Awhile back I asked readers here for ideas for my middle name and the name I favored was Rea. However, it is my sister-in-laws middle name and this weekend up at the cottage I asked for suggestion for my middle name. I had a list of “R” names that I had prepared including Rea and asked my sister-in-law if she had a problem if I chose Rea. She said that she rather that I didn’t use it. After going over the list my sister-in-law came up with the name, Royce and I liked it. It just added “ce” to my middle name Roy.
So my name is going to be Diana Royce L.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Painter girl asks 3 questions
Painter girl asks 3 questions
1. What is your favorite color?
Green, for me it is the color of spring and summer; it is the color of re-growth.
2. Who is your favorite artist?
Salvador Dahi because I love the Surrealist school of art and such artist as Max Ernst, Piet Mondrian, Kay Sage, Tanguy and Peter Blume and Calder. I can get lost in Salvador Dahi’s Apparition of Face and Fruit Dish on a Beach and Persistence of Memory (The painting with the melting clocks).
Did you know that many of the surrealist painters of that time lived or visited Connecticut and that the American Surrealist school had its roots in Woodbury where Sage and Tanguy lived. Because of the Connecticut connection, the Wadsworth Atheneum, in Hartford, was the first museum in America to present an exhibition of Surrealist art. A year later, the museum was the first to purchase a work by Dahi.
3. If you were a painting, which one would you be? Why?
I think the name of the painting is Nemesis, I don't remember the the painter but it was a American Impressionist in France, painting from the turn of the century (not this one but the 1900’s). The painting was of a sailboat with everyone lounging around on the deck drinking wine on a hot summer day. The picture looked so tranquil that I just wanted to be there.
1. What is your favorite color?
Green, for me it is the color of spring and summer; it is the color of re-growth.
2. Who is your favorite artist?
Salvador Dahi because I love the Surrealist school of art and such artist as Max Ernst, Piet Mondrian, Kay Sage, Tanguy and Peter Blume and Calder. I can get lost in Salvador Dahi’s Apparition of Face and Fruit Dish on a Beach and Persistence of Memory (The painting with the melting clocks).
Did you know that many of the surrealist painters of that time lived or visited Connecticut and that the American Surrealist school had its roots in Woodbury where Sage and Tanguy lived. Because of the Connecticut connection, the Wadsworth Atheneum, in Hartford, was the first museum in America to present an exhibition of Surrealist art. A year later, the museum was the first to purchase a work by Dahi.
3. If you were a painting, which one would you be? Why?
I think the name of the painting is Nemesis, I don't remember the the painter but it was a American Impressionist in France, painting from the turn of the century (not this one but the 1900’s). The painting was of a sailboat with everyone lounging around on the deck drinking wine on a hot summer day. The picture looked so tranquil that I just wanted to be there.
Getting To Know You
The Infamous Proust Questionnaire
* Your most marked characteristic?
Being Transgendered.
* The quality you most like in a man?
Being a good listener.
* The quality you most like in a woman?
Being a good listener.
* What do you most value in your friends?
Being a good listener. No I do not mean to be funny, I think being there and being willing to listen through good times and bad times is what I value most in a person.
* What is your principle defect?
I worry too much.
* What is your favorite occupation?
Any occupation that helps someone (i.e. nurses, doctors, social workers, etc.)
* What is your dream of happiness?
Not having to have a 40 hour a week job. That you can get up when you want to and to work when you want to.
* What to your mind would be the greatest of misfortunes?
Loosing my family
* What would you like to be?
Retired (See above. What is your dream of happiness?)
* In what country would you like to live?
USA or more specially Connecticut
* What is your favorite color?
Green
* What is your favorite flower?
Lilac
* What is your favorite bird?
Cardinal
* Who are your favorite prose writers?
Me. Hmm, I thought I wrote poems but maybe it is more like prose.
* Who are your favorite poets?
Robert Frost – The Road Not Taken
* Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Hmm, I don’t I have one.
* Who are your favorite heroines of fiction?
Admiral Honor – lets see if anyone else knows what series she is the heroine in.
* Who are your favorite composers?
John Lennon
* Who are your favorite painters?
Salvador Dali
* Who are your heroes in real life?
My parents.
* Who are your favorite heroines of history?
Oh, there are some many. Susan B. Anthony, Harrier Beecher Stowe, George Sands, Joan de Arch, etc. all the women who fought for a cause that they believed in or were on the cutting edge of society.
* What are your favorite names?
Diana. I know it’s a cop out.
* What is it you most dislike?
Bullies.
* What historical figures do you most despise?
I don’t think I despise anyone, what is passed is passed.
* What event in military history do you most admire?
Washington crossing the Delaware on Christmas Eve.
* What reform do you most admire?
Civil Rights
* What natural gift would you most like to possess?
Good health
* How would you like to die?
Sudden, when I am in my nineties.
* What is your present state of mind?
Racing, thinking of all the things I have to do.
* To what faults do you feel most indulgent?
Food.
* What is your motto?
Do to others as you would want them to do to you.
* Your most marked characteristic?
Being Transgendered.
* The quality you most like in a man?
Being a good listener.
* The quality you most like in a woman?
Being a good listener.
* What do you most value in your friends?
Being a good listener. No I do not mean to be funny, I think being there and being willing to listen through good times and bad times is what I value most in a person.
* What is your principle defect?
I worry too much.
* What is your favorite occupation?
Any occupation that helps someone (i.e. nurses, doctors, social workers, etc.)
* What is your dream of happiness?
Not having to have a 40 hour a week job. That you can get up when you want to and to work when you want to.
* What to your mind would be the greatest of misfortunes?
Loosing my family
* What would you like to be?
Retired (See above. What is your dream of happiness?)
* In what country would you like to live?
USA or more specially Connecticut
* What is your favorite color?
Green
* What is your favorite flower?
Lilac
* What is your favorite bird?
Cardinal
* Who are your favorite prose writers?
Me. Hmm, I thought I wrote poems but maybe it is more like prose.
* Who are your favorite poets?
Robert Frost – The Road Not Taken
* Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Hmm, I don’t I have one.
* Who are your favorite heroines of fiction?
Admiral Honor – lets see if anyone else knows what series she is the heroine in.
* Who are your favorite composers?
John Lennon
* Who are your favorite painters?
Salvador Dali
* Who are your heroes in real life?
My parents.
* Who are your favorite heroines of history?
Oh, there are some many. Susan B. Anthony, Harrier Beecher Stowe, George Sands, Joan de Arch, etc. all the women who fought for a cause that they believed in or were on the cutting edge of society.
* What are your favorite names?
Diana. I know it’s a cop out.
