Transgender Needs

Currently, it is impossible to say how many people there are in the Transgender community. The availability of statistics is limited or non-existent. Some statistics have been gathered with valid on line surveys and focus groups conducted by The Anti-Violence Project and The Virginia Transgender Health Initiative Study - Virginia Department of Health. The former being related to violence within the Transgender, Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual communities and the latter being related to AIDS and other social transmitted diseases within the Transgender community. The validity of either study is not in question. Both studies have made incredible inroads into the Transgender community’s issues and needs. There is a current online survey being conducted by The National Center for Transgender Equality and The National Gay and Lesbian Taskforce. The purpose of this survey is as follows: “Your responses will be part of an important report on transgender people’s experiences of discrimination in housing, employment, health care and education.” It remains to be seen if valid statistical data on the actual size of the Transgender and gender-variant populations can be extrapolated from the survey’s results. The lack of statistical data is complicated by the fact that many Transgender people prefer to live in “stealth,” hidden and unknown among the population. Furthermore, it is complicated by the Transgender community’s diversity, creating a question of whether to attempt to count Transsexuals, who have very specific needs or to also count a larger range of gender-variant persons. Transgender issues are sometimes defined as issues of “gender identity” which encompasses the specific needs of Transsexuals and Transgender people living " A good example of discrimination based on gender expression is when Nathaniel’s Restaurant in Owen Sound, Ontario fired Stacey Fearnall (who is not Transgender). She shaved her head to raise money for breast cancer research. She broke the barrier of the typical expectations of feminine presentation in our chauvinistic, patriarchal society. It is doubtful that a male-identified person would have been fired for shaving their head. We, as Transgender people, are united in solidarity with the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual community against heterosexism and discrimination. Transgender people do share some similar needs with the Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual community, but all Transgender needs are compounded by our visibility. Transgender people “come out” every day. The Transgender community does have concerns that are unique to us. Needs both specific and shared will be discussed here in the days to come.

If you have ideas, suggestions or opinions, you would like to share. Please leave a comment or email me with a post.

Happy Thanksgiving from Michelle Marie

" I am thankful for having a wonderful partner in Cami and the love we have for one another. I am thankful for the wonderful state of Massachusetts where we were married to one another and bond ourselves together in this love. I am thankful for Cami's dear family, her mother and grandparents who love us and see the joy we bring to one another. I have so much to be thankful for this year. My journey did not end on July 31st in Trinidad, it only continued. It continues in happiness as I now feel whole and complete. This I am truly thankful for. I am thankful as my mother was that she lived to see this transformation before she died. My mother died on November 18th, she is no longer in pain and I know in her belief she is now with my father. I also am thankful for so many of my friends that were in many ways there with me on that joyous day. I am thankful to so many people of all walks of life, orientations and identities who have become friends and close ones. For the sharing of our life's experiences which has helped me better understand mine and start healing. I thank to so many who have allowed me to stand and speak in my hopes that I as the many that stand beside me to bring a brighter more equal and accepting Virginia and America soon. A state and country that all its people regardless of orientation, identities and beliefs but ALL its people are truly seen as equal, accepted and all inclusive under our Constitution which now grants these basic civil rights, except when limited by laws of discrimination, bigotry and hate."

With warm regards,

Michelle Marie McKay

"I stand in the wholeness of self-love and acceptance. Refusing to no longer hate any parts of myself. And now those parts of myself that use to wage war with each other, stand in agreement and face the same direction. I now move forward with purpose, potential and power."

Happy Thanksgiving

Why am I thankful for being Transgender? I lost my civil rights, my career, my family and my home. At the time I transitioned, I lost everything important to me. I am thankful because I was honest with others and myself for the first time in my life. I had true self-respect for the first time in my life. I learned to love others and myself and for this I am thankful. My father once told me I would be lucky if I could count on one hand the number of true friends I have. I am thankful for the many people and true friends who have come into my life. Finally, I am thankful for being able to live in a country where I am guaranteed life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. At this time, Transgender, Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual people do not have complete civil rights in the United States but we have the right to pursue them. It is not easy living as a disenfranchised minority but times are changing. I am thankful for those in the TLGB community who give of themselves in pursuit of equal rights for all people.

