Everyone Matters

[MarieDelta]

This video really touched me. Its the accounts of transmen and women about their lives , fears and hopes.

Take a minute and check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bq6gfvJONSU

[Georgie_Girl]

Thanks for posting this, I have a Trans friend who will really enjoy it. :D

[Lonewolf76]

This was awesome! Thanks for sharing. LW

[Cherokee_Mountaincat]

This was beautiful honey. Just like you. :bigrin:
Many kisses Babygirl.
Cat

[void()]

< en route to bed, pauses --- hugs Marie just because, ambles on >

[MarieDelta]

I watched "Milk" - the story of Harvey Milk, San Francisco Supervisor- last night. It was very touching, but also encouraging.

He didnt bother to hide who he was, didnt bother to "tone it down." He was just himself. In an era before there were protections.

At one point in the movie they are voting on Measure 6, which was a measure to allow for the dismissal of gay teachers. The "establishment- rich white gay males- wanted to focus on human rights and ignore the gay angle all together, but Harvey would have none of it. They campaigned on Harvey Milks ideas and won.

This shows what we need to do to achieve same sex marriage. We need to focus on the families it affects. The human rights issue doesnt properly tell the story. We need to focus on the human element in this and other campaigns (rights issues) if we expect to succeed.

[NJ Mac]

Thanks Marie, that was great.

[rissababynta]

Marie, I thoroughly enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing.

I think Jennifer Levi is kinda cute too :)

[Doggie_Wood]

As always Marie - you continue to clear the widening path to knowledge of trans-folk and many of us here, including myself, really appreciate the education you continue to share with us.
For that (and other reasons, of coarse) I hold unconditional love for you.

Doggie :doggie:

[jem_is_bi]

I wish straight people could view it and feel like I do.
Unfortunately, I doubt the message would not engender much support
Maybe, some day it will.
I very much hope so.

[catalyst]

great film
there is legal protection for people who identify as transgender in the UK not sure about the US

[MarieDelta]

great film
there is legal protection for people who identify as transgender in the UK not sure about the US

Not everywhere, some states, yes

12 states have statutes prohibiting gender identity discrimination in employment.

11 states have other law, like court rulings or regulations, that prohibits gender identity discrimination in employment..

And

2 states have policies that prohibit gender identity discrimination in public employment.

~M

[12voltman59]

great film
there is legal protection for people who identify as transgender in the UK not sure about the US

WARNING--WARNING--WARNING--MAJOR RANT AHEAD--WARNING!!!

Here in America--the "land of the free" and all---the fact is that in most places, since Federal laws as of yet are rather weak in this regard---there are some states and even some cities that have enacted laws that do offer more legal protections than what is offered by the Feds.
For the most part, if you identify as anything other than purely straight---you do put yourself at risk--at risk in terms of losing your job, other benefits and such--let alone the risk of possible violence done against you.

We have a dedicated group of people on one side of the ideological/political spectrum who are at best resistant to and at worst--actually seek to stop enactment of laws that offer "special protections" for anyone who falls under the broad banner of GLBT (also-where such laws have been put in place--- they seek reversal of them!!!)----they hold that such status is merely "a lifestyle and we shouldn't grant any "special" rights for 'lifestyles.'"

They fight attempts to make the GLBT category joining the list of the "protected" classes of individuals such as race, creed, national origin and age. They also fight tooth and nail from enacting the "hate crimes" classification proposals for crimes committed against GLBT people when it is determined that the prime motivation of the perpetrators of such crimes was the fact their victims fell into the GLBT category.

At the most extreme--there are those who call for once again making it a crime to engage in "the deviant sexual behavior that is homosexuality" because in thier view---"The Bible says such behavior is against the will of God."

I am sure that to an even more extreme core of people---they hope and pray that God would strike such people down--but since "He" doesn't--it is up to them to do so.

Thinking about the history of violence against GLBT people----it seems that in "earlier times"----those who would respond to GLBT people with violence either by simply "kicking their faggot asses" or murdering them----for the most part they seemed to target gay males--at least the most high profile cases tended to be the case going back in time up to relatively recent incidents such as the Matthew Sheppard case.

While gay males and lesbians can still be targets of such violence--those cases seem to be not as common now and it does seem--at least anecdotally--that transgendered people seem to now draw the ire of those predisposed to reacting to non-straight individuals with violence.

