Feb 15, 2004
VR: In your own words who is
Maxwell Anderson?
MA: A simple guy living the best
I can every day.
VR: Where are you living these
days?
MA: I own a mobile home in Lawrenceville
Georgia, just north of Atlanta
VR: I know this is a hard question,
but can you tell us what your life has been about?
MA: My life is about growth,
as all of our lives are; growth and contentment. I am continually
evolving, growing older, hopefully getting wiser, and finding
my own way and direction in life. My dreams and aspirations change
with my priorities. My emotions rule me as they have always done
and I have no regrets about that. I trust my heart more than my
head on any given day. And although it may be painful at times,
I know that in those moments, those times, I have felt alive and
have truly lived.
VR: When you were growing up
and each morning you would look in the mirror did you feel that
was the wrong person looking back at you?
MA: I've never felt like I was
the wrong person; I just didn't look the way I thought I should.
I was always this little boy who just happened to look like a
girl.
VR: Being a transman can you
explain to us any medical problems you might run into that a male
to female transsexual does not.
MA: I think both sides have their
medical issues. FTMs I think have a harder time with surgery,
it cost more, there are more procedures needed to make us "complete"
for lack of a better word. We are also marked more by our surgeries,
what I mean by that is that there are more evident scars left
on our bodies, scars that are not hidden and are much more visible
everyday. I also believe that our community puts more emphasis
on top surgery than on hystos and that can be a dangerous decision
for an FTM. Prolonged testosterone use can cause uterine cancer;
this is something the guys don't like to think about. The other
thing is that we are still at risk for breast cancer even though
we may have top surgery. Something to think about guys.
VR: Who was your inspiration?
MA: My inspiration in life is
my father who passed away several years ago; I hope he is proud
of me. My inspiration in the community, the man who was the catalyst
for my transition is Jason Cromwell. I saw him on a talk show
and said "that's me, that's my life, and now I know I can
do something about it". Jason will always be very special
to me.
VR: Who do you admire these
days anyone at all?
MA: I don't have an individual
I can say that I admire; I do see traits in people that I respect.
Determination and inner strength to step outside the box no matter
what the rest of the world is doing; the courage to be yourself
even when your social circle thinks you're nuts; following your
own heart instead of what's expected; and above all honesty and
being true to yourself whether your friends like it or not.
VR: What has been your biggest
accomplishment?
MA: Overall it's in concurring
my stuttering and my shyness.
VR: What really makes you happy?
MA: The woman I am deeply in
love with.
VR: What really makes you upset?
MA: The same woman
VR: Do you have any pet peeves?
MA: Not speaking English drives
me nuts. It is America after all and that is our language. Also
stupidity for the sake of being stupid.
VR: Do you think you are a
nice person or do you think you can be a horse's ass at times?
MA: I think I'm a nice guy and
a good friend. But I am also quite opinionated, jealous, and have
a nasty temper. The good outweighs the bad though.
VR: What do you think makes
you stand out above others?
MA: My sense of individualism
and my insight. There is nothing phony about me, what you see
is exactly what you get. I'm direct, I'm honest, I have a twisted
sense of humor, and I'm a romantic at heart. I live my life my
way with no regrets, after all I'm the only I have to answer to.
VR: Do you get nervous when
you are asked to speak to a group or perform on stage?
MA: Always, but I do it anyway.
No one ever believes me when I say I am shy.
VR: Would you ever get SRS(reassignment
surgery) or when did you have your surgery?
MA: I never really thought of
myself as non-op, although it does appear that way. I've transitioned
now for almost 18 years and have had no surgeries of any kind.
I have thought about it, I've actually made plans for it to happen
someday but I am also quite comfortable with myself and my body.
If I never have surgery, I'm ok with that because I live a full
life without it. I don't discount having surgery, I just don't
need it.
VR: We all know about the leading
doctors around the world that do male to female reassignment surgery,
are they the same doctors that perform female to male surgery
and if not who are some of the leaders in this field?
MA: There are many of the same
doctors who do both MTF and FTM surgeries, Dr Meltzer, Dr Menard,
and Dr Brassard are the leading names. Physicians such as Dr Brownstein,
Dr Reardon, Dr Alter, and Dr Fischer are all favored by some in
the FTM community.
VR: Have you to date accomplished
everything you have set out to do with your life?
MA: I don't think we ever accomplish
everything in life. There is always something new to explore,
some new direction to venture towards. I have no regrets if that
is what you're asking. I've lived a good life, have some wonderful
friends, I'm getting my degree, have traveled, met people, seen
and done things that made me happy. Yes I would say my life is
where it should be, but it is far from finished.
VR: Where do you see yourself
in the future?
MA: An old man rocking on a porch
swing with the love of my life sitting snuggled up beside me.
I'm a simple man with simple dreams.
VR: As a transgendered person
do you think you have received proper respect you deserve in life?
MA: We don't deserve respect;
we earn it with our kindness, our honesty, and our commitment.
What we do deserve is our right to be who we are, whether you
like it or not. I haven't always gotten that but I live my life
my own way and I have that right and am respected for it now mostly
in my life.
VR: What do you think you have
to offer the transgender community, anything at all?
MA: My respect which I feel I
have earned in return. Also my heart, which I have always given
freely to those who needed it. When I receive my Psychology degree,
my plans are to work with GLBT Youth.
VR: Do you have a favorite
movie and why?
MA: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,
corny I know but I love musicals. The leading lady was strong
and independent and took no shit from anyone. You go girl!
VR: Who is your favorite fiction
character(s), in literature or in the movies, and why?
MA: I'm a vampire fan, anything
with vampires in it, I'll watch or read. Even if it's not any
good. Now that's a true fan!
VR: Can you recommend us a
motivating or inspirational book. that has changed your perception
about the world?
MA: I am not a big reader and
now days I read mostly text books for school. I do remember in
the beginning of my transition reading The Uninvited Dilemma.
I know there are new updated books now but I am still partial
to that one.
VR: What words of wisdom would
you give a to someone who is reaching out for help?
MA: Trust your heart and your
instincts. The world is full of possibilities, you just need to
open your eyes to them and not be afraid to explore. Our journeys
are unique to us alone, go at your own pace, follow what feels
right to you whether anyone else has ever done that or not. There
is no point A to point B, find your comfort level and only do
what you feel is right for you; no matter what everyone does or
expects you to do.
VR: Do you have a final statement,
for our readers?
MA: Be your own man or woman;
don't follow the crowd simply because they've all done it. Maybe
it was right for them that doesn't mean it will be right for you.
You have to be true to yourself not anyone else. Remember you
are stronger than you think and you are not alone in what and
how you feel. I have always believed that everything happens for
a reason and there is a purpose for everything. Trust your gut,
follow your heart, and keep your sense of humor. You can survive
whatever happens, you just have to believe in yourself and your
decisions. Remember Niche, "That which does not kill us,
makes us stronger". Believe in your own strength and you'll
make it through.
Note from Vicki Rene:Max is one of my dearest, nicest friends! We only see each other about once or twice a year but I always know he would be there for me if needed, and I for him. If you ever have the pleasure of meeting this great man, I know for a fact your feelings about him will be the same as mine. Maxwell Anderson, I do love you sweety!
