MEREDITH LEISCHER 

Interviewed by Cat Simpson

Interview Summary: Meredith Leischer is a transgender woman living in Milwaukee, retired and working with the LGBT community within the city. She discussed with me her journey discovering her identity and how difficult the process has been for her and others. She also described how the transition has impacted her relationships with those around her, and the discrimination she faces, from relatives to employers. Meredith emphasized the importance of finding a support group, saying “you can’t do it alone.” With the introduction of internet support groups, and the amount of groups available in the city (such as the Gemini Gender Group that Meredith is involved with), she encourages anyone transitioning to make the effort to connect with them, because the consequences of not having support can be emotionally devastating.