I think that now being gay and lesbian is not "that big a deal" to most people and the numbers of those who identify as G & L is seemingly so large---targeting them is not as acceptable with much media attention focused on such crimes and law enforcement and prosecutors no longer turning a blind eye to such attacks.

Attacks against trans individuals has just not has quite arrived at that point as yet and I think think that for many people---the concept of people changing their gender just feels like a step too far--that it is just one more step in breaking down "the way things are supposed to be for God's sake!"

For those who have no idea about what a trans person feels about their situation---they go back to that notion that a person is "choosing to change" their gender identity and not acting from a prime, fundamental core need to have to do so. They cannot fathom the concept that some people simply never felt comfortable with the gender identity doctors and others set for them early in life.

For the average person--like your granny and granddad---that we have people who are trans--it is yet one more sign that "it must be the end times or something--I just don't know what is happening to this world--thank the Lord I am not here much longer. I do fear for my grand and great grand kids-what kind of world are they going to be living in??"

For someone a step up from that--forgive my stereotyping here--but it serves the point I am making--the dude who works on construction or some such job--he is pretty much outta work---he hates that "goddamned socialist fucker we have as president" and all the other social and structural changes he sees taking place around him.

In our scenario-Mr. Real American Working Guy is eating lunch with his buddies in a mall food court--they are clearing out the fixtures and securing up yet one more mall store that has closed down.

This guy sees a trans person come into the food court where he is grabbing some lunch, He points across the space and says to his buddies not too loudly though---"fucking goddamed freak!!" pointing to that person who just walked in that "just doesn't look right" to him.

He is pissed at the existence of the "weirdo"---but he just lets off some steam by makig such a statement--he is the kind of guy who never got in any kind of trouble-he is older-worked hard--married with kids-always paid his taxes--but then you have one guy sitting at the table--he sorta laughs at what his buddy says----and says "Fucking A right, man! Fucking freaks everywhere any more!!" (this guy is young 23 or 24-- he's a hot head---hyper macho---has substance abuse problems-- he has had some run-ins over the years with the law going back to his juvie days including charges such as numerous Drunk and Disorderlies, multiple driving under suspension and without insurance charges, failure to appears and pay court costs--stuff like that--- he does have a few minor misdemeanor assault charges on his record---mostly from getting into fights--but he did smack the shit out of "his old lady" a year or so back but the fucking bitch deserved it--- or so he thinks)

He thinks to himself---"dammit--somebody's gotta do something about these fuckers!"

He of course doesn't do anything then, he is not high and has to get back to get back to work--but some Friday night in the future---he gets all nicely liquored up---and out of chance--in the wee hours of the morning--he somehow crosses paths with a transperson, maybe the same one he saw that day in the mall since its not that big a town. All that rage and such he feels about everything is his shitty life comes out with the result being--the transperson is left in a heap on the ground--dead or dying.

I know that not all cases are like this---but enough are that it's not beyond the realm of possiblities such a scenario could take place--I think I could write out a convincing screen play for a TV show or movie on this subject using what I have basically laid out here--the point of this rant though is really about trying to convey a certain mindset that some people have regading this very real issue. (Maybe I will write one and try to sell it!!)

As far as resorting to a stereotype of a person who would commit such an act--I do know that in all cases it is not possible to make such a sweeping generalization--but then again--from my experience of over a decade working in "the criminal justice" area---I would bet dimes to donuts that the arrest stats regarding perpetrators of a crime of this nature would find the following: a young white male from the late teens to the very early 30s at the top end----social status being a high school graduate (or of course a dropout too) working (if he works) in "blue collar" occupations. This is not too much a stretch to make such a suppostion--since this cohort of population tends to commit the majority of crimes that involve some sort of violence any how. The ethnic status of the person could be black, hispanic or some other--but I say there is a more than a 75 percent chance such a person would be caucasian.

My point with this less than positive ramble is that, from my observations of things----such is the mindset we have out there regarding trans people by some people--a thankfully small number but still dangerous nonetheless for trans people---for these types---they are pissed they have to suck it up all these years having to accept "faggots, lesbos, niggers, the spics here illegally" and all that rest thanks to "all that political correctness bullshit!" as they might express it.

