Democracy Café

Should gender matter? And if so, how, and in what way? Through what lenses of empathy and understanding and open-mindedness should we consider gender, whether we are parents or childless, young or old -- but democratic citizens one and all, dedicated to creating a society in which all are treated equally and with dignity? I explore such questions with Hayden Reid Fulfer, who is transgender and is in the process of transitioning. It is because of the passion, enthusiasm and determination of Hayden (whose name at the time was Cassie) that I was invited a few years ago to the campus of Monmouth College in Illinois, where my book 'Socrates Cafe' has been part of their interdisciplinary curriculum for over a decade. Hayden -- a gifted writer and highly accomplished student who will graduate in May -- and I hit it off immediately upon meeting in person, and we have stayed in touch ever since. He shares here his compelling and moving and at times heart-rending story. I hope all of you will listen in -- and sh