Sunday, August 12, 2012
A very cool article- from a mainstream newspaper?!
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/12/magazine/whats-so-bad-about-a-boy-who-wants-to-wear-a-dress.html?_r=1&emc=eta1
What’s so bad about a boy who wants to wear a dress?
What’s so bad about a boy who wants to wear a dress?
It's a great overview
article not about trans* people, but about gender nonconforming youth, which I have
NEVER before seen from a mainstream paper. For more on the history of gender
nonconformity that is references in the article, I suggest the following:
Cinderella Ate my
Daughter by Peggy Ornstein
Her Husband Was a
Woman! by Alison Oram
Odd Girls and
Twilight Lovers by Lillian Faderman
Female Masculinity by
J Halberstam
While few sources
have the insight to look beyond pink and (blue+) sexes, many academics, parents,
and friends recognize that gender, as well as sex, exist in many forms. Even
when open to discuss the possibility of gender change, many cannot get beyond a
binary system, so if gender fluidity occurs, it must be from one
"land" to another. Thus, the space for dialogue about trans* people only is allowed. I am glad that this is able to be spoken, becasue even a few years ago it did not leave the LGBT community. I cannot explain how excited I am to see the
mainstream recognition of gender grey area, and the positive, "let the
child be themselves and love them whoever they become" spin this article
takes. This is truly inspiring, and the reason I need to further my education.
I am otherwise speechless.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
More Gender Friendly Books
List borrowed from http://humaneconnectionblog.blogspot.com/2012/06/12-childrens-picture-books-that.html, which is a very cool blog, worth checking out :)
- Ballerino Nate by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. 2006. (32 pgs) Gr. PreK-2.
When Nate discovers dance, he knows he’s found his passion, but his brother’s assertion that “boys don’t dance” causes him to have doubts. - Sometimes the Spoon Runs Away with Another Spoon Coloring Book by Jacinta Bunnell. 2010. (40 pgs) PreK-2.
While actually a coloring book, the diversity of interests by these characters (such as the prince who wants glass slippers) is perfect for celebrating and exploring gender variety. - The Basket Ball by Esme Raji Codell. 2011. (32 pgs) Gr. Pre-K-2.
When the boys won't let Lulu join their school-yard basketball team, she hosts a "Basket Ball" where girls from all over trade-in ball gowns for b-ball gear & show off their stuff. - Oliver Button is a Sissy by Tomie dePaola. 1979. (48 pgs) Gr. Pre-K-3.
Oliver has to deal with classmates who harass him because he prefers activities like painting, reading, and dancing, instead of playing sports. - 10,000 Dresses by Marcus Ewert. 2008. (32 pgs) Gr. 1-5.
Every night, Bailey dreams about dresses. But in the daytime, his parents tell him he shouldn't be thinking about dresses because "You're a boy!" Then Bailey meets someone who is inspired by his passion. - The Sissy Duckling by Harvey Fierstein. 2002. (40 pgs) Gr. K-3.
Because Elmer has different interests than the other male ducks, they taunt him and call him a sissy. When Elmer saves his Papa, the other ducks come to realize that Elmer’s specialness is something to celebrate. - The Princess Knight by Cornelia Funke. 2001. (32 pgs) Gr. Pre-K-3.
King Wilfred teaches his daughter the same knightly skills he taught his sons. But when she turns 16, the King insists on a joust, the winner of which will win Violetta’s hand in marriage. Violetta has other plans. - Elena's Serenade by Campbell Geeslin. 2004. (40 pgs) Gr. K-4.
A young girl in Mexico wants to be like her papa and become a glassblower, but such things are traditionally only for boys. - I Look Like a Girl by Shelia Hamanaka. 1999. (32 pgs) Gr. K-3.
Each girl imagines herself a wild animal and dreams about what she can be. - My Princess Boy by Cheryl Kilodavis. 2010. (32 pgs) Gr. PreK-3.
Dyson loves pink, dresses & his tiara. He also likes to climb trees. He's a Princess Boy, and his family loves him exactly as he is. - The Paperbag Princess by Robert Munsch. 1992. (32 pgs) Gr. Pre-K-3.
Princess Elizabeth rescues her prince, who has been nabbed by a dragon, only to discover she's better off without him. - William’s Doll by Charlotte Zolotow. 1985. (32 pgs) Gr. Pre-K-3.
William doesn’t want the train or basketball his dad gives him. He deeply wants a doll. No one understands – some even call him a sissy – until his grandmother steps in.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Monday, April 23, 2012
Check Out Inn Motion!
This is a not for profit run by and for the community
specializing in the support of youth around the boston area.
