Navigating Life as a Transgender Athlete and Actress
Wow... where to start. I knew I was a trans woman since age 3, yet my family was very Christian and religious. We were well off—not Paris Hilton well-off, but traveling to other countries for sightseeing on weekends and being treated with respect at high-end restaurants.
One day, watching boxing with my grandfather on TV sparked an idea: major boxing events were glamorous, like Miss Universe. Boxers seemed to live an exciting life, possibly making a lot of money and living in luxury. By age 11, I was deeply into boxing, training at a local gym and meeting the sport’s royalty. I spoke, hung out with, and even took pictures with Muhammad Ali, Roberto Duran, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Sugar Ray Leonard, Wilfredo Gomez, Wilfred Benitez, Oscar De La Hoya, and Pedro Montanez. Meanwhile, I joined a school girl band with a girlfriend and three other girls. We pretended to be sisters, creating our own performances and becoming known across the school. Even though we were not serious, it was the first time I felt like myself.
Passionate for boxing and finding solace in performing, I took on a multifaceted life. My girlfriend was a White, blond, blue-eyed American, and while she might have suspected something, the 1980s and 1990s US was more progressive than today. Our romantic undertakings fostered a unique camaraderie, though our relationship was not serious beyond high school.
During my teenage years, we relocated to avoid a local hospital that my parents did not approve of. Here, I began to see myself as a Puerto Rican version of Molly Ringwald, a cultural icon who played high school girls like Jane in Heathers. My father, a U.S. Marine, had very homophobic views, but he loved me regardless. As a teenager, my life was embroiled in various antics and parties, alongside my brother and sister, who were also leaders in our community.
At age 24, I came out to my sister, who did not accept my new identity. Sadly, this lack of acceptance persists to this day. The transition was further complicated by a brain injury I sustained at 12, which made it difficult to move away from my parents for a life of my own. Despite working in my father’s company for six years, I never had a stable income until I briefly worked as a model. Even then, I was offered a role in Ocean’s Eleven but could not accept due to financial constraints.
The road to transitioning was filled with obstacles, as my doctor denied my request for a sex change operation due to my type one Diabetes. Instead, I found a new church and joined a support group to understand my nephew better. Finally, I had the courage to come out as a trans woman. Initially, my family misgendered and deadnamed me, but they eventually made an effort not to, though my father still misgenders me 95% of the time. These struggles highlight the challenges faced by transgender individuals, especially those from conservative backgrounds.
After coming out online, I received mixed reactions. Friends welcomed me, and some were surprised by my past as a boxer. However, my aunt from the South told me, "If you don’t stop being transgender, you will go to Hell!" Despite her claim, she has been supportive. Even her statement about Dylan Mulholland highlights the deep-rooted beliefs still prevalent in conservative communities.
Living with my father and siblings, especially since the current climate of violence against trans individuals, has also been a challenge. My father prohibits me from wearing female clothing outside the house for fear of my safety and his adherence to Marine values. While it’s a loving gesture, it restricts me to a degree. My love life has been complicated by gender norms and religious beliefs, making it difficult to forge personal connections. I find solace and extra income through porn modeling, where I receive online flowers but also face the dangers of the internet. Ultimately, my experiences have strengthened my resolve to advocate for transgender rights and combat online abuse.
I am grateful for the friends I have made, both as fellow models and clients. Life has been a journey full of ups and downs, but I continue to pray for divine guidance and support.
I wonder if anyone else out there has a similar experience to mine.
God bless you all!
Luv
Jeanette xoxo