Hampton Roads Trans Clinic - TLC

Victories for Trans People

Today has been a good day for Trans people. Diane Schroer was awarded almost $500,00.00 in her discrimination case against the Library of Congress. In his decision, James Robertson, United States District Judge said in his conclusion, "The Plaintiff is awarded $183,653 for back pay and benefits, $300,000 for nonpecuniary losses, and $7,537.80 for past pecuniary losses. The Clerk will enter judgment in Plaintiff’s favor in the amount of $491,190.80. It is SO ORDERED." Also, today, The House of Representatives passed the hate crime law and not it will go to the senate. Yeaaaa!!

Quote of Love

6:23 AM Sun, Apr 26, 2009 Sam Hodges/Reporter

"I have never met a more loving community in my life than the GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender) community. Obviously, there are exceptions in any community, but in general I've found that GLBT people don't care if you're skinny, hairy, fat, pimpled, a milionaire or dead broke; there is room for everyone."

- Andrew Marin, author of the book "Love Is an Orientation: Elevating the Conversation with the Gay Community," about his experience as a heterosexual evangelical who moves into a predominately gay Chicago neighborhood.

June is PRIDE Month

Pride month is coming up. Have you made plans to celebrate and educate? Is your organization, business or church celebrating Queer accomplishments? Did you know June 28 is the fortieth anniversary of the Stonewall Revolution? New Life Metropolitan Community Church of Hampton Roads, Virginia celebrates Pride during the entire month of June with special Queer presentations and sermons devoted to Queers in the Bible. Queers are everywhere and have been throughout history. Hampton Roads Pride has moved "Out In The Park' an annual event from September to June 28. This year's theme is Queer history from Stonewall until present. Several branches of the Ocean County, New Jersey Library are standing in unity with Queers by offering seminars on Queer issues and Queer history. It is not too late to do something for Queer Pride. It does not have to be a huge event. It can be something as simple as flying your flag outside of your business or wearing a badge. Pride is the Queer Communities chance to show unity in the face of hate and discrimination. It is Queer time to educate and inform. Be Queer. Be proud.

[Phem: Feminists, Activists and Revolutionaries!] Why women are leaving men for other women

posted by paledamiana, a.k.a. boo scarry

CNN reprinted an article originally featured on Oprah.com

(The use of queer in this post refers to all gender identities outside of the heterosexual context whether gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, gender fluid, polysexual, pansexual and other relationships covered under the LGBTQ alphabet soup)

What was bothersome to me about this article starts at the beginning. First, it presents a "new sisterly love in the air". After introducing "formerly straight" celebrities turned lesbian as a frame of reference, the writer focuses on "women having sex with other women". A frequent erroneous perspective towards the queer community is the focus on sex. Queer relationships are more than what happens in the bedroom (or kitchen or living room). It shows a fundamental lack of acceptance when there is diversion from the commonalities between hetero & queer relationships. They both have sexual relations that may happen in the context of a fling, but that is different from relationships - sex being a fraction of the overall interaction between people in relationships. The writer points out that it is hard to obtain statistics since the U.S. Census bureau only tracks single, married, or divorced households. They do not (as the writer presents) keep track of same-sex households. This becomes another aspect of the perspective that queerness belongs in second class status because of the lack of federal recognition. (For more exposure in how that affects the queer community, ask a queer person how the lack of federal recognition affects their lives). Scientific perspectives brought a sense of legitimacy to the article; feminist and gender scholars offer their statements on scientific evidence towards "sexual fluidity" or genetic evidence of queerness. What is missing from the presentation of scientific evidence are the biases and skews that occur in studies. Why is the statement "fluidity represents a capacity to respond erotically in unexpected ways due to particular situations or relationships. It doesn't appear to be something a woman can control" more prevalent in women than in men - according to Bonnie Zylbergold, assistant editor of American Sexuality, an online magazine. There is a skew in sexuality studies when there isn't acknowledgment that the social construct of men is rigid in heterosexual identification. From touching each other in a friendly manner to any mention of anal; heterosexual men are schooled to defend their masculinity if any of the aforementioned topics are breeched. Perhaps that is the reason the studies show women are more fluid in their sexual responses. Lesbian imagery is widely accepted as erotic while gay male imagery is not. The statement "it doesn't appear to be something a woman can control" reiterates the common notion that the female gender is a slave to her emotions (irrational, bitchy, hysterical..all the fantastic adjectives associated with women). Is this just "another thing" that is out of the control of women, hence they should not be equal to men? The closing of the article recognizes the traits often admired in a relationship does surpass gender. The writer chooses to, once again, contradict statements by ending with "the thrill may override whatever heterosexual orientation they had". The thrill must be out of the control of women which can explain why one would go out of the "norm" of heterosexuality (insert sarcasm). Embracing all sexual identities begins by changing the origin that heterosexuality is the norm in which to base all other ideologies and identities from. This parallels the notion that male is the norm in which to base all gender behavior. Male = good, righteous, strong, protector....Female = emotional, soft, in need of protection. When will we get beyond these rigid thought patterns and open our lens to the reality that humanity in its differences does not have to be presented in a good/bad binary? I truly appreciate Cynthia Nixon's statement that the person she fell in love with happens to be a female. Megan Mullally also made this statement when she got married in 2003. With all the strife, bad news, and general negativity in modern day society, can't love just be a good emotion regardless of gender?

