Melissa A.
01-30-2009, 08:03 AM
Hi, everybody
I am writing to remind us that that the struggle for trans inclusion and gender equality is far from over. Despite the progress made in the past decade, alot needs to be accomplished, still. Many of our sisters and brothers still live in fear for their safety, and their lives. Discrimination is still a fact. In housing, employment, and the simple, everyday use of public facilities, we still face an uphill battle, in many areas. Outside of the political arena, we are still viewed by many as freaks, jokes, and monsters. The popular culture still portrays many of us as something to be ridiculed. But there is good news. Over 108 cities and counties in the U.S. now have some sort of Gender expression equality ordinance....and the sky hasnt fallen, No child has been attacked by a pervert in a dress in a public restroom, claiming to be trans, and more and more people find out every day that we're their co-workers, neighbors, and relatives. This kind of everyday, grass-roots level education and exposure only helps. Every time you politely correct the guy behind the counter who calls you "sir", every time you take a friend aside who just told a cruel joke, every time you portray yourself as who you are-a valuable human being and citizen worthy of respect, you are helping others, everywhere. I believe this is our responsibilty, as we move forward with what we need to do to be ourselves.
At the political level, not everyone can be an activist. I understand. But everyone can write an email, or send 20 bucks to a trans support or legal group. there's a role for all of us. We can't rely on, or ride the coattails of the Gay lobby any more. We have seen it doesnt work. We are too easily discarded in the name of political expediency. I hold them no resentment, as a whole, but it's time we took responsibility for our own destiny.
This is a war with alot of battles. And every time one arises, I believe we, as the trans community, have a responsibilty to our sisters and brothers elewhere, wherever they may be. Nothing worthwile happens overnight, this is a play with many acts, especially as long as there is still no federal GENDA legislation, and we are still viewed as expendable. So the battle is now in Gainseville, Fla., where the hysterical are trying to foment more hysteria, and take away your brother's and sister's right to treated as human beings.
Please read:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,478924,00.html
More info:
[email protected]
352-334-3119 fax
35334-5015 phone
200 E. University ave. P.O. box 490, station 19
Gainesville, Fla.
32601-0490
Mayor & Commission
Gainesville City Commission
Mayor Hanrahan
Commissioner Hawkins (At-large)
Commissioner Mastrodicasa (At-large)
Commissioner Henry (District I)
Commissioner Poe (District II)
Commissioner Donovan (District III)
Commissioner Lowe (District IV)
Do what you can, please.Write a letter. Make a phone call. send an letter to the local paper. I realise the story says that this is already coming up for refferendum, and maybe there's nothing those in charge can do. But it NEVER hurts to let the world know how we feel, as a united group. The trans folks there are us, and we are them. Let's be a community. Then move on to the next battle, wherever that may be. I don't live anywhere near Florida. But if we stand by and just watch, thinking, "the folks down there will take care of this" Then, as a whole, we have nothing. And dont be surprised the next time you scream for your rights, and there's no one there to listen, or help.
Thanks for listening to me. I may be a bit idealistic(and a little angry, sometimes, lol!), but we can make a difference, over time. We need eachother. Don't let yourself down.
Hugs,
Melissa:)
I am writing to remind us that that the struggle for trans inclusion and gender equality is far from over. Despite the progress made in the past decade, alot needs to be accomplished, still. Many of our sisters and brothers still live in fear for their safety, and their lives. Discrimination is still a fact. In housing, employment, and the simple, everyday use of public facilities, we still face an uphill battle, in many areas. Outside of the political arena, we are still viewed by many as freaks, jokes, and monsters. The popular culture still portrays many of us as something to be ridiculed. But there is good news. Over 108 cities and counties in the U.S. now have some sort of Gender expression equality ordinance....and the sky hasnt fallen, No child has been attacked by a pervert in a dress in a public restroom, claiming to be trans, and more and more people find out every day that we're their co-workers, neighbors, and relatives. This kind of everyday, grass-roots level education and exposure only helps. Every time you politely correct the guy behind the counter who calls you "sir", every time you take a friend aside who just told a cruel joke, every time you portray yourself as who you are-a valuable human being and citizen worthy of respect, you are helping others, everywhere. I believe this is our responsibilty, as we move forward with what we need to do to be ourselves.
At the political level, not everyone can be an activist. I understand. But everyone can write an email, or send 20 bucks to a trans support or legal group. there's a role for all of us. We can't rely on, or ride the coattails of the Gay lobby any more. We have seen it doesnt work. We are too easily discarded in the name of political expediency. I hold them no resentment, as a whole, but it's time we took responsibility for our own destiny.
This is a war with alot of battles. And every time one arises, I believe we, as the trans community, have a responsibilty to our sisters and brothers elewhere, wherever they may be. Nothing worthwile happens overnight, this is a play with many acts, especially as long as there is still no federal GENDA legislation, and we are still viewed as expendable. So the battle is now in Gainseville, Fla., where the hysterical are trying to foment more hysteria, and take away your brother's and sister's right to treated as human beings.
Please read:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,478924,00.html
More info:
[email protected]
352-334-3119 fax
35334-5015 phone
200 E. University ave. P.O. box 490, station 19
Gainesville, Fla.
32601-0490
Mayor & Commission
Gainesville City Commission
Mayor Hanrahan
Commissioner Hawkins (At-large)
Commissioner Mastrodicasa (At-large)
Commissioner Henry (District I)
Commissioner Poe (District II)
Commissioner Donovan (District III)
Commissioner Lowe (District IV)
Do what you can, please.Write a letter. Make a phone call. send an letter to the local paper. I realise the story says that this is already coming up for refferendum, and maybe there's nothing those in charge can do. But it NEVER hurts to let the world know how we feel, as a united group. The trans folks there are us, and we are them. Let's be a community. Then move on to the next battle, wherever that may be. I don't live anywhere near Florida. But if we stand by and just watch, thinking, "the folks down there will take care of this" Then, as a whole, we have nothing. And dont be surprised the next time you scream for your rights, and there's no one there to listen, or help.
Thanks for listening to me. I may be a bit idealistic(and a little angry, sometimes, lol!), but we can make a difference, over time. We need eachother. Don't let yourself down.
Hugs,
Melissa:)