Hampton Roads Transgender Positive Call To Action

Throughout its forty year history, Metropolitan Community Church - MCC has stood at the forefront of Transgender, Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual civil rights as a moral issue and because it is the right thing to do.

New Life Transgender Outreach - NLTO, as a ministry of New Life MCC of Hampton Roads, is following in this tradition. NLTO is asking you to participate in a Transgender positive campaign that will be implemented in the event that a surge of Transgender, Lesbian, Gay, or Bisexual discussion occurs at any time in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area. You will be standing as representatives of the Hampton Roads, Virginia Transgender community and in solidarity with our Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual brothers and sisters. Some Transgender, as well as Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual, people prefer to stay "stealth" and would prefer not to discuss issues so openly, but as in cases as follow, where legislation and where media events occur, awareness becomes vital to combat the creation of LGBTQ "boogie men" such as predators in restrooms, the "LGBTQ agenda", and bible bashing by the "religious wrong" which is completely negated by MCC's “Would Jesus Discriminate?” Campaign. If you are interested and available to stand in solidarity behind LGBTQ civil rights in Hampton Roads, Virginia, New Life Transgender Outreach and New Life MCC by being present, helping with logistics, making signs or wherever you might be comfortable, please let us know as soon as possible by emailing NLTO. The following notification was sent to several list serves. It might be noted Westboro Baptist Church - WBC - "God Hates Fags" is a dangerous cult. WBC sends out notices to garner publicity but doesn't appear. In any case, we need to be prepared. This is an alleged copy of a notice sent to Military and Civilian contractors, but the dates and locations of the WBC protests are accurate and published on their web site:

"Ladies & Gentlemen, Information has been received from the Virginia State Police that members of the Westboro Baptist Church (WBC), a religious group known for protesting U.S. military funerals, are planning several protest activities in the local area. The date and location of the protest activities are as follows:

• 12/01/2008 (World AIDS Day): VA Beach, VA - Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base, Indep. & Shore.
• 12/03/2008: Virginia Beach, VA- Fort Story, 83rd and Atlantic
• 12/03/2008: Norfolk, VA- Norfolk Naval Station, Hampton Blvd & International Terminal Blvd
• 12/03/2008: Virginia Beach, VA- Oceana Naval Air Station, VA Beach Blvd & First Colonial
• 12/03/2008: Portsmouth, VA- Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, London Blvd and Effingham
• 12/03/2008: Yorktown, VA- USCG Reserve Training Center, GWM Highway and Main

The WBC is highly organized, has multiple members who are lawyers, and appears to seek confrontation in order to file lawsuits that result in monetary settlements used to fund church activities. To that end, WBC members will often video the protest event and any interaction with the public in an attempt to capture litigation opportunities. At past events, the group did not engage in violence when they were left alone; however, their provoking language and flag desecration are designed to incite a response and subsequent confrontation - DO NOT allow yourself to be lured into their plan. All personnel should avoid the WBC and their activities if at all possible. If WBC members are present and avoidance isn't an option, the best course of action is to completely ignore them." End quoted letter. These cult members are also known for picketing the funerals of infants who have died from AIDS.

Inspirational Transgender People - Tona Brown - Vocalist and Violinist

On Thursday evening, we celebrated the 2008 Transgender Day of Remembrance in Norfolk, Virginia. It was a somber evening celebrating the lives of our Transgender brothers and sisters who were murdered because of who and what they were. We gathered out of respect for our heroes. We, as Transgender people, are not looking for pity. We are looking to be treated as human beings with equal rights like any other person in the United States. Many of us lead productive lives. We have talent and skills. Myself and others will highlight Trans people who are trying to make a difference. They come from all walks of life. Their lives are an inspiration to everyone but to the Transgender people who are trying to make sense to the hate, violence, bigotry, and ignorance directed at them, these people are role models.

