EXCLUSIVE: An Interview with Ryan Cassata

Courtesy of The Golden Gate Xpress (S)

Ryan Cassata is one of the LGBT community's youngest up-and-coming activists. He's a transgender singer-songwriter and public speaker who made appearances on the Larry King Live Show in 2009, and The Tyra Banks Show in 2010 when he was just 15, to talk about his advocacy and his gender difference.

He was awarded the Harvey Milk Memorial Award last year, just after he graduated high school, putting him amongst the youngest recipients to have received it, and up there with the big names of LGBT activism.

He has played hundreds of concerts including the world's biggest gay music festival, Pridefest Milwaukee, alongside Chris Crocker and LeAnne Rimes to name but two. But music isn't the only thing he travels the States for. Ryan also visits high schools, colleges, and events to spread his message of peace and acceptance.

On YouTube, he has attracted over 750,000 viewers with his inspirational music and vlogs. The music video for his song "Hands of Hate", which spreads a message of love, has been viewed over 25,000 times in 6 months.