Monday, September 29, 2008
TransGender Michigan's Crandall awarded by Michigan Bar Association
by Jessica Carreras
September 25, 2008
On Sept. 17, TransGender Michigan Executive Director and co-founder Rachel Crandall was presented with the Michigan Bar Association's Liberty Bell Award at a ceremony at the Hyatt Regency of Dearborn.
Nominated by the Stonewall Bar Association, Crandall was presented with the award for her dedicated work over the past ten years advocating for the understanding of and equal rights for the transgender community. The organization was started after Crandall lost her job, marriage, home and friends after coming out as transgender.
"I am very flattered to be receiving this award and i still can't quite believe it," she said at the ceremony. "When i came out as a transsexual woman, I lost almost everything in my life. I lost my marriage, I lost my job, I lost my house - I lost almost everything. Unfortunately, that is happening over and over to many people in my community and in the overall LGBT community." . . .Read More
September 25, 2008
On Sept. 17, TransGender Michigan Executive Director and co-founder Rachel Crandall was presented with the Michigan Bar Association's Liberty Bell Award at a ceremony at the Hyatt Regency of Dearborn.
Nominated by the Stonewall Bar Association, Crandall was presented with the award for her dedicated work over the past ten years advocating for the understanding of and equal rights for the transgender community. The organization was started after Crandall lost her job, marriage, home and friends after coming out as transgender.
"I am very flattered to be receiving this award and i still can't quite believe it," she said at the ceremony. "When i came out as a transsexual woman, I lost almost everything in my life. I lost my marriage, I lost my job, I lost my house - I lost almost everything. Unfortunately, that is happening over and over to many people in my community and in the overall LGBT community." . . .Read More
Transgender people don't even exist under the law
BY DOUG MARSHALL-STEELE • SEPTEMBER 28, 2008
It was February 1998 when the first sexual orientation anti-discrimination bill was brought before Delaware lawmakers. It and five subsequent such bills over the ensuing decade have failed to become law. The first two bills were voted down; the last four were the victims of two hostile Senate presidents pro tem and their use of the anti-democratic "desk-draw veto."
Even more unjust than ignoring the workplace needs and other rights of their gay constituents, our lawmakers have never even considered the civil rights of transgender Delawareans. There is no law in the Delaware Code nor has there ever been a bill seeking to protect these citizens.
While sexual orientation is at least addressed in hate crimes law, gender identity is not. Not only are transgender Delawareans mostly invisible in public discourse, as far as Delaware law is concerned, they do not exist as such. . . .Read More
It was February 1998 when the first sexual orientation anti-discrimination bill was brought before Delaware lawmakers. It and five subsequent such bills over the ensuing decade have failed to become law. The first two bills were voted down; the last four were the victims of two hostile Senate presidents pro tem and their use of the anti-democratic "desk-draw veto."
Even more unjust than ignoring the workplace needs and other rights of their gay constituents, our lawmakers have never even considered the civil rights of transgender Delawareans. There is no law in the Delaware Code nor has there ever been a bill seeking to protect these citizens.
While sexual orientation is at least addressed in hate crimes law, gender identity is not. Not only are transgender Delawareans mostly invisible in public discourse, as far as Delaware law is concerned, they do not exist as such. . . .Read More
Changes To Restroom Signs At Manchester Student Union Building For Transgender People
September 29, 2008
Amy Beeman - AHN
Manchester, England (AHN) -- The toilets in the basement of the student union building at the University of Manchester will get something new in the name of political correctness, posting signs on the restroom doors that say "toilets with urinals," and "toilets."
The signs are simply stuck over the universal symbol of a male, with his pant legs and a female, with the traditional triangular dress. This way, they say, transgender people will be able to choose which restroom to use with out feeling obligated to comply to being a gender they do not identify with. . . .Read More
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Deconstructing difference
by Abby Terrell
September 29, 2008
When I first arrived in Bangkok for a study abroad program last spring, my university-assigned “buddy,” Yeepoon, sat down with me to show me the ropes. This meeting led to another, as I kept seeking her advice, and soon we enjoyed weekly lunch dates. All week I would save up questions about the cultural oddities I couldn’t explain.
What’s the deal with the entire country’s seeming lack of toilet paper, or the ubiquity of plastic bags? How many chillies are too spicy for a Thai? Patiently, she would explain everything to me.
It was during one of these lunches that Yeepoon told me her university had a “Most Beautiful” and “Most Handsome” election for each grade level. She pointed to a small, fair girl in the cafeteria’s lunch line, whom she said had been deemed the sophomore class’s “Most Beautiful.” Then, as an afterthought, she noted that the girl was actually transgender, or a “ladyboy.”
Though I had been in Thailand for a few months, her reaction surprised me. Ladyboys are very common in Thailand, and because most Thais are petite, the transition from one sex to another — at least in terms of appearance — can be relatively easy. But what surprised me was the way Yeepoon said it, as a form of light, harmless gossip. . . .Read More
September 29, 2008
When I first arrived in Bangkok for a study abroad program last spring, my university-assigned “buddy,” Yeepoon, sat down with me to show me the ropes. This meeting led to another, as I kept seeking her advice, and soon we enjoyed weekly lunch dates. All week I would save up questions about the cultural oddities I couldn’t explain.
