Transgender activist and YouTuber Chase Ross will visit Fredonia on Tuesday, Feb. 27, giving a talk at 6 p.m. in McEwen Hall Room 209. Mr. Ross will discuss “The Importance of Representation and the Media.”
In 2006, Ross “realized I was trans and decided to document every part of my transition.” He shared pictures and videos of his experience. When he began taking hormones in 2010, he wanted to share that as well, so he began taking a “selfie” every day to document the experience. He continues this practice and on every anniversary of the project’s beginning he posts a retrospective of himself over the year.
Ross’ social media self-representation continued to evolve and he began using the public platform to address important but controversial topics, including detransitioning, feeling “not ‘trans enough,’” and those individuals who do not experience a sense of dysphoria as part of their experience of their trans identity. He continues to share his experiences via social media videos, focusing on how he can use his knowledge to help others. He addresses topics including mental health, anxiety and depression.
Ross also started FTMtranstastic, the most popular FTM collaborative channel on YouTube. Ross is completing his master’s degree in Sociology at Concordia University. His thesis investigates transgender men, tattoos and identity.
