Thoughts on "The Revolution"

[Valerie Nicole]

In my short time here, I have seen many many threads (I think I may have even started one or two, I can't remember) describing a crossdressing/transgender/transvestite/transexual "revolution" after which we will be 100% accepted and considered perfectly normal. There have been debates on these revolutions. These debates usually take the form on whether or not the revolutions will come, whether or not they will be as effective as we hope, and whether or not the whole idea is just wishful thinking.

I am here to offer my own opinion. I feel the Revolution is a strong possibility, but given the way I see things (and I could be wrong here), it is not likely to come. My reason is simply the way we talk about it. We talk about the revolution as if it is something we can just sort of wait for and expect to happen. Well, I'm here to present to all of us the idea that it absolutely won't happen if all we do is sit around and wait for it.

This revolution can only come from one place: us. We can't expect the world to randomly start accepting us for no reason. What we need is to become more open, and less afraid. If we accept who we are, then we should be proud enough to tell others, and eventually to tell the world. I mean doing more than going out en femme. I mean letting the world know, whether we are en femme or in drab, who we are and what we do.

I'm not saying it will happen overnight, and it may seem slightly hypocritical given that I am not "out to the world" and that I have never even gone out en femme. All I'm saying is that if we want the revolution to come, we have to start it ourselves. When I'm older, and on my own, you can bet that I will be out to the world, like so few of us are.

This, my brothers and sisters, is the only way for the hotly debated revolution to come. Anything other than that is wishful thinking.

[O2B Barbara]

I think you have hit it on the head with your thoughts. Look at the gay and lesbian world. There are still many places they probably would not be safe to go to and they have been out for quite some time. We will have to present the crossdressers in a better light and let people adjust over time.

[Marla S]

There are some activities going on already. It's a slow but steady progress, BUT we never will be 100 % accepted.

There are several reason for it.

We probably will get a bit more tolerance, hopfully enough for living, but that's it.
(i. e. homosexuals are still far from being accepted 100 %,
black poeple are not 100 % accepted,
not even women are 100% accepted).

Life is to short to wait for the big revolution.

I do my tiny revolution every day in trying to live it 24/7 and getting something like a normal life.

A normal life has no labels and it needs no unasked explanation or justification of the own existence.

I am willing to answer every question when I am asked, but I am too proud for intended talks.

TG-days, parades are good things to rise awareness.

[Roberta Lynn]

The link below is from a story in todays Chicago Trib. The story is about the opening of a $20 million center for the Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community.

A few years ago the story would have been about the protesters against the opening. Todays story is about what a benefit this will be for the community.
Maybe a little progress.

I removed the Link I guess it wouldn't work for everybody.
Check out Chicago Tribune, Local news, North shore if you want to see the story

[Toyah]

I agree with Marla in that it will never happen. OK there may be laws there may be debates but when it comes down to it.
We are different and a minority lets get more importent discrimination sorted out first

[Butterfly Bill]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/northshore/chi-gaycenterjun06,1,5402038.story?coll=chi-newslocalnorthshore-hed&ctrack=1&cset=true[/url]

You have to register to read this.

I make my revolution one interaction with another person at a time, continuing every day.

[danielle_from_cal]

This is certainly something that will not happen overnight. I think as the world becomes more connected, with internet sites like this one for example, more people will understand. Perhaps it starts with an understanding of ourselves.

I have struggled with my crossdressing desires for many years. Until I discovered this site I thought I was the only "male" that just wanted to dress in a feminine manner; I did not want to be a "she-male" in porn movies, and I do not want to be a "drag queen". I used to be disgusted with myself. How could I support that?

Now I see that there are thousands of people like me that just want to (or need to) express femininity, even though their gender does not fit the stereotype.

There are things happening and people involved in helping to change the image of crossdressers. You may have seen a recent article in Newsweek about gender identity. This did not just appear by accident. There are many of us pushing to show the world that we are normal.

It is going to take time, but understanding is beginning to develop.

(My apologies to drag queens and she-males. I have nothing against you. I am just not one of you.)

[Samantha B L]

I don't think there is going to be a triumphant upsurge in America or anywhere else into a kind of Utopian future in which things are super and all of our old problems become a forgotten part of the past.However,I do think that things could improve a little and an existance something like the so-called Star Trek future could eventually be realized but that's still a long way off in time.I do think that in the last 25 years in this country there are a lot of people who are marginally tolerant of things which were considered risque and unseemly way back in the 40's and the 50's.Of course,that's not everybody.There are lot's of people who are NEVER going to be reasonable and tolerant about Transgender matters.But the concept of the "crossdresser" has become more and more a part of our society's mainstream consious and you never know,there could be new laws protecting our rights in housing,employment,etc..I could be wrong maybe it won't happen like this but I think that for things to work out the way I've described is within the limits of beleivable.

