Post-HERO: Transgender activists take a stand at Montrose event
http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Post-HERO-Transgenders-take-a-stand-at-Montrose-6617442.php
Chron/By Dylan Baddour Updated 7:22 pm, Saturday, November 7, 2015
"A small crowd rallied Saturday on a Montrose street corner to try to combat the negative stereotypes of transgender people that have accompanied the city's sweeping defeat of Houston's equal rights ordinance."
Thank you for sharing this!
It made me think that we should organize bus loads of trans folk (like the freedom riders of old) to go down to Houston to flood the bathrooms. In groups for our own safety. We could either go to appropriate facilities or use the ones for our assigned at birth designations. Kinda like the lunch counter sit ins of the earlier days of the civil rights movement.
Anyone good at organizing?
Wow someone beat me to sharing the article I was quoted in. I am slow. lol I was a birthday party after until just now.
It was such a fun event. I got interviewed by Breightbat too. oh my not sure what they will say. As always don't read the comments.
It was a pretty spontaneous event actually. We only thought it up a couple days ago.
Quote from: Oliviah on November 08, 2015, 01:38:31 AM
Wow someone beat me to sharing the article I was quoted in. I am slow. lol I was a birthday party after until just now.
It was such a fun event. I got interviewed by Breightbat too. oh my not sure what they will say. As always don't read the comments.
It was a pretty spontaneous event actually. We only thought it up a couple days ago.
That is so cool!
Quote from: Kellam on November 08, 2015, 07:26:17 AM
That is so cool!
Yeah. We decided that we want to try and stop negativity. We don't want acrimony or to generate negative feelings. We are meeting today and invited as many in the community to meet to discus future events with even more people. We are moving away from things like #occupotty and more towards going to volunteer events. Showing up at things like that yesterday. Going to church. Just spread the message we love our fellow citizens. We love Houston. We are not dangerous. We are humans who have feelings. That is our goal.
We encourage others do do that as well. I think we will have a nice strategy following today's brain storm.
I personally think the event was a huge success. Even with the rain people were rolling down their windows and waving and saying positive things. Honking and being really nice. We had fun signs like have you hugged a transsexual today. and just goofy stuff. There was zero negativity the whole time. From anyone. It really lifted my spirits.
I think in their hearts people are able to understand it is wrong to attack us and blame us.
That's beautiful. It warms my heart.
Sorry for my silly suggestion but I was raised in the far left. The first time I was in DC as a kid was to protest. My Mom's idea, we went with my church to protest the Gulf War. My first view of the White House was through a line of riot cops. So I tend to go straight to confrontational action. That's why I make my little suggestions in quiet ways. To give the more cool headed a chance to tell me to calm down.
Keep us posted on what y'all are doing and what we can do to help. You are doing amazing work. Flies with honey right? Love always wins!
Quote from: Kellam on November 08, 2015, 09:17:03 AM
That's beautiful. It warms my heart.
Sorry for my silly suggestion but I was raised in the far left. The first time I was in DC as a kid was to protest. My Mom's idea, we went with my church to protest the Gulf War. My first view of the White House was through a line of riot cops. So I tend to go straight to confrontational action. That's why I make my little suggestions in quiet ways. To give the more cool headed a chance to tell me to calm down.
Keep us posted on what y'all are doing and what we can do to help. You are doing amazing work. Flies with honey right? Love always wins!
Oh it wasn't a silly suggestion. We just already tried that. It is normal to want to lash out and show them as they say, but the spiral of negativity and acrimony in politics and civic live is so horrible. So we just refuse to participate. We love Houston. We love our bothers and sister and parents and friends. How has is ever come to all this? Well all I can do is smile and say I love you.
you have to be quick on you toes around here. Your dealing with a cutting edge news department.
"Wow someone beat me to sharing the article I was quoted in"
Transgender Woman at Texas Trans Rally, 'I Am Obsessed with Breitbart and Matt Drudge!'
http://www.breitbart.com/texas/2015/11/08/transgender-woman-texas-trans-rally-obsessed-breitbart-matt-drudge/
Breibart/Texas/11/08/2015
"HOUSTON, Texas – Transgenders, and those supporting transgenders, rallied in the cold and rain in the heart of the LGBT enclave of Montrose in Houston on Saturday. When Breitbart Texas spoke with transgender Olivia Maynard, she immediately exclaimed – "I am obsessed with Breitbart and Matt Drudge!""
That was fantastic Olivia, well done! Also, great pic. Y'all filled that piece with love. The hate at the end really showed itself for what it is.
