Writing & Media
Selected writing, interviews, and media appearances
Inching Toward Equal Dignity
Women & Law · February 2020
Published jointly by the flagship law reviews of the nation’s top sixteen law schools, this personal essay traces Denise’s journey from Navy submarine service and transition to law school and national LGBTQ family advocacy—and reflects on the unfinished work of achieving equal dignity.
Denise Brogan-Kator — Transgender Today
The New York Times, 2015
A first-person reflection published as part of The New York Times’ “Transgender Today” series.
Transition Through a Shattered Snowglobe
A personal essay about transition, parenthood, separation, and the effort to remain connected to one’s children.
Selected Media & Advocacy
Where Are They Now? Catching Up With Longtime Michigan Trans Advocate Denise Brogan-Kator
Pride Source · June 2024
A retrospective conversation about Denise’s decades of LGBTQ+ advocacy, her retirement, and the next chapter of her life.
We Won’t Be Erased
The Advocate · March 2023
A reflection on transgender visibility, hard-won legal progress, and the continuing work of resistance.
A Parent’s Guide to Coming Out
State of the Re:Union: Trans Families · WJCT, PRX, and NPR · 2014
Denise and her daughter Amanda Veldorale-Griffin reflect on transition, divorce, parenthood, and learning to make room for a child’s experience. Their conversation begins at approximately 23:30.
Listen to “Trans Families” in iVoox
Official program information · Winner of the 2015 National Edward R. Murrow Award for News Documentary and NLGJA’s Excellence in Radio Award.
LGBT Civil Rights in the Military
C-SPAN · August 2012
At the National LGBT Bar Association’s Lavender Law Conference, Denise discusses her Navy submarine service and the exclusion of transgender people from military service.
Media & Interviews
Selected interviews, radio, podcast, and other media appearances