I'm being as honest and open as possible. I'm usually an open book. I strive to be there for as many folks as I can. Lifting them up, providing them a safe space to be their selves, networking resources for other homeless transgender folks, writing for issues of intersectional equality. Recently, we've been attacked, mocked, and ridiculed by a person that I knew from high school.
I recently wrote about a child that changed their name and gender status on Facebook. When I asked the mother, the person mentioned above, she told me she would be accepting of her child if they were to tell her they are transgender. The child then commented that they were sure and told me they preferred male pronouns. We even discussed their chosen name. I provided resources for a free binder, informational reading regarding coming out, transitioning, and dealing with family members. Which is what I do on a daily basis for the dozen or so support groups I'm a member of, as well as the two groups I moderate. Apparently, she, her husband, and friend led the way in using pictures of vans, homeless people, and extremely transphobic memes. After posting a long status about how some people should mind their own business, get a job, not ask for handouts, and blame society. Since coming out and noticing a great need in the community we decided to begin volunteering countless hours to be supportive of transgender folks, a widely marginalized and oppressed group of individuals. Not only helping with two support groups but also writing for a transgender publication, creating an entire blog of dedication, inspiration, and compassion. Katherine also administrates two transgender groups and has been with the TransLifeline for 14 months. Although our life is unconventional, we strive to live by strong values, with compassion and empathy for others, and to treat others as we want to be treated. Being supportive of a transgender child is treating someone like I would want to be treated. People want to be validated for who they are. Folks want to be seen and understood, children are no different. When witnessing this blatant transphobia and hate in the guise of joking, my thoughts turned to the child. What is he feeling? What does he need? I hope they can access the resources they need to express their true self effectively. Regardless of being publicly humiliated, the truth came out about this person's family. Their true nature is now showing brightly, and I have to say they need major education on how to actually follow though with being supportive. Katherine tells me to keep writing, to keep going. She says the story and message needs to be told, but it is hard to in some moments. I think a lot of times, I'm just saying stuff no one really wants to hear. The project must continue despite the people that want to spread hate. I was attempting to bring stories to you about transgender or gender non-conforming activists, but after reaching out to them, no one followed up. Next, I've tried bringing you stories about homeless transgender folks too. It seems the situations I encounter in my life is all I can truly write about with knowledge. My own lived experiences is what I can present to the world. That's what I have to offer is just simply me. So go ahead judge me for speaking up, ridicule me for being homeless, and attack me for being transgender. I know I'm living my life happily, with selfless compassion, and hope.
2 Comments
10/22/2017 04:01:04 am
Nice blog and absolutely outstanding. You can do something much better but i still say this perfect.Keep trying for the best.
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James
10/22/2017 04:42:37 am
Thank you, we progress forward.
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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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