What’s the deal with the entire country’s seeming lack of toilet paper, or the ubiquity of plastic bags? How many chillies are too spicy for a Thai? Patiently, she would explain everything to me.
It was during one of these lunches that Yeepoon told me her university had a “Most Beautiful” and “Most Handsome” election for each grade level. She pointed to a small, fair girl in the cafeteria’s lunch line, whom she said had been deemed the sophomore class’s “Most Beautiful.” Then, as an afterthought, she noted that the girl was actually transgender, or a “ladyboy.”
Though I had been in Thailand for a few months, her reaction surprised me. Ladyboys are very common in Thailand, and because most Thais are petite, the transition from one sex to another — at least in terms of appearance — can be relatively easy. But what surprised me was the way Yeepoon said it, as a form of light, harmless gossip. . . .Read More
Transgender girl's looks sparked school fight
"Every day, I was afraid for my sister. The world, the way it is, most people wouldn't accept who she was."
by Monte Whaley
9.28.2008
BRIGHTON — Angie Zapata's life was becoming more complicated and dangerous by the day.
As she neared her 19th birthday, she needed to shave daily to keep up appearances. Her Adam's apple was growing larger, an emerging tip-off that Angie was not exactly whom she claimed to be.
She was living in Greeley away from her protective older sister, Monica, and other family members for the first time. The striking, 6-foot-tall Latina began running with a bad crowd that sold drugs.
Angie was restless. She needed money for cosmetology school and for counseling to prepare her for hormone treatments so her breasts would develop.
"Every day, I was afraid for my sister," said Monica Zapata. "The world, the way it is, most people wouldn't accept who she was."
Born Justin Zapata, Angie wanted to live and love as a transgender female. . . .Read More
by Monte Whaley
9.28.2008
BRIGHTON — Angie Zapata's life was becoming more complicated and dangerous by the day.
As she neared her 19th birthday, she needed to shave daily to keep up appearances. Her Adam's apple was growing larger, an emerging tip-off that Angie was not exactly whom she claimed to be.
She was living in Greeley away from her protective older sister, Monica, and other family members for the first time. The striking, 6-foot-tall Latina began running with a bad crowd that sold drugs.
Angie was restless. She needed money for cosmetology school and for counseling to prepare her for hormone treatments so her breasts would develop.
"Every day, I was afraid for my sister," said Monica Zapata. "The world, the way it is, most people wouldn't accept who she was."
Born Justin Zapata, Angie wanted to live and love as a transgender female. . . .Read More
Turkish transsexual singer faces army accusations
24 Sep 2008
africa.reuters.com
ISTANBUL (Reuters) - A popular Turkish transsexual singer who infuriated the country's powerful armed forces by questioning a military campaign against Kurdish separatists told a court on Wednesday she would rather die than be silent.
Bulent Ersoy is on trial on charges of "turning the people against military service" in a case that has raised concerns about free speech in the European Union candidate, where criticising the armed forces is taboo.
Ersoy, one of Turkey's most famous singers, caused a stir in February by saying that were she able to give birth to a son she would not allow him to fight in neighbouring Iraq, where the military had launched operations against Kurdish rebels. . . .Read More
africa.reuters.com
ISTANBUL (Reuters) - A popular Turkish transsexual singer who infuriated the country's powerful armed forces by questioning a military campaign against Kurdish separatists told a court on Wednesday she would rather die than be silent.
Bulent Ersoy is on trial on charges of "turning the people against military service" in a case that has raised concerns about free speech in the European Union candidate, where criticising the armed forces is taboo.
Ersoy, one of Turkey's most famous singers, caused a stir in February by saying that were she able to give birth to a son she would not allow him to fight in neighbouring Iraq, where the military had launched operations against Kurdish rebels. . . .Read More
EDITORIAL: Cloud hangs over Taiwan Pride Parade
Sep 26, 2008
The Taipei Times
Tomorrow the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community and their supporters will take to the streets for the Sixth Taiwan Pride Parade. Last year’s LGBT parade was reportedly the largest in Asia, attracting more than 15,000 people, which demonstrates a growing awareness of the marginalization of these groups.
However, although Taiwan’s homosexual community has made great strides, the transgender, and specifically transsexual, community still has a long way to go in gaining acceptance.
Last October, the Ministry of the Interior issued an executive order that female-to-male (FTM) transsexuals cannot change their national ID cards until they have fully transitioned from one gender to another, in other words, completed genital reconstruction.
The revision was a huge step backwards because the old rule stated that transsexuals were only required to go through the first two stages: removal of the inner reproductive organs and breasts. The decision would be hilarious — there are “ordinary” men without penises — if it didn’t have such far-reaching implications for transsexuals. . . .Read More
The Taipei Times
Tomorrow the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community and their supporters will take to the streets for the Sixth Taiwan Pride Parade. Last year’s LGBT parade was reportedly the largest in Asia, attracting more than 15,000 people, which demonstrates a growing awareness of the marginalization of these groups.
However, although Taiwan’s homosexual community has made great strides, the transgender, and specifically transsexual, community still has a long way to go in gaining acceptance.
Last October, the Ministry of the Interior issued an executive order that female-to-male (FTM) transsexuals cannot change their national ID cards until they have fully transitioned from one gender to another, in other words, completed genital reconstruction.
