Legislative Attempt To Erase Trans People

Florida Republicans Propose A ‘Fascist’ Bill to Remove Trans Kids From Parents’ Custody

Story by Josh Marcus 3/4/2023

 

My Notes: I know this is just a proposal for a Fascist-Republican waco. However Ron DeSantis may see political points with the right and gets behind this. He has a super-majority in the Florida House and Senate and the Florida Supreme Court is his as well. We are still mining the depth of his mean spirit and ruthless ambition.

  This is awful and another possible preview of what fascist DeSantis might do as president. I do not see how a cross state law could be enforced without the US Supreme Court getting involved. There is much danger as to how this court  would rule.  See, Ableman v. Booth, (1859), case in which the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Fugitive Slave Act      

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What is the new bill 254 in Florida?

Treatments for Sex Reassignment: Granting courts of this state temporary emergency jurisdiction over a child present in this state if the child has been subjected to or is threatened with being subjected to sex-reassignment prescriptions or procedures; providing that, for purposes of warrants to take physical custody ... (The Florida Senate)

Florida Republicans are under fire for a slate of bills targeting transgender youth, including a proposal to allow courts to take custody over trans kids that’s been called “fascist” by its critics.

On Friday, GOP lawmakers submitted SB254, which allows the state to seize custody of children when they “at risk” or “being subjected” to gender-affirming medical care, including from families where the child at question may reside outside of Florida.

Critics argued the bill was a legislative attempt to erase trans people.

“I can’t believe I’m writing this,” Carlos Guillermo Smith, a former House lawmaker, and the state’s first Latino LGTBQ representative, wrote on Twitter on Friday, “This is fascist.”

Alejandra Caraballo, a former staff attorney at the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund, argued on Twitter that SB254 would empower anti-trans family members to seize children from potentially more supportive environments and find safe haven in Florida.

“This is a greenlight to transphobic family members to engage in state sponsored kidnapping,” she wrote.

Backers of the bill defended their effort.

“Parents have the right to raise their children as they see fit, and government intervention should be a last resort," Senate President Kathleen Passidomo said in a statement to WUSF. "Unfortunately, all too often we are hearing about treatments for gender dysphoria being administered to children, often very young children. That’s just wrong, and we need to step in and make sure it isn’t happening in our state.”

Other bills in the Florida legislature this session have sought to restrict bathroom access for trans people and make it illegal for doctors to provide gender-affirming medical care like puberty blockers and hormone treatments to minors.

The bills follow Governor Ron DeSantis’ approval last year of the controversial “Don’t Say Gay” law, which forbid teaching about sexual or gender identity to younger children.

As The Independent has reported, Republican lawmakers across the country, following the lead of Florida, are seeking to pass what the Human Rights Campaign called a “historically bad” slate of bills restricting access to transgender healthcare, inclusive literature, and quality education about sexual and gender identity.

Style Authenticity

Susan, my friend at the Susan after 60 Blog had a wonderful post on "Style Authenticity". 

Our choice of clothing, hairstyle, and other appearance details are considered a means of nonverbal communication.

 

So what are you communicating?  I am a female impersonator, crossdresser, or a stylish woman going about her day, being what my appearance communicates.

The above fashion layout is one of my go-to-looks; although I covet the cartoonish height and long / slim legs. I can make this style work with my hair up and confidence. I love hearing, "Ma'am what can I get you?", even if I know sometimes they are only being charitable.   

Many times I have encouraged you to blend in [be authentic] . Being able to do this is not hiding who you are but celebrating your courage and style. Develop you own style and Escape.  Visibility is our best defense against hate.  

 

The Clothes Make You Happy - Lilly

 

I Love A Success Story - Felix Nieder

 A Genderfluid Model

Felix Nieder

See  Felix's site

Felix Nieder has turned his uniqueness into a strength: As a "genderfluid model" he takes the freedom to move fluidly between the genders, wears both men's and women's clothing on the catwalk - and is now one of the most booked models in Germany.

The path to get there wasn't easy: as a teenager in a small town he came out, was rejected for being "too feminine" and was met with hostility. He talks about this in his touching debut book “When my gay self died”. He suffers through crises, fights against self-doubt - and to be accepted. But he is also keen to raise awareness about grievances in the fashion industry - and what he can do as a genderfluid model to make society more inclusive. Lots to discuss with Felix Nieder in STUDIO 3.

