Digital Transgender Archive

Charley Burton Oral History

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Content warning: This item contains potentially sensitive material related to sexual assault, child abuse, suicide, and transphobic language.

Charley Burton was born on May 27, 1960 in Charlottesville, Virginia. The city was segregated in his early childhood, and his parents were vocal advocates for the Black community. Charley struggled with mental health and addiction from a very young age; he estimates being admitted to psychiatric institutions over 70 times. Charley began transitioning at age 50, and since transitioning and getting sober his physical and mental health have improved significantly. Charley attended the all-male HBCU Morehouse College, currently serves on the LGBTQ Advisory Board for UVA, and is the board chair for PFLAG.

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