Transgender woman activist for LGBTQ community in SA

Bruce Jenner's decision to go public with transition hits close to home

SAN ANTONIO – Fomer Olympian Bruce Jenner's decision to go public with his transition to living as a female has hit close to home for local activist Lauryn Farris.

Seven years ago, Farris went from being a married man with children to living as a woman.

She said those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) can face serious challenges that impact them and those around them.

"My family was very supportive, (my wife's) family was very supportive, but a lot of our friends just quit being our friends," Farris said.

Changing gender doesn't necessarily mean changing sexuality, and Farris' decision to transition to a woman didn't change her feelings for her partner.

She said her transition was accomplished as a family and with the support of her children and wife. Farris remains married and has celebrated 33 years with the same woman.

She said her decision to transition helped their relationship.

"We are so much happier now that there is not the pressure of being something I wasn't," Farris said.

While Farris has family support, others don't.

A 2012 study by the Williams Institute showed that about 40 percent of homeless youth are LGBTQ. Family rejection was cited as the main reason why many run away or are disowned.

To make matters worse, LGBTQ homeless are often harassed.

"It makes me cry," Farris said.

Farris is now an activist in the LGBTQ community in San Antonio. She played a big role in the creation of the Thrive Center. The center, which opened in February on the campus of Haven For Hope, provides shelter and support for those in the LGBTQ community.

It's the first center of its kind in the southwest U.S. It houses 10 people at a time and the need for its services is so great that there's a waiting list to get in.

Many LGBTQ homeless avoid going to regular homeless shelters because of fear of harassment. The center provides a safer option.

Kandie Sinclair, a transgender resident at the center, said the private bathrooms, in particular, are a big relief. Sinclair also said the support she gets at the center is helping her to get back on her feet and rebuild her life.

"I moved here to San Antonio to get better myself and there's much more help here than there is in Victoria, Texas," she said.

The Thrive Center is only for adults, but later this year, San Antonio will open a similar type of shelter for homeless LGBTQ teens.

Farris said much more needs to be done.

Meanwhile, she said having new role models like Jenner may help influence others and give them strength to live the type of life that their hearts desire.

"He's a real inspiration to show that it's not just the kids, that (adults) can come out and be successful and it be OK at any age," Farris said.

Ultimately, Farris hopes that Jenner's public journey -- and her own -- will help with the understanding and acceptance of transgender individuals and their families.