| Queer Youth & Allies Writing Project |
[14 May 2008|10:47pm] |
WRITERS:
Add Verb Productions presents:
Queer and Ally Youth Writing Project
We are looking for Performance Texts from:
Writers age 12-24
Genres – all texts created to be performed
Queer, gay, lesbian, bi, trans, questioning and allies
Short plays, monologues, scenes,spoken word poetry, songs, stories, etc
We hope to present pieces surrounding the idea of allies. Allies
helping those within the queer community, queers being helped by
allies, and queers being allies to others in the queer community. If
any of your writings reflect these ideas please send them my way!
Send submissions to ellis.d.perry@gmail.com
Submissions will be reviewed by a Youth Editorial Team, under the
guidance of Add Verb staff and artists, and may receive feedback for
further development before put into final script.
Submissions accepted through June 2008
Thanks if you can and thanks anyway if you can't. Please forward this
to anyone you feel might be able to contribute.
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| On becoming a Phoenix |
[14 May 2008|10:04am] |
This is excerpted from the most recent issue of the Stranger in a Strange Land newsletter by Eli Gerzon. I found it really inspiring and Eli gave me permission to share it.
First, a phoenix represents rebirth and transformation. ... But like I said, this phoenix was taking its time being reborn! Of course, that's what happens naturally: sometimes we imagine animals breaking through their shells instantly but chickens, for example, take hours and hours to hatch.
After all, it must be exhausting and probably pretty scary too (the chicken may be chicken about becoming a chicken!): they're using muscles they've never really used and entering a world they're never really known. Honestly, that egg has been its home, its very identity and it's been warm and comfortable; it hasn't had to do anything except grow. Only now it's grown so much that it's too big to stay in that shell.
Actually the meaning that most recently came to me was: there's no turning back! To put it positively: the phoenix is exactly where it wants to be and can't go wrong now because of how much it has grown and how hard it's worked to push through its shell and become a phoenix. Now it is so tightly wedged into the opening it created, no matter what movements it makes, that shell is going to crack and break: even if it tries to go back in. Sometimes after working really hard to get somewhere we get scared and might be tempted to turn back and change our minds. But because of the steps it's taken in the past, the direction it's been going, no matter what steps this phoenix takes now are going to result in it emerging from its shell as a glorious phoenix! It's a wonderful, wonderful situation to be in.
...
All change can be scary: even good changes. ... But in the end maybe it doesn't matter if you're afraid. Maybe it's just whether or not you let yourself change, even if it's slowly and reluctantly, be reborn, and then soar and shine your light on the world, regardless of fear.
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| Bloggers sought for Trans Group Blog |
[13 May 2008|10:16am] |
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From http://transgroupblog.blogspot.com/2008/05/looking-for-new-bloggers.html
I'm looking for new writers for this Trans Group Blog - either established authors or ones who are up & coming. I'd like especially to see people who already have kept their own blogs for some time.
Much needed: FTM spectrum authors, partners, allies. You are free to cross-post anything trans related to your own blog at this one, since I've always intended this blog to be a little like the magazine Mother Jones - more of a compendium of what a lot of different kinds of trans people are writing.
I'd prefer writers who write more in the essayist tradition, about political & other issues concerning the trans community, and not so much of the "personal journey" type blogging that is more typical in trans land.
Put your recommendations here, or e-mail Helen privately at helenboyd@myhusbandbetty.com.
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| Free Speech Where do We Draw the Line? |
[13 May 2008|09:54am] |
A few interesting and controversial headlines have popped up in the news and the gay blogosphere that raise some important questions. At what point is gay activism intruding upon free speech and freedom of expression rights? Freedom of speech and expression must be protected even for anti-gay forces, because if we don't have these basic freedoms it becomes a slippery slope and eventually we will not have the right to express our opinions.
I write this in light of some stories recently, such as a student who wore a t-shirt to school saying "Be Happy - Not Gay!" at a diversity event, who got in trouble. The courts have since ruled she is entitled to wear the shirt.
What about Crystal Dixon's case with the University of Toledo V.P. of Human Resources who outside the university wrote an opinion column denouncing homosexuality, claiming it is a choice. She has been fired under grounds that she mentioned she was a worker at the school and is now suing the school.
