Activist Calpernia Addams on changing hearts and minds from military to Hollywood | One Plus One

American actress and transgender activist Calpernia Addams is a woman of many talents who has fought for justice on many levels. Born male, she served as a specialist combat medic with the US Navy and Marines before beginning her sex transition.
In Australia in 2015 for the first time as part of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras festival, she sat down with the ABC's Jane Hutcheon.
Watch more of Jane Hutcheon's One Plus One faves: iview.abc.net....
Addams' act, which includes song, dance and a variety of musical instruments, has been described as "Elvira-meets-Joan Jett".
But her looks are Marilyn-meets-Mae West, with styled blonde hair swept over glittering costume jewellery and a perfectly made-up face.
Although she is no stranger to cruelty and rejection, her aim is to "stay sweet no matter how sour life gets".
Read more: www.abc.net.au...
For more from ABC News, click here: ab.co/2kd3ALi
If you're in Australia, you can watch more ABC News content on iview: ab.co/2kKaXKn
Subscribe to ABC News In-depth: / abcnewsindepth
For breaking and trending news, subscribe to ABC News on KZbin: ab.co/1svxLVE
You can also like us on Facebook: / abcnews.au
Or follow us on Instagram: / abcnews_au
Or even on Twitter: / abcnews

[@sfcmvary]

Calpernia I am a 66 year old straight male, a former US Army Ranger, a student of Jesus Christ, and a registered Republican. I want you to know that you are a very courageous woman and I think that you are awesome don't ever let bigotry define you, I pray that you enjoy a happy and fulfilling life.

[@murtithinker7660]

Most members of your church would call any deviation an abomination. You are different.

[@sfcmvary]

@@murtithinker7660 the easiest place to find the devil is in church that is why this world is so messed up.

[@jierak4998]

Thanks for saying this

[@sfcmvary]

@@jierak4998 The truth is the truth and no twisting of our Heavenly Father word can be used to justify hypocrisy. When I talk to Him He only wants to talk about me and where I need to improve and grow. Jesus died for everyone who ever lived, is now living, or ever will live. God loves all of us and wants to have a personal relationship with each and every one of us plain and simple He hates religion and loves relationship. God bless you and keep in His unmerited favor.

[@sfcmvary]

@@murtithinker7660 I am not a Christian, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, religion is an invention of mankind, I have a relationship. I recognize that Calpernia is a beautiful woman, her relationship with God is not based on gender it is a spiritual relationship not a physical relationship.

[@mmoriartyy]

"We've changed the laws but we still have to change the hearts." Oh god. Too true. I love her. The film that depicted her and Barry's story was a moment of awakening for my own journey and it hit me so hard at age 16. I would not be here without that. 11 years after that moment I first saw it, it is bittersweet seeing this. I will always have a corner of my heart reserved for the brilliant woman that Calpernia has shown herself to be. Girl, thank you. THANK YOU. The fight isn't over. We continue every day.

[@lordhallibel3604]

I will never be a fool and consider a man as a woman

[@2006drz400supermoto]

@@lordhallibel3604well trans people are people also. But you disagree with their lifestyle but yet you end up on a video about a trans woman. Seems you may be in the closet and or jealous of others journeys. Life is each persons own journey. Let people be them selfs and write the words to their own story. Just because you disagree don’t mean that these people don’t matter they are just as human as you. That would make you just as bad as glover. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@jovs579]

My heart broke when she started crying for Barry! Such a beautiful woman and soul.

[@Thevelvetrope1983]

I’ve met her a few times. She is absolutely so kind and has a great sense of humor. Always nice to everyone around her

[@ZohraBoelhouwers]

Calpernia is such a warrmhearted and authentic woman, i love her and she's been a rollmodel to me during my own transition. The story of her and Barry Winchel broke my heart, i saw the movie 'A soldier's girl', and their romance was so beautiful but brutally ended by the murder on Barry.... i have followed Calpernia ever since i saw the movie... Calpernia, you are WONDERFUL!

