I was born black and male, but now I identify as a white woman

Identity can be both a liberating and complex journey, especially when it defies traditional boundaries. For Dr. Ronnie Gladden—a tenured professor, author, and public speaker—this journey has taken a path few would expect. Born Black and male, Dr. Gladden now identifies as a white woman, an identity that has sparked both fascination and controversy. Embracing a self-described “transracial” identity, they challenge deeply held beliefs about race and gender, advocating for a society where identity is viewed as fluid and self-determined.

What led Dr. Gladden to embrace this perspective? How does their experience reflect the wider, often contentious conversation around race as a social construct? As their story unfolds, Dr. Gladden offers a bold challenge to societal norms, inviting others to consider the nuances and complexities of identity that lie beneath the surface.

Early Influences and Identity Formation

Dr. Ronnie Gladden’s journey toward embracing a transracial identity began in early childhood, marked by a profound connection to white femininity. Growing up as a Black boy on Cincinnati’s west side, they found themselves drawn to the aesthetics and lifestyles associated with white female figures. Dr. Gladden recalls a desire to emulate characters like Snow White and fantasized about a “Pride & Prejudice” lifestyle, admiring the fashion sense of actresses such as Elle Fanning. These early inclinations were not mere passing fancies but deeply ingrained aspects of their identity.

At the age of four, during preschool, Dr. Gladden experienced a pivotal moment on the playground. They observed their white female classmates and felt a strong desire to “animate in the same way that I saw my classmates—the way their hair would respond to the wind.” This longing for the physical attributes and social experiences of white femininity persisted throughout their formative years, creating a dissonance between their internal identity and external appearance.

Childhood trauma further complicated Dr. Gladden’s identity formation. They endured an abusive father and the tragic murder of their half-sister during middle school. These experiences contributed to a sense of vulnerability and a belief that embodying a white female identity might offer a form of empowerment. Dr. Gladden reflects, “I thought that there was a power of beauty, a power of skin,” suggesting that adopting the characteristics of white femininity could provide protection and agency in a world that often marginalized them.

The Concept of Transracial Identity

Transracial identity refers to individuals who identify with a race different from the one assigned at birth, challenging traditional notions of racial categorization. This concept gained widespread attention in 2015 with the case of Rachel Dolezal, a former NAACP leader who identified as Black despite being born to white parents. Dolezal’s situation sparked intense debate about the legitimacy and ethics of changing one’s racial identity.

Dr. Ronnie Gladden’s experience adds another layer to this discussion. Born Black and male, Dr. Gladden identifies as a white woman, embracing what they describe as a “transracial” identity. They assert that race is a social construct, stating, “I know race is not real. It’s only so because society says it is.” This perspective aligns with academic views that challenge the biological basis of race, emphasizing its constructed nature.

The comparison between transracial and transgender identities has been a focal point in academic discourse. Some scholars argue that if gender can be fluid and self-identified, the same logic could apply to race. However, this analogy is contentious. Critics highlight that race and gender have different historical and social contexts, making direct comparisons problematic. For instance, an article in the Boston Review discusses the complexities and potential pitfalls of equating transracial and transgender identities.

Dr. Gladden’s stance contributes to this ongoing debate by advocating for the recognition of transracial identities. They argue that societal constructs around race and gender should not limit individual identity, suggesting that both are fluid and subject to personal interpretation. This viewpoint challenges conventional understandings and invites a reevaluation of how society defines and perceives identity.

Personal and Professional Journey

Dr. Ronnie Gladden’s path to self-discovery is deeply intertwined with their academic and professional achievements. Their educational background is extensive, holding a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Northern Kentucky University, where they defended and published a dissertation on diversity leadership and intersectionality. Additionally, they earned a Master of Fine Arts from Miami University, a Master of Education from Xavier University, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Cincinnati. Their academic pursuits also led them to the International Summer Schools Study at the University of Cambridge.

In their professional career, Dr. Gladden serves as a tenured professor of English at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. They are also an international speaker and actor, regularly addressing topics related to identity, diversity, and inclusion for K-12 schools, universities, and nonprofits, including the Ronald McDonald House Charities and the city of Cincinnati. Their approach centers on fostering identity reconciliation, empowerment, and independent representation through authentic, transformative, and diverse leadership practices.

