Chicago TransMan Levi Pine's Complaint Against King Spa is Wrong

A Chicago man has filed a discrimination complaint against the  King Spa and Sauna for denying him the use of the men's shower, pictured right. According to the Windy City Times Levi Pine felt degraded after the manager approached him while he was naked asking to speak with him.

The manager, who identified himself as John but declined to provide a last name to Windy City Times, questioned Pine about his gender. Pine told John that he was transgender, and John said he could provide Pine with a private shower.

Pine said he did not want a private shower and that he could use the same facilities used by other customers. But, John said, other customers had complained.

So I was curious, are youth allowed in the King Spa and Sauna so I called the Chicago facility.

The service representative told me children under 12 are allowed as long as they are accompanied by an adult of the same sex. Children over 12 after being admitted with an adult are allowed unrestricted access to the faculty.

"I shouldn't have to be sequestered into a private area," Pine later told Windy City Times. "Just because some people who go there are uncomfortable with my body, shouldn't change what I have to do and shouldn't change my rights as a customer."

The nity gritty. Transgender men have become used to identifying there Sexual Reassignment Surgery as a breast reduction and reconstruction and in addition to affects of hormone replacement therapy most trans men 'pass' easily. Until you drop you're drawers then passing becomes problematic.

The lone commenter on the Windy City Times, Amber, made a argument for his rights to use public accommodations as did John Knight, LGBT project attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois and my good friend Attorney Joanie Rae Wimmer.

Amber makes a case for blind justice for transgender rights but in this case I think the blinders should come off.

Pine probably has a valid case under law but..
My 2cents.....

Mr. Pine is ether ignorant about the Spa's policy on admitting children, caught up in the cause or he's just uncaring.
I feel we have a moral responsibility as do the vast majority of those previously polled regarding nudity in public accommodations with to respect children.

It's not optional, it's not a case of discrimination regardless of consequences, its our duty as citizens if a person has not had bottom surgery, full nudity must be considered a condition reserved for consenting adults. If children are present or the possibility exists a child could enter the room under those conditions, it's not just wrong, it's immoral.

Trans bloggers and Other People of Good Will: You are Being Hijacked

Who would stoop to that level to intentionally misdirect and misinform with hateful lies?

Radscum. Filthy dirty filthy low life nasty hateful radscum.

I was playing with the idea of buying a domain for this blog and found that it was unavailable because it was already registered. The scum have registered planetransgender.com pointing everyone who searches for this blog using that domain to their wordpress hell hole! Those are some dirt bags for sure. Googling "planetransgender.com" you end on rad scum central. Just a heads up to other trans folk and other people of good will.

You might want to check this out. The scum might be hijacking you too.

ESPN Radio 980 Suspends Steve Czaban and Andy Pollin

ESPN 980 (Washington, D.C.) radio hosts Steve Czaban and Andy Pollin suspended for their transphobic tirades berating transgender basketball player Gabrielle Ludwig.

The radio station belatedly took action following the outrage expressed by you and I.


The following message was posted on the ESPN 980 Facebook wall:

Many including myself felt the appropriate response would have been to fire these two after there second rant thinly discussed as an apology.

However the independently owned and operated sports radio station felt a suspension was fitting.  Awful Announcing brought up the point firing could and probably would have, in all fairness, inhibited future discussions about transgender people (transgender people's rights?).

This begs the question, what if that bigoted rant were focused at a black person? People of color are defined as a minority just as Gabrielle Ludwig is, would the station have felt a suspension an appropriate remedy then?



So what do you think?

Lady Gaga Born This Way Санкт-Петербург Россия

Lady Gaga говоря бросил переводчик сказал, что она "хочет уважения прав геев". Lady Gaga хочет сказать, что она ожидает уважения от других - она не здесь, чтобы оскорбить религию никому или веры, она здесь, чтобы объединить нас ".



Lady Gaga said at the concert that she "wanted to respect the rights of gays." Lady Gaga wants to say that she expects respect from others - she is not here to offend anyone religion or faith, she is here to join us. "

"Artists in Russia have begun warning of a new "iron curtain" falling over the country, as ever more western stars become targets of the country's crackdown on culture. Last week, prosecutors in St Petersburg opened an investigation into the Hermitage museum after complaints that an exhibit by British artists Jake and Dinos Chapman showed signs of extremism. Responding to the investigation, the Chapman brothers said in a statement: "Note to selves: remember, forget Russia."