* What is it you most dislike?
Bullies.
* What historical figures do you most despise?
I don’t think I despise anyone, what is passed is passed.
* What event in military history do you most admire?
Washington crossing the Delaware on Christmas Eve.
* What reform do you most admire?
Civil Rights
* What natural gift would you most like to possess?
Good health
* How would you like to die?
Sudden, when I am in my nineties.
* What is your present state of mind?
Racing, thinking of all the things I have to do.
* To what faults do you feel most indulgent?
Food.
* What is your motto?
Do to others as you would want them to do to you.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Work Weekend at the Cottage
I was up at the cottage this weekend working on the wiring with my brother and his wife and my niece. I got the wiring finished in two rooms finished, bathroom and the utility closet (That’s me always in the closet.). I also cooked Sunday dinner, see Manic Monday below.
My brother is now getting picked on more with three women in the house; he jokingly called me traitor when we ganged up on him one time. My sister-in-law gave the wall by the fireplace a first coat of Burgundy paint and it came out pink. I said I thought it looked nice in pink and my niece and sister-in-law agreed, my brother said “We are not having a pink wall!” Also when we picked out the evening movie he got out voted in favor of “Because I Said So” with Diane Keaton, Lauren Graham, Mandy Moore and Piper Perabo. My brother was asleep in about fifteen minutes.
My sister-in-law and niece are getting better at calling me Diana, about over half the time now they are getting it right. My brother is calling me “D” some of the time now. I think we are all getting more comfortable with me as Diana. My sister-in-law thinks that I should introduce myself to the neighbors but I don’t, I figure it is on a need to know basis and they don’t need to know. If they come over to talk, then yes I will explain it to them then.
My brother is now getting picked on more with three women in the house; he jokingly called me traitor when we ganged up on him one time. My sister-in-law gave the wall by the fireplace a first coat of Burgundy paint and it came out pink. I said I thought it looked nice in pink and my niece and sister-in-law agreed, my brother said “We are not having a pink wall!” Also when we picked out the evening movie he got out voted in favor of “Because I Said So” with Diane Keaton, Lauren Graham, Mandy Moore and Piper Perabo. My brother was asleep in about fifteen minutes.
My sister-in-law and niece are getting better at calling me Diana, about over half the time now they are getting it right. My brother is calling me “D” some of the time now. I think we are all getting more comfortable with me as Diana. My sister-in-law thinks that I should introduce myself to the neighbors but I don’t, I figure it is on a need to know basis and they don’t need to know. If they come over to talk, then yes I will explain it to them then.
Manic Monday
Manic Monday
What's your favorite food item that is in your refrigerator right now?
Eggs. The ever versatile edible egg.
Do you enjoying barbecuing on the grill? What's something that you make often?
Most defiantly, I mostly like to barbecue chicken. I cooked the Sunday dinner for this weekend at the cottage; pork tenderloin, rice pilaf and a salad ( lettuce, spinach, walnuts, cranberries, apple, Gorgonzola cheese and raspberry vignette) with a chardonnay.
What one item (kitchen gadget, appliance, food item) in your kitchen best describes your personality? Why?
A blender. I am a blend of male and female.
What's your favorite food item that is in your refrigerator right now?
Eggs. The ever versatile edible egg.
Do you enjoying barbecuing on the grill? What's something that you make often?
Most defiantly, I mostly like to barbecue chicken. I cooked the Sunday dinner for this weekend at the cottage; pork tenderloin, rice pilaf and a salad ( lettuce, spinach, walnuts, cranberries, apple, Gorgonzola cheese and raspberry vignette) with a chardonnay.
What one item (kitchen gadget, appliance, food item) in your kitchen best describes your personality? Why?
A blender. I am a blend of male and female.
Patrick’s Weekender
Saturday Six - Episode 163
1. What color car do you drive?
Red
2. How many cars have you had in the past of this same color?
Two, my previous car was also red.
3. What does this particular color mean to you?
That was the color of the car they had on the lot that had the options that I wanted.
4. Take the quiz: What color car should you drive?
5. Would you ever consider driving a car the color the quiz suggests?
No way! I do not want to drive a banana or a canary.
6. Do you consider yourself the most-aggressive driver on the road, the least-aggressive, or something in between?
I am about average. I haven’t had an accident since college.
1. What color car do you drive?
Red
2. How many cars have you had in the past of this same color?
Two, my previous car was also red.
3. What does this particular color mean to you?
That was the color of the car they had on the lot that had the options that I wanted.
4. Take the quiz: What color car should you drive?
| You Should Drive a Yellow Car |
 You're the type of driver who doesn't mind giving someone a break on the road. You are eternally cheerful, and a little bad traffic is never going to effect your mood. And while you're definitely laid back, a part of you also loves to be noticed. You're a performer at heart. And you love showing off a few slick driving moves every now and then! |
5. Would you ever consider driving a car the color the quiz suggests?
No way! I do not want to drive a banana or a canary.
6. Do you consider yourself the most-aggressive driver on the road, the least-aggressive, or something in between?
I am about average. I haven’t had an accident since college.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Friday Fiver
I know you're mad about me
1. If you could have a superpower, what would it be?To be able to read minds. It could save me from faux pas.
2. Which is more attractive to you: physical appearance or personality?I rather be with a person who has personality because you might not be able to get along with a person who only has their looks.
3. Who did you last fight with?
I think maybe fifty years ago when I use to fight with my brother.
4. What did you eat last night?
Tomato salad, I forget the Italian name for it. It is diced tomatoes, chopped onion, black olives and mozzarella with Italian dressing.
5. Who are you mad about?
I don’t get mad, life is too short. I might mad for a moment or two but I don’t stay that way for long.
1. If you could have a superpower, what would it be?To be able to read minds. It could save me from faux pas.
2. Which is more attractive to you: physical appearance or personality?I rather be with a person who has personality because you might not be able to get along with a person who only has their looks.
3. Who did you last fight with?
I think maybe fifty years ago when I use to fight with my brother.
4. What did you eat last night?
Tomato salad, I forget the Italian name for it. It is diced tomatoes, chopped onion, black olives and mozzarella with Italian dressing.
5. Who are you mad about?
I don’t get mad, life is too short. I might mad for a moment or two but I don’t stay that way for long.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Once in a While Great Things Happen
Yesterday something really great happened. Sometimes politicians can step above politics and show leadership and foresight, yesterday was one of those day. In the state Senate they voted on the Anti-Discrimination bill, SB1044 and the vote was almost unanimous, it was 30 Yeas, 4 Nays and 2 Absent. They were able to set aside their political differences and vote for what is right. From what I was told, the Chair of the Judicial Committee Senator McDonald (D) and Ranking Minority Member Senator Kissel (R) both made passionate speeches in favor of the bill.