They are currently fundraising to open a shelter for LGBTQQI youth.
Please help spread the word!
check out their facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/InnMotionInc
check out their website:
http://innmotioninc.org
check out their awesome graphic:
In their own words...
"Established in 2011, our mission at Inn Motion Inc. is to provide emotional, behavioral, educational,and physical support to at risk Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning and Intersex teenagers, young adults, and their allies. Through community outreach, educational programs, and individual client advocacy, our goal is to provide the resources and skills needed to combat the unique difficulties faced by this population. We seek to celebrate and support all of those in the LGBTQQI community across lines of other underrepresented identities including age, race, class, sex, religious affiliation, (dis)ability, and other traditionally marginalized statuses.
Company Overview
Inn
Motion Inc. began in the Spring of 2011 when three friends, all of whom
were Graduates of Rhode Island College Women’s Studies program, and
self identified members of the LGBTQ community, were looking for a way
to put their skills into practice. Familiar with the unusually high
rates of homelessness faced by LGBTQ youth, and living in the climate of
a LGBTQ youth suicide epidemic, the need for
community visibility and support was clear. Armed with this knowledge
and a fledgling plan, a fourth Board Member, also a Gender Studies
Graduate and LGBTQ community member was added. Finally, Inn Motion Inc.
was just that…. in motion.
We are committed to social justice initiatives and a better world for all members of the LGBTQ community and their allies. We recognize the importance of empowering youth so that they may be effective agents of change. Supportive community, strong visible role models, and safe stable housing are critical to fostering this future.
Incorporated with the State of Massachusetts in June of 2011, and declared a Tax-Exempt 501-c-3 Public Charity Nonprofit Organization in December 2011, Inn Motion Inc. is rapidly growing. We hope to complete our initial fundraising campaign and officially open our community center and temporary housing shelter by June 2012.
We are committed to social justice initiatives and a better world for all members of the LGBTQ community and their allies. We recognize the importance of empowering youth so that they may be effective agents of change. Supportive community, strong visible role models, and safe stable housing are critical to fostering this future.
Incorporated with the State of Massachusetts in June of 2011, and declared a Tax-Exempt 501-c-3 Public Charity Nonprofit Organization in December 2011, Inn Motion Inc. is rapidly growing. We hope to complete our initial fundraising campaign and officially open our community center and temporary housing shelter by June 2012.
General Information
501(c)(3) Public Charity as of December 12, 2011Information available upon request."
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
FAB Intro Discussion on Trans Visibility
The following is an AWESOME discussion on being trans in America including the infamous Kate Bornstein (gender nonconforming speaker and activist), Mel Wymore (NY city council candidate), Mara Keisling (Executive Director of the National Center for Trans Equality) as led by Melissa Harris-Perry of NBC.
discussion of the intersectionality of oppression, current events, trans rights, cysgender privilege, and so much more. you don't want to miss this!
http://video.msnbc.msn.com/melissa-harris-perry/47054424#47054424
discussion of the intersectionality of oppression, current events, trans rights, cysgender privilege, and so much more. you don't want to miss this!
http://video.msnbc.msn.com/melissa-harris-perry/47054424#47054424
Friday, April 13, 2012
5+ Ways to Make Our World More Trans-Friendly
another awesome discussion on itspronouncedmetrosexual.com
FOUND HERE
or a discussion on cysgender privelege:
FOUND HERE
AND! and article on Sweden's incorporation of gender-friendly language via Dr. Seth Dixon
FOUND HERE
FOUND HERE
or a discussion on cysgender privelege:
FOUND HERE
AND! and article on Sweden's incorporation of gender-friendly language via Dr. Seth Dixon
FOUND HERE
Genderbread improved!
This is the new and improved version of the gender bread person!!
(and i like it a lot more)
TAKEN FROM HERE
New Depiction of Gender
So I like this in terms of its creation of physical space, but it does not provide the vocab to differentiate between identity, performance, and biology like the gender-bread person does.
If you want to view it on the site it came from in all its glory, click the pic!
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Resources Gathered From Others at True Colors!
