Lisa: What were your initial feeling when I approached you with this story idea in January?

Jake: My first response to the story was excitement. I thought it was an amazing chance to speak up about what I have experienced and give a positive light in the media for those who are Transgender. I was also impressed that someone would want to write a story with this caliber. 

In my experience, more often than not, when issues of Transgender are approached, the subject is changed and is not discussed anymore. I also took this to be an opportunity to be a positive role model for those who are experiencing similar situations to those I have already passed through. 

Since the only time I saw transgender issues in the media, it was done negatively or those who were transgender were considered a "freak." I hope that this would help give hope to push others to be leaders and stay positive, no matter who someone is.