Even within the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community, one subgroup is arguably the least understood and most marginalized: transgender individuals. There have been clear steps forward for many members of the non-straight world in many ways — same sex marriage, health benefits, and other protections. But understanding, accepting — let alone embracing — trans-specific issues seems to lag behind.

In this week's Northern Express - sister publication of The Ticker - members of northern Michigan's transgender community sit down and share their life stories and experiences, as well as their efforts to achieve understanding and acceptance. “When it comes to the trans community, we still have a ways to go," says Ruth Spalding, therapist at Live Well Counseling and a member of Polestar LGBT Center of Traverse City, which serves Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, Kalkaska, and Antrim counties. Hate and misunderstanding still thrive in some quarters — northern Michigan among them, agrees Polestar activist John Young.

“The resources in northern Michigan are terrible,” says Young. “We even have reports of doctors who have refused to give medical treatment [to transgender individuals].”

But locally, there are also some encouraging signs: a visit to the National Writers Series by David Ebershoff, author of the bestselling book about a pioneer in the trans movement, “Danish Girl”; the re-establishment of the Traverse City Human Rights Commission; and passage — first by the city commission, then by a vote of city residents — of a measure to prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Many feel that breaking down prejudice and fear begins simply by helping people to understand the trans perspective. Seren Aurora says to keep that momentum going, it helps to discuss some misconceptions — starting with the notion that trans folks “choose” that life just be different or cool. “Being transgendered, for me, never seemed like a choice,” Seren says. “It always felt like part of me. I just finally reached a point in my life when I couldn’t suppress it any longer.”

Read more stories and discussion in this week's Northern Express cover story, "Local Transgender Community Strives For Understanding and Acceptance." Check out the Northern Express online, or pick up a free copy at one of more than 600 distribution spots across 14 counties. And, stay connected throughout the week on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.