He’s in parliament in the morning and on the catwalk in the evening: Felix Nieder, one of Germany’s top male

60's Protest Song - Where Is Today's Protest...

Or Comment?  

This is a follow up to the post "My Generation" from last week. Thank those of you that commented. If it struck a nerve, even if you think I am wrong, please comment.    

Barry McGuire - Eve Of Destruction

"Eve of Destruction" is a protest song written by P. F. Sloan. Barry McGuire recorded the track in July 1965. It was released by Dunhill Records and was an instant hit reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in September of that year.

Political Week In Review 4-21-2024

 This is not a joke - Inside McDonald's First Robotic Restaurant | The Future of Fast Food

Rocking What I've Become...

 

A Second Trump Presidency ...

 Would Be A Nightmare Scenario For Transgender People

By 

Lil Kalish

Apr 18, 2024

My Note: This is an in-depth look at what has happened in Florida under Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis and moves the discussion to the conservative Project 2025. An agenda that will likely be Trump's policies. Please read, understand the implications, discuss with friends, and above all else vote. 

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...  Under DeSantis, Florida has in many ways been a testing ground for the broader conservative movement to push some of the harshest anti-LGBTQ policies — from the memo to laws barring trans people from bathrooms and gender and sexuality from being discussed in public classrooms.

...“The right wing was using Florida as a petri dish for what would be possible across the country should they gain power in Washington, D.C., again,” said Brandon Wolf, the press secretary for the Human Rights Campaign. “I think we should believe them. It is a road map to making America a place like Florida, and allowing the federal government to do much of what we’ve seen governors like DeSantis and [Texas Gov. Greg] Abbott do across the country.”

The reality unfolding in Florida today is just a microcosm of what the United States could look like if Donald Trump were to be elected president this November, according to a nearly 1,000-page document that lays out goals and recommendations for a conservative president. The “Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise,” better known as Project 2025, draws upon many of the current state-level anti-LGBTQ+ laws and policies and expands them to the national stage by any means necessary.

“The right wing was using Florida as a petri dish for what would be possible across the country should they gain power in Washington, D.C., again,” said Brandon Wolf, the press secretary for the Human Rights Campaign. “I think we should believe them. It is a road map to making America a place like Florida, and allowing the federal government to do much of what we’ve seen governors like DeSantis and [Texas Gov. Greg] Abbott do across the country.”

Wolf, who until last fall worked as the press secretary for Equality Florida, said he has seen firsthand how a government can wear down individuals and families, and is terrified by what would happen if the rest of the country reflected Florida’s current reality. 

The attack on the very rights for trans people to exist as themselves in this country is terrifying for me and heartbreaking because it is a blatant attempt to give trans and nonbinary folks in this country an ultimatum,

Either you conform to this right-wing idea that there’s only one right way to be a human being or we will use everything at our disposal to push you out of society.”

Brandon Wolf, the press secretary for the Human Rights Campaign. 

Musical Interlude - It's Your Life

 

Bosom Buddies was Tom Hanks' Breakthrough Role (10 Facts)

I Love A Success Story - Emira D’Spain

Transgender Model Emira D’Spain Shares Her Story of Self-Acceptance and Empowerment

Emira D’Spain 
Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for alice + olivia

Story by: Ella Bennet

Emira D’Spain, recognized for her stylish beauty tips on TikTok and known historically as the first Black trans model for Victoria’s Secret, has used her platform to discuss various facets of her transgender experience. With over a million followers and in anticipation of Trans Day of Visibility on March 31, she has provided an intimate glimpse into her journey, discussing gender euphoria, inspirations, and more, all conveyed in her own words below.

“Where did I first encounter gender euphoria? My family’s acceptance has always brought me the most profound sense of gender euphoria; just being with them. And recognizing that many LGBTQ individuals never receive this acceptance makes me increasingly thankful, a sentiment deeply entrenched within me.”

“Lady Gaga, while not queer herself, remains an icon who profoundly influenced my youth. Her presence on the music scene, specifically during my middle school years with anthems like ‘Born This Way,’ empowered me to embrace and live my truth authentically.”

“Life unfolds as it’s destined to.”