Dr. Gladden’s work has been featured in various publications, including UCLA’s Queer Cats Journal, Medium, POPSUGAR, and Yahoo! They have also contributed to Mithu M. Sanyal’s award-winning book Identitti. Mentored by authors Jacquelyn Mitchard and Alissa Nutting, Dr. Gladden has appeared in a documentary about complex identity, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2018 and now streams on Netflix.

Navigating Inner and Outer Identity

Dr. Ronnie Gladden’s journey of aligning their internal identity with external appearance has been both complex and deeply personal. Born Black and male, Dr. Gladden identifies as a white woman, a realization that emerged early in life. They recall, “I present as Black and male, yet internally, I possess a white girl within.” This internal-external dissonance has been a central theme in their life.

To bridge this gap, Dr. Gladden has undertaken various measures. At 19, they underwent cosmetic procedures, including a nose job and lip enhancements, to align their appearance more closely with their internal identity. Additionally, they use foundation lighter than their natural skin tone. Despite these efforts, Dr. Gladden acknowledges that their outward appearance doesn’t fully convey their inner sense of self, stating, “My skin is pretty brown in terms of complexion… but I see that as an expression of my mind.”

In their book, White Girl Within, Dr. Gladden delves into this internal conflict through a series of letters between their Black male and white female identities. This narrative structure offers readers an intimate look into the challenges of reconciling these facets of self. They describe the process as “surprising, perplexing, daunting, and extremely inconvenient, to say the very least.”

Tips for Embracing Authentic Identity

Dr. Ronnie Gladden’s journey offers insights into embracing one’s true self amid societal expectations. Here are strategies inspired by their experiences:

1. Engage in Self-Reflection and Seek Support: Self-reflection is crucial for understanding one’s true identity. Dr. Gladden emphasizes introspection and highlights the importance of therapy, which has supported their self-discovery process over nearly two decades.
2. Challenge Societal Norms and Educate Yourself: Educating yourself on topics like race as a social construct can help you redefine personal beliefs. Dr. Gladden asserts, “I know race is not real. It’s only so because society says it is.” Embracing this perspective has helped them question and confront societal expectations that limit expression.
3. Find and Build Supportive Communities: Connecting with supportive groups can foster self-acceptance and provide a sense of belonging. Dr. Gladden’s involvement in LGBTQ+ organizations has been instrumental in navigating their identity journey.
4. Express Yourself Authentically: Dr. Gladden uses makeup, fashion, and styling to reflect their inner identity, embodying the concept of self-expression. Embrace mediums that allow your authentic self to shine.
5. Practice Self-Compassion and Patience: Navigating complex identity issues requires patience and self-kindness. Dr. Gladden describes their journey as “surprising, perplexing, daunting, and extremely inconvenient,” yet self-compassion has been a cornerstone of their progress.
6. Share Your Story to Inspire and Foster Understanding: Sharing your experiences openly can help foster understanding. Dr. Gladden’s book, White Girl Within, serves as a platform to share their narrative and inspire others navigating their own identity journeys.

Embracing Complexity in Identity

Dr. Ronnie Gladden’s journey encourages a profound reevaluation of how identity is understood and expressed in society. By openly embracing a transracial identity, Dr. Gladden challenges the conventional boundaries that often define race and gender, advocating for a more fluid, inclusive approach to self-definition. Their life story, marked by early influences, academic achievements, and the struggles of aligning inner and outer identities, serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of personal identity.

Their experiences underscore the courage needed to pursue authenticity despite societal expectations. Through sharing their story in White Girl Within and engaging with diverse audiences, Dr. Gladden has provided a platform for others to question rigid identity norms and embrace their true selves. For readers, Dr. Gladden’s journey is both an invitation and a challenge—to look within, challenge assumptions, and embrace the unique facets that make each person’s identity their own. In an evolving conversation around race, gender, and self-expression, their story offers hope for a world where authenticity is celebrated and individual identity is respected, no matter how unconventional it may seem.