Some would say this bill only affects a couple of thousand individuals in the state, but this bill affects ever citizen because when we treat everyone equally and fairly everyone benefits.
And I want to say a heartfelt Thank You to all the Senators who voted for this bill.
Some would say this bill only affects a couple of thousand individuals in the state, but this bill affects ever citizen because when we treat everyone equally and fairly everyone benefits.
And I want to say a heartfelt Thank You to all the Senators who voted for this bill.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Getting to Know You Day
My question for this week:
If you could have a redo moment in your life, would you do it and what would it be? Not changing history drastically-it's all just a what if.
For example-would you have waited to get married later? Would you have had your children at an earlier age. Not have dated that strange girl/guy back in 11th grade.
Now looking back at high school there was this girl that always found some excuse to be with me. But, as a typical male, I never realized until much later that maybe she liked me and wanted to go out on a date. However, it never dawned on me until much, much later that that might be the case. Maybe I might have gotten married and had kids; however if I did then it might have been much harder on me and them for me to transition. Oh well.
If you could have a redo moment in your life, would you do it and what would it be? Not changing history drastically-it's all just a what if.
For example-would you have waited to get married later? Would you have had your children at an earlier age. Not have dated that strange girl/guy back in 11th grade.
Now looking back at high school there was this girl that always found some excuse to be with me. But, as a typical male, I never realized until much later that maybe she liked me and wanted to go out on a date. However, it never dawned on me until much, much later that that might be the case. Maybe I might have gotten married and had kids; however if I did then it might have been much harder on me and them for me to transition. Oh well.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Manic Monday
Manic Monday for May 21, 2007
What was the best day of the past week for you and why?
Tuesday in Washington DC, it was a very empowering day. I went and lobbied my Representative and Senators for the Hate Crime and Employee Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), I felt that I was making a difference.
What is the best thing about the city in which you currently live?
I live in the suburbs and I like it because I am only a half a hour away from Hartford and New haven. Also I am only ninety minutes from New York, Boston, the ocean or the Berkshires mountains.
What do you love most about yourself?
Hmm, that is hard to answer. I think what I like best about myself is that I have turned my life around. I now feel that I have meaning to my life.
What was the best day of the past week for you and why?
Tuesday in Washington DC, it was a very empowering day. I went and lobbied my Representative and Senators for the Hate Crime and Employee Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), I felt that I was making a difference.
What is the best thing about the city in which you currently live?
I live in the suburbs and I like it because I am only a half a hour away from Hartford and New haven. Also I am only ninety minutes from New York, Boston, the ocean or the Berkshires mountains.
What do you love most about yourself?
Hmm, that is hard to answer. I think what I like best about myself is that I have turned my life around. I now feel that I have meaning to my life.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Total Miles Driven This Week = 1174 Miles
Round trip to Washington DC= 759 miles
Round trip to Ogunquit ME = 415 miles
Average miles per gallon ~ 51 mpg
Round trip to Ogunquit ME = 415 miles
Average miles per gallon ~ 51 mpg
Ogunquit Weekend Getaway
The weather was cold and wet but our sprits were high. Friday when I arrived at the B&B it was raining lightly and I met up with another member of Connecticut Outreach Society who had just had arrived shortly before. It was a getaway weekend for our members, to give them a safe place where they could go out in public. We went window shopping and I brought a sweatshirt because all I had were short sleeve tops. Afterward we had dinner at the Oarweed restaurant in Perkin’s Cove and since this is Maine, I had Haddock stuffed with Lobster.
The next day was cold and dreary but the rain held off until late afternoon. We walked down to Perkin’s Cove and checked out all the art galleries and craft stores. We then walked back along the Marginal Way. What’s the Marginal Way? It’s a foot path that goes along the ocean edge for about a mile and a half. The waves along the shore were unbelievable the way they were pounding against the rock. An offshore storm caused the heavy surf and the roar of the surf could be heard several blocks inland. In the afternoon we went over to York beach to watch the surfers and then on to Nubble Lighthouse to watch the waves break on the rocks. One of the problems I had taking pictures was salt spray; the air was so think with the spray that it looked like fog. You could taste the salt in the air and it was getting all over my camera and lens.
That night we ate dinner at Impastable Dream and I had a fantastic Lobster Ravioli in a Newburg Sauce. If you every go to Ogunquit, I recommend going there for dinner.
Here are a few of the many photos that I took of the waves at Perkin’s Cove, Marginal Way and Nubble Lighhouse.
More of my photographs are here.
Still photographs just don’t do any justice to the power and sound of the waves; I wish I had brought my movie camera. But I do not think that even that can do justice, you had to be there to feel the power.
The next day was cold and dreary but the rain held off until late afternoon. We walked down to Perkin’s Cove and checked out all the art galleries and craft stores. We then walked back along the Marginal Way. What’s the Marginal Way? It’s a foot path that goes along the ocean edge for about a mile and a half. The waves along the shore were unbelievable the way they were pounding against the rock. An offshore storm caused the heavy surf and the roar of the surf could be heard several blocks inland. In the afternoon we went over to York beach to watch the surfers and then on to Nubble Lighthouse to watch the waves break on the rocks. One of the problems I had taking pictures was salt spray; the air was so think with the spray that it looked like fog. You could taste the salt in the air and it was getting all over my camera and lens.
That night we ate dinner at Impastable Dream and I had a fantastic Lobster Ravioli in a Newburg Sauce. If you every go to Ogunquit, I recommend going there for dinner.
Here are a few of the many photos that I took of the waves at Perkin’s Cove, Marginal Way and Nubble Lighhouse.
More of my photographs are here.
Still photographs just don’t do any justice to the power and sound of the waves; I wish I had brought my movie camera. But I do not think that even that can do justice, you had to be there to feel the power.
By the Way Sunday
~Summer Vacation 2007~
By the way...
Do you have any plans for a summer vacation this year?
Work up at the cottage in New Hampshire.
Will you spend more time in the lawnchair outside or in the air conditioning inside?
Depends on how muggy it is; if it is really humid you will find me inside.
What's your favorite cool treat?
Lemon favored ice tea.
What's your favorite summer activity?
Floating in a lake on a swimming raft.
By the way...
Do you have any plans for a summer vacation this year?
Work up at the cottage in New Hampshire.
Will you spend more time in the lawnchair outside or in the air conditioning inside?
Depends on how muggy it is; if it is really humid you will find me inside.
What's your favorite cool treat?
Lemon favored ice tea.
What's your favorite summer activity?