“Nowadays, I’m recognized for more than just being a trans individual; in fact, many of my followers are unaware of my trans identity. Discussing it occasionally offers a new perspective, which I find fascinating. It’s heartening to see queer creators achieving success, living their lives fully and forging careers.”

“To other young trans individuals, my message is one of hope: everything will eventually fall into place. Whether you’re grappling with acceptance from others, self-acceptance, or living your truth, please remember that things will work out. It’s easy to lose sight of this in challenging moments, but life will unfold as it should. Practice self-compassion and patience.”

Pink Blazer Four Ways

 

Barbie inspired pink does not seem to going away for spring and summer. Even my lingerie store has a larger than normal supply of pink bras, bralette and panties.  Be still my heart!

At least for the short term, it is going to be a wardrobe staple and feminine differential. I like wearing my blazer with a slight roll-up of the sleeve.  It looks less dressy and casual especially with jeans or shorts.  Most any shoes work from pumps to sandals.  

Shown are four ways to dress-up and dress-down a pink blazer.

My Generation...

By Rhonda Williams 4/15/2024

I am a proud  “Baby Boomer”. In the 60's and 70's, collectively we changed the world. If something didn't look right, we tried to make it right. We protested, we marched, we made noise, and we made people take notice. Some of us went to jail, some of us lost our lives. But we held strongly to our beliefs. We believed in peace and love not war or hate. And we made a difference. 

The sixties defined the era of social upheaval, and we Baby Boomers led the charge through activism, social change, and freedom. Baby Boomers opened eyes to social attitudes with a decade of riots, boycotts, antiwar demonstrations, and protests for civil rights. We stopped an unjust war that killed 47,434 American fighters. In 1968, President Johnson yielded to our generation’s pressure by deciding to not seek re-election.        

Baby Boomers opened the door for social change by fighting for women's rights, gay rights, civil rights, and social equality. We created the personal computer and linked the world with the internet making communication instantaneous and book encyclopedias obsolete with any subject instantly accessible.  

This is what a protest 
looked like in the 1960's

Where are we today? We still run businesses, we take an active role in our communities, we run local and national politics, and we are in leadership roles. However, have we become the very people we protested against in the 60's? Have we forgotten how to fight for what is right? Stand up for the minority? Protest wrong wars?  Have we lost our way?

We are turning our collective backs on two subjects that will undo all of our positives; Gun control and the environment.  

When students were gunned down at Kent State, we protested even louder. Eventually, we made those in charge listen to us, and make changes. But what are we doing today? Our children are being gunned down in our schools... IN OUR SCHOOLS! And what are we doing about it? Where is our unified voice to shout out about what is right? Like in the 60's, we can still make changes that are right for everyone yet, we do nothing. The gun lobby (manufacturers) quote an archaic Constitutional Amendment from 1791 that is irrelevant in our time.  In 1791 you could fire only once every thirty seconds. Today a military-style assault weapon can fire 10 rounds per second, 600 rounds per minute.  And, with a modification, it can be made to fire 800 rounds per minute.  Now is the time to demand change.  

Where are the protests today?  U.S. children and teens are more likely to die because of gun violence than car crashes, drug overdoses, and cancer.  31,780 is how many children in the U.S. under age 18 that have died from gun violence in the 20 years between 2000-2020.  Where is the outrage? Where are the protest?  

Energy company executives have long known the scientific consensus on global warming. Exxon leaders were informed by company scientists that there was general scientific agreement on the topic in the 1970's. Oil giant Shell created a film in 1991 explaining the future threats of extreme weather, flood, famine, and climate-related conflict. Still, they continued to use their influence and money for misinformation; putting profit ahead of the planet.  

Shell Oil created a film in 1991
They Knew.  

Three individual weather events in 2022 topped the $20 billion economic loss threshold: Hurricane Ian ($113-$115 billion), drought in the U.S. ($21-$22 billion), and drought in Europe ($22-$26 billion). According to NOAA, “In 2023 [alone] (as of September 11), there have been 23 confirmed weather/climate disaster events with losses exceeding $1 billion each to affect the United States. These events included 2 flooding events, 18 severe storm events, 1 tropical cyclone event, 1 wildfire event, and 1 winter storm event. Overall, these events resulted in the deaths of 253 people and had significant economic effects on the areas impacted.”

