Hi,
This is telephone typing so we'll see how it goes. I am beyond tired, but wanted to write before I forgot everything. I have spent the last two weeks working in DC. Because of a happy fluke I had two four day weekends and only had to burn one leave day, so I had a chance to meet with my legal idol Melissa and a wonderful professor from John Jay college. We spent almost five hours talking about what constitutes a transgender experience, the ramifications on public policy, and how federal employees experience transition in the workplace. Wow! Smart, effective people, it humbles me.
So Friday it was off to the NE with a stop to meet and share brunch with Suzi. Another amazing woman to talk to and to know. The forums are a wonderful venue, but to hold each other's hands and see the beauty in a smile, is magical. I wish we could all be so fortunate. From that affirmation it was on to Connecticut and time with Kenia and Paula. It is such a gift to talk to people who have lived authentically for most of a decade, and to one finally facing herself with open eyes and an open heart.
There is so much to learn, and for me the most powerful vector by far is contact. I feel so blessed. I spent this weekend in Florida with my dear friend Patty and her wonderful wife Kathy. You know there are some people who actually glow with love and welcome. I arrived as both a friend and a stranger. I left a sister. There is so much power here it is awe inspiring .
Tonight I am back in DC, and if I am lucky will get to go home tomorrow. I hope so, I am weary beyond measure, but I did something impossibly dumb here and have to clear it up. (No I'm not going to jail, but I left a federal lap top on the metro, and hopefully can retrieve it tomorrow afternoon.) Even so I am blessed, and this too shall pass.
Today I went on what is for me a pilgrimage to see Mr. Lincoln in his temple on the Mall. I have been there many times, and always am moved. Today I felt the power of justice, enhanced by courage and openly wept. In nineteen eighty-eight, and again in two thousand - thirteen I was on the Mall for commemerations of the sixty-three March on Washington for justice and jobs. Today I stood on the step where Dr. King spoke, and I saw the shadows of a multitude of people in rapt attention, proud and free. Today I was proud. Today I was free. Talking to you, holding your hands, seeing your eyes did that for me. I intend and hope to make more pilgrimages. I hope to meet many more of my sisters and brothers. I crave the power of community. I love you all
Peace,
Julie
