4/8/12

Federal Judge Rules In Defense of MN Transgender Marriage

"It really blindsided us," Christina Radtke said. "We've been called liars. I've been called a man and not a woman. It's just crazy."

Christine contacted me on Facebook and asked that I share this victory because it's "such good news for our community". Her heartwarming request reflects her selflessness and love for our community.


Christine's case resulted in the Judge admonishing a health plan administrator for the United Parcel Service making it clear, in Minnesota transgender marriage is not a same sex marriage. Christina, is a post op transgender woman who has amended her legal documents to reflect her correct gender and because of that, according to the judge, she is a woman. Period.

And the marriage between her and her cisgender male husband? Again the judge admonished the administrator, saying it is a marriage between man and woman. Period.

When the United Parcel Service plan administrator counter sued alleging Radtke was not a real woman and fraudulently claimed benefits, the judge had enough and summarily ruled in favor of Christina and her husband.

Its rare we can claim a victory. Thanks to husband and wife, Christine and Calvin Radtke, we have this one to celebrate.

You can read the rest of the story at the Star Tribune.

4/7/12

Equality Maryland's Obscene malfeasance : Seats Under The Table


The article by Owen Smith Field Organizer for Gender Equality Issues at Equality Maryland titled Seats at the table seems conciliatory recognizing the organizations agenda of exclusion of transgender voices but it remains to be seen if any true changes have taken place, becuse too many of us can not communicate with Equality Maryland.

I along with many vocal opponents who dealt the death knell to HB235 which EQMD last year tried to ramrod down our throats remain blocked from commenting on the EQMD Facebook page. And according to Dana Beyer GRMD board member, that will not change.


But as it turns out I was able to comment on this Equality Maryland fundraiser. A Drag show of all things. So I posted this comment which ellisited a response from one of equality Marylands members...While I do appreciate him saying "please" I won't remove it because you don't "like" that I oppose the sexualization and objectification of gender.

I always like to learn a little about whom I am dealing with and found this on his wall...








And found I do not appreciate his sexist crude misogynistic sense of humor.





Reading further into the Baltimore Outhouse article...



.....even more nefarious is this attempted assimilation by the Task Force of the remaining outspoken opponents of a future state transgender bill without public accommodations, and all under the guise of "education". Its only been a year since the task force joined with HRC and the Gill Fund's attempted obliteration of our opposition to Equality Marylands tyrannical behaviour by helping to obfuscate the truth.

The Baltimore Outloud article would be a step in the right direction if they were to be truly stepping in tune with transgender inclusion. Until then its just another invitation to sit under the bus.

Pitt University Demands Medical History before Trans can Use the Correct Restroom


Pittsburgh University just announced a "clarification" of how it intends to deal with transgender peoples use of restroom in thr future. Before the announcement the university said it's unwritten policy considered transgender restroom access on a 'case by case basis".

The new policy contrary to city ordinance and the universities own non discrimination policy singles out a minority, reveals their medical history and in process puts them at risk of discrimination and even violence.





I made this video in Arlington Texas and am not a Pitt student. Early in my transition I tried to attend dental school but the discrimination I encountered was so fierce I dropped out and like Pitt, it all revolved around bathroom use. By placing myself in the Pitt students position I spoke as a transgender person facing this catastrophe.

Even though the Pitt non discrimination policy include transgender people the university has enacted a rule that not only discriminates, it intimidates and jeopardizes the lives of our minority.

Take Action!! Tell Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg who wrong this policy is by calling the Vice Chancellor of Public Affairs Robert Hill at 412-624-4147.

4/5/12

Parent of Transgender Child Needs Our "Likes" To Win

The parent of a transgender child, Leslie Lagerstrom contacted me via her twitter account TransParenthood asking for help to win a essay contest sponsored by a non profit called "Words and Notes" .

The prize? She would be able to tell her story of parenting a transgender child to thousands of caring people and in the process help to raise millions of dollars for the Oakland Children's Hospital. Her essay "It's a Boy" would help educate people who would otherwise be clueless about the unique challenges our tiny minority's families face.

Without giving too much away I'd like to share the first paragraph of her essay. If you like that please click the link at the bottom of the paragraph, read her essay in full and "LIKE" it to win!

It’s A Boy
by Leslie Lagerstrom

“I’m not right,” my eight year-old child with the old soul explains, as to why our weathered mailbox sits empty. Another classmate’s birthday party on the horizon, we wait anxiously for the invitation that never comes. Simple yet profound, the words slice through my flesh, piercing a hole in my heart, the pain more than I can bear. Pain I have come to know all too well, raising a transgender child. Please LIKE "It's a Boy" on Facebook to help our whole community WIN!

Regardless it's a win win! Just by voting and sharing her note you are raising awareness of the challenges faced by all children, such as the one on the right and help raise money for this great hospital.

transparenthood.net

4/1/12

Becoming Me: Eight Families Share Growing Up With a Transgender Child



"Eight families with transgender and gender non-conforming children ranging in ages from 5 to 25 share their stories. With the healthy development of their children at stake, parents must confront binary perceptions of gender, widespread transphobia and controversial parenting decisions."




Are you a parent or transgender youth or ally? Perhaps this all is new to you and your just curious? You can communicate with some of the parents and professionals in this movie!

Source Gsfla: "Join us for an hour-long online discussion in the gsfla comments section on April 3, 2012 at 5:30pm Eastern/ 4:30pm Central / 2:30pm PSD. In The Life Media Staff Producer Kathryn Morrison will be online and available to respond to questions and comments. She will be joined by PFLAG National's Transgender Network Coordinator Catherine Hyde, Gender Spectrum Director of Education and Training Joel Baum, and author of the book, "Gender Born, Gender Made," Developmental and Clinical Psychologist Diane Ehrensaft. The discussion is an ideal place for parents, families, friends and advocates of transgender and gender non-conforming children to share their experiences and ask questions.
Read more here: In The Life Media video | An episode about trans and gender-nonconforming children