According to the European Union: “The three-month period from June 2023 through August surpassed previous records by a large margin, with an average temperature of 16.8 degrees Celsius (62.2F) - 0.66C above average.  August (2023) was also the hottest month ever recorded globally. The third straight month in a row to set such a record, following the hottest ever June and July.”

How have we “Baby Boomers” become so complacent. We are allowing guns to kill our children and our grandchildren in the place they go to receive their education?  Is the generation that initiated the first "Earth Day" willing to doom our planet to be uninhabitable for future generations?

It's time for the Baby Boomers to wake up again. The generation before us was known as the “Greatest Generation”. How does our generation want to be remembered?  

Political Week In Review 4-14-2024

 

Former federal prosecutor: Trump team "snookered" Judge Cannon over witness identities

Approval

 

Why I Still Get Dressed Up

 

My Note: We all have our reasons for getting dressed up.  I am casual most of the time (jeans / tee) and work is black pants and black top (store uniform). However, I look forward to raiding my closet (Pinterest enhanced) and getting out to an elegant restaurant, play. or just an evening with girlfriends. It is part of the "Feminine Differential" I write about and adore. I don't think I will ever grow weary of this routine. 

Paul Simon sang it best:  

I will not be convicted by a jury of my peers - Still Crazy After All These Years.

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[Beth's take on] Why i still get dressed up:  Earlier this spring, i asked the question, “does fashion still matter?“.  Many of you responded and said that it does.  given everything that’s happened and continues to happen this year, i think it’s still a reasonable question to ponder. in fact, it was just the other day someone asked me, “why i still get dressed up?”.  given that we’re all spending a lot more time at home than we used to, it’s a totally reasonable question to ask.  it’s so easy to spend the day in comfies or athleisure wear.  is there really a point to getting dressed up anymore?  

Why I still get dressed up

As you might have guessed, i think there is still a point.  and today, we’re going to show you three of my favorite “dressy” outfits from this summer.  but before that, i just want to give you two simple reasons why i still get dressed up: 

DRESS UP FOR YOURSELF 

Looking our best can and does lift our own spirits.  taking care of ourselves, irrespective of our circumstances—good, bad, or in-between—goes a long way to keeping our own spirits high.  taking care of ourselves encompasses a lot no doubt, and dressing up is just one aspect.  however, it’s an important one.   taking some time in the morning to pick out a well put-together outfit, get ready, and then get dressed goes a long way to setting the spirit and pace for the rest of the day.  don’t believe me?  try it.  you might be surprised.  

DRESS UP FOR OTHERS

looking our best serves as an inspiration to others.  seems odd, right?  it’s not, really.  putting some time and effort into how we look can show people that we care.  and it’s important to show people that we care—about ourselves and the world around us.  back in the spring, we committed to you, our readers, to continue to provide you a fashion distraction.  we hope that it has and will continue to serve as an inspiration to you.  and we hope that you will continue to serve as an inspiration to others, because boy do we need to spread some of that energy around at this moment in time.   

Fashion Police In Florida

Florida House dress code: No skirts more than an inch above the knee. Is this 2023?

My Note: My state has gone mad! In my post on the Skater Skit, tongue-in-cheek, I mention that in Florida could "Fashion Police" coming soon.  Well here it is...

Opinion:

You might have the right to bear arms,
 but not to bare arms.

The Florida House, not content with creating an election police force, banning books in schools or regulating women’s bodies when it comes to pregnancy, has apparently taken on yet another enforcement role: fashion police. 

Women, say goodbye to your sleeveless tops “when members are in the building.” The sight of your upper arms is too much for the hallowed halls of the Legislature to bear, it seems. And short skirts? We can’t believe you even asked.

A flyer circulating in the Capitol shows, complete with helpful photographs, what a person can and cannot wear. Some items are labeled as “NEVER work appropriate.” No “dress or skirt more than one inch above the knee.” No “low cut blouses or dresses.” No shoes without socks — that one, refreshingly, is aimed at men.

There are different (extra conservative) rules for days when House members are present. Suits are required for both men and women on the House floor. 

All right. Sure. It’s important to preserve the dignity of this storied institution. Serious business going on here, folks! (Remember that the next time they are debating whether Key Lime pie or strawberry shortcake should be the official state dessert.)

Read more....

Ah, but that’s not so easy. So we have one more thought that is sure to spur women, anyway, to take action against these silly rules if nothing else: How long before they start requiring pantyhose?

