Sunday, April 13, 2008
Arizona, IFGE, Love and My Two Sons
April 12th, 2008
Going back to Arizona has always been one of adventure and pain for me. I lived there most of my life, graduating high school there, I joined the Navy from there, I was married there, my two sons were born there, I was divorced there, I started my life as Monica there, and my father is buried there. All of my family, with the exception of my oldest son lives in Arizona. To say that Arizona holds an important place in my life would be like saying that air is important in my life. I can’t quit Arizona.
Most of the time when I go back to visit family in Arizona, it is near the end of the year, for either Thanksgiving or Christmas. This time, I was able to visit in March and April, when the temperatures were in the 80s and 90s. That’s tank top weather! I love being a girl.
Early in my trip, I got the chance to spend a little time with Serena Freewomyn, a writer for the popular blog, The Bilerico Project. I was always impressed with Serena’s viewpoint and her writing style. The Friday we got together was a fun evening. She brought two of her friends with her and they were a blast.
The most interesting part of the trip to Arizona started on Wednesday when I arrived at the Double Tree Hotel in Tucson. I actually got to go swimming at the hotel pool. No one could tell I was a pre-op in the suit I wore, and it didn’t even have one of those cute little skirts. (As I said, I love being a girl.) But, that was nothing compared to what Fate had in stored for me later that evening. . . .Read More
SAN MARCOS: CSUSM opens gay, lesbian pride center
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students can find support, resources at CSUSM
By ANDREA MOSS
SAN MARCOS ---- Josh Lovelace knows firsthand why some Cal State San Marcos students might need a refuge on campus.
"Walking through the hallways, sometimes you'll hear people make homophobic comments," the 29-year-old graduate student and openly gay man said last week. "I'll say, 'Hey, did you know that I'm one of them?' And they say, 'Oh, no, I didn't.' "
Lovelace said he's confident enough with his own sexual identity that homophobic comments typically don't faze him. Even so, he said he welcomed last week's opening of a gay and lesbian center on campus because of the support it will provide to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students, as well as to students questioning their sexual identity. . . .Read More
By ANDREA MOSS
SAN MARCOS ---- Josh Lovelace knows firsthand why some Cal State San Marcos students might need a refuge on campus.
"Walking through the hallways, sometimes you'll hear people make homophobic comments," the 29-year-old graduate student and openly gay man said last week. "I'll say, 'Hey, did you know that I'm one of them?' And they say, 'Oh, no, I didn't.' "
Lovelace said he's confident enough with his own sexual identity that homophobic comments typically don't faze him. Even so, he said he welcomed last week's opening of a gay and lesbian center on campus because of the support it will provide to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students, as well as to students questioning their sexual identity. . . .Read More
POV, Critique, Opinion: Pregnant, yes - but not a man
By Jeff Jacoby
Globe Columnist
April 13, 2008
Globe Columnist
April 13, 2008
TRACY LaGONDINO is pregnant, and that news has drawn a fair amount of attention. It's been in People magazine, on "Oprah," all over the Internet. Tracy's baby, due in July, is doing well. But Tracy has a serious problem, and the rest of us do, too.
A 34-year-old who grew up in Hawaii and used to compete in beauty contests - she was once a finalist in the Miss Hawaii Teen USA pageant - Tracy, who now calls herself Thomas Beatie, apparently suffers from Gender Identity Disorder, syndrome 302.85 in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association. According to news accounts, she has felt uncomfortable with her female identity since adolescence. When she was in her 20s, the Telegraph of London reported, "she became more masculine," began a lesbian relationship, "and researched what it meant to be a transgender male." There followed breast-removal surgery and testosterone injections. Tracy/Thomas grew a beard, changed her legal identity to male, and married her partner, Nancy.
But it takes more than a mastectomy and hormone treatments to overturn biology. Thomas may be a man in the eyes of the law, but she remains physically a woman, with a woman's reproductive system, a woman's genitals, and a woman's chromosomes. So when she and Nancy decided to have a baby, she had little trouble conceiving through artificial insemination. The result is the spectacle that has drawn so much attention: a bearded pregnant woman named Thomas, who identifies herself as a man, and has a lawfully wedded wife. . . .Read More
GENDER IDENTITY AND PHANTOM GENITALIA
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Some people know, with absolute certainty, that they were born the wrong gender.
A girl sees that she has no phallus, yet she feels deeply, unambiguously male. A boy is equipped with a penis, yet he feels fundamentally, unarguably female.
Such discord often gets chalked up to the physical - prenatal hormone exposures, abnormal brain structures, gay genes. Or to the psychological - repressed homosexuality, absent dads, overbearing moms, parents who wanted a baby of the opposite sex.
