“When I was young, I wanted very badly to be a writer, I wanted to be a filmmaker, but I couldn’t find anyone like me in the world and it felt like my dreams were foreclosed upon simply because my gender was less typical than others.”
Lana transitioned in 2002 and went on to team up with her brother to direct the Matrix trilogy of movies which starred Keanu Reeves.
Lana with brother Andy
Attending a Human Rights Campaign Fundraiser, Lana spoke of her life as a child and young boy growing up and the harsh experiences she had that molded her into who she has become today. The quote above is taken from that speech and you can read the rest of it in the link below.
I encourage you to read about Lana and get to know her and her work. Because she was able to complete her transition and get on with her life, in addition to her contributions of talent in the world of cinema, Lana is also a productive advocate for the transgender youth movement.
‘I stop between them. The nun I realize is staring at me, she’s shouting at me. I don’t know what to do. She grabs me, she’s yelling at me. I’m not trying to disobey, I’m just trying to fit in. My silence starts to infuriate her, and she starts to hit me.’
Wow this is a powerful speech. This part really touched me. Power to her and may she keep making great movies!
Thank you May for visiting my site and commenting on my post about Lana Wachowski. Thanks for opening the link and reading the rest of her speech. I agree, it was a powerful speech and aren’t we blessed that she found a way out of her misery to arrive at a place where she could do what she does best; great directing and great film making. She’s quite a character. Please visit again.
It’s great to see someone in any situation who is feeling unhappy, alone and not sure where to go but ends up pushing on through and doing her own thing and eventually finding real happiness in her life!
I never knew Lana was part of the creation of the Matrix Trilogy so hats off to her, what an achievement and she sure did bring something special to the world that will last forever!
Cheers,
Stephen
Hi Stephen,
Thanks so much for visiting my site and leaving your comment about Lana Wachowski. I am thrilled to help bring her achievements to light. I don’t know if you had a chance to read her speech linked in the article, but her description of her struggles with gender dysphoria is both poignant and heartbreaking. Regardless of our gender,in the end we’re all just people trying to express ourselves authentically.
Please visit again soon.
Very valid, pithy, suinccct, and on point. WD.
Hi Stephanie,
Very interesting issue that you raise in your page, I sincerely believe that everyone has to choose their destiny and their participation in life, and I think that smart people should not spend valuable moments of depression so severe to the point of making crazy and jump to the wheels of a train, in good time that Lana did not. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to know the history of a great filmmaker.
renan
Thanks Renan for visiting my site and leaving your comment. Yes, I’m so happy to be able to introduce this super talented lady to those who were previously unaware of her achievements, her background and her struggles. I’m sure she has many more wonderful projects to bring and I know you’ll watch them with a new perspective. Please visit again soon.
It’s really beneficial to a lot of people to hear stories like this. This is a successful person who has had the same thoughts and feelings I’m sure other transgender individuals have had. Having that connection and realizing nobody is alone in this situation can give a lot of people hope to continue their journey.
Thanks for your comment Sal, I believe there are a lot of talented and ambitious transgender folk who could get on with making their mark in this world if only they felt accepted for who they are without conditions. Society wastes a lot of time and energy trying to stuff square pegs into round holes. Like my mother used to say, “Mind your own beeswax and let people be”. Please visit again, Sal.
Wow, I had no idea who was behind the Matrix. A movie that I thoroughly enjoyed. This makes me enjoy the movie even more. I’m sorry that Lana had to go through so much struggle and pain, but it seems to have made her a much stronger person and she has done really great things in her life and for the transgender community. I’m really sympathetic to anyone going through any kind of struggle no matter what it is and I think we should be accepting and loving of one another and celebrate our differences rather than hate each other because of them. Really enjoyed this post!
Hi Rigo, Thank you so much for reading my post and for taking the time to let me know that you enjoyed it. It did my heart good to read your thoughtful words of acceptance and love for transgendered people who are exercising incredible courage by standing up for who they are inside. The Matrix trilogy has been a favorite of mine as well and when I learned about Lana Wachowski, I felt so grateful that she was able to win her struggle and get on with her creative talents and begin productive contributions to humankind like the Matrix.
We all win when this happens.
Please visit again and read about other wonderful and impactful transgender women. I recommend my post on Laura Jane Grace, if you’re into music.
Wishing you a kindness-based life.
Super exietcd to see more of this kind of stuff online.
Incredible story! I had no idea that Lana Wachowski started out as a boy! I knew her to be a talented director and writer, but I had no idea she was trans-gender. I’m happy she was able to find her true self and make the transition. I hope to see more of her work in the future!
Thanks so much for visiting, Martin and taking the time to leave a comment. I am thrilled to be able to expand on the knowledge people have about some wonderful contributions made by transgender folk. Lana’s a dynamic activist as well. We haven’t heard the end of this talented lady yet.
I just love it that so many of our most creative people in the arts are willing to share their uniqueness and their challenges with the world.
I know there is still a long way to go as far as acceptance of transgenders is concerned. But there is also so much positivity too.
I was walking with my 80 year old mother past a very stylish hair salon recently. Mum pointed out the sticker in the window GLBTI SAFE HOUSE. She explained to me that Gay, Lesbian, Bi sexuals, Transgenders are welcome to the salon. Neither of us were sure what the I stands for. Excuse our ignorance but maybe you can enlighten me.?
I was just so proud of my mum for taking it all in her stride.
Thanks for introducing me to Lana’s story.
Thanks for your comment Janelle, I appreciate that you stopped by and read about Lana Wachowski of Matrix Movies fame. I’m happy to shine some light on the “I’. It represents “intersex”. It’s often followed by “Q” which means “questioning”. Thus, LGBTIQ. I don’t know about you but everytime I see those letters together I think of Lettuce, Bacon and Tomato. It sounds like your Mum is way ahead of her stride. She is progressive and accepting. She is evolved.
Hello
There is a great life history for everyone. Lana took her life in her own hands and didn’t take no for an answer. I particularly hate people who discriminate, who gave them the power to decide what is normal and what isn’t, everyone has the right to live their life’s the way they see it fit, as long they don’t break any laws, etc. Lana even was part of the Matrix trilogy!
Great Article
Ruben
Love the Wachowski’s! They are fantastic writers and movie makers. The whole Matrix series is just brilliant. It takes a super creative individual to write a script like that and to keep it going as a trilogy. Such genius, and so many twists and turns! Really enjoy all of their work and looking forward to much more in the future.
Pretty cool website. I like the feel and the design of it. It’s easy to navigate around on. I didn’t know that Lana Wachowski was so popular. This was great to learn and I will be back to visit your site daily. I will also bookmark and share your website.
How often do you post?
Thanks so much for visiting Transgender Friendship Club. Your comments are greatly appreciated. There are many more talented and creative transgender folks influencing our society. It’s a pleasure to shine a light on some of them so we can express our gratitude for their contributions.
Kindness grows,
Stephanie