Eric Holder Announces Trans Americans Are In Fact Protected From Discrimination Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Don't you Just love it when the Justice Department stands for Justice?!

 

Today, Thursday, Dec. 18^th, Attorney General Eric Holder released a memo addressed to US attorneys and heads of department components.  In this statement he affirmed that transsexual, transgender and gender non-conforming Americans are rightfully protected from sex discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Holder's statement:

“I have determined that the best reading of Title VII’s prohibition of sex discrimination is that it encompasses discrimination based on gender identity, including transgender status. This important shift will ensure that the protections of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 are extended to those who suffer discrimination based on gender identity, including transgender status. This will help to foster fair and consistent treatment for all claimants. And it reaffirms the Justice Department’s commitment to protecting the civil rights of all Americans.”

Blind "Anti-bullying" Advocates Apologizing For Anti-Transsexual Slurs Is Such A Drag…A Brutal…Ongoing…Drag

 

Sick of blind "anti-bullying" advocates apologizing for Drag Race being such a drag... a brutal... ongoing drag!

History Repeats: The same way a disappointedly large percentage of the gay male community is responding to the women in my community expressing how hurling out anti-trans slurs and systematic misgendering effects them spiritually, emotionally and sometimes physically is amazingly similar to how men in America treated women suffragettes who lobbied to vote. Little boys need to stop these toddler tantrums, calm down, be gentle and listen to people's feelings. You're better than this so affirm your community's rainbow logo and genuinely celebrate and respect ALL the colors of the rainbow, not only a classist and sexist few.

The LGB media has committed non-journalism by not enforcing a balanced presentation of all sides, such as primarily only allowing gay male and drag queen opinions and writers to influence this story. Our voices become censored because LGBT media is really G media, once you take off the wig the truth remains.

Many token trans toms (selected by LGB media heads) who do find themselves all of a sudden joining the transsexual community's cause subtly or even blatantly apologize for their gay male benefactors slighting us and/or misrepresent the origins of this plight by censoring the feminist element out of the coverage almost entirely. Having our LGB handlers at GLAAD transparently select and produce trans* reality TV contestants into their mouth pieces may seem to serve us with one hand yet cleverly (mis)speaks for us with the other. They jump on the bandwagon, soften our grievance's urgent concerns and recite some GLAAD written sound bite that benefits the same establishment that encourages our 2nd class status in this LG"t" coalition. And it is a coalition at best, not one community, but independent and diverse communities, catch it

#RuPaulNewRaymond - Is RuPaul the New Janice Raymond?: The Numerous Similarities between the King of Pro-Slur Promoters and the Exterminator of Medicare Supported Healthcare for Women Born With Transsexualism Are Too Alarming To Ignore

 

(Originally written and posted on my Facebook page on May 30, 2014)

Is RuPaul the New Janice Raymond?

 #RuPaulNewRaymond

Today's Medicare victory affirms the women and men born with transsexualism who seek needed healthcare and alignment in their lives, and overrules the pro-misgendering and discriminatory campaign launched by openly lesbian Janice Raymond.

Raymond obsessively led the propaganda fueled misinformation war on girls and women born with transsexualism aimed at misgendering us, exterminating our medically necessary treatment and ultimately engineering sociocide against our already established community.

Now RuPaul and his primarily gay male followers have similarly pushed away compassion and support of my sisters to instead ride the sexist tidal wave of dispensing extremely anti-transsexual slurs and saying transphobic comments on platforms which influence millions of people to condone the 'othering' and stigmatizing of an already oppressed minority.

Raymond and RuPaul have little in common in terms of personality, background or fashion style, but they do have one dangerous thing in common: Both are openly gay individuals who tricked others into thinking they were credible authority figures to comment on issues that specifically effect females with transsexual history and then misused their position to wage harm on our lives.

Both publically have been documented in wide reaching media outlets as referring to our women as "men in dresses".

Both publically ridiculed and invalidated the need for the transsexual community's transition-related healthcare.

Both loved anti-trans slurs.

Both have been promoted on non-trans media outlets as "experts” instead of the uncompassionate and phobia-mongering brutes that they truly are.

Obviously Raymond's crimes cost lives, but it could also be measured that inciting phobia and dehumanizing an already oppressed minority group has grave consequences if done on a massive scale, such as media defamation.

So while we celebrate today's victory against the closure of Raymond's concentration camp, let's learn from the past and strategize on how to counteract the forces who want to normalize dehumanizing and misgendering defamation in the media.

#RuPaulNewRaymond

Dec. 1 - World AIDS Day - [from Black AIDS Institute] Ashley Love's '30 Under 30' Essay for BAI's '30 Years of AIDS' Commemoration Report

Two years ago I was invited to take part of Black AIDS Institute’s (BAI) 30th Anniversary project where 30 individuals ("young black leaders, celebrities and activists") were chosen to write essays about their advocacy work to combat AIDS. Today, Dec. 1, is World AIDS Day and I am sharing my essay with you. Much work remains, including eradicating the misgendering and misclassification n of transsexual women from the “MSM” category, providing more assessable and affordable care in Africa and ensuring more preventative measures.

“As part of its special "30 years of AIDS" commemoration report, the Black AIDS Institute is profiling 30 young black leaders, celebrities and activists who have worked to make a difference in the fight against black AIDS.” (Julian Breece, Editor of ‘30 under 30’ feature)

Link to BAI’s PDF issue: http://www.bcoa.org/pdfs/30%20Years%20Is%20Enuf.pdf

From Black AIDS Institute’s  June 2011 Issue and 30^th Anniversary Edition:

ASHLEY LOVE

 

[photo for Black AIDS Institute]

 

  Due to a lack of human rights protections from the government and understanding from families and society, many Americans born transsexual and/or intersex, or that have a transgender identity, find themselves in very vulnerable and dangerous situations.  Because of this alienation some people in these communities engage in unsafe behavior as a way to cope and survive, making them vulnerable to infection with HIV.

  I have lost two people close to me because of this disease.  One of them was a woman who was born with a transsexual medical condition.  She wanted love so much that she trusted the wrong man and, instead of protecting herself, took a risk that proved fatal.  

  A lot of work needs to be done to educate society about transsexual, transgender and intersex issues. The unhealthy stigma and dehumanization of these communities is what leads to situations where they contract the disease. Low self-esteem caused by people’s prejudice against human diversity is what causes many in these communities to fail to safeguard their health.

  If any of my sisters are reading this, know that your life is a beautiful gem.  Cherish yourself and your temple.  We all want love, but we have to love ourselves first and foremost if we are to receive authentic love from someone else.  Regardless of the misguided fear and toxic hate in the world directed at people who are born different, don’t believe the lies that say you are unworthy.

  You are a child of God just the way you are.  Treat yourself kindly, because you deserve it.

Ashley Love is the founder of Media Advocates Giving National Equality to Transsexual & Transgender People and a popular contributor to the Huffington Post.

Originally published in June 2011 by Black AIDS Institute

 

Transsexual Woman is Victim of Russian President Putin’s Propaganda Law: 22 Year-Old Dasha Shtern Commits Suicide After Being Fired, Disowned by Family, Thrown Out of Home, Abandoned by Society & Dehumanized by Government Following New Pro-Hate Decree

22 year-old Dasha Shtern (pictured) took her life after Russia's pro-hate law took everything from her

A successful 22 year-old young woman Dasha Shtern had a promising future. She had a great job working for a central Russian municipality, had just been approved for a mortgage and car loan. She has an accepting family.

And then everything began to change. President Vladmir Putin decreed an “anti-propaganda” law which persecutes those perceived to LGBT or different.

Since this hatred inciting law passed Dasha’s life  went from hopefulness and security to destitution and desperation

Her once accepting family disowned her following law

They then threw her out of her home

She was also fired from her job because her supervisors feared they may be in violation of Putin’s ‘anti-be-yourself-law’

Since she was then unemployed she was unable to pay home mortgage and car loan

With a bigoted government that had provoked all she held dear to vanish such as her family and career, as well as the means to have a roof over her head, this woman fell into a state of hopelessness that too many of my sisters know too often. Tragically, Dasha felt the only way out was suicide.
On October 19^th,the International Day of Action for Trans Depathologization, Russian activists remembered Dasha  in Moscow’s Red Square

From RusAdvocat.com:

The action was held on Red Square in Moscow 19 October 2013: the activists gathered on the square in memory of transgender girl Dasha Shtern, who had committed suicide in Ekaterinburg, The organizers said, that originally the event was planned outside the building of the Plenipotentiary representative of the Sverdlovsk region in Moscow, but the character and scale of the tragedy led them to the walls of the Kremlin. The activists lit the candles and laid the flowers to the portrait of Dasha Stern near Kremlin.

As top-lawyer and human rights defender Masha Bast said, Dasha Stern is the first victim of Vladimir Putin’s “Anti-gay Law”: as Dasha Shtern’s friends reported, she lost work as a municipal employee after signing of the law, she lost the opportunity to repay the hypothecation, the relatives abandoned her.

As Masha Bast stressed, Vladimir Putin had created the system where there is no place for transgender, there is no place for dissidents. Masha Bast considers, that Dasha Shtern is the victim of the indifference of the Russian society.

MORE INFORMATION on Russia’s growing tide of transphobia, homophobia, bigotry and hate:

Advocate.com’s Sunnivie Brydym reported this week:

“This summer, Russian president Putin signed into law a pair of draconian anti-LGBT laws — the so-called gay propaganda ban and another law that forbids openly gay people from adopting Russian children, while also forbidding single people from nations with marriage equality from adopting one of Russia's estimated 600,000 parentless kids.

The Russian parliament is also set to consider a bill that would remove children from their gay and lesbian parents, claiming that homosexuality is tantamount to child abuse, alcoholism, and drug use. The conservative deputy who proposed that law has withdrawn it for the moment but promised he will reintroduce the legislation after some revisions to the bill's language.”

Why the United States SHOULD BOYCOTT the SOCHI OLPMPICS:

Richard Vieira wrote on Alligator.com:

"The International Olympic Committee scheduled the 2014 Olympic Games in the Russian city of Sochi, yet there is much controversy surrounding these events after the emergence of [anti-LGBT laws]…Such fanatical actions require external pressure, and there are many actors involved in this international drama. Aside from the host country, the IOC and participating countries all possess political leverage in regards to the Olympic Games. Perhaps the IOC can persuade Russian lawmakers to retract their homophobic laws in order to foster a fair, competitive and equal environment? …Because the Russian legislature seems incapable of producing thoughts that conflict with its sinister KGB shepherd, the responsibility rests on individual nations. The United States should set an example and boycott the 2014 Olympics and encourage other countries and the IOC to put a moratorium on all Olympic sporting events scheduled in Russia…For instance, the 1936 Olympics were held in Berlin, Germany, which was then under Nazi leadership. Hitler, who wanted to persuade the international community that Germany was an ideal host — sounds familiar — lightened the anti-Semitic rhetoric and had any anti-Semitic propaganda hidden, according to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum website. According to the same source, many Jews were banned from sporting clubs and many Roma were rounded up and arrested in preparation for the games. The sporting events were, at the time, widely viewed as a success for the Nazi propaganda machine. Likewise, American participation in the Russian Olympics would only heighten Russia’s publicity and give an unofficial stamp of approval to its policies. The same can be said of large American multinational corporations — such as Coca-Cola and McDonald’s — who will, in essence, be sponsoring an anti-LGBT environment. If the Obama administration wants to take on an idealistic world view and project liberal democratic principles onto others, then it must lead by example and not send Americans into a hostile environment in exchange for gold medals."

WE MUST BOYCOTT All Russian Products, including Russian vodka(which includes Stoli)

Actor Harvey Fierstein explains why we must place financial pressure on Russia:

“There’s only one way to change somebody like Putin and that’s in the pocketbook. You can’t get him with angry words. He feeds on that and his followers feed on that. You make the West angry, they’re thrilled. You can’t get them that way. You can’t get them through a U.N. sanction: ‘Oh boy, the U.S. is mad at me. I’m shaking all the f–k over.’ There’s only one way and that’s in the pocketbook. You hurt them in the pocketbook, they shut the f–k up and back the f–k down. … [A]ny country that puts money into Russia, and that’s what doing the Olympics is, [is guilty].” (Fierstein told The Hollywood Reporter)

“Mr. Putin’s campaign…is one of distraction, a strategy of demonizing a minority for political gain taken straight from the Nazi playbook. Can we allow this war against human rights to go unanswered? …In May a young gay man was murdered…beaten, his body violated with beer bottles, his clothing set on fire, his head crushed with a rock. This is most likely just the beginning. In 1936 the world attended the Olympics in Germany. Few participants said a word about Hitler’s campaign against the Jews. Supporters of that decision point proudly to the triumph of Jesse Owens, while I point with dread to the Holocaust and world war. There is a price for tolerating intolerance.” (Fierstein told New York Times)

Disgruntled Former 'Gay Liberation Front' Members Defame The Stonewall Inn Rebellion's Legacy In An Attempt To Seize Proposed Stonewall Plaque For The GLF Brotherhood. It's 2013, NOT 1970 - 1990: Trans-Erasure, Sexism, Classism & Whitewashing History is Unacceptable

 

Veteran journalist Andy Humm of Gay City News has recently reported that a few gay white men who refer to themselves as "Stonewall Veterans" (though they weren't actually inside the Inn when the riots erupted like Sylvia Rivera, Miss Major and other trans* people and POC were) are heavily campaigning against The Stonewall Inn receiving an honorary plaque - but for the notoriously transphobic, sexist and anti-lesbian group called 'Gay Liberation Front' (GLF) to receive the proposed plaque instead. Unbelievable!

A - GLF gutted protections for trans* people from a proposed 1971 New York LGBT rights anti-discrimination bill, saying it was "too extreme".

B - GLF kicked Sylvia Rivera and other trans people out of the group

C - "In the heyday of the Gay Liberation Front, in the early 70s, the majority of lesbians walked out in protest at the sexism of some of the gay men who took a pivotal role." - The Guardian

D - GLF member Jim Fouratt in 2000 referred to women born with transsexualism as "misguided gay men who'd undergone surgical mutilations" - (reported by Lynn Conway in 2006)

E - Recently these former GLF members have been quoted in Gay City News as hurling degrading adjectives at The Stonewall Inn such as “dirty, seedy” and “horrendous” (Um, sorry boys that many trans women of color in those days couldn’t afford to hang out in luxury piano bars such as most of the GLF gay sorority brothers could – but just because they were impoverished and found support and community in a small dive bar not to your liking doesn't mean these trans people were not extremely rich in spirit – a spirit so rich in fact that it launched a revolution! A revolution that many of these assimilationists profited from, and then discarded us when we no longer suited their self-serving, classist and transphobic agenda)

To many people the current bizarre behavior of these self-proclaimed “Stonewall veterans” (who are in my opinion just disgruntled former GLF members) who are now all of a sudden trying to defame the Stonewall Inn Riot’s legacy and block the plaque honoring our history and instead have GLF receive the recognition is a sinister (yet transparent to the third eye) attempt to disempower the transsexual and transgender communities and glorify the non-deserving Gay Liberation Front. It's about their egos. It's about whitewashing history. It's about trans-erasure. It's about not discussing why so many lesbians felt compelled to abandon GLF due to the sexism of its male leaders (and let's not forget the double standards and transphobia of many of those same lesbians who hypocritically called out GLF’s classism, yet who turned around and denigrated us even more so). It's about trying to do damage control concerning GLF's tarnished legacy. It's attempted history revisionism which speaks to an ongoing cycle of oppression that has lasted decades.

I wish Gay City News would publish more balanced articles on this Stonewall plaque issue. They only interview gay white men. What about women, whether they be transsexual or not? What about transgender people? What about cisgender lesbians? What about people of color?

What about diversity? Accuracy? Inclusion? Real feminism?

What is really going on here? We cannot allow this crafty campaign to cancel the proposed Stonewall plaque succeed. Get involved. Please join Stonewalling Accurate & Inclusive Depictions - S.A.I.D.. on our Facebook Page. We've lost too many of our sisters due the oppression which provoked those riots. Let's keep their memory alive and commemorate the Revolution of 1969. 

"We S.A.I.D. enough is enough!"

 

For more information of the proposed Stonewall plaque controversy go to S.A.I.D.'s website:

www.1969SAID.blogspot.com

 

 

From S.A.I.D.'s Website:

 

Sexual Orientation (gay) is not the same thing as a transgender gender identity or a transsexual medical condition. Words really do matter.

S.A.I.D. organizer Miss Major, currently the Executive Director of T.G.I Justice Project and a Stonewall veteran who was actually inside the Inn when the riots started, has deep concerns about the proposed plaque’s wording and the overall misrepresentation of Stonewall’s legacy.  She states,

“We started S.A.I.D.’s campaign to honor all those at the Stonewall Inn the night the riots erupted and, though you wouldn’t know it by viewing the inaccurate ‘Stonewall Uprising’ film or a string of other (mis)depictions, that most definitely and primarily included trans women and people of color.

The whitewashing of this history is an abuse of power which we will no longer tolerate.

The plaque should not use “gay” as an umbrella term as it marginalizes and erases the many trans people there. I’m not gay. Many transsexual and transgender people are also not gay.

 History revisionism and trans-erasure have no place in this memorial. Let’s truly honor all the people who stood up for their human rights and yours by writing language on the p laque that’s honest.”

S.A.I.D. organizer Ashley Love, a journalist and transsexual & intersex advocate who volunteers with the anti-defamation group Media Advocates Giving National Equality to Transsexual & Transgender People (MAGNET), finds the plaque’s inaccurate draft speaks to larger issues, writing;

“It’s well documented that Sylvia Rivera, a Puerto Rican woman of trans experience, “threw the first heel” that started the riot, with Marsha P. Johnson, Miss Major and many other trans* people and people of color also kicking things off. Then after the affluent white gay male political establishment was done using Rivera to fundraise she was quickly discarded. I’m sure the fact that she rightfully called out classism and transphobia also led to her being blacklisted.

If this commemoration is to have any integrity then the pattern of certain privileged communities within the LGBTTIQQ coalition making Stonewall's legacy all about them must be challenged. It’s not just about “gay” people as the proposed text repeatedly misrepresents, it’s also about transsexual and transgender people. Let’s pay a genuine homage to the people who sacrificed so much for all of us by using more affirming text on the plaque.”

Stonewalling Accurate & Inclusive Depictions, or S.A.I.D., is an educational project drawing attention to the ongoing pattern of trans-erasure, whitewashing, misgendering and problematic messaging spread in numerous media portrayals, political establishments and educational institutions regarding the history and multi-movement building surrounding The Stonewall Riots of 1969. This campaign aims to encourage filmmakers, historians, educators, students, journalists and activists to responsibly affirm the colorful diversity which ignited the global revolution which the Stonewall Rebellion inspired. 

'Out with the Old, In with the New, Out with the Mold, In with the True'

 

Out with the Old

In with the New

Out with the Mold

In with the True

Won’t do as we’re Told

We’ll do as *WE* Do

It’s time to Unfold

Progress Is Due

Our souls aren’t Sold

Lies should be Sued

You have been Told

We’re in with the New

Reject Club’ de Old

Heal butterfly Blues

Our wings Unfold

Release our Rue

We fly out Bold

Out with your Old

In with our New

Clean out their Mold

Stand for what’s True

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Today I come out as a free thinker and fact finder, not a follower of the mob or an apologist for those who misgender, misrepresent and mock my sisters and myself. Today we come out as pro-independence and self-determined advocates and no longer as property of those who deny my sister's and I's valid medical condition. Today we come out as speakers of truth and not as retained cheerleaders for hogwash. Today I am outing your disservice to our community and we vow to put transsexual and intersex needs on equal par with other movements instead on under the bus where Gay, Inc. and it's "Transgender Umbrella" Subsidiary have worked so hard to keep us. Today we say we are not a “sub-community”, but our own community. We come out as those who refuse to be systematically misgendered by your bogus media (mis)guides and othered by LGB and non-trans* straight people in the media and in miseducation pamphlets. Today we take OUT the trash and take IN authenticity and affirmation.

Out with the Old. In the New. Out with the Mold, In with the True

 

 

Her Life Had Value and She Will Not Be Forgotten

 

Just last month alone THREE black women of trans* experience were murdered. Did the self-described “LGBT” non-profits, city officials and politicians hold a massive rally, close off streets or express as loud an outrage as they are today for Marc Carson? The answer is no, they did not, yet when a gay male is killed we see an entirely different reaction. 

By pointing out this inconsistency I hope I'm not being insensitive to Marc’s story, because what happened to him is a tragedy. But since most “LGBT journalists” pick and choose what stories to run or priorities to push, even to the point of censorship and distortion of facts, the pattern of devaluing the lives of women of color in the transsexual and transgender communities must be exposed.

The three women murdered in April were:

 Ce Ce Acoff (20 years old),

 Kelly Young (29 years old) and

 Ashley Sinclair (30 years old).

 Their lives mattered.

Over the years I have lost many female friends due to male violence or oppression related causes who were all born with the medical condition transsexualism. When a crisis amongst a minority group includes women being victims of extreme violence and discrimination it is usually referred to as terrorism, but as usual a double standard is applied when it’s the trans* communities who are targeted and it’s just business as usual.

Every month women of color in my community are murdered but the establishment fails to properly act. Instead we are misgendered and segregated to such a stigmatizing degree that it actually promotes dehumanization and violence towards the most vulnerable women in our communities. Black and Latina women who suffer from poverty and employment discrimination, who are denied affirming healthcare and/or who many times lack support from family, education and government institutions and by society as a whole are the majority of names read during the annual Trans Day of Remembrance ceremony. 

Not a day goes by that I don’t think of the young women I personally knew who were taken too soon, some who were like sisters to me. The pain still lingers and the urgency to save lives in our communities grows increasingly stronger. Sending warmth and hugs to all the families who lost a daughter or sister this year due to transphobia and male violence.

Her life had value and she will not be forgotten.

More on HRC Removing Trans Flag in D.C. Rally: Equality Really Does Mean.. Equality, Not "Some Are Created More Equal Than Others" Hogwash

Equality means equality, not "some are created more equal than others" hogwash. HRC's undemocratic behavior in demanding the removal of the trans* coalition's flag at the U.S. Capital speaks to the gay and lesbian (not transsexual) political establishment’s ongoing marginalization and censoring of transsexual and transgender issues. 

The medical condition known as transsexualism isn’t some political bargaining chip that gay and gender queer activists can misrepresent to cater to their own, sometimes conflicting agendas.

We’re tired of being held hostage on the back of Gay, Inc.’s “equality” bus because the destination these corporate board members and their hired whips drive us to time and time again is a “third gender” reservation that is anything but equal for Americans born with transsexualism and/or intersex, and more like misgendering, segregation and a violation of our patient rights. HRC is not our master, no matter how much they act like it, and we do not need their or anyone in the LGB community’s permission to self-determine our own lives.

They can try to shred our flag into submission, but will fail. The flag has broken free and is flying the winds of affirmation and authenticity, where only genuine equality is invited

One literally can’t spell the word 'Equality' without the letters ‘T’ (for Transsexualism) and ‘I’ (for Intersex).

Got REAL equality?

The Human Rights Campaign Dictates Removal of Trans* Coalition Flag, Yet Who The Hell Made Them Our Masters? She Will Fly Without Permission, Man.

How dare the HRC ask the trans* coalition to remove their flag from the Capital! The diverse trans* communities are not property of one issue/one class pushing LGB board members or their staff. We don't need permission to make the point that trans* issues are different than LGB issues and that we are tired of being the last priority, if even a priority at all.

Transsexualism’s distinct narrative is that of a medical condition requiring affirming and sometimes lifesaving healthcare, and is not to be confused with some drag race. The 'Transsexual Spring' will not allow a damn to be constructed in their waters through the disingenuous interests of colonialists. Though, the sad thing is that a certain retained group of token trans toms will aid and abet in this treachery.  

The good news is that truth always wins out, fake media and misinformation campaigns be damned!

Can't Folks Let Jodie Foster Be? I Liked Her Golden Globe Speech. Her Acting Roles Portray Brave and Strong Women, Like Herself

Correction to the media: Jodie Foster was never "in the closet". All her friends, family, co-workers and many in her industry knew and accepted her. Yet she did not owe the public private details. She is a mother, friend, artist and feminist - can't we be happy for that?

It's upsetting to see people lash out at her due to her speech last night where she rightfully slammed reality TV and people's entitlement issues concerning private issues of high profile individuals. She has the right to choose her own timing. She is an artist, not a public court jester whose strings you can pull. Jodie has done more for promoting strong and unique female characters than most actresses I can think of. I love what Jodie Foster stands for and it’s disappointing to hear some LGB identified folks attacking her just because she has never let her orientation define her and she has never conformed to the newer 'Honey Boo Boo' reality warped world we find ourselves in.

She is a class act and it's none of your business who she gets physical with. Get over yourself; she didn't grow up in the world of Glee. Jodie, The Brave One for real, was Modern Family before it was safe to do so. 

Just because she doesn't wear a rainbow themed dress on every red carpet she graces does not mean she is not still proud or speaking her own truth in HER OWN AUTHENTIC WAY. Jodi‘s image is that of authenticity; it's the world which could be losing some of its authenticity. Let her be.

RuPaul's Drag Race’s Exec Producer & a GLAAD Awards Nominated Blogger Both De-friended Me from Facebook for Simply Sending Them This Article: 11 Ways Men Can Be Better Feminist Allies

Last month, days after the transsexual community and allies started a boycott against RuPaul's Drag Race due to RuPaul misgendering and bullying women of transsexual history in a recent episode, I thought I'd let one of the show's executive producers and a GLAAD Award nominated blogger (both of who were 'friends' of mine of Facebook, both who are gay white men and both who have offended many women in my community in the past) what was behind the public outcry against RuPaul's anti-transsexual comments.

I sent them a non-offensive article written by Ozy Franz that I had found online, which is a resource to help men who seem to be clueless as to why why women get fed up with misgendering and sexism.

The same day I tagged both men this much needed advice they each deleted me from Facebook. And that is their right. Yet I'm not sure why they were so upset about the opportunity to actually educate themselves on how they could treat the women in my community better, especially the RuPaul's Drag Race producer, who's company (World of Wonder) and himself have many times participated in projects which exploit and demean the women in my community. Well, either the truth hurts, they didn't want their followers to read up on being better feminists or, like the national LGB media outlets, they wanted to censor the dissent of transsexual community altogether. Whatever the reason, I thought I'd repost the article on my blog so that more people can understand why women of transsexual history are fed up with some gay men thinking they can get away with bullying us.

11 Ways Men Can Be Better Feminist Allies
by Ozy Frantz

Originally posted on: http://www.rolereboot.org/sex-and-relationships/details/2012-07-11-ways-men-can-be-better-feminist-allies

1) Educate yourself. One summer, in high school, I literally read every book the library had about feminism. You don’t have to go that far, but a familiarity with concepts like male privilege, slut-shaming, and rape culture can give you a lot more understanding of how gender works.

2) Don’t be that asshole. Don’t assume that the women in the room have no idea what they’re talking about regarding gender. (If they clearly don’t, well, see #4.) Don’t expect to be thrown a parade because you’ve decided to vote pro-choice. Don’t forget that most men are not feminists and that many feminists are survivors of rape or abuse, and that you’re not sending out Beacons of Awesomeness that show that everyone has to trust you. Check your privilege.

3) Talk to your male friends. It’s sad but true: For a lot of people, men have more credence when talking about gender issues than women do. If your friend tells a rape joke or says that women just aren’t as good at science as men are, challenge them on it. A lot of times, people can’t think of anything to say in the moment; if that’s you, prepare comebacks in advance so you know exactly what to say when it comes up. Even if you forget in the moment, a simple “that’s not cool, dude” can go a long way.

4) Challenge your female friends. A lot of people say that men shouldn’t tell women when they’re being misogynistic. That’s crap. There are plenty of sexist women in the world and they should not get a free pass. If your friend starts snarking about a fat woman or saying that she’s so much better than all those silly other women that are only concerned about their hair and boys, tell her she’s full of it. Other women will thank you.

5) Consume media made by women. A lot of people listen to music made by men, read books written by men, watch movies directed by and starring men—without even realizing it. That’s stupid! It neglects women’s voices and experiences; besides, think of all the amazing talent you’re missing because of their gender. If you like comics, try Alison Bechdel or Gail Simone; if you like movies, look for Kathryn Bigelow or the late Nora Ephron; if you appreciate music, add some Bikini Kill or Nicki Minaj to your playlists.

6) Practice good consent. The general rule is that all sex should be sex that everyone involved wants. I know you, personally, would never have sex with someone who said no, but good consent goes far beyond that. Talk openly and honestly with your partner(s) about your and their sexual desires. Check in when your partner seems to not be enjoying themselves. Eschew pressure and coercion. And the same applies to you—if you’re being pressured or coerced or not having your consent respected, you are not in a healthy relationship.

7) Believe the survivor. It’s true that occasionally people falsely accuse other people of rape or abuse. This is very rare, however, and time spent figuring out the truth is time not spent supporting the survivor. Also, if there is a rapist or abuser in your social group, don’t take “I don’t do drama” as a reason to keep hanging out with them. Not being invited to parties is not a cruel and unusual punishment, and most rapists are repeat rapists. You can keep them from doing it again.

8) Support women’s bodily autonomy. On a political level, of course, one should fight pro-life initiatives, attempts to de-fund Planned Parenthood, forced sterilization efforts, etc. On a personal level, of course, it’s almost more important. If your partner gets pregnant, it’s up to her whether to have an abortion, give the child up for adoption, or raise the kid. Her body, her rules. If a woman is having sex with hundreds of people, don’t call her a dirty slut; if she’s a virgin until marriage, don’t call her a prude. Her body, her rules. If she weighs more than you think she should, don’t call her fat or tell her to go on a diet; if she weighs less, don’t tell her to eat a sandwich. It’s her body and, ultimately, what makes her comfortable in it is what matters.

9) Be a feminist because you support equal rights. Don’t become a feminist because you want to get a girlfriend or because you heard that feminist chicks are easy. Don’t become a feminist because your girlfriend is a feminist and you want to get in good with her. Don’t, for God’s sake, take women’s studies classes because it’s an easy A. Become a feminist because you believe women are people and you will not be satisfied until they are fully treated as such.

10) Be intentional. Maybe it’s best for your family that your wife sacrifice her career to raise kids. But is it really, or are you just assuming that because it’s the narrative you’re used to? Maybe you’re only attracted to 22-year-old blonde skinny women. But are you really, or have you simply not explored your attraction to other people? It’s OK to do things that look anti-feminist to outsiders...as long as it is honestly what you want, and not just falling into the patriarchal rut because you haven’t thought about the other options.

11) Don’t satisfy yourself with just being a feminist. If you are just a feminist, you’re only advocating for the rights of women—which means that you’re advocating for the rights of straight, white, abled, middle-to-upper-class, privileged women. Everyone else? They suffer from racism, queerphobia, ableism, or classism in addition to sexism. Fighting for those rights means fighting for everyone’s rights.

Ozy Frantz is a student at a well-respected Hippie College in the United States. Zie bases most of zir life decisions on Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman; identifies more closely with Pinkie Pie than is probably necessary; and blogs at No, Seriously, What About Teh Menz?

To the gay male TV and film producers who like to defame the women in my community, and to the gay male dominated 'LGBT' media outlets and 'LGBT' media watch dogs who like to censor our dissent against this defamation:

Attention "Anti-Bullying" Advocates: Gay Male Public Figures Misgendering Girls & Women Born With A Transsexual Medical Condition Is Also Bullying, So Please Stop!

Definition from www.BullyFree.com :


What Is Bullying?

Bullying is a form of aggressive behavior that is intentional, hurtful, (physical and psychological), and/or threatening and persistent (repeated). There is an imbalance of strength (power and dominance).

The above definition includes the following criteria that will help you determine if a student is being bullied:

• The mistreatment must be intentional.
• The mistreatment must be hurtful (physical or psychological).
• The mistreatment is threatening. The individual fears harms. Fear their safety.
• The mistreatment must occur more than once. However, some disagree with this. They say one very hurtful event is enough to label it bullying.
• There must be a power imbalance.

I'm glad they included that bullying can also be psychological. Bullying is not just tripping someone and taking their lunch money, or slamming their head against the locker. Bullying in the form of words can be more harmful than violence, especially words which dehumanize.

Bullying many times comes from those who were bullied themselves.

One interesting fact is that there are some high profile gay men, such as  columnist Dan Savage or drag personality RuPaul, who though they are both quoted as referring to themselves as "anti-bullying advocates", many would argue that both men use their media outlets to bully people who are different than themselves, particularly women, and even more so women born with transsexualism.

Hell, Dan Savage has even successfully promoted his brand to that of  the King of anti-bullying gurus. Yet despite Savage's widespread 'It Gets Better Campaign' he has been exposed more times than one, or one hundred really, of bullying transsexual and transgender people. He's done so by ridiculing and misgendering them, using offensive pejoratives and then ignoring or dismissing their grievances when they express how his transphobia negatively affects them. Further, his claims that bisexuality doesn't exist harms the bisexual community. Savage writing rape apologist sentiments in his column alienates female sexual assault survivors and belittles the epidemic of unjust court trials concerning assault. And so on.

On Monday RuPaul once again said some transsexual-phobic comments on his reality show, but this time he has gone too far. The targets of RuPaul's bullying, girls and women with a transsexual medical history, have organized a boycott meant to counter his misgendering. Learn more about MAGNET's boycott in our write up: http://themagnetsource.blogspot.com/2012/10/magnet-boycotts-rupauls-ongoing.html

I don't think Dan Savage or RuPaul are bad men, but they are men, and they have no right pretending to be experts on the young girls and women in our community, or to mock and make sexist and transsexual-phobic comments about us.  Whatever these grown men's unresolved personal issues are, they shouldn't use the women in our community as a punching bag to deal with those issues, they should seek professional help if that's what they need.

If they want enlightened people to take their "anti-bullying" initiatives seriously they would do well to stop behaving like bullies them damn selves.