The True Colors Conference this year was again an amazing success. While I was crazy busy leading three workshops myself, I also had the pleasure of attending three other workshops, meeting lots of interesting people along the way. Here’s a little bit about these interactions you all could benefit from:
Colt Meier is a gender and sexuality educator, a clinical
psychology doctoral candidate and a licensed psychological associate from
Texas. His research area focuses on
transgender children and advocacy for them in their schools. More information
on him, his powerpoint, CV, and links to cool articles, can be found on his
website: http://staceymeier.com/
Colt also suggested the book: The Transgender Child: a
Handbook for Families and Professionals by Stephanie Brill, which can be
found here: http://www.amazon.com/Transgender-Child-Handbook-Families-Professionals/dp/1573443182
An attendee at my workshop on Trans and Gender Variance in
the Classroom suggested the episode from 20/20 on transgender children: My
Secret Self which can be found here: http://www.gendernetwork.com/transchildren.html
An upcoming workshop for educators on eliminating LGBTQ bias
in schools: (April 3,4)
Safe in Connecticut: Schools Are For Everyone www.preventionworksct.org/safect
You can visit everyoneisgay.com to hear Kristin and Danielle
give advice to those who are confused about sexuality, gender identity, dating,
falling in love, or even dressing up like super woman. They also visit high
schools and college campuses nationwide to help bring change and awareness
while keeping everyone laughing.
Diana Lombardi is also a fantastic resource (as well as an
amazing woman) who led a workshop on Trans history and also runs workshops on
Trans advocacy, which you can find here: http://diversity.drlombardi.net/
And last but certainly not least, for all of you who
requested that I present at your high school/college, I would be delighted to
do so. I can travel all around the northeast, and adapt my lectures
accordingly. Leave a comment here or email me at edayon_8185@email.ric.edu for more
info. If you are looking for a more generalized LGBT sensitivity training with
personal stories and such, you may also want to look into contacting Youth
Pride Rhode Island, at youthprideri.org.
Colt Meier is a gender and sexuality educator, a clinical
psychology doctoral candidate and a licensed psychological associate from
Texas. His research area focuses on
transgender children and advocacy for them in their schools. More information
on him, his powerpoint, CV, and links to cool articles, can be found on his
website: http://staceymeier.com/
Colt also suggested the book: The Transgender Child: a
Handbook for Families and Professionals by Stephanie Brill, which can be
found here: http://www.amazon.com/Transgender-Child-Handbook-Families-Professionals/dp/1573443182
An attendee at my workshop on Trans and Gender Variance in
the Classroom suggested the episode from 20/20 on transgender children: My
Secret Self which can be found here: http://www.gendernetwork.com/transchildren.html
An upcoming workshop for educators on eliminating LGBTQ bias
in schools: (April 3,4)
Safe in Connecticut: Schools Are For Everyone www.preventionworksct.org/safect
You can visit everyoneisgay.com to hear Kristin and Danielle
give advice to those who are confused about sexuality, gender identity, dating,
falling in love, or even dressing up like super woman. They also visit high
schools and college campuses nationwide to help bring change and awareness
while keeping everyone laughing.
Diana Lombardi is also a fantastic resource (as well as an
amazing woman) who led a workshop on Trans history and also runs workshops on
Trans advocacy, which you can find here: http://diversity.drlombardi.net/
And last but certainly not least, for all of you who
requested that I present at your high school/college, I would be delighted to
do so. I can travel all around the northeast, and adapt my lectures
accordingly. Leave a comment here or email me at edayon_8185@email.ric.edu for more
info. If you are looking for a more generalized LGBT sensitivity training with
personal stories and such, you may also want to look into contacting Youth
Pride Rhode Island, at youthprideri.org.
Being an Inclusive Ally: Teaching LGBT In Class and Out
(created by yours truly, activities gathered from life experience, especially time spent with Dr. Lesley Bogad, Dr. Gerri August, Ruby, and YPI)
What is an Ally?
Ally- someone who actively chooses to stand up for another person in crisis, as opposed to a bystander who watches and does nothing, a perpetrator that starts/perpetuates and incident, or the target who is the focus of the incident (using “victim” rids this person of agency)
How to Be an Ally as a Teacher/Activist in Your Community/Classroom:
This is multifaceted, and includes your language, pedagogy, how you create community, your materials, your interactions with all individuals, and responsiveness to problem situations
1. Silence=compliance. If you see a situation, STOP it. Have words ready, like “Hey! Not Okay.” Don’t shy away from these teachable moments, have a conversation.
2. Use questions to clarify/redirect a situation. What did you mean by that?
3. Build a curriculum with windows and mirrors: ways students can both see themselves represented, and other types of people represented
a. For Elementary ed: inclusive unit on family, allow for gender bending dress up
b. For Middle Level: make sex ed inclusive, encourage inter-click bonding, see HS
c. For High School: teach Stonewall, Harvey Milk, Gay Marriage, no “that’s so gay”
4. Inclusive language: ask all students for preferred name/pronouns, use “partner” and not “husband/wife”, make questionnaires and permission forms inclusive to all family types
5. Make the classroom a safe space: be mobile and aware of interactions, build a community of trust, pick groups for students so no one is left out, never do gender-based divisions (girls here!)