"The campaign against western artists has grown since the jailing of the punk band Pussy Riot, a case that highlighted the crackdown on freedom of expression in Vladimir Putin's Russia."

Source: Guardian

Tegan Smith Handcuffed Dragged Off Plane at Dallas Love Field "for being trans"

Transgender woman Tegan Marie Smith handcuffed, removed from a plane at Dallas Love Field because the "police" wanted to know "why she was transgender."

Rebecca Heineman posted about this on facebook:

Around 6PM Dallas time on Monday, December 10th, 2012, my good friend Tegan Marie Smith was at Love Field in Dallas TX on board her flight to Atlanta GA when the police boarded the aircraft, handcuffed and arrested her. They held her for a few hours telling her she had no rights and demanded why she was "Transgender". In the process she lost her phone and several other personal items and missed he...r flight. She is currently in a hotel in Dallas awaiting the next flight home..

This is a total outrage!! She didn't deserve this treatment. She only was in Dallas to see her family and was on her way home.

This is the text from Tegan's facebook page.

"Arrested in Dallas, detained for two hours in handcuffs, released. Most of my stuff, including phones, missing. I still had one credit card and my drivers license, so I got a nearby hotel and will try to fly home to Atlanta tomorrow. I had to give life story about being transsexual to officers. My earlier flight was cancelled, and I had a few drinks at the bar, no more than the others I was with. I was boarded, then removed, placed in handcuffs, not read any rights, was told I didn't have any. They demanded to know why I was transgender. I was finally released, my wrists are bruised, the handcuffs hurt like hell but I sure as hell wasn't going to let them see me cry. I feel pretty bad right now, I was singled out of six people from the bar near the gate, I am certain because of my height and size. I don"t have any phone numbers but one. my phone is gone, and she is not answering. A wonderful weekend in Dallas gone bad for no reason. I was told to stay away from the airport tonight, to fly out tomorrow. Likely I will have to buy another ticket, and I have no idea where my carry on bag, hormones, etc are.

No one is going to see me cry. Yey though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for I am the toughest Bitch in the valley."

Apparently Tegan is safe and on her way home. This was posted by a friend of hers...

(Tegan)"...messaged me to say that she had a stand-by boarding pass to get home on a 1245 flight, no charge. She said that the groundcrew at the check-in apologized and told her that her arrest was a manager's decision and that they never would have pulled her off of the flight themselves, but said that they couldn't do anything about it though.

All of her possessions were returned ...to her intact!
She has taken her prescriptions and photographed the marks on her wrists from the handcuffs that the police put very tightly on her yesterday. She said that NBC wants to talk with her. I don't know if they got to yet though. Let's all please say a prayer that she gets home safe and sound! A subsequent text message from her indicated that she was boarding at 12:32, so apparently she's in the air now!

There will be a lot in the mainstream news about this I'm sure.

ESPN Radio: Fire Steve Czaban and Andy Pollin

This sort of hate speech has no place on the court, in the stands and especially not on the Radio. This kind of attack was exactly what Gabrielle was so anxious about  although I don't think she could have imagined it would have originated from mainstream media.

What made this attack doublly dispicable is they did it in response to the incrediable article published by


"ESPN Radio's Steve Czaban and Andy Pollin went on a deeply transphobic rant about trans college basketball player Gabrielle Ludwig, calling her "it" and saying transgender people have no place in sports. Source: Out Sports.





chucksapienza980@gmail.com
Chuck Sapienza

Vice President/Programming
Red Zebra Broadcasting

ESPN980 and SportsTalk 570

The Illinois Family Institute employs Nazi Tactics at The Aurora AD Hoc Committee Meeting

Will the mob organized by the Illinois Family Institute strong arm the East Aurora Ad Hoc committee from doing what the school board originally accomplished when they unanimously approved transgender inclusive policies?

Its possible according to the Beacon News as the Ad Hoc committee chairwoman has indefinitely postponed the next meeting for fear that some of the committee members are at risk of being harmed.

Why would Chairwoman Anita Lewis feel there was danger and who's behaviour at that meeting would have led her to think that?

Intimidation Tactics:

Transgender committee member Joanie Rae Wimmer wrote in her letter posted below that she felt intimidated by one the IFI recruits who was for some unknown reason allowed to stand closely behind her for the entire meeting, gesturing and pointing at her while making obnoxious comments disparaging her gender.

