Nice post, Monica! As often the case with your postings I agree with your theme (diversity = good) but wish to play devil's advocate by pointing out additional issues.

Consider the individual who is gender queer, pansexual, Wiccan, vegan, yada yada ... with purple Mohawk hair and loads of tattoos and assorted piercings. They are a poster child for diversity. However, are their various identities a sign of fundamental issues with them as opposed to an extreme need for attention?

My impression is if such a person were to be teleported to a world where many people were like them they'd almost immediately decide they were straight, conservative mono-gender Christians or some other extreme identity for that world.

Sticking with the trans crowd my impression is the T*s who have the health and resources to transition surgically and who do so are expressing something of fundamental importance to them. I.E. that they really desire to be female. OTOH for the T*s who are in a similar situation and who don't transition surgically I see more of a need for attention. Having said this I do admit there must be the rare individual who at a very fundamental level always wanted to be a SheMale but I've never actually met such a person.

Sorry to break it to you, but I am not "trans." And, you might also consider that people do have a right to disagree with you as regards this.

You certainly have a right to your views, but that is all that they are...your views. There is certainly no rule that says that others, including those who might identify as trans, have to agree with you.

Absurdity and nonsense yet again ..

...and this is from an activist that claims to represent you .. lord help us

Hey Monica .. where is that list I challenged you for ? you know the one listing the TG activism accomplisments for transfolk (not the GLBT) in the past 10-15 years ?

Yeah well... I googled it up ... Transgender Accomplishments, all I could find was glbt centers listing accomplishments for gays and lesbians as a whole, nothing really specific that would actually make the lives of transsexuals any better. Therefore I thought you might want to enlighten us all, being that your a trans activist.

Still, I do understand compleatly that you have a life to live and simply cannot waste you're valuable time writing things that might be of value for transsexuals considering that you advocate for them.

On the negative side I did find lots of "tranny" sex sites, one that even pays google to advertise ! Yep thats progress.. Also came across lots of sites that pretty much linked transsexuals with everything gay (more progress) then there were the redneck types that pretty much wanted to ...well, you know...

Speaking of binary there are pretty much 2 types of people in this world, those that lead and those that pay the price of following.

Monica, this was a very good post. I still believe in the binary but I do believe that we are blended.Just like the colors are blended in the rainbow. You say that Mother Nature didn't make everything in two's. I have to disagree with that. We do have Animal and Plant. Two different types of life and without one we wouldn't have the other. Most mammals do have two of everything, two lungs, two kidneys etc. There are things that do happen to make this not true just as in Gender. We do have the X's and the Y's and they come in different varieties but they are still X and Y. I always say that we are the same but different. This is only my thoughts. I do know that others think of the third gender or the fourth that is fine with me. But my thoughts are the blending of genders.

"Yeah well... I googled it up ... Transgender Accomplishments, all I could find was glbt centers listing accomplishments for gays and lesbians as a whole, nothing really specific that would actually make the lives of transsexuals any better. Therefore I thought you might want to enlighten us all, being that your a trans activist."

Once again Leigh, you prove that while some people may aspire to a different sexual expression, others aspire to being simply as ignorant as they can possibly be. Not stupid mind you, just ignorant, or at least to stubborn to admit the obvious.

Asking someone to list the accomplishments of Trans activists over the last 40 years is like asking someone to list the number of ridiculous arguments put out there by ungrateful and ingracious TS's, who over that time had more interst in helping themselves than in helping others like themselves. It's like making up a list of "how many pain in the butts have you met in your life", and I don't know many people who would want to waste the time.

But for you Leigh, I'll make an exception, only in an attempt to inform you. Here is accomplaishment #1 by Trans activists.

If not for Trans activists, there would be no GLBT community. It would be the GLB community and you would be sitting in your home right now and wondering why you can't get your drivers license changed, why you have to put up with tons of discrimination against you in your everyday life from people like your phamacist to the guy who picks up your garbage, why your not protected in many states by hate crimes and your job is more at risk.

It always amazes me, the length that some TS's will go, just to justify their existence and claim their independence, when in fact they don't have to justify their existence and their independence is at least in part, founded on the sacrifices of more tolerant and humble people than themselves who they are so anxious to denigrate in a public forum.

On the top of your list Leigh, you might start with airing your dirty laundry in another neighborhood.

Now you can sit and deny all that or you can suck it up and admit that your life is better due to the fact that others cared more about you than you care about them.