Floating in a lake on a swimming raft.
Saturday Six - Episode 162
Patrick’s Weekender
1. Do you order Girl Scout cookies each year? If so, how many boxes do you buy in an average year?
I use to buy a box or two a year, but they are too fatting to buy any now.
2. How long does it take you to finish off a box of cookies?
A day or two.
3. What's your favorite kind of cookie to dip in milk?
Chocolate Mint.
4. Take the quiz: What kind of cookie are you?
5. If you had to bake cookies for a party, what flavor would you bake?
Chocolate chip with nuts.
6. What's the right way to eat an Oreo? As a whole, or by licking off the filling and then eating the two wafers individually?
Licking off the filling and then eating the two wafers individually, is there any other way?
1. Do you order Girl Scout cookies each year? If so, how many boxes do you buy in an average year?
I use to buy a box or two a year, but they are too fatting to buy any now.
2. How long does it take you to finish off a box of cookies?
A day or two.
3. What's your favorite kind of cookie to dip in milk?
Chocolate Mint.
4. Take the quiz: What kind of cookie are you?
| You Are a Jam Cookie |
 On the outside, you project a straight-laced, innocent vibe. But on the inside, you're complex, exotic, and full of flavor. |
5. If you had to bake cookies for a party, what flavor would you bake?
Chocolate chip with nuts.
6. What's the right way to eat an Oreo? As a whole, or by licking off the filling and then eating the two wafers individually?
Licking off the filling and then eating the two wafers individually, is there any other way?
Friday Five
Now and always
1. What was on your mind yesterday?
Not much, I was on vacation. I was trying to capture the beauty and power of the waves along the rocky coast of Maine.
2. What is on your mind today?
Getting home and going back to work tomorrow after a week’s vacation. It was a fantastic week, beginning in Washington DC where it was sunny and close to ninety and ending on the rocky coast of Maine in the rain and forty-three degree weather.
3. Do you like bonfires?
Not really bonfires but a campfire. I could watch them for hours, there is something that is so primitive about them.
4. Do you believe in the paranormal?
Nope.
5. Can you swim?
Yes, but I am so out of shape that I do not think I could swim more the a couple of feet.
1. What was on your mind yesterday?
Not much, I was on vacation. I was trying to capture the beauty and power of the waves along the rocky coast of Maine.
2. What is on your mind today?
Getting home and going back to work tomorrow after a week’s vacation. It was a fantastic week, beginning in Washington DC where it was sunny and close to ninety and ending on the rocky coast of Maine in the rain and forty-three degree weather.
3. Do you like bonfires?
Not really bonfires but a campfire. I could watch them for hours, there is something that is so primitive about them.
4. Do you believe in the paranormal?
Nope.
5. Can you swim?
Yes, but I am so out of shape that I do not think I could swim more the a couple of feet.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
More on My Washington Lobbying Trip
At lunch time our impromptu office in the House Office Building cafeteria had to move to make way the lunch time crowd. So we moved to a Committee Hearing Room thanks to a friendly Representative. Soo…
Doesn’t it look like that I was made for that chair?
Also Newsweek has an article about Gender Identity in this weeks issue, you can read it here.
Doesn’t it look like that I was made for that chair?
Also Newsweek has an article about Gender Identity in this weeks issue, you can read it here.
Getting to Know You!
I would like to know-
"If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you be? You'd be able to do what you love and make money. Your spouse, children, significant other, pets all would be able to come with you.”
Since I am retiring this year I could move to any retirement spot anywhere, but I think I would stay right here in Connecticut. Our winters are mild and the summers do not have that many hot and humid days. I like the changing seasons, I like the spring with all the flowers and I love the fall with all there bright leaves. We are half way between New York and Boston. We are close to the mountains of Northern New England and New York. We are close to the ocean beaches of Rhode Island and Cape Cod.
But most important of all is that all my friends are here, why move and start over? My brother tried a couple of times to get me to move up to Maine, but I am happy here.
"If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you be? You'd be able to do what you love and make money. Your spouse, children, significant other, pets all would be able to come with you.”
Since I am retiring this year I could move to any retirement spot anywhere, but I think I would stay right here in Connecticut. Our winters are mild and the summers do not have that many hot and humid days. I like the changing seasons, I like the spring with all the flowers and I love the fall with all there bright leaves. We are half way between New York and Boston. We are close to the mountains of Northern New England and New York. We are close to the ocean beaches of Rhode Island and Cape Cod.
But most important of all is that all my friends are here, why move and start over? My brother tried a couple of times to get me to move up to Maine, but I am happy here.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Manic Monday
Manic Monday for May 14, 2007
Is it easier for you to forgive or to forget?
It is easier to forgive. I do not want to go through life holding a grudge, life is too short.
Do you believe people can change?
Yes, I have seen people change. Both for the better and for the worst, I think I have changed for the better.
Has life made you more cynical or more hopeful?
More hopeful, I has seen more understanding and tolerance in the last couple of years.
Is it easier for you to forgive or to forget?
It is easier to forgive. I do not want to go through life holding a grudge, life is too short.
Do you believe people can change?
Yes, I have seen people change. Both for the better and for the worst, I think I have changed for the better.
Has life made you more cynical or more hopeful?
More hopeful, I has seen more understanding and tolerance in the last couple of years.
More TV Coverage of the Lobby Days
There are some additional film clips of the "Lobby Days", the clips are mostly of Susan but in the second video, I am in it for a couple of seconds or rather my back.
You can see the other story here.
There is also another clip here.
I messed up on the other blog entry, somehow comments were left off the post.
You can see the other story here.
There is also another clip here.
I messed up on the other blog entry, somehow comments were left off the post.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Washington Lobby Days
Lobby Days was a great success! They had over 130 attendees from over thirty states.
I visited all my Connecticut legislators and I walked so much between the House Office Building and the Senate Office Building that I got blisters on my feet.
For me it was easy to lobby my Congressmen because they all are so supported of the two bills and all of the aids I talked to said that they believe that the Congressman would co-sponsor the bill. But it still was important that they got to meet someone who is trans to put a human face on the bill.
One of the other lobbyists was the former Largo Florida City Manager Susan Stanton and there was a TV news crew that followed her around filming her and others of the lobbyists from the group, National Center for Transgender Equality, that I was with. Here is the interview that she did for Tampa Bay Channel 10 News.
The video link is here
Did you recognize anyone in the film clip?
After we had our pictures taken on the steps of the Capital and I was walking back to the House Office Building the camera crew asked me what my schedule to visit my Congressmen and I told him the I had a 10:30 appointment with my Representative from Connecticut. Well when I turn the corner onto the hall where my Representative’s office is there was the TV crew filming me as I walked down the hall and then when I exited his office they interviewed me.
