Dr. Ronnie Gladden, a Cincinnati-based tenured professor, author, speaker, and actor, has sparked discussions across social and academic circles with his journey in identity. Born a Black male, Dr. Gladden now identifies as a white woman, a journey he describes as embracing a “transgracial” identity, combining both transgender and transracial perspectives. Known for his outspoken views on identity and race, Dr. Gladden advocates for the concept of race as a social construct rather than an inherent characteristic.
A Journey from Childhood Fantasies to Adult Realizations
Dr. Gladden recalls that his sense of identity has been complex since early childhood. Growing up on the West Side of Cincinnati, he experienced what he calls a repressed desire to be like his white female peers. As early as preschool, he aspired to resemble his classmates, noticing their rosy cheeks, light-colored hair, and the way their appearance responded to the environment. The influence of popular culture icons like Snow White and Pride & Prejudice deepened his internal identification with a white, feminine aesthetic.
Dr. Gladden even described in a TedX talk that he was particularly drawn to the white female aesthetic, connecting with it on a magnetic level. He recounted, “I present as Black and male, yet internally, I possess a white girl within.” This early identification with white femininity, he says, has been “insistent, consistent, and persistent” throughout his life.
Defining a Transgracial Identity: Beyond the Conventional Boundaries of Race
“Transgracial” identity is a term that combines the experiences of being both transgender and transracial. For Dr. Gladden, identifying as a white woman as a Black man challenges society’s traditional views on identity. He believes that race is a social construct without a biological foundation, a perspective he explores in his book. “I know race is not real,” he writes. “It’s only so because society says it is.” His views align with a growing discourse among social scientists who argue that race is a concept shaped more by societal norms than by biology.
Dr. Gladden’s outlook is shared by a community that identifies as transracial, emphasizing that race can be seen as a “choice.” This concept is controversial, as society continues to grapple with the implications of changing racial and gender identities.
Expressing His Identity Through Physical Transformations and Fashion Choices
Throughout his life, Dr. Gladden has made choices to outwardly reflect his internal sense of identity. His journey included a nose job at 19 and “some work on the lips” to align his appearance with his inner self-image. Additionally, he uses lighter-toned foundation, though he acknowledges that his physical appearance doesn’t always match his internal identification. In a recent BBC Radio 4 interview, Dr. Gladden shared, “My skin is pretty brown in terms of complexion, and my hair is thick… but I see that as an expression of my mind.”
His identity goes beyond appearance, manifesting in his choice of clothing, accessories, and admiration for figures like Elle Fanning, whose fashion choices he finds inspiring. He notes that even as an adult, he sees himself “reflected” in certain white female figures, including fictional characters like Kimmy Gibbler from Full House and actress Anne Hathaway. These figures embody qualities and aesthetics that resonate deeply with his sense of self.
Advocating for Identity Fluidity as a Tenured Professor and Public Speaker
Dr. Gladden, a tenured professor of English at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, uses his platform to advocate for discussions around identity fluidity. Holding a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Northern Kentucky University, he uses his academic and public presence to explore the fluidity of gender and race and to open conversations about non-traditional identities. His goal is to promote understanding, particularly regarding the complexities of identity in a multicultural society.
Dr. Gladden’s transgracial identity aims to shed light on the psychological nuances of identity, encouraging others to think critically about how societal constructs of race and gender influence individual experiences and self-perception. In his view, society’s acceptance of fluid gender identities should open the door to conversations about fluid racial identities, even though these discussions remain highly debated.
Persisting Challenges and Personal Reflections
Though Dr. Gladden has embraced his identity as a white woman, he admits to ongoing “unfinished business” in harmonizing his distinct identities. In his writing, he reflects on the complexities of being a Black male who identifies internally as a white woman, describing this inner conflict as both persistent and illuminating. Despite these challenges, he remains committed to expressing his identity authentically.
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