To those who would respond in this way---the notion of changing gender is just "too goddamed much" and is an "in your face" kind of deal. It just sets them off and if they are prediposed to violence anyway---coming in contact with a transperson at a certain point in time under the "right circumstances---just might set off the loose and loaded cannon such a person represents.

Well--I hope I have not pissed anyone off too much----or maybe depressed others----what I think I have written here is a relatively on the mark consideration of reality--at least as it is experienced by some I am sorry to have to say.

I think it is an easy thing to say---off all those who fall under the GLBT banner---life is most precarious for trans individuals--and I have to say to Marie and others-----you are some damn brave souls----you might be better people than am I. I don't know if I could be so brave.

Considering myself to be "bisexual"---I'm free to navigate the world under the radar as it were--perhaps that is cowardice on my part--I don't know.

For you living openly as trans-----you guys have some major gojones!!!!

You sure have my admiration and respect to be most certain!!!

[csrakate]

I wish straight people could view it and feel like I do.
Unfortunately, I doubt the message would not engender much support
Maybe, some day it will.
I very much hope so.

I'm sorry that you feel this way, jem and I can truly understand why you feel the way that you do...but please be assured that not all straight people are narrow minded. The best we can hope for is that the message gets out there and minds can be reached and hearts can be opened. I know, personally, that just knowing Marie has broadened my mind a great deal and she has opened my heart to depths that I never realized before.

Hugs,
Kate

[graytwo]

Sheesh...! I have enough problems wrapping my head around being in a male body and having attractions to females and males. I can't even fathom what nightmare torture it would be like to be a brain in a wrong body regardless of any physical leanings. I'm a male and generally accept the male body I live in, although I should treat it better, ladies still kick my switch - yet my brain leans to the otherside for only physical things from a male.;) This has driven me nuts for years.

But, to have a mind caught in the wrong body with all the pressures; family, friends, business, societal, just to name a few, based on physical gender is mind numbing to me and beyond my comprehension to relate to those who are living it day-to-day. I hope someday we look toward the brain rather than the vehicle body it rides around in.

On a lighter note. For the Ladies, don't change your plumbing - you can still write your name in the snow. For the gents, same case for no plumbing changes, crossing your legs or getting hit in the nether region won't bother you (big time male security problem - males are obsessed with it).;)

Let's face it, we all have brains and bodies. Sometimes they align totally into the binary 1-1 venue, more often than not they don't. Go with your brain and modify your body only enough to keep your brain happy. As for the rest of the world, they'll either accept you, reject you or enjoin you. So... worry about yourself and happiness, 'cause if your happy the rest of the world get's a bit happier too.

just my thoughts

[MarieDelta]

Sheesh...! I have enough problems wrapping my head around being in a male body and having attractions to females and males. I can't even fathom what nightmare torture it would be like to be a brain in a wrong body regardless of any physical leanings. I'm a male and generally accept the male body I live in, although I should treat it better, ladies still kick my switch - yet my brain leans to the otherside for only physical things from a male.;) This has driven me nuts for years.

But, to have a mind caught in the wrong body with all the pressures; family, friends, business, societal, just to name a few, based on physical gender is mind numbing to me and beyond my comprehension to relate to those who are living it day-to-day. I hope someday we look toward the brain rather than the vehicle body it rides around in.

On a lighter note. For the Ladies, don't change your plumbing - you can still write your name in the snow. For the gents, same case for no plumbing changes, crossing your legs or getting hit in the nether region won't bother you (big time male security problem - males are obsessed with it).;)

Let's face it, we all have brains and bodies. Sometimes they align totally into the binary 1-1 venue, more often than not they don't. Go with your brain and modify your body only enough to keep your brain happy. As for the rest of the world, they'll either accept you, reject you or enjoin you. So... worry about yourself and happiness, 'cause if your happy the rest of the world get's a bit happier too.

just my thoughts

Honey, there are even less protections and more prejudices against pre-op(or Non-op) girls.

Plus the medicines you take can be a problem taken for longer periods of time.

Just saying-

~M

[graytwo]

Honey, there are even less protections and more prejudices against pre-op(or Non-op) girls.

Plus the medicines you take can be a problem taken for longer periods of time.