[@youremybiggestfan]

I want to watch that movie. I like this woman.. shes a gifted speaker . This whole case is senseless..

[@nicholasnewlin1138]

Z D'zign, same here. Unfortunately, I'm a student at a very conservative, evangelical college, hence my username still being my male name. But you can call me Beth. I discovered my gender identity when I was 14, but didn't fully come to terms with it until I was 22, as I wrestled with it for some time since it was such a big discovery. Plus, being from a very religious family, it was difficult for me to open about my true self. Whenever I got home from school, I was by myself until my mom got home from work. I basically had from 2:30-6:30 to be me.

[@berserkerusmc7613]

@NICHOLAS NEWLIN Be you, always. Love, respect and support for you from me.

[@hollywho9822]

She is it is so sad what they did to them

[@TetraResinstone]

Oh breaks my heart! Her partner was murdered in his sleep for loving her. 😭

[@TandaMadison]

The movie was absolutely heartbreaking. I cannot image going through the reality.

[@sunnylilme]

I was at ft Campbell when it happened. It was heartbreaking

[@jozieh3576]

💔💔

[@heathershaw6029]

I just watched the movie 2 days ago...and now here she is...great movie...great interview...lovely lady💖

[@2cents577]

This lady is not only a lovely woman but exceptionally intelligent, very soft and well spoken with a huge heart, and extremely brave. Bravo! She sets an exemplary model for the trans community. 💕💕

[@yahoneradio1309]

Just finished watching the movie a few minutes ago, I'm sorry for your loss sister. It really is heartbreaking to know that you both had to live through such a horrible experience. I didnt know this was a real story at first, I don't know what else to say?

[@youremybiggestfan]

What movie?

[@gabrielaryomen692]

@@youremybiggestfan it's called "Soldier's girl"

[@hollywho9822]

It was a true love story that ended beyond tragic. Thing is it never ever should of happened. Just horrible what they did to Barry and her. I just cannot believe that something like this could ever happen on an army base. And they way it was handled . Horrible

[@unicornwings1]

My gods she has been through so much and still strong.I take my hat off to you.Great respect

[@LadyEng]

Heartbreaking. How primitive to kill a person because of who they love. Regards from Argentina.

[@berserkerusmc7613]

Her story is both incredibly sad and uplifting. Ma'am, you are a wonderful lady and I hope and pray you will find true love and happiness. Also, as a Marine, thanks Doc! Semper Fi! GITSUM!

[@dudeswithdolls3955]

I cry every time I watch the movie, and now seeing this interview, I felt so heartbroken for her, specially because I have love in my life, and I wish we could freely love whoever we want without prejudice

[@Phobos_Nyx]

Just finished watching Soldier's Girl and I could not stop crying at the end. Absolutely heartbreaking story.

[@rayarena879]

I can't get over how passable Calpernia is. She is so pretty and her voice is so feminine. Also, she presents herself in such a ladylike manner. Also, its heartbreaking that her boyfriend was killed. She loved him so much that 15 years later, she still breaks down.

[@lordhallibel3604]

I see a man

[@hardcaselj111]

@@lordhallibel3604 skill issue

[@Leanansidhee]

Wonderful interview....but just soul crushing watching her response to questions about Barry Winchell's. Heartbreaking. But what an amazing woman and beautiful spirit. Loving her podcast. 💕

[@nathaliepeydus7833]

Thank you so much for posting this! What an amazing woman! So graceful, well spoken, and also self-respecting. The interviewer is absolutely wonderful as well - very tactful, a real professional. Talking gender issues must've been rather hard. She did great job for sure. Now that I'm watching Soldier's Girl with the adorable Lee Pace, this one interview was exactly what I needed for better understanding of the story the movie is based on. Still I didn't quite get why they never mentioned the film - would be interesting to know if Calpernia is fine with the cinema version of what happened to her back then, and how she feels about the main casting, like if the actors actually managed to bring the entire thing to life in the right way...something like that...I wonder if she watched the movie at all, to start with... would've been pretty difficult for her I guess

[@anacarolmsc]

Yes, she supported it and even helped Lee with his phenomenal portrayal. Love this movie, tragic of course but so wonderfully made, despite being for tv!