That person has been identified as Brian Anderson a founder a local recruiting company which quite incredibly claims it does so in the best interest of there clients by hiring the best heterosexual cisgender person for the position.

The other transgender committee member Crystal Ann Gray posted this on her facebook page about the struggle just to get past the IFI protesters:

"Shari and I are here for the meeting in Aurora and we were met at the door by IFI supporters with protest signs. We almost did not get through the door. We are safe for now and Aurora PD is on the way to make sure everyone is safe and that it is uneventful."

The following open letter is by committee member Joanie Rae Wimmer:

An open letter to the Ad Hoc Committee of East Aurora School District 131

Dear Fellow Ad Hoc Committee Members,

One of the nice things about being in business for myself is that I enjoy the freedom to speak my mind without fear of having my employment terminated or other negative repercussions. I was invited to serve on the Ad Hoc Committee and have every intention of continuing to do so. ...But I cannot go through an experience like last Thursday night's meeting without saying what I need to say about it. I didn't speak up at the meeting only because I understand and respect Robert's Rules of Order and the process by which governmental and quasi-governmental bodies operate.

Never have I seen so many people gathered in one place so determined to display their own ignorance, bigotry, and mean-spiritedness. I should not have been surprised because the protest was organized by the Illinois Family Institute, which has been certified as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. The Beacon News had a photograph of David Norck of the Illinois Family Institute assisting the protestors. It would be like having the Ku Klux Klan come to a meeting of a committee whose work was to craft a policy for racial integration. We had speakers tell us that transgender people have "twisted minds" and are "gender confused". My favorite part of the evening was when a speaker, who for some reason was allowed to stand behind my chair for the entire meeting in an intimidating posture, pointed his pen at me, and told the assembled throng that I was there to "push my lifestyle" on the children of East Aurora. This same person had never met me before that evening; doesn't know anything about my "lifestyle"; doesn't know if I spend my free time with my children, in the library, out clubbing, or at church; and knows nothing about me other than the fact that I am transgender. Because he knows nothing about me other than the fact that I am transgender and feels justified in attacking my "lifestlye", he is nothing but a hate-filled ignorant bigot. It is no different from making assumptions about a person's "lifestyle" because they are black or Hispanic.

We heard a lot of talk about putting girls in the boys' bathroom and boys in the girls' bathroom. But the only people at the meeting who want to put girls in the boys' bathroom are the people who want to force transsexual girls into the boys' bathroom where their identity, comfort, and safety will be compromised.

I was disappointed not to have had an opportunity to speak out at the meeting, and to have to listen to ninety minutes of transphobic diatribes.

We cannot let a certified hate group prevent the Ad Hoc Committee from having its dialogue, proposing policy, and taking a vote. We don't have mob rule; we have a democracy. And while the First Amendment certainly protects every one, including bigots (the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the American Nazi Party to march in Skokie), reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions may be imposed on the right of public comment so that government bodies and quasi-government bodies can do the work that they are charged to do. It is my suggestion that we, as a Committee, or the School Board, itself, adopt reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions on public comment so that the Committee can do its work.

This letter will be an open letter which I post on my blog.

Joanie Rae Wimmer
Attorney at Law

Laurie Higgins of The Illinois Family Institute responded to Wimmers letter hatefully, not missing a opportunity by posting this vile screed attacking the transgender committee members on the IFI website.

In all reality we don't have to look any further to know who the Ad Hoc committee is afraid of. This hateful rhetoric by the IFI endangers not just the committee members but all gender gifted people.

It's time the Christians who participated on behalf of the IFI to consider this. Transgender people were spoken of THREE times in the bible. Once by God, once by Jesus and once when a angel helped a conservative preacher understand, we are all loved. Your actions are in direct disobedience to the teaching of our lord.

Video: Kiev LGBT Protesters Gassed And Harassed

Source NewsWorldNews: "Hundreds of Ukrainian lesbian and gay activists have joined a rally in the centre of Kiev, defying a court order. Protesters denounced a proposed new law that would ban any positive depiction of homosexuals including gay pride marches."

"Clashes broke-out after anti-gay activists tried to disrupt the rally by letting off gas in the crowd. Several people were arrested."



According to Gay Star News there were arrests and beatings at Ukraine gay human rights protest   including Olena Shevchenko, the head of Ukraine’s main LGBT organization "Insight" who was arrested.

