David Duke’s godchild comes out as trans in new memoir about leaving white nationalism
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R. Derek Black, previously recognised as a prominent figure in American white nationalism, reveals in his new memoir, The Klansman’s Son: My Journey from White Nationalism to Antiracism, that he has transitioned and identifies as trans. The book maps out Black’s departure from the extreme beliefs held by his family and discusses his personal experiences with gender identity.
The New York Post notes that during Black’s childhood, being mistakenly identified as a girl while participating in his father’s KKK activities was both troubling and affirmatively reflective of his gender identity. It was during his time at the progressive New College of Florida that Black began to openly explore and accept this identity.
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“The culture at New College and the people I met helped me to understand and accept that I fit under the trans umbrella,” Black recounts in the memoir. He highlights this realisation amid an increasingly adverse environment for trans rights, particularly in his home state of Florida.
As ‘Yahoo! News’ write, more than just a personal revelation, Black’s memoir extends his public engagement in antiracism. He has publicly disavowed the white nationalist ideologies once promoted by his family, including his father, Don Black, and his godfather, former KKK leader David Duke, as reported by the Post.
Additionally, the memoir delves into Black’s complicated relationship with his family, from whom he has distanced himself both ideologically and personally. In 2020, Black married Allison Gornick, a clinical psychologist, an event Black cites as crucial to his personal transformation and activism. “Allison entered my life at a moment that I felt least like someone worthy of being trusted or loved,” they reflect in the book.
Set for release on May 14, The Klansman’s Son emphasises Black’s commitment to supporting other trans individuals who confront discrimination, especially in the politically tense environment of Florida.
Read related myGwork articles here:
Elliot Page Reveals Memoir Cover
Member Of The “Detransition” Movement Comes Out As Trans, Again
Black Metal Band Liturgy’s Lead Singer Hunter Hunt-Hendrix Comes Out As Trans: “I Am A Woman”
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