Writing a book is quite an undertaking and I wouldn't want to do it just to do it.

Believing that you are unworthy of love and belonging or that who you are authentically is a sin or is wrong, is deadly.

When I was perceived as a black man I became a threat to public safety. When I was dressed as myself, it was my safety that was threatened.

I believe if we have something that we love to do, that can save our lives. That can get us through.

Being a black transgender woman in America is really hard. It's been really hard for me. But for me living a lie was much worse. I need to be in my truth. And I've been very, very lucky that I've been able to live my dreams and I believe everyone should have the right to live their dreams. This is America. We're supposed to all have that right.

You need names to get the movie made.

Many in the trans community are fed up with L.G.B.T. organizations that continue to erase trans identity or just give lip service to trans issues. We need our cisgender allies - gay and straight - to treat transgender lives as if they matter, and trans people need multiple seats at the tables in the organizations that say they're interested in L.G.B.T. equality; this absence has been painful since Stonewall.