An interview with social worker, writer and queer activist, Jen Hodsdon about the relationship between the lesbian community and the trans community.  Jen speaks about how delicate the relationship can be between two oppressed and marginalized groups, and her intention to speak only about her particular experience.  She described the forces that bring the two communities together, including gender variance, oppression and risk of violence.  She also spoke about how divisive the marriage equality focus can be because it privileges access to marriage, which is not such a priority for the trans-community, for whom basic safety is a larger concern.  Jen also spoke about tensions within the communities about the F to M transition and whether it reflects a misogynist rejection of femaleness.  She acknowledged the painful loss for many lesbians who fall in love with women partners who then go on to identify as trans men. Jen spoke of her wish to identify as a dyke which she sees as a more inclusive term than lesbian, to include the possibility of variable gender attraction and identification.

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