What has been your biggest accomplishment this semester?
“My biggest accomplishment this semester was being the first openly transgender woman on Oneonta Campus. This led to me also being the first transgender woman to get a lead in the school play. This is amazing because even in the mass media trans people struggle to get trans roles, but I was able to get the role as a woman character. Some people have come out to me since I have been in the play. Even though it was a struggle being the first transgender woman on Campus, it has allowed me to help others find their true identity.”
What famous person are you most inspired by and why?
“I am most inspired by Janet Mock because she wrote Redefining Realness. I read this over winter break and it made me realize that I was a transgender. She wrote about her becoming a transwoman of color which I connected to because I’ve never really had someone who reflected so much of my identity. I even got to meet her at Colgate and she signed my book!”
What is one thing that you wish you could change in society?
“I wish I could change people’s structured viewpoints and expectations about how people should be. I believe that this is where the main root of ignorance comes from, and from that ignorance becomes prejudice, which then leads to violence. Since I am open about my identity it makes other people uncomfortable, but it has to happen so a change can be made and to show what is not considered the norm is actually the norm.”
What advice do you have for people who are confused about their sexuality/gender identity?
“On campus I work at the gender and sexuality center as a student assistant. I help keep it an open environment for all and I am also there just in case people come in with questions. People who are confused, I tell to go to GSRC because they can help with that. SUNY Oneonta is one of the two schools out of all the SUNYS that has this program. I think more programs need to be put around campus. My other advice is to be comfortable getting uncomfortable. You have to get used to being uncomfortable to discover new things and to learn more about yourself and the world, and your relationship with it. If you’re stuck in this box you miss out on so many things that can change your life and help you figure out your identity.”
What clubs and organizations do you belong to?
“Student Assistant at GSR.”
“Mask and Hammer which is a Theater club on campus. “
“Poetry Slam Association (PSA.) I did my first poetry slam and won first place. Now I can go to Grand Slam and if you get in top 5 you go to Texas and perform. My slam was about how many trans women of color were murdered in 2015. “
“Orientation Leader.”
“Pooled as ATM.”
What is your favorite thing about Oneonta?
“As morbid as this sounds, my favorite thing is being alive. I watch the news and see my sister struggling so much, which makes me thankful that I am able to be here doing so many great things. At times, this does make me anxious. Being an Asian, queer, transgender girl and not being a citizen puts me in many angles of oppression so the fact that I am alive is a big privilege. That is why I am so involved on campus because I am trying to break as many boundaries as possible.”
What pronouns do you go by?
“She/Her/Her’s.”
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
“I hope to be the first transgender woman to win a Grammy. I honestly do not plan on graduating college if my music career takes off. “
What has your journey taught you?
“My journey taught me to not expect anything. I feel like I’m still learning. I’ll get back to you when I win that grammy and we can do another interview.”
What’s your major?
“I am double majoring in Mass Communications and Theater with a minor in women’s/gender studies.”
What’s your hometown?
“I currently live in Binghamton, New York. I was born and raised Jakarta, Indonesia.”
Any questions for Denny? She works at the GSRC, which is located in Hunt Union, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11-1.