11/30/12

FTM Classmate's Petition Convinces Board To Allow Him To Pee At School


It's the Principle of the matter.

Principle of causality, as efficient cause. Aristotle defined it as "Everything that moves is moved by another".

In this case it was James Spencer's High School classmate's petition  asking that he should be allowed the most basic of rights. The right to use the correct bathroom without endangering and ostracizing himself.

Transgender people worldwide would be delighted if public accommodations were not the rallying point for the opponents of our equality. It's such a basic right, but given that hatred is the glue that binds together our opponents the toilet maybe the most fitting place to start.


Principle as a final cause: "Final cause is the end, or goal, which guides one to take the necessary actions to obtain it."

So now that James can use the bathroom like the rest of humanity he will be able to continue his life's work, enlightening cultural morality.

Principle as moral law:

"It represents a set of values that orientate and rule the conduct of a concrete society. The law establishes an obligation in the individual's conscience that belongs to the cultural field in which such values are accepted. It supposes the liberty of the individual as cause, that acts without external coercion, through a process of socialization."

Definitions for Principle found in Wikipedia



11/29/12

planetransgender Takes on The "Dr". Oz Reparative Therapy Show

1000 Gay organizations screamed bloody murder over DR Oz Reparative Therapy show wondering why he would raise the level of creditability with conversation of such disproved quackery with this show.

Something I as a transgender person was wondering to....

But then after the show and the inevtable payola rolled in OZ Claimed he seen the light. Well #ucking Hallelujah.

He posted this on his Dr Oz blog:

The Reparative Therapy Controversy
by Mehmet Oz, MD

On today’s controversial show, we discussed forms of therapy that are designed to turn a gay person straight. Currently, there are still a handful of therapists who still perform this on teenagers and adults who are uncomfortable with their sexual orientation – despite the fact that the American Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Counseling Association, and other respected medical organizations oppose this therapy, claiming that it doesn’t work and that it may be potentially harmful.

I felt that we needed to include all parties who have considered reparative therapy to hear the stories of people who have tried these treatments. Although some viewers may disagree with this tactic, if we want to reach everyone who might benefit from understanding the risks of this therapy, you have to present multiple perspectives. Based on the need to pass the September 30 California law banning the practice in minors and continued media attention on groups advocating both sides of the reparative therapy decision, the debate continues and the venues are often basements and backrooms.

Some guests argued that they have been changed through these treatments, but I was overwhelmed by the pain of individuals hurt by the experience. After listening to both sides of the issue and after reviewing the available medical data, I agree with the established medical consensus. I have not found enough published data supporting positive results with gay reparative therapy, and I have concerns about the potentially dangerous effects when the therapy fails, especially when minors are forced into treatments.

My biggest epiphany occurred after hearing where the opposing groups found some common ground. The guests who appeared on my show on either side of this debate agreed that entering into any therapy with guilt and self-hate is a major error. Trying to change who you are instead of loving who you are leads to broken spirits and broken hearts. Encouraging self-acceptance is the only way to help alleviate the shame experienced by those who are struggling with their sexuality – and help them reach a place where who they are matches who they want to be."



Being a blogger and student I appreciate you that you have a cerebral cortex but abhor your greed. Fuck.

You're a Doctor? Then act like one.

Gay Reparative Therapy: Statements from Major Medical Organizations


After independently assessing the available medical evidence, the following organizations have submitted statements regarding gay reparative therapy:

American Psychiatric Association: “The potential risks of ‘reparative therapy’ are great, including depression, anxiety and self destructive behavior, since therapist alignment with societal prejudices against homosexuality may reinforce self hatred already experienced by the patient.”

American Psychological Association: For over three decades the consensus of the mental health community has been that homosexuality is not an illness and therefore not in need of a cure.

American Medical Association: “[We] oppose any psychiatric treatment, such as ‘reparative’ or ‘conversion’ therapy which is based upon the assumption that homosexuality per se is a mental disorder or based upon the a priori assumption that the patient should change his/her homosexual orientation.”