Suspended Teacher Reinstated after Showing MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS - SAME LOVE feat.

Could you imagine a teacher being suspended for playing this video requested by her students?

Well nether could she and she talks about that in the next video. Its about human rights. Its about love. It's about equality, hope and freedom.



Facebook Cause "Gay Rights are Human Rights" would like to know what you think... More about this at Huffington Post

Video: NY Post Slams US With "Tranny" But Balks At F__ot

This "Article" by the NY Post has to be without a doubt the most hurtful and incendiary transphobic pieces of shit ever published by one of Murdoch's media maggots.

GLAAD,who's article brought this to my attention claims it was they who were responsible for the NY Post's gay awareness. GlAAD says they stopped using the F word because of their efforts during the AIDS crisis.

However GLAAD is apparently unable to stop them from using the T word. I think it may also have something to do with the assailant being associated with the NYFD and everyone knows there's no gay firefighters. (The Mahmoud Ahmadinejad syndrome)

So you might ask, why bother then? Glaad with all its might is seemingly powerless to stop that trash heap of a rag, Kelli what could you do with your little planetransgender bloggy thangy?

Although I have not been a big fan of the duplicitous GLAAD in the past I have seen some major changes in them recently. And a TRUE Ally against transgender defamation is our ally.

And if need be, the next time one of there runway cisgender money making queens utters the T word in public claiming he is 'reclaiming' it on our behalf I will be the first to remind GLAAD of the snip to the right from there own blog.

This video from the NY Post appeared in my daily google 'tranny' alert after I wrote the post and thought I'd include it. Don't buy the NY Post. Really.

APA DSM-5: The D word Switcharoo

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association APA, contains descriptions, symptoms, and other criteria for diagnosing mental disorders.

These criteria for diagnosis provide a common language among clinicians and mental health professionals who treat patients with mental disorders. The APA is currently developing the latest edition, DSM to be published May 2013

There are extremes in all communities and ours is no exception. Being radical it seems right that I occupy the one on the far side advocating for our removal lock, stock and barrel from the DSM-5.

I'm also open to others opinions and since it's such a hot button issue, one I felt needed our attention I created a Facebook event that was joined by five thousand people for conversation. Some against some for our removal and some in the middle, but all respected.

Did those of us who wanted our removal succeed?  No, most likely we failed despite my best efforts at getting local people out from behind their keyboards. That was somehow my fault. Not the gay communities.  We didn't take to the street at key moments and gain the spotlight as they did twenty years ago.

The facts.

The December first 2012  press release from the APA announcing the next bureaucratic step needed to publish the DSM-5 had been taken by the board voting it's approval.

And the world fell over themselves to announce trans people were no longer listed as "disordered" by in the DSM.

Did I miss something in that press release?

The  Message From APA President Dilip Jeste, M.D., on DSM-5 offers no specifics, only justifications and denials regarding the process.

So whats up?

The often quoted Med Page published in May following the last public meeting reports what may not up:

"Gender identity disorder. Individuals who believe their biological gender doesn't match their gender identification will no longer be labeled with a disorder. Instead, if they seek psychiatric treatment, they can be labeled with "gender dysphoria."

The workgroup responsible for dealing with the hot-button issue considered a variety of other approaches, addressed later in this article. Ultimately they settled on a formal diagnosis -- potentially qualifying a patient for insurance-paid treatment if they want it -- but with a less pejorative name than "disorder."

So the name might change but what is the difference between the two words and what does it mean to trans people? The free medical dictionary defines....

Gender Identity Disorder:

"The psychological diagnosis gender identity disorder (GID) is used to describe a male or female that feels a strong identification with the opposite sex and experiences considerable distress because of their actual sex."

Gender Dysphoria:

"unhappiness with one's biological sex or its usual gender role, with the desire for the body and role of the opposite sex.

Not much difference between the two words is there?

Please understand this is just conjuncture since no further official information available untill the DSM-5 is published in May 2013.
But given that one D word is being substituted for another what's the end result?

We remain pathologized by the APA

pa·thol·o·gize

/pəˈTHäləˌjīz/Verb

Regard or treat (someone or something) as psychologically abnormal or unhealthy

Which in my opinion denies  us our rightful place among the worlds well adapted productive citizens.

