so what are the chances of a million or 700,000 thousand transgender march to Washington. that's if you can get enough of that number to respond. I think it would surely raise the awareness of the trans culture to the general public and to politicians. The transgender culture has been too much of a freakish oddity for too long we need to approach normality.
I think most would be hangers on and few T from the LGBT.
They're is so many reasons why that is never going to happen.
Are there really 700,000 of us? I've wondered about this yesterday. Let's say just less than 2% of 700,000 was a member here on Susans. That's 14,000 members!
Currently Susans has (11655 total members)
Where is everybody? ;D
Set up a an eight ball pool tournament at the Washington Monument and I'll be there. :)
Quote from: Heather on May 31, 2014, 12:48:26 PM
They're is so many reasons why that is never going to happen.
I don't know , it would be one heck of an educational moment in the history of the trans culture. I agree it's not going to happen but all the positive CNN coverage of the event and the educational opportunities to show we are not all prostitutes standing on street corners not that there is any thing really wrong with that choice of profession. Just like pride day it would be an incredible event
Quote from: Evelyn K on May 31, 2014, 01:01:42 PM
Are there really 700,000 of us? I've wondered about this yesterday. Let's say just less than 2% of 700,000 was a member here on Susans. That's 14,000 members!
Currently Susans has (11655 total members)
Where is everybody? ;D
a UCLA study came up with that figure
Quote from: stephaniec on May 31, 2014, 01:08:12 PM
I don't know , it would be one heck of an educational moment in the history of the trans culture. I agree it's not going to happen but all the positive CNN coverage of the event and the educational opportunities to show we are not all prostitutes standing on street corners not that there is any thing really wrong with that choice of profession. Just like pride day it would be an incredible event
Well the main problem would be numbers. They're is just not that many of us. From best I can tell those of of us that actually transition is a very small group even if you gathered all of us I doubt you could get even above 50,000. Another reason is I've noticed a large portion of the trans community are introverts so they are less likely to speak up and be heard. And another thing is once you get to a certain point in your transition you just want to move on with your life. So I doubt you would get a lot people who have been transitioned a long time to show up.
Quote from: stephaniec on May 31, 2014, 01:15:13 PM
a UCLA study came up with that figure
That's because they have lumped several very different groups together. Those that actually transition are very very rare.
well, they talk about the numbers who consider themselves transgender. you wouldn't need to be totally transitional to join in. again the likely hood of success is extremely problematic ,but if the numbers could be generated it would make a dent in the perception problem
I'd go.
Hell, I'll make internet banners.
-AM
It would be a great way to me other transgender, sitting on the Washington mall barbecuing hamburgers and shrimp that's if your allowed to do that on the mall PS just found out can't have fires on the national mall have to go with picnic baskets
Quote from: stephaniec on May 31, 2014, 01:58:40 PM
It would be a great way to me other transgender, sitting on the Washington mall barbequing hamburgers and shrimp that's if your allowed to do that on the mall
Let's do this steph :D
I'll even put on my old uniform ;0)
-AM
Quote from: Androgynous_Machine on May 31, 2014, 02:18:27 PM
Let's do this steph :D
I'll even put on my old uniform ;0)
-AM
sounds good
Quote from: Heather on May 31, 2014, 12:48:26 PM
They're is so many reasons why that is never going to happen.
With that attitude no it wont.
However if anyone here is serious about increasing our equality it is extremely important to constantly push, small steps lead to huge things, what may start out as 100 people protesting, through social networking and community activities can easily grow into a global event.
If the trans community is serious about being treated as equal human beings, its more important than ever for us to get together socially and forge strong cultural bonds, create a international community.
Every other minority that has risen to fight against the oppression they face didnt get there through giving up before they even started because of their chances of success. If you are truly passionate about your right to having equal human rights, even if you dont see the day when the big breakthrough happens, it is so important to contribute what you can, as every single moment given collects up to an entire movement that changes the course of history forever.
Quote from: Olivia P on May 31, 2014, 03:19:25 PM
With that attitude no it wont.
However if anyone here is serious about increasing our equality it is extremely important to constantly push, small steps lead to huge things, what may start out as 100 people protesting, through social networking and community activities can easily grow into a global event.
If the trans community is serious about being treated as equal human beings, its more important than ever for us to get together socially and forge strong cultural bonds, create a international community.
Every other minority that has risen to fight against the oppression they face didnt get there through giving up before they even started because of their chances of success.
This x10,000
-AM
I totally support this, but I would be skeptical about being in it. I sort of hope to be stealth in the future, and wouldn't want to march if everyone in it was trans as it gives it away. If it were inclusive and had a lot of cis marchers, then I would definitely consider it. To be honest, that's probably what would happen as we are a very small group and most are cautious about being public about their transition, including myself. While I realize I'll probably be judged for that mindset, my future happiness and ability to keep my medical history private is my first concern. I'm all for signing petitions and lobbying politicians to support legislation in our favor, but I'm not interested in outing myself and would be cautious before marching. Even though I have limitations, I do what I can in my own way.
Its a nice idea, but many wouldn't be able to do it due to distance, costs, and a certain amount of apathy towards their own community as well. Not to mention the ones that wouldn't want to risk outing themselves.