Hate Crime Laws Do NOT Eliminate HATE

The media is full of hate crimes being committed against Transgender people as well as our gay brothers and lesbian sisters. Hate crime legislation is a step in the right direction but such laws do not eliminate hate and ignorance as is evidenced in the conviction of Angie Zapata's murderer, Alan Andrade. Legislation and litigation force discrimination, hate and violence to become subtle and cowardly - to go into hiding. Bigots are cowards and they hide in many places. Two examples of ignorance and HATE are in the following articles where TLGB and Jews were attacked under the cover of darkness where these cowards like to practice their bigotry. Anti-Gay Graffiti Found At Hamline & Anti-Semitic & Anti-Gay posters found at synagogues in Norfolk What does this mean to you? Keep your eyes and ears open. Be out there educating and be aware of your surroundings. Know there are other marginalized communities who like us just want fair and equal treatment.

Man guilty of first-degree murder in killing of transgender teen

Amen!

Allen Andrade beat Angie Zapata to death last year By Adam Chodak • 9NEWS • April 22, 2009

GREELEY – A jury has found Allen Andrade guilty of first-degree murder in the killing of transgender teen Angie Zapata. The verdict came about 3 p.m. today. Closing arguments wrapped up this afternoon in the Greeley murder trial of Andrade, 32, who was accused of first-degree murder and a bias motivated crime in the killing of Zapata. Andrade beat Zapata to death with a fire extinguisher last year in her Greeley apartment. In its closing argument, the prosecution argued Andrade knew Zapata was transgender well before the murder and, therefore, applied reason to his actions. “So if he knew she was a biological male, this is nothing less than first degree murder,” said Robb Miller, chief deputy district attorney in Weld County. “It’s time for this man to be held accountable.” Andrade’s attorney, Annette Kundelius, told jurors Andrade discovered Zapata was transgender just before the murder. “When he found out, he lost control … There was nothing going through his head at that time,” Kundelius said.

In trying to convince jurors Andrade is also guilty of a bias motivated crime, Miller pointed to phone calls Andrade made from jail, in which he made statements like, “Gay things must die.” Kundelius stated Andrade showed no signs of homophobia prior to the murder and claims his actions were sparked by “deception” rather than hatred or prejudice.

GLAAD OVERLOOKS TRANSGENDER HEROS

This really frosts my butt. There is an incredible number of Trans folks who deserve these awards. I am not taking anything away from Ms. Griffith or Mr. Robinson, but give me a break.

April 20, 2009, 10:45 am — Updated: 11:36 am --> GLAAD Award Winners Are Announced By Dave Itzkoff

The comedian Kathy Griffin and the clergyman V. Gene Robinson were among the top honorees of the GLAAD Media Awards, which were presented Saturday night in Los Angeles by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. In a news release, GLAAD said that it had given Ms. Griffin, star of “Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List,” its Vanguard Award, presented to individuals whose work has “increased the visibility and understanding of the LGBT community in the media.” Bishop Robinson, the openly gay Episcopal bishop who delivered the invocation at a presidential inaugural event in January, received the Stephen F. Kolzak Award, which GLAAD said is given to “an openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender person who has made a significant difference in promoting equal rights.” The Showtime series “The L Word” received special recognition, as did the viral video “Prop 8 — The Musical.” “Desperate Housewives” was named outstanding comedy series and “Milk” was named outstanding wide-release film.

