Possibly speaking on behalf of transgerdered people

[Kristen]

I was talking with my academic adviser at school today and told her that I am afraid that my complicated situation (being transsexual) will adversely effect or limit my freedom in my chosen profession (social work). She was delighted to hear that I was still pursuing my preferred career despite the fact and that I was doing so much better now that I was transitioning. She very badly wants me to keep her informed and also thought it would be a great idea for me to speak to a class about ->-bleeped-<-.

My questions to you all is what do you think about this? Good idea? Bad idea? Does anyone have any experience in this that they could share?

I really want to do this and feel that I am confident enough to handle a bunch of 20 somethings but I don't know where to begin. Once the ball is rolling, I can talk on the subject all day. But, how do I introduce the topic. What's the best way?

Should I dress en femme? How should I handle someone if they get to be argumentative? What points should I not address? Should the administration be informed?

I would like to have links or material anyone could provide that cover discussing this with people, old and young.

Thanks a bunch.

[Renate]

I just finished up a series of six panel talks on ->-bleeped-<- to different college classes.
It was a lot of fun. Half the point was practising public speaking as part of my female voice therapy.
The students were all in some counseling or voice curriculum and were very interested and polite.

I'd start out with a short personal introduction with a thumbnail history and status of transition.
I'd go into what is GID, how sexual orientation is different, the transition process.
I'd leave time at the end for students' question.

You'll be a guest in a teacher's regular class, I don't think that you have to worry about unruly students.
To an uninitiated audience I wouldn't worry about restricting the subject, they'll be grappling with the basics.

The teacher would be responsible for notifying the administration if that was necessary.
She'd probably mention it as chit-chat to other faculty anyway.

If you hand out materials, I would restrict it to one page side, with possibly a few short definitions and website links.

I can't tell you how to dress except to dress normally, whatever that is.

[sd]

I would say don't go over the top on dress. If you go in wearing a dress and you are not close to passing, I think that would likely dominate the setting and lose all sense of meaning.


I like Renate's idea about orientation, GID and transition though. Just keep it the basics and let them ask more if they want it. You could overload them with info very quickly I would think.

As for doing it...
The question should be are you ready and willing to out yourself in that way to everyone.

[Renate]

She'd probably mention it as chit-chat to other faculty anyway.

Oh, forgot to mention...

At one of the classes we had a couple of faculty members who weren't involved in the class
sitting in the back of the classroom as guests. That's how much interest there was.

[Sandy]

I participated in a couple of panel discussions with other trans people for my therapists psych intro class.

All of the people were polite.  They had spent the previous class discussing GID and had come up with a series of questions.

Each of the panel members introduced themselves and gave a brief history.  We went into the questions and each member could respond as they felt the need.

Overall it was invigorating and encouraging.  None of the questions regarded the "lifestyle" issues or touched on religious standpoints, although some of the people did talk about their treatent by their religious community.

Despite our varied backgrounds, all of us had similar symptoms (always felt that way, depression, living a lie) and that seemed to be what most of the students took away from the class.

I think you may have a similar experience.  Be comfortable with yourself and present yourself exactly how you feel.  I wouldn't worry about the questions you may be asked, they will probably be very curious about you and feel that you are very courageous.

-Sandy

[Kaelin]

Be sure to bring out that TG is a catch-all for a wide range of things, including (but not limited to) TS, Androgynes, CD, and IS.  I myself am gender role variant, and am not scooped by any of those groups, but yet I somehow satisfy the TG definition.

[michael]

Hi Kristen!

sounds like an excellent opportunity.  what is the class?  if it's something gender related, maybe they've learned a bit already and just have a lot of questions.  and maybe even questions they feel a bit embarrassed about not knowing the answer to.  (that was a horrible sentence. i'm bad at grammar.)

[gennee]

Hi Kristen. I was asked if I would present a lesson about ->-bleeped-<- to the fellowship that I attend. Any opportunity to share about it is one not to be passed up. I would suggest that you dress comfortable but conservative. Good luck with your project.

Gennee

[Kristen]

Thanks for the advice and support!

I talked with my adviser again. She is also the teacher of my Social Work class and we have decided that I will speak to my own class when we get back from Thanksgiving break. She told me I could have 10-15 minutes.

Here's the link to my basic presentation. Let me know what you think.

http://docs.google.com/Presentation?id=dhdmp4vz_0hm4xbpd3

[CypherEnigma]

I think that your presentation is a good length and hits on the issues that need to be brought up in the broad examination of transgender issues. I'm also glad you brought up the idea that as a trans-woman who is attracted to men, you aren't gay but in fact straight- I think this is a good misconception to stress. I think that it would work very well for the intent of the presentation and wish you luck! You're gonna rock!

Sarrah M.

[sd]

Looks good here as well.
Good Luck.