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:
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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.
Join us and participate when you can.
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
ReplyDeleteEveryone should have that right. I love your "a human is a human" statement. :)
DeleteFirst time I've heard of her.
ReplyDeleteI figured mostly everyone would say that, which is why I'm featuring her.
DeleteI'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.
ReplyDeleteI have respect for them, too. They know who they are, and they embrace that. So many of us don't do that.
DeleteI must be out of the loop too, never heard of her before now.
ReplyDeleteThat's why I did this post. :)
DeleteI'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?
ReplyDeleteThat really is what we all want...and deserve.
DeleteThere are a lot of empowering women to choose from!
ReplyDeleteThere sure are! :D
DeleteI've seen her on I Am Cait as well. Definitely a great choice!
ReplyDeleteI think she was the standout star on that show.
DeleteNot heard of Candis, but she sounds so inspiring. Thanks for sharing some Monday inspiration.
ReplyDeleteShe is inspiring. <3
DeleteI'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.
ReplyDeleteI agree. There are many out there who get upset over people who know who they are and it's disappointing.
DeleteI hadn't heard of her before but she sounds very brave and honest.
ReplyDeleteShe is very brave.
DeleteI hadn't heard of her, thanks for highlighting her :) Sometimes people end up as spokespeople without even wanting to be or trying to be.
ReplyDeleteVery true.
DeleteWhat a most empowering woman, wonderful to read.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
Thanks, Yvonne!
DeleteIt'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.)
ReplyDeleteIt is a great thing. I hope we only continue to go forward.
DeleteGreat 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 :)
ReplyDeleteI am Cait is about Caitlyn Jenner. Not a very interesting show. To me at least. I didn't really like Jenner but loved Candis.
DeleteI 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!
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental
Yes, I was the first to edit The Snowman and the last. Glad you loved it. It's a thrilling story.
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteShe definitely is a lot more than good-looking. She so intelligent and kind. There needs to be more people like her.
DeleteCandis 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.
ReplyDeleteJulie
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.
DeleteCandis is very beautiful. I think it's a good thing that transgender can fulfill their dreams. Seems right.
ReplyDeleteIt is right. They are human, and we all have these rights. We should, at least...
DeleteI'm not familiar with Candis but I've heard of the show HEARTBEAT. The quote about what defines us really moved me.
ReplyDeleteIt moved me, too. If only everyone could understand and feel the same way.
DeleteI'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.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you'll be joining in on the discussion! :D
DeleteThe flash mob and performance was such a tear-grabber. thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! I get misty-eyed every time I watch it.
DeleteWow, what a gorgeous woman. One of my closest friends is transgender. The pain and suffering she's gone through is unimaginable.
ReplyDeleteIsn't she gorgeous. And she has a great heart and spirit, too.
Delete