American Academy of Pediatrics: “Therapy directed specifically at changing sexual orientation … can provoke guilt and anxiety while having little or no potential for achieving changes in orientation.”

National Association of Social Workers: Social stigmatization of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people is widespread and is a primary motivating factor in leading some people to seek sexual orientation changes

The Epiphany "DR" Oz had was he was in serious danger of losing his biggest fan base by lowering himself with such self promotional crap.

Trans Teen Dashad Sage Smith Missing VA Police Need Our Help


Erik McFadden Person of Interest in Trans Teen Disappearance




Charlottesville Police Department Press Release

The Charlottesville Police Department needs your assistance regarding the disappearance of
Dashad Laquinn Smith.

Smith was last seen on Tuesday, November 20th. Smith had phone contact with Erik Tyquan McFadden (Facebook picture included) on that day and then told friends he was going to meet someone on West Main Street. He was seen a short time later in the 500 block of West Main Street.

Smith has not been seen or heard from since. Erik McFadden, who at the time was living on 14th Street NW, confirmed to investigators that he did have phone contact with Smith and planned to meet him on Tuesday near the Amtrak Station on West Main Street.

McFadden stated the meeting never took place. Police have reason to believe that McFadden has now left the Charlottesville area.

If you have information on Dashad Laquinn Smith or Erik McFadden or any knowledge of this case please contact Sgt. Marc Brake at 434-970-3970 or Crimestoppers at 434-977-4000.

On Facebook Find Dashad "Sage" Smith




11/28/12

No Pussies No Games: Boycott Russian Winter Olympics Подшлемники для каждого

There is a growing movement on Facebook to show solidarity with the Russian feminist Group Pussy Riot by Boycotting the Russian 2014 Winter Olympics.

There is even a vote to honor Pussy Riot Time Woman Of The Year. This is important as mainstream media not only recognizes Pussy Riot but places the group among the Worlds Most Influential Woman.

Update 12/1/12 I have spoken with colleagues in Russia and have been encouraged to author a petition demanding their release before the Russian Winter Olympics. I did so. Please sign No Pussies No Games: Boycott / Demonstrate at The Russian Winter Olympics

Now that Putin has signed the "Gay Propaganda" law and it's companion law criminalizing offending the Orthodox Church, how could people of conscious participate in the Russian 2014 Olympics?

Pussy Riot's artists persecuted during a trial mocking the Russian judicial system were made examples of by Putin for trying to open their comrades minds to consider what is happening in their country.

Its time to make this know, Russia and the world will not quietly acquiescent to Putin's tyranny.

Russia passes Anti Gay Law

Putin signs a law prohibiting 'offending' the Orthodox church


And even world leaders are openly questioning Putin..



Click Here to VOTE
This struggle for human rights is going on now but who is Pussy Riot?

"Even though they put us in jail, we have not lost"

About art as a political statement and the freedom of speech in Russia.

What is happening in Russia?

Is the country in the process of obtaining a new, authoritarian state ideology, with the church taking the place of the party?

The Pussy Riot affair is only one among many attacks on the freedom of speech and artistic freedom in the country.

Oslo World Music Festival is the initiator and arranger of this seminar, in cooperation with the Nobel Peace Center, Amnesty International and Norwegian P.E.N.

Yozh (Groundhog)-- member of Pussy Riot, artist, film director and feminist. Involved in projects connected with problems in education, health protection, prison system, gender rights, women's rights, immigrants' right. Has participated in several Pussy Riot stunts speaks:



Pictures of families homes in Sochi, the city of Olympic Games as they are being torn down leaving them only moments to evacuate. This is being described in mainstream media as "heroic efforts" by the Russian goverment.




11/27/12

Stacie Laughton First Elected Transgender NH Law Maker to Resign Before Taking Office

Stacie Laughton a convicted felon who was elected without informing her supporters of her criminal record is drafting a resignation letter before actually assuming the office she was elected to. NH RSA 607-A:2:1  states a person may not hold public office until they have completed probation.