I've been to Washington before, it was for a small group of trans to get together and have a big party. Set up by a friend and I went up and stayed at their place a few days for it. Oddly enough, it was a visit to an all night eatery there that I first ever got called beautiful by a sober guy. Talk about making someone uncomfortable...
Quote from: learningtolive on May 31, 2014, 03:54:37 PM
I totally support this, but I would be skeptical about being in it. I sort of hope to be stealth in the future, and wouldn't want to march if everyone in it was trans as it gives it away. If it were inclusive and had a lot of cis marchers, then I would definitely consider it. To be honest, that's probably what would happen as we are a very small group and most are cautious about being public about their transition, including myself. While I realize I'll probably be judged for that mindset, my future happiness and ability to keep my medical history private is my first concern. I'm all for signing petitions and lobbying politicians to support legislation in our favor, but I'm not interested in outing myself and would be cautious before marching. Even though I have limitations, I do what I can in my own way.
I doubt you would have any fear of being seen as anybody but a humanitarian giving support to a cause. I'm sure a lot of people would just join in for support and the experience
Quote from: stephaniec on May 31, 2014, 04:11:28 PM
I doubt you would have any fear of being seen as anybody but a humanitarian giving support to a cause. I'm sure a lot of people would just join in for support and the experience
Well, when you stand out in a trans event, people are more likely to assume you are trans. Still, I would bet the majority of people supporting the cause would be from outside the trans community as we really are a minority and most are content with living in stealth. At the moment, though, I don't think we have enough vocal supporters for such an event. Sad to say, but it would liekly have to be a smaller scale event at this current point in time; however, it keeps changing and getting better with time.
Quote from: learningtolive on May 31, 2014, 04:16:06 PM
Well, when you stand out in a trans event, people are more likely to assume you are trans. Still, I would bet the majority of people supporting the cause would be from outside the trans community as we really are a minority and most are content with living in stealth. At the moment, though, I don't think we have enough vocal supporters for such an event. Sad to say, but it would liekly have to be a smaller scale event at this current point in time; however, it keeps changing and getting better with time.
It would have to start the same way all these things start. First a coalition, which eventually becomes loud enough to draw support or voice from a celebrity, then it's newspapers.
-AM
Susan's then the media then the Washington monument
Quote from: stephaniec on May 31, 2014, 04:48:48 PM
Susan's then the media then the Washington monument
I live in WV so Washington DC is literally a hop, skip, and a jump away.
-AM
Quote from: Androgynous_Machine on May 31, 2014, 05:45:15 PM
I live in WV so Washington DC is literally a hop, skip, and a jump away.
-AM
chartered busses , group rates. 700,000 should be able to get a good rate
Quote from: Evelyn K on May 31, 2014, 01:01:42 PM
Where is everybody? ;D
The trans people who I know in person aren't on here, despite me talking about this site fairly regularly including on my show. I don't get it.
This thread certainly evoked lots of memories for me since I started transition in 1973 on the streets of DC. It was a very different place back then. I lived in a sketchy apartment building (now a pricey co-op) near Dupont Circle. Back in the early 70s Georgetown was a very cool, very welcoming place to hang out for assorted misfits. There were street musicians, artists, wild & crazy queens, and a good sized group of us young party girls who simply lived our lives without reference to our birth gender. We hung out in various cheesy bars (all gone now) and also in some of the big clubs in the horrible neighborhoods on the waterfront in SW DC. We were often denied entry to those clubs (collateral damage due to their anti-drag policy) but once in awhile we got in. Ironically, a hostess/waitress at one of those clubs was a glamourous transwoman named Dee Dee who was kind of a local celebrity and one of my early mentors and trans friends.
On my last visit to DC a few months ago I was amazed to find that Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown now looks more like Rodeo Drive than Haight-Ashbury and seedy ol' New York Avenue where all the strip joints used to be (including one where the staff and most of the female customers were transwomen) is now lined with gleaming office towers. Then again, I'm now a female executive in a high profile position and I have no doubt that my colleagues would be shocked to learn about my checkered past!
Oh well, it was quite a place to come of age back in the day and I'll always hold the memories. Sorry to derail the thread with my nostalgic babble.
Quote from: Carol Chastleton on May 31, 2014, 06:36:59 PM
This thread certainly evoked lots of memories for me since I started transition in 1973 on the streets of DC. It was a very different place back then. I lived in a sketchy apartment building (now a pricey co-op) near Dupont Circle. Back in the early 70s Georgetown was a very cool, very welcoming place to hang out for assorted misfits. There were street musicians, artists, wild & crazy queens, and a good sized group of us young party girls who simply lived our lives without reference to our birth gender. We hung out in various cheesy bars (all gone now) and also in some of the big clubs in the horrible neighborhoods on the waterfront in SW DC. We were often denied entry to those clubs (collateral damage due to their anti-drag policy) but once in awhile we got in. Ironically, a hostess/waitress at one of those clubs was a glamourous transwoman named Dee Dee who was kind of a local celebrity and one of my early mentors and trans friends.
