Social Activist, Insured

Interviewed May 2015

(oil on linen, 40 ins. x 30 ins.)

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Dina is a transgender woman. She always knew she was female even when she could not verbalize how she felt, or what her feelings meant. But it took years of struggle, much of it borne of a strict religious upbringing, until Dina was finally able to accept her true gender identity. Once she was able to do this, Dina decided to seek out medical intervention and made an appointment to get hormone treatments. When the estrogen kicked in, she said, “I never felt more of who I was.”

In Los Angeles, Dina lost her job partially because of transitioning, she believes. She was unemployed for 7 months. She tried to make ends meet by performing as a showgirl, and doing freelance graphic design work. But she was still not making enough money to cover rent, food and phone. She briefly tried sex work, but found it did not suit her.

Trans people face disparities in many areas, including health care and health insurance, and this leads to poorer health outcomes. Dina was fortunate to have access to medical care and hormone treatment. As she noted during her interview with Theresa, not everyone does. Denied what they need, some of these individuals will suffer; others might look to less safe options to get those needs met.