Tona Brown

Tona Brown is an African American Transgender violinist and vocalist who has had a career spanning both North America and Europe. Her destiny as a performance artist was etched in stone at an early age. She starting playing the violin at the age of 10 years old. She has won scholarships and competitions since the age of 14. Ms. Brown attended the prestigious Governor's School for the Arts in Norfolk, Virginia from 1994 to 1998 studying with Darrell Huskey, Dr. John MacCormack, Lisa Bishop, Jorge Aguirre and Leslie Stewart. While in attendance at the Governors School for the Arts, Tona received many awards for her leadership in various ensembles from symphony to chamber music. She won concerto competitions her junior and senior years. Ms. Brown also performed with the Governor's School for the Arts orchestra and quartet in England and France. After auditioning for the Norfolk Festevents talent competition, she was able to do masterclasses with the Meadowmount Trio, Ani Kavafian and Isaac Stern. Ms. Brown also attended masterclasses and programs at Norfolk State University Junior Music Program and Old Dominion University Quartet Adventure program which is an intensive study of chamber music provided by principal players of the Virginia Symphony. While studying at Old Dominion University , she met and performed with Mr. Amadi Hummings. She was invited to participate in the Eastman School of Music Gateways Music festival. Ms. Brown continued her education at Shenandoah Conservatory on a scholarship for four years. There she studied with Olivia Hajioff, Marc Ramirez, and began taking voice lessons with soprano Patricia Wulf. At Shenandoah Conservatory, Tona performed in the chamber orchestra, symphony and the Shenandoah String Quartet. Tona is currently residing in Norfolk, Virginia where she teaches violin and voice lessons. She is a founding member of the Aida String Quartet. She also plays with the Elegance by Deux and Radiance ensembles. Ms. Brown also has been featured in numerous newspaper, magazine and television programs for her work with the youth in Hampton Roads and for her recitals. Tona is currently working to develop the Hampton Roads Community Orchestra. Ms. Brown is also a recitalist and chamber musician. She tours frequently throughout the United States performing both vocal and instrumental repertoire. She was selected to do a national tour with the "Tranny Road Show" a multi-media, tour group of Transgender artists that toured from Florida to Canada in April, 2006. While on tour, she met Christopher King of the St. Louis American. She was asked to write articles about opera singers for the St. Louis American. Her most memorable interview and article was with Shirley Verret, one of her all time operatic idols She is currently studying with mezzo soprano, Robynne Redmon. She is working on an album of African American Art songs and spirituals. Ms.Brown was featured in the Advocate magazine. She is in the process of developing a tour to perform for colleges, universities, GLBT organizations and festivals around the United States.

2008 Hampton Roads Transgender Day of Remembrance

The 2008 TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE, an annual event designed to recognize those murdered due to anti-Transgender violence, is scheduled for Thursday, November 20, 2008. This is the tenth international Day of Remembrance and the third held in Hampton Roads. New Life Transgender Outreach – NLTO, a ministry of New Life Metropolitan Community Church of Hampton Roads, is organizing this year’s TDOR in Hampton Roads. This year’s venue is at The Norfolk Unitarian Church, 739 Yarmouth Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 starting at 7:00 PM. New Life MCC of Hampton Roads devoted its 11:00 A.M. worship service to the Transgender Day of Remembrance on Sunday, November 16 at The Governor Dinwiddie Hotel, 506 Dinwiddie Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704. TDOR guest speakers on Thursday, November 20 are Ms. Vega Perry and Mrs. Michelle Marie McCay. Ms. Tona Brown, acclaimed Transgender vocalist, is singing accompanied by The New Life MCC Woodwinds. A labyrinth walk is planned to provide a safe place for each participant to remember, reflect and embrace their own and other’s journeys. TDOR began in 1999 as a way to draw attention to the alarming issue of anti-Transgender violence. The event was initially created to honor the one-year anniversary of the death of Rita Hester, a Massachusetts Transgender woman. To this day, her murder remains unsolved; as do most acts of anti-Transgender hate crimes. There is no State or Federal legislation regarding Transgender hate crimes thus police and judicial systems do not keep any statistics. Tracey Swinarsky, NLTO coordinator of TDOR said, “It amazes me as well as many other people at the amount of anti-Transgender hate crimes committed towards Transgender people in Hampton Roads and throughout the world. The 2008 HAMPTON ROADS TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE is one of the ways NLTO is educating the general public about Transgender people and helping to reduce the hate and violence directed towards the Transgender population.” The Remembering Our Dead project www.REMEMBERINGOURDEAD.ORG has chronicled thirteen deaths this year through September 15, 2008 with nine of those within the United States. Thus far 403 deaths have been chronicled since 1970.