The revision was a huge step backwards because the old rule stated that transsexuals were only required to go through the first two stages: removal of the inner reproductive organs and breasts. The decision would be hilarious — there are “ordinary” men without penises — if it didn’t have such far-reaching implications for transsexuals. . . .Read More
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Ad makers urged to remove LGBT stereotypes
September 24, 2008
ADAIR
utalkmarketing.com
Some of the world’s biggest advertising agencies are being encouraged to call an end to any lingering lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender stereotypes, homophobia and transphobia in their ad campaigns.
The Commercial Closet Association has sent a letter to the New York branches of leading advertising agencies with the support of leading government officials and advertising industry executives.
Penned by Mike Wilke, executive director of Commercial Closet Association, it reads, “All too often, commercials use stereotypes of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and transgender people for humour, with stock homophobic and transphobic responses.
“It’s time to remove any remaining potentially harmful stereotypes that only encourage narrow-minded and discriminatory behavior, and damage business opportunities.” . . .Read More
ADAIR
utalkmarketing.com
Some of the world’s biggest advertising agencies are being encouraged to call an end to any lingering lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender stereotypes, homophobia and transphobia in their ad campaigns.
The Commercial Closet Association has sent a letter to the New York branches of leading advertising agencies with the support of leading government officials and advertising industry executives.
Penned by Mike Wilke, executive director of Commercial Closet Association, it reads, “All too often, commercials use stereotypes of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and transgender people for humour, with stock homophobic and transphobic responses.
“It’s time to remove any remaining potentially harmful stereotypes that only encourage narrow-minded and discriminatory behavior, and damage business opportunities.” . . .Read More
A Crossdressing Lesson from Isis – America’s Next Top Transgender Model
September 23, 2008
Vanessa
As many of you know Isis is a transgender model competing in America’s next top model. She has already done incredibly well, passing through the first two rounds of the competition, despite being perilously close to being eliminated last week. (For those counting, I may be a week behind thanks to the wonders of Tivo – I’ll try and keep up with the episodes in the future).
Isis has two valuable crossdressing lessons for us from last week’s episode. The first has to do with handling yourself in the face of intolerance. One of the other girls in America’s next top model was clearly uncomfortable with Isis being transgendered. Even pushing her away during an evening when the girl’s where partying and hanging out. I was very impressed with how Isis responded – she didn’t get angry or upset, and pretty much just ignored it. . . .Read More
Vanessa
As many of you know Isis is a transgender model competing in America’s next top model. She has already done incredibly well, passing through the first two rounds of the competition, despite being perilously close to being eliminated last week. (For those counting, I may be a week behind thanks to the wonders of Tivo – I’ll try and keep up with the episodes in the future).
Isis has two valuable crossdressing lessons for us from last week’s episode. The first has to do with handling yourself in the face of intolerance. One of the other girls in America’s next top model was clearly uncomfortable with Isis being transgendered. Even pushing her away during an evening when the girl’s where partying and hanging out. I was very impressed with how Isis responded – she didn’t get angry or upset, and pretty much just ignored it. . . .Read More
University of Pittsburgh Lets 'Transgender' Students Choose Their Dorm
9-24-2008
Devon Williams
The University of Pittsburgh is revising its policies to include special protection based on "gender identity." That means "transgender" students can live in the dormitory of their choice — male or female.
So, a biological man who "identifies" as a woman will be allowed to room with a woman and use the women's showers and restrooms. The same would apply to biological women who believe themselves to be men. . . .Read More
Devon Williams
The University of Pittsburgh is revising its policies to include special protection based on "gender identity." That means "transgender" students can live in the dormitory of their choice — male or female.
So, a biological man who "identifies" as a woman will be allowed to room with a woman and use the women's showers and restrooms. The same would apply to biological women who believe themselves to be men. . . .Read More
Transsexual Turkish singer defends self in court
By Selcan Hacaoglu
September 24, 2008
ANKARA, Turkey – A transsexual singer charged with illegally criticizing mandatory military service in Turkey said in court Wednesday she would say the same thing again.
Singer Bulent Ersoy has acknowledged saying on television that if she had children she would not want them to join the army to battle Kurdish rebels who are fighting for self-rule.
“I spoke in the name of humanity. Even if I were to face execution, I would say the same thing,” the state-run Anatolia news agency quoted Ersoy as telling the court in Istanbul. . . .Read More
September 24, 2008
ANKARA, Turkey – A transsexual singer charged with illegally criticizing mandatory military service in Turkey said in court Wednesday she would say the same thing again.
Singer Bulent Ersoy has acknowledged saying on television that if she had children she would not want them to join the army to battle Kurdish rebels who are fighting for self-rule.
“I spoke in the name of humanity. Even if I were to face execution, I would say the same thing,” the state-run Anatolia news agency quoted Ersoy as telling the court in Istanbul. . . .Read More
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
The Amazing Truth About Queen Raquela (2008) Movie Trailer
"The Amazing Truth About Queen Raquela is a 2008 drama film directed by Olaf de Fleur Johannesson.