6. Teach students to read the world and analyze media: what messages are they being sold?
7. Have safe policies in the school: tough on anti-bullying, no father-only activities (or vise versa), inclusive permission forms, inclusive dances, functional GSA/Diversity Club
8. Make safe zones throughout the school: single stall bathrooms available for students, alternatives to the locker room to change, gender neutral residence halls
9. Make safety and inclusion a universal practice in community through Professional Development
10. Prepare a lesson on bullying as part of the “get to know you” days, take a stand from the start!
Ally/Bystander Lesson Activities
• Crinkle paper: draw or write on it, crinkle, unfold, wrinkles are forever, so are memories
• Own the room: write a personal story, collect and redistribute, read anonymously aloud
• Define Ally: give a chart with four spaces, define ally, bystander, perpetrator, target
• Fix it: Read a story with no allies, ask students to write and act out a new ending
Inspiring Readings
Eled
What is an Ally?
Ally- someone who actively chooses to stand up for another person in crisis, as opposed to a bystander who watches and does nothing, a perpetrator that starts/perpetuates and incident, or the target who is the focus of the incident (using “victim” rids this person of agency)
How to Be an Ally as a Teacher/Activist in Your Community/Classroom:
This is multifaceted, and includes your language, pedagogy, how you create community, your materials, your interactions with all individuals, and responsiveness to problem situations
1. Silence=compliance. If you see a situation, STOP it. Have words ready, like “Hey! Not Okay.” Don’t shy away from these teachable moments, have a conversation.
2. Use questions to clarify/redirect a situation. What did you mean by that?
3. Build a curriculum with windows and mirrors: ways students can both see themselves represented, and other types of people represented
a. For Elementary ed: inclusive unit on family, allow for gender bending dress up
b. For Middle Level: make sex ed inclusive, encourage inter-click bonding, see HS
c. For High School: teach Stonewall, Harvey Milk, Gay Marriage, no “that’s so gay”
4. Inclusive language: ask all students for preferred name/pronouns, use “partner” and not “husband/wife”, make questionnaires and permission forms inclusive to all family types
5. Make the classroom a safe space: be mobile and aware of interactions, build a community of trust, pick groups for students so no one is left out, never do gender-based divisions (girls here!)
6. Teach students to read the world and analyze media: what messages are they being sold?
7. Have safe policies in the school: tough on anti-bullying, no father-only activities (or vise versa), inclusive permission forms, inclusive dances, functional GSA/Diversity Club
8. Make safe zones throughout the school: single stall bathrooms available for students, alternatives to the locker room to change, gender neutral residence halls
9. Make safety and inclusion a universal practice in community through Professional Development
10. Prepare a lesson on bullying as part of the “get to know you” days, take a stand from the start!
Ally/Bystander Lesson Activities
• Crinkle paper: draw or write on it, crinkle, unfold, wrinkles are forever, so are memories
• Own the room: write a personal story, collect and redistribute, read anonymously aloud
• Define Ally: give a chart with four spaces, define ally, bystander, perpetrator, target
• Fix it: Read a story with no allies, ask students to write and act out a new ending
Inspiring Readings
Eled
- King and King
- 10,000 Dresses
- Tango Makes Three
- The Family Book
- Who's in a Family?
- Heather Has Two Mommies
- Daddy's Roommate
- The Sissy Duckling
- The Boy Who Cried Fabulous
Middle/SecEd:
- Kissing Kate
- Well of Lonliness
- Empress of the World
- Bullied
- Annie on My Mind
- Boy Meets Boy
- Nothing Pink
- Boyfriends with Girlfriends
- Rainbow Boys
College/Advanced:
- Sexing the Body
- GenderQueer
- Nobody Passes
- Her Husband Was a Woman: Female Gender Crossing in Early 20th Century British Pop Culture
- Boots of Leather, Slippers of Gold
- Transgender Studies Reader
- Odd Girls and Twilight Lovers
- Female Masculinity
- Author: Dennis Carlson
- Author: Adrienne Rich
Movies/Youtube: Kids in America, Andrea Gibson, Fried Green Tomatoes, TransAmerica, GLEE, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, GI Jane, FIRE, Lost and Delirious, Stick It, But I’m a Cheerleader, Camp, RENT, Boys Don’t Cry, Imagine Me & You, Athens Boys Choir, It Gets Better, L Word, Better than Chocolate, Brokeback Mountain, Milk, Queer as Folk, Will & Grace, D.E.B.S.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Vagina Monologues!