Anyway, we need more like you.
OMG OMG OMG Breitbart just called and said they want me to write an op ed about being transgender. Could be about anything really. HERO, Houston, Jobs, transition. I have no Idea. Going to meet with everyone to talk about it in a bit.
good luck, we can use a complete report with video of the meeting.
Yay!
Quote from: stephaniec on November 08, 2015, 05:53:25 PM
good luck, we can use a complete report with video of the meeting.
Yes! Thanks, Olivia!
Joelene
Great job Olivia. I have to say that the comments following the article you are quoted in are some of the most vile, disgusting and intolerant comments I have seen directed at our community.
Quote from: Jessie Ann on November 09, 2015, 09:16:29 AM
Great job Olivia. I have to say that the comments following the article you are quoted in are some of the most vile, disgusting and intolerant comments I have seen directed at our community.
those comments are sad
Quote from: Jessie Ann on November 09, 2015, 09:16:29 AM
Great job Olivia. I have to say that the comments following the article you are quoted in are some of the most vile, disgusting and intolerant comments I have seen directed at our community.
Yeah Breitbart commenters are a special kind.
Congratulations, Oliviah. It looks like your efforts largely succeeded. They actually put forth a pretty good article on the protest. That's rare coming from a very homophobic content creator.
Cindi
I've done a little bit of editorial writing. If you want me to look over your draft and make suggestions, feel free to PM me.
OP-ED: The politics of transgender - scapegoats in the culture war
Olivia Maynard
11/9/15
http://www.breitbart.com/texas/2015/11/09/op-ed-politics-transgender-scapegoats-culture-war/
Both the Left and the Right attack us and blame us for their problems. The Right say we are dangerous and trot us out as lurking predators. The Left say we enforce stereotypes, and caused the failure of the ordinance in Houston, and put equal rights ordinances in danger across the nation. There is even a petition to kick T out of LGBT. We can't win.
From the bottom of my of my broken transgender heart, please, please, stop. We are not predators. To attack us in such a way does damage to innocent people. We have high rates of depression, addiction, and suicide. We are a tiny minority, with a medical condition that most have never heard of, and don't have time to bother to understand. We faced higher rates of violence even before such a public call to fear and hate us. Now we fear we will be the target of even more violence, not only from strangers, but from ourselves. It is so sad to read about people who take their own life. Rejection, alienation, and bullying, extract a heavy toll on our beleaguered minority community. All too often that toll is our blood.
======
I am published.
wow, congratulations, excellent job.
Thanks. Are you sure it is good. I have gotten mixed reviews.
Quote from: Oliviah on November 09, 2015, 12:46:19 PM
Thanks. Are you sure it is good. I have gotten mixed reviews.
I thought it was great.
That was so effin good! Really well written. It was intelligent and accessible at the same time. Brava! Also, I know we trans folk hear this a lot and it can grind at times but...that took real courage. Not just what you said but where you said it and that you have continued your work in that horrid comments section full of folks who like to call others "deviant" . Keep up the great work and congratulations!
Quote from: Kellam on November 09, 2015, 01:17:52 PM
That was so effin good! Really well written. It was intelligent and accessible at the same time. Brava! Also, I know we trans folk hear this a lot and it can grind at times but...that took real courage. Not just what you said but where you said it and that you have continued your work in that horrid comments section full of folks who like to call others "deviant" . Keep up the great work and congratulations!
Thank you. I hope you can see that beyond the trolls who are not even listening there are some people who are. I can tell by how they comment.
Great job girl! I just left a comment on your post...
Thank you Olivia for saying what needs to be said. While we may not agree on many political issues, the right to be free from discrimination should be a universal truth for the people of this country. I am a veteran and very proud of the service I have done for my country. I am a criminal prosecutor who has spent years fighting for innocent victims of crime. I am an individual who, despite being assigned male at birth because of my outward physical appearance, have now transitioned to being female to match the gender of my inner brain development. Yes, I am a member of a fairly small minority of individuals in this country who suffer from this condition. One of my childhood heroes once said something we all should take to heart:
"Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, leave the rest to God."
― Ronald Reagan
None of us has the right to pass judgment on others that is reserved for the almighty God. You don't like the fact that I am transitioning, good for you. No one is asking you to like it any more than anyone is asking you to like any other minority group. All we are asking for is the respect and dignity that comes with being a human being in a civilized society.
