This blog is way left of center...
I'm in coordinators-and-others group working on "Day of Remembrance" events. For those who aren't aware:
The Transgender Day of Remembrance was set aside to memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. The event is held in November to honor Rita Hester, whose murder in 1998 kicked off the “Remembering Our Dead” web project and a San Francisco candlelight vigil in 1999. Since then, the event has grown to encompass memorials in dozens of cities across the world.
Just today we were notified that since the last event (November 20, 2005), there have been 13 names added to list for remembrance. Here's an article on the most recent add to the list:
Gender stereotyping a fatal issue for 3-year-old, The Advocate, August 18, 2006.
The Transgender Day Of Remembrance (TDOR) is November 20th of each year. The event locations list will be updated for this year's events sometime this fall.
Konagold, there were three separate Austin TDOR event locations listed for 2005 -- GSA's put on events at Akins and McCallum High Schools, and there was a candlelight vigil at Wooldridge Park. I'm sure your presence would be appreciated at a TDOR event this coming November.
Thank you for treading into an area most people have no clue about.
Rambling around in thoughts:
Something important for all to know and understand is the "coming out" for GLBT people. The only time Gays, Lesbians or Bi's are known as such is if they tell someone or are found out somehow. Many transgender are the same way. However, for a lot of mtf due to not cutting off (good pun) the primary source of testosterone before puberty, the poison causes the male secondary characteristics. Heavy boned, heavy brow, large shoulders, large hands , large feet. And DEEP male voice with many showing an adams apple. For them being in public means "coming out" all the time. Mentally it can be a strain.
Jami sort of hinted at being the problem of being "clocked". TS's (and other trans people) are the most murdered group in the U.S. by per capita. Although there are few TS's, they have the highest murder and suicide rates in the country.
That is the bad.
The good is that once TS's have gone through acceptance, and usually, therapy, mentally they are among the most stable people in the world. The problem of suicide is still a problem due to pressures from family, society and being the lowest of the low in America in terms of acceptance.
TS's have to come to terms with themselves first. After being brought up that they are bad, sinful, horrible, and just plain nuts. Getting over that to accept themselves means a lot of inner self inspection. That is something almost no other group has ever done. Loss of family, friends, jobs and everything considered important is something TS's have to live with. What doesn't go away after coming out is to be treasured, because they are true.
Other thoughts are important. All TS's know something is wrong right from the start. Many don't figure out for years exactly what, but they do know something does not jive with what they are told they are.
I didn't understand what was wrong after I asked to join the Brownies. All I do know is my life went to hell after that. Details not important.
For TS's the most important parts of public acceptance has been during the last 3 or so years. The Discovery Channel, MSNBC and other TV channels/shows have helped get the word out that TS's are not anything like they see on springer.
We have to keep reminding people, educating people, helping people get over the hurdle of the far-right ignorance and teaching of hate to those who are not like themselves.
Jami did bring up living a lie. For me, and many of my friends, learning how to lie about who they are was the way to survive, to live and not be killed. TS's are the most accomplished actors on earth. The greatest relief for TS's is coming out and no longer living a total lie.
Thanks again Konagod, you did a great job. Just a side on what you posted here as you mentioned the cost. Unfortunately I just can't pass as female (too many years of testosterone) so I'm havinf Facial feminization surgery in June of 2007 to the tune of $29,000. Thankfully I have a supportive Mom who loves me and wants me to be happy and safe so she's helping out with that.
Life is good when I have allies like you.
I'm sure your presence would be appreciated at a TDOR event this coming November.
Autumn Sandeen
Thanks Autumn. I have marked my calendar and will check for a 2006 event list in early November.
Thank you a thousand times over for this series. Thank you for wanting to understand.
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