[Kate Simmons]

You have to register to read this.

I make my revolution one interaction with another person at a time, continuing every day.I totally agree Bill. There is a "silent" revolution going on each and every day and as we speak. We are all ambassadors in this whether we realize it or not. Every positive thought, every positive presentation, every time we interact with interested people, we have the opportunity to show them we are just people like everyone else but people with a slightly different viewpoint and a different "take" on life but people nonetheless.
We not only teach tolerance, we live it and show we have respect for authority and laws and don't try to flout our ways really. It boils down to having respect for others and respecting and accepting them for who they are. All we are asking for in return is that same respect and acceptance that we show everyone else. Winning over one willing heart at a time is the way to do it.:happy:

[Sharon]

Yep, there won't be an instantaneous change in society's perception of us. It will happen in dribs and drabs, one, two, or a handful of people at a time.

I would like to think I have had a positive result on a few people's opinion of us, just by being out there and showing them that, except for the way I dress, I'm just a regular person, and not one to fear or revile.

Of course, there are those who will never admit that anyone but those who look and think the same as they do have any place in this world, but, hopefully, one day they will be the ones in the minority.

[barbra]

i say lets do it go out in the streets stores eatting places and all over the world and show them we are not throw out trash.we are people of this world and we have the god giving right to do what we need to do and be free from all the hate in this world.we are one in a beautifull world that shows no harm to anyone and we dont do stupid stuff like some of these other people do.we all need to stand up together and put our feet down and say we have the the right to dress as we want and be what we want to be.we are the ones that needs to run this country with love and joy we have for each other and the people that want to be loved.we are the the ones to do it.be happy to be a cd and love yourself and each other.that what makes the world a better place to live.cds and the love we have to give.barbra.:happy:

[MJ]

but it means everybody should come out of the closet and live there dream and valerie that means you too hun :D

[Valerie Nicole]

Yes MJ, it does mean that, and you'll see in my original post that I said as much.


When I'm older, and on my own, you can bet that I will be out to the world, like so few of us are.

[battybattybats]

Hmm... how about this as a plan for revolution.

Step 1: Even if closeted act privatly to support and defend gender/sexuality/tolerance issues in general and whenever specific opportunities arise including things like voting for pro-tolerance candidates.

Step 2: Even if closeted verbally, publicly, support and defend gender/sexuality/tolerance issues in general and whenever specific opportunities arise.

Step 3: Even if closeted act publicly to support and defend gender/sexuality/tolerance issues in general and whenever specific opportunities arise.

Step 4: Where possible go out dressed in a safe but public manner, raising awareness.

Step 5: Where possible come out.

Step 6: Continue to support and encourage everyone else. If you find yourself in a good place, do not leave the rest behind.

Step 7: Remember there are still some people who think the world is flat or that the sun goes around the earth so don't expect a total victory.

You know I never liked playing soldiers much as a kid, yet here we are in sort of a cultural war fighting for what's right. My rifle is a tube of lipstick, my enemy is ignorance and bigotry.

[Joy Carter]

I make my revolution one interaction with another person at a time, continuing every day.

I feel the same way Bill.

Just remember girls. To have a revolution there must be spilled blood to go along with victory.

[Dixie]

Valerie, Valerie, Valerie....What we need here is a militant branch for our little "revolution". I think all of us Linebacker Gurls, we should sit some folks down, forcably if necassary, And educate them!:devil:

Ok enuff sarcasm, lets just shop the poor Bas****s to death:D:eek:

[Jamie001]

The only way to get society to accept us is to go about it slowly while in drab in order to condition folks to seeing us wearing women's fashion items. For example, pioneering men started wearing earings in both ears and did not care what anyone thought. It is really nobody's business except your own. Another thing that you can do is to get a pedicure and show your red toenails in public while in drab. There are even some famous karate champions that do this. We some feminine dangly earrings. This is the only way to affect change. We must slowly condition society to seeing men wearing womrn's fashion items and then full crossdressing will be easier.

[Chantelle CD]

I dont think acceptance will happen all too soon, not until men realize that being a tough macho man, void of feelings, compassion, and sensitivity, is not an enlightened way to be. There are way to Meany men still thinking that that is what a man is to be. As long as woman are attracted to this kind of man, continually being hurt by this kind of man, they will always be fueled to multiply, and acceptance will be hammered to the ground.

Everyone is so bent on trying to be normal, and cool, to fit into the crowd, anyone unique, or self expressive, in any way, is belittled and put down, publicly, even with fists. JUDGMENT just plain SUX!!!


The only way to get society to accept us is to go about it slowly while in drab in order to condition folks to seeing us wearing women's fashion items.