I have spent my life trying to live up to the ideals of what I thought I should be based on what "looked like" and not on what I felt deep inside me. I married. I had 5 children. I worked hard to provide for my family and to protect society from the very worst elements of society. If anyone thinks I chose to give up my white male privilege to become a member of an apparently intensely hated minority group because it's a lifestyle choice, then they are crazy, not me. No, I chose to transition because I wanted to continue to provide for my children and help them grow into the strong and productive members of society they are becoming. It is very difficult to provide for your family once you are dead, and dead is what I wanted to be so many times in my life. Once I finally sought out therapy for my condition and once I began medical treatment, I discovered that there was so much more to life. I discovered what it felt like to be normal and actually look forward to living another day. In short, I no longer wanted to die, I wanted to live. I thank God every day that I have children, family, friends and an employer who know who I am (on the inside and on the outside) and give me the respect and dignity I deserve.
I did not have to live through all of the negative campaign rhetoric that existed in Houston. I do know that I have never seen, nor heard of a case of a rapist dressing in female clothes to go into a restroom to commit a rape. Most of the rapists I have seen would be horrified at the thought of doing that. Rape is crime of violence, domination and control. It would be demeaning to a rapist to have to stoop to the level of wearing the clothing of the inferior sex. I have, however, seen assaults on transgender individuals just for being transgender. So you tell me who is in need of protection. No one is asking for "special" status, all we are asking for is the respect and dignity that comes with being a human being in a civilized society.
Quote from: Oliviah on November 09, 2015, 12:46:19 PM
Thanks. Are you sure it is good. I have gotten mixed reviews.
I'm a Susan's professional, that's all I do is read news and opinions.
Quote from: stephaniec on November 09, 2015, 04:12:59 PM
I'm a Susan's professional, that's all I do is read news and opinions.
Thank you so much. I seem to be popular. I just got re invited to a charity event with an IM from the hostess to confirm I would be there. She says I am Houston's new lovable personality. lol
you go girl
Oh the haters gotta hate on that site. I doubt that I will ever post much there but there are some real haters there. Apparently, all MTF "Transgender women are fetish driven men that use confused children politically and publicly as a cover" and "As for the twisted tales of woe--all the suicide threats. Those are the abusive strategies of male toxic narcissism and abused women recognize it.."
Wow I never realized when I was 12 and holding my dad's gun to my head praying for the strength to pull the trigger I was using an abusive strategy of male toxic narcissism...I just thought I was made wrong and killing myself would end the pain I was feeling from the testosterone poisoning I was undergoing.
I thought it was a great article. One of the best I have seen on the Internet. I can't think of a single thing that could have been expressed better.
As for the haters. I really wonder who the unbalanced ones are when they start spouting off with their bizarre conspiracy theories about us seeking to destroy Christianity and the American way of life. I suppose they think we hate apple pie too. Fortunately I think more and more people are realizing how utterly crazy they sound. Or at least I hope that's the case.
Anyway, your balanced article, contrasted against their ranting was a wonderful contrast.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Quote from: Jessie Ann on November 09, 2015, 07:02:58 PM
Oh the haters gotta hate on that site. I doubt that I will ever post much there but there are some real haters there. Apparently, all MTF "Transgender women are fetish driven men that use confused children politically and publicly as a cover" and "As for the twisted tales of woe--all the suicide threats. Those are the abusive strategies of male toxic narcissism and abused women recognize it.."
Wow I never realized when I was 12 and holding my dad's gun to my head praying for the strength to pull the trigger I was using an abusive strategy of male toxic narcissism...I just thought I was made wrong and killing myself would end the pain I was feeling from the testosterone poisoning I was undergoing.
Yeah, but I just try to ignore to talk around them.
Quote from: Deborah on November 09, 2015, 07:16:34 PM
I thought it was a great article. One of the best I have seen on the Internet. I can't think of a single thing that could have been expressed better.
As for the haters. I really wonder who the unbalanced ones are when they start spouting off with their bizarre conspiracy theories about us seeking to destroy Christianity and the American way of life. I suppose they think we hate apple pie too. Fortunately I think more and more people are realizing how utterly crazy they sound. Or at least I hope that's the case.
Anyway, your balanced article, contrasted against their ranting was a wonderful contrast.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
That was part of why I was excited to write the article on that site. The message is what I have wanted to say, but on that site I knew I would stand out from them. It helps break through the prejudice. The people in the middle step back and think who do I relate to more?
Those full of hate for the world are the true minority and I worry about what pain they must be in.
Love will always win!
Quote from: Kellam on November 09, 2015, 09:14:48 PM
Those full of hate for the world are the true minority and I worry about what pain they must be in.
