We Have Failed Our Trans Brothers & Sisters

As of March 10th, 2017 there have been 7 trans members of our community murdered.
There was also a brutal extended beating and murder of a trans sister in Brazil that was captured on film.  She is dead.  Her murderers are awaiting trial.

In 1990 when I came out, there was a beautiful and very sweet trans woman at our *then* only gay club on the Gold Coast - Flashez.

She was tall, blonde, and she radiated peace within herself.  She was engaging and charming.  And I eventually ended up dancing with her in a show on a weekly basis at Flashez.  Though I have no idea what she is doing these days, when I last ran into her She was doing well and had plans to go into seam-stressing and to create her own beach-ware.  She was very nice to me and I remember one particular fun moment when we were getting dressed for a show, she had to retuck and she said "Oh love do you mind stepping out for a mo.... oh fuck it, you've seen dicks before.  Mine is just bigger than most."  And it was.  She also allowed me to watch the tuck process.  VERY complicated and not at all comfortable I imagine. I had many questions for her and she answered each and every one patiently.  She also gave the best hugs.  Warm.  Encompassing.  Genuine.

When I think of the ladies who have been killed this year - mostly trans ladies of color - I am heart broken.  Given my wonderful memories of my Lady, I am imagining an extended family in a state of horrible mourning.

Why aren't we doing better?

Why are these ladies not more secure in society?

Why are we not doing MORE!?

I am aghast.

Trans men and women are in such delicate states where security and safety is concerned, but aside from yet more 'awareness' I do not see any major initiatives happening. Again, it seems that our LGBT Organisations do very well with the G and the L, and ok with the B, but fails the T on a regular basis.

Maybe our community organisations need a culture shake up.  Clearly they are not doing enough.

And neither are we.

My blessings and love to the families of the dead.

May HaShem embrace them

Damien

What To Blog These Days.......

In this politically charged time, it is both a duty and a necessity to continue to call out the shocking state of the Presidency and his Nazi administration.

And yet, there is also a necessity to take a time out now and then to breathe and to recharge for the next thing to come forth from Hair Furor.

I have noticed that some blogs have decided to avoid any political posts and concentrate on posts that are of the normal everyday posts that they would do.  These posts are a welcome diversion from everything.  And it shows that in spite of the chaos of the White House, life is still going on as it should.

And yet there are many who feel guilty for posting that which they normally would.  Given the contentious nature of what is happening, they feel they should be doing more.  I can't disagree with this, but I also think that not everyone is an activist.  Not everyone has the mindset to resist.

We should not treat these people poorly.  Back in the early 90's I had no clue what to do when it came to getting involved with my community re the HIV / AIDS pandemic.  I was only 18 when I came out and didn't really understand how large the impact of HIV was, even on my community, let alone any other.  Thankfully I had very patient people around me who took me in hand, explained everything, and gave me the choice of being involved or not.  They did stress that it would not be okay to be uninformed.  I had many conversations with my friends about what was happening and I was forever grateful for their mentorship and guidance.

If you are reading a blog that contains a sharply incisive post re Trump, then go to another blog and see that they are NOT mentioning him, don't be harsh on them.

For some, highlighting our daily lives can be a protest in itself.  Trump will not beat us.  He will not ruin our life.  We will continue to flourish as a community and we will be here - loud and proud - long after he is impeached (yes I believe that will happen sooner rather than later).  Our community has weathered so much over the last 50 years, we will not simply survive, we will thrive.  As we have always done.

The LGBT+ community is so much more than one man / one administration / one bloated boozehound of a Nazi.   We are PRIDE.  PRIDE will continue long after hate.

Shalom and my blessings to you all.

Damien

Our FTM Trans Brothers

Let's celebrate all members of our community equally.

D
xox