Trans Health Issues

Transgender Health Care Falls Short Wednesday, April 15, 2009 LA CROSSE, Wis. — Organizers say a lack of awareness on the unique health care needs of transgender and transsexual patients led to this week's conference at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Janelle Fischer of La Crosse says she began her transition from living as a man to a woman about three years ago. She says it was difficult finding local doctors who could help her through the process. Madison physician Paul Wertsch is with the American Medical Associations Advisory Committee for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Issues. He says the AMA is surveying medical schools to learn how their curriculum teaches gay and lesbian and bisexual and transgender issues. Wertsch says the best teaching practices can then be passed on to other schools.

Trans Issues Are Global

Transgender people earn less - survey Saturday, April 18, 2009 - This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times OLIVIA KELLY TRANSGENDER PEOPLE, ie those whose gender identity differs from their birth gender, have high suicide rates, poor experience of healthcare systems and professionals, and disproportionately low earnings, a new European survey has found. The Transgender EuroStudy was presented by its author, Stephen Whittle, professor of equalities law at Manchester Metropolitan University, at Ireland’s first transgender conference, Transforming Attitudes. According to the survey, half of transgender people earn less than the average industrial wage despite being 3½ times more likely to have a third-level postgraduate qualification than the general population. The survey found that 26 per cent of transgender people left school at 16, but 42 per cent had degrees or other third-level qualifications and 21 per cent had postgraduate degrees compared to 6 per cent of the general population. Yet despite these high levels of educational attainment, 49.4 per cent had salaries of less than €25,000. The survey of more than 2,500 people found that 30 per cent of transgender people had attempted suicide and half of those had made more than one attempt. Their healthcare experiences both in relation to gender reassignment treatments and general healthcare were described as “very poor”. According to Prof Whittle, “trans”, or transgender, people “avoided accessing routine healthcare because they anticipated prejudicial treatment from healthcare professionals. “The most consistent theme was that of improper or abusive treatment by healthcare professionals,” he said. Transgender people were required to undergo years of psychiatric treatment before surgery and the condition was classed as a mental disorder, yet a psychiatrist must ensure the person is not mentally ill before sanctioning surgery. “Linking ‘trans’ and mental illness is a strong factor in the mistreatment of trans people,” Prof Whittle said. Former Equality Authority chief executive Niall Crowley told the conference that equality for transgender people would not be achieved without addressing the “equality crises”. The absence of legislation recognising their status was a “significant stigma” for transgender people, Mr Crowley added.

Solid Support For Angie Zapata

posted by Quillin

I don't know if you want to pass anything along, but my friends at the Colorado Anti-Violence Program have been working on Angie's case since day one. They have had healing meditations in Greeley for the community and have been doing amazing support work with Angie's family. They have also been actively involved in pushing for the case to be tried as a hate crime and pushing to have the media respect Angie's gender identity and I think that they have just done a solid job creating networks of support for the trans community there in Colorado during this really hard time.They have been doing some intentional work around trans shelter access, trans visibility and have trans folks on staff and on the board. They are actually an organization that I hope to see the VAVP (Virginia Anti Violence Project) become more like as they are still very grassroots, very true to the communities needs and just all around awesome.Just thought you'd like to know that they have a good team fighting for justice for Angie and the community out there. Quillin Drew Virginia Anti-Violence Project Manager 403 N. Robinson St. Richmond, VA 23220804.643.4816