The Amazing Truth About Queen Raquela Plot
Raquela, a Filipino transsexual prostitute dreams of making a new life in Paris. She becomes an internet porn star and meets Valerie, an Icelandic transsexual, and Michael, the owner of the website she works for.
The Amazing Truth About Queen Raquela Cast
Raquela Rios as Herself
Stefan C. Schaefer as Ardilo, Michael
Olivia Galudo as Olivia
Brax Villa as Aubrey
Valerie Grand Einarsson as Valerie Einarsson
The Amazing Truth About Queen Raquela Distribution and reception
The film showed at the 2008 Berlin International Film Festival where it won the Teddy Award for Best Feature Film. It will be screened in the Emerging Visions section of the 2008 South by Southwest festival in the United States.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Amazing_Truth_ About_Queen_Raquela" MovieTrailerNetwork
A new twist for 'America's Next Top Model'
By GILLIAN GAYNAIR
23 September 2008
WASHINGTON (AP) — As a little boy in the Washington suburbs, Darrell Walls liked to pretend to be Lil' Kim or a Pink Power Ranger.
He felt different — like a girl mistakenly born a boy.
But Walls eventually embraced that difference and today is living true, as Isis King. Now 22, King is the first transgender contestant on "America's Next Top Model," the CW Television Network reality show hosted by supermodel Tyra Banks.
"I'm just trying to be myself," King said during a telephone interview last week. "If I inspire people, that's a wonderful thing — whether you're trans or not."
While the number of transgender representations on television remains small, activists say in recent years they have seen a movement away from stereotypical roles such as transgender sex workers or villains. Now, the roles are not as marginalized — and some are even portrayed by transgender actors. . . .Read More
Study shows prime-time television showing more gay, lesbian characters
NEW YORK - Broadcast television will have 16 gay and bisexual regular characters in prime-time series this fall, more than double the seven of a year ago, a new study has found.
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation said it was a positive sign of networks making their shows more representative, although more work needed to be done. These characters accounted for 2.6 percent of all the regular characters in TV series, up from 1.1 percent last year and 1.3 percent in 2006, according to the study, released Monday. . . .Read More
Slowly, Companies Embracing Transgender Employees
Workplace attitudes and policies have eased over time.
By LISA BELKIN
THE NEW YORK TIMES
THE NEW YORK TIMES
September 21, 2008
Breanna L. Speed waited four years before announcing to her co-workers that she would not be Wendell anymore.
KOREN SHADMI | THE NEW YORK TIMES
She was concerned that the revelation that she felt more comfortable living life as a woman than in the male body she was born with would jeopardize her job at Hewitt Associates, an outsourcing company in Lincolnshire, Ill., where she had worked as a database administrator for seven years.
But since Feb. 26, 2007, when she walked into the office as Breanna (with a company ID and a workplace paper trail that carried her new name), Speed said she has received nothing but support.
The workplace piece of her transgender puzzle, the part she had worried about most, "turned out to be the simplest," she said. "That was a surprise." . . .Read More
Monday, September 22, 2008
GENDER ANSWERS
'The Transgender Child' New handbook has tips for parents whose children don't fit the societal mold, and probably never will
Talia Kennedy
September 18, 2008
A child may be born with female anatomy, but what if her first words are "I'm a boy," and she wants to live as a boy as she gets older?
Or a boy enjoys playing with girly toys and sometimes expresses himself in traditionally feminine ways?
Two Bay Area women who have worked with transgender and gender-fluid children have written a handbook for parents whose kids aren't typical boys or girls.
"A parent can't change a child's gender identity but can change how they respond to it. It requires a lot of respect, kindness and support," says Stephanie Brill, who, along with Rachel Pepper, wrote "The Transgender Child: A Handbook for Families and Professionals" (Cleis Press; 200 pages; $16.95).
Some parents have a hard time accepting their transgender and gender-variant children's identities, but Brill stresses that children's genders are usually a permanent part of who they are. . . .Read More
The Real World Brooklyn Cast Gets Transgendered
The cast of The Real World Brooklyn looks to differentiate itself from the previous twenty seasons on MTV by having the first transgender cast member.
The cast’s head shot compilation was posted on Vevmo and combined with my sources indicate the naming of the cast is as follows - starting clockwise from the top left.
- Kate
- Sarah
- Beya
- Devyn
- Chet
- JD
- Ryan
- Scott
- . . .Read More
Unfinished Business
22 September 2008
by SUSAN MARINE . . .I love football.
Many who know me, or who know my politics, are surprised by this fact. After all, as the director of a women’s center, and a committed feminist, shouldn’t I feel ambivalent about—if not downright opposed to—the degree to which American culture celebrates such a brutal, macho sport, and glorifies those who play it? Shouldn’t I want a kinder, gentler game—like synchronized swimming, or equestrianism—to rule the day?
Not really. I am in awe of the both graceful and guttural physicality of the game, the full-contact, heady delirium of the pileup, and the breathless climax of a perfectly executed 60-yard Hail Mary pass. Just about the only thing I don’t like about football is the knowledge that women will likely never get to play it side by side with men.