This is a great idea, but i think along with or female attire, we need to take along a can of mace in our purses, and be ready to take of our heals and run like Forest Gumptress!!!!

Chantelle

[battybattybats]

The only way to get society to accept us is to go about it slowly while in drab in order to condition folks to seeing us wearing women's fashion items. For example, pioneering men started wearing earings in both ears and did not care what anyone thought. It is really nobody's business except your own. Another thing that you can do is to get a pedicure and show your red toenails in public while in drab. There are even some famous karate champions that do this. We some feminine dangly earrings. This is the only way to affect change. We must slowly condition society to seeing men wearing womrn's fashion items and then full crossdressing will be easier.

Hmm... not to sure about that actually. While I'd applaud the greater varience this would bring to mens fashion, I'm not to sure that it'd be excessively helpful to us crossdressers. It would be good to drag mens acceptable fashion fom the tiny extreme that it is but I expect that this would just change the definition of what is 'mens' and what is 'womens'. Ideal change will come not from an incremental change of acceptable fashion but instead from the general public gaining more awareness and understanding of us and our issues and from that then greater acceptance. Getting both ears pierced is good as is wearing clear nail polish. Better is lobbying for our rights, suing those that discriminate and marching against violence.

Social change can be gradual, or it can come in a huge rush. The biggest question is: 'What have others done that has most successfully garnered the kind of change that we desire?'. Once we have that done then it's a matter of working out how best to adapt that to our situation.

[Fab Karen]

I dont think acceptance will happen all too soon, not until men realize that being a tough macho man, void of feelings, compassion, and sensitivity, is not an enlightened way to be. There are way too many men still thinking that that is what a man is to be. As long as women are attracted to this kind of man, continually being hurt by this kind of man, they will always be fueled to multiply, and acceptance will be hammered to the ground.

Chantelle
Plenty of men have realized that. As for those that haven't, ask a group of women, age 30 & up, how many of them are drawn to this kind of guy.

[Nigella]

How can we expect the general population to accept us, when there are so many of us the do not accept ourselves.

Too many closet CDers "want" this "revolution", but are too scared to come out into the open and be one of the soldiers, they would prefer to be the back seat Generals, giving the "cannon fodder" the ammunition to fire.

This is a "war/revolution" we can win, nice and steadily, day by day, but if you really want to make a difference, just stand up and be counted.

Just my :2c:

[Kelsy]

Please don't be offended but the thought of a CDer revolution cojures up some pretty hilarious mental images in my mind. something like a Monty Python skit:D I think we have to learn to laugh at ourselves!:heehee: but I would be willing to join the miltant arm of the rev. as long as there is lace trim on my camos.


Jennifer:happy:

[tall_brianna]

This revolution can only come from one place: us. We can't expect the world to randomly start accepting us for no reason. What we need is to become more open, and less afraid. If we accept who we are, then we should be proud enough to tell others, and eventually to tell the world. I mean doing more than going out en femme. I mean letting the world know, whether we are en femme or in drab, who we are and what we do.

I'm not saying it will happen overnight, and it may seem slightly hypocritical given that I am not "out to the world" and that I have never even gone out en femme. All I'm saying is that if we want the revolution to come, we have to start it ourselves. When I'm older, and on my own, you can bet that I will be out to the world, like so few of us are.

This, my brothers and sisters, is the only way for the hotly debated revolution to come. Anything other than that is wishful thinking.

This sounds like marching orders to yourself! Get out there, hike up that skirt and start the bloody (I'd prefer bloodless) revolution!

I'm doing my part, one smile at a time on the front lines and one donation at a time behind the scenes. Even when I was deeply closeted and in deep denial, I gave support, kindness and friendship to all the gay and lesbian people I knew.

-b

[Kate Simmons]

History has shown that with revolutions, there is sometimes, as an aftermath, a "ruling class" who is not much better (and sometimes worse) than the one it displaced. Ideals cannot be enforced, they can only be earned, especially the ideal of tolerance.
I sometimes see horrible visions wherin we have won the right to be TG, in fact "insist' on it and compliance. Those who do not at least accept it are considered pariahs and put into special "camps". The problem with such a world is that you have not really accomplished anything but the fact that you are dictating to others. Then all the "front runners" come out to jump on the bandwagon but they would turn on you in an instant if they could. Sound familiar?
No, my friends, a revolution to insist on our rights may sound good but in the end, we would be the real losers and will have accomplished nothing but contempt for who we are by others. The only real way to do it is to take a slow and steady path, showing respect towards others and their God given right to live as they see fit. Only in that way will people really be convinced that we have the right to be ourselves.:happy:

[battybattybats]

As long as I respect the rights of others I see no problem with fighting for my rights. If I don't then I'm as bad as those I oppose. I realise it does happen at times with revolutions, because power corrupts. However I'm only asking for freedom, not power.