So try as hard as I may I failed, kind of. Who knows. I did give space to those who wanted conversation. But most importantly, those who wanted our total removal from the DSM as well.

 But now its just a waiting game. The APA has what it wants, our undivided attention, our money, the guidelines to normality, acceptability and our chances at success in life.

Gabrielle Ludwig: Transgender Basketball player At Center Court

"Come out and be Gabrielle the player," head coach Corey Cafferata tells her. "You worked hard to get here. This damn team in here, everyone has your back!"

Ludwig nervously runs her hand over the sock approaching the tattoo on her leg. She has long been eager yet apprehensive about this moment. Can she still play? What will she hear from adults in the stands? What will her opponents on the court whisper? And can she keep her emotions in check? Glancing up from the dirty rug, she says she is calm. She didn't know if this day could ever arrive: Tonight, before spectators who will cheer and curse her, she hits the reset button on her life.

Read more of this celebration of life on USA Today

Twenty Tennessee Equality Organizations to Rally Dec 9th

"Most people realize that AIDS came from the homosexual community—it was one guy screwing a monkey, if I recall correctly, and then having sex with men. It was an airline pilot, if I recall.
My understanding is that it is virtually—not completely, but virtually—impossible to contract AIDS through heterosexual sex."

Michelangelo Signorile interview with TN Sen. Stacey "Don't Say Gay" Campfield 

Why should the rest of us care? The weakest Link, Tennessee has the most oppressive Anti LGBT Legislature in  the USA.

Twenty Equality Organizations will gather December Sunday 9th rallying for the full range of equality issues--for safe schools and against bad legislation like the Don't Say Gay and License to Bully bills, for legal recognition of our relationships, and safety for our community from violence and hate, including hateful legislation like the Police the Potty bill that targets transgender people.

Video: Islamic Thugs Shut Down Jakarta Festival Waria Berbudaya [Cultural Transgender Festival]

JAKARTA – A transgender festival was forced to shut down on Monday night after an Islamic group armed with sticks turned up at the event to protest against it.

UPDATE  Festival Organizers claim police are in cohorts with the Islamists leaving them unprotected. Source: Jakarta Post


The Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), a fundamentalist group that aims to implement shariah law in Indonesia, claimed the organiser of the Miss Waria contest in Pasar Festival, South Jakarta, did not have a permit from the police.

“The local community did not want the contest to be held in their area. They asked the police if there is a permit for the contest, but there is not,” Salim Alatas, chief patron of the FPI’s Jakarta chapter told the Jakarta Globe.

“We will deny if there is such thing as a transgender contest in our country. It’s morally destructive and not educating.”

Witnesses said that FPI members wore helmets and were armed with sticks, but Mr Salim denied the claims, saying that his men were unarmed and came in peace.

South Jakarta’s Setiabudi Police precinct head AKBP Lalu Muhammad Iwan confirmed that police did not issue a permit for the event.

Festival organiser Merlyn Sofyan, winner of Miss Waria when the event was first held in 2006, denied the show was a transgender beauty contest.

“It’s called Festival Waria Berbudaya [Cultural Transgender Festival], not a pageant where contestants are judged by their looks,” Merlyn told the Jakarta Globe.

“Festival Waria Berbudaya is an attempt to answer the wrong perceptions in our community by producing decent human resources of waria [transgender people]. It’s not going to be instant, but we’re trying to nurture them.

“If we’re talking about religion, who has the right to judge other people?”

All 20 contestants left the contest peacefully and continued the event at the Legal Aid Foundation in Central Jakarta.

Source: Bangkok Post

Video: Helena LGBT Human Rights Ordinance Advances Amid Fears Based on Hearsay

LGBT human rights activists and opponents of equality gathered in Helena Montana to voice support for and against the Non-Discrimination Ordinance.

Trans people and our allies also spoke against the proposed amendment restricting public accommodations provisions for trans people.

Apparently orchestrating the opposition was Joseph La Rue, legal counsel for the Alliance Defending Freedom in Scottsdale, Ariz. a quasi religious organization, who spoke against the Ordinance.


Source: Independent Record: "The amendment to section 1-8-4 read: “However in any place of public accommodation where users ordinarily appear in the nude, users may be required to use the facilities designated for their anatomical sex regardless of their gender identity. Such requirements shall not constitute discrimination for purposes of this section 1-8-4.”
"The amendment, Thweatt explained saying he was ambivalent about its merits, would allow the owner of a business to remove a person who, for example, was born male but is now a transgender person who had exposed genitalia in a sauna."