Feminine Differential - Chambray Shirt part 2

 

I talked about the ease of styling a "Chambray Shirt last year.  It is one of my wardrobe go-to-looks especially with white jeans even in summer.  See: Feminine Differential - Chic Ideas to Wear The Chambray Shirt

Here is what's the "Take It From Nicole" blog said about the look

There’s nothing more classic than white jeans and a chambray shirt! This outfit is one I wear on repeat. I love the pop of color with the pink Longchamp bag but you could always be more subtle with a plain brown one. I love that this can be casual or work outfit.

 

I have paired this "available everywhere" chambray shirt, with my Talbots Slim Ankle Jeans, and newly acquired (on sale) Coach Dakota Bucket Bag. The shoes LAUREN RALPH LAUREN Women's Hilarie Ankle-Strap Espadrille Platform Wedge Sandals from Macys. The other shoes are Adidas and Coach Platform sneakers; a suret "Feminine Differential".

See also "21 Ways to Wear White Jeans" for some great suggestions with fashion layouts.  .  

I Love A Success Story - Angela Kade Goepferd

 The Good Doctor: Angela Kade Goepferd, MD

January 12, 2023•Susan Swavely

Angela Kade Goepferd, MD

This year, the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on LGBT Health and Wellness presented Dr. Angela Kade Goepferd (they/she) the Ellen Perrin Award for Excellence in LGBTQ+ Health and Wellness on October 10th, 2022, in Anaheim, California. Minnesotans can be proud to call one of their own a pioneer in the field of health for LGBTQ+ kids, specifically trans and gender-diverse children, who, historically, have been left out of most of the conversations surrounding their own wellbeing. Dr. Goepferd is the founder and medical director of the Children’s Minnesota Gender Health program (CMGHP), which is proudly the largest pediatric program serving queer youth in the area. CMGHP offers complete care for trans and gender-diverse children, taking into account both their physical and mental health. 

Dr. Goepferd’s rise to this position did not come easily. In their own words, “As a queer and non-binary pediatrician, the path has not been easy for me to become a physician, to become a leader, to claim my expertise and my space at the table. I have learned that silence helps no one.” Dr. Goepferd faced intense homophobia and transphobia in her studies, both by other students and superiors—sometimes even receiving physical hate mail in their medical school locker, having supervising doctors use anti-gay slurs, and having peers call for the erasure of LGBTQ+ people and identities. Dr. Goepferd did not let ignorance or hate stop them then, and they surely don’t let it stop them now either. 

The revolutionary truth about kids and gender identity
Angela Kade Goepferd | TEDxMinneapolis

Dr. Goepferd is fighting harder than ever for the rights of the LGBTQ community, especially when “public policy attacks their rights, like it did throughout 2021.” Oppressive bathroom bills, forcing children to play on sports teams that don’t align with their gender identities, and many more examples probably come right to mind when thinking of transphobia in the United States, and Dr. Goepferd has spent her entire life fighting for the voices of those who are being silenced. “[Dr. Goepferd] co-authored the Star Tribune op-ed ‘Anti-trans legislation is inhumane’ to explain the harmful consequences transgender youth experience from legislation that penalizes transgender athletes for participating in school sports if they play on a team that aligns with their gender identity.” 

Read More...

Feminine Differential - The Pallete

 

WARDROBE ESSENTIALS FOR WOMEN OVER 50

The color palette and different styles available as a feminine person are endless. I am always looking at fashion blogs and Pinterest for new and exciting outfits.  

Lauren loose knit Sweater

Why would everyone not want to choose this and express your uniqueness. I found on the Valmoods blog many such outfits that represent so many fun outfits. Enjoy.   

I have never considered myself fashion illiterate, however, enjoy studying other's choices. This  reminds me of how I used to study the Sears Catalog and Wish Book for fashion ideas.

I have an orange Lauren sleeveless sweater and have had the tan cargo pants shown above for several seasons.  

This is a combination that had not crossed my fashion-show play.  Orange is still big this spring season, so I am sure I will wear this outfit for a spring / summer evening.  

