The best of times, the worst of times
T-Notes
by Robbi Cohn | January 24th, 2009
http://www.q-notes.com/2009/01/24/the-best-of-times-the-worst-of-times/I wasn't really sure what to address in this first column of 2009. I'll be honest — I've had easier years than the last, emotionally. I'd be willing to bet that most, if not all, of us have faced depression at one time or another. Being trans tends toward isolation in all too many cases, mine included. But, the eternal optimist within me, which my internal cynic tries doggedly to sabotage (such duality!), brought the following to mind:
It hasn't been long since we have come through the end-of-year holidays and this can be, and often is, a palpably depressing time of the year for many trans persons. Some of us have lost families, parents, spouses and children, as well as friends. Many are all too familiar with isolation and loneliness.
More trans people are under- and unemployed and the economic forecast is bleak for Joe the Plumber, forget Josie the Trans Rocket Scientist or Joe the Trans Computer Genius. Sure, we hear about a jobs recovery program that will be directed toward the failing U.S. infrastructure, but how many trans persons are seriously qualified to do construction work? We all do our best to maintain ourselves regarding food, heat and shelter (I, myself, have settled for a job as a third shift WalMart cashier and count myself lucky to be employed), yet the uncertainty with which we live is unsettling.