"The explanation was in reference to reports of this happening at Evergreen State College, in Olympia, Wash. The college has disputed specifics of the incident. In a similar case, a parent of a swim club member complained of indecent exposure but local prosecutors there declined to charge the person."

****************************
I find it outrageous that Council Member Thweat would site ONE  instance of hearsay to validate to discriminating against transgender people.
Support our equality by signing the Helena Human Rights Petition

CBS CSI: - "Strip Maul" Transgender Peoples Nightmare

"Strip Maul" Strips trans people of diginity.

While the officers are searching for 'wacko's' at the mall they encounter a person in womans clothing who identifies as a female, but with one bizarre twist, she's trans and claims to be pregnant.

The trans person's scene's are always at key moments. It's obvious CBS is well aware that a trans person acting bizarrely will sell this episode. Eventually the trans person begins to threaten herself and her baby and does kills herself.

That scene was deleted from the online version but according to Nick Adams, GLAAD’s Associate Director of Communications "In the next scene, Joslyn has been released from the chair, but now she is even more hysterical, claiming that her water has broken and the baby is coming. She again violently attacks everyone in the room, grabs a pair of scissors and repeatedly stabs herself in the stomach. The show lingers on a shot of her bloody body lying on the floor of the station. Immediately after the commercial break one of the detectives says, "Hospital said our pregnant transvestite was D.O.A."

APA Changes: DSM-5 Transgender Disorder to Dysphoria. It's Official, Kind of

Source AP December 1st 2012: "The board of trustees for the American Psychiatric Association voted Saturday in suburban Washington, D.C., on scores of revisions that have been in the works for several years. Details will come next May when the group's fifth diagnostic manual is published. "

"The trustees made the final decision on what proposals made the cut; recommendations came from experts in several task force groups assigned to evaluate different mental illnesses."

The only thing for sure is that they are -- Eliminating the term "gender identity disorder." Minnesota Public Radio 

*********

The APA will not officially disclose the actual changes until the DSM-5 is published, but from earlier in the year we have a pretty good idea anyways...

******

Source Med Page Today:

Whats changed:

Gender identity disorder. Individuals who believe their biological gender doesn't match their gender identification will no longer be labeled with a disorder. Instead, if they seek psychiatric treatment, they can be labeled with "gender dysphoria."

The workgroup responsible for dealing with the hot-button issue considered a variety of other approaches, addressed later in this article. Ultimately they settled on a formal diagnosis -- potentially qualifying a patient for insurance-paid treatment if they want it -- but with a less pejorative name than "disorder."

What the APA refused to change:

Transgenderism as a V code. In seeking to destigmatize what was called gender identity disorder in DSM-IV, one proposal was to list it -- with or without a new name -- as a so-called V Code. In DSM-IV, this was a chart code used to flag items of clinical interest that were not diagnosable or treatable conditions in their own right -- such as problems at school or noncompliance with treatment.

It was rejected, as were suggestions that the condition be dropped from DSM-5 altogether.

Read more ar 'Med Page Today' published May 10, 2012

Video: It's Over, Stacie Laughton Signs Resignation Letter

 

November 30th at the 17:30 mark on this lenghty video Transgender woman NH Representative elect Stacie Laughton signed her resignation letter.
This video did answer one question I had, why did the rest of the Democrats remain quite? Answer: Her seat broke the super majority the Republicans had (now have again) in the New Hampshire House.

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

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

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.

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"

Stacie Laughton, First Transgender NH Lawmaker A Convicted Felon

 

Only one person in the Granite State knew of the criminal history of the first transgender legislator elected in New Hampshire.  But it wasn't for sure any of the pro LGBT writers like me as I scrambled to applaud her win.

Evidently Laughton served 4 1/2 months for 2008 for conspiracy to commit credit card fraud. Laughton's probation ended on November 22, 2010. She was ordered to pay $1,991 in restitution, of which $1,706 remains unpaid. And the rap sheet goes on and on....

Stacie Marie Laughton posted these two statements on her Facebook page this weekend.

"I am sorry for the people that can't let my past go. I have made mistakes just like everyone else. No one is perfect. I don't want to talk about my past nor do I care about my past. I live for today and my future. If you want to talk about me please by all means do so. At least your leaving someone else alone. That is all I have to say about it."