Finally there was the case at Smith College, where the College Republicans brought in Ryan Sorba who created a book called "The Born Gay Hoax" who spoke about bogus research regarding LGBT people. Students interrupted his anti-gay speech by screaming "We're Here, We're Queer, get used to it" the student protesters overwhelmed the room forcing Mr. Sorba to leave the campus and cancel his speech.
Youtube clip of the Smith protest:
What do you think about GLBT activism and where do we draw the line to ensure free speech rights, or is it okay to intrude upon the free speech of others when they seek to intrude on our civil liberties and spread falsehoods about our community?
http://queersunited.blogspot.com/2008/05/open-forum-free-speech-where-do-we-draw.html
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| Board and Volunteer Information Meeting(s) in Olympia, WA |
[12 May 2008|05:56pm] |
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Hey everyone here is some information about our group for those that haven't heard of us yet and information about things that are coming up for those that would like to be involved.
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| "Voices Against 377" - Human Rights for Singapore! |
[11 May 2008|01:43am] |
‘Voices Against 377 is a coalition of Non Governmental Organisations (NGO) and progressive groups based in Delhi. It is a point of intersection and dialogue between various social movements that these groups represent, where a united voice is being articulated against Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code which criminalizes private consensual sexual acts deemed to be against the order of nature.
Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code is cited below:
“377. Unnatural Offences.
Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.”
The law penalizes certain sexual acts equally. For example oral sex, regardless of whether it is heterosexual or homosexual; even penile-masturbation of one person by another – is considered criminal. Although facially neutral, the law has effectively stigmatized and criminalized a section more than others, namely same-sex desiring people, including those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT), hijra, kothi and other Queer people. The law has been used by the police to intimidate same sex desiring people and has been a source of serious human rights violations."
Take action on the issue sign the petition:
http://queersunited.blogspot.com/2008/05/voices-against-377-equality-for.html
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| Hope for Trans Community With New DSM - V? |
[09 May 2008|09:40pm] |
The APA has released a statement to activists who have emailed and called concerning the APA Diagnostic Statistical Manual. Activists have been very concerned over some people appointed to the committee who are very transphobic and who would likely keep the label "Gender Identity Disorder" even though moden research shows transgender people are just as healthy as everyone else in the population and are NOT disordered! The Gender Identity Disorders task force, is chaired by Peggy T. Cohen Kettenis, Ph.D. who is rumored to be TG friendly.
This being said our work is not done, Dr. Kenneth Zucker head of the entire Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders committee is very transphobic and believes in "reparative therapy" for transgender children.
http://queersunited.blogspot.com/2008/05/apa-has-released-statement-to-activists.html
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| GenderVision: Being Transgender ... Myths & Youth Issues released |
[07 May 2008|01:31pm] |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
07 May 2008
Contact: Nancy Nangeroni, nancy@gendervision.org
New Releases from Gender Education & Media at http://gendervision.org/
Gender Education & Media, Inc. (GEM) has released its second GenderVision program, "Being Transgender … Myths & Youth Issues". This second entry in the ongoing production focuses on the meaning and experience of being Transgender.
GEM has also released a DVD of its first GenderVision program, "Sex & Gender", including a performance by Esther Morris Leidolf of her "Missing Vagina Monologue". The DVD can be purchased at http://www.gendervision.org/ , as well as http://amazon.com/ .
In this second GenderVision program, Gordene O. MacKenzie, PhD, carefully explains the difference between sex and gender, as well as some of the basics of gender identity and expression. Then Nancy and Gordene interview Grace Sterling Stowell, director of BAGLY, the Boston Alliance of Gay, Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender Youth. They discuss the services provided by BAGLY, as well as some of the issues that trans youth face. Then Nancy, Grace and Gordene expose some of the most popular myths about Transgender people.
Gordene O. MacKenzie, PhD. is a longtime gender activist and author of "Transgender Nation", who serves as an associate professor and director of the Women's and Gender Studies Program at Merrimack College. Nancy Nangeroni is a longtime Transgender activist, founder of GenderTalk Radio, and current co-chair of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition ( http://masstpc.org/ ). They are also life partners who have been working together on gender education and advocacy since 1998; they co-hosted the renowned GenderTalk radio program ( http://gendertalk.com/ ) for over 9 years. They produce and co-host GenderVision, which is taped at BevCam cable access studio in Beverly, MA.