I don't think God talks to anyone. Of course there are scholars to prove me wrong, just read the Bible. I believe that in your inside voice speaking to you or your conscience or call it what you want. Your ability to reason. I do believe in God but I don't give Him the credit that we as people should get. Trying to put all this into your blog is that we were created with the ability to reason and learn from our lives. Each of us has a very different genitic code and so we learn differently. We also keep what we have consumed differetly. Some will forget things that others will just remember better. This is why we have diversity, which doesn't mean the color of our skin. We are all different on the outside and we are all different on the inside. We think differently and what we have between our legs is different that what we have in our heads. So this is why I believe in blending.

"Wow, I think someone hit a nerve here..."

You bet hon!!! It isn't every day in this community that I have to read such foolishness. As a matter of fact, it's darn rare.

"Actually, the ability to change one's driver's license, where it is available, largely predates the "transgender activists."

Actually Suzanne, your wrong about that and the fight for that right is still being fought here in NC and other states by Transgender
activists who are not necessarily TS or Transgender. And if your records on changing gender markers on dirver's licenses goes back before 1967, please let me know, because that is when I first came out and started working as an activist and I don't remember anyth8ing like that being brought up for at least 25 to 30 years after that date. I could be worng about that however because most of us just couldn't be everywhere back then.

"And to be honest, I don't think Leigh is particularly interested in being a part of the LGBT community."

Well Suzanne, it is very nice that you can speak on Leigh's behalf. I'd be interested to find out if there is a reason for that.

"And quite frankly, in a lot of states there are no protections for anyone. In others, there are protections for lesbians, gays, and bisexuals but not "transgender." So, I think Leigh's question remains unanswered and her point remains. And I believe your remarks about transsexuals actually adds to her point."

Quite frankly Suzanne, exactly who do you think did get those rights in the states that they do exist in? Leigh really has no point to begin with, if the fact that states do exist with freedoms for Transgender people that were hard fought for by Trans activists, and Leigh does not put them at the top of any list. Frankly Suzanne, Leigh is only a one voice in the wilderness who seems to count the things that Leigh thinks are important, and ignores the facts and the achievements of others, don't you think?

I specifically note that Leigh and your own problems with activists in the Transgender movement are not limited to the just that movement. I have met many GLB people who claim that GLB activists don't do much either except seek attention. Of course the one thing that they seem to have in common is that they do not seek any attention at all. In fact they prefer to be invisible to their state and national legislators and would never write a letter to one of them defending the rights of others. Many think that it's far better to just let nature take it course and work on a one on one basis to create changes.

The other thing that they have in common is that they seem to act and look so straight that a person's "gaydar" would never be alerted by them.

Of course there are people like Leigh and others on the fringes of every civil rights movement. The only thing I question is, if they don't think that activists do anything, then why are they reading Bilerico and why don't they grab a good book like Moby Dick and crawl up under a nice tree and assume the fetal position?

I wonder if Leigh would have asked Martin Luther King for a list of what activists in that movement had done for 40 years also?

First off, I am not going to engage in swapping insults with you. I find it interesting that you feel that abuse is necessary to make a point.

Now, since there were not "transgender activists" in 1967 (the term had not even been made up back then) I think my point stands. Now, as Helms pointed out, most states still will not change a birth certificate. It is almost an even break, but the majority, by one, still don't.

As to speaking on Leigh's behalf, I simply understand where she is coming from.

But to go back to the original point, I don't see where transgender activists have done much to actually help anyone. And quite frankly, I do not believe they do anything for transsexuals.

And I do find it curious that you speak of a transsexual being spotted by someone's "gaydar." Surely you would not be suggesting that transsexuals are remotely "gay."

Well, first off, you seem to agree with what I said. In 35 states there are no job protections for transgender people. In 32 there are no hate crime protections. Now, most of the birth certificate laws have been around for a long time. And all of those job protections and hate crime laws are basically extensions of laws protecting gays and lesbians. I don't know too many who are transsexual who appreciate being labeled as just a form of gay or lesbian. The obvious exception being those who actually identify as being gay or lesbian in their correct sex.

And actually, the California laws are largely the doing of Mark Leno, an openly gay state assemblyman. And a lot of the work that actually led to those laws was done by transsexuals, working quietly, without a lot of fanfare.

Now, I make no claims of being an activist, so I am not going to take your bait. But, I will ask, which, if any, of these accomplishments do you claim personal credit for?

"If not for Trans activists, there would be no GLBT community. It would be the GLB community and you would be sitting in your home right now and wondering why you can't get your drivers license changed"

Excuse me? .. you cannot be serious! I changed the marker on my drivers licence in california in 1979. It was a virtually painless process. One just went to the DMV managers office, showed them your doctors letter and it was done. No muss no fuss, and I have to say they were VERY understanding and wished me well.

