Autumn Sandeen's Prepared Speech For San Diego Pride's Stonewall Rally
by: Autumn Sandeen
Sat Jul 17, 2010 at 10:00:00 AM EDT
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/16746/autumn-sandeens-prepared-speech-for-san-diego-prides-stonewall-rallyBelow is the prepared text for the speech I delivered at San Diego Pride's Stonewall Rally on Friday, July 16, 2010. I went second to the last, between Don' Ask, Don't Tell activist Joseph Rocha and GetEqual activist Robin 'Ready To Rumble' McGeehee.
As you heard from Bob [Leyh], my name is Autumn Sandeen. Let me proudly say "I am a transgender American."
Hey -- not that it matters much towards claiming American citizenship, but I have some (air quotes) "creds" for that citizen status of mine. I am a Persian Gulf War veteran. I retired from the United States Navy after twenty years of honorable service. I am disabled Persian Gulf War veteran at that. My disabilities are service connected; my Veterans Administration disability rating is 100%.
And if you didn't know, I served in the military while presenting as male.