.Many days have passed since I've gotten a chance to write. I've tried several times over to use my phone, but its a cheaper smart phone available through a prepaid plan, so there's no wonder. My heart has missed this. I'm attempting on my phone once again. Heck, if it doesn't work, I can at least email it for future posting. A local person told me about an electronics thrift store, that supposedly has chargers for ten dollars or less. Resources and funds have been so tight however, I've not gotten the chance, sadly, to go there either. Coming soon. I wish I could go tomorrow, maybe it will come true.
Katherine and I have been working hard for the trans/queer/gnc community, even more so than before. Katherine has worked the last twenty-three days straight and I've been dedicated to outreach through the online support group I moderate. Our community members have taken many blows last year. In 2016, the transgender community lost more folks to murder than any other year. We face a whopping 40% that complete suicide in our community. Whereas the rest of the national population faces 4.6% of their members completing suicide. That's a detrimental difference. Transgender persons are 8 times more likely to encounter trauma and abuse. There are 27% of our population living in poverty situations. And this isn't including the ones that aren't reported. Now, more than ever we have to step up to the plate in our local communities, in our online communities and bring 2017 to a much higher standard of living for all of our citizens! We have new concerns as the coming inauguration day approaches. We are living in critical times, where people are harassed on social media, bullied to the point of completing suicide; where folks are raped, murdered and abandoned like road kill for their color, religion, beliefs, or lifestyle. Caring for one's self is definitely needed, but caring for each other, I believe is needed much more. Last night, a homeless individual was enjoying a spot to rest on a left behind tan bench seat from a vehicle, that rested between two head high bushes. I said hi, approached them, asked if they had eaten and needed water. To which, they replied "No, I've eaten real well, a person just dropped off a homemade cake too, that'll do me through the night." I looked around to see their pack and gear beside them on the ground and a sign, that all helped them along the journey. Then they commented "You know what I could really use? A blanket. I'm going to be out here sleeping tonight and want to cover my head." I told them no, I have two kids to keep warm and we don't have spare ones. However, after seeing rain clouds, I donated one of our blankets anyway. I can't stand to see anyone without a blanket and sleeping outside. We may not have a lot, but normally are willing to share what we do have. For instance, a couple truck driving friends we have, came to meet us for the first time, while we lived in Oregon. We had them for dinner twice and even went ahead to cook the second time, when I originally said no, since it was dark, rainy and chilly out. We wanted to be sure they felt appreciated for stopping in with us. We wanted to show them our best efforts of reaching out, because that's what we should all be doing. We all had a nice time chatting, sharing experiences, and enjoying a freshly cooked meal together. These connections we make can truly make a difference in someone's life. I recently had a friend tell me they were so thankful for the past 6-7 months of friendship. Which is exactly how I feel as well. Having good, positive, helpful connections, can help the world a lovelier place for us all.
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Authors:James and Katherine are a transgender couple raising two kids. They were southerners when coming to understand themselves as trans. Ultimately it lead to a nearly three year road trip to find home. Now they are re-housed and still focused on outreach in the transgender community! Archives
October 2020
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