[Valerie Nicole]

How can we expect the general population to accept us, when there are so many of us the do not accept ourselves.

Too many closet CDers "want" this "revolution", but are too scared to come out into the open and be one of the soldiers, they would prefer to be the back seat Generals, giving the "cannon fodder" the ammunition to fire.

This is a "war/revolution" we can win, nice and steadily, day by day, but if you really want to make a difference, just stand up and be counted.

Just my :2c:

Nigella, this is exactly the point I was trying to make. You have said exactly what I was trying to get at. Thank you for putting it so eloquently.

[suzy]

VIVA LA REVOLUTION!!!!!!!!!!!!! Vamos.....Yo quero revolution aqui!!!:D

You have the right idea! We need to get out there and work it!:hugs:

[parris james]

Hmmmmmm a revolution? OK I'm In :D

[gennee]

Being out in public IS the way that I educate people about us. I love to share with others about us and who we are. We also need to share our own stories. Some will never accept us but I don't worry about it.

Gennee

:happy:

[Nigella]

I volunteer to lead the revolution .......


























Well Sandra keeps telling me I'm Revolting :heehee:

[RobertaFermina]

I think about the scene in "In and Out" with Kevin Kline, where he struggles with other's projections that he is Gay, Including the Tom Selleck Character's "Gaydar", and eventually realizes that, YES! he is Gay.

At one point, the rumor of his gayness gets so strong that he is to be fired from his teaching post over it. A School Meeting is called.

He gets up and makes a speech, I forget mostly, but believe that if his doing the things he does (being sympathetic, caring, compassionate, emotionally demonstrative, well groomed, etc) defines Gay, then by god he IS Gay....meaning he is sick and tired of people's prejudice.

After a silence, one person in the audience of children and parents gets up and says, "I'm Gay", after moments so does another, eventually the whole audience is a chorus of "I'm Gay" and the resulting hubbub. Putting shame to th e inquisition.

What I can apply about this is: when we live our lives largely enough that many people know about our T-ness (whatever stripe that be), and about what decent people we are...then they will find common cause with our struggles. This is what turns Revolutions - people finding common cause across all dividing lines - uniting in our basic humanity.

How to bring on the revolution? Tempt the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, and by living with dignity and grace in despite them, reveal their hollowness, and meanness ....in this way...by opposing, end them.

It takes balls, and ovaries, and enough of us to model living "out there" to make safe enough space for others to appreciate our humanity, and for other "T's" to dare to tread that same ground.

Like Women's Lib, it is a revolution liberates everyone a little bit more. Perhaps it is just another phase of the same revolutionary tide....To put "The inherent worth and dignity of each person" above the hypocritical laws, restrictions, and prejudices that bind us down.


Feeling Rebellious ? Take a walk in the sunlight, and make a new friend....don't forget your parasol and sunscreen!

In Love and Service,

:rose: Roberta :rose:

[Kate Simmons]

This is a different kind of revolution Roberta in that each and every one of us has to make or break their own way and blaze their own trail. You know what happens otherwise. There are those who will not commit and sit on the sidelines waiting for a few to do all the work, then when little victories are won, they come out of the woodwork to ride on the coat tails of those who put themselves on the line. When someone proposes a march, rally or event, I say:"okay, you first." I know I'm ready but we all have to prove what we are made of to make it work. This is why the main thrust of a "revolution" of this nature relies on individual effort and there will never be any major co-ordination, it's just the nature of the beast. People feel they just have too much to lose if their identity is compromised.

[Chantelle CD]

OK, we all know now that getting out there is a way to force acceptance, but it still isn't the safest. There are a lot of gay bashers that would love to get there hands on us too, and remember a thread i read just a bit ago, where one of us was hit in the head!!!

So... it is obviously safer in numbers, so why dont all the CD's every where organize groups from all over the world, on one web site, and head out in large numbers, like 6 or more in a group, go out for the night, do what ever we would do normally, go to a movie, coffee shop, out for dinner, the bar for a night of dancing, ect. We just need 1 web site started, that we can all belong to, with areas, dates and times ect, It would be a lot less scary to go out with a group of us than to venture out alone or even just 2 or 3.

do this enough times and for long enough, world wide, and it will change.

Chantelle

[battybattybats]

For those of us like myself in a rural area and with little in the way of money joining such gatherings isn't easy. Given enough warning though I could save up for an event in Brisbane for example. For those in big cities the numbers of us should be really substantial and could make quite an impact.

In Sydney the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is quite the annual tourist attraction and has certainly helped raise issues and acceptance. Does anyone know if it would be viable for a large contingent of straight crossdressers to join the march? Behind a banner that respectfully distinguishes us from drag queens? It might be a good opportunity. If significant enough it might even get some mainstream media attention.