Gender Education & Media (GEM) is a Beverly, Massachusetts-based non-profit organisation formed to support educational media work promoting inclusive understanding of gender issues.
For more information, please visit http://www.gendervision.org/ .
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| A little help, please |
[25 Apr 2008|01:18am] |
Well ages ago I bought the Deep Stealth Productions voice pack thingy. After, finally, getting the courage to watch the video and check out the other stuff I'm lost. I have no idea what to do and where to start. Thus I'm wondering if anyone can help me. 
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| Hello there! |
[06 Apr 2008|11:10pm] |
Well, my name is Jamie. I can't really remember, but there was a point last summer (or maybe even the summer before that? I am not really all that good at keeping track of time) when I was doing all kinds of research into the transgendered community in general. I may or may not have posted then, but even if I have, so much has changed that it would do me good to re-introduce myself.
( Cut for long-windedness )
*embarrassed cough* Well, yes, I think that is quite long enough. It's nice to meet you all, even if I am very shy and probably will go back to lurking around after this. Any advice is very much appreciated.
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| US, CO: 'It's me in a different way' |
[05 Apr 2008|09:57am] |
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/mar/01/its-me-in-a-different-way/
'It's me in a different way'
By Jeff Kass, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Photos by Matt McClain, Rocky Mountain News
Originally published 12:30 a.m., March 1, 2008
Updated 03:13 a.m., March 1, 2008
On the first day of eighth grade, Melaina Marquez wore a polo shirt, wedge shoes and denim skirt with ruffles.
The year before, that outfit would have been out of the question. At that point, Melaina was a boy known as Manuel.
Melaina, now 15, is considered to be transgender: a person who does not identify with the sex based on his or her genitalia. She decided to tell her story after news reports last month about a 7-year-old Douglas County girl who attended school last year as a boy.
At age 2, Melaina recalls playing with Barbies and her favorite toy, a kitchenette. When she played house in pre-school, "I would always want to be the mom."
Melaina says she never struggled with her identity. But her mother, Michelle Benzor-Marquez, cannot say the same.
( Read more... )
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| Hi. |
[03 Apr 2008|08:07pm] |
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mood |
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Ok, I'm really not the best at this introduction thing.. but I'll give it a shot. I'm 17 (I'll be 18 in 2 months), and I was born a female. My whole life I've felt different. I thought at first that it was because I'm a lesbian. But more and more I started thinking, that it's because I was not meant to be a female. Over the last 2 and a half years, I've felt so angry and just overall depressed because I can't talk to anyone about this, and since I can't talk to anyone, I can't even begin to understand myself. So I thought I'd give this a shot.. If anyone could write me back, preferably by my inbox, or text.. That would be great. I honestly just need someone to talk to. Preferably FTM.. but really anyone who has transitioned would be able to help. Thanks.
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| xposted |
[02 Apr 2008|09:13pm] |
Let's discuss this.
If there's anyone out there who is more rational and level headed than myself, and can come up with a calm but firm to the point informational letter on why this is inappropriate and insulting and disgusting and unacceptable behavior...
...can you please write one, and then post it? And we can all copy/paste them and email them as a united group standing up for how sick this is?
cbsmailbag@aol.com
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| When to start. |
[01 Apr 2008|07:03pm] |
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Since it's been eternity since I last posted; hey guys, I'm James.
I just have a quick question:
I'm a junior in high school, out to everyone who matters, but pre-everything else. I was wondering if any of you have any suggestions/advice as far as when would be easiest for me to begin my transition? Money/permission/therapists aren't an issue, I'm wondering more about getting my documents changed, as well as going off to college in a year.
What would be easiest, or, rather, the wisest choice? :)
Thanks in advance.
[x-posted around a bit.]
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| First Step, Many more to go! |
[01 Mar 2008|10:38am] |
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music |
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Rascal Flatts - What Hurts The Most |
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So you probably all remember me.
