Blog Archives
A2Z – Yon Zealots
Okay, it’s obvious I’m reaching pretty far this time. But it’s April 30th, the last day of the A to Z challenge, and I had to find a way to pull together a title with both a Y and a Z. I thought about Yonder Zenith – but really, that’s just as far a reach. 
In any movement of importance, there are always zealots, and they never bring a level head or a spirit of cooperation with them. So while our ideals may speak to equality and acceptance, we do need to keep an eye out and guard our hearts and minds against those who take these notions and force them upon people. Because, in doing so, we’ve turned against equality and acceptance.
Do I advocate accepting a society that treats you as “less than”? Definitely not. But we do need to accept those who would try to force you into their mold of what a man or woman should be. We don’t need to accept their condemnation or bow to their will, but in accepting them for what they are, we can move past them knowing that we don’t need them or their acceptance. It can be a confusing idea. But but ultimately, when we accept others for what they are, even if we don’t necessarily agree with them, we free ourselves of the constraints they’d harness us with.
So, my last message for you during this month of discovery on the topic of sexual and gender identity? It goes back to the letter A, with the word acceptance. Just as we can free ourselves of the restraints others would place on us by simply accepting them as they are (and thus not giving them power they don’t deserve), we can claim our own power by accepting ourselves as we are.
Accept yourself, and find the freedom and love you so rightly deserve!
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Goodnight iPad (a modern bedtime tale) & We Give Books
Two things to share tonight. 
One is the We Give Books website/program. It’s simply too awesome NOT to share. And the other is a book we stumbled across while there.
"Goodnight iPad" screenshot from the We Give Books website
We Give Books is an incredible website where you can read new, classic, and popular Penguin Books titles to you children… for free. That’s right. FREE. We only discovered the site this afternoon and have already gone through seven titles that were brand new to us (the girl loves the Ladybug Girl books).
You can sign up for free (there’s that word again) using your FB or Twitter account, or the old fashioned way by filling out a form. Then you choose a campaign to support… which is where We Give Books gets even better – yep. Better than free! Can you imagine? What happens next? Just pick out a book and start reading. When you get to the end, a button will show up that says “give a book”. Click it. Know what that means? It means a book has just been donated to whichever campaign you chose to support.
Check it out!!! Seriously!
We Give Books – www.wegivebooks.org
Now while you’re there, you have to look up “Goodnight iPad”. It’s way too freakin’ awesome. A parody on the classic bedtime story “Goodnight Moon” for those of us who are plugged in. It really is fabulous, and, no joke, it had my husband and I laughing out loud as we attempted to read it to the kid.
So, there you go! Two fabulous discoveries!
Now get reading!
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“Aggravated Homosexuality” may be punishable by death in Uganda.
I’m still out sick, officially, but this couldn’t wait:
The Ugandan Parliament is currently looking at a bill that would allow the death penalty for something called “aggravated homosexuality”. Sexual Minority and Gender Variant people in Uganda already face a dangerous rode, as Uganda is one of the few nations where homosexuality is illegal. Please take a minute to write to the Prime Minister, urging him to NOT pass this bill during their upcoming session.
Action must be taken immediately, with a deadline of April 2nd. So please, please take a moment to write a brief email or to send (with guaranteed delivery prior to the second) a letter to the Hon. Amama Mbabzi.
Facing judicial punishment for simply BEING is a human rights travesty, but the idea that an individual could be put to death for love? There are no words that are adequate.
Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi
Office of the Prime Minister
P.O. Box 341, Kampala, Uganda
E-mail: opm@imul.com
For more information on this bill, and other human rights issues, please visit Amnesty International at http://www.amnesty.org/ and http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/AFR59/001/2012/en/fa2f38d6-dc7e-44cc-b295-5016f57154c5/afr590012012en.html
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Government sanctioned discrimination, way to go Canada!
So, it appears Canada is again on the chopping block thanks to Harper. Our flags once waved proud, but now are just as often full of disgrace. This newest measure allows discrimination based on gender, going so far as to allow airport security the right to allow or deny access to individuals based on their gender.
Under section 5.2(1)(c) of the Aeronautics Act:
“An air carrier shall not transport a passenger if: the passenger does not appear to be of the gender indicated on the identification he or she presents.”