Since 1982, when the Harvard Gay and Lesbian Caucus was founded, the movement for gay rights has come a long way. For most of us who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) at Harvard, we can live openly and without fear in our jobs and as students. We can pursue both our degrees and employment with the protection of the law behind us, we can hold high positions of leadership and esteem, and we can even legally marry our sweethearts in Memorial Church. Although I wasn’t at Harvard in 1982, I understand that it was a very different place then, and that silence and social sanction were de rigueur for virtually all queer folks. . . .Read More
Many who know me, or who know my politics, are surprised by this fact. After all, as the director of a women’s center, and a committed feminist, shouldn’t I feel ambivalent about—if not downright opposed to—the degree to which American culture celebrates such a brutal, macho sport, and glorifies those who play it? Shouldn’t I want a kinder, gentler game—like synchronized swimming, or equestrianism—to rule the day?
Not really. I am in awe of the both graceful and guttural physicality of the game, the full-contact, heady delirium of the pileup, and the breathless climax of a perfectly executed 60-yard Hail Mary pass. Just about the only thing I don’t like about football is the knowledge that women will likely never get to play it side by side with men.
Since 1982, when the Harvard Gay and Lesbian Caucus was founded, the movement for gay rights has come a long way. For most of us who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) at Harvard, we can live openly and without fear in our jobs and as students. We can pursue both our degrees and employment with the protection of the law behind us, we can hold high positions of leadership and esteem, and we can even legally marry our sweethearts in Memorial Church. Although I wasn’t at Harvard in 1982, I understand that it was a very different place then, and that silence and social sanction were de rigueur for virtually all queer folks. . . .Read More
Sunday, September 21, 2008
My transition so far - University and Residence Part 1
"READ FIRST!
By this time I'd left home and the farm and moved to the big city to live with my brother because my parents didn't want me with them, and they moved to Torquay anyway. So yeah, everything was new to a naive farmgirl like me.
UNIVERSITY IS LIKE COLLEGE FOR YOU NON-AUSTRALIANS, BUT I GUESS YOU ALREADY KNOW THAT!" EtherealKingdom
By this time I'd left home and the farm and moved to the big city to live with my brother because my parents didn't want me with them, and they moved to Torquay anyway. So yeah, everything was new to a naive farmgirl like me.
UNIVERSITY IS LIKE COLLEGE FOR YOU NON-AUSTRALIANS, BUT I GUESS YOU ALREADY KNOW THAT!" EtherealKingdom
Trans U comes to CU
Groups discusses transgender issues on campus
The presentation was sponsored by the Vice Chancellor's Office of Student Affairs, the GLBT resource center and The Community Health resource center.
"I want people to understand what transgender is, what are the barriers that transgender people face and how everybody is responsible for improving how it feels for people who are different," said trainer and lead speaker Samuel Lurie.
During Lurie's presentation, he said transgender is an "umbrella term for (a) wide range of people who challenge or don't fit social norms of gender expression."
The term transsexual refers to a person who "specifically desires to live full-time in the chosen gender that matches their internal gender identity," Lurie said. Individuals in this group must often make use of medical interventions, social and legal changes. . . .Read More
Sam Dieter
September 20, 2008
An audience of about 40 people gathered in the Dennis Small Cultural Center in the UMC Friday for "Trans U: an Introduction to Transgender Issues on Campus."
The presentation was sponsored by the Vice Chancellor's Office of Student Affairs, the GLBT resource center and The Community Health resource center.
"I want people to understand what transgender is, what are the barriers that transgender people face and how everybody is responsible for improving how it feels for people who are different," said trainer and lead speaker Samuel Lurie.
During Lurie's presentation, he said transgender is an "umbrella term for (a) wide range of people who challenge or don't fit social norms of gender expression."
The term transsexual refers to a person who "specifically desires to live full-time in the chosen gender that matches their internal gender identity," Lurie said. Individuals in this group must often make use of medical interventions, social and legal changes. . . .Read More
Teen transgender launches pop star career
By JD Uy on September 21, 2008
''I know that because of my past people will always bring up the subject, I can't get away from it. But I hope that one day I might be better known for my music than for my past.'' . . .Read More
200 discuss high school for gay, lesbian, transgender youth in Chicago
CPS chief Arne Duncan expected to decide fate by Oct. 1
| Chicago Tribune reporterSeptember 19, 2008
Weeks after a proposal to open Chicago's first public high school catering to gay, lesbian and transgender youth was announced, about 200 people on Thursday met with administrators at the city's main gay social services center to discuss whether it's a good idea.
The Social Justice High School—Pride Campus would offer a college-preparatory curriculum in which students would take four years each of English and math, three years each of foreign languages and science, as well as fine arts and physical education, administrators said during the public hearing at the Center on Halsted on Chicago's North Side.
"[We want] to continue to provide a college-prep campus for students who are often overlooked," said Chad Weiden, an assistant principal at the Social Justice High School who would be the principal of Pride Campus. "Gay, lesbian and transgender students are often overlooked in our district. And this is a school for all students." . . .Read More
The Social Justice High School—Pride Campus would offer a college-preparatory curriculum in which students would take four years each of English and math, three years each of foreign languages and science, as well as fine arts and physical education, administrators said during the public hearing at the Center on Halsted on Chicago's North Side.