In case you missed it thats 1979! That predates the rise of the transgender/glbt by at least 10 years. Since then, several states have now tightened the requirements, some have even gone so far as to prohibit it for those that are not surgical tracked.

"why you have to put up with tons of discrimination against you in your everyday life from people like your phamacist to the guy who picks up your garbage"

Actually .. you're wrong about that too. Personally I don't get tons of discrimination pointed at me in my everyday life, but I will say that what discrimination there is for others has increased 10 fold in the past 10 years.

You see dear, back in the days before the transgender loudmouth's came screaming out of the GLB closet, we transsexual types just went quietly about our business, working within the system and living fairly normal lives. Mostly back then, DQ's and gay men were quite happy to not consider themselves transsexuals. They knew we were out there but by and large they also knew there was a difference between surgically tracked transsexuals and your average DQ and sissy boy gays.

That all changed with the GLBT coalition which sought to "help" us out without any regard to whether or not we wanted their help. The GLBT decided that anyone could be a transsexual, all they had to do was claim the title. They did this because they saw that many states had passed laws that viewed post operative transsexuals as members of their target gender and allowed them, once post op, to marry men(MtF).

Well this didn't sit well with the gays. They saw all transsexuals, and particularily surgical tracked transsexuals as nothing more than gay men that had either gone over the top, or who had not come out of the closet. So, by taking the newly formed alphabet of GLBT, they in one fell swoop leveled the playing field, mixed in their brand of gender queers, crossdressers and drag queens and called it all transgender. Was I asked if I wanted to be part of this new mix? NO! I and many thousends more of us were simply absorbed into the GLBT.

Ok, so what has been the upside of this for TRANSSEXUALS? Well, it does seem that you have managed to include us in hate crime laws in several states. I am sure all the names on the TDOR are very greatful for this. I will be sure to donate my puss to anyone of you that need it should I also end up on your list. I really feel safer now that we have a hate crimes law. On the other hand, before the transgender activists came along we never needed one because most of mainstream society didn't see us as primarily gay. Today thats the FIRST association they make. Now don't go telling me that you were always considered gay during transition because quite frankly if you were, you probably are. One thing I will credit the gays and lesbian GAYDAR for is their ability to tell who is and who isnt gay. Strangely enough I have never been hit on by a gay man, even while in a gay bar. They just seem to inherently know who is and who isn't.

"15 states now protect employment for transgender people, which comes to 40% of the population"

Oh really! Then how come transgender people have one of the highest per capita for their group unemployment and underemployment rate? HUH? Perhaps they just dont happen to live in those states. In contrast, many of us transsexual women prior to the GLB had very little problem with employment, in fact many of us funded transition through being employed.

47 states allow you to change the sex on your birth certificate. 24 states allow you to change the sex marker on the driver's license BEFORE surgery.

Only after surgery on the BC and many of those already had that in place before the GLBT came along so dont try to claim that. Same goes for DL markers, in fact there were more prior to than after. We, the silent ones did more to effect that by working quitly within the system than all you guys have collectivly.

"18 states have hate crimes laws that include transgender people"

Yes, and lord knows they need it since transgenders are now public enemy number one. Again, we can thank ya'll for that. All your media grabbing attention antics mixed in with the gays and lesbians have successfully made all of us the most outlandish, outragous group of people even more loathed than gays themself.

"California has health care reform that says you cannot discriminate against trans people and they have an anti panic defense law. Over 100 major corporations cover extensive health care for trans people."

You can say whatever you like, you can legislate till yur blue in the face but eventually it comes down to people and people will always find ways to discriminate if that be their way. And thank god for the 100 big corporations. How come all these poor gals are working on the street? Could they not get a job at IBM sweeping floors ?

"Now, prove to me what YOU have done to help others. Come on. Show me YOUR list. I'm sure the silence will be deafening."

You're missing the point.. here it is ..

If you need someone else's help support and encouragement to transition you are NOT transsexual. I did help one girl through transition, in fact I was instrumental in getting her employer to allow her to transition on the job. I have always wondered if I did the right thing. For the most part, those that are truly transsexual will find a way, just as water will find its own level. I have no intention of ever again helping anyone to transition because I firmly believe that if you need someone else's help to do it then you're just not committed enough. Other than help from professionals, a few pointers and tips, and perhaps a shoulder to cry on, most transsexuals require very little else. We are a hardy bunch.

Now to get to the meat of what the activists have done to drag transsexuals through the mud.

You have created a violent opinion among mainstream that all transsexuals are primarily gay men, acting out as women. You have done this to satisfy your own ends in the marriage debate, none of which helps transsexuals that are transitioning to BE one with their target gender.

