Serena Daniari

Bio

Serena is a Multimedia Producer at Mic. She is a transgender activist, pop culture enthusiast, and social media storyteller. You can reach her at serena@mic.com.
Transgender woman Aliah Hernandez was brutally beaten and left for dead. Her attacker walked free.
By Serena Daniari
In December 2014, Aliah Hernandez was working the drive-thru at El Nopalito restaurant in New Braunfels, Texas, when she met Cameron Wright. Hernandez was instantly put at ease by Wright’s sweet demeanor and shy flirtatiousness. After exchanging…
Intersex children often undergo damaging surgeries: “We don’t have bodily autonomy as intersex kids”
By Serena Daniari
When Pidgeon Pagonis was born, doctors removed their internal testes. Growing up, Pagonis — who identifies are nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns — had no knowledge of their intersex variation. Up to 1.7% of people are born intersex, according to…
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The Trump administration’s attempt to rewrite gender is not enough to erase trans existence
By Serena Daniari
As a trans woman living in Trump’s America, I have been repeatedly forced to grapple with the startling reality that our current administration seems intent on rolling back the already lacking protections that have been afforded to us in recent…
Meet Nicole Maines, the transgender woman playing TV’s first trans superhero
By Serena Daniari
As part of Mic Dispatch, I traveled to Hollywood to chat with transgender activist and actress Nicole Maines. The actress, who has previously appeared on Royal Pains and The Trans List, will be playing Nia Nall, television’s first trans superhero on…
Transplaining: My husband wants to transition into a woman. What should I do?
By Serena Daniari
Welcome to Transplaining, Mic correspondent Serena Daniari’s weekly advice column on gender identity. No topic — from dating to sex to the process of transitioning itself — is off-limits. Submit your questions to serena@mic.com, and subscribe to…
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Detransitioning is a controversial topic that requires nuance at every point in the conversation
By Serena Daniari
During a subway commute at the start of the year, I noticed two men whispering to each other while looking in my direction. I avoided eye contact, hoping the situation wouldn’t escalate. I just wanted to get home after a particularly exhausting work…
Transgender gubernatorial hopeful Christine Hallquist is “ready to fight” and win in November
By Serena Daniari
As part of Mic Dispatch, I traveled to Vermont to follow the state’s Democratic gubernatorial nominee, Christine Hallquist, leading up to her historic win in the primaries. In August, she became the first out transgender person ever nominated for…
Transplaining: My transgender friend has dysphoria. How can I help him with his fear of not passing?
By Serena Daniari
Welcome to Transplaining, Mic correspondent Serena Daniari’s weekly advice column on gender identity. No topic — from dating to sex to the process of transitioning itself — is off-limits. Submit your questions to serena@mic.com, and subscribe to…
Transgender athlete Terry Miller is reigniting questions about fairness in sports
By Serena Daniari
The world of Connecticut high school track and field has become embroiled in controversy after the recent athletic success of two transgender students, Terry Miller and Andraya Yearwood. Miller and Yearwood have been garnering accolades, to the…
Transplaining: I just found out the woman I’m talking to on Tinder is trans. Am I still straight?
By Serena Daniari
Welcome to Transplaining, Mic correspondent Serena Daniari’s weekly advice column on gender identity. No topic — from dating to sex to the process of transitioning itself — is off-limits. Submit your questions to serena@mic.com, and subscribe to…