The Legalize Trans* Campaign

The Legalize Trans* campaign is an effort to draw attention to the lack of inclusivity in the popular clothing manufacturer American Apparel's "Legalize Gay" campaign and to highlight transphobia in the broader gay, lesbian, and bisexual community. The campaign is set to create dialogue and educate about issues pertaining to transgender and gender non-conforming individuals.

Get involved in the Legalize Trans* campaign by buying a shirt, buttons, downloading graphics, and getting updated on critical "T" issues.

Request VH1 Continue Trans Affirming Makeover Show

TRANSform Me was a six season show that recently premiered on VH1. The show was a spin off of Queer Eye for The Straight Guy, whereby women get made over by three beautiful and confident trans women. The show had a diverse cast with Laverne Cox an African-American woman who offered emotional support and directed the makeover, Nina Poon an Asian-American who helped with the wardrobe, and Jamie Clayton who worked the makeup aspect.

All three women are beautiful, intelligent, and self-confident and are great role models for the transgender community. The show was groundbreaking because it showed cisgender people interacting with trans people, and always included personal experiences and information and resources about trans issues.

The entire season and bonus clips can be viewed online at TRANSform Me's website.

Please encourage VH1 to continue showing these episodes, and to create a season two for those of us fans, and people who feel the work is so important!

VH1 can be contacted at their parent company Viacom or on Twitter

J. Crew Store Being Protested by Transgender Groups

Transgender activists and allies plan to demonstrate at a New York City J. Crew store over their accusation that the store is not hiring trans employees. Organizers have filed a complaint with the Attorney General and plan to raise awareness through their demonstration.

Through a report called 'Transgender Need Not Apply: A Report on Gender Identity Job Discrimination'...

"Researchers have identified J. Crew as a violator of the New York City Human Rights Law. When equally qualified job applicants applied for positions at J Crew, non-transgender applicants were consistently hired over transgender applicants, the study found"(SDGLN).

Activists will demand that the store include gender identity/expression as part of its non-discrimination policy and train employees about these practices.

The rally and news conference will be at 1:15 p.m. Sunday, March 14, in front of the J. Crew store, 91 Fifth Ave., between 16th and 17th streets.

Organization Spotlight: Gender JUST

Gender JUST (Gender Justice United for Societal Transformation) is a multi-racial, multi-ethnic, and multi-generational grassroots organization of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Allied (LGBTQA) young people, LGBTQA people of color, and grassroots folks developing leadership and building power through organizing.

Michigan Secretary of State Candidates Top Priority is To Stop Trans People from Transitioning

Paul Scott (R-Grand Blanc) is running for the GOP nomination to be the next Secretary of State in Michigan. He has made stopping transgender people from changing their sex on their license part of his four most important priorities.

"I will make it a priority to ensure transgender individuals will not be allowed to change the sex on their driver’s license in any circumstance. It’s a social values issue. If you are born a male, you should be known as a male. Same as with a female, she should be known as a female" (Michigan Messenger).

He made clear that this was a priority of his in order to stop biologically male trans women from using female restrooms.

Michigan law currently allows transgender people to legally change their sex. The representative is threatening to turn back the tide on civil rights even though just a few months ago residents of Kalamazoo, Michigan reaffirmed their commitment to protections based on gender identity at the polls.

Tell Paul Scott to stop using transphobia as a political tool to advance his candidacy.

Paul Scott
Secretary of State
PaulScott@house.mi.gov
Phone: (517) 373-1780
PO Box 693
Grand Blanc, MI 48480

David Letterman Show Promotes Trans Disgust

The David Letterman show on the CBS network has insulted Amanda Simpson, a trans woman who was recently appointed to the U.S. Commerce Department by the Obama administration. In the clip below David Letterman announces the news, followed by a guest on his show who breaks out in shock that "Amanda used to be a dude" the man is disgusted and outraged and runs off stage, the segment insinuates the man had some sort of relationship with Simpson and reinforces the sentiment that being transgender is somehow disgusting, misleading, and abnormal.



This isn't David Letterman's first transphobic problem, he made news on this blog two years ago when he insulted F2M Thomas Beatie the pregnant female to male transsexual. While we approve and acknowledge that Letterman has done some good, ie: standing up for marriage equality, his continual jabs at the transgender community cannot go on without consequence.

Contact David Letterman and tell him to apologize for this offensive jab at Amanda Simpson and the entire transgender community.

Email:cbsmailbag@aol.com

Sign the petition directed to the shows Executive Producers.

