Claudia McKay Transsexual woman Claudia Mckay appreciates the willingness of people in the lgbt community to go into bat for others, such as transsexuals. Who are you and what is your background? My name is Claudia McKay. I was born in Lower Hutt in 1957 as Paul McKay. I identify as a transsexual woman and transitioned in 1997. My partner Janet and I started Agender, or, as it was originally called, CD Rom, in 1996. I have exhibited as an artist for 31 years. What's the most enjoyable aspect of your work with Agender?Apart from meeting some pretty amazing people, it's working toward a goal and achieving it. What was your personal reaction to the recent Crown Law opinion, delivered by the acting Solicitor-General, that transgender people are protected from discrimination under current human rights laws?I was relieved that the transgender community would not have to undergo the negativity of a protracted campaign to pass the Gender Identity Bill. But also that the work we have done on this issue over the past six years has born fruit, even if it is in a way that we did not expect. What characterises the New Zealand LGBT community for you? From a transgender perspective, the willingness of others not the same as oneself, to go into bat for you. What is the worst thing for you about being transgender? Being read by cretins!! What is the best thing? Being accepted as oneself. Relationship status? Ecstatically, happily, legally married to Janet. Favourite food and drink? Cheesecake and vanilla Coke… Yeah, alright, I have a sweet tooth! Worst habit? Interrupting Janet when she is trying to explain something to me. Most noble feature? Tenacity, or, if you like, pigheadedness! Favourite TV programme? At the moment, any of the CSIs, or the News. Favourite movie? My Darling Clementine, or Cabaret. Qualities you most appreciate in a LGBT person? Same as anybody – honesty, integrity, and the ability to laugh at oneself. What are you reading at the moment? ‘The Black Sheep', by Bruce Gamble. Who in the world, including New Zealand, would you most like to have a coffee and a chat with? A man that died in 1981. The singer/songwriter Harry Chapin. Role models? Harry Chapin and, artistically, Edward Hopper. What is the most pressing issue currently facing the New Zealand LGBT population? The most pressing issue is about us and others, but is an issue for the whole world. It is something Mani Mitchell has raised, and it is: ‘How does the world deal with diversity in the 21st century?' If you could have one wish granted what would it be? I could pay all my bills. GayNZ.com - 31st August 2006