You have created a view amongst mainstream that we are not and never will be anything more than our assigned birth gender. You scare the living daylights out of mainstream by pushing for laws that force your will upon those that do not agree with you. You shout and scream discrimination while in turn you create the discrimination that you are trying to stop.

You have a view about genitals that simply does not and never will be palatable by 85% of the population. A penis is NOT a neoclit. Never was and never will be, except in the GLBT circles. You have osteracised transsexuals that have a genuine medical birth defect, from ever becoming one with their target gender, and you have created a violent backlash from mainstream.

I am leigh, a woman of operative history with 30 years full time and 24 years post op experience. I run and have created several businesses, have managed employees, and have lived in several US States. I came to the USA in 1978, penniless and dragged myself up despite being full time and pre-op for several years, then paid for SRS in 1985. I am now married to wonderful man that raised several kids with his former wife of 18 years

.. and I approve this message.

I may have had some differences to some of the activists but I would not want to trade places. I'm happy they like to do what they are doing. I tried to be an activist and I really screwed up. I'm not but I think that all of them are doing a wonderful job. In the last 10 years the Trans community has by far surpassed anything that the GLB has done in over 40 years or more. Being a transexual I have been out for everyone to see. I really didn't have to out myself as they could only see, that is something that the GLB can hide. Someone has to out them or they will out themselves. We in the trans community can never hide. It is impossible, if someone want to know you. I have to thank all for the little and big things that I have got to do with little trouble I might add.

I don't recall denying that most states change birth certificates, so there is no need to suggest that I did.

But, again, most of those laws have been changed over a number of years. The earliest appears to be from 1961 as best I can tell, though I have read of a Federal law dealing with this from 1949 which was passed because it was seen as simply a medical issue.

But, what has changed because of transgender activists is that transsexuals have had their marriages to members of the opposite sex increasingly challenged.

And as to my not being grateful, I will again point out that I am not trans, so I have no reason to be grateful to trans activists. But, given what Leigh has pointed out so well, I can't see where anyone who is transsexual would anyway.

Now, as I said earlier, I am neither trans, or an activist...but when I do something for someone, and I do quite a bit for those less fortunate, I never demand that they show "gratitude" or attack them for not doing so. But then, I do things because I believe them to be right, not for my own grandeur. Just something to think about.

Good Grief Helms .. BC changes have been around long before the GLBT. Where do you get the idea that gays and lesbians were instrumental in any of that? Show me the proof, cite the bill numbers.

Once again the GLBT claim things they do not own just as they claimed the transsexuals, the bi-sexuals, and if they have their way there is now talk of inducting the intersex into the collective. I never actually met a bisexual that admitted to being primarily gay or lesbian, in fact quite the opposite is true.

Helms, the mere application of the term "sex" somewhere in a word does not give the GLBT the right to assimilate those that it applies to into their alphabet soup. Being a bisexual, a transsexual or an intersexed person does NOT mean those persons are primarily homosexual or lesbian. It does not give the GLBT the right to include said groups in their activism and we would very much like to see it stopped.

I will be quite blunt with you. To me, the term transgender is just a new name for the sissy boy flamers and drag queens that pervaded the gay scene in the 70's and 80's. The emporer simply has a new set of clothes. That the GLBT has managed to pass these primarily homosexual people off as transsexuals, is a media coup based on the limited understanding of transsexualism in the media and the general public. That the GLBT has managed to convince many transsexuals to wear the transgender badge is a mis-information campaign perpetuated by the media and the GLBT activists who are themselves primarily homosexual.

If you and the other homosexuals want to be activists, do so on your own platform, as gays and lesbians, but do not do it under the guise of helping the transsexuals because frankly you do us all a disservice. If I should ever become a statistic, the last thing I would want at the trial of my assailant, is a bunch of obvious looking transgender men trying to be women, sitting across from a jury as a reminder to them of everything I am not!

-----------------------

Thank you Suzanne .. even though I don't know you I am glad to have you at my back.

Incoming at 4-o-clock .. watch out for the dagger in the left hand :)

Greatful? .. how dare you!

You should be greatful to me and to others that pioneered the way. I was one of the dinosaur transsexuals that made it possible for you to sit there and spew out this garbage! You activists came along and undid all we accomplished, then try to claim that you are getting things done that we already had before you showed up.

What unmittigated gaul you have!

If someone needs the GLB to be who they say they are, well, they probably arn't.

Leigh, you are most welcome. Otherwise, there is really nothing that I can add to your two excellent posts.