To all the hes and the shes,
The aes and the faes,
The pers and the xes,
The zes and the zies,
The eys and the others,
And most of all, to all the theys
(but only cuz there’s more of them):
Happy International Pronouns Day!
Here's a great learning opportunity that I've created for you -- a practical guide to the new world of pronouns.
This 36 minute video covers key topics like:
Link to watch directly at YouTube.com:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdtVLgU6OxA&t=6s
“How can I speak up in front of a society when I am a criminal under Section 377?” she [Akkai Padmashali, a transgender activist] asked.
“I think the answer is, it begins with what you just did, which is to find your voice and be able to articulate your views and your experiences, and tell your story,” Obama answered.
“And that’s true of any group that is marginalized, stigmatized,” he continued. “Finding that voice, and being able to tell a story so that the perceptions somehow that you are different are broken down, because they start seeing their experiences in you. They see your humanity.”
“Once that voice is there, hopefully others join you. So now you have networks, and organizations, and allies,” he said.
“And then, once that happens, it’s a matter of applying political pressure and being able to mobilize public opinion,” he instructed.
“I’ve never abandoned them,” he said. “When someone who has this condition comes before Jesus, Jesus would surely never say ‘go away because you’re gay.'”And here's the second section:
Francis recounted the story of a Spanish transgender man who wrote him a letter recounting his transition from a woman to a man....
Francis praised the bishop who accompanied the man throughout his transition. But he criticized the man’s parish priest, who he said would yell “You’ll go to hell” when he saw him on the sidewalk.
Francis recounted that the man found a retired parish priest who had a different attitude: “He said, ‘How long has it been since you’ve gone to confession? Come on. Let’s confess so you can receive Communion.'”
....
While attention must be paid, he said, “in each case welcome, accompany, discern and integrate them” into the life of the church. “This is what Jesus would do today.”
He concluded by begging reporters flying with him on the papal plane: “Please don’t write ‘The pope blesses trans.’ Please.”
I have been reflecting on the various messages we have received from the pope this week…live your truth, make a mess, and who am I to judge....Gotta love the spin he puts on that, eh?
Looking at the three papal phrases that resonated with me, I realize that the pope has perhaps subversively blessed and invited us to live our truth by making a mess so that more and more people can live a life that is judgment free.
Is your church welcoming of transgender people? And if it is, does anyone know?Read the rest of the article...
Lots of churches declare their “open and affirming” status on their websites. Or they will put a rainbow flag on their church sign or website homepage. But those symbols often don’t tell the whole story. Many churches that have done a lot of work on gay and lesbian issues haven’t bothered to study anything about transgender people. They have outdated language on their websites or don’t mention transgender issues at all.
In memory of Kayden Clarke, age 24, killed by Mesa Police Officers who were sent to follow-up on reports that he was suicidal, when he allegedly lunged at them with a kitchen knife. Mesa, Arizona. February 6, 2016.we just want to say
Suicidal
from being trans
or having aspergers
but illegal in either case
we two kings responded with guns
and (reportedly) stun guns
at least one of us trained
in mental health crisis intervention
Forgive us
for killing you
we were called in to uphold the law against suicide
but really we just wanted to go on admin leave
poem by rob g
What is it that #YouDontSay? pic.twitter.com/hykbOrfc2r
— You Don't Say (@youdontsayduke) January 15, 2015
Lisa was born in Colombia, grew up in California and moved to Vancouver, BC in the early 1970s to start a successful career as a graphic designer and photographer. After living for 25 years as a devoted husband and father, Lisa was diagnosed with gender dysphoria. She says this diagnosis was both a blessing and a curse. Though it offered an explanation for her years of struggle, confusion, and guilt, it did not offer any simple solutions. It would take another ten years before she could come to terms with the diagnosis. Lisa has written her autobiography, Transparently: Behind the Scenes of a Good Life, which is available on Amazon. She has given sensitivity workshops at Gay Christian Network, companies, high schools, and churches and hopes to do more in the future.Click here to read this interview.
Lisa responded to your questions with thoughtfulness and honesty. I hope you learn as much as I did.
