Bernie Wagenblast

@berniew.bsky.social

transportation journalist, voice actor, TRANSit Girl

Two years ago my involvement with theater was like most people; as an audience member. Since June 2024 I've found myself becoming part of that world. Everything from the Cranford Dramatic Club to Broadway and getting to work with Tony Award winners. It's an amazing group of very talented folks!

I remember how nervous I was before my first post-transition reunion a couple of years ago. The love and support I felt was something I never could have imagined in 1974. Last weekend many of us gathered to celebrate our 70th birthdays. Thank you for the love you've shown me..it's made a difference!

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"It's just scary to become something you've never seen." That quote comes from a musical I was privileged to be a part of this week. It's spoken by a young trans girl. I think it sums up how many of us feel before transition. It is scary, but it's also incredibly rewarding.

Granny sings words of encouragement to young Henrietta in "A Musical for Henrietta" during a performance at Joe's Pub in NYC.

Being a trans educator doesn't require a microphone. I want to let my trans siblings know each of us can represent the trans community. In your own circle at school, work and your neighborhood, you may be the only trans person others know. All of us can be educators in our own unique ways.

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A message for my trans sisters, especially the older ones. I’m living proof it’s never too late. I transitioned at 66 and just turned 70 this week. I’m so happy I can finally be comfortable in my own skin. I’ve had more adventures in the past 3+ years than I ever could have imagined.

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I continue to be astonished at how MAGA continues to perseverate about transgender folks. I'd like to offer a variation on Winston Churchill's famous WWII quote. "Never have so many been so obsessed by so few."

Raising trans visibility is one of my life goals. I never know where it’s going to take me. Last night it was being the public address announcer for a half inning at the Brooklyn Cyclones game.

By way of introduction, here's just a bit about me, part 1. I was once a NYC traffic reporter and later became a transportation journalist. I'm probably best known as one of the voices of the NYC subways (Please stand away from the platform edge).