But there is a new explanation: Some transgender men claim to possess phantom penises. From the time they were little girls, they say they had vivid sensations of a penis between their legs. Others develop such a phantom when they begin taking testosterone therapy.
Similarly, transgender women who are born male and later undergo sex reassignment surgery generally do not report having a phantom. They say that their penis was never part of their body image. . . .Read More
Mountie disciplined after looking for transsexual love in uniform
Matthew Ramsey,Canwest News Service
April 12, 2008
April 12, 2008
VANCOUVER - A B.C. Mountie has received informal discipline for posting a dating profile online using a picture of himself in his red serge uniform to find transgendered and transsexual mates.
"I am looking to meet mature Thai women who are interested in a sincere friendship that can develop into a LTR (long-term relationship) and possible marriage," wrote "Dave" on the thaikisses.com site.
"Special interest towards TS (transsexual), TG (transgendered) women. Any nice Katoey women looking for a serious LTR." . . . .Read More
Thursday, April 10, 2008
"She's a Boy I Knew"- Clip #4 - "Initial Reactions"
A short clip from the feature documentary "She's a Boy I Knew" containing the transgender filmmaker's parents recounting their 'initial' reactions when she told them about her female gender identity. Through the film, both parents come a long way in understanding & supporting their child. Check out the film's website at www.artflick.com
Frock 'n' roll
Tokyo's rock scene may leave you questioning your sexuality, Craig Platt discovers.
Normally, wearing a grey shirt and jeans wouldn't make me feel conspicuous in a crowd - but right now I feel distinctly out of place.
I'm standing in a crowd of about 200 Japanese youths who are dressed in the most outrageous costumes I've ever seen - goth kids with white-fright make-up and black fingernails, punk kids with dyed blue hair and a wide and wild variety of piercings, girls dressed in baby-doll clothes more suited to tweens than teens.
In my conservative, smart-casual outfit, I'm by far the blandest person here.
We're all waiting for entry to "Red Carpet Day", a music event at Shibuya O-East, a club in Tokyo. The gig features seven "visual-kei" bands - a genre known more for its over-the-top outfits than for its music. . . .Read More
Children of men
Wednesday, 09 April 2008
The story of Thomas Beatie, the ‘pregnant man’, caused a media storm recently, but what do trans men think about it?
The story of Thomas Beatie, the ‘pregnant man’, caused a media storm recently, but what do trans men think about it?
After Thomas Beatie spoke out publicly recently about his decision as a trans man to become pregnant (SX#375), everybody had an opinion.
Conservative commentators were outraged, while Oprah Winfrey – on whose show Beatie and his wife Nancy appeared – called it “a new definition of what diversity means for everybody”.
But he’s not the first trans man to become pregnant: in 1999, Matt Rice – then the partner of trans male author Patrick (formerly Pat) Califia – gave birth to a daughter.
Califia spoke about the couple’s experiences in the Village Voice, describing how some female-to-male (FTM) trans people wished the baby dead and started to call Rice by his ‘girl’ name.
Nearly a decade has passed since then, so what do trans men think about those in their community such as Beatie, who, having kept their reproductive systems in tact, exercise their right to become a parent by conceiving a child?
“Bringing the child into the world in this way is not about reproductive rights,” asserts Craig Andrews, Coordinator of FTM Australia, a membership organisation that provides resources to trans men. . . .Read More
A Case Of Mistaken Identity
Wednesday, 09 April 2008
The spirit of three intersex subjects rises above titles with shock tactics, notes David Knox.
Television usually prefers to rank our community GLTBi. There are plenty of gay males and lesbians. Transgenders are peppered in comedies, or reality ‘tricks’.
With the exception of SBS docos Sinchronicity and A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila, bisexuality usually confuses producers. And intersex falls off TV’s radar entirely.
So it was with some trepidation that I approached the UK documentary series My Shocking Story. It’s previously featured medical episodes were called Half Man Half Tree and The Man With No Face. Roll up, roll up for the freakshow!
What Sex Am I? is thankfully not entirely tabloid.
Androgyn Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS) is the state in which a person is born with a reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn’t fit the typical definitions of female or male.