Transgender Day of Rememberance 11/20/09

Today, November 20th marks the eleventh Transgender Day of Remembrance, a solemn time to think back and honor our transgender brothers and sisters who were murdered for being who they are. Sadly 2009 witnessed an alarming increase in trans attacks and deaths and many of these were horrific acts of brutality simply because a person has a different gender identity or expression than society expects of them.



Suggested actions for the day:
-Candlelight vigils / marches
-Visual representation of the number of deaths with:
-Cardboard tomb stones of remembered people
-Paper cutouts of remembered people
-Body outline chalkings of remembered people
-Art / photography displays
-Conversation & awareness about trans issues

For a complete listing of memorial events please visit International Transgender Day of Remembrance.

Transgender Awareness Week Nov 15-20th

Transgender Awareness Week takes place from November 15th up until November 20th which is the Day of Remembrance, a solemn day to remember lives lost in the transgender community. The week is an opportunity to educate, engage, and get active on behalf of equal rights and fair treatment for transgender and gender variant people and their families.

Educational resources on Trans community:

Diversity Lesson 101: Transgender

Diversity Lesson 101: Genderqueer/Intergender


Activist organizations for Trans community:

National Center for Transgender Equality

The Transgender Law & Policy Institute

FTM International

Gender Education and Advocacy


Get involved locally and find events at your LGBT resource center by checking the LGBT center directory.

Screaming Queens-The Riot At Compton's Cafeteria Documentary

Screaming Queens: The Riot At Compton's Cafeteria is the 2005 documentary produced by Victor Silverman and Susan Stryker about San Francisco's 1966 Compton's Cafeteria riot. It preceded the more famous Stonewall one by three years.

Here's a link to more information about it, and enjoy these clips from the documentary.







This is a great piece of LGBT and trans history rarely shown or heard of.

Crossposted via TransGriot.

Lil Mama Apologizes to Trans Woman

9/5/09: Lil Mama has issued an apology to the trans community and to the contestant Leiomy.

"I would like to clarify anything that was misunderstood from Sunday's show,” Lil Mama said in a statement released by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. “My remarks were never meant to be disrespectful regarding Leiomy's gender nor offensive to the LGBT community, which has been a community that has supported me in all my endeavors. However, in hindsight, I recognize that my words may have come across as hurtful. I spoke with her privately after the taping to express that it was not my intent to offend her or any member of the transgender community and that I still live for Vogue Evolution" (Advocate).

---

8/31/09: Underlying conflict rose to the surface for Vogue Evolution last night on America’s Best Dance Crew as Leiomy said she was homesick and was shown acting out in rehearsal footage. After their performance, judge Lil Mama waded into controversy with some of her comments to Leiomy.

“Leiomy, come on. Your behavior…it’s unacceptable. I just feel that you always have to remember your truth. You were born a man and you are becoming a woman. If you’re going to become a woman, act like a lady. Don’t be a bird, like ‘Oh my god, I’m not doing this!’ You know what I’m saying? It gets too crazy and it gets confusing. You’re doing this for America. Even though you’re the face for transgenders, you’re the face of America right now with this group and it’s not about anybody else. It’s about y’all. You know what I’m saying? So do it for the team. Do it for the team.” (GLAAD).

Here is the segment featuring the Leiomy controversy:


What does Leiomys behavior have to do with the fact that she is transgender? It is one thing to call out a contestant for being confrontational with team mates but quite another to relate that to their gender identity.

Contact Lil Mama via twitter and let her know your thoughts about what it means to "act like a lady" and what a true "voice of the young people" as she calls herself should promote.

Fox News Show Red Eye Bashes Pre-Op MTF Boxer

The Fox News show Red Eye hosted by Greg Gutfeld continues to air transphobic remarks at the expense of various transgender people in the public spotlight, now focusing his attention on a boxer who will transition from male to female. We first called Mr Gutfeld out for his outrageous transphobic and horrific remarks about the "Pregnant Man" FTM, Thomas Beatie. He also spewed out offensive remarks against openly gay congressman Barney Frank.

His attention has now turned to British professional boxer Rob Newbiggen who will undergo sex re-assignment surgery. To report on and discuss the controversial and sensitive topic of transgender athletes competing against their newly assigned sex is one thing but Mr. Gutfeld takes it further.



Mr. Gutfeld not respecting the gender identity of the athlete continues to reference them as "he". Mr. Gutfeld also goes on to joke about the athletes desire to model as saying "you go girl, or boy, or whatever" which mocks not only trans modeling but also continues to disrespect gender identification.

