Third moderator sought, and a note to all members

[ftmichael.livejournal.com]

At the risk of sounding really foolish, it's come to nezchan's and my attention that we're both white. This makes us less able to recognise and adequately address the concerns of members of colour in this community. I, for one, see this as a big problem, and am kind of feeling like an idiot at the moment for not really recognising it earlier (white guilt: it's what's for dinner). After discussing, nezchan and I have decided that we'd like to have a third moderator who is a person of colour. Please note that this new moderator will not be the token one who's in charge of handling race-related concerns within the community, while nezchan and I sit back and ignore it or take notes trying to learn. We want to work as a team with the new moderator, who hopefully will bring an added sensitivity and consciousness that I think we would really benefit from.

Obviously this is the internet and we need to work on an honour system, but I'm asking for volunteers or nominations - nominations must be accepted by the nominated person - to be that third moderator. Volunteers/nominees should please be people of colour only. Please leave a comment here if you'd like to volunteer or nominate someone else.


Additionally, I want to state for everyone that you should please always come to us with any questions or concerns you may have regarding the community. There is an e-mail address in the community userinfo for just that purpose. That's our job; please help us do it to the best of our abilities.

Thoughts on Dysphoria

[kesnit.livejournal.com]

I thought a lot about garlicfiend's post from yesterday. I am writing this here and not as a reply because I figure the original has scrolled off most people's screens...

I think the major difference between the dysphoria some trans people have and the dysphoria of garlicfiend's overweight friend or furries is what we do about it.

Society isn't going to take seriously someone who says they are a woman inside, but wears a full beard and always speaks with a baritone. In the same way, society wouldn't take seriously someone who is obese but believes they are skinny inside, or someone who believes they are a dragon. However, if the person is taking steps to make their outside match the inside, they will be taken seriously. Whether that is going on hormones (and shaving :) ), going on a diet and to the gym, or having scales tattooed all over their body, the person is making the effort.

Put another way, why should anyone expect to be taken seriously if they make no effort TO be taken seriously?

(no subject)

[dreamersbroken.livejournal.com]

I don't post often (enough) in this community, solely for the fact that my internet access is so sparodic (I get on about once every month or so), but I've come into a situation and I thought prehaps someone here might've had something similar happen.

Just under a month ago I started HRT, 5g. of AndroGel a day. Witin that same time frame my partner was diagnosed with a heart condition, which causes the muscles of heart her to heart to swell and become inflamed. Her doctors mentioned that contact with the AndroGel could have possible negative effects on her. While we're both very careful not to get the gel on her (or anyone else), there's still a risk.

I spoke with my doctor about possibly prescribing me an alternative to the gel, but he wouldn't have it. His excuse was that the gel is the most practical, effective, and (locally) the cheapest means of administering the hormone. His best advice was to wear long-sleeved shirts for the 8-12 hours--something hard to do in 90+ weather.

I'm at a loss for what to do. I'm searching for another doctor in the area, but I'm afraid of turning up the same results. I don't mind the gel in itself, and I know that the risk of it affecting my partner is minimal (if we're careful), but I can't rightfully see myself taking a risk like that and compromising someone else's health.

I've tried to search a little online about Androgel's effects on the cardiovascular system, but haven't turned up very much. Any suggestions? Or am I just being overly cautious?