The Vagina Monologues came to my school last week, and I spoke a piece on Trans visibility. It was quite possibly one of the most empowering experiences of my life. The show was in support of feminism, women's empowerment, and spreading awareness about violence against women. This is a part of the V-Day Campaign.
Safe Spaces, a new book co-authored by Gerri August, Annemarie Vaccaro, and Megan S Kennedy
So I don't do a lot of book reviews on here, but I just finished "Safe Spaces: Making Schools and Communities Welcoming to LGBTQ Youth" and I have to say it's fabulous!
The book addresses the importance of inclusive language and pedagogy in the classroom and the community of all grade levels. It has reflective questions, suggestions on how to implement changes, and interesting stories about what teachers are doing to make their classrooms safer. It's a quick read, so if you have a spare couple of hours, Antoinette Gomes in the Unity Center has a copy you can borrow.
Enjoy :)
Question for you:
How could you change a small part of your language or actions to make your classroom/workplace more accepting of LGBT individuals?
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Upcoming Gigs!
Looking for an interesting, intense, and dare I say inspiring lecture?
Look no further than my upcoming gig list for march! These are the events that I have been invited to speak at, where I'll be using my teacher toolbox to relay some good knowledge and hopefully participate in some awesome conversations. These events are open to the public, though a small fee is required to attend.
· March 4, sometime between 1pm and 4pm @ Boy Take It All Off! T-Style
Lecture Topic: Living and Loving with Nonconformity
Description: The intersections of gender, sex, and sexuality, how to use those pesky pronouns, and how to be a better friend and ally to those who identify as gender conforming and non-conforming
· March 16, 10:30-11:45am @ True Colors Conference
Lecture Topic: Seeing People As More Than the Junk in Their Trunk: Trans, Gender Variance and its Place in the Classroom
Description: FOR PROFESSIONALS: Gender is presentation we dress ourselves in every morning, including our voice, mannerisms, hairstyle, clothing, accessories, and so much more. We are told that this is a rigid structure- pink or blue, boy or girl, if you are not one then by definition you are the other, but this is a lie called enculturation. The truth is, there are many cultures in the world, and so many variations of gender, that we are only hurting ourselves to only see people in black and white dichotomies. Students bring this diversity to the classroom, and we owe it to them as educators to celebrate their place(s) in this world. This workshop will explore gender variations, how they manifest in the classroom, why we can’t ignore them, and simple steps you can do to provide a more comfortable, accepting environment.
· March 16, 2:45-4:00pm @ True Colors Conference
Lecture Topic: Busting OUT in Predictable Ways: LGBTQ Representations in TV, Movies, and Popular Culture
Description: FOR ACTIVISTS: Teenagers are hooked into media- we digest it through TV, music, the news, magazines, Facebook, and YouTube- but what are the messages we are being force-fed? This introduction to critical thinking about the media we consume will be used as a platform to dive into conversation about the realities of our daily lives. This will include (but is not limited to) such topics as GLEE, Chaz Bono on DWTS, RENT, The L Word, Abercrombie and Fitch Ads, Dove’s Girl Effect campaign, MISSRepresentation, TransAmerica, Buffy, Will and Grace, Andrea Gibson, Disney movies, and commercials from around the world. We will explore the middle ground where we can enjoy watching a piece of media, but still not agree with all the messages it sends. The workshop will close with a discussion on “where to go from here”- taking the tools we have learned and using them to change the world.
· March 17, 10:30-11:45am @ True Colors Conference
Lecture Topic: Team Kurt! Fox’s GLEE and Teen Bullying Accountability
Description: FOR PROFESSIONALS: The bullying of LGBTQ youth is both spotlighted by our current society and made invisible. We will open the dialogue with an analysis of the hit TV show GLEE, and the spotlighted position of Kurt. This show encourages students to love their individuality but dismisses bullying as an individual problem instead of an institutional epidemic. The publicity around suicides in the past year show that forcing individuals to conquer bullying alone is not a productive solution. In this workshop we will explore ways of thinking about bullying, specifically what schools, teachers, parents, and allies must do to make the world a safer place. Additional topics will include the Trevor Project, the It Gets Better campaign, ways to be an ally, starting GSA’s, and making your school a safer, more welcoming place for all students.
Here’s a little more about the venues:
· Boy Take It All Off! T-Style is being held at Spontaneous Celebrations 45 Danforth St Jamaica Plain Massachusetts. There’s free parking in the nearby lot. This is a benefit for my friend’s top surgery. There will be light snacks, a silent auction, and a few speakers to entertain you. The suggested fee at the door is $5, though any donation is acceptable. No registration is required.