"[We want] to continue to provide a college-prep campus for students who are often overlooked," said Chad Weiden, an assistant principal at the Social Justice High School who would be the principal of Pride Campus. "Gay, lesbian and transgender students are often overlooked in our district. And this is a school for all students." . . .Read More
Transsexual wins lawsuit against Library of Congress
September 19, 2008
CNN
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A former Army commander who underwent a sex change operation was discriminated against by the U.S. government, a federal judge ruled Friday in an important victory for transgenders claiming bias in the workplace.
Diane Schroer won her federal lawsuit against the Library of Congress after officials backed out of a 2005 job offer when told of her intention to become a transsexual. At the time of the job interview for a position as a senior terrorism research analyst, David Schroer was a male. He had been a onetime Army Special Forces commander.
U.S. District Court Judge James Robinson said Schroer's civil rights were violated.
"The evidence established that the Library was enthusiastic about hiring David Schroer -- until she disclosed her transsexuality," Robinson wrote. "The Library revoked the offer when it learned that a man named David intended to become, legally, culturally and physically, a woman named Diane. This was discrimination 'because of ... sex.' "
The judge will later rule on what financial damages Schroer is due. . . .Read More
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Darts team 'ejected from league over transsexual player'
A ladies darts team claim they were kicked out of a league because one of their players is a transsexual.
by Chris Irvine
17 September 2008
Colliers B ladies have been told they have been thrown out of Cheslyn Hay women's league, near Cannock, Staffs, because of the language they used during matches.
But the players suspect it is because some opponents have complained about teammate Melanie Partlow, who used to be a man.
The Sun reported Ms Partlow joined the side two years ago after an operation turned her from a married forklift truck driver called Mick.
She had the sex-change operation in Thailand after she and her then wife Sue won £250,000 on the lottery.
The 57-year-old, who lost part of a leg after an illness, proved to be a star player and has helped the team win several cups. . . .Read More
World's youngest sex change star
September 19, 2008
A GIRL believed to be the youngest person in the world to have a sex change is set to become a pop star.
Kim Petras - originally called Tim - changed sex after she started hormone treatment at the age of just twelve.
Now 16-year-old Kim is ready to storm the charts with her first album after landing a record deal. . . .Read More
Now 16-year-old Kim is ready to storm the charts with her first album after landing a record deal. . . .Read More
The New Transgender Reality
Reality shows have long pioneered inclusive casting. Now they're pushing the boundaries again.
Sep 17, 2008
In the second season of MTV's pioneering reality show "The Real World," the seven housemates played a game in which they anonymously asked each other personal questions to get better acquainted. It was going fine until Beth Anthony, who just so happened to be a lesbian, objected to the questions she was getting--every one was about her sexuality. Not her background, interests, family or education--just the fact that she happened to like women.
Fifteen years have passed, and it's hard to imagine such a scene playing out on a modern reality show: gays and lesbians have become a staple of reality-show casts. The story arc about the girl from the Corn Belt with "traditional values" forced to confront her prejudices seems silly now, on the few occasions we see it played out anymore. But reality shows are, at their cores, social experiments (remember the racially segregated season of "Survivor"?), and as acceptance of gays has increased over the years, in part because of pop culture, two reality shows have chosen a new minority to throw into the mix: the transgendered. . . .Read More
Korea: 'Rulings of Era' Epitomize Social Changes
By Kim Rahn
17 September 2008
A top court's verdict allowing a female-turned-male transgender to legally change sex opened a new world for these people, an epoch-making ruling acknowledging that mental and social factors should also be considered in deciding a person's gender.
This and 13 other rulings that have brought radical changes in Korean society were picked as candidates for ``rulings of the era'' by the Supreme Court.
As time goes by, the top court has adopted new standards in making rulings to better guarantee gender equality, consumer rights and the human rights of criminal suspects.
Among the candidates, the court will pick ``12 rulings of the era.'' It plans to display details of the rulings in a court exhibition in its building in southern Seoul on Sept. 26. The display is designed to show the 60 years of the nation's judiciary.
Two of the candidates are about gender equality. In a 1988 ruling, the court annulled the telecom authorities' decision to apply a discriminatory retirement age limit on telephone operators, all of whom were female. The public firm set their age at 43, while that for other workers was 55, and the court decided that setting different limits without proper reason was against gender equality. . . .Read More
This and 13 other rulings that have brought radical changes in Korean society were picked as candidates for ``rulings of the era'' by the Supreme Court.
As time goes by, the top court has adopted new standards in making rulings to better guarantee gender equality, consumer rights and the human rights of criminal suspects.
Among the candidates, the court will pick ``12 rulings of the era.'' It plans to display details of the rulings in a court exhibition in its building in southern Seoul on Sept. 26. The display is designed to show the 60 years of the nation's judiciary.
Two of the candidates are about gender equality. In a 1988 ruling, the court annulled the telecom authorities' decision to apply a discriminatory retirement age limit on telephone operators, all of whom were female. The public firm set their age at 43, while that for other workers was 55, and the court decided that setting different limits without proper reason was against gender equality. . . .Read More
Transgender Woman Talks About Life After 'Diddy'
BY ON TOP MAGAZINE STAFF
SEPTEMBER 16, 2008
The first black transgender woman to appear on a reality show, VH1's I Want To Work For Diddy, talks about her experience on the show and life since.
Laverne Cox shared her reality series war wounds with Out.com, where she related her experience as positive overall, but said the month-long, 24-7 filming was physically and emotionally draining.
