Ponticelli: Bono a voice for the transgendered

[Shana A]

Ponticelli: Bono a voice for the transgendered
Local trans rights activist discusses DWTS cast member

By Sarah Thomas
Salem Gazette
Posted Sep 15, 2011 @ 03:41 PM

http://www.wickedlocal.com/salem/features/x519378995/Ponticelli-Bono-a-voice-for-the-transgendered#axzz1YJAym58V

When author, singer, and activist Chaz Bono makes his debut on the premiere of the 13th season of Dancing With The Stars this Monday, for many Americans it will be the first time they knowingly welcome a transgendered person into their living rooms. Though the announcement of Bono's inclusion in the show created controversy among some media pundits and viewers, local advocates for trans rights hope that the increase in visibility will improve the lives of those they serve.

"The Chaz (Bono)s of the world help us to have a voice," said Lillith Ponticelli, founder of the North East Transwomen's Alliance Inc., the only active organization in the region dedicated to serving transsexual and transgendered individuals. "Some people will say they have a problem with him, but we need more people like him out there."

[LiLLiPinay]

Thank you for sharing my article with your readers.  It helps give people a voice where otherwise there would be silence!

[Shana A]

Thanks for writing the article, and welcome to Susan's!

Zythyra

[tekla]

The trouble with most media chosen spokespeople is that they use the cause to promote themselves, and not use themselves to promote the cause.

[LiLLiPinay]

I was contacted by the editor.  The purpose of the article is not to self promote.  The idea was to show LGBTIQ awareness in my local region and let people know that there is an organization in the area with resources.

My organization is Incorporated and is currently working on nonprofit 501(c)3 status.  The ultimate goal is to make "NETA Health Inc." North East Transwomens Alliance Inc. self sufficient and successful for people.  I do plan on opening a group home for Transsexual Women as there is a fundamental need for housing and services specifically for Transsexual Woman.

The homeless rate for Transsexual Women in the New England area, specifically Greater Boston is staggering and there seems to be no help or hope in sight for these women.  I understand their plight as I am also one of those homeless women.  The groundbreaking work that I am doing through NETA will benefit those who desperately need hope and help.


Lillith Ann Ponticelli
Administrator
North East Transwomens Alliance Inc.

http://netahealth.org

"We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty."
                                                                                                                                                            -Maya Angelou

[Emily Ray]

Lilli,

Thank you for your hard work. Here in Minniapolis there is a Host homes project for 16-25 year olds who have lost their families or it is just to violent or stressful to stay home. I whish you all the best in your work.

Huggs

Emily