Dionne Stallworth could give a master class in staying strong and resilient in the face of adversity. From work life to family life to intimate relationships, she has faced many challenges since transitioning from male to female more than 30 years ago. After experiencing discrimination at her long-time job, Dionne resigned, but she struggled to find work afterward, even with a college education. Still, she continues to fight for nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people as a member of GenderPAC, a national transgender lobbying group.

“When people get to know you,” Dionne said, “They see they’re just like you.”

Photographs by Kristy Lumsden Photography