“None of us got a good night's sleep,” Cox told Out's Tim Murphy. “I think the most I got at one time was maybe four hours. And I slept less than everyone because of my prep time in the morning. But I can kind of sleep anywhere.”. . .Read More
Another Struggle: Sexual Identity Politics in Unsettled Turkey
By Kerem Öktem
September 17, 2008
What happens when almost 3,000 men, women and transgender people march down the main street of a major Muslim metropolis, chanting against patriarchy, the military and restrictive public morals, waving the rainbow flag and hoisting banners decrying homophobia and demanding an end to discrimination? Or when a veiled transvestite carries a placard calling for freedom of education for women wearing the headscarf and, for transsexuals, the right to work?
If the city is Istanbul, it seems, nothing much. Apart from the anxious glances of a few young male bystanders caught up in the demonstration and the occasional cheers of onlookers, only the presence of riot police at the Istanbul gay pride parade on June 29, 2008 would have reminded the observer that this was a politically sensitive event in a deeply troubled setting. Yet, in contrast to their aggressive tactics against peaceful demonstrators on May Day, the police were remarkably restrained as well.
June 29 marked the largest gay pride event ever to be held in Turkey, and indeed the largest in the immediate neighborhood of southeast Europe, where similar, if smaller, processions were attacked by right-wing extremists and members of the general public. The march's dispassionate reception was surprising, particularly considering that it took place as Turkey's governing Justice and Development Party (AKP), led by politicians with Islamist origins, faced an existential threat in the country's highest court. The legal challenge to the AKP's right to participate in politics, mounted by defenders of the state secularist legacy of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and dismissed by the Constitutional Court on July 31, could have escalated into all-out war over Turkey's future. Yet no one used the gay pride parade to pose as champions of public morality. There was no hate campaign, and indeed there was benign neglect, in both the Islamist and secular sectors of the mainstream press. Coverage in the left and liberal press was sympathetic; only newspapers close to the extremist Islamist Felicity Party featured a smattering of incitement. Was this an indicator of growing acceptance of gender non-conforming lifestyles in Turkey, a sign of a more tolerant, outward-looking society, affirmation of a more progressive cultural climate? . . .Read More
If the city is Istanbul, it seems, nothing much. Apart from the anxious glances of a few young male bystanders caught up in the demonstration and the occasional cheers of onlookers, only the presence of riot police at the Istanbul gay pride parade on June 29, 2008 would have reminded the observer that this was a politically sensitive event in a deeply troubled setting. Yet, in contrast to their aggressive tactics against peaceful demonstrators on May Day, the police were remarkably restrained as well.
June 29 marked the largest gay pride event ever to be held in Turkey, and indeed the largest in the immediate neighborhood of southeast Europe, where similar, if smaller, processions were attacked by right-wing extremists and members of the general public. The march's dispassionate reception was surprising, particularly considering that it took place as Turkey's governing Justice and Development Party (AKP), led by politicians with Islamist origins, faced an existential threat in the country's highest court. The legal challenge to the AKP's right to participate in politics, mounted by defenders of the state secularist legacy of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and dismissed by the Constitutional Court on July 31, could have escalated into all-out war over Turkey's future. Yet no one used the gay pride parade to pose as champions of public morality. There was no hate campaign, and indeed there was benign neglect, in both the Islamist and secular sectors of the mainstream press. Coverage in the left and liberal press was sympathetic; only newspapers close to the extremist Islamist Felicity Party featured a smattering of incitement. Was this an indicator of growing acceptance of gender non-conforming lifestyles in Turkey, a sign of a more tolerant, outward-looking society, affirmation of a more progressive cultural climate? . . .Read More
Monday, September 15, 2008
Transgender : Faith of the Heart
"This film is meant to be encouraging and hopefully inspirational. I know it's been a while since I did a transgender ralated film and I hope this one doesn't disappoint." ericaravenwood
Gender variance is not a disorder
Classifying transgender people as having a mental disability ignores society's intolerant attitudes
by
September 15, 2008
In an April 2007 edition of "20/20," viewers were introduced to "gender identity disorder," a medical classification for people who do not exhibit the characteristics that are assigned to their gender. On its Web site, ABC News published an article written by the American Psychological Association entitled "What is Gender Identity Disorder?" providing information on how to detect this disorder in children, adolescents and adults.
According to the APA, an individual who has gender identity disorder displays signs of uneasiness about performing the gender role of his or her sex. The individual cannot be intersex; instead, they must be born in a body that is considered entirely female or male, at least in terms of biology.
Additionally, the individual's desire to identify as a different gender must transcend "any perceived cultural advantages of being the other sex." I suppose this means that if I want to dress like a man so that I can earn $1 doing a job that would pay a woman 75 cents, then I'm O.K. But if I feel like doing it for some reason other than privilege, then it's a disorder. . . .Read More
According to the APA, an individual who has gender identity disorder displays signs of uneasiness about performing the gender role of his or her sex. The individual cannot be intersex; instead, they must be born in a body that is considered entirely female or male, at least in terms of biology.
