Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Cassata.
Hi Ryan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story centers around music and starts with music. It begins with me begging my parents for guitar lessons at age six and my guitar teacher building me a guitar that was small enough to play. I took lessons for several years and started performing an open mics in my early teens.
When I was 12 years old, I started to come out as bisexual, and then at 14 I came out as transgender (female to male). I came out in school which led to a lot of bullying. The bullying led me to my school counselor who led me to the Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth Center. It was at the center that I started my career in public speaking and activism. I traveled to many schools and conferences to educate others. Eventually, my voice in activism led me to being on the Larry King Live Show at 15 years old and Tyra Banks show at 16 years old. This led to more speaking engagements and also concerts for my music!
I began combining music and speaking (sharing my transition and coming out story) with schools, colleges, and conventions all over the United States.
At 18, I was filmed for a documentary called “Songs For Alexis” which led me to bringing my message of love and acceptance to other countries as well.
Since then, I have given hundreds of speeches, have been recognized by United States Congress, and have become a well-known transgender activist. I will continue to do anything to help lift the voices of my community and get us closer towards equality and justice. Currently, I am studying social transformation/justice and theology in graduate school. I believe that educating myself on the topics of social justice, racism, history, religion, etc. is very important to become a better activist.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s not been a smooth road and to be honest, it’s not really a smooth road for any transgender person. When you are a minority group that doesn’t have basic rights (like freedom to use the bathroom without fear), it’s a steeper mountain, a rougher road.
I have been subjected to harassment, violence, and assault throughout my life simply because I am transgender. These major bumps in the road have been life-altering but I do not let them stop me from achieving my goals, being me, and advocating for the transgender community.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am mostly known for music (singer-songwriter), transgender & LGBTQ Activism, and acting (Two Eyes movie).
I am most proud of my ability to help others with my story. Nothing feels better than hearing someone say “because of you I didn’t give up…”
What matters most to you?
Helping others. I want to help lift the voices of the marginalized. I want to help those who are suffering. I want to show people that they can do it too. I want people to be able to live their best life as their true authentic selves and feel comfortable and empowered enough to do that.
Contact Info:
- Email: ryancassata@gmail.com
- Website: www.ryancassata.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/ryancassata
- Facebook: Facebook.com/ryancassata
- Twitter: Twitter.com/ROCassataMusic
- Youtube: YouTube.com/ryancassata
- SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/ryancassata
Image Credits:
Asher Phoenix (all photos)