Just saying-

~M

Wow, I never knew about prejudices against pre-op(or Non-op) girls. I figured the poor F->M type would catch the heaviest hit moving into a male arena but they can take it. Heck, estrogen and testosterone must be running amuck inside them but.... their brain is living in a female body that has be genetically engineered to take many abuses and keep going and going. Once past the initial male gender looks and that 'penis/cock' thing they'll do ok. Think, male brain/female body - not a female brain/male body.

Female brain in a male body - ouch! Sorry for the bad vehicle your brain got stuffed into. No amount of meds. or re-construction will make it totally female to your liking. All you can do is simply accept the platform your existing in and know you have to do what makes you happy. As for relationships, female brain, don't worry - your strong! No one ever said the basis two, 2, was the only absolute way - 1 male/1 female. The world resounds in variations that makes the singular concept of M/F almost moot.

just my thoughts

[csrakate]

. No amount of meds. or re-construction will make it totally female to your liking. All you can do is simply accept the platform your existing in and know you have to do what makes you happy. As for relationships, female brain, don't worry - your strong! No one ever said the basis two, 2, was the only absolute way - 1 male/1 female. The world resounds in variations that makes the singular concept of M/F almost moot.

just my thoughts

While I accept that you are well meaning, this is much easier said than done. Until you've walked a mile in those shoes you'll never know or truly understand the daily struggles a transperson may feel...and if it takes a bit of surgery or medication to help them in that journey, then allow them the understanding and acceptance of doing so.

[MarieDelta]

Wow, I never knew about prejudices against pre-op(or Non-op) girls. I figured the poor F->M type would catch the heaviest hit moving into a male arena but they can take it. Heck, estrogen and testosterone must be running amuck inside them but.... their brain is living in a female body that has be genetically engineered to take many abuses and keep going and going. Once past the initial male gender looks and that 'penis/cock' thing they'll do ok. Think, male brain/female body - not a female brain/male body.

Female brain in a male body - ouch! Sorry for the bad vehicle your brain got stuffed into. No amount of meds. or re-construction will make it totally female to your liking. All you can do is simply accept the platform your existing in and know you have to do what makes you happy. As for relationships, female brain, don't worry - your strong! No one ever said the basis two, 2, was the only absolute way - 1 male/1 female. The world resounds in variations that makes the singular concept of M/F almost moot.

just my thoughts


Please see : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_identity_disorder

and :http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_transgender-related_topics


So I hope you see that it isnt a simple "I'll just keep things the way they are."

Its not a choice, and I need to do this.


Yes, I am doing what I need to in order to survive, and to me that means transitioning, and living as a woman. In Order to do that I need to have the some sort of gender reassignment surgery.

[tutunono]

Priceless,babe! Thanks! It was awesome!:bibounce:

[graytwo]

So I hope you see that it isnt a simple "I'll just keep things the way they are."

Its not a choice, and I need to do this. Yes, I am doing what I need to in order to survive, and to me that means transitioning, and living as a woman. In Order to do that I need to have the some sort of gender reassignment surgery.

Nope, don't keep things the way they are. Get's stagnate over the long haul. I'm in total support of your choices. If you want to undergo gender reassignment surgery, so be it. Again, I can not relate to brain body mis-match and you have to do what will make you happy. If reassignment surgery is the answer in your heart - then do it. If people you know don't like it, then associate with a better type of people that are more understanding.

Bottom line is... you have to make yourself happy, whether M/F/TS/CD or blah/blah.. Go for what makes YOU happy. If you dislike yourself, how can anyone ever get close to you in the future??

My thoughts, Go for it!

[MarieDelta]

Stonewalled: Police Abuse and Misconduct Against Lesbian, Gay and Transgender People in the U.S. (http://www.amnestyusa.org/lgbt-human-rights/stonewalled-a-report/key-findings/page.do?id=1106611)



AI's research has revealed that law enforcement officers profile LGBT individuals, in particular gender variant individuals and LGBT individuals of color, as criminal in a number of different contexts, and selectively enforce laws relating to "morals regulations," bars and social gatherings, demonstrations and "quality of life."

Reports to AI indicate that sexual, physical and verbal abuse frequently occur together. Sexual and physical abuse by law enforcement against LGBT individuals are often accompanied by homophobic and transphobic slurs. In addition, verbal abuse against individuals perceived to be LGBT is often sexualized, in particular toward lesbians and transgender individuals.



These are the men hired to protect and serve us!

[JohniBi]

I think we can all relate on some level, even if we're not Trans.