So it's a small acheivement, but thought I'd post about it anyway.
( First Step! )
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| US, WA: Register now for the 2008 Gender Spectrum Family conference! |
[14 Feb 2008|12:14pm] |
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Dear Friends of Gender Spectrum:
Last year, on Labor Day weekend, we brought you the first-ever conference designed to meet the needs of families raising gender diverse and Transgender kids. Since that time, we've been hard at work creating an amazing follow-up to this ground-breaking event.
We've changed the conference name to Gender Spectrum Family, to better reflect the close connection between the family conference and our education and training program, Gender Spectrum Education and Training. Please note that you may need to refresh your browser or empty your cache to see the updated pages.
We're writing today to let you know that registration for the 2008 conference is now available. This year's conference will be held August 30th and 31st in Seattle. We'll be bringing back some of last year's wonderful presenters, and featuring new workshops and discussions for gender diverse youth and their adult family members. In addition, we'll have receptions, socials, and other events designed to help you connect with other families like yours.
Gender Spectrum Family brings you information, discussions, and networking opportunities that aren't available anywhere else. Get your registration in early, and save your family's spot at this one-of-a-kind event.
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| trans youth survey |
[13 Feb 2008|12:16am] |
(x-posted to ![[info]](http://p-stat.livejournal.com/img/community.gif) transtoronto
Hi all, if you're 16-25 and living in Ontario, maybe consider filling this survey out. It's part of the thesis and activist work that i'm doing right now.
Thanks!
~becca
Y-GAP is a community-based research project between Rebecca Hammond of Dalhousie University and Nicola Brown of Central Toronto Youth Services. Y-GAP is committed to understanding and improving the lives of trans youth living in Toronto and across Ontario. We hope to do this by identifying gaps in knowledge about their lives, their development and their health and social service needs.
We have completed interviews with 20 youth from Toronto and Ottawa and are currently looking for more people to complete our survey. If you are trans-identified and between 16 and 25 years old, please take the time to fill out our survey. It should take about 10-15 minutes to complete. If you have friends who may want to fill out the survey as well, please feel free to pass this onto them.
The direct link to our survey is here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=ChnxxEuVLEyMrOuX5mOWxg_3d_3d
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Y-GAP at y.gap.project@gmail.com or by phone at 416.924.2100 Ext 229
More information is available on our website at www.ctys.org/ygap
Your experience matters - we're using this research to make changes in the lives of trans youth in Toronto and across Ontario. Thanks for your participation.
~b*
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| Transition Fears |
[10 Feb 2008|06:43pm] |
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(posted on my personal LJ, ftm, transyouth, closeted_ftm, and transgender)
I worry a lot about transition sometimes. I'm afraid what my family might think or do, what people who know me would do, and most importantly - what I would do.
I constantly debate with myself about whether or not I should go on T and get my breasts removed. I know I want to transition socially, and I plan to. I have already started very slowly in my high school. My one teacher now calls out, "Darian", when checking for my attendance in class. Physically transitioning, is a really big deal. On one hand I want to know what I really look like. What Darian looks and sounds like instead of "Emma". I am a short guy. I only stand at 4'11 and weigh about 95 Lbs. In this female body, I can get away with being short. As an outward boy, I don't know that my height would be as ...appreciated. I am also not very butch. I feel masculine yes, but I've had it mentally beaten into my brain not to show it.
What if I hate how I look after transition? It's not like I can go back to the way I was after all that. I like my soft skin, and Jacqui likes how I smell. My scent will change with T and my skin will become more coarse. I'll be a candidate for male pattern baldness, which is a big no no. Will I be more prone to anger? Will my personality change?
There are so many reasons not to change my body. Yet of course, there are just as many reasons to do it.
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| Erm...hello. |
[09 Feb 2008|05:40pm] |
Man, I'm terrible at these introduction thingies. Please excuse that. XD
I'm a transboy who can be gender fluid at times, but as of now I feel and act male. No one but me knows about this. I was actually on the verge of telling my friend, because she's one of those people who don't judge me (hard to come by these days) but I didn't end up doing so. I want to tell people so they will call me by my male name, buuut I'm timid.
So....yeah. Sorry that I seem boring. XDD
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