I visited all my Connecticut legislators and I walked so much between the House Office Building and the Senate Office Building that I got blisters on my feet.
For me it was easy to lobby my Congressmen because they all are so supported of the two bills and all of the aids I talked to said that they believe that the Congressman would co-sponsor the bill. But it still was important that they got to meet someone who is trans to put a human face on the bill.
One of the other lobbyists was the former Largo Florida City Manager Susan Stanton and there was a TV news crew that followed her around filming her and others of the lobbyists from the group, National Center for Transgender Equality, that I was with. Here is the interview that she did for Tampa Bay Channel 10 News.
Transgender groups lobby for protection
By: Mike Deeson
Washington, D.C. - More than 100 transgendered people lobbied Congress for protection from being fired because of gender. Susan Stanton, who is in Washington for the event, stayed away from some of the media circus early in the day when the group began the lobby effort.
While you could tell from some of the looks that their agenda wasn't going to be an easy sell, when they went to see their congressmen, they found some sympathetic ears.
"Discrimination is not right in this country," says Rep. Jan Schakowsky, (D-IL). Schakowsky says she is aware of what happened to Susan Stanton and she will co-sponsor the Employment Non-discrimination Act. "It would include gender identity in there," she says. "You can't discriminate on the basis of gender identity."
Unless Congress passes the law, there will be no recourse against those who discriminate against people like Stanton. That's why Stanton says she's not angry she lost her job.
Saying she holds no animosity, Stanton adds, "I love my community. They [the Largo Commission] were all extremely good elected officials, and I don't know how many other commissioners could have done different, given the situation."
But the situation isn't likely to change anytime soon. Even those who had a good reception from their representatives admit that most in Congress aren't ready to support the idea or bill.
Diana L, who lobbied her Connecticut Congressman, says, "It will be the long haul. I don't think we'll get it passed this year."
Stanton says she didn't come to Capitol Hill Tuesday morning to lobby with the big group, because some members of Congress felt uncomfortable with the intense media coverage. Stanton also maintains that the bigger goal is to get hired in Sarasota to prove she can do as good a job as he did in Largo.
The video link is here
Did you recognize anyone in the film clip?
After we had our pictures taken on the steps of the Capital and I was walking back to the House Office Building the camera crew asked me what my schedule to visit my Congressmen and I told him the I had a 10:30 appointment with my Representative from Connecticut. Well when I turn the corner onto the hall where my Representative’s office is there was the TV crew filming me as I walked down the hall and then when I exited his office they interviewed me.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Off on Another Adventure...
Tomorrow I am leaving bright and early to drive down to Washington, DC with a friend to lobby Congress for the Hate Crime bill and Employee Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). The Hate Crime bill would add Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity to the list of hate crimes that the FBI tracks and it will also make it a federal crime to physically attack someone because of their sexual orientation or gender identity and ENDA would protect someone from being fired, denied house or services because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. These bills protect everyone, not just the GLBT community because it covers anyone who is perceived to be GLBT.
Of course I am nervous, but it is not about seeing my Congressmen, but it is about getting back and forth to the reception Monday night by alone. It is a worry that I think anyone in a strange city would feel traveling alone. I am going down to Washington, DC with a friend but she is not going to the reception at the National Press Club Monday night. I hope someone else staying at the hotel will also be going so that we can travel together.
So, it’s off on another of Diana’s Great Adventures…
Of course I am nervous, but it is not about seeing my Congressmen, but it is about getting back and forth to the reception Monday night by alone. It is a worry that I think anyone in a strange city would feel traveling alone. I am going down to Washington, DC with a friend but she is not going to the reception at the National Press Club Monday night. I hope someone else staying at the hotel will also be going so that we can travel together.
So, it’s off on another of Diana’s Great Adventures…
By the Way Sunday
By the way...
Happy Mother's Day to all you Moms out there!
What qualities do you think a "Mom" should have?
Loving
Caring
Compassionate
Understanding
Forgiving
Tell us about a special "Mom" in your life.
I think that she possessed all of the above attributes. She was always there and ready to listen, to both the good and the bad.
Share a fond memory of Mother's Day.
I do not a fond memory of Mother’s Day but many and I think it is more important not to single out one day of the year to remember but all of the days.
The day the day that comes to mind is the day I took this photograph on their wedding anniversary. They want me to take some formal poised pictures of them. But while they were getting ready for to take the picture I quickly took this candid shot, which shows their love for one another so deeply.
Do you have any unique Mother's Day gift ideas?
My mother passed away in 2002 and I am just going to visit her grave and leave a rose.
Friday, May 11, 2007
What does it mean to have “Gender Identity Disorder”?
The medical model is: you will transition, have surgery, blend in and be your true gender, you will happily ever after.
But unfortunately life isn't always that simple. The medical model is great if you can pass and blend into society, but for us who will never pass for one reason or another life is really hard. If you do not transition your life is miserable because you can never be yourself and if you do transition your life is still miserable because of society's pressures but at least you can live you own life as yourself.
If all goes as planned, I should begin my transition the end of next month. That means…
Telling my neighbors;
Telling my gardener;
Telling my banker;
Telling the Town Hall Clerk;
Telling the Auto Dealer when I have my car serviced;
Telling…
It is a never ending list.
You will always be known as “That transsexual guy” and heads will always turn as you walk by and elbows will poke friends with a nod in your direction and giggling will be heard as you walk by.
I always got to class early and there would be about three or four other students there early. One day, one of the students noticed other students poking their heads in the door, that went on for six or seven times and the students in my class commented about it. Wondering what they were doing, for me it was obvious; they were looking for the Trannie. When I told them what it was they were aghast that other social work students would do that, but they all realized that I was right.
That’s what it means to have GID.
Being Gay is Soo much easier. But unfortunately we do not have a choice in the way we were born.
As you can tell I had a down day today.
But unfortunately life isn't always that simple. The medical model is great if you can pass and blend into society, but for us who will never pass for one reason or another life is really hard. If you do not transition your life is miserable because you can never be yourself and if you do transition your life is still miserable because of society's pressures but at least you can live you own life as yourself.
If all goes as planned, I should begin my transition the end of next month. That means…
Telling my neighbors;
Telling my gardener;
Telling my banker;
Telling the Town Hall Clerk;
Telling the Auto Dealer when I have my car serviced;
Telling…
It is a never ending list.
You will always be known as “That transsexual guy” and heads will always turn as you walk by and elbows will poke friends with a nod in your direction and giggling will be heard as you walk by.