Additionally, the individual's desire to identify as a different gender must transcend "any perceived cultural advantages of being the other sex." I suppose this means that if I want to dress like a man so that I can earn $1 doing a job that would pay a woman 75 cents, then I'm O.K. But if I feel like doing it for some reason other than privilege, then it's a disorder. . . .Read More
Ruling Inspires New Hope For Transgender People
15 September 2008
To Allyson Robinson, it means accompanying her young children to public restrooms in Montgomery County without worrying that someone will call the police.
For Colleen Fay, it brings the hope that the next time she applies for a driver's license she won't be badgered about her previous life as a man.
And for Chloe Schwenke, it means other people like her will be able to enjoy the job security she has found in her international development work in the District.
With the decision by Maryland's highest court last week to block a referendum petition, Montgomery County's law banning discrimination against transgender people takes effect immediately.
The measure, passed by the County Council last year, prohibits discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations. It was to take effect in February but was put on hold when some religious and conservative groups launched a petition drive. . . .Read More
Transsexual Modelmania
16 September 2008
by Brianna Austin
 | |
With all the hype that has been surrounding the lead up to appearance of ISIS, the transgender model that will appear on America’s Next Top Mode season premiere, I couldn’t help wondering what all the excitement was about.
ANTM is bathing in all the media hype, Janice Dickinson is sniping Oh, please, I did it on my show first with Claudia,” (in an interview that appeared on New York Mag.com) and Simon Doonan -- Barney's creative director and author of "Eccentric Glamour" – said he agreed with Dickinson that the world of high fashion might be ready for a transgender model. . . .Read More
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Murder's a Drag: A Film
"Who is killing Brisbane's drag queens? A journalist investigates the strange case of serial showgirl murder that has gripped the Queensland capital." nixfilm
Obama Evolving On Gay Marriage
 CARLOS SANTOSCOYSEPTEMBER 14, 2008 |
In a new interview published by the Washington Blade, Democratic presidential nominee Senator Barack Obama unequivocally stated an Obama-Biden administration would work to advance gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights.
Answering written questions submitted by the Blade, Obama pledged “equality for all.”
In the interview, Obama said he and wife Michelle are “blessed with many openly gay and lesbian friends and colleagues,” crediting an openly gay college professor with broadening his view on gay and lesbian issues.
“A college professor of mine helped me to see the lives of LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender] people from a different perspective. ... And he was just a terrific guy,” Obama said. “His comfort in his own skin and the friendship we developed helped to educate me on a number of these [gay] issues.”. . .Read More
London Transgender Film Festival 2008
September 14, 2008
Since this festival is independently funded we need your support. Thanks to you all for attending the London Transgender Film Festival Fundraiser Sun Aug 24 2008 and helping us raise some well needed funds! at Gasworks 155 Vauxhall Street London SE11 5RH 3pm- 6pm, £5/4. . .Read More
National Survey on Transgender Experiences of Discrimination in the U.S.
14 September 2008
Purpose
You are invited to participate in a research project regarding transgender and gender non-conforming people in the United States. Your responses will be part of an important report on transgender people’s experiences of discrimination in housing, employment, health care and education.
Procedures
You will be asked to complete an online survey. Your participation and responses are confidential. Please answer the questions as openly and honestly as possible. You may skip questions. The survey will take about 20 minutes to complete. You must be 18 years of age or older to participate. Please note that you can choose to withdraw your responses at any time before you submit your answers. The survey results will be submitted directly to a secure server where any computer identification that might identify participants is deleted from the submissions. Comments provided will be analyzed using content analysis and submitted as an appendix to the survey report. Quotes from submitted comments will also be used throughout the report to give “voice” to the quantitative data.
Discomforts and Risks
There are no risks in participating in this research beyond those experienced in everyday life. Some of the questions are personal and might cause discomfort. In the event that any questions asked are disturbing, you may stop responding to the survey at any time. Participants who experience discomfort are encouraged to contact:
The Trevor Project
866-4-U-TREVOR
The Trevor Helpline is the only national crisis and suicide prevention helpline for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth; the Helpline can also help transgender and gender non-conforming adults. The Helpline is a free and confidential service that offers hope and someone to talk to, 24/7. Trained counselors listen and understand without judgment.
Benefits
The results of the survey will be part of an important report on discrimination against transgender people by the National Center for Transgender Equality and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force to help create better opportunities for transgender and gender non-conforming people. We are grateful to Penn State University’s Center for the Study of Higher Education for hosting the survey and maintaining the integrity of our data.
Statement of Confidentiality
You will not be asked to provide any identifying information, such as your name, and information you provide on the survey will remain confidential. In the event of any publication or presentation resulting from the research, no personally identifiable information will be shared. Your confidentiality will be kept to the degree permitted by the technology used (e.g., IP addresses will be stripped when the survey is submitted). No guarantees can be made regarding the interception of data sent via the Internet by any third parties. Please also remember that you do not have to answer any question or questions about which you are uncomfortable.
Voluntary Participation
Participation in this research is voluntary. If you decide to participate, you do not have to answer any questions on the survey that you do not wish to answer. Individuals will not be identified and only group data will be reported (e.g., the analysis will include only aggregate data). By completing the survey, your informed consent will be implied. Please note that you can choose to withdraw your responses at any time before you submit your answers. Refusal to take part in this research study will involve no consequences. . . .Read More
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