1588 voters voted in the most recent election I thank them for their vote of confidence in me. Over the years I have worked hard to change myself to better myself so that I may be a better servant to my community. While I work hard everyday to better my community republicans from across the state have nothing better to do then to dig into my past to use it against me from this moment on all that m...

atters is the hard work and dedication that I will show for the citizens of my district. We all have things in our past that we are not proud of and that we can not erase, but we are all human beings and human beings are capable of change. So please keep an open mind as we move forward together."

Read the lowdown on Laughton at the Laconia Daily Sun. It ain't pretty.

I really don't know if Laughton broke any laws in New Hampshire but I do know she broke a scared bond of trust. By not making her past public knowledge before running she has compromised all transgender peoples integrity especially other politicians. There won't be a Radfem, anti trans politician or hater of any kind that will not use this to the fullest extent they can.

I mean as a transgender blogger and advocate am I supposed to run a criminal history check on our community's icons before I write about them? Oh course we all have history, some more than others but....if you are going to run for office and use my communities good standing to do so you better be forthcoming about any felonies.

Russian Judge Exonerates Madonna But Threatened to Eject Journalists

...for laughing. You remember the Moscow and St Petersburg concerts this summer when Madonna stood up for Pussy Riot and gay people. She was slapped with a 10 Million dollar lawsuit by Christian hate mongering fundamentalists much like Illinois Family Institute. They claimed this performance basically emasculated a entire generation of Russians.

That sent the typically stoic machismo Russian media present into fits of laughter because really, Madonna was pretty fucking hot. Really hot. Well, in case you haven't heard the Judge tossed the lawsuit.

November December's Frock and Roll for Your Pleasure:)

Click that little square ^ up there for a full screen

Open Frock in new window

Uganda Kill Transgender Bill Is Up For A Vote. AGAIN

The kill gay bill  is on the way to the Ugandan Parliament, again.

"They beat her to a pulp". Not a totally uncommon tragedy worldwide for transsexuals but what makes the situation untenable for transgender Ugandans is receiving medical care afterwards is nearly impossible.This is how bad the situation is for trans Ugandans before a draconian Kill LGBT bill.

For a trans or gay person thats just One Day In Uganda

The bill in it's previous versions included language demanding the death penalty but according to Melanie Nathan  that provision might have been removed. However it would still mandate life in prison for people convicted of "Aggravated Homosexuality". Important to note, footage of the LGBT people in the below video is old and totally out of context to the current situation in Uganda.



SMUG (Sexual Minorities Uganda) Statement defines what this means:

This Bill's provisions are draconian. Among them, the Bill states that:

“Any person alleged to be homosexual would be at risk of life imprisonment or in some circumstances the death penalty”

“Any parent who does not denounce their lesbian daughter or gay son to the authorities would face fines of $2,650 or three years in prison”


“Any teacher who does not report a lesbian or gay pupil to the authorities within 24 hours would face the same penalties”

“And any landlord or landlady who happens to give housing to a suspected homosexual would risk 7 years of imprisonment”

Similarly, the Bill threatens to punish or ruin the reputation of anyone who works with the gay or lesbian population, such as medical doctors working on HIV/AIDS, Civil Society leaders active in the fields of sexual and reproductive health; or even religious leaders providing guidance and counseling to people who are unsure of their sexuality or any other consultations. There are claims that the bill has been watered down, however we reiterate our position that we condemn this bill in its entirety.

The existing law has already been employed in an arbitrary way, and this Bill will just intensify that effect. Since it’s first reading, increased campaigns of hate have continued uncontrolled. The violence directed at homosexual Ugandans has resulted in the unwarranted arrests of many people and closure of educational workshops for LGBT persons. We have documented about 17 cases in and outside various courts all over Uganda. These acts of violence have now resulted in murder and suicide of LGBT Ugandans. SMUG’s Advocacy and Litigation Officer David Kato who was brutally murdered at his house in January 2011.

We've Stopped This Bill Before and We MUST AGAIN! Please sign the Petition AND Share

The reality is the Government with the encouragement of American Christians are using us as scape goats to distract and encourage a willing disgruntled majority to hate on our minority while they profit from the rape of their own county's children.



We are acting globally again but without your voice we are one less. Please sign the Petition AND Share.

I love you for doing that. Thank you family.