Activist Kate Bornstein on Scientology

"I worked with L. Ron Hubbard directly. I was first mate on his fucking ship"

Trans activist and author Kate Bornstein has released her autobiography, A Queer and Pleasant Danger: A Memoir. In the book she recounts her journey as a trans person and her involvement in the Church of Scientology.

“I was a member of what they call the Sea Organization,” recounts Bornstein in an interview conducted in advance of the release of her book. “This is their top management group.“

“I worked with L. Ron Hubbard directly. I was first mate on his fucking ship.”

Bornstein eventually left the church, which led to one of the most painful chapters of her life.

For more on this and Bornstein’s story check out Xtra‘s video interview.

On occasion, the number of editors and other staff who contribute to a story gets a little unwieldy to give a byline to everyone. That’s when we use “Xtra Staff” in place of the usual contributor info. If you would like more information on who contributed to a particular story, please contact us here.

Read More About:
Video, Activism, Culture, Power, News, Trans, Canada

Keep Reading

Pride organizers to ‘strengthen’ security following attack in Berlin

Pride organizations in Vancouver, Montreal and Ottawa are assuring patrons they will be able to celebrate safely at upcoming Pride events

Where does U.K. prime minister Andy Burnham stand on trans rights?

The new Labour leader has long been a vocal ally. But he inherits a government that has introduced a slew of anti-trans policies in recent years

Major studios made 225 films in 2025. None had a trans character

GLAAD’s annual report on representation in film also found that LGBTQ2S+ representation overall is declining

New report details online anti-trans hate following Tumbler Ridge shooting

The Canadian Anti-Hate Network analyzed the wave of anti-LGBTQ2S+ social media posts following the tragedy in Tumbler Ridge
Advertisement