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:
Culture, Power, Video, Activism, News, Trans, Canada

Keep Reading

Who gets to claim parental rights?

Xtra and TVO’s Unravelled partnered on this mini-doc diving into what "parental rights" policies mean for kids and parents across Canada

Second Alberta town votes to ban Pride flags, rainbow crosswalks

Barrhead residents voted this week in favour of new “neutrality” bylaw

Xtra Explains: Parental rights

What does Canadian law actually say when it comes to the rights of parents and trans kids?

Xtra Explains: Social vs. medical transition

Media and politicians like to fixate on the medical aspects of transition. But for most trans youth, social transition plays a much bigger part in their lives