[@CorrineFerguson]

Endlessly heartbroken over her loss. Its so hard for us to find love. She had love and that was taken from her. So incredibly sad. I will forever love callie.

[@thomasromano9321]

My heart goes out to Calpernia Addams as such a brave and fearless leader. I can't imagine the suffering and pain you went through to see the man you loved, Barry Winchell, so brutally murdered. I would never label and categorize you as trans or queer or anything but a beautiful woman inside and out with a strong and brave heart. My fears lie with the growing intolerance, ignorance and hate in this country, shamefully spurred on by politicians who should know better and lead with humanity and kindness not encouraging bigotry. From what I understand, legislation has been introduced in over half the states saying medical help for transgendered children is against the law. Because of this parents of transgendered children are having to move to other states to get this much needed medical assistance. We can do better in this country than this!

[@DS-us1vi]

This was an incredible interview. I am a member of the queer community and although I don't suffer from gender identity issues I am aware and personally face many similar problems that transgender people go through (clearly trans people have a much more difficult ride of course). The ABC and Jane did an incredible job preparing for this interview and asking the questions that are important. The community is still suffering and personally I believe it is worse now than it was at the time of the interview. Calpernia is a great role model and very good at expressing her thoughts. I was impressed by not only the ABC and Jane but how Calpernia could make any regular person feel like her tragic life experiences are real and the heterosexual and normal everyday folk struggle to see our community and our struggles as valid. Her rare gift of being relatable is important because sadly most people struggle to care about an issue unless it somehow they personally see themselves in another who is dealing with these issues. Until the world is able to be compassionate, caring and actually be willing to actively listen to others regardless of whether or not they see themselves in the individual our community needs people like Calpernia. One day I hope that after we genuinely receive acknowledgement from society of the discrimination the greater LGBTQI+ community faces at large, I genuinely believe one day maybe we will be treated as a human being worthy of existing and living basic every day life fairly and without fear and things progress to a genuine equal society and that the greater hetero and normal everyday society be able to realise how everyone is deserving of life. I hope that other communities such as women facing inequality or people of colour championing equality will support each other and try our best to uplift each other and not just our own personal causes. One voice for respect for us as humans being treated equally means we must be willing to stand up for other causes that don't just impact us personally. Thanks ABC for this content.

[@tomtom6460]

While back home on R & R, I when drinking with a guy I know from high school. I still remember her whisper like it was yesterday, "me siento bien mujer!" Shortly, after I was sent back to the middle east. Three years went by, and finally, I return to PR for a well deserved R & R. A drop death, gorgeous woman, Monica, greeted me at the airport. She said that my old friend Manny sent her to pick me up. On the way to the hotel, we had a pleasant conversation, and I connected the dots. The moment she knew that I knew, she smiled and said, welcome home, "me siento bien mujer!" That was 8 years ago, and we are still happily married! Monica is the best thing that ever happened to me!

[@isisgoddess3243]

I'm here in 2024 just watched solders girl for the 1st time and I'm so glad I came across this interview brave brave woman...and RIP Barry

[@KatBuckleyXOX]

Thinking deeply about the many lives Calpernia Addams has helped enlighten and elevate. Thank you. XOX

[@forreal245]

"elevate" to what level?

[@cinnamongirl23]

for real google Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Everyone strives to be loved and be accepted and to accept themselves.

[@ccm800]

"Undercover Wilderness Lesbians" - she MUST write a script!!!!!!!

