Constructing Masculinity with Tiq Milan (Ep 020)

Writer and activist Tiq Milan discusses his journey to self-determining his authentic masculine expression as a trans-man. Destin questions him about the crisis of masculinity and how he views himself in relationship to that struggle. Finally, they discuss some of the "uncomfortable" questions surrounding trans* identity, including surgery, and acceptance of the body versus modifying it. Tiq speaks and writes about intersectional leadership, transgender rights and racial justice. He shares stories of his life and how his transgender experience has informed his views on masculinity, race and the gender binary. A journalist for over a decade his work has appeared on MIC, Buzzfeed, NBC and CNN. He is also a strategic media consultant helping organizations and companies create detailed media campaigns that will engage diverse audiences in ways that are inclusive and authentic. Tiq has been most inspired by his years mentoring LGBT youth at the Bronx Community Pride Center and the Hetrick Martin Institute in the New York city. He was able to witness first hand the intersectional lived experiences of gay and trans youth and how it is affected by social systems put in place to help them. He most recently was the Senior Media Strategist and National Spokesperson for GLAAD where he utlilized the media to call attention to the needs of the lgbt community, particularly transgender people of color.  He is currently the Co-Founder of Milan Media Arts Productions along with his wife Kim Katrin Milan. MAPS is content creation and consulting firm that is dedicated to creating narratives of queer people and their allies.