When we think of hurricanes, like the Hurricane Katrina, we always think of the devastation and heartbreak they bring to a community. However, I like to think of the resiliency of the human spirit and the best of humanity they bring out in times of need. We have a special little hurricane right here inside our LBGTQ community in Philadelphia. Our personal Hurricane Katrina, who works with those living on the fringes while spreading love, inspiration, hope and light to those who need it most, is the focus of this interview. Like a little ball of frenzied energy she goes about her day giving her time and self to be an example of what is possible and is a living testament to that power of resiliency. I am honored to be able to introduce my readers to Katrina Delancey, or as she prefers to be called, Kat. Not only is she a dear friend, but she is a continuous inspiration to me even in my darkest moments. I am finding that she is a light to far more then just me!

Kat Delancey is very well known for standing up for what she believes in, even if that means she is standing alone. With her androgynous effect, Kat has been very involved with the community in finding solutions to ending trans phobia, hatred, violence, racism, the HIV/AIDS crisis, homelessness, substance abuse, and sex work, amongst more. While she battles her own demons from time to time, that does not stop her thrive and love for those that love and support her no matter what. A year ago, Kat lost a dear friend, Kyra Cordova, at which time she launched a campaign, Justice For Kyra. Kat not only seeks justice for her dear friend but justice for all the trans women whom have been murdered. Kat recently launched a Facebook group, Trans United Philadelphia, bringing Trans and Gender Variants together in unity regardless of where one individual may be in their life. A former volunteer with Safeguards, she continues to volunteer with the UPENN’s Mobile Testing Unit in Center City, encouraging all to update their HIV and health status. She has sat on many panels and has done many focus groups, standing up for her community. Everyone who runs into Kat realizes how much of a blessing and inspiration she is!

D.M. : Before I actually met you, Kat, you were that one person I always saw here in our community and always thought to myself, “I MUST find out more about her!” You stand out on so many levels! Now that I know you personally, I realize that that the private person is even more so intriguing. You bring insight and joy into my life on a daily basis! Can you please share with our readers a little about yourself?

K.D. :  First and foremost, I want to thank you,  Dan, for offering me the opportunity to be interviewed. In terms of a little about myself, I do not know where to begin. Seriously! Well, let me just try to keep it brief. I was born in Wilmington, Delaware. I moved to Philly when i was about 8 years old. I grew up in chaos and confusion. I am the oldest of five as I have two brothers and two sisters, whom I have no contact with at this time for several reasons. My dad has been out of my life since I was just six years old.  I witnessed him kill someone in front of my face, so he is in jail for the rest of his life. My mom was a prostitute, drug addict, and a bartender. She passed away five years ago while I was in jail. The In the midst of all the chaos and confusion, I had a very deep relationship with my mother. Believe it or not, my mother was and still is my best friend. To this day, it makes me very sad that I was not able to say goodbye to her. I still remember the day that I shared with her my reality that I was trans and a woman. My mom looked at me and said, “Well, you should've been born a little old woman anyway.” At that moment, I felt like I did not have a worry in the world. Our bond became much stronger, despite the chaos we lived in and I continued to grow in to the person that I was. Despite having an androgynous appearance, I identify with all the girly pronouns!

D.M. : On October 12, 2013, the Philly Trans March takes place and besides being an important event to raise awareness, this year they are adding the PTM’s 1st Advocacy Awards. These awards will be given to folks in the trans community who are being recognized for their tireless efforts towards advocacy and equality for the trans community. One of these recipients happens to be none other then you, Kat! Congratulations! When I heard you were being awarded this honor I was thrilled. Can you share with us how receiving this honor makes you feel personally?

K.D. : This award means everything and more to me. It fits me all too well. I am most definitely a “Rising Leader.” I have always carried the slogan around with me, “If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.”

D.M. :  You are very open/candid about your own personal issues. Why do you think that you are so willing to share this part of your journey so freely?

K.D. :  I believe in being 100% real with oneself, this way you can be 100% real with others. I have always been very open about and to anything in life. I have also always been open about many things in my own personal life. I have never kept a closed mind when it comes to life in general, so I guess that is why I am so open about my own personal life. I feel like sometimes when I am speaking to someone about my own trials and tribulations, there may be something that they hear about that they can relate to. I know all too well about the struggles that one may face on a daily basis.

D.M : What do you see as the biggest obstacle here in Philly facing the trans community?

K.D. :  Competition! Everyone is always competing to be like someone else. At the end of the day, I don’t want to be like anyone else but my own little unique self. I like to believe that is why I feel like I am very well respected by many of people that know me.

D.M. : Where do you see yourself in the next ten years?

K.D. : Well, on 9-11-13, I signed a lease for my own one bedroom apartment. After many of years of struggling with homelessness and not knowing where I was going to lay my head next, it finally has come to where I don't have to go through that anymore. I see myself now focusing on transition and doing such things like getting my name changed. I want to work in a field dealing with the most vulnerable, such as HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, homelessness, and oh so many more. I love people! So, maybe within ten years that goal of wanting to work with those that are most vulnerable will be met!