Slowly becoming transgender with musician Sunny Haire

Published: April 10, 2016, 3:29 p.m.

No. Sunny Haire didn’t feel like he was born into the wrong body. He’s not that popularized, stereotypical trans story. His is far more fluid, organic and personal and unlike most stories, he’s not promoting a book or part of a media circuit. He’s not trying to simplify a huge community of people or put a headline on his story. He's just a friend brave enough to share a deeply personal journey of growth. I felt for Sunny in this conversation because so often, when you’re part of a differentiated or marginalized group (especially one that’s controversial) and a microphone is put in front of you, somehow you’re the expert— the spokesperson— as if, by just being a member you have all the answers. Sunny is no more the spokesperson for Queer or Transgendered people than I am for dorky, middle-aged Jews. He’s no different than you: A person who is figuring himself out as he faces life's challenges. A guy who wants authenticity, personal freedom and to be true to himself. There’s a reason that Sunny has so many people who love him in the Bay Area. After you hear what he has to say, I’m sure you’ll be one, too.