Nov
11
We often take our liberties for granted, especially those of us who live where tolerance is common and sensitivity is expected.
But there is a time to reflect on the price that people have paid in places where differences are justification for oppression, or in times that were not so enlightened as these.
Exhibit #1 Memorializing 2011
Memorializing 2011 lists trans people murdered around the world.
I am struck by the fact that these people died simply for doing what I do any time I feel like it with nary a second thought.
Not unnoticed, at least by me, is the marked preference among assailants for the intimate personal touch of killing imparted by the use of a knife rather than a gun.
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Nov
10
We in Canada are proud to say that in our nation’s capital, during the weekend of Transgender Remembrance Day (November 18 – 20), there will be a flag raising at the Ottawa Police Headquarters, honoring the trans community specifically.
It is ground-breaking to be recognized on our own, outside of the GLBT umbrella, of which we seem so often to be a marginal part.
Further significance attaches to the fact that it is the police that are doing this for us, despite the mistrust of many in the trans community of the police.
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Nov
05
Ok, maybe a bit melodramatic… maybe saved my feet is more like it.
But, I have never had a love-type relationship with flats. I think that women – and especially tgirls – look much better in heels.
The tgirl as
pect is important. Men tend to have larger feet and proportionately shorter legs than women, and heels address both concerns. A bent foot is a smaller foot, and obviously a heel extends the length of the leg.
But, (I can’t believe I am saying this!!) there is a practical aspect to life as a woman. GF will be relentless after hearing me say such a thing, but alas, it is true.
Until now, I have adopted the approach of taking along a pair of running shoes and wearing them on the treks from place to place, then changing into heels where people might see me.
But, aside from being inconvenient and forcing me to have a larger purse at certain times when when I might much prefer having that really cute small one, stuff happens while you’re on the way from A to B.
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Oct
30
I hate to rain on the parade of the “I told you so”’s out there, but my wonder and joy at feeling so feminine while spending a solid week living as a woman has given way to an equal and opposite masculine feeling.
Since I have been back, I have had to be in a male mindset non-stop for almost a week, managing construction and landscaping issues and other business matters. (Don’t ask!)
After all that solid guy time, my intention to switch to girly mode today for a Halloween Party tonight and tomorrow night has met with no small amount of internal resistance.
Read More»Oct
28
This Fantasia Fair had a surprisingly intense focus on voice. Three speech pathologists were in attendance, and 4 seminars on offer, as well as private sessions available.
I took full advantage.
My personal assessment of my female voice is that it is not bad, but could stand improvement. I wanted a professional assessment, as well as some tools to use in order to better myself.
So, I met privately with one of the professionals.
The session began with her engaging me in conversation about myself and my interests, while, unbeknownst to me, a spectrometer was measuring my voice.
Read More»Oct
05
Annie Lennox, the gender-bending artist who came to fame as the voice (and soul) of the Eurythmics in the eighties, has recently become the sole focus of an art exhibit at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London called “The House of Annie Lennox” – a take-off on her website name – The House of Me.
She is even going to personally, physically be part of the exhibit. In what she calls “a mix between art, video and showcase,” she will do some of her work at a desk within the display, on view to spectators but not able to see them.
If you don’t know Annie Lennox, treat yourself to a quick search online for her biography. Or, just click this link: http://www.nationalpost.com/news/Diva+display/5452384/story.html
In one of the unusual anecdotes I read, she had to furnish proof that she was actually female before MTV would allow her Sweet Dreams video to air.
Read More»Oct
02
My post yesterday dealt with an ad (from the so-called Institute for Canadian Values – don’t you just love the way certain people decide that their values are the ones for all of us?) beseeching government to stop confusing young children with questions about their gender and sexual orientation – especially regarding transgender issues.
Interestingly, just today, the newspaper in which the ad ran issued an apology for publishing it.
The paper is of a right-of-center political bent, so the apology may raise eyebrows further.
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Oct
01
I am bringing this up with precious little in the way of insight. Hopefully, some of you will have something to offer on the subject.
The ad below (please click on it to enlarge it to readable size) comes from a local paper and expresses concern with efforts to teach young children about sexual and gender diversity. (The title of this post comes from the name of the website responsible for this ad.)
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Sep
29
The “ Pretty Man ” experience set me thinking more and more about the idea.
If it proves possible to give voice to my feminine side without being a woman, then all the inner conflicts about whether I am two-gendered, or which gender I truly am melt away; the stigma of being trans, and the fear of discovery disappear. I go back to being one person, with one name, one wardrobe and no secrets.
The first sign of trouble, though, came the other night when I went out with friends, dressed in a tight-fitting mock turtleneck, narrow pants and somewhat feminine flats – all black.
Read More»Sep
03
Having flown without incident as a girl on a number of occasions in the U.S., I was quite taken aback to read that in Canada – a country most people would regard as more progressive – the law requires airlines to deny boarding to anyone who “does not appear to be of the gender indicated on the identification he or she presents.” (Aeronautics Act of Canada Section 5.2(1)(b).)
My experiences in America have been nothing but pleasant. I have sung the praises, on these very pages, of both border agents and security personnel, who have gone out of their way to be accommodating and pleasant.
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