Rants & Raves

We don't have cable, like none at all so I don't get the pleasure of watching DWTS so I was not able to see the participants (is that what they are even called??!!?) I would like to say:

BRAV-FREAKIN-O

to not only the show and network for having openly gay stars but also to Chaz Bono.  If anyone doubts his balls after this...SERIOUSLY.

Here is where I am gonna be honest again.

Ready?

Up until 2 years ago I had no idea what transgendered was or how it impacted people in our society...I fumbled with my words, didn't know the correct terminology, was too scared to ask questions so on the whole I just ignored the subject and sadly the people impacted as well.

Thankfully I started a business with an awesome friend who made me feel ok to admit my limited knowledge, that fostered a relationship with me that made me feel like it was okay to ask questions, hell she even taught me how to ask them appropriately!  I also was lucky enough to attend a training/tabling at the Q-Center where they took all of us professionals aside and had a panel of individuals who identified as being trans-gendered where they not only educated us but also made it a safe space to ask our questions, that had enough guts to share their struggles and very intimate details of their lives in hopes that as a medical community we might treat their upcoming brethren a little bit better.

So I asked.

I learned about the huge financial ramifications, the health risks, the discrimination they receive, how hard it is to find a job, how scared they can be to tell their families/etc/etc/etc/etc....and then there is dating~~ Oy!

I also learned of a VAST research field that shows that children as young as 4 have identified as gender questioning (hello Shilo...no worries question all you want) and that it is present in pretty much every society in the world and there is tons of references in our early history of gender-less/gender-bending individuals.

I  heard how individuals just wanted to live a genuine life.  To feel comfortable in their own skin.  To feel accepted/loved/cherished as their TRUE self.

So for Chaz to go on DWTS with all he has already gone through to just feel at home with himself to now take it a step further and have enough strength/love/compassion for all of america to see him.  REALLY him I applaud. This is no stunt. This is his life. This is HIM.

I have for a long time thought we are only going to be able to heal/educate individuals by showing love to them and Chaz YOU ARE DOING IT!

So while I have wanted to unfriend many a individual on facebook/twitter/bus/store/etc for their negative/uneducated comments I am going to try and take Chaz's example and take the high road instead of slapping/shaming which honestly is my first instinct.

Please remember when you are talking about someone that they are a HUMAN, that they are someones CHILD, that they have the same emotions/insecurities/needs as you do.  Just because they have a "label" doesn't mean they are no longer allowed dignity or respect.

Also if you feel that you need more information about this subject PLEASE reach out to me.  I am not perfect, I still fumble over my words and don't know all the answers but I do know how to find people who do and I won't judge.  I promise.

I look forward to the day when everyone has an equal place in our society.  Everyday a bit closer.

Lacy