On my last visit to DC a few months ago I was amazed to find that Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown now looks more like Rodeo Drive than Haight-Ashbury and seedy ol' New York Avenue where all the strip joints used to be (including one where the staff and most of the female customers were transwomen) is now lined with gleaming office towers. Then again, I'm now a female executive in a high profile position and I have no doubt that my colleagues would be shocked to learn about my checkered past!
Oh well, it was quite a place to come of age back in the day and I'll always hold the memories. Sorry to derail the thread with my nostalgic babble.
good to know
I would go :). Try to make it in the spring though, I look best in spring colors......and of course the cherry blossoms
Quote from: Kylie on May 31, 2014, 07:04:44 PM
I would go :). Try to make it in the spring though, I look best in spring colors......and of course the cherry blossoms
I like lighter dresses and no nylons
This is a good idea but there are as many hurdles inside the community (infighting, conflicts) to overcome as there are extant. Maybe a smaller number would still get the point across, ten thousand trans march, perhaps?
And there are plenty of trans people who harbour a degree of self loathing and/or fear at being trans or being seen/identified as trans. If something like you're proposing had happened even as recently as two years ago I wouldn't have attended because I was in so much denial about my trans history and identity.
Quote from: dalebert on May 31, 2014, 06:31:46 PM
The trans people who I know in person aren't on here, despite me talking about this site fairly regularly including on my show. I don't get it.
To be honest most start off on sites like Susan's but eventually move on once they start living as themselves. To be honest I don't know why I've stuck around as long as I have? Most of the ones I know try to distance themselves from the trans community after they have they have settled down into they're new life.
I'm not a politically minded person. I do understand how people think though. It would definitely do well to create some awareness. This may not be the best format as historically marches are a form to express outrage, not awareness. The awareness agenda would be better served by mainstream media - the transgender girl on America's Top Model is a great example. The awareness was secondary to what the show was about and as such had a broader reach than something focused on the topic of transgender. You don't want to preach to the choir - as it were.
Well, things to be considered are as follows:
1. The number of transgender people and supporters would need to have the means to assemble, first locally.
2. The number of people would need to be substantial. This number may not need to be a million either.
3. There would have to be some coordination for getting everyone to assemble in DC - this may or may not include room and board.
4. Every group would need to make a financial goal and raise funds to bus everyone out.
5. There should be a list of things we want to make the populous aware of - the "what are you here for" question.
It is my humble opinion that until it is no longer taboo, you will never get enough pull from all the people living quiet stealthily lives. If we want to make an impact we really need to "Unite" with the other arms of the LGBT awareness machine. Don't forget, we are the T in LGBT.
Random question: Anyone going to the Gay Olympics? Next one is in the US (Cleveland), next one is in France... and yes there is a gay olympics.
Quote from: Ms Grace on May 31, 2014, 07:28:00 PM
This is a good idea but there are as many hurdles inside the community (infighting, conflicts) to overcome as there are extant. Maybe a smaller number would still get the point across, ten thousand trans march, perhaps?
And there are plenty of trans people who harbour a degree of self loathing and/or fear at being trans or being seen/identified as trans. If something like you're proposing had happened even as recently as two years ago I wouldn't have attended because I was in so much denial about my trans history and identity.
well,10,000 would get media coverage and maybe President Obama would give a speech
Got an idea, an annual Transgender 5k through DC. Everyone loves a good 5k. Plus we/they could get sponsorship and it would become a "normalized event."
LOL, I need to keep my mouth shut or I might find myself on a comity or a board in a year. :D
Quote from: stephaniec on May 31, 2014, 01:08:12 PM
...... but all the positive CNN coverage of the event and the educational opportunities.... Just like pride day it would be an incredible event
the media would only find the most outlandish looking... clown makeup wearing...
and if they didn't find any there, they'd plant them...
and only show the most outlandish, embarrassing, foolish acting people to
show on t.v..
the media don't get ratings by showing the real news...
c.n.n. / h.n.n. go for ratings... just like jerry springer..
Quote from: Madi_Raye on May 31, 2014, 08:37:13 PM
the media would only find the most outlandish looking... clown makeup wearing...
and if they didn't find any there, they'd plant them...
and only show the most outlandish, embarrassing, foolish acting people to
show on t.v..
the media don't get ratings by showing the real news...
c.n.n. / h.n.n. go for ratings... just like jerry springer..
^^^
This.
I used to live in Washington DC in the Hilton with a view of the Capitol just above Judicial square. I think this would be a great idea, and, I'd come. As long as I had a long enough notice to scrape up the funds.
Ally :icon_flower:
I'm guessing that it would unfortunately be immediately followed by the million creep march.
/snark
Quote from: Evelyn K on May 31, 2014, 01:01:42 PM
Are there really 700,000 of us? I've wondered about this yesterday. Let's say just less than 2% of 700,000 was a member here on Susans. That's 14,000 members!
Currently Susans has (11655 total members)
Where is everybody? ;D
I know lots of trans* folks who are not members here.
Quote from: MacG on May 31, 2014, 09:37:28 PM
I know lots of trans* folks who are not members here.
Most of the ones I know IRL are not.