· True Colors Conference is the largest youth conference for LGBTQ youth in the nation. Though parents, teachers, advocates and friends of LGBTQ you are strongly encouraged to attend as well. This takes place at UCONN in Storrs, CT annually and the registration is $45 for two days for students and youth and $95 for two days for adults and professionals. Professional development credits are available for attending this conference. You can register here:
http://www.ourtruecolors.org/Programs/Conference/register.html
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Who are We? and What have We done with Ourselves?
I, Eva, officially resent technology. The amount of web
sites we are connected to, are searchable from, are accountable for is maddening.
And getting exponentially bigger by the day. What happened to going outside to
play? To speaking to a person face to face?
I’m not saying that I wish technology would disappear, as in a
few cases I would argue having access to information, communities, and resources
has saved my life, quite literally. On a less dramatic note, it makes for easy
video sharing, for academic knowledge to be easier to access, to find cheaper
ways to get books, and faster ways to stay connected to family who are hundreds
of miles away.
But at what cost?
When we continually consume more media, we cannot help but
start to buy in to the propaganda that the media projects. When we get more
connected to online resources and “social networking” sites, I believe that we
lose our abilities to relate to people and hold a conversation. We are also
encouraged to live in a world that is increasingly focused on and around
ourselves, and not others- so what does that mean for our ability to empathize?
These aren’t easy questions, and I’m not asking for simple
answers. But as the wisdom of the bumper sticker goes, I would like to
challenge people to THINK! Because “it’s not illegal yet”.
sites we are connected to, are searchable from, are accountable for is maddening.
And getting exponentially bigger by the day. What happened to going outside to
play? To speaking to a person face to face?
I’m not saying that I wish technology would disappear, as in a
few cases I would argue having access to information, communities, and resources
has saved my life, quite literally. On a less dramatic note, it makes for easy
video sharing, for academic knowledge to be easier to access, to find cheaper
ways to get books, and faster ways to stay connected to family who are hundreds
of miles away.
But at what cost?
When we continually consume more media, we cannot help but
start to buy in to the propaganda that the media projects. When we get more
connected to online resources and “social networking” sites, I believe that we
lose our abilities to relate to people and hold a conversation. We are also
encouraged to live in a world that is increasingly focused on and around
ourselves, and not others- so what does that mean for our ability to empathize?
These aren’t easy questions, and I’m not asking for simple
answers. But as the wisdom of the bumper sticker goes, I would like to
challenge people to THINK! Because “it’s not illegal yet”.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
You Cant Make This S*** Up
I'm talking about a 6 year old Toddlers-in-Tiaras star singing "I'm Sexy and I Know It" at a club.
You just can't make this up.
I believe that reality tv creates hype an that the show gets cut to make the parents look crazy in the show, but this happened. Whether prompted or what it happened. And what does it mean that a six year old knows the concept of "sexy" (which they all very much DO), and WANTS to identify themselves with it. Hello "Forever 21," Peggy Ornstein would say.
Now, one of the main reasons I'm offended is becasue of the song. Its total trash. Let me show you the official video. It speaks for itself.
You just can't make this up.
I believe that reality tv creates hype an that the show gets cut to make the parents look crazy in the show, but this happened. Whether prompted or what it happened. And what does it mean that a six year old knows the concept of "sexy" (which they all very much DO), and WANTS to identify themselves with it. Hello "Forever 21," Peggy Ornstein would say.
Now, one of the main reasons I'm offended is becasue of the song. Its total trash. Let me show you the official video. It speaks for itself.
Defying Gender!
In the first picture we find Ellie, a classic example of what Peggy Ornstein refers to in her book Cinderella Ate My Daughter. The critique of princess culture is not a hatred of pink or a hatred of fairytales, but rather a desire to allow women to have many versions of what being a successful adult means, and not just a pretty, dainty, heterosexual woman.
In the second two picutres we find Maria and Alex, who got stereotypical identical fishing games, but Alex's is all different colors and depicts actual fish, where as Maria's is decked out in Princess colors only and you are forced to fish only for jewels. As is true for kids, however, toys are toys, and so Alex came to find, wihtout any pressure from us, that he really liked playing with jewels and sparkly fishing games, and Maria much preferred the different colored fishes. Everybody wins. In their play we have come to discover that Alex is actually very fond and adept at walking in high heels, and Maria aspries to be a dinosaur tamer.
Kids are so awesome, why are adults so constricting to their creativity, and to their gender? The answer is, you dont have to be! YOU can end gender policing.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Can You Defeat the Gender Binary?
Here is the story of baby "X". Written by Lois Gould
Here is a real couple raising their baby in a gender neutral fashion
AND another in the mother's words
A cool blog about how siblings can help defeat the binary
You can defeat the binary.
