Trans Iceland: Meet Anna Kristjánsdóttir

An Icelandic Legend

Lara Americo
May 23, 2023
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Out of the subscribers to this newsletter, only a percentage actually open and read it. And out of that percentage, a smaller percentage will open the video above. Then, a tinier percentage will watch and learn about Anna. I know this and I’d still rather post it here than anywhere else. Because I value a quality audience. You!

That being said, please feel free to share this. I’ll be posting the rest of the clips periodically.

This footage is from my pilot episode for the show, World in Transition. The show has become TransContinental, which is being distributed by Queerty. It was filmed by Mike “Iron Mike” Themistocleous.

The goal was to go to Iceland and learn some stuff. I did! I learned that Iceland IS the frosty paradise I dreamt it to be. They know it and they understandably don’t want us moving there to screw it up. Which, we have to admit that, we would.

Luckily, I was able to meet Anna on a rare visit to her homeland. She moved to Tenerife a few years back and only came to Iceland to support this documentary. Capitalism and the dire state of documentary film making as a whole prevented me from completing the edits. Until now.

Bricks, Wigs, and Gay Crimes is a reader-supported publication. This content is made by one trans woman with a toddler FEVERISHLY trying to get this info out into the world while constantly being rejected by rich white cis het people and watching actual nazi pubs get millions of subscribers. Subscribe? Share? Maybe?

The realm of transgender activism contains a small number of individuals—mostly people you’ve never heard of. The many activists I’ve both met and heard of usually just want to be left the hell alone. But they’ve seen too many of their friends being hurt. They’ve themselves been hurt and don’t want anyone else to feel that way. Anna Kristjánsdóttir is no different.

Born and raised in Iceland, Anna Kristjánsdóttir worked on a fishing boat. Back in the 60s, she threw herself into masculinity. Like many transgender women, including myself, she attempted to do the “right” thing and live the gender role that was assigned to her at birth. She lived as a fisherman wondering if she could ever be able to live authentically. In 1984, she did. She came out and faced horrible backlash from her friends and family. She faced it head-on. Today, people like me benefit from her sacrifices.

As an adoring fan, it is impossible to overstate the significance of Anna's work. I’m here, now, because she stood up for herself all those years ago. Her life is a testament to the power of perseverance, compassion, and authenticity. She’s one example where I can say, MEET YOUR HEROES.

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