 

Political Week In Review 4-7-2024

 

A Dress A Dream

 

TUMBLR

Assimilate

 Where Do You Want to Be 2024

Assimilate: To become part of a group, country, society, etc., or to make someone or something become part of a group, country, society [community], etc. (The Cambridge Dictionary)

A new year always allows us the opportunity to look back and look forward. If you read this transgender blog then you know that my theme is to encourage visibility and to live your life without regrets.     

Visibility is our survival obligation to thwart those who want us to go away. Our courageous visibility speaks volumes to those who want to relegate us back to the closet.  

My first frightful public outing was in 1982 on "National Cross-dressing Day" (Halloween). An insightful bartender, after listening to my "first time ever" recital simply stated, "And I bet this will not be the last."  How correct he was.

Escapes, as I like to describe these journeys into the land of femininity, have been both unnerving, exhilarating, and rewarding. Rhonda did not not emerge fully formed for the "escape" womb.  It took many years to build my courage by challenging myself to walk a mall, go shopping, have a meal out and attend support groups. Support groups helped me understand my inner ache to be feminine was not isolated to just myself; others had similar instincts. As I attended support groups and conventions, I wanted more!   

The southern expression, "Katy bar the door" seemed to apply here; [means watch out, trouble is on its way].  I had gotten a taste of the rush that gender exploration provides.  

I came to the realization that a full GRS transition was not my burning desire. However, I did come to the place where I wanted to be more than just a visitor / interloper in the "land of femininity".  I wanted to have the acceptance that would come with a full "visa"; to go and come for extended periods and even work there, if possible.  

Attending A Downtown 
outdoor Lecture

My extended "Escapes" are well documented in this blog.   

This is where examination of one's reality with regard to motives and expectorations comes to the front. After escaping from your literal closet, have you just added on an addition. 

If assimilation is your goal, you do not have to abandon your transgender friends. Being mentored and helping those not as brave is so important. However, when going to only trans friendly clubs, restaurants,  ________, (you fill in the blank), have you really escaped the closet?  For years my only escapes were to a cub. 

This has nothing to do with being authentic. Everyone's  authenticity is different and should be.  This is about being visible and pushing your comfort zone.    

Challenge yourself to be part of the real world. Join clubs, attend Meetups, interact socially, attend concerts, lectures, volunteer, church, or attend typically female events like fashion shows. Some might work, others not. Each will be a learning / research experience for the next escape. There is always the possibility of making new friends. 

Trepidations be damned! The real world is more accepting and understanding than your fears envision.  

Like my opening quote; change is inevitable... We are going to mature and scenes we thought that were so-much-fun, we will grow out of.  Intentional growth in 2024 allows you to explore the land of femininity and find your place.

__________________________

Object Lesson: Where will you be on International Women's Day 2024?  This year it will be on March 8th to celebrate women's achievements and reinforce a commitment to women's equality. The day's theme: 

Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all "Inspire Inclusion". Celebrate women's achievements. Raise awareness about discrimination. Take action to drive gender parity.  IWD belongs to everyone, everywhere. Inclusion means all IWD action is valid.

    

    

Trans Adults On Edge As Legislatures...

Broaden focus beyond children

Story by Casey Parks
February 15, 2024

Medical school is hard enough, but Charlie Adams’s existence was on the line, so he took a day off from clinic rotations in Kansas City and drove three hours to the Missouri Capitol.

Charlie Adams

Republican legislators had proposed nine bills to restrict transgender rights. Two sought to limit the definition of sex. Another gave doctors the right to discriminate against trans people. And four aimed to keep them out of the bathrooms that match their identities.

Adams, 27, has a full beard and a deep voice, and as he spoke recently to a committee of legislators, a patch of chest hair peeked out from his navy blue scrubs.

“Do you want to see me in the women’s restroom next time you’re at the hospital?” he asked.

Adams spoke for two minutes, thanked the legislators, then scurried out. He had eight more bills to fight.

The legislation in Missouri is part of a record number of proposals that could significantly reshape the way transgender people live their lives. Republican-dominated legislatures have already enacted more than 100 laws to limit LGBTQ+ rights over the past few years, but most affected adolescents and schools. Now, policymakers are increasingly turning their focus to adults.

Lawmakers in Iowa, West Virginia and other states have introduced bans on transgender people using bathrooms that align with their gender identity. Officials elsewhere are attempting to narrowly define sex in a way that will leave trans people misgendered on official documents. The head of Florida’s Department of Motor Vehicles announced in late January that the agency will no longer allow trans adults to change the gender markers on their licenses and threatened criminal charges for those who don’t comply.

