I attended TransAction's "Community Collaboration Meeting" earlier in preparation of Trans Awareness Month (November). Good things are coming!
Generally, every year there's one event during Trans Awareness Month that I've been aware of: a candlelit vigil in remembrance of trans individuals who have been murdered or assaulted. While it is always emotionally provoking and helps to raise awareness about trans discrimination, it's also terrifying.
As I've mentioned before, the rampant prevalence of violence against trans individuals is precisely why I feel like I have to go by masculine pronouns once I started taking hormones in order to just experience a match between my brain-map and anatomy. Why I feel like I have only two options to choose from in the social arena - "man" or "woman" - and man is the safest for me to navigate through. Even though I genuinely identify as a gender identity separate from cisgender men - or "man" at all. That I even have to think in those terms; about where it's safe, what's safe. How to get by without being exposed in the wrong places or targeted by the wrong people.
I'm excited that this year, though. In addition to the vigil - there are also going to be a number of empowering.we.can.do.it activities! Speakers. A mini-conference. Political stuff.
Generally, every year there's one event during Trans Awareness Month that I've been aware of: a candlelit vigil in remembrance of trans individuals who have been murdered or assaulted. While it is always emotionally provoking and helps to raise awareness about trans discrimination, it's also terrifying.
As I've mentioned before, the rampant prevalence of violence against trans individuals is precisely why I feel like I have to go by masculine pronouns once I started taking hormones in order to just experience a match between my brain-map and anatomy. Why I feel like I have only two options to choose from in the social arena - "man" or "woman" - and man is the safest for me to navigate through. Even though I genuinely identify as a gender identity separate from cisgender men - or "man" at all. That I even have to think in those terms; about where it's safe, what's safe. How to get by without being exposed in the wrong places or targeted by the wrong people.
I'm excited that this year, though. In addition to the vigil - there are also going to be a number of empowering.we.can.do.it activities! Speakers. A mini-conference. Political stuff.
you are correct, you should never share that. haha. miss you. and this gine character.
ReplyDeleteHello again!
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to let you know about this (it's in October, not November):
http://transform.transmentors.org/
I'm on the board for TransMentors International who is hosting the event, and I thought you might find it of interest. Of course it's in Arizona, so a bit of a haul, but it will be totally worth it.
Thanks again for a great blog post and have a great weekend!
Transphobic aggression is really scary. When I started being perceived as male, I realized that I was more relaxed when walking down the street (alas, probably due to male privilege). But now I'm slightly scared whenever I'm walking alone. I know I'm probably perceived as a weak, faggy guy, which makes me a target for violence. And if someone attacks me and realizes I'm trans, things could get really ugly. I've been lucky, so far: people have tried to mug me, but I always managed to escape.
ReplyDeleteI went slightly off-topic; I meant to say that I understand the need to present within the binary for safety. It's too bad: a lot of personal expression and creativity is lost in the process. But violence is serious business.
It's still far away but I hope you enjoy Trans Awareness Month!
Neekole: I miss you, too! I have a birthday card for you!
ReplyDeleteM.Dunn: Thanks for the head's up. I'll see what I can do to hopefully attend given my lame ass same ol' story these days economic conditions. Woo hoo!
ReplyDeletegenderkid: You didn't go off topic. Very well put, and I feel the same way. I love it when you post feedback. Keep it up. :]
ReplyDeletedude, spelunking!!! totally the funniest thing e.v.e.r.
ReplyDeletei keep you in my "be safe" thoughts.