http://www.virginiaavp.org/

Transgender Homeless

The treatment of Transgender people who are homeless is a very important piece of advocacy work needed here in Hampton Roads as well as the rest of the country. Many shelters and social programs are gender-specific, and Transgender people are sometimes dually excluded from those reserved for either gender. There are some incredible Trans and Trans friendly shelters in NYC and other larger metro areas but in most cases the Transgender homeless are segragated or turned away. Take a minute and read this article Ericka sent. We have a lot of work to do. Shelters Fine-Tuning Policies to Better Serve Transgender Homeless Friday, April 03, 2009 Twelve years heading the Salvation Army's downtown homeless shelter had done little to prepare Janeane Schmidt for the recent night when a soft-spoken biological male transitioning into a female walked in. Schmidt didn't want to refuse someone in need. Having seen few such cases, however, and with limited space that winter night, she wasn't sure where to place the transgender woman. The shelter has space for homeless men and women but not anyone in between. "Rather than turn them away, we give them a cot," said Schmidt, whose staff allowed the woman to stay a week in the shelter's lounge — the only space they could find. "I don't even know of another shelter that takes the transgendered" in Atlanta, Schmidt said. Nationwide there are plenty of holes in the safety net of shelters that catches men and women who have fallen on hard times. Activists say help is even harder to find for the transgender homeless, whose nontraditional gender status raises questions about sleeping arrangements and shower facilities. The people who run the shelters are taking note. From Phoenix to New York, shelters have fine-tuned policies to recognize preferred gender over birth gender, as they balance the needs of their mainstream clients with those of an unconventional segment of the homeless. Activists point to the deaths of homeless transgender women in Atlanta and Austin, Texas, to underscore the need for shelter for all. Shelters in both cities are revamping acceptance policies and weighing the creation of trans-friendly space. The Atlanta Union Mission is considering expanding one or more of its six area shelters, in part to accommodate transgender people. "We don't know if we need an entirely different facility," spokeswoman Voloria Pettiford said. "We don't know how to meet that need, but there's a need." Organizers say finding spots for transgender homeless is equally important for others in the shelter. "Put yourself in the position of someone who's fleeing a domestic violence situation — they've come to the shelter as a haven to get away from a male presence in their lives, and they think they're in an environment that's all women," said Nancy Yarnell, head of the Atlanta Day Shelter for Women and Children. It's tough to tally the number of homeless who are transgender, a term that includes people who switch gender through surgery and hormone treatments as well as those who just dress the part. The homeless community itself is notoriously difficult to count. A study last year of 646 transgender Californians conducted by San Francisco's Transgender Law Center found that 20 percent reported having been homeless, and a third of those said they had been denied access to a shelter. Vanishing jobs are expected to increase homelessness, and activists say the problem is magnified for the transgendered, whose appearance can make it hard to maintain employment. Reva Iman is tall and busty with arms full of jingling bracelets and broad shoulders that betray her birth gender. She said she began living and working on the street after being shut out of jobs when she first came to Atlanta. "The street life of escorting and prostitution, that became my main line of survival," said Iman, who avoided shelters that demanded she dress "like a man" to spend the night. "You can't be yourself," she said. Transgender women typically consider ditching their makeup and women's clothes an affront to the identity they've spent a lifetime accepting. Yet for shelter managers, allowing anything else creates other problems. Some argue biological women feel uncomfortable sleeping next to a biological man, whether or not he has breast implants. Others worry that residents with mental problems — common among the homeless — could lash out at transgender guests. At Atlanta's Peachtree and Pine shelter, director Anita Beaty is concerned with the safety of placing female-looking males among the 700 men sleeping there nightly. She has a small area for women, and a stream of transgender women who know she won't turn them away. "We want to know how to respond better," said Beaty, who plans to discuss revamping shelter housing policies with transgender activists further. In 2003, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the National Coalition for the Homeless released a guidebook for making dual-sex homeless shelters more welcoming to the transgendered. Tips included adding shower privacy curtains and changing intake forms to include a blank space for gender — instead of male or female. Shelters have made similar adjustments in Boston, New York, San Francisco, Phoenix, and Austin, Texas, where a transgender homeless woman's recent death sparked an outcry. Police found former political candidate Jennifer Gale, who was born male and fell into homelessness, dead outside a church in December. Gay and lesbian activists blamed a lack of space for the transgendered in Austin's shelters. "When Jennifer Gale passed away, that definitely reignited the flame that we needed to start working on this more," said Dawn Perkins, community relations manager for Front Steps, which coordinates shelters citywide. Six years earlier, police found 52-year-old Alice Johnston dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in suburban Atlanta. In a suicide e-mail, the unemployed transgender woman told friends she'd lost her home and had been turned down by city shelters, according to close friend Monica Helms, who testified about it to the city's homelessness commission in 2003. There has been some progress. In 2007, Atlanta United Way officials funded the creation of H.O.P.E Through Divine Intervention, a nine-bed program for transgender homeless women. About 21 have moved on to permanent housing through the program, said associate director Kia Croom.Openings are rare and Croom said it should double in size to be effective, but there's no money for expansion.

