What happened in Largo tonight..My Opinion

[sterling12]

Hi Everyone:

I've just spent the last 4 hours watching The Appeal Process Largo City Council Meeting. This of course, pertains to the firing of Steve/Susan Stanton, the former City manager in Largo Florida. I think it concerns all of us!

My local CBS Affiliate carried a live stream and the whole presentation, public comments, and the Board's Decision was all available for viewing. Would have shared the site but only found out at the last minute.

I watched a compelling presentation from Steve and his lawyer trying to get The Council to reconsider and at least give Susan a chance to prove she could do the same job that Steve had been doing for 14 years. The presentation was terrific, thoughtful, and erudite. The expert witnesses, and Steve's testimony was particularly good. He was thoughtful and came across as a passionate, dedicated, employee who just wanted to serve the people in his city.

I then watched and listened to over 150 persons giving their public thoughts about the matter. At least 80% positive this time around and most speakers was thoughtful and cogent.

In my opinion, if ever there were good reasons for The Council members to reconsider, this was their opportunity.

Final result....many had already written down their reasons to fire Steve before the meeting and read their reasons from prepared notes. And, others refused to comment publicly at all. Vote was five to two for firing and the next step will probably be an expensive lawsuit.

I saw several good friends who spoke and I am very proud of those members of our community who had "The guts", to come out publicly and take a stand. I wish I had done the same, not particularly happy with myself for not having done so.

I imagine that The TV Station will have the video available, as I said it's compelling. Try: www.tampabays10.com I imagine that should get you started, if you want to view.

This convinces me, we need to start making "common cause" with our TS Sista's and with other's in The LGBT Community. "If we do not hang together, surely we shall hang alone." That's a paraphrase I remember, and I want to say it's attributable to Franklin. I'm sure someone will have the exact quotation and get it right. This convinces me, no matter how many of us are out there, we are still a silent minority. If we don't start getting active and working for change....we will never see it!

Peace and Love, Joanie

PS. The ACLU State president was there and more or less put them on notice that this is plain and simple discrimination and "repercussions" will probably occur. Stand by for further sequels to this story.

[noname]

What a shame. I really thought he'd get his job back. Obviously, I expected too much from those people. We all know the real reason he was fired. I am glad though the ACLU is taking the matter up. We really need to organize and get political, we talk about it so often yet it never happens.

[DebbieThomas]

Hi hon
did you see me? I was in male mode but I thought it would be best too. I was the last one in line J.

[noname]

Is there a webcast of this online?

[DebbieThomas]

sadly I didny say what I was wanting too. I was nervous as hell. outed myself on TV. driving home from Largo was hard just cant believe these people can get away with this crap. firing a man thats done the job for 14 YEARS! sadly she wasnt the only ones to lose here, we all trans people did.

here a link but it wont be shown again until noon tomorrow seems they plan to play it every day http://media.myfoxtampabay.com/live/primarystream.html

[noname]

Did a search onine and found an article that reads

"Largo Commissioner Mary Gray Black said Stanton's surprise announcement last week confirming that he is a transsexual "caused stress, turmoil, distraction and work disruption" in the city. His contract says he can be fired without cause at any time. "

I must ask Mary, how would you feel about being fired for being a female, after all, no cause is needed right?

I hope a lawsuit follows and cost them plenty, unfortunately tax payers money. Though the article did say that they recieved hundreds of emails requesting his removal.

Hard to believe we are in the 21st century isn't it?

[sterling12]

Debbie, you were one of the person's I was talking about with the guts to be there and speak. I'm very proud of you and all the others, I know Laura and her friend was there and I recognized other's. I was really surprised to see so many Transperson's speaking.

This whole episode tonight proves that we are going to have to "speak out." If we don't, a lot of the Force's aligned against us will consider this a victory, and start to push us back further.

Everybody, please watch the video. I think you are going to see a situation that should get you boiling mad. We tried to do this properly, with reason and with dignity. Think it's time for involvement with lawsuits and decisions from The Courts. I know I will be pushing my Tri-Ess Group (Tri-Beta) to make some type of contribution to The Legal Defense Fund and maybe get a lot more involved in other ways.


Peace and Love, Joanie

[DebbieThomas]

thanks but think all I did was make a fool of myself. I agree we need to stand up to these people. I'd tell you now if a news truck showed up out front I'd be out there telling them my feels uncut. after all I did give my name and address

[DebbieThomas]

Joanie
unfortunately Triess wont get into it, its not their fight. sad hard fact. they dont see it as something to do with them, she is TS they support straight CDs. to me and this is only my feelings here Triess as a whole has no back bone. there has been many cases where they ignore it instead of doing something. Triess is a lost cause for the fight for trans rights. they seem to be just alittle bigger closet for "straight" CDs. ok Im going to bed before I say something bad.

[noname]

Debbie,

What you did took courage, and I would like to say Thank you! We have a long hard road ahead, and we need more people like you to stand up.

[claireswife-gg]

To all those that went and stood up and said what you did, thank you.

I know you might not have changed the minds of the commissioners, but hopefully you have put the face of humanity on the cause for citizens to see.

I'm terribly upset, disappointed, and really shocked. I thought in the face of the organized legal team, they would reconsider. I thought that one commissioner, who spoke of "treating others the way you want to be treated" was going to change her vote. But no.

But, I am moved by your courage. My partner is still stealth at work, and we know the day is coming for us. We are trying not to stress over it.

Thank you again for your courage.

[DawnL]

Sterling, thank you for posting this thread and keeping us all aware of important matters. Debbie thank you so much for your support on TV of this cause. It had to be hard to out yourself on national TV.

