Born: circa 1946 (San Antonio, Texas)
Biography:
Phyllis Randolph Frye, born circa 1946 in San Antonio, Texas, is a transgender woman who has made significant strides in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and equality. Frye’s journey towards becoming the first openly transgender judge appointed in the world has been marked with obstacles and challenges, which she faced with resilience and unwavering determination.
In her earlier years, Frye achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, showcasing her drive and commitment to excellence. She was also a member of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, demonstrating her early fascination with leadership and discipline. These formative experiences laid the foundation for Frye’s future endeavors.
Frye pursued higher education at Texas A&M University, where she excelled academically and graduated with a B.S. in Civil Engineering and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Her time at Texas A&M was not solely focused on academics; Frye also actively participated in the university’s Corps of Cadets and was a member of the renowned Texas A&M Singing Cadets. These experiences further developed her leadership skills and forged lasting connections within the university community.
Following her graduation, Frye joined the United States Army and served as a lieutenant stationed in West Germany. It was during her time in the Army that Frye came to terms with her own sexual identity and made the brave decision to disclose her struggles to her superiors. Unfortunately, her honesty was met with attempts to cure her through various methods such as drug therapy, hypnosis, and aversion therapy. Despite these efforts, Frye’s inner truth could not be suppressed, resulting in the end of her marriage and an honorable discharge from the Army in 1972.
After her discharge, Frye faced a period of immense personal challenges and attempted suicide. However, this drastic event marked a turning point in her life. She chose to channel her pain into action, embarking on a journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and advocacy.
Frye pursued a career as a civil engineer while actively engaging with her newfound Christian faith. In this period, she encountered her second wife, Trish, who became an important source of support and love in Frye’s life. Despite moments of professional success, such as securing a job at Texas A&M University, Frye also experienced discrimination and dismissal due to rumors circulating within her department.
Undeterred, Frye and her wife relocated to Pennsylvania, where she secured a new job. However, discrimination continued to follow her, as she was rejected from a government position in 1977 based on unfounded concerns about her disruptive influence in her community.
Around the age of 30, Frye made the brave decision to undergo gender transition, electing some medical procedures while foregoing others. In 1976, she also achieved a significant milestone by winning the right to amend her birth certificate. This legal victory laid the groundwork for future transgender individuals seeking recognition and validation.
Fueled by a desire for knowledge and a commitment to justice, Frye pursued further education, earning an M.B.A. and J.D. from the University of Houston. In her academic journey, she faced numerous challenges, including isolation and discrimination. However, Frye refused to let these obstacles hinder her path and strategically overcame them.
During law school, Frye underwent feminizing hormone therapy and electrolysis, resulting in substantial physical changes. However, these changes also brought about discrimination and exclusion within the legal community. Unable to secure employment with a law firm, she sold Amway cleaning products and worked sporadically as an engineering consultant. Despite these setbacks, Frye found her passion in criminal defense and became a recognizable figure within the Harris County Courthouse.
Frye’s perseverance and dedication to defending those who were marginalized and oppressed led to her appointment as an Associate Judge for the Municipal Courts in Houston, Texas. This historic moment in 2010 marked her as the first openly transgender judge appointed in the world, blazing a trail for future generations of transgender individuals.
Throughout her life, Frye has tirelessly advocated for transgender rights and equality. She has served as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the LGBTQ+ community, challenging societal norms and fighting against discrimination. Her groundbreaking achievements in the legal field have not only played a crucial role in improving the lives of transgender individuals but have also contributed to the history of women’s rights and LGBTQ+ activism.