Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: "Look! Transgendered person in the water!"

[moogiewoogie.livejournal.com]

Oh jeez.

I hate when newspapers report on transgendered people.  This week was a cornucopia of fail.

First of all, a small flood happened.  Pittsburgh, being on a river delta, has waters that rise every time there is a storm.  There was a homeless woman stuck in an underground walkway as the waters rose higher.  A river rescue took place to save her life and soon, every newspaper in the area reported on the event.

I don't know.  Maybe I'm just sensitive.  Maybe I'm stupid.  I read through the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's description of the events and I got that sinking feeling anytime I read something that involves a transperson, let alone someone in transition.  It wasn't too bad: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_551263.html 

That's fine.  Not the best.  I mean, why does her gender have anything to do with the rescue?  It's not like her identity somehow made it more difficult for the rescue to happen.  7/10.  It's not the best, but I'll take it considering the worst that could be written.

Then I read the Post-Gazette's write-up of the situation.  Oh wow: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08039/855797-53.stm

Okay, so first of all, foul on the pronouns.  Second of all, what does the gender have to do with the rescue again?  Am I somehow missing the fact that rescuing a "she" requires special equipment?

Granted, I don't know much about this woman's transition but I have heard of her before.  if she is indeed the same MtF that I have heard of, I don't think she would prefer the male pronouns.  What is with journalistic integrity today?

Argh :<

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X-posted to my crappy journal

APPLE Festival - Festival for Alternative Parents and Parenting

[nihilistvlad.livejournal.com]

I am organising a festival for Alternative Parents and Parenting to be held in Melbourne. Time and Venue yet to be determined. For more information go to http://applefestival.makeforum.org and please leave your input.

Thank you
Louise

Transition Fears

[omnimodus.livejournal.com]

(posted on my personal LJ, ftm, transyouth, closeted_ftm, and transgender)

I worry a lot about transition sometimes. I'm afraid what my family might think or do, what people who know me would do, and most importantly - what I would do. 

I constantly debate with myself about whether or not I should go on T and get my breasts removed. I know I want to transition socially, and I plan to. I have already started very slowly in my high school. My one teacher now calls out, "Darian", when checking for my attendance in class. Physically transitioning, is a really big deal. On one hand I want to know what I really look like. What Darian looks and sounds like instead of "Emma". I am a short guy. I only stand at 4'11 and weigh about 95 Lbs. In this female body, I can get away with being short. As an outward boy, I don't know that my height would be as ...appreciated. I am also not very butch. I feel masculine yes, but I've had it mentally beaten into my brain not to show it. 

What if I hate how I look after transition? It's not like I can go back to the way I was after all that. I like my soft skin, and Jacqui likes how I smell. My scent will change with T and my skin will become more coarse. I'll be a candidate for male pattern baldness, which is a big no no. Will I be more prone to anger? Will my personality change? 

There are so many reasons not to change my body. Yet of course, there are just as many reasons to do it. 

 

Help with Coming Out to Kids

[stephanie-live.livejournal.com]

I have four kids aged 14, 12, 7 and 1. Although I’m not ready to come out, my wife and I want to prepare for “the talk”.

 

I’d like to have suggestions for books, movies, documentaries, or other media that would help kids of these ages. But rather than just a list of books, I’d like to hear your own coming out experiences using these materials – how did they help you?

 

No hormones,no surgery...

[porceleincoco.livejournal.com]

Hi!
Is there anybody out there who want to lives full-time as women,but without hormones or surgery?It's my case,and i will be really glad to talk with someone like me...Thank you.