More Hate and Violence. Will it ever end?

Jimmy McCollough (Imaje Devera) found on street near gay and lesbian bar Updated: 4/15 11:15 a.m. by Matt Comer Originally published in http://www.qnotes.com/: April 14, 2009, 11:26 a.m.Updated: April 15, 2009, 11:15 a.m. Jimmy McCollough (Imaje Devera) was found dead near the gay and lesbian Club Emages in Fayetteville on April 14 FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Police confirmed on Tuesday afternoon the identity of a homicide victim found near a local gay and lesbian bar. According to the Fayetteville Police Department, officers found drag performer Jimmy Ali McCollough (Imaje Devera), 34, shortly after midnight on April 14 in front of 119 Joseph St. The body was found near Club Emages, formerly Club Spektrum. Police are not releasing any more information at the time, including how the victim died, citing the sensitive nature of the case. Club Emages owner Dy’Mond Cartier told Raleigh news station WRAL that police said McCollough had been stabbed and that the case was being investigated as a hate crime. The club was not open on Monday evening, so it is not immediately clear why McCollough was in the area. However, sources have told Q-Notes that he was involved in prostitution as a way to support himself. In many instances, transgender and other gender-variant individuals are forced to engage in prostitution as a livelihood, due to high rates of anti-gay and anti-transgender employment discrimination. The Joseph St. and Bragg Blvd. areas are known to have a high crime rate. Since the end of March, the Joseph St. area has witnessed an arrest for prostitution, an armed robbery and an aggravated assault wherein the victim was shot. The identification of the victim was accompanied by a photograph taken after a prior arrest. No details regarding a prior arrest were immediately available. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact the Fayetteville Police Department Homicide Investigation Unit at 910-433-1856 or call Crime Stoppers at 910-483-TIPS (910-483-8477). Ed. Note — Q-Notes is committed to honoring the victim’s gender-identity and expression. Information received when this story broke indicated Jimmy McCollough identified as a woman and as Imaje Devera. Since that time, new information indicates McCollough identified as a man. His female gender-expression was limited to his drag performances and female impersonation. From this point forward, Q-Notes will identify McCollough with his birth name and birth gender. We apologize for any confusion in this story.

Calling All Artists

We are gathering interest from artists that have or may have work available on May 15 for an art show/sale/benefit. All art shown will be available for sale (if artist wishes) and if available one work can be donated for a silent auction to raise funds for a summer Institute on Race, Sexuality & Gender & Research. More information will be sent to those artists that express interest by the end of this week...email paledamiana@hotmail.com for more information. The show will take place in Norfolk, VA. Please forward to anyone you may know that would be interested. Are there any sponsors out there? Reply to paledamiana@hotmail.com if you are interested. If you have art work to display, We would love for you to participate. This is a great opportunity to send Boo to the conference and have her incorporate what she learns into the Trans Day of Wow in July. I know of a certain Trans silver smith who should participate (wink wink nod nod).

This just came up in the past few days so confirming everything by end of this week. If we have enough interest then we will move forward.