I challenge you to......
....refer to your significant other as your "partner" or "significant other"
....introduce yourself with your preferred name AND preferred pronouns
....talk about people that haven't "OUTED" themselves as preferring specific pronouns with the gender neutral pronouns like "Ze", "Zem", "Zers"
....only use a bathroom if it is a single stall/ gender neutral space
....shop for clothes for kids that are gender neutral
....shop for toys that are gender neutral
....read stories that defy the constraints of weak females and strong males in heterosexual couplings
Here is a real couple raising their baby in a gender neutral fashion
AND another in the mother's words
A cool blog about how siblings can help defeat the binary
You can defeat the binary.
I challenge you to......
....refer to your significant other as your "partner" or "significant other"
....introduce yourself with your preferred name AND preferred pronouns
....talk about people that haven't "OUTED" themselves as preferring specific pronouns with the gender neutral pronouns like "Ze", "Zem", "Zers"
....only use a bathroom if it is a single stall/ gender neutral space
....shop for clothes for kids that are gender neutral
....shop for toys that are gender neutral
....read stories that defy the constraints of weak females and strong males in heterosexual couplings
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Sexual Violence- Where Do We Go From Here?
Mary B. send me the link to the Rachel Maddow talking about Hermain Cain, and I think it deserves its own segment.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/#45250020
for more, here is Andrea Gibson:
another kick ass link to check out:
http://www.altmuslimah.com/a/b/gva/4558
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/#45250020
for more, here is Andrea Gibson:
another kick ass link to check out:
http://www.altmuslimah.com/a/b/gva/4558
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
OTHER COOL STUFFS
THINGS TO TEACH YOUR SON:
FIRST UN REPORT ON GAY and LESBIAN PEOPLES:
GIVING PEOPLE LEGAL RIGHTS IMPROVES THEIR HEALTH
THE CRAP CALLED THE "UNTIL ABORTION ENDS" MOVEMENT
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yeno9kiGRuI
THINGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT
NPR: Boston MA Doctor on Teen Gender Reassignment
A CHILD NAMED RILEY ON HOW PINK FOR GIRLS IS A MARKETING PLOY
TEACHING THAT SUPPORTS GENDER VARIENT CHILDREN
Sunday, November 13, 2011
DUDE: Call for Submissions
DUDE 3: Lovers; Sex/RelationshipsPosted on October 23, 2011 by dudemagazineDUDE 3 LOVERS; SEX/RELATIONSHIPSTrans guys are hot! And we know you love us, so why not give us some detail – because we love you just as much!!… DUDE is usually produced by transdudes and friends, however this special issue is dedicated to work produced by lovers of people who identify with transmasculinity.We would LOVE to get submissions from a variety of people in a diversity of relationships. Send us your dirtiest secret desires, persistent fears or relationship wonderings.Especially, but not limited to:*sex, especially in relation to changing bodies/identity, ‘gender dysphoria’*how transitioning affects/ed your relationship (positive/negative)*anxieties around a lover’s hormone use, surgery, body*peer/cultural pressures: passing, not passing*disclosure – yours / managing a partner’s*in/visibility*scene bitchiness of various scenes: straight, queer, gay, lesbian…*parenting / pregnancy*marriage**have you left a transitioning lover? We would really like to hear stories of transition break ups – what went wrong? when did it all become too much?*stories from straight guys, bi guys, gay guys, cis guys*stories from trans men, trans women, gender queers*stories from queer girls, bi girls, straight girls, cis women*stories from butches, femmes, bois, bears, sex workersmaxattitude/designsonfragilityAlso, inappropriate questions you’ve been asked – think back to the comics in DUDE 1 – we want your questions as well! What is ok and not ok?PICTURES OF YOU WITH YOUR DUDE!Deadline: April 30, 2012.
Gender Enculturation
So here's an article about the formation of pink and blue for little boys and girls. OHH American Culture. Or is is Western Culture? We may never know.
Underneath are two replies that I find perticularly intersting.