There are three subjects profiled here. One is Angel, an 8-year-old Brazilian child raised as female by parents, but discovered to have Y chromosomes at the age of 4. Another is 24-year-old Italian Tiziana who confronts her mother about what she thought was an operation on her uterus at 15. . . .Read More
In pilot program, Stanford to offer ‘gender neutral’ housing options for 2008-09
BY KATHLEEN SULLIVAN
Stanford Report, April 9, 2008
In an effort to better serve transgender students and to offer more choices to students who want to live with friends of the opposite sex, Stanford will offer "gender neutral" housing options to sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students starting autumn quarter. . . .Read More
Stanford Report, April 9, 2008
In an effort to better serve transgender students and to offer more choices to students who want to live with friends of the opposite sex, Stanford will offer "gender neutral" housing options to sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students starting autumn quarter. . . .Read More
Beatie not meant to be a mirror
ANALYSIS / Many trans men frustrated with media coverage
Well-meaning friends and colleagues assume I identify with — and am concerned about the transphobic reactions to — Beatie's story. In truth I cringe and wish desperately that Beatie would go quickly and quietly away. The more discussion I hear about pregnant men, the more mortified and angry I become. It is a puzzling response considering that I am otherwise so committed to the rights of those who bend the borders of sex and desire. So what is it about Beatie and his desire to bear a child that bothers me? What should the transsexual body look like and who gets to decide?
Although this is a story about Beatie's own sex and body it shines an uncomfortable spotlight on things of which I would prefer not to be reminded. Worse, it invites those who know my history to inquire about my reproductive status and whether I plan to become a pregnant man. It is difficult to articulate how defeating this question is for me, and more difficult to decide upon an appropriate answer. Unfortunately it is nearly impossible not to blame Beatie for inviting this unwanted discussion into my life.
Sensational media representations influence how nontrans people in our lives view us and interpret our experiences. It is demoralizing to have to combat even more confusion about who and what we are when so much misunderstanding already exists.
The story has generated the usual trinity of responses from most nontrans folk of shock, sympathy and outrage. There is, however, an enormous backlash against Beatie among trans men, particularly in the US. Many are rushing to change their legal documents to reflect their post-transition sex. They are concerned that the notion of a pregnant man sensationalized in the mass media will lead US lawmakers to require trans men to undergo the surgical removal of their female reproductive organs before they can become legally male. . . .Read More
Well-meaning friends and colleagues assume I identify with — and am concerned about the transphobic reactions to — Beatie's story. In truth I cringe and wish desperately that Beatie would go quickly and quietly away. The more discussion I hear about pregnant men, the more mortified and angry I become. It is a puzzling response considering that I am otherwise so committed to the rights of those who bend the borders of sex and desire. So what is it about Beatie and his desire to bear a child that bothers me? What should the transsexual body look like and who gets to decide?
Although this is a story about Beatie's own sex and body it shines an uncomfortable spotlight on things of which I would prefer not to be reminded. Worse, it invites those who know my history to inquire about my reproductive status and whether I plan to become a pregnant man. It is difficult to articulate how defeating this question is for me, and more difficult to decide upon an appropriate answer. Unfortunately it is nearly impossible not to blame Beatie for inviting this unwanted discussion into my life.
Sensational media representations influence how nontrans people in our lives view us and interpret our experiences. It is demoralizing to have to combat even more confusion about who and what we are when so much misunderstanding already exists.
The story has generated the usual trinity of responses from most nontrans folk of shock, sympathy and outrage. There is, however, an enormous backlash against Beatie among trans men, particularly in the US. Many are rushing to change their legal documents to reflect their post-transition sex. They are concerned that the notion of a pregnant man sensationalized in the mass media will lead US lawmakers to require trans men to undergo the surgical removal of their female reproductive organs before they can become legally male. . . .Read More
Whoopi Goldberg on pregnant transgender man: 'Uncharted waters'
by PageOneQ
Thomas Beatie, a transgender man, recently talked with Oprah Winfrey about his pregnancy. A profile also appears in the April 14 issue of People Magazine. Born a woman, Beatie is legally a man, but still has an intact reproductive system. Six months into his current pregnancy, the child is due in July; the Beaties' gynecologist expects the baby to be healthy, and ultrasound imaging concurs.
The Beaties have received no compensation for sharing their story. . . .Read More
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Thai surgeons reject cosmetic castration ban
By Marianne Kearney in Jakarta
4/9/2008
4/9/2008
Thailand's plastic surgery clinics have vowed to defy a recent government ban on performing castrations, saying they will continue to offer sex change operations in the country famous for its "ladyboys".
 | |
Earlier this month, the Thai health minister, Chaiya Sasomsab, issued a directive banning the operation after rights groups complained about the botched castration of an under-age boy in the northern city of Chiang-Mai.
But in direct defiance of the ban, the chief surgeon at the Pratunum Clinic - one of Thailand's top transgender clinics in Bangkok - has called on anyone wanting a castration to come to his clinic.
"I want them to be happy with what they want to be, and will remove their unwanted organs," Dr Thep Wetwisit said.
He also criticised the ban as ridiculous and dangerous. . . .Read More
Transgender poll causes stir
By NATHAN CRABBE
April 2008
A majority of Alachua County voters appear to oppose an ordinance protecting trangender rights and believe the county is headed in the wrong direction, according to a poll conducted by a firm co-owned by the county Republican Party chairman.
