Increasing public awareness one person at a time

[ReneeT]

I had the good fortune of meeting Audrey from this site yesterday. She drove down from the Nashville area for dinner together in Chattanooga. We met at a local restaurant and had good conversation. As we were nearing the end of our time together, an older, maybe 65, woman came over to our table. It was obvious that she was having some difficulty putting her thoughts into words, as this, apparently was really "outside the box" for her. She had come over to apologize for an unkindlook that she had given Audrey as she walked by. The woman wasn't even aware of it, and neither was Audrey, but the woman's family at her table called her out on it. So she came over to apologize. We invited her to sit with us and had a really nice onverstion. She initially made the common mistake that we were gay, but we took the time to educate her on trans issues. She was very understanding and seemed to get it. It was a pleasure to talk with her and see her accept us as just to other people. Besides meeting Audrey, it really made my day!

[Kathryn Martin]

Renee, this is really how it happens. Projecting a positive image in public is really where education of the public is at. She will likely from now on defend trans-persons when others try to say bad things about them.

It is the non-sensationalist way to tell our stories. Great day you must have had.

[melissaK]

First, thanks to the lady's family, then thanks to the lady for having the moral character to apologize and want to learn more, and thanks to ReneeT for being an ambassador of goodwill!

I think most of us are ambassadors of goodwill. We know prejudice first hand - its a big part of the problem we all face - and in that Golden Rule sort of way, we treat others as we want to be treated by them.

hugs,
'lissa

[Julia_in_Pa]

Renee,

Excellent to hear!!
It's wonderful to have an older woman reach outside her area of comfort to apologize and to be educated.

Both of you made a friend as well as an ally in this never ending battle.


Julia

[arbon]

That was a pretty big thing of her to do

[Wendy_Marie]

Nice,...Educating the public is the key.

[MC-lite]

It's always a good thing when someone wants to understand. Even better when it's an older person. Usually, they're the the ones that are the most set in their ways.

It sounds like you had a blessed day. :)

Hopefully, we'll have more to follow.

:Miki.

[AllieSF]

Some people wave flags, make speeches and lead, or at least participate in the charge, others like me just go out to have a good time for themselves with their friends and in so doing help boost the conversion rate, sometimes at more than one person at a time. Thanks for the wonderful story and your new participatory role within your company promoting our rights and benefits. Knowing you personally, I am sure that lady would love to meet you again, as also I would.

[Jorja]

Great job Renee and Audrey. As Allie said, some wave flags and make speeches, others like myself just go about our daily lives and try to educate when the opportunity arises.

Changing minds one person at a time.

[Bree-asaurus]

That's awesome! Now if only more uneducated people were empathetic enough to sit down and listen to those they don't understand.