[@blondinalakwatsera8463]

she really answers the questions with class and with context. she is really smart

[@amandaoconnor5300]

I just watched the movie and I’m still crying....You are beautiful calpurnia. I have a friend that’s transgender...Best people in the world with the biggest hearts....your story really breaks my heart but I hope you have a happy life. You definitely deserve it

[@lorihaberstroh9598]

Beautiful kind and very wise woman. Love you Calpernia!

[@kingastrah216]

Losing your lover, the person everybody craves for, and in such a cruel way for a pathetic reason... that's bone chilling and devastating. I cannot imagine her pain. Poor soul

[@unstoppablekathryn2440]

I watched the movie. And it hurts me watching it. It’s very hard to be a transgender woman. People judge you whenever you go. 😞

[@gueststar9147]

She’s incredible!

[@johngolema2722]

what an amazing women.. We should all learn from your courage and your insight of just not giving up.

[@YelizKaplan]

She is a wonderful woman. I'm so sorry for that innocent man. It's hard to believe the killer is out now...

[@stepcollazo8134]

Can I ask was it Barry roomate that killed him?..and how long did the killer have in jail??

[@lena.o4]

@@stepcollazo8134 his roommate instigated another drunk soldier in the company who was also constantly harassing barry for being in love with the beautiful trans woman in the video to beat him with the bat in his sleep

[@lena.o4]

@@stepcollazo8134 he served 12 years and then got paroled recently it’s sick to think he got out in spite of the cruelness he’s done

[@stepcollazo8134]

@@lena.o4 karma will come thru for him.but thanks for the reply…

[@HarekaTysiri]

So elegant and she uses many complex vocabs. Pardon me, English is not my first language and she definitely is very smart person. I love her!

[@chevrandyw4903]

Not gonna lie some of these questions were off to me, but she handled it with such grace.

[@heathershaw6029]

I thought it was a great inerview...and I thought the interviewer was wonderful...

[@jackieandjoegigliotti7923]

I watched this movie im still crying

[@youremybiggestfan]

Im all for free spech and toughts.. But mundering someone because of who they date. Its senseless. It has nothing to do with him anyways. This woman is great in many ways. Love and respect from Sweden

[@DEEANNA88]

She is so poised and pretty! I am Sure Barry would have been proud of her!

[@isisgoddess3243]

Factz

[@delilahjolie]

She’s so beautiful and well spoken

[@totallyzturiz5305]

God Bless U Calpernia you a hero and a true pioneer god bless you and your strength

[@forreal245]

"hero"?

[@LoveyLand]

Truly a hero.

[@shannonb082905]

She is so beautiful! Her love for Barry is so beautiful! Heartbreaking what happened to Barry

[@abosaliling1753]

I love the story of soldier girl Just pray Callie I know that Barry is looking up to you..If Barry didn't died I think you both stay happy together..It's really hard to forget the person whom you lovely dearly Sending Love's CALLIE

[@lauchzwiebel]

great interview

[@TyroneClark-bu7ml]

I love calpernia she is so wize and beautiful ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@randymcgee2603]

Heartbreaking what happened to Barry , very sorry Calpernia

[@barbarablue2571]

Is the first Calpernia´s interview that i see. Really what happened with her boyfriend Barry was true tragedy, all the involved people should to be in prision yet. She is a beautiful person inside, and outside, really she at last met the true love, how a man didn´t gave her up even with his military career in game.

[@RyosukeKai]

I love the movie so much but It's really sad.

[@JackRusselMan]

I know where you are coming from. I lost my first partner first true love in 2013. It's hard to believe he's been gone 10 years this may. I have moved on but I will always love him.

[@abd5441]

Wow, what an interesting & well spoken lady!

[@jojosaylor8996]

I found out about this true story today, just watched Soldiers Girl very sad movie . Made me very sad thinking about Barry being harassed in the military.

[@stevejackson9090]

She's awesome...great heart.

