Comedian Lara Rae comes out as transwoman with grace, good humour

Lara Rae is a comedian and the Artistic Director of the Winnipeg Comedy Festival. She is also a transwoman. You may have enjoyed some of her comedy back when she was known as comedian Al Rae, involved in the creation of Little Mosque on the Prairie.

Over the summer, she came out as "Lara."

Last week she made her transition public in an interview with local media.

Lara Rae joined Anna Maria from from Winnipeg.

Becoming Lara: Winnipeg comedian Al Rae transitions to a woman

9 years ago

Duration 1:43

The artistic leader of the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, formerly known as Al Rae, is transitioning from male to female

This segment was produced by The Current's Shannon Higgins.
 

CBC Archives: Dianna Boileau

In 1970, Dianna Boileau became the first Canadian to have gender reassignment surgery. In 1972 she spoke to CBC Television's Margo Lane.

The interview never aired. It was deemed too controversial. Today, it lives in the CBC Archives. 

Here is that interview with Dianna Boileau: