New York City Vigil for the 7 Youth That Took Their Own Lives Due to Bigotry and Bullying.

The New York City vigil tonight for the current crisis of LGBTQI (or perceived to be) youth suicides tonight was very inspiring. New York’s Governor Patterson actually came and gave a very powerful speech, as well as NYC City Council Speaker Christine Quinn. Broadway star Cheyenne Jackson sang "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" The energy was amazing, and things will only go up from here!

See my vlog from tonight's vigil:

New York University’s students organized the vigil, and though it was raining and cold, many came out to show our youth that we are with them, and they are loved.

Christine Quinn, speaker of NYC Council (and who is an out lesbian woman), gives a message to 'Trans Forming Media' for all LGBT youth,“Remember it really does get better, I was in that same place once, many, many years ago, and you just can’t give up, you need to reach out, you need to ask for help. There are literally thousands and thousands of LGBT people and our allies who want to help you get through this dark spot. There really is a light at the end of the tunnel…don’t think you’re alone”

The abuse, violence and dehumanizing treatment of our youth in this country has come to a tipping point, and the people are saying enough is enough! Our society has a severe sickness that must be remedied.

Speaker of NYC Council Christine Quinn speaks at vigil:


Where do bullies learn that it’s okay to attack people who are different? From their parents? Other adults? Some religion’ss anti LGBT campaigns? Music, TV and other medias? School?

I think there is a correlation between the pattern of many states and the federal government stripping LGBTQI people of their human rights, or refusing to pass needed legislation that has been on the table for years, and the current wave of LGBTQQI suicides and hate crimes being committed against trans women of color (sadly, the media rarely takes notice when trans women are murdered). When these children look up and see society voting away their dignity, it must have a negative effect on them. When you vote against equality, you are part of the problem!

We need to petition all the schools, PTAs, government, high profile advocates and adults to help rid our world of bigotry.

This crisis has inspired me to get more involved. I want to be a big sister to another girl born with similar birth challenges as I. I wish those 7 boys who took their lives recently had someone to talk to. Things will only get better if we take aggressive action in making it so. Consoling words are good, but as adults we need to do more than say “it will be ok one day”. We need to take those words to the streets and demand that things not get better “one day”, but RIGHT NOW DAMNIT!! Our youth need us, now is the time to stand up, grab a mic, speak out, and not let these children's lives be cut short for no reason. NOW is the time to take action, now!

w/ Broadway star Cheyenne Jackson (who sang "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" at the vigil)

with Queer Rising activists Alan Bounville and Iana Di Bona, and married coupple Yvetta Kurland and her wife Elizabeth Koke

NY Governor Patterson gave a powerful speech

We all put our glo stick candles in the tree at the end

hanging with some of the NYU students who planned the vigl. I just love todays queer youth!

hat says "Im different, and that okay!"

Broadway star Cheyenne Jackson singing "Somewhere Over The Rainbow"

w/ Diedra Meredith (Chairwoman of Out Music (LGBT Academy of Recording Arts)

City Council members Daniel Dromm and Christine Quinn

2nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Advertising

The 2nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Advertising were held at the Hyatt Hotel in Manhattan this year. Many LGBT community leaders, allies and celebrities came out to show their support for LGBT positive images including Bryan Batt, Bethenny Frankel, Andy Cohen, Chely Wright, Christine Quinn and many more.

I’ve noticed a trend in the last ten years of more and more brands incorporating the LGBT community into their media campaigns. I see many ads of LGBT families in magazines. In numerous cities I have seen same sex couples, parents and families on billboards, which is something that would have been a really big deal in years past. Times are changing in the media world in a way that is more inclusive and celebratory of diversity. Its really nice to see us looking back at us!

That's right, more companies are realizing that the LGBT community is a thriving community that has a lot more to contribute to society then just the artistic talents and creativity that they are stereotypically known for. The LGBT demographic is actually a big international consumer market, and is only getting larger!

Many fashion houses are beginning to use transsexual women models who are open with their medical condition in their advertising campaigns, such as Givenchy hiring the transsexual model (soon to be super model) named Lea T. There has been many transsexual female fashion and beauty models since forever, but the majority of them have been pressured by society’s prejudice to not disclose their birth challenge status to their employers for fear of abandonment, which is why Lea T having such a warm welcome from the fashion industry is very hopeful and monumental (she has since been on the cover of Vogue Italia and has had additional jobs).

The top awards of the night were the Public Visibility Award, which went to ad critic Bob Garfield for his commitment to advocating for the LGBT community in the advertising world (in Garfield’s acceptance speech he talked about how he publicly called out ads which promoted bullying and homophobia), and the Corporate Responsibility Award went to American Airlines for their pioneering inclusion. (See video below of Chely Wright presenting American Airlines with their award).



GLAAD’s president Jarrett Barrios said at the awards, "Tonight's honorees, nominees and award recipients have set new industry standards which underline the value of [LGBT] consumers. More and more companies are moving toward ads that reflect truly reflect all people and learning that LGBT people should be accepted and respected, not only for their potential buying power, but for their contribution to the American cultural fabric. While LGBT representation on TV continues to grow, the advertising industry has not yet fully embraced our community. Tonight's nominees and honorees have set new benchmarks in the industry and continue to lead the way in fair, accurate and inclusive LGBT representation in advertising."

To see the rest of the winners of the awards please check out GLAAD’s press release: https://www.glaad.org/releases/092910adawards

Out country music star Chely Wright *

Ashley Love, GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios, William Kapfer *

Ashley Love, Mad Men's Bryan Batt hosted the awards, Lorna Kelly

Acclaimed advertising critic Bob Garfield (right) is presented the Public Visibility Award from Barbara Lippert, Editor-at-Large of Adweek

Wells Fargo won the Outstanding Interactive Campaign award, which was accepted by Candace McCullom, VP, Brand and Advertising Manager (far right)

with Christine Quinn (speaker of NYC City Council)

with IBM's Yvette Burton (former president of GLAAD's board)

GLAAD's staff have a group hug :)

with GLAAD's Jovan Carrington

with GLAAD's Johhny Angel Gonzales

with Bravo's Andy Cohen

with Marvette Britto

with GLAAD's Richard Ferraro

* photo credit: Kelsy Chauvin

The rest of the photos are the property of Trans Forming Media and Ashley

Black LGBTI Americans & Allies Honoring President Obama's Advocacy Event!

President Barack Obama has done more for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, transgender and intersex Americans in the first year alone of his presidency than any other president. Many LGBTI African Americans and allies are disappointed by LGBT Inc’s personal attacks on a fierce advocate such as our president. Change has to be inspired, not forced. To show our solidarity and support of our first African American President, we need to come forward and be vocal about the real changes that have taken place.

This weekend has been a historic event with the first convergence of over 100 African-American LGBTI leaders from around the country at the Congressional Black Caucus with the National Black Justice Coalition's OUT on the Hill event! In that spirit, I am asking that we come and celebrate together at Busboy's & Poets, a venue located in a historical neighborhood where Black intellectuals, artists and activists have come together for over a century to take a stand for social justice and to combat racism.

Time: Sunday, September 19 · 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Location: Washington DC. "Busboys & Poets" Address: 14th & V. 2021 14th St, DC.


For more info contact Ashley Love: ashleylapr@yahoo.com

Essence Magazine's "Evening of Excellence" gala in Washington DC

The most exciting party I went to during the Congressional Black Caucus week in Washington DC was the Second Annual "Evening of Excellence" gala hosted by ESSENCE Magazine and Southern Company, which honored advocates and architects of change. En Vogue (pictured above) gave an amazing performance, and have completed their 8th album, looking forward to it! Honorees of the evening were Warrick Dunn, Shelia Johnson, Judge Glenda Hatchett, Rodney and Holly Robinson Peete. I ran into my friend Nicey Nash (we were in the film "Guess Who" together), who was with her handsome new fiancé. I’m so happy for her! The party was at the Ronald Reagan building. I saw many friends from California, from actors, politicians, media folks and philanthropists. It was a long affair, with a cocktail reception, award ceremony, live music, and then next door was the after party with drinking, food and dancing! with friend actress Nicey Nash
Rev Al Sharpton

Holly Robinson Peete and her husband Rodney were honored for their charity work at the Essence event


Two of the "Real Housewives of DC" (Stacie Scott Turner & Paul Wharton) sat at our table at the Essence event last night!

Congressional Black Caucus' Celebration of 40 Years of Leadership Reception

On Thursday, September 16th, I went to the Library of Congress to attend the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Celebration of 40 Years of Leadership Reception. A lot of politicians attended. There was a few speeches, and live music. Soul food and southern cuisine was served, it was super yummy! I went with my friend Denise LeClaire, who is the Executive Director of the International Foundation for Gender Education. It was a lovely time. So good to have so many black leaders in town from around the entire country.
Denise LeClaire (IFGE Exex. Director), Ashley, Brynda J Harris (Library of Congress)
what a great singer!
Ashley, Dr Babara Young (friend from California) Dr Babara Young gives great seminars about women empowerment. check out her work at www.PersonalBestSuccess.net
beautiful ceilings, interior and architecture

Attention all Women Born with a Transsexual and/or Intersex Birth Challenge: You Have The Right to Vote Too! Happy Women's Equality Day!

Next week, August 26, is National Women's Equality Day! August 26th is the anniversary that women won the right to vote. Also, late transitioning transgender males and white heterosexual cross dressing males are not the only ones who have the right to vote on issues pertaining to transsexual, transgender and intersex (TTI) equality, however, they have colonized the transsexual community. The results of this colonization has been devastating to the progress of transsexual (TS) and intersex (IS) Americans. Look at the history, and the law books- it's all there. Ever since cross dressing men and transvestites co-opted the transsexual movement, TS folks have actually LOST already pre-existing rights. And ever since Gay Inc co-signed the transgender fascista's co-opting of the transsexual birth challenge, many in society have been miseducated about the transsexual birth challenge, and it has been gay appropriated in a very oppressive way.

Our hope is that the business type cross dressing males, TG Inc & Gay Inc will STOP censoring and bullying the realities, hopes, dreams and special needs of transsexual and intersex Americans. TS & IS women are NOT drag queens, fetishists, transvestites, gender dismantlists and gender queer activists. These are people who were born with a medical condition, and it's high time the sexist and transsexual-phobic practice of misrepresntation stops. So many politicians and trans advocates know this to be true, and tell me so, but they get scared of not being politically correct (because they are paid money to brush with general strokes). Its unfair that men get to use women's birth challenges as a political game chip. Their condition is not meant to usurped by dishonest people who feel threatened with transsexual and intersex people articulating their truth. Stop sexualizing, misrepresenting and stealing the realities of transsexual and intersex people! Its wrong, and many women are sick of it! And though TG Inc, CD Inc and Gay Inc are doing everything in their power to prohibit transsexual and intersex Americans the right to vote, there is a large mobilization happening internationally, and pretty soon the transsexual and intersex advocates will take their right to vote without permission. Just because TS and IS people dont have the money or populace that the white cross-dressing male communities or Gay Inc has, does not mean that they dont deserve a seat at the table.

When you know the REAL history of this issue, its really upsetting. It was actually transsexual women who gained all the initial rights for the TTI communities in the early 1900's. Then after Stonewall, some quack cross dressing heterosexual male named Virginia Prince (who was an open misogynist,voiced public disdain for the transsexual communities, and was homophobic against gay and lesbian people) decided to rally the other white heterosexual cross dressing males to usurp the transsexual community against their will. And since the patriarchy supported the sexualizing and silencing of TS women, it was easy for CD males to hijack the TS movement. Everything started to go downhill after that for women and men born with transsexualism.

So in this month, where we celebrate women's right to vote, let's also celebrate all that transsexual women did in the early 1900's to secure rights for the TTI communities. And let us not silence the transsexual women's community any longer.

Let the women speak. And when they speak out against the bulldozer who broke into their safe home and tainted thier sanctuary, and planted weeds in their garden----- listen, and try to understand.

Just because Dennis Rodman is a cross dresser and wears wigs, does not mean he is the sister of the transsexual women's community! Even Ru Paul says he is NOT trans gender, he says he is a gay male and entertainer. And just because cross dressers who have been diagnosed with autogynaphilia have the resources to buy a seat at the table, it does not mean they speak for actual women who are do not subscribe to "clothes equating womanhood".

Just as the suffragettes endured a lot of attacks to pursue the right to vote, so have transsexual and intersex women. The last few months many transsexual women have been campaigning heavily for the right to represent themselves. And they all have been brutally attacked by the gay media, mainstream media and some transgender activists. This year The Advocate published an article calling me "Tran Coulture" (as in Ann Coulture), and even refered to us transsexual advocates as women with "do it your self changes". I was shocked that the Advocate, who I had always thought to be classy, could be so publicly transsexual-phobic. The Advocate also misrepresented our plight many other times. "Queerty" called me the anti-transsexual slur "tra**y". Planet Out paid gender queer rebel Kate Bornstein to write an article where Bornstein dismissed the transsexual community entirely, and misquoted me intentionally to drown out our voice. Former draq queen Alexandra Billings refered to transsexual women as "not real". A late transitioning transgender blogger (who has some issues) named Autumn Sandeen joined Gay Inc and called me "divisive", when in reality, all I was doing was calling out the oppression of TS and IS people at the hands of Gay Inc and TG Inc. But we are making progress, and we have doctors, scientists, politicians, actvists, feminists and flower power heroines backing up the plight of all transsexual, transgender and intersex people.

Attention all transsexual and intersex women: Get out and vote! I know it seems that your vote may not count because the establishment has a fetish of editing out your Truth, but take a stand and vote anyways. And vote loudly!

Also, here's a poem I wrote years on August 26, 2007 for Women's Equality Day:

Radical Women have inspired me to act!
I was blind till they spoke to me, this is a fact.
The Freedom Socialist Party's morals are truthful and pure.
I'm taking a stand with them; no longer demure.
Patriarchy is like an army of reptiled lost souls,
The Radical Women are angels, with humanity saving goals.
Let's unite all our causes, to defeat the big beast,
Which is only so big when we're divided, to say the least.
Today we celebrate the giver of life's right to vote.
Some were intimidated, and that was murder she wrote.
We all have a life in us, that could never be bought!
Unlike some of these elitists- such a sold out sad lot.
Now we are fighting to gain good national health care.
Left out are minorities and poor - this is not fair!
This injustice is why we have gathered here today,
Together we'll find solutions, we will make the way!

Suzan Cooke Responds to Gay, Inc. & TG, Inc. Hijacking & Appropriating the Transsexual Medical Condtion.

Transsexual Medical Rights Pioneer Suzan Cooke

Suzan Cooke is a longtime veteran in the struggle for women born with transsexual and/or intersex medical conditions. She has been very intrumental is combating the epidemic of her community being marginalized by some of the transgender identified people, cross-dressing males and gay/lesbian politicos who have usurped the definition of the transsexualism birth challenge into either a game chip to be used by Gay, Inc and TG, Inc to further their sexual-orientation only agenda, or to miseducate the public into thinking transsexualism is an "identity or expression", when in fact it is a biological and medical condition (transsexual women are not drag queens, crossdrsssers, gender queer activists, etc).

Currently, Nikki Araguz, a heterosexual female in Texas dealing with a law suit pertaining to her birth challenge status, is being misrepresented by Transgender, Inc and Gay, Inc. in a way that pigeonholes the particular needs, facts and human rights of transsexual and intersex Americans.

'Trans Forming Media' asked Suzan Cooke for a statement regarding the transsexual community’s current protest of transgender blogger Autumn Sandeen’s misgendering and declassifying of Nikki Araguz, and Sandeen and Gay, Inc's sneaky strategy of wanting to make Nikki's case about their "same sex marriage" agenda. How many years must all LGBTQI and TTI issues be about privilged gay and lesbian folks getting married? There are other issues! And dishonestly trying to miscontrue the facts of Nikki's case to continue their campiagn is just shameful. Sandeen is employed by the gay and lesbian establishment via Pam's House Blend (Pam Spaulding’s blog). Sandeen has a long history of misrepresenting transsexual issues, yet as the gay and lesbian establishment keeps on rewarding Sandeen for compromising the transsexual and intersex communities, we do not see Sandeen stopping anytime soon. This is why many are speaking out.

The good news is that many in the transsexual, transgender and intersex (TTI) communities are uprising against the constant LGB appropriation of TTI issues. This appropriation advances only the privileged gay and lesbian people (and the transgender people they fund), yet sabotages the hopes of transsexual and intersex Americans achieving human rights and social and cultural understanding and acceptance. Times are changing. Enough already.


Suzan Cooke tells 'Trans Forning Media':

"Transgender Inc. represents a political identity that places the interests of transgender people who do not get SRS ahead of transsexual people who do get SRS. It has consistently erased the reality of the lives of post-SRS people with transsexualism and demanded that they not pursue legal/political solutions to their particular problems purely as post SRS people with transsexualism.

Instead Transgender Inc uses the willful confusing of post SRS people with non-op transgender people to further their particular goals.

This is not meant to target any particular person putting forth the party line of Transgender Inc. Nor is it meant to denigrate the goals of non-discrimination nor the rights to live as one chooses with all ones human rights protected.

This becomes more a matter of our demanding a say in how we are represented and a say on how matters that are of vital concern to us are represented"