[@hannarice3007]

Too much suffering for this woman.Poor soul.

[@Queenalika85]

She's beautiful

[@stepcollazo8134]

She looks like Ms USA…beautiful

[@heatherbrooke7613]

Proud of you

[@LoveyLand]

I’m obsessed with calpernia

[@chisox1085]

Best of both worlds cant get any better

[@lordhallibel3604]

false

[@chisox1085]

@@lordhallibel3604 why false

[@flyinghow]

❤❤❤

[@christopherdale8201]

My kind Of Girl,Pure and real and serious straight to the point Carpathia Addams,Likes a Drink at the right time,anyone who likes their Drinks and Substances with in reason and doesn't abuse it which is very rare is my kind person because they have a more realistic outlook and life. Go Carpathia Addams my kind Of Girl.

[@forreal245]

HE IS A FRICKING "MAN " STUPID!

[@cinnamongirl23]

for real - what’s up with all the hate on Calpernia? If you don’t like her then why are you watching this video? Lame.

[@jierak4998]

Christie why you so pale?

[@sfcmvary]

@@forreal245 you are mistaken my friend, she is created in the image of a loving God. God is a spiritual and not a physical being. Calpernia is a beautiful spiritual woman created in the image of her maker. Just in you want to complain to God about He will only address your shortcomings with, Calpernia's shortcomings are between her and God and no one else.

[@16poetisa]

"A pack of wilderness lesbians" 😂

[@ThatKarol]

Wonderful.

[@unicornwings1]

Gods bless you my heart breaks i send you love and strength.Those twats should still be in jail.

[@iloveactorstoo]

Oh my god is all I can say ??

[@murtithinker7660]

Can Western people not answer "yes" or "no" before any long explanation?

[@sfcmvary]

Culturally we find that we are required to validate our answers or they will be misinterpreted and misunderstood.

[@heathershaw6029]

It would be a pretty boring interview...with just a yes or a no answer...

[@murtithinker7660]

If you can judge your own body so negatively, I can correctly guess how you judge others' bodies.

[@cinnamongirl23]

That’s not necessarily true. I see my body in a negative manner and constantly put myself down for needing to lose about 15 pounds, yet when I see other women the same size or larger I think they are beautiful. It’s weird. My negative feelings are only for myself.

[@murtithinker7660]

@@cinnamongirl23 oh baby

[@sfcmvary]

@@cinnamongirl23 you are beautiful just as you are and you should never cut yourself down, fix what you can, accept what you can't fix, and use wisdom to guide you.

[@rebeltorrents]

WTF did she really say her name is Calpernia Addams?! As in... Calpernia Addams from The Addams Family? *cringe*

[@forreal245]

He is a "he"....& a caricature of a "she". C Adams is swollen from the "vodka". He probably never dealt with the death of Winchell & must feel immense guilt.

[@ronniebrown2517]

@@Y0KAl this dude's totally wrongness and your total correctness is an example of the reality we live in in the u.s. of a;.....come to a wrong conclusion, state it, and have no response to the correction...like the leader of our nation now....

[@cinnamongirl23]

I don’t see anything cringey about it. I love her name. 🖕

[@heathershaw6029]

@@forreal245 She is a wonderful and beautiful human being...

[@r.wijaya2907]

Addams is claim only for addams family? Cringe

[@dextermorgan9063]

this is sick

[@forreal245]

NOTE! He is not photoed from shoulders down cuz he is so swollen from vodka! May God Bless ALL Alcoholics!

[@murtithinker7660]

Okay. That is a hard one. So Bruce Jenner is a drunkard now?

[@cinnamongirl23]

So what? We all have our flaws and vices. SHE is a beautiful woman regardless.

[@jierak4998]

For real??

[@heathershaw6029]

WTF???

[@jierak4998]

@@murtithinker7660 whats going on here its 2021 wake up from hibernation

[@zanelewar8429]

❤️❤️❤️