Thanks again to both and all who fight this fight.

[NancyFL]

Now it’s time for the population of the city of Largo to speak up, at the next election and let the members of the City Council know that they are not happy with their job performance. By voting someone new into office. Who they think can do a better job.

Nancy

[MJ]

This convinces me, we need to start making "common cause" with our TS Sista's and with other's in The LGBT Community. "If we do not hang together, surely we shall hang alone."

thank you for the post, this comes back to outing your selfs again , and a few of our sisters were there "in male mode" a lot of good that did.. the next time Steve/Susan is in court everyone should go to support him/her by showing up en-femme ... if we don't do anything how do we expect anything to change

[claireswife-gg]

MJ,

I think that people showing up in male mode simply proves the point that transgendered people are everywhere, and could be your neighbor, your child, your friend at church.

I think that people need to show up the way they are most comfortable. If someone doesn't pass well enough to be comfortable, or even if they just don't think they do, then there should be no pressure for them to come en femme.

The most important thing is to be confident and speak up, put a human face on the issue, whatever gender it presents.

[Donna O]

What a shame. I really thought he'd get his job back. Obviously, I expected too much from those people. We all know the real reason he was fired. I am glad though the ACLU is taking the matter up. We really need to organize and get political, we talk about it so often yet it never happens.

As a victum of the A C L U let me tell the real reason Oiler v. Winn Dixie did not go father. The A.C.L.U. only reason for taking MY (not there case) was to raise money for othe cases. I was told by the natonal board that "Trans cases are not worth there time and money"

[Kimberley]

I have been following this story and sent a letter to the newspaper in that area. The following is that letter. I did finish it by giving my male given name and location. It will be interesting to see if it is published.

We must never underestimate the power of the pen.


***************
Hello,
I read your article or March 11, 2007 concerning Susan/Steve Stanton with a vested interest; I too am TG. I have been following this story since it broke and it all so too typical in the reactions of others. My heart goes out to the Stanton family, all of them, and I reserve my venom for those uneducated detractors of this situation, and those who make no effort at empathy. Would they be so hard on someone with a visible condition such as a broken leg? Of course not, they can understand that. What they cannot understand frightens them and they react negatively because of this unwillingness to empathize.. What is truly underscored in this story is the hypocracy that human rights are something to be voted upon to be inclusive. Is this the democracy of human rights? Why is it that human rights are not assumed?

This story of Susan is so very typical for so many of us; textbook if you will. Still, while those transitioning are countable, there are many many more who will not transition for other reasons, some of which have been very poignantly illustrated in this story. I am among them, at least for the present. The truly sad situation is that we live lives cloistered in fear, guilt and shame. We have to maintain this double identity by lying, not only to others but to ourselves. Can one imagine a better way to spend a childhood, a life?

Those of us who choose (yes choose) to not transition, we live lives that are reflective of Susan's prior to her decision to go forward. Some of us will not transition for just these reasons; love, family, career, age to name a few. As was reported, living this duality is mentally devestating and manifests itself in any number of conditions ranging from anxiety to depression with consequences that also extend to suicide. We live conflicted lives on all fronts.

It is unfortunate that Susan has been made a poster child for the transgendered. I doubt very much that was the intention or desire. Like every one of us, we wish it would go away, that we didnt have to live like this and could live normal lives free of any gender complications just as the rest of society does. Susan is no different, her solution is to follow through and is the "cure" for her gender dysphoria. If only others would accept that.

My last comment is that we are so good at being stealthy, I have to wonder how many detractors know if their spouse, child, parent, employer, coworker etc could be transgendered. My guess is that they do know someone who is only they havent chosen to reveal themselves. That is some food for thought.

Sincerely,
Kimberley

[Charleen]

Great letter Kimberly!
I love Florida for the climate, and the history in St. Augustine where I work, but this is another example of why I am ashamed to admit I live here.
Most people in politics in this state have such closed minds that even Houdini couldn't open them up! It's scary.
As far as the ACLU goes, they might go ahter this one as it's high profile. The whole thing is is that we are a right to work state and a person can be let go with neither warning or reason. I've seen it happen, so it might be a tough battle, bit might also shed some light into some dark and ignorant place regardless of the outcome.
Love and xxxx, Lily

[sterling12]

By the way, Thank you all for responding. Obviously The Stanton Case has deeply effected many of us and perhaps some good will come out of the whole thing.

Perhaps, just perhaps, this will be the "straw that breaks the camel's back." people in the The Transperson Community will start to emerge and demand some changes. Perhaps, we are just like a turtle, just starting to stick our heads out of the shell!

I think we can do it, if we start to work together and with others. There are millions of us out there, The Internet now connects us and maybe NOW is the time to start to ask for more. I know that Susan would have classified herself as a CD for many years, then she moved on. If the time comes for you to move on, don't you hope that you will have support and that it will be just a little bit easier. Maybe we need to start working in that direction.

I know that this year and in the upcoming election year, I am going to start working for candidates who reflect some more tolerant attitudes. For me, I think that's a good place to start. And of course, I will be staying connected to you all, via This Forum and via my work with my support groups.

Maybe, you should be thinking about what you need to do?

Peace and Love, Joanie

[Charleen]

Yeah you're right Joanie, I'm going to get more active politically. In the mean time I think I'm doing a little something. I am adrogynous at all times. Even drab, I have my earrings in, nails long as well as my hair, and my mannerisms are not male. I know it ain't much, but I figure bit by bit if I can do something to let the unwashed know that things aren't as clear cut as they believe, then that's a start.
Love and xxxx, Lily