PrideSource.com – By Jason A. Michael
“I do this work so people don’t have to be lonely; so they don’t have to be devastated. When I came out as trans, I was devastated. Within in a few months, I lost my marriage, my job, my career. But out of that came TransGender Michigan. And if my crisis hadn’t happened, there probably still wouldn’t be a statewide organization.” – Rachel Crandell
Rachel Crandall seems to never leave home without a smile. She wears it as an almost-permanent accessory, like a brooch or bracelet she never takes off. It is her trademark.
But life hasn’t always been smiles and sunshine for Crandall, the founder and executive director of TransGender Michigan. And Rachel hasn’t always been Rachel. This week, she celebrates 10 years of living honestly – and the anniversary of introducing the woman she always knew she was meant to be to the world.
It began at 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 5, 1997.