Our very own Trans Editor, Mey Rude was featured on HLN last Friday to talk about her amazing coming out story. She looked super cute and said some wonderful words about trans visibility, especially for trans women of color. Oh, and her cat made a fabulous appearance as well.
HLN found Mey through Facebook Stories, where recently Mey wrote about her special connection with Halloween and how Facebook played a role in her coming out.
“When October 31 arrived, I was ridiculously nervous, but I was also ready to tell the world. I changed my name, gender and profile picture on Facebook. My social media profiles are who I am to many people, especially the people I don’t see everyday. They’re the first impression I give and a reminder of who I am. So by coming out on Facebook, I was able to make sure that people see me the way I want them to.”
![meyonfacebook](https://www.autostraddle.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/meyonfacebook.png?resize=1219%2C722)
You go, girl! Cute dress btw
Later in the interview, the HLN anchor asked Mey why it was important for her to come out so publicly on Facebook. Mey had such a great response, I wanted to quote it:
“It was important, number one because so often trans people’s stories, especially trans women and trans women of color, are erased or pushed into the background or just completely wiped out. I wanted people to know that this is who I am, this is how I identify and you can’t erase that. But also I wanted it to be out there so that people who are thinking about transitioning or thinking about just talking about it would see they’re not alone and that people can do this and that they’ll be supported and it’s a possibility for them.”
We’re so proud of Mey and so happy she’s on the Autostraddle team!
What a great interview, Mey! :)
thank you for sharing your story with us, Mey. This is a beautiful story.
Mey, I’m so happy you had this opportunity! The interview was terrific :)
Mey, this was wonderful and brilliant! Beautiful job!
Awesome Mey! Great job! I love that pic of you too. Looks like a beautiful day. :)
Mey was already famous in my heart. But yey Mey!
This is a great interview. Awesome Mey!
Mey this is super awesome!
I’m so incredibly proud of you Mey! Your work is so important, and I love this interview!
This is exciting! Also, cat!
Mey, I always love your articles, am so glad you bring wonderful stories to Autostraddle.
Go Mey! :)
Thanks everyone! Y’all’re the best!