TLC press release causes confusion

Posted submitted by Michelle Marie McKay

Kristina, I am a little upset with the attached press release by the Transgender Law Center and the confusion it is causing among many of my transgender friends. Your release has one blaring flaw. The statement " Previously, only current California residents could amend their California birth certificates. " I am writing TLC about this. It's telling everyone that "no" transgender individual born in California who is living outside the State of California was allowed to change their California BC. That is just wrong. I lived outside the States as well as many others I know who had no problem with a BC change, Again what I pointed out before was, Ms. Somers was denied a court order in Kansas. This court ruling NOW allows one living outside CA to petition the court in the county they were born in, in California. The previously policy by the Department of Vital Records required out of state residents born in California to get a court order from the county they are living. That is what changed. I really would hope you correct this miss-statement of fact. I personally had "NO" trouble obtaining a changed BC from the State of California and I live in James City County, Virginia. I was issued a Court Order from James City County without issue. Your press release: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 14, 2009 CONTACT: Kristina Wertz, Legal Director PHONE: 415-865-0135 EMAIL: kristina@transgenderlawcenter.org California Court of Appeal Affirms Right of Transgender Individuals Living Out-of-State to Change California Birth Certificates San Francisco, April 14, 2009 - In a groundbreaking victory for transgender people born in California, the California Court of Appeal ruled on Friday that any person can amend their California birth certificate regardless of their current state of residence. Previously, only current California residents could amend their California birth certificates. In a unanimous decision, the California Court of Appeal held that all people born in California, regardless of where they currently reside, can petition a California court for a new birth certificate. The strongly-worded decision was authored by Presiding Judge James J. Marchiano, who stated that “we discern no compelling state interest in treating California-born transgender individuals who reside out of state differently from California-born transgender individuals who reside in California when either class seeks issuance of a new California birth certificate.”The case was brought by Transgender Law Center (TLC) on behalf of Gigi Marie Somers. Ms. Somers, a sixty-seven year old transgender woman, was born in California and now lives in Kansas. Ms. Somers underwent sex reassignment surgery in 2005 and has lived as a woman for a decade. When she sought to have a new California birth certificate issued reflecting her female gender, she learned that out-of-state residents were required to obtain a court order from the state in which they resided. Unfortunately, Ms. Somers was not able to obtain a court ordered gender change from her county of residence in Kansas. Left in legal limbo and unable to change her birth certificate, Ms. Somers contacted TLC for help. After the San Francisco Superior Court denied her petition due to the residency requirement, TLC Legal Director Kristina Wertz represented Ms. Somers before the Court of Appeal.“We are pleased that the Court of Appeal did the right thing for Ms. Somers and recognized her right to change her birth certificate,” said Ms. Wertz. “No one who is born in California should be denied the opportunity to change their birth certificate simply because they are transgender and have moved out of state. Ms. Somers can now rest assured that her birth record will always reflect who she truly is, a right that all people born in California enjoy. This is a landmark victory for transgender people all over the country.” “I brought this petition because I did not feel that my transition would be complete until my birth certificate showed who I am. Everybody in my life accepts me for who I am, and I wanted to make sure my officials records did too,” said Ms. Somers. “I am extremely happy about this victory and grateful for all the work that TLC has done on my behalf.” The decision also represents a victory for older transgender people. “It is courageous for a person at any age to fight for their identity. But to have a woman at the age of 67 seek recognition in two states to have her gender identity acknowledged takes remarkable bravery,” said Karen Taylor, Director of Advocacy & Training at Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE). “SAGE has many constituents who spent decades hiding who they were, living under terrible oppression and fear. We understand and celebrate the courage of all older adults who dare to step forward and demand to be acknowledged for who they are. Ms. Somers is an inspiration to all who seek justice and equal treatment, at any age.”"We applaud the Transgender Law Center for winning this truly significant victory," said Geoff Kors, Executive Director of Equality California (EQCA). EQCA is currently sponsoring the Equal ID Bill in the California legislature, which will statutorily ensure that transgender individuals can change their California birth certificates no matter where they presently live. Mr. Kors continued, "Our bill can now stand on the shoulders of this week's landmark decision. Together, we are moving toward full equality for transgender people in California and across the country." The decision, Somers v. Superior Court, is currently available on the court’s website www.courtinfo.ca.gov/opinions/documents/A123445.pdf.

We Must Protect Our Youth

submitted by Boo Scary

Another suicide (as reported in Out in America) of a teen, this time an 11 year old boy. After suffering from constant bullying, he had no other option. Unlike some parents who don't have any idea, Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover's mother repeatedly pleaded with the school to take care of this problem. Many of us have crossed this divide of the angst felt by many teenagers. Whether we were bullied or not, suffered because of our identity or lacked the supportive household that provided nurturing, the teen years suck for many. How horrible it is to have this additional problem to bear - not only are idiotic peers taunting for misunderstood identification, the school that is there to protect did nothing. Those of us that have survived and lived to tell our stories must protect those that are going through it or entering into this environment. Education and support can bridge the gap between the current state of our schools and the knowledge that this suffering won't be tolerated. Support your local GSA, get involved - there are many resources needing the involvement of people. Mentor our youth - this is one of the most rewarding things you can do. Change the life of another person by being there. It really doesn't take as much time as you think. HROC (Hampton Roads OUTreach Center)(and other community centers as well as social service programs) has many programs in development for our youth - volunteer to be on one of the teams. Show our youth that they have someone on their side. Use the knowledge base that you have gained to provide another with an easier road. Protect Our Youth - for sometimes this is all they have.

