Foe me it was becoming homeless that has caused me to become more involved in the transgender community. I was homeless for only a couple of months but it scared the crap out of me. Now I'm starting to go to luncheons and support groups to get more connected.
Good for you Steph. Glad to hear it.
I am a long time Materials Manager and one of my pet peeves is not having an agenda before I attend a meeting. The difference in being prepared allows increased productivity. I'm considering the religious solution of being always in your face. What if we went door to door with our tracts and magazines. How many houses do you think one could visit, before Mr. Policeman showed up?
Quote... always in your face.
Yup! I definitely like that. It's pretty much what I do. Oh, I'm not handing out copies of TransTower, or proselytizing, but I'm there. I tend to be out in front making noise.
I am teaching classes, running exam programs, and chairing club meetings in amateur radio, a fairly conservative (classical meaning) crowd. I'm marching in demonstrations (Women's March on Washington next) and waving signs in public (Unitarian Universalist Public Witness program).
The only transgender-specific things I do are the two biggies, TransPride March San Francisco, and the Day of Remembrance. Everything else, I'm just there, out in front, and if I get clocked, so be it.
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There was a certain national election not long ago that has spurred me to be more of an activist.
Quote from: RobynD on January 12, 2017, 07:01:17 PM
There was a certain national election not long ago that has spurred me to be more of an activist.
-Same-
Quote from: RobynD on January 12, 2017, 07:01:17 PM
There was a certain national election not long ago that has spurred me to be more of an activist.
& ditto!
Ayup! I'm getting back to my college roots. I'm running about a march or demonstration a week right now. Very little is directly relevant here so I don't post about it.
You could say it's a retirement hobby. Of course, some have said that about my transition. More of a full time job, really.
On the trans front, I'm just out and in front of a lot of people, just being a nice human being. I've convinced one person that we are not all flakes and nuts. He says I'm fine, but "some of these folks like that Bruce Jenner..." Two steps forward, one back. Pesky Kardashians.
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I'm kind of torn between becoming more involved and just fading into the woodwork and living a "normal life".
Now that SRS is done and my transitioning activities are nearing completion I'm hoping I can gain some clarity as to what I really want to do.
When I started transition back in 2002, I was more involved with the local gender groups, like Ingersoll, my company's LGBTQ group, and I even served on the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force board. But like others, as I finished up most of my transition, I too faded into society to just live my life. Last October and into November I started to have severe depression and dysphoria around my voice. That led me to an Internet search where I found this site, all of you wonderful people, and hope for a better sounding voice.
It also would be disingenuous to not say that I am concerned about the results of the latest US election. We have made so many advances as a community over the last few years, I would hate to see all of these disappear for those just starting transition. So becoming more involved and sharing my story can help to sway minds towards being more accepting.
-S
yea, there is a lot to be concerned about the more we bond the better it would be for us.
I am just not a "cause" person. So I don't think it will change.
I've felt spoiled going through my transition and it's made me want to give back. My friends have all been amazing and I've made many new friends. My family has been great. it pains me greatly that so many people don't share my story. particularly kids. I volunteered for a trans youth camp last summer and will certainly do so again this year. Also in the process of applying to be a mentor for LGBQT kids.
I also haven't had any problems identifying myself as trans and talking to people and answering their questions. the more people know and understand the better it is for the whole community. that said, I've wondered if, as I get further along in my transition, whether that will change. Only time will tell I guess
I think the answer depends on where you live. I live in Canada, so we're pretty lucky. Consider:
*Canada was 4th country to adopt same sex marriage.
*Gender surgery is free in almost all provinces.
*you can transition in the prison you identify wim and surgery is paid
*gender protection is working its way through Parliament as we speak
*there are no bathroom bills, nor do I ever see this even debated
*you can be LGBT in the military
*same sex couples can adopt in all provinces - no concern there
Canada is far from perfect, but a lot of the battles for human rights have been won by those who fought for them. And I am grateful.
I consider myself very privileged to live in a country that has freedoms for ALL citizens.
Quote from: Nina_Ottawa on January 14, 2017, 04:56:06 PM
I think the answer depends on where you live. I live in Canada, so we're pretty lucky. Consider:
*Canada was 4th country to adopt same sex marriage.
*Gender surgery is free in almost all provinces.
*you can transition in the prison you identify wim and surgery is paid
*gender protection is working its way through Parliament as we speak
*there are no bathroom bills, nor do I ever see this even debated
*you can be LGBT in the military
*same sex couples can adopt in all provinces - no concern there
I consider myself very privileged to live in a country that has freedoms for ALL citizens.
Go Canada!
I worry most of all about my career/trade tbh. Even though I'm a union member, and the company I currently work for has its own anti discrimination policies, on a daily basis I'm surrounded by homophobia/transphobia like it's a free pass to discriminate against us. Leave everyone else alone though! I keep a journal of everything, because of events that have happened before. I've memorized the green book and the companies corporate guidelines with regards to discrimination of any kind. I've even familiaried myself with documents meant to 'educate' union representatives of their legal and moral obligation to still represent us before during and after transition.
Only time will tell how much of this will need to be used.