Love will always win!
I agree.
OMG Oliviah......you're a celeb!! .....you should be so proud of your article and all you have done!! Well done girl!!
xo
Dianne
Quote from: DianneM on November 09, 2015, 09:37:32 PM
OMG Oliviah......you're a celeb!! .....you should be so proud of your article and all you have done!! Well done girl!!
xo
Dianne
Thank you.
Quote from: Oliviah on November 09, 2015, 11:41:34 AM
OP-ED: The politics of transgender - scapegoats in the culture war
Olivia Maynard
11/9/15
http://www.breitbart.com/texas/2015/11/09/op-ed-politics-transgender-scapegoats-culture-war/
I am published.
We are all very proud of you Olivia! You go girl! ;) The comments don't matter. Someone once said: "There is no such thing as negative publicity." There will always be detractors who want to minimize us. I recently came out publicly after living 30 years in stealth mode. I do have wide support but I have also lost the respect of some of my neighbors. "By their acts ye shall know them" has no meaning evidently in my community. I've given a lot to my community and all that is naught in some people's eyes. So be it. I'll continue to participate in my volunteer activities.
Keep up the good work. If I can help in any way, please let me know. I can also do copy editing of your work.
Cindi
Well I went into the Lions Den of comments and have hopefully scored a few points for the community.
Remember, we will most likely never change the mind of the bigot we are debating. What we need to do is get them to reveal their true self and when we respond as normal rational human beings we can begin to win over those who are undecided and uneducated about our issues.
I got one the posters to say that she would refuse to honor my legal status as female and would attack me in a bathroom because I am a "de facto" threat, a sexual predator and living a fetish. She also said that she was not demeaning me by calling me a man, even though all of my legal documents federal, state and local list me as female. Most sane people will not take kindly to that type of vitriolic rhetoric. It brings up memories of the civil rights movement and the dehumanizing actions of those opposed to the movement. The more we can show the ugly face of the bigots and the beautiful, caring and thoughtful face of ourselves the better we will appear to the mainstream.
Again - GREAT JOB OLIVIA! You have rocked the Breitbart network!
Jessie, it sounds like that commenter made our point for us. You are more at risk in the ladies than she is. You want to pee, she wants to attack. Just sayin' also nice work!
Quote from: Cindi Jones on November 10, 2015, 09:46:22 AM
We are all very proud of you Olivia! You go girl! ;) The comments don't matter. Someone once said: "There is no such thing as negative publicity." There will always be detractors who want to minimize us. I recently came out publicly after living 30 years in stealth mode. I do have wide support but I have also lost the respect of some of my neighbors. "By their acts ye shall know them" has no meaning evidently in my community. I've given a lot to my community and all that is naught in some people's eyes. So be it. I'll continue to participate in my volunteer activities.
Keep up the good work. If I can help in any way, please let me know. I can also do copy editing of your work.
Cindi
Thanks. They gave me a really short deadline, but I beat it. I was so nervous I didn't proof read well. My tenses are all messed up, but that is ok. It is my first major published work. The only other was a resturant review.
I may so cal on you in the future for editing.
Thanks for the encouragement.
Quote from: Jessie Ann on November 10, 2015, 01:23:17 PM
Well I went into the Lions Den of comments and have hopefully scored a few points for the community.
Remember, we will most likely never change the mind of the bigot we are debating. What we need to do is get them to reveal their true self and when we respond as normal rational human beings we can begin to win over those who are undecided and uneducated about our issues.
I got one the posters to say that she would refuse to honor my legal status as female and would attack me in a bathroom because I am a "de facto" threat, a sexual predator and living a fetish. She also said that she was not demeaning me by calling me a man, even though all of my legal documents federal, state and local list me as female. Most sane people will not take kindly to that type of vitriolic rhetoric. It brings up memories of the civil rights movement and the dehumanizing actions of those opposed to the movement. The more we can show the ugly face of the bigots and the beautiful, caring and thoughtful face of ourselves the better we will appear to the mainstream.
Again - GREAT JOB OLIVIA! You have rocked the Breitbart network!
Thanks. People are kinda blown away I got it published. It hasn't gone viral, but maybe that is for the best. I am a little new for the spotlight.
I had no idea of how deep some people's ignorance and hate goes.....i guess that's a side effect of being in the closet for so long. It's only now that I'm seeing it......it's obvious that we still have an uphill battle but nothing worthwhile comes easy....again Olivia....thanks and well done...
Dianne
xo