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/When-Did-Girls-Start-Wearing-Pink.html
"The color switch happened because around WWII nazis marked homosexual men with a pink triangle and so pink became associated with being "anti-masculine" and "effeminate." in order to maintain strong masculine color coding and education blue previously 'girlie' (think virgin mary) colors were traded for pink colors. Parents raised their children with colors according to the connotations that those colors held. once pink became feminized - it was no longer suitable for categorizing masculine boys." -Allie Oct. 24 2011
"I think it's interesting that the majority of comments on this article are about girls, and pink clothing, and girls that like pink but still like to climb trees, and girls who shouldn't have their choices dictated, etc etc etc. But hardly anyone is saying "my boy likes pink and I'm okay with that" or "my boy likes tea parties and dresses and I encourage that." Why it is okay for a girl to behave like a boy, but not for a boy to behave like a girl? Is it because, no matter how enlightened we think we are and how much we think we are not dictated by advertising and societal attitudes, we still think that boys are the "stronger" gender and we think that it's okay for a girl to reach "up" to masculinity but not for a boy to reach "down" to femininity. I mean, really, if you saw a little girl walking towards you in a blue shirt and jeans, you would probably think that her mother was doing a really good job of not defining her, but what would you think if a woman pushed a pram towards you with a baby in a frilly pink dress and then you found out it was a boy??" -Lauren Aug. 9 2011
Underneath are two replies that I find perticularly intersting.
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/When-Did-Girls-Start-Wearing-Pink.html
"The color switch happened because around WWII nazis marked homosexual men with a pink triangle and so pink became associated with being "anti-masculine" and "effeminate." in order to maintain strong masculine color coding and education blue previously 'girlie' (think virgin mary) colors were traded for pink colors. Parents raised their children with colors according to the connotations that those colors held. once pink became feminized - it was no longer suitable for categorizing masculine boys." -Allie Oct. 24 2011
"I think it's interesting that the majority of comments on this article are about girls, and pink clothing, and girls that like pink but still like to climb trees, and girls who shouldn't have their choices dictated, etc etc etc. But hardly anyone is saying "my boy likes pink and I'm okay with that" or "my boy likes tea parties and dresses and I encourage that." Why it is okay for a girl to behave like a boy, but not for a boy to behave like a girl? Is it because, no matter how enlightened we think we are and how much we think we are not dictated by advertising and societal attitudes, we still think that boys are the "stronger" gender and we think that it's okay for a girl to reach "up" to masculinity but not for a boy to reach "down" to femininity. I mean, really, if you saw a little girl walking towards you in a blue shirt and jeans, you would probably think that her mother was doing a really good job of not defining her, but what would you think if a woman pushed a pram towards you with a baby in a frilly pink dress and then you found out it was a boy??" -Lauren Aug. 9 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Sunday, September 4, 2011
On Transgender Issues in the Limelight
Its about Chaz Bono, who, if you don't know, is a Transgender MAN. that is to say, at one point he was biologically female, but is now not, as he uses male pronouns, takes testosterone and identifies as a MAN. Yes, gender change is something that is perticularly scary and "threatning" in our culture, but people need to get over it already.
So here's FOX news (ok, its fox, i should expect this, but this is one part of a much bigger debate) having a conniption becasue Chaz is going on Dancing With the Stars with a Female partner. Fox would like you to shield your children from this horror. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ARTICLE.
Why is it stupid to shield children from life? well, first of all, you're breading hate, which gets people beat on badly both verbally and physically, like this recent incident at McDonalds. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ARTICLE
But the other piece that makes this so rediculous is that acts of gender variance all all around us, whether we know it or not. For example, here is lady Gaga's current video You and I, which, in case you didn't know, the person on the piano bench is her, as is the man on the top of the piano (her in drag). She would have passed as a man if I hadn't told you, wouldn't she?? CLICK HERE TO SEE YOU AND I
And, lest we forget, children are the most accepting people on earth, they take people at face value, and we could all stand to learn a lesson from them. They only hate and learn to be racist, sexist, and homophhobic, transphobic, etc becasue we teach them to be that way. Take this video of a child's reaction to two gay men at a party. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE VIDEO
So here's FOX news (ok, its fox, i should expect this, but this is one part of a much bigger debate) having a conniption becasue Chaz is going on Dancing With the Stars with a Female partner. Fox would like you to shield your children from this horror. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ARTICLE.
Why is it stupid to shield children from life? well, first of all, you're breading hate, which gets people beat on badly both verbally and physically, like this recent incident at McDonalds. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ARTICLE
But the other piece that makes this so rediculous is that acts of gender variance all all around us, whether we know it or not. For example, here is lady Gaga's current video You and I, which, in case you didn't know, the person on the piano bench is her, as is the man on the top of the piano (her in drag). She would have passed as a man if I hadn't told you, wouldn't she?? CLICK HERE TO SEE YOU AND I
And, lest we forget, children are the most accepting people on earth, they take people at face value, and we could all stand to learn a lesson from them. They only hate and learn to be racist, sexist, and homophhobic, transphobic, etc becasue we teach them to be that way. Take this video of a child's reaction to two gay men at a party. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE VIDEO
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