Continue to 2nd paragraph
The April 1 poll of 516 voters found 56 percent of respondents either strongly or somewhat opposed the ordinance. A nearly identical number agreed with the statement that things in the county "have gotten off on the wrong track."
Stafford Jones, the local GOP chairman who is co-owner of the recently formed polling firm War Room Logistics, said he believed the results showed a good environment for local Republicans to run for office.
"I think both of these questions kind of represent that people don't like regulatory burden," he said.
Democrats raised questions about the poll. City Commissioner Craig Lowe, who helped draft the gender identity ordinance, equated the poll's question on the ordinance to sentiments being fanned against minority groups in Nazi Germany and the U.S. South before civil rights reforms.
"It has often led to the worst human rights abuses in history," he said. . . .Read More
April 2008
A majority of Alachua County voters appear to oppose an ordinance protecting trangender rights and believe the county is headed in the wrong direction, according to a poll conducted by a firm co-owned by the county Republican Party chairman.
Continue to 2nd paragraph
The April 1 poll of 516 voters found 56 percent of respondents either strongly or somewhat opposed the ordinance. A nearly identical number agreed with the statement that things in the county "have gotten off on the wrong track."
Stafford Jones, the local GOP chairman who is co-owner of the recently formed polling firm War Room Logistics, said he believed the results showed a good environment for local Republicans to run for office.
"I think both of these questions kind of represent that people don't like regulatory burden," he said.
Democrats raised questions about the poll. City Commissioner Craig Lowe, who helped draft the gender identity ordinance, equated the poll's question on the ordinance to sentiments being fanned against minority groups in Nazi Germany and the U.S. South before civil rights reforms.
"It has often led to the worst human rights abuses in history," he said. . . .Read More
Plaintiff wins round in transgender case
She says she didn't get the job because she was born male.
The company says it wasn't that, claiming she misrepresented herself.
In a letter rescinding the job, the employer complained she presented herself as a woman at her interview, but the background check revealed she was a man.
And the judge said that despite requests to end the case now, this closely watched lawsuit will go forward to mediation and, if necessary, to a jury.
Last week, U.S. District Judge Nancy Atlas, in a 31-page opinion, refused to dismiss the case of 27-year-old Izza Lopez. Born Raul Jr., Lopez claims the Houston radiology chain River Oaks Imaging and Diagnostic wrongfully pulled its 2005 offer to employ her as an appointment scheduler.
River Oaks Imaging said in legal papers that it is just following its policy of refusing to hire people whose background checks reveal they misrepresented themselves to get hired. . . .Read More
Vietnam: Transsexual’s marriage opens societal discussion
4/9/2008
VNS
HCM CITY — Singer Cat Tuyen, who had a sex change, created a huge media buzz by marrying another artist on Monday at the Quoc Thanh Restaurant in HCM City.
The wedding was significant for the entertainment, gay and transsexual and law communities.
Originally a man, Cat Tuyen had dreams of being a bride, and went to Thailand to have a sex change operation.
Tuyen met her boyfriend Chinh Nhan, a cai luong (reformed drama) artist, two years ago and they decided to tie the knot soon after that. However, the extreme social prejudice against transsexuals and their families’ objections dissuaded them from legalising their relationship. . . .Read More
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Vietnamese youth fashion blurs gender lines
(05-04-2008)
by Bach Lien
HA NOI — In the past year, it seems beauty standards in Viet Nam have received a makeover. In urban areas, men are increasingly playing with earrings, hair dye and shirt styles and fabrics, while women are cropping their hair shorter and donning more "masculine" attire. And the trend is most prevalent amongst the young.
In unisex fashion clothing for men and women can draw from the same materials. Unisex watches lack the bulk associated with watches geared for men or the ornate, delicate features often found on watches marketed for women. Unisex haircuts mean anything goes. Girls can wear skirts layered over pants. Men wear long necklaces with pendants and carry handbags. . . .Read More
Transsexual soldier to enter Big Brother house
By Lucy Cockcroft
4/9/2008
4/9/2008
A former soldier who became the first Army officer to have full gender reassignment surgery has been lined up to appear as a contestant on Big Brother this summer.
Jan Hamilton used to be known as Ian, a 16 stone captain in the Parachute Regiment, and even served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The 43-year-old transsexual has already appeared in a television documentary which charted her change from a man into a woman.
The five-month process included surgery to give her feminine facial features and breasts.
Now Channel 4 executives are finalising a deal to bring her in as a house mate on the ninth series of the controversial 13-week reality show.
A source said: “There isn’t much that Jan hasn’t overcome in life.
“She is a real trooper. Combat, prejudice, life-changing surgery - nothing seems to faze her. “But the big brother cameras could be her toughest test ever.” . . . .Read More
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