what do you think is the most important issue that needs to be addressed in the transgender community. I personally haven't the slightest clue , I'm not that versed in the issues facing the community. At the moment I've just been focusing on transition , but it would be interesting to become more aware of the important issues seeing the issues are going to affect me in some way.

My personal opinion is Gay Marriage. I believe once every state is on board with it the momentum will be unstoppable. It could lead to many other issue's we have being more accepted and supported. Only my opinion though.

100% Health Care and Stop all Discrimination.

If we get both of these across the board everyones life can reach new heights.

Isabell

Quote from: stephaniec on February 21, 2014, 09:06:54 PM
what do you think is the most important issue that needs to be addressed in the transgender community. I personally haven't the slightest clue , I'm not that versed in the issues facing the community. At the moment I've just been focusing on transition , but it would be interesting to become more aware of the important issues seeing the issues are going to affect me in some way.

Kia Ora Steph,

In a word ...."Unity"

Metta Zenda

IMO, recognition of the condition as a medically correctable birth defect, and acceptance by insurance providers of the medical necessity of the phases of treatment of this condition.

Other than that, the education of the general public as to what this condition actually entails, and how it is treated...in an effort to reduce the ignorance that is responsible for a large percentage of transphobia in the world today.

I'm very much where you are Stephanie.  I spent years using TG story sites, forums, and rp sites as a release to deal with my dysphoria while I tried to power through in day to day life, as such, I am rather new to the transgender community, and am currently focused a lot on not going stir crazy waiting to begin transitioning.  So, I'm not overly versed yet.

These are all great answers, but I definitely agree with Anatta.  Unity to me seems to be what is most needed first.  Not just in the transgender community but the greater LGBTQ community.   

Quote from: Anatta on February 21, 2014, 09:36:30 PM
Kia Ora Steph,

In a word ...."Unity"

Metta Zenda

Great in theory, but it will never happen.

Educating the masses regarding trans issues and deeper research into it all, with that full equality and understanding would naturally follow.

Quote from: kelly_aus on February 21, 2014, 10:55:53 PM
Great in theory, but it will never happen.

Kia Ora Kelly,

Tis true...We trans-folk are as diverse in our opinions as we are in 'identity'...Hence why unity is the number one issue facing the trans-comm-unity ( a borrowed term from The Phoenix) ...

Metta Zenda

The biggest problem I see is the "Gold Star Transsexual" disrespecting gender variant people who don't meet their high standards.

Randi

Health care and nondiscrimination legislation, all the way.  Awareness is nice, but awareness won't get me the medical treatment I need, or prevent my boss from firing me at the drop of a hat, should my voice sound a little too low one day.

Shoes.

Rosie

Just had a thought..

The #1 issue for people may well depend on their location.. Some of the things listed in regards to access to health care and anti-discrimination are non-issues for some of us.

Medicare not covering laser hair removal, this is going to get expensive fast

affordable medical being something that cannot be used as an exclusion for anything.

Quote from: Sarah leah on February 22, 2014, 06:12:17 AM
Medicare not covering laser hair removal, this is going to get expensive fast

I understand where you are coming from, but it's Medicare.. It's purpose is to provide essential care to as much of the population as possible.

I'm happy enough that my therapist and gyno vists are mostly covered by Medicare - both charge about a $35 gap for my sessions. Hormones being covered by the PBS is a bonus too. I certainly couldn't afford $116 a box for my Cyproterone Acetate.. $6 is much easier to swallow.

Sadly I fear we might lose the coverage we do have, thanks to the current governement.

I think the most important thing for me at the moment is acceptance!
I think some people just don't understand why we are transitioning, and jus think that its a choice we have made!!

I think its a bit like how people viewed homosexuality a couple of decades ago!
I think its important therefore that people are educated on transgendered issues. That way there might be a little bit more acceptance out there!!!

Xx

Quote from: Anatta on February 21, 2014, 09:36:30 PM
Kia Ora Steph,

In a word ...."Unity"

Metta Zenda

I agree.  We have a lot of people willing to lead the team to accomplish great goals.  But we have very few people working to build the team. 

Public perception of us and understanding of our condition.

People still believe we do this for sexual thrills, that we all get surgery, that trans women are all entertainers, streetwalkers, or totally off-the-wall and that trans men don't exist, that gender is purely a social construct, etc.

It results in discrimination, people fired and denied housing because they transition, trouble finding romantic connection, crazy laws that require us to have surgery to change our documents, etc.

Quote from: Jessica Merriman on February 21, 2014, 09:10:46 PM
My personal opinion is Gay Marriage. I believe once every state is on board with it the momentum will be unstoppable. It could lead to many other issue's we have being more accepted and supported. Only my opinion though

Quote

+1 ^^