Why is this an issue? Because for many Trans individuals the sex on their passport may not coincide with their gender. There are very strict rules in place for changing the sex on your international identification that only a very small segment of the populace qualifies for. These rules make it impossible for non-operative Trans people to have the M or F on their documents changed to reflect their actual gender. A better solution, if this wording is to remain in place would be to allow for an “Other” designation. Gender is, after all, a social construct that has nothing to do with an individuals sex (which, lets be honest, also has more than two possibilities). Alas, we are stuck in a society that appears to enjoy this incorrect, yet entrenched, gender binary.
This goes even farther though. The instant we allow those with limited power the ability to select who qualifies as female and who as male – based on how they present, we are opening ourselves up for all sorts of abuses. Gender is a social construct that changes with time. It used to be that we dressed our long haired little boys in pink dresses, while the girls wore blue.
What happens when the thirteen year old girl, with short cropped hair, wearing low rise baggy pants and a jersey is denied access to a plane to fly home to her parents after spending part of the Summer with her grandparents? This policy gives airports the right to determine who is female enough, or male enough to board their planes. The potential abuses this brings forward are downright scary. Don’t think for a second that because you are not a genderqueer, or trans individual, or because you don’t have a gender creative child that it won’t affect you. This is something that has the potential to harm us all. Will we all have to don a dress and kerchief in order to be female enough to avoid speculation? It’s a scary idea. Men, don’t even think about wearing that salmon coloured shirt, you too may be pulled for questioning regarding your gender presentation. Is this really a slope we even want to start on?
There is a petition here: http://www.petitiononlinecanada.com/petition/tell-harper-to-allow-trans-people-to-fly-on-airplanes/758 Add your name, and let Harper and his yes men know that you are saying NO to this government sanctioned discrimination. And for more information and ideas on what you can do to combat this, check out what Chris Milloy has to say here: http://chrismilloy.ca/2012/01/transgender-people-are-completely-banned-from-boarding-airplanes-in-canada/
In 1930 Amy Johnson finished a record-winning solo flight from England to Australia. Would she be “female enough” to be allowed on a plane in Canada in 2012? I wonder.
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A girl is a girl is a girl!
A “girl” is not defined by what is between her legs as this Girl Scout and her family believe. Having someone so young spouting such bigotry and hatred breaks my heart. I don’t blame her though, the fault lies with her family and community at large. It is hard enough growing up confident and secure in oneself without the added problems faced by transgendered children. To recommend that people boycott Girl Scout Cookies because Girl Scouts (as an organization) have chosen to accept transgirls as they are, as GIRLS, is abhorrent in every possible way. This girl’s family should be ashamed for spreading such hate through their child. Talk about pushing an adult agenda. Hate is ALWAYS an adult agenda, it’s never the choice of a child.
So go! Buy your cookies. Heck! I’m considering having some shipped up here to Canada just to say YES! We support our girls! ALL of our girls.
Want to see what has me so upset? Check out the hate below:
And some people wonder why my project “The Power of SHe” is so important, now more than ever. For more information on The Power of SHe, and how you can get involved, head on over to: http://td365.wordpress.com/2011/12/10/the-power-of-she-2/ I’m currently looking for women interested in being photographed… I have some captures in mind, but some will be based on the stories of those who apply. Let’s challenge the view of what defines Women. We are mighty! Diverse yet united!
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Just back the frick up…
I’ve got an issue with people in positions of authority who feel the need to dictate their will over others – especially when inappropriate (and let’s be honest, it’s pretty much always inappropriate). It’s something I’ve had a problem with for as long as I can remember, and I have a really difficult time keeping myself in check when I witness anything along these lines… And yes, I’ve acted to my own detriment in an effort to stop behavior like this (whether or not the offense involves me). I have a problem with it. I can’t help it. Honestly.
I thought, as an adult, that the days of people attempting to assert their will, their way of doing things, their “it’s my way or the highway” attitude over me were way past gone. But apparently I was wrong. And I’m now facing a choice of fighting, and risking losing something that means the world to me, or letting it slide and filling with resentment but maintaining my role in something that matters. I’m not a happy camper.