One of the guests on the panel jokes about him fighting and losing to another contestant and that "he will probably go back and want to be a man."

But most offensive is the fact that Mr. Gutfeld questions whether this is a "PR stunt" which they laugh about and say "no man would do that, and of course you lose your friends"

It ends with the suggestion by another panelist for a new show called "Million Dollar Tranny"

As always some will say that we are being too sensitive and looking to pick a fight while not understanding the true nature of this 'intelligent comedy'. There is a fine line between funny and offensive when it comes to comedy, and the line has clearly been crossed in this case and in multiple other situations as evidenced by the links above.

Please contact Red Eye and tell them how you will boycott their transphobic program:

Email: redeye@foxnews.com

Phone Fox News: 1-888-369-4762

Transgender Day of Visibility

Happy Transgender Day of Visibility, today March 31st is the groundbreaking and first time this holiday is being celebrated. Unlike Transgender Day of Remembrance, where we mourn those we lost to hate crimes based on gender identity/expression, today is a day to focus on the living and the positive aspects of the trans community and to promote education, awareness and visibility of this segment of the population.

Events are being held throughout the world, including presentations, films, and people attending school in drag, as well as groups meeting to discuss trans politics, safety, and the commitment to futher recognition of trans people.

TransAction Day 2009

TransAction is a national day to encourage dialogue about gender, gender roles and the full range of gender identities, and to advocate for inclusive, safe schools for all students.

The 2007 National School Climate Survey, a national study of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) found:

85.1% of transgender students reported being verbally harassed based on their sexual orientation and gender/gender expression

96.1% of students heard negative comments related to students’ gender expression

38.4% of students reported feeling unsafe at school because of their gender expression.

Transgender students reported experiencing higher levels of harassment and assault related to various personal characteristics than other students.

GLSEN is encouraging people to celebrate, educate, and advocate on behalf of transgender people.

To sign up or to see the resources available, please check out TransAction Day!

Demand the Dallas Voice Stop Using "Tranny"

The Dallas Voice and it's Web Log which bill themselves as a "LGB Paper" are not inclusive or sensitive to the T part of the community. They continue to use derogatory words against the trans community. These words lead to insensitivity resulting in the marginalization, victimization and violent murders of transgender people.

The video below describes how harmful it is to the self respect of transgender people when you call them "trannie" and unless they are a entertainer with published articles which we identify ourselves individually as a "Drag Queen or Tranny" please do not call them by these names.



Please save lives and take action! Copy the message below and send the Dallas Voice an email!

Dear Dallas Voice, Our community is comprised of Queer, transgender, Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual, intersexed and Questioning people who deserve the same respect as your staff expects to be shown in there personal daily lives. You would scream bloody murder if we used the term "faggot" do not call people "tranny". We demand our own community stops leading the way for hate and violence targeting transgender people.

Phone: (214) 754-8710
Fax: (214) 969-7271

Robert Moore, Publisher robertmoore@dallasvoice.com Ext 112
Tammye Nash, Senior Editor nash@dallasvoice.com Ext 128
John Wright, News Editor wright@dallasvoice.com Ext 113
Ben Briscoe, Staff Writer briscoe@dallasvoice.com Ext 117

Crossposted via Planet Transgender.

Word of the Gay: "Trans Activist"

A "Trans Activist" is a fighter on behalf of transgender rights and awareness.

Ten Signs of Transphobia in Our Culture

Ten Signs of Transphobia in Our Culture

1. Denial that the problem exists in the first place.

2. Inability to distinguish between categories such as queer, lesbian,
and trans.

3. Lack of meaningful discussion in educational and workplace settings.

4. Anxiety over not being able to tell if a person is male or female.

5. Crude jokes directed at trans people or with trans-related content.

6. Refusal to accept trans people as one’s own teacher, doctor, politician, dentist, etc.

7. Thinking that being trans is OK but also dismissing the idea of ever dating a transperson.

8. Reducing trans to being merely and solely a psychiatric category.

9. Trivialization and media spectacles centred on trans-ness as an object of ‘fascination.’

10. Refusing the fundamental claims of transpeople as being genuinely mis-sexed.

Crossposted via Bird of Paradox

Transgender Day of Remembrance - 11/20/08

Today is the 10th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance commemorating all those in the transgender community who lost their lives due transphobia, misunderstanding, and pure hate.

