Author Archive

Egg Nog at the White House

December 24, 2009
By Laura Calvo
Egg Nog at the White House

top of my head to the base of my spine. I was here and it was real. I went to the coat check, which was actually the family movie theater, where I was greeted again. As I headed further down the east colonnade that overlooks the Kennedy garden, I could hear a string quartet...
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Thanksgiving 2009

November 28, 2009
By Laura Calvo
Thanksgiving 2009

Lots of turkeys and pumpkin pies were put in ovens around the country. Families, both immediate and extended ones, gathered to share the feast of thanksgiving. I’m sure the green bean, mushroom soup, and canned fried onion ring industries look forward to this time of year. Most folks sat down to their dinner tables,...
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Maine, Marriage, and Motivation

October 15, 2009
By Laura Calvo
Maine, Marriage, and Motivation

It’s October and the foliage of New England is in a full bloom of color with the change of seasons from summer to fall. I was fortunate enough to see the fall colors of rusts and orange first hand in Maine. The crimson leaves of fall will soon be falling and blowing in the...
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About the author

Laura Calvo: passionate activist, compelling advocate, or savvy political operative? You decide. Nevertheless, one thing is for sure: you will likely enjoy the experience and you will always know where this wise Latina is coming from.

Laura’s history and journey through life brings many unique perspectives. Featured in the media and frequently quoted as a “go to” person on politics, Laura is also the co-host of Gender Blender on Portland Oregon radio station KBOO. Gender Blender is one of the few regularly scheduled radio shows dedicated to issues concerning Trans and gender non-conforming people in the nation.

After a career in law enforcement ended with being involuntarily outed as a Trans identified person, Laura went to work honing an inherent passion for politics, social justice, and equality. Laura joined a growing number of Trans identified people working for social justice through the political system.

One of Laura’s favorite sayings is the old political adage, “All politics are local.” Laura built on that theme by negotiating through the ranks of the local, state and national Democratic Party. Laura has worked on campaigns and issues from city hall to the White House over the years. As a Latina and as a Trans person with a finger on the pulse and an eye on the landscape of the political world, Laura brings a broad overview from the gritty trenches of the political world with a Trans eye for the binary challenged.

Laura’s passion and work in the area of social justice for Trans and gender non-conforming people never wavers. Laura won Portland Gay Pride’s 2008 Spirit of Pride Award and Portland Latino LGBT Pride’s 2009 Mariposa award. Laura is a frequent speaker and panelist at colleges and political events.

Laura lives in Portland Oregon with two four legged children. Laura is the proud parent of two successful grown sons. When Laura is not traveling around the country or involved with politics, a love of the theater, cooking, photography and winning poker tournaments occupies the time. You can follow Laura on facebook and twitter.

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