I always got to class early and there would be about three or four other students there early. One day, one of the students noticed other students poking their heads in the door, that went on for six or seven times and the students in my class commented about it. Wondering what they were doing, for me it was obvious; they were looking for the Trannie. When I told them what it was they were aghast that other social work students would do that, but they all realized that I was right.
That’s what it means to have GID.
Being Gay is Soo much easier. But unfortunately we do not have a choice in the way we were born.
As you can tell I had a down day today.
Friday Fiver
Funky, funky club on Fairfax Avenue
1. What do you obsess about?Oh, just about everything. My brother says I inherited my mother’s “Worrying Genes”
2. What do you do for a living?
Currently I am a supervisor of an electronic testing department of a large international company.
3. Where do you call home?
Right in the middle of Connecticut. I lived here since when we moved to town in 1955
4. Have you lived up to your parents' expectations?
They passed away a couple of years ago. I do not know if they would approve, I would like to think so, but I will never know. I think they would have been happy to see me trying for a Master’s degree in Social Work.
5. Are we more likely to find you in a coffee bar or a nightclub?
Coffee Bar or Tea Room, I like the quiet. I like to be able to sit back and talk with friends. I do not like to loud chest pounding music of a nightclub, where you have to shout to be heard.
1. What do you obsess about?Oh, just about everything. My brother says I inherited my mother’s “Worrying Genes”
2. What do you do for a living?
Currently I am a supervisor of an electronic testing department of a large international company.
3. Where do you call home?
Right in the middle of Connecticut. I lived here since when we moved to town in 1955
4. Have you lived up to your parents' expectations?
They passed away a couple of years ago. I do not know if they would approve, I would like to think so, but I will never know. I think they would have been happy to see me trying for a Master’s degree in Social Work.
5. Are we more likely to find you in a coffee bar or a nightclub?
Coffee Bar or Tea Room, I like the quiet. I like to be able to sit back and talk with friends. I do not like to loud chest pounding music of a nightclub, where you have to shout to be heard.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Getting to Know You
This week I want to know-
If someone from your local community college approached you about teaching a class, would you do it? What subject? Would there be field trips? What books would be required reading? Any guest lecturers?
Timely question since I just finished my classes at UConn. for this semester.
I would teach a class on Diversity (No surprise there) and I would have a field trip to the Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective. The text books for the class would be; “She’s Not There: A Life in Two Genders” by Jennifer Boylan, “My Husband Betty” by Helen Boyd and “The Visible Man” by Jameson Green. And I would have some friends as guest lecture.
On a serious note; I do about three or four guest lectures a year at various college and universities in the area because I feel education is important. Almost all of the students have never met anyone who was transgendered and by going out and talking to them it put a human face to an abstract concept. One day I was standing line for our reservation at a restaurant and this woman came up to me. She said, “You talked in one of my classes and I now have a transgender patient, because of that class that day I knew how to relate to her.”
With summer reading season upon us, I urge you to read one of those books. They are all very good; Jennifer Boylan was on Oprah Winfrey twice and an Oprah’s Book club selection.
If someone from your local community college approached you about teaching a class, would you do it? What subject? Would there be field trips? What books would be required reading? Any guest lecturers?
Timely question since I just finished my classes at UConn. for this semester.
I would teach a class on Diversity (No surprise there) and I would have a field trip to the Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective. The text books for the class would be; “She’s Not There: A Life in Two Genders” by Jennifer Boylan, “My Husband Betty” by Helen Boyd and “The Visible Man” by Jameson Green. And I would have some friends as guest lecture.
On a serious note; I do about three or four guest lectures a year at various college and universities in the area because I feel education is important. Almost all of the students have never met anyone who was transgendered and by going out and talking to them it put a human face to an abstract concept. One day I was standing line for our reservation at a restaurant and this woman came up to me. She said, “You talked in one of my classes and I now have a transgender patient, because of that class that day I knew how to relate to her.”
With summer reading season upon us, I urge you to read one of those books. They are all very good; Jennifer Boylan was on Oprah Winfrey twice and an Oprah’s Book club selection.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
YES ! ! ! !
I just got my grade for my last class it is an “A”. That is the first time in my life that I ever got an A, I guess I was never motivated enough. If I did my math right, my GPA is a 3.48
Class Roster Final Grades
Journal 1 25 points = 20
Journal 2 25 points = 22
Journal 3 25 points = 21
Coming Out Letter 25 points = 25
Final Paper points 75 = 70
Class Participation 25 points = 25
Final grade = 92
I want to thank everyone who helped me: Cat for proofreading my paper; my friends from Connecticut Women Legal and Education Fund, Connecticut TransAdvocacy Coalition and GenderPAC for taking the time to do interviews with me; and all those who put up with all my worrying and encouraged me to keep going.
Five credits down and only sixty more to go!
Class Roster Final Grades
Journal 1 25 points = 20
Journal 2 25 points = 22
Journal 3 25 points = 21
Coming Out Letter 25 points = 25
Final Paper points 75 = 70
Class Participation 25 points = 25
Final grade = 92
I want to thank everyone who helped me: Cat for proofreading my paper; my friends from Connecticut Women Legal and Education Fund, Connecticut TransAdvocacy Coalition and GenderPAC for taking the time to do interviews with me; and all those who put up with all my worrying and encouraged me to keep going.
Five credits down and only sixty more to go!
Monday, May 07, 2007
Manic Monday
Manic Monday for May 7, 2007
What do you remember about your first day of school?
Oh, you are just going to love this answer. ;-)
My first day of school some fifty so years ago, my mother was having an asthma attack so my grandmother brought me to school. The school was only four blocks away and I went kicking and screaming all the way. I grabbed ever telephone phone along the way or anything else I could get my hands around and I cried the entire time I was there.
Have you ever attended a high school or college reunion? What was it like?
Yes, I have been to a couple of high school reunions over the years and mainly we just sat around and talked. We got caught up with all the gossips, who got divorced, how kids everyone has, who died, etc. they had a DJ at one of the reunions but nobody danced. This year if my fortieth reunion and I was thinking about going so I can get the title of “Most Changed”
Do you keep in regular contact with anyone from high school and/or college?
I have maintained friendship with my high school friends and I came out to them this February. I shall see how accepting they are or was it just talk.
What do you remember about your first day of school?
Oh, you are just going to love this answer. ;-)
My first day of school some fifty so years ago, my mother was having an asthma attack so my grandmother brought me to school. The school was only four blocks away and I went kicking and screaming all the way. I grabbed ever telephone phone along the way or anything else I could get my hands around and I cried the entire time I was there.
Have you ever attended a high school or college reunion? What was it like?