Prayer for Transgender Day of Remembrance

"God full of mercy, bless the souls of all who are in our hearts on this Transgender Day of Remembrance. We call to mind today young and old, of every race, faith, and gender experience, who have died by violence. We remember those who have died because they would not hide, or did not pass, or did pass, or stood too proud, or looked like someone who did. Today we name them: the reluctant activist; the fiery hurler of heels; the warrior for quiet truth; the one whom no one really knew.

As many as we can name, there are thousands more whom we cannot, and for whom no prayer may have been said. We mourn their senseless deaths, and give thanks for their lives, for their teaching, and for the brief glow of each holy flame. We pray for the strength to carry on their legacy of vision, bravery, and love.

And as we remember them, we remember with them the thousands more who have taken their own lives. We pray for resolve to root out the injustice, ignorance, and cruelty that grow despair. And we pray, God, that all those who perpetrate hate and violence will speedily come to understand that Your creation has many faces, many genders, many holy expressions.

Blessed are they, who have allowed their divine image to shine in the world.

Blessed is God, in Whom no light is extinguished.(CBST)"

Suggested actions for the day:
-Candlelight vigils / marches
-Visual representation of the number of deaths with:
-Cardboard tomb stones of remembered people
-Paper cutouts of remembered people
-Body outline chalkings of remembered people
-Art / photography displays

Please use the opporunity to commemorate a friend or loved one who has suffered due to transphobia, regardless of whether one is theist, atheist, and regardless of your particular faith, please keep those names in your heart today and think about how we can all work to make this world a better and more just place regardless of ones gender identity/expression.

Stop the Transphobia on MSN Lifestyle!

In article called "Pop Go the Weasels" by Jason Daley of MSN Lifestyle, he writes about the 10 worst fatherhood role models.

In this article he lists Thomas Beatie the pregnant transgender man, as the third worst possible father figure.

"3. Thomas Beatie
Teaching kids about sex is tough enough. But when this bearded, deep-voiced transgendered Oregon man popped out a bundle of joy earlier this year, our jobs as fathers became even more complicated: "Sit down, son. I need to talk to you about the birds, the bees…and the trannies." Oof."

First off, where does Mr. Daley get off judging someones parenting skills whom he doesn't know. Second his use of the transphobic word "trannies" is unacceptable. It is people like Mr. Daley that make fatherhood more "complicated" because they impose their own notions of gender identity on society.

Got something to say about it? Email MSN Lifestyle.

Transgender Carnival in the Blogosphere

The blogworld is lighting up and getting prepared for a new trans carnival. The Transgender Carnival aims to recognize and celebrate the full spectrum of gender identities by providing a platform for all our voices.

The Carnival is open to transsexual, transgendered, genderqueer, nongendered, gender non-conforming people, and anyone working in solidarity with us.

The format is similar to that of other carnivals and each month a different blogger will host it. Anyone can submit a link to a piece for consideration for inclusion.

The Transgender Carnival is currently accepting nominations for
(a) links to posts for inclusion in the first Transgender Carnival, and
(b) host sites for future Carnivals.

Please contact the organizers by email at transgender.carnival@gmail.com

How to be a Trans Ally

Saw this article over at Lesbian Life on how to be a trans ally.

1. Don't Assume.

You might not know if a transgender person is in your presence. If speaking to a group, try to be inclusive.

2. Don't tolerate anti-trans remarks or jokes.

If someone makes a transphobic joke or remark, call them out on it. Challenge transphobic thinking.

3. Use the preferred pronoun.

If a person says she identifies as female, use "she" and "her" regardless of what that person's body or appearance is. If you are not sure which pronoun to use ask the person, "What pronoun would you like me to use?"

4. Respect Confidentiality.

If a person comes out to you as transgender, transsexual or questioning, ask that person who else knows and who you can talk to about it.

5. Listen.

Every trans person's experience is unique. If someone is having a hard time coming out or experiencing discrimination, you can help a lot by just listening.

6. Know your limits.

Admit when you've reached the limit of your knowledge. Ask for guidance or find an appropriate resource.

7. Don't try to Label someone.

If someone tells you they feel like they are "trapped in the wrong body" don't tell them they are necessarily a transsexual. People who are struggling with their gender identity often need the space to figure out for themselves how to identify.

8. Don't assume You Know What Their sexual Orientation is.

Sexual orientation and gender identity are not directly connected. Someone who is transitioning may also be questioning their sexual orientation or may choose to identify in a different way then they have previously.

9. Look at yourself.

Examine your own ideas of gender stereotypes and challenge those around you to do the same.

10. Stay Open

Remember transgender people are individuals who deserve respect and understanding.