So… what’s a grrrl to do? I know I’m right in this situation. I haven’t done anything wrong, I haven’t bridged any ethical boundries (if anything the bullying on behalf of an organization is what’s wrong). I just can’t abide people using their power – whether it’s the bullies in school who were bigger or the bullies of the adult world who have some semblance of power… A bully is a bully is a bully. And it’s something I take issue with.
I hate being put into this situation. Not freaking cool. 
Grrrr…
Gack!
Transgender Day of Remembrance
Not all of us are lucky enough to be born into a body that matches our gender. We all bare our battle scars. Growing up is tough. Growing up transgendered is even more so. And sometimes – thanks to the ignorance and brutality of others – it is actually impossible.
Today is the 13th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance. Today, I ask you to do ONE THING. Regardless of your beliefs, regardless of your feelings, regardless of who you are or who you know or who you want to be. Take a few minutes and read through the list of people at this web page: http://www.transgenderdor.org/?page_id=1663
The people listed there are all individuals who have suffered and died at the hands of others for being born different and having the strength to live honestly. 23 people who have suffered horrendously because they had the courage to be who they were. 23 people who lost their lives because of bigotry and hate. 23 people, this year alone, their lives stolen, savagely, all for the crime of living a genuine life.
I’m not asking you to change. I’m not asking you to weep. I’m not asking you to speak out. I’m just asking you to read their names, read how they died, and remember that they were people once.
http://www.transgenderdor.org/?page_id=1663
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It’s almost over…
Very honestly, these last few months have passed FAR too quickly. And along with the passage of this last month, we are almost at the end of the election campaign. It’s been almost surreal this go ’round. In the past I’ve always had several media requests throughout my campaigns. I’ve had TV, print, radio, web – media of all sorts. But this time, in my third election, not so much. And part of me can’t help but wonder if it’s because I’ve chosen to focus my efforts on an equal rights and anti-bullying campaign. Are these issues that the media simply doesn’t want to touch?
The one story I have been asked to contribute to, surprise surprise, is actually a photographic assignment. And hopefully it will be live on the website for the Star Phoenix soon. A few candidates, in key ridings, were asked to take their cameras out and photograph things within their riding that held meaning for them, and that would highlight those unique aspects of the riding. It was a pretty easy assignment for me… but even in there, I managed to share an anti-bullying message. I promise to share a link once it’s available. Until then, my earlier question stands.
Is the issue of equality and bullying just too hot for the local – let’s face it, CONSERVATIVE – media to handle? What are your thoughts?
Tobi-Dawne Smith for Saskatoon-Meewasin
Tobi-Dawne Smith and her Daughter Lily-Ann
Born and raised in Saskatoon, Tobi-Dawne Smith is proud to be running in her home riding, a riding that boasts incredible diversity. As a member of a multi-racial family, she believes in the strength found in an open sharing of cultural and religious traditions. An open and honest dialogue is the best way to bridge gaps and bring understanding. The candor found in a quiet moment of respect is something all people should seek.
The search for authenticity isn’t something that ends when Smith, a professional photographer, puts down her lens. It’s a part of everything she does. Whether she’s busy in her most important role as mother to an incredible four year old, helping families create a legacy through photography, or cultivating initiatives to create safe spaces for at-risk youth.
Ms. Smith spent the last eight months working with Camp fYrefly, which celebrated it’s third year in Saskatchewan with it’s retreat this August. Camp fYrefly is a life changing program designed to help foster leadership skills and resiliency in gender variant and sexual minority youth, youth who are at the greatest risk of bullying and suicide. Now that Camp has been wrapped up, she has accepted a role on the Board for Breaking the Silence – an annual conference in support of the LGBTT2QIA community at the University of Saskatchewan.
Tobi-Dawne’s role as a mother has strengthened her resolve to be socially responsible and to help build a better future for her daughter, and all the children of Saskatchewan. She recognizes that our children depend on her to fight against inequality, and to help create with them a more genuine safe future for our province. TD also realizes the only political party within which she can truly achieve these goals is the Green Party of Saskatchewan.
The Green Party’s six guiding principles: ecological wisdom, social justice, participatory democracy, nonviolence, sustainability and respect for diversity. Guiding principles we should all strive to uphold.