Yes, I have been to a couple of high school reunions over the years and mainly we just sat around and talked. We got caught up with all the gossips, who got divorced, how kids everyone has, who died, etc. they had a DJ at one of the reunions but nobody danced. This year if my fortieth reunion and I was thinking about going so I can get the title of “Most Changed”
Do you keep in regular contact with anyone from high school and/or college?
I have maintained friendship with my high school friends and I came out to them this February. I shall see how accepting they are or was it just talk.
Once Again the HRC Sells Out Trans…
In the article about Iowa passing the Anti-Discrimination bill the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) sells out the transgender community. If you go and read my posting in April on the Iowa Legislature passing the Anti-Discrimination bill that included gender identity, I used for my source a 247Gay news article that touted the fact that the bill was passed by both the House and the Senate and the governor was expected to sign the bill in to law. In the article they quote a HRC press release….
But the news article and the HRC press release must not have thought important to mention the fact that a compromise just about strips protection for gender identity from the bill…
To me what the compromise says is that it is OK to be transgender as long as you don’t dress or act it. To me that compromise writes us off and that to go out and say how great the bill is wrong. They have stabs us in the back and are gloating over the fact.
It is a sell out of the transgender community.
On a national level, Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese praised the Iowa Legislature yesterday for their work up to this point.
“Legislators in Iowa have taken historic action to advance the cause of equality for all Iowans. Once this bill is signed, Iowa will be a freer and fairer place for its lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents,” he said in a release. “We applaud the many legislators who voted for fairness and equality; Governor Culver, who has pledged to sign this bill; our friends at One Iowa, the Interfaith Alliance Action Fund, the Iowa Safe Schools Task Force and the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, as well as all the HRC members in Iowa who worked hard to pass this important legislation.”
But the news article and the HRC press release must not have thought important to mention the fact that a compromise just about strips protection for gender identity from the bill…
By JASON CLAYWORTH
De Moines REGISTER STAFF WRITER
Published April 26, 2007
A compromise plan strikes "appearance, expression, or behavior" from protection related to gender identity. House Democratic leaders accepted the compromise and made the decision to bring up the bill Wednesday not knowing whether it would pass.
To me what the compromise says is that it is OK to be transgender as long as you don’t dress or act it. To me that compromise writes us off and that to go out and say how great the bill is wrong. They have stabs us in the back and are gloating over the fact.
It is a sell out of the transgender community.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Northampton Pride Festival
What the Pride Festival means to me is a chance of meeting old friends that I maybe see only three or four times a year. It is a time for the gathering of the “Tribe”, most of the trans-people there I have meet or someone I know someone who knows them. It is a great time for networking, I meet with some friends from the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) and we compared notes on where we stand with the passage of Connecticut and Massachusetts Anti-discrimination legislations. It is a time to sample the various food vendors booths. It is a time to wander around to the various booths looking at jewelry and other typical fair type of merchandise only most of the items here have gay motif. I only bought one rainbow button that has “Ally” on it for a friend at work that I came out to last week.
One of the acts at the festival was a group of women who were playing drums, all different styles of drums from bongo drums to bass drums. They were excellent.
By the Way Sunday
~Spring Sensations~
By the way...
What sensational recipe do you always pull out of the box in the Spring?
Share it with us.
I do not really have a special dish for spring, but I haven’t made Saltim Bocca for a while and it might be nice to make it sometime this month.
~~ Saltim Bocca ~~
* 12 Veal cutlets ( Option - 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast )
* 1 LB prosciutto, thinly sliced
* 12 Slices Provolone cheese
* 4 TSB Flour
* 1/2 Cup minced garlic
* 1/4 Cup olive oil
* 1/4 Cup Butter
* 2 TBS Ground Sage
* 2 TSB Chopped parsley
* 1 Cup Dry white wine
* 4 oz beef stock
* Salt and pepper to taste
Pound the veal into thin scaloppine ( If using chicken, cut the chicken in to ¼ inch thick cutlets ). Sprinkle each piece with sage and garlic, Then place a slice of prosciutto on top of each scalloppine. Press together firmly. Mix the salt and pepper and flour together. Then coat the meat in the flour mixture. Heat the butter and oil in a large frypan. Sauté the meat for 2 minutes on each side. Add the parsley, wine and stock and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove to a serving dish, cover the meat with a slice of provolone cheese and pour the sauce over the top.
For all of my favorite recipes see my old geocities web-site here for the list of all the recipes.
By the way...
What sensational recipe do you always pull out of the box in the Spring?
Share it with us.
I do not really have a special dish for spring, but I haven’t made Saltim Bocca for a while and it might be nice to make it sometime this month.
~~ Saltim Bocca ~~
* 12 Veal cutlets ( Option - 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast )
* 1 LB prosciutto, thinly sliced
* 12 Slices Provolone cheese
* 4 TSB Flour
* 1/2 Cup minced garlic
* 1/4 Cup olive oil
* 1/4 Cup Butter
* 2 TBS Ground Sage
* 2 TSB Chopped parsley
* 1 Cup Dry white wine
* 4 oz beef stock
* Salt and pepper to taste
Pound the veal into thin scaloppine ( If using chicken, cut the chicken in to ¼ inch thick cutlets ). Sprinkle each piece with sage and garlic, Then place a slice of prosciutto on top of each scalloppine. Press together firmly. Mix the salt and pepper and flour together. Then coat the meat in the flour mixture. Heat the butter and oil in a large frypan. Sauté the meat for 2 minutes on each side. Add the parsley, wine and stock and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove to a serving dish, cover the meat with a slice of provolone cheese and pour the sauce over the top.
For all of my favorite recipes see my old geocities web-site here for the list of all the recipes.
Saturday Six - Episode 160
Patrick’s Weekender
1. Which makes a better pet: a dog or a cat, and why?
Dogs, because you can take a dog for a walk or play “fletch” with them. Cats do their own thing.
2. A close friend works with an animal rescue organization and tells you that they are desperate for a foster home for a good dog that there is no room for, and that it will be put down unless you can foster it for one week. Would you take the dog in?
Not right now but once I retire maybe. I think if you have a dog that it is not right to leave them home all alone all day.
3. If you could own any pet depicted as a character on a television show, which one would you choose?
Rin Tin Tin, now lets see how many people remember that show.
4. Take the quiz: Common dog breed are you?
What Common Breed of Dog Are You?
5. If you had the option to reverse places with your pet for a day or have your pet suddenly be able to talk like a human for a day, which would you choose and why?
Talk like a human, at least you will know what they want instead of trying to guess.
