User:Usrcrk/sandbox/Claire-Renee Kohner

Claire-Renee Kohner Claire-Renee Kohner [Born August 27, 1970] is an American blogger, writer and transgender activist. She has contributed pieces to Bustle, The Advocate, Planet Transgender, Original Pluming, The DailyKos, TransgenTimes, TheColu.mn and to the New York Times.

Early life
Claire was born and grew up in Winona, Minnesota. She moved to Minneapolis after attending Winona State University, where she studied Mass Communications, eventually earning her degree in Business years later.

Career
Kohner is currently a freelance writer and journalist contributing to multiple online publications and makes regular media appearances about transgender issues and transitioning. She also reports on both the straight and queer music and entertainment industry having interviewed Michelle Hendley, Alexandra Turshen, Director/Writer Eric Schaeffer, Isley Ruest [musician, actress], Venus DeMars, Bianca Von Krieg, Hailey Sole, rapper Lil One and more.

Activism
In 2014, Kohner was targeted by Gender Identity Watch for her interview with the Transgender Violence Tracking Portal [TVTP] founder Allison Woolbert, who was later forced from her position after a past criminal history was reported, for not reaching out to them for comment.

On January 25, 2015, Claire was widely criticized by the Trans community for her interview with Feminist Cathy Brennan for providing her a platform.

On February 26, 2015, she reported on the death of Sumaya Ysl, a Canadian Trans woman who mysteriously died. Kohner was contacted by 16X9 [Canada’s version of 60 minutes] to talk about the story for a segment on transgender violence.

On May 30, 2015, she reported on the transphobic slurs that appeared on Facebook from the Executive Director of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Rainbow Center. This ultimately led to the resignation of the Executive Director accompanied by accusations that Claire was responsible for the resignation.

On August 19, 2015, Claire criticized Kate Bornstein, noted transgender writer and activist, for her use of the word “freak” on the reality series I Am Cait stating, “The constant labeling of the trans community as “freaks” on I Am Cait is Kate’s prerogative, but if you believe in self-identification as we all do, then what one antiquated trans person says on TV should not be applied to the entire community.”

Film, Radio, TV Appearances
Claire-Renee Kohner has a mention credit in the documentary film TransIndia.