So far, no legislature has outright prohibited adults from transitioning, but last year, Florida passed the nation’s first health-care restrictions for trans adults, and some within the Republican Party believe other states will soon follow its lead. A handful of legislators have said they don’t believe in the care or hope to eradicate it completely.

The lawmakers pushing the bills universally contend there should be limits on how far society goes to embrace transgender adults. Some do not believe in the concept of having a gender identity different from one’s biological sex.

“There is no such thing as gender-affirming care,” Ohio state Sen. Kristina Roegner (R) said in a January speech on the Senate floor. “You can’t affirm something that doesn’t exist.”

Adams said he is “overwhelmed, scared and angry.”

“Even if most of the proposed bills don’t pass, the constant vilifying of us is already doing damage,” Adams said. “I used to think if I could get into the rooms and organizations I’m in now, if I could only share the stories of all the amazing trans people I know, and if they got to know me as a colleague, they would understand we’re just people and our rights are worth protecting. But I’m learning lately that that may not be enough.

Read More...

Still, trans Ohioans say they fear lawmakers will try again. Republican legislators tried three times to pass a health-care ban for adolescents before ultimately succeeding in late December.

“This is far from the end,” Ogden, of Trans Allies of Ohio, said.

None of the nine Missouri bills have become law yet, but late last month, while Adams was working a rotation, a committee passed a measure that would allow doctors to refuse to treat trans patients. Of all the bills that target adults, Adams said that one might hurt the most.

“We take an oath,” Adams said. “I would without hesitation treat any person regardless of their beliefs, and I did when I worked in the ER. It hurts that even though all my intentions are good, even for someone who hates me, and I’d never want them denied care, they are trying to make it legal for people to deny me care.”

I was born 'Male' but I'm not Trans

 Understanding Intersex

Welcome to Interesting and SeXY, a podcast dedicated to spreading the awareness and visibility of intersex people, as well as discussing and sharing issues / experiences about Queer life, being different and all other things interesting and sexy.  I also will be exploring all aspects of LGBTQIA+ Community as the podcast progresses, but today I am sharing own story. In future I plan to bring in guests to discuss intersex issues, queer life, and other interesting and sexy topics. Join this safe space to learn, inspire, and create.

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Florida bills defining sex call intersex variations disabilities, or exclude them entirely

Intersex variations are different from a transgender identity — the view that one's gender is different than the one they were assigned at birth — though an intersex person can be transgender. But laws attempting to define biological sex have an impact on both communities, advocates say. They can strip people's rights to accurate identity documents, block health care or may result in someone going to prison for using the "wrong" bathroom.

The law also does not use the term "intersex," but rather "disorder of sexual development," a term InterACT calls "controversial and pathologizing."

Trans People Are Magic

They should inspire us all to live more authentically.

Story by Keegan Williams

There is a certain magic among trans people simply existing. Just our presence, our reluctance to conform to the constructs around gender that have been instilled in all of us since birth is powerful.

Trans people offer everyone a certain freedom, a permission to exist authentically and embrace all of the innate elements that make us human. They show us it is possible to disregard the arbitrary notion that certain traits, emotions, and expressions are “masculine” or “feminine.”

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The fight rages on, and the transgender community remains at the forefront.

Trans people should receive support from their cis counterparts because it’s the right thing to do, because we need help from groups in power to ensure equity. But I also hope cis people understand that these constraints around gender that trans folks actively push against every day don’t benefit anyone. They rob us of humanity, authenticity, and connection with one another.

I think about the queer and trans spaces in which I regularly find myself in LA, which of course include cisgender people, too. In these spaces, we can all be whoever we are without a value judgment around our existence.

I witnessed this magic before I came out as trans myself, and while we have a mountain of obstacles to overcome, I find relief in thinking about the world taking on that same model — every person expressing themselves innately as they see fit, with gender roles and restrictions fully off the table.

The trans community has challenged tired notions, these prevailing messages around how we “should” act in society, in favor of our own pursuit of happiness. 

This Trans Awareness Week, I hope that our cisgender peers and allies can look to the trans community like I once did, as role models who recognize that this fight belongs to and benefits the entire human race.