Community rallies around 70-year-old transgender actor who lost teeth in attack near 2SLGBTQ+ bar in Hamilton

Lisa Stroud beams with pride as she reflects on her blossoming acting career. At 70 years old, the Hamilton native has appeared in 11 film and television projects, sharing the screen with notable stars like Josh Hartnett and Kim Cattrall. Her journey into acting began in 2021 when she responded to a casting call online, and since then, she has been grateful for the opportunities that have come her way.

However, Lisa’s path to success has not been without its challenges. In March, she was the victim of a brutal attack that left her without many teeth for seven months. Following the incident, she struggled to secure acting roles, as her appearance was significantly altered. Despite the physical and emotional toll of the attack, Lisa remained resilient and determined to continue pursuing her passion for acting.

Describing the attack, Lisa recalls being grabbed from behind, swung around, and repeatedly assaulted. She blacked out during the ordeal and woke up to find herself picking up her teeth off the ground. Despite reporting the incident to Hamilton police, no arrests have been made, leaving Lisa feeling frustrated and questioning why she was targeted.

Throughout her life, Lisa has navigated her identity as a trans woman, a journey that has spanned decades. From her earliest memories, she felt a deep sense of femininity within herself, eventually transitioning to live as her true self full-time after retiring. Embracing her identity as Lisa has brought her a sense of liberation and authenticity that she had longed for.

In addition to her acting career, Lisa has found support from her community in overcoming the challenges she faced after the attack. With the help of fundraisers and donations, she was able to afford the costly dental work needed to restore her smile. The outpouring of support from friends and allies has been a source of strength for Lisa as she continues to pursue her passion for acting.

Despite the setbacks and challenges she has faced, Lisa remains determined to advocate for herself and others in the 2SLGBTQ+ community. She is vocal about the lack of police response to hate crimes and the ongoing challenges faced by marginalized individuals. Through her resilience and perseverance, Lisa is not only pursuing her dreams but also standing up for justice and equality in her community.