Source Nashua Patch: "Although she did fulfill the terms of her 12-month sentence on conspiracy to commit fraud, since two of the convictions against her were suspended pending 10 years good behavior, she has six more years to wait for her chance to run for office.

"I'm extremely disappointed," Laughton said Tuesday during a phone interview, after conferring with New Hampshire Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley and Gene Martin, the party's director of research and legislative outreach.

Laughton said she also conferred with her own attorney, who advised her that she could fight it, but did not have a strong case.
Read more at Nashua Patch






Carnival To Drag Stars At Sea: Caribbean Adventure - Revenge of the Wench Queens: Dressing In Drag Is Not Allowed

Just 6 day before the biggest gay drag cruise of the year Carnival Cruise sent a email to all the queens who purchased tickets on this cruise. Ticket vendor "Al and Chuck" posted this on their facebook wall in response:

Dear Valued Guests and Friends,

We hope that this brief note finds you well.
By now, we are sure that most of you traveling with us on the upcoming Drag Stars At Sea: Caribbean Adventure - Revenge of the Wench have received Carnival's letter regarding their regulations concerning costumes and masks (under which traditional "DRAG" falls under).

We are sympathetic to your sentiments that you have ...expressed via email and social media. As a gay man who has been partnered for 25 years, I have suffered many forms of discriminations because I am part of the GLBT community. But please take note, Carnival's regulation is NOT an example of discrimination. Carnival is an ally of the GLBT community. Please understand that this cruise could not even be happening on the GLORY if Carnival was not an ally of our segment of society. When they say they are a "family friendly" cruise line they mean it in both the traditional and metaphorical sense of the phrase.

Carnival's "no costumes rule" is NOT meant to be an insult to the gay community. As a gay business, we would not have organized this cruise if they were prejudiced against gay people. This rule goes for both GAY and STRAIGHT passengers that travel on all Carnival cruises. It is in response to the post-911 world we live in. It is meant to protect passengers and guests - NOT to marginalize a few.

Additionally, we know that transgendered (note to al, it's transgender) members of our community will be aboard with us during this event. Please do not worry, Carnivals rule is not meant towards you. Your right to live your identity is always supported.


Finally, Drag Stars At Sea is a cruise venue for you to meet the stars of RuPaul's Drag Race UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL. Just as you would not go in costume (other than on Halloween) to a club to see them perform, neither should you on the GLORY. Again, our desire was always to bring this incredible talent together in one place for you to enjoy along with all the other benefits of the VALUE of a mixed guest cruise. We pointed out to you that a private charter (and they are excellent cruises) can be DOUBLE what you are paying for this experience. This is an opportunity for your favorite entertainers to shine for YOU! We will of course, still have our parties and events aboard (the rules of which are outlined in your travel package) for you to join in on the fun.

Ultimately, let's use this opportunity to set an example so that all the world can see that the GLBT community can follow rules and regulations just like everyone else. Finally, I want to say from the bottom of my heart, we have done our absolute best in creating this event. We have tried to communicate effectively and bring you the best possible experience, which we believe would not be available to you any other way. At the end of the cruise, I hope you will agree with my sentiment humbly expressed here.

Chuck and I look forward to meeting you on board....we promise you the best time of your lives!

Sincerely,
Al Ferguson"
Al and Chuck are still selling tickets to this cruise even though you are not welcome. I am though Queens unless I'm mistaken for one of you. They made that exception for transgender people's identity.

"....family friendly" cruise line they mean it in both the traditional and metaphorical sense of the phrase.
Wait, wait-y just a trans/gay/cis/drag intersectional moment. WHAT? So by Al's good graces and his interpretation of Carnivals discriminatory rules I am not so metaphoricaly freakishly threatening to national security I can cruise authentically? Sweet!  Oh oh..But what happens when I show up in my brand new string bikini Al? That will send the kiddies running for the national security stun gun for sure and I'll be walking with the queens. splash.

Carnival needs to rename this adventure. "I smell the wretched stench of neoconservative bible throwing bitches cruise"