Irony

submitted by Boo Scary

Irony…it is ironic that my developing passion for the study of gender and questioning the rigid lines of the gender binary system happens as my dog sits in my lap. My dog is no ordinary dog (as all pet owners say), he is his own being – able to communicate so much without speaking the English language. Irony comes with the fact that he is a Chihuahua with the name Chico - Spanish for Boy. I tried to change his name, but he wouldn’t let me. I should have realized his stubborn nature immediately. He came to my home from the SPCA; still baffles me how anyone could have given him up, much less dropped him off with a broken leg. Through our developing relationship, I’ve come to recognize that he crosses the gender divide. He adores his pink bear that is bigger then him…adores the bear about 8:00 every night. He LOVED the neighbor’s boy Chihuahua, wicked sad when he lost his playmate/lover. He also is nurturing and sympathetic to the trials and tribulations of his human friend (me). He embodies those traits that humans assign the male/female gender, yet does so without questioning what is right, what is wrong…he just is. Perhaps that is the secret to his insane reaction to my trans friend…it’s disturbing his reaction – I swear it’s like a crack fix. Never seen anything like it. Makes you wonder if humans are the smarter species when a dog can recognize the beauty of the trans experience and many humans cannot.

California Is As Confused As Virginia

I have always lived on or near the East Coast. Naively, I entertain a fantasy that the State of California is some sort of utopia for a screaming liberal like me. In particular, I assumed San Francisco is one cool place full of hippies, tie dyed t-shirts, Quuers of all sorts and they are all protected by "Dirty Harry" Callahan. Well, it is dangerous to assume. You know about the old saying that assuming makes an Ass of U and Me, right? RIGHT! I was all wrong about California. They are as confused there as they are here in Virginia. Maybe, more so. I know lots of folks who have gone to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles for a name change, picture change and yes, gender marker change. It seems everyone has a different experience depending on which DMV location they visited and which clerk waited on them. Confusion! I know other folks who live in Virginia but were born in California. After Gender Expression Surgery, they applied for a new California birth certificate with the proper gender marker and they had Nada, Zero, Zip problems. I have even seen reissued California birth certificates with the Trans "Holy Grail" gender marker changed. So why was California born Gigi Somers denied a revised California birth certificate because she lives in Kansas? Confusion! Why did she have to spend an enormous amount of money on litigation? Confusion! Why are there so many "hate" comments following the San Francisco Chronicle article concerning her success? Confusion! Where is "Dirty Harry" when we need him to "make our day?"

Interesting Times

There is a considerable amount of positive energy in the news over the last few days. Transgender issues are in the spotlight in many areas.

• Mass., NH and RI lawmakers debate transgender rights bills
• Lawmakers sidestep transgender protection bill
• First openly transgendered U.S. mayor to get reality show
• Wash. OKs transgender hate-crime protection

All of these are wonderful but we as Trans people have a long way to go before we escape hate and all forms of discrimination. No one will do it for us. On this Good Friday, "christians" throughout the world are in mourning for Jesus Christ. My memories and feelings are elsewhere. I mourn for the family and loved ones of Angie Zapata and every Trans person who has been murdered, attacked or has been the object of ignorant hate.

Stand up and cheer for Washington State

From the Seattle PI Wednesday 4.8.9:OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Attacks against transgender people could beprosecuted as hate crimes under a bill approved Wednesday by Washington's Legislature. The state's hate-crime law says it's a felony to threaten, damage theproperty of, or physically injure someone because of ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, disability or sexual orientation. At present, the hate-crime definition of sexual orientation covers gay, straight or bisexual people. The bill approved Wednesday adds"gender expression or identity" to that definition, making the law apply to attacks on transgender people. The bill passed the House by a vote of 68-30, with six Republicans joining all House Democrats in favor of the bill. The measure was approved by the state Senate last month. It now heads to Gov. Chris Gregoire, who is expected to sign it into law. The change would take effect three months after the end of the 2009 legislative session, which is scheduled to adjourn April 26. http://www.seattlepi.com/local/6420ap_wa_xgr_transgender_hate_crimes.html