Rachel Crandall Crocker (born 1958)[1] is an American psychotherapist and transgender activist.[2] She founded the community organization Transgender Michigan to improve transgender lives in Michigan in 1997.[1] In 2009 she founded the International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) as a counterpoint to the only other holiday for transgender people, the Transgender Day of Remembrance.[3]
Rachel Crandall Crocker | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1958 (age 65–66) Michigan, USA |
| Occupation |
|
| Education | Michigan State University (LMSW) |
| Years active | 1997–present |
Early life
editCrandall Crocker was born in 1958, in Michigan to a middle-class family. She knew that something was different since childhood, but growing up in the 1960s didn't come out until 38 years later.[1]
In 1985, she graduated from Michigan State University with a master's degree in social work.[4][5]
She came out in 1997 as a transgender woman and lost her first marriage, her home and was fired from her job at the hospital she was working at.[4]
Career
editAfter coming out in 1997, she co-founded the community organization Transgender Michigan with her now wife, Susan Crocker, where she serves as executive director.[1][6] Through her organization, she provides advocacy, support and education for the transgender community in Michigan.[7]
In addition to her advocacy work, she is working as a licensed psychotherapist specializing in transgender issues since 1985. She is also a member of the National Association of Social Workers and provides training and education to therapists on transgender care.[2][8]
In 2009, Crandall Crocker wanted a reason to celebrate the transgender community and founded the International Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31 as a "day to focus on the living" as a counterpoint to the Transgender Day of Remembrance.[9][3] Since the founding of TDOV, it has been recognized in countries around the world, including the US by President Joe Biden and celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2024.[10][6] In an interview essay with Them magazine in 2021, she reflected on the founding of TDOV and how visibility can be a double-edged sword as visibility can also bring the risks of attacks.[11]
Honors and awards
editIn September 2008, Crandall Crocker received the Liberty Bell Award to "honor outstanding citizens within the local community" by the State Bar of Michigan honoring her service to the community. She was the first transgender person to receive the award.[12][13]
In June 2023, Crandall Crocker was recognized as a Pride Month Game Changers honoree by the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers for her advocacy work.[7]
Personal life
editCrandall Crocker identifies as a transgender woman and uses she/her pronouns. She is married to her wife, Susan Crocker and lives in Michigan. She also lives with Tourette syndrome.[3]
References
edit- ^ a b c d Alysa Zavala-Offman (August 9, 2017). "The Activist: Rachel Crandall-Crocker, Transgender Michigan founder". Detroit Metro Times. Archived from the original on March 31, 2023. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
- ^ a b "Who We Are". transgendermichigan.org. Archived from the original on April 3, 2024. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
- ^ a b c Juliana Kim, Jonathan Franklin (March 30, 2024). "Trans Day of Visibility began 15 years ago. The founder is still moved by its success". NPR. Archived from the original on March 31, 2024. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
- ^ a b Felkers, Brigita (October 18, 2023). "MSU alumna reflects on establishing Transgender Day of Visibility". MSU Today. Archived from the original on October 19, 2023. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
- ^ "Rachel Crandall-Crocker". Them. Archived from the original on June 3, 2023. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
- ^ a b Jon King (March 31, 2024). "Trans Day of Visibility founder celebrates event's 15th anniversary on Capitol steps in Lansing". Michigan Advance. Archived from the original on April 2, 2024. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
- ^ a b "Rachel Crandall-Crocker recognized as Pride Month Game Changers honoree". MLB. June 14, 2023. Archived from the original on October 19, 2023. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
- ^ "RACHEL CRANDALL CROCKER, LMSW". transgenderempowerment.org. 2021. Archived from the original on March 31, 2023. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
- ^ "21 Years Advocating and Out". PrideSource. November 5, 2018. Archived from the original on May 27, 2023. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
- ^ "A Proclamation on Transgender Day of Visibility, 2024". whitehouse.gov. March 29, 2024. Archived from the original on March 30, 2024. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
- ^ "TDOV Founder Rachel Crandall-Crocker Agrees That Visibility Is A "Double-Edged Sword"". them.us. March 31, 2021. Archived from the original on April 3, 2024. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
- ^ "Transgender leader Rachel Crandall to receive prestigeous community award". PrideSource. September 11, 2008. Archived from the original on April 1, 2023. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
- ^ "Liberty Bell Award". State Bar of Michigan. Archived from the original on October 2, 2023. Retrieved April 7, 2024.