Seeking BT’s and Converts to talk about gender identity

Background of the Oral History of Orthodox Conversion / Gender Identity Project
Since I started the Orthodox conversion process over a year ago I was stunned and pleased at the affect it has had on my own gender identity. Of course most people who have known me for a significant amount of time have said something along the lines of, “but you’re a feminist, how can you be an Orthodox Jew?”  These two reactions, from within myself, and those outsiders looking in, have led to be start a new project collecting oral histories (similar to a StoryCorps (storycorps.org/) style and format) from other Orthodox Converts or Baal Teshuvas who have finished their conversion, or been living an observant life for a significant amount of time.

What will participating entail?
I’m interested in recording about an hours’ worth of interviews from each participant, with the interviewee explaining how they related to their gender during their childhood, what messages they grew up with about their gender from family, society or other religions; and finally how their ideas of gender did or didn’t change during their conversion process, the good, bad and the in between. In case I ever choose to use the material for a thesis I will collect a small amount of statistical data as well and ask that you sign a release, but for now am just hoping to compile an edited audio piece.