GMA Brandtalk
Tracking
Archives
Second Wachowski sibling announces she is transgender
After being threatened with exposure by a UK tabloid, the 48-year-old director formerly known as Andy Wachowski has come out as transgender in a statement issued to the Windy City Times on Tuesday, March 8.
The statement, published in full by the Chicago paper, bore the headline "SEX CHANGE SHOCKER—WACHOWSKI BROTHERS NOW SISTERS!!!"
Wachowski now identifies herself as Lilly.
In 2012, Lilly's sister Lana Wachowski, formerly known as Larry Wachowski, came out as a transgender woman at a movie promo in Los Angeles, California.
The pair wrote, directed, and produced the 1999 movie "The Matrix" starring Hollywood actor Keanu Reeves. They also co-wrote the hit movie's sequels “The Matrix Reloaded” and “The Matrix Revolutions.”
“In response to this threatened public outing against my will, I had a prepared a statement that was one part piss, one part vinegar and 12 parts gasoline,” Lilly said.
She added, “My sister Lana and I have largely avoided the press. I find talking about my art frustratingly tedious and talking about myself a wholly mortifying experience. I knew at some point I would have to come out publicly. You know, when you're living as an out transgender person it's … kind of difficult to hide. I just wanted—needed some time to get my head right, to feel comfortable.”
“But apparently I don't get to decide this.”
The director proceeded to recount her life as a trans woman, and how the world has become “openly hostile” to her.
Despite this, Lilly thanks her family, her doctors and therapists for giving her the chance to survive the process, and while trans men and women continue to be discriminated against, the director is proud to have transitioned.
According to her, she has come out to her friends and family, as well as to most people at work.
“Without the love and support of my wife and friends and family I would not be where I am today,” Lilly said. — Bianca Rose Dabu/BM, GMA News
