Kate Bornstein was born Albert Bornstein in New Jersey in 1948.
Bornstein never believed that she was a woman in a man’s body. She knew she was not a man, but the only other option of the day was woman. What complicated matters was that she was attracted to women. She learned the difference between sexual orientation and gender identity, and transitioned to female in 1986.
Settling in San Francisco, she created several performance pieces to communicate the paradox her life had become.
Bornstein teaches workshops and has published several books. One was written to prevent teens, and other outlaws from committing suicide by any means. “Do whatever it takes to make your life more worth living,” she writes, “Just don’t be mean.”
In recognition of the Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20, “The Rainbow Minute” is committed to bringing to light the often under-represented history of the transgender community by featuring 10 new episodes during the month of November. “The Rainbow Minute,” a radio show on WRIR, Richmond Independent Radio, is produced by Judd Proctor and Brian Burns and airs on 97.3 FM every Weekday at 9:03am, 12:30pm and 4:30pm. Listen to the WRIR’s audio stream here.
