June 12, 2017

Empowering Women - Candis Cayne


Every month I am highlighting an empowering woman. This month it is:



Candis Cayne

I was introduced to Candis Cayne when I watched I Am Cait, and Candis shone as a gorgeous, funny, and wise woman. She is a transgender woman.

“I’m not trying to be a spokeswoman for the transgender community. I just want to be looked at as a living, breathing, happy human being.”

She is a dancer and actress. In 2001, she won the Miss Continental Pageant for Female Impersonators. She was also the first transgender woman to play a recurring trans character on a prime-time TV show (Dirty Sexy Money).

In 2015, she was awarded with the Human Rights Campaign Visibility Award for being a vocal activist for the LGBT community and working with GLAAD and HRC. She teamed up with the global LGBT Social Network MOOVZ as their new Global Creative Director.


Last year, she played on the TV show Heartbeat as a transgender woman with breast cancer. It was a moving episode titled “Permanent Glitter.” The doctors “fight to save her life and her identity.” At the end, the hospital staff and guests do a flash mob dance in her honor. While watching it, I got teary eyed.

“…through the character of Ava, we learn that it’s not a breast, or a scar, or our appearance that defines us, but out inner strength and courage.” -NBC


This is the only video I could find of the flash mob dance. The song is “Stand By You” by Rachel Platten.


INSPIRING SONG:




NOTE: PLEASE refrain from posting negative comments about transgender people. Thank you!



****


Book Club: The IWSG Book Club will be reading for June/July....



This book will demonstrate characterization, which was voted #1 by our members for what they want to learn how to do better.




- Whether you read a book is up to you. Whether you join the book discussion is up to you. Though we do hope for both. ;) And You can join any book discussion, even if you don’t read the book.


Our book club is not a strict one. 

Join us and participate when you can.


44 comments:

  1. Hi Chrys - I think it's wonderful we're letting people be who they feel they should be - a human is a human after all... thanks for writing this up ... cheers Hilary

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    1. Everyone should have that right. I love your "a human is a human" statement. :)

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    1. I figured mostly everyone would say that, which is why I'm featuring her.

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  3. I've never heard of her, but it's not surprising as I watch so little TV... I have nothing but respect and admiration for people such as herself who are so brave in being true to themselves. As Hilary said, a human is a human after all.

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    1. I have respect for them, too. They know who they are, and they embrace that. So many of us don't do that.

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  4. I must be out of the loop too, never heard of her before now.

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  5. I've never heard of her either, but I appreciate that she doesn't want to be a spokeswoman for the transgender community. There's something to be said about just wanting to be seen as normal. Isn't that what everyone wants?

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    1. That really is what we all want...and deserve.

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  6. There are a lot of empowering women to choose from!

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  7. I've seen her on I Am Cait as well. Definitely a great choice!

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    1. I think she was the standout star on that show.

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  8. Not heard of Candis, but she sounds so inspiring. Thanks for sharing some Monday inspiration.

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  9. I'm so happy that you showcase a lady who is transgender and has overcome so much. People need to chill and allow others to live their life honestly.

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    1. I agree. There are many out there who get upset over people who know who they are and it's disappointing.

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  10. I hadn't heard of her before but she sounds very brave and honest.

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  11. I hadn't heard of her, thanks for highlighting her :) Sometimes people end up as spokespeople without even wanting to be or trying to be.

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  12. What a most empowering woman, wonderful to read.

    Yvonne.

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  13. It's an interesting time. My father talks about his childhood and how you never heard about these issues. They were just buried. It's great that people can be who they need to be more openly nowadays. (My father agrees.)

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    1. It is a great thing. I hope we only continue to go forward.

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  14. Great choice for empowering woman, Chrys! I admire the courage of any transgender person. I've never heard of the show, so I'll have to look for it next time I turn on the tube :)

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    1. I am Cait is about Caitlyn Jenner. Not a very interesting show. To me at least. I didn't really like Jenner but loved Candis.

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  15. I feel most of us are open to live and let live and kudos to Candis for her courage and giving nature. Also, wanted to let you know I read a book you had a hand in editing, The Snowman. Loved it!
    sherry @ fundinmental

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    1. Yes, I was the first to edit The Snowman and the last. Glad you loved it. It's a thrilling story.

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  16. I actually thought I was looking at a biological woman until I read more of the blog post :-) She is very good-looking and, perhaps even more importantly, a lot more than just good-looking. I'll look her up and find out more about her work.

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    1. She definitely is a lot more than good-looking. She so intelligent and kind. There needs to be more people like her.

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  17. Candis is beautiful, and now that you mention it I do remember her from Dirty Sexy Money. I think it was a primetime soap. I also admire her courage.

    Julie

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    1. She sure is courageous and a great role model. Not just for people who are transgender, but for all of us...to understand love and bravery and equality.

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  18. Candis is very beautiful. I think it's a good thing that transgender can fulfill their dreams. Seems right.

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    1. It is right. They are human, and we all have these rights. We should, at least...

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  19. I'm not familiar with Candis but I've heard of the show HEARTBEAT. The quote about what defines us really moved me.

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    1. It moved me, too. If only everyone could understand and feel the same way.

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  20. I've not heard of her before, but I watch little TV and seldom go to movies. I'm reading The Secret Garden now. Looking forward to the discussion. Have a great weekend.

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    1. I am so glad you'll be joining in on the discussion! :D

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  21. The flash mob and performance was such a tear-grabber. thanks for sharing it.

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    1. You're welcome! I get misty-eyed every time I watch it.

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  22. Wow, what a gorgeous woman. One of my closest friends is transgender. The pain and suffering she's gone through is unimaginable.

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    1. Isn't she gorgeous. And she has a great heart and spirit, too.

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