6. You find you are being relocated to a ritzy neighborhood that has every amenity you would ever want except for one thing: no pets allowed. If you could live there rent/mortgage-free for three years, would you give up a pet to take advantage of the offer?
That is a hard choice, three years rent free is hard to give up but I do fell that if you take on the responsibility of owning a pet you have to live up to your commitment. That a bond is formed between you and the pet and it is hard to break.
1. Which makes a better pet: a dog or a cat, and why?
Dogs, because you can take a dog for a walk or play “fletch” with them. Cats do their own thing.
2. A close friend works with an animal rescue organization and tells you that they are desperate for a foster home for a good dog that there is no room for, and that it will be put down unless you can foster it for one week. Would you take the dog in?
Not right now but once I retire maybe. I think if you have a dog that it is not right to leave them home all alone all day.
3. If you could own any pet depicted as a character on a television show, which one would you choose?
Rin Tin Tin, now lets see how many people remember that show.
4. Take the quiz: Common dog breed are you?
What Common Breed of Dog Are You?
5. If you had the option to reverse places with your pet for a day or have your pet suddenly be able to talk like a human for a day, which would you choose and why?
Talk like a human, at least you will know what they want instead of trying to guess.
6. You find you are being relocated to a ritzy neighborhood that has every amenity you would ever want except for one thing: no pets allowed. If you could live there rent/mortgage-free for three years, would you give up a pet to take advantage of the offer?
That is a hard choice, three years rent free is hard to give up but I do fell that if you take on the responsibility of owning a pet you have to live up to your commitment. That a bond is formed between you and the pet and it is hard to break.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Friday Fiver
Horses and Tequila
1. Do you gamble?
I go to Mohegan Sun or Foxwoods casinos maybe once every couple of years and I might buy a ticket or two to play Powerball Lotto when it gets over $200 million.
2. Have you ever rode a horse?
Never and I do not care to.
3. Do you drink alcohol?
Not much, I like a glass of wine or sherry but only for a special occasion. Since I am on hormones, I do not want to over tax my liver.
4. What is your favorite Mexican food?
Chicken quesadilla or sometime shrimp quesadilla
5. Friday fill-in: On Saturday, I plan to ____.
go to a rally on health insurance at 11:00, then around noon head up to Northampton MA. for their Pride festival and see if anyone went to go out to eat latter on.
1. Do you gamble?
I go to Mohegan Sun or Foxwoods casinos maybe once every couple of years and I might buy a ticket or two to play Powerball Lotto when it gets over $200 million.
2. Have you ever rode a horse?
Never and I do not care to.
3. Do you drink alcohol?
Not much, I like a glass of wine or sherry but only for a special occasion. Since I am on hormones, I do not want to over tax my liver.
4. What is your favorite Mexican food?
Chicken quesadilla or sometime shrimp quesadilla
5. Friday fill-in: On Saturday, I plan to ____.
go to a rally on health insurance at 11:00, then around noon head up to Northampton MA. for their Pride festival and see if anyone went to go out to eat latter on.
Friday, May 04, 2007
STAND UP FOR HEALTH CARE RALLY
Statewide Rally
Saturday May 5, 2007
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Bushnell Park, Hartford CT
Why stand up for health care?
1. Because 400,000 Connecticut residents are uninsured.
2. The emergency room has become a source of costly and inefficient health care for thousands of uninsured and under insured residents across the state.
3. Medical debt is the number one cause of personal bankruptcy.
4. 84% of people polled in CT want universal, accessible, affordable and quality health care for everyone.
5. Passing a marriage equality bill will certainly increase the health security for many same-sex couples, but health care should not be available only to those who choose to marry. ALL people deserve affordable, quality health care.
This will be a family friendly and fun for kids event with live entertainment, music, food vendors and universal health care inspiration. Buses will be available from around the state so be sure to express any transportation needs you might have.
Federal Hate Crime Bill
The week of May 14th I will be in Washington lobbying for the federal hate crimes and Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) bills. The Hater Crime bill has passed the House (237-180) and is expected to pass in the Senate. Now all we have to do is get the President to sign it, but he threatened to veto it.
White House threatens to veto hate-crimes bill
Well Mr. President, there are currently only nineteen states that band discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and only twelve states that band discrimination on the basis of gender identity. I would say that there is a need a real to pass this law.
And the clergy are not above lying about the bill also.
However, the bill contains the following language….
I am not a lawyer but I think I can understand the meaning of that section of the bill. So I just do not know who a bishop can out and out lie.
Another argument that the opposition is using is…
The Honorable Feeney is wrong; the bill does not give any group more protect than another group. I am not a lawyer but I believe that in a fight if one person kills another and did not mean to kill him, we call that Manslaughter. But if that person goes home gets a gun and then kill the other person we call that first degree murder or premeditative murder. What is the difference? Intent. If a person kills another person because he is Gay, it is a Hate Crime because of intent. And Representative Feeney you are also covered by the bill because if anyone ever mistaken you for a homosexual and attacks you, than that would be a hate crime.
Stop the Hate! Stop the Bigotry!
White House threatens to veto hate-crimes bill
“The White House says there is no need for the expanded bill because state and local laws already cover the crimes it addresses, and there is no need for federal enforcement.”
Well Mr. President, there are currently only nineteen states that band discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and only twelve states that band discrimination on the basis of gender identity. I would say that there is a need a real to pass this law.
And the clergy are not above lying about the bill also.
"We believe that this legislation will criminalize our freedom of speech and our ability to preach the gospel," said Bishop Harry Jackson of Hope Christian Church in Lanham, Maryland.
However, the bill contains the following language….
"Nothing in this Act, or the amendments made by this Act, shall be construed to prohibit any expressive conduct protected from legal prohibition by, or any activities protected by the free speech or free exercise clauses of, the First Amendment to the Constitution," the bill says.
I am not a lawyer but I think I can understand the meaning of that section of the bill. So I just do not know who a bishop can out and out lie.
Another argument that the opposition is using is…
Rep. Tom Feeney, R-Florida, said it is unfair to single out specific groups for protection under the law.
"What it does is to say that the dignity, the property, the life of one person gets more protection than another American. That's just wrong," he said.
The Honorable Feeney is wrong; the bill does not give any group more protect than another group. I am not a lawyer but I believe that in a fight if one person kills another and did not mean to kill him, we call that Manslaughter. But if that person goes home gets a gun and then kill the other person we call that first degree murder or premeditative murder. What is the difference? Intent. If a person kills another person because he is Gay, it is a Hate Crime because of intent. And Representative Feeney you are also covered by the bill because if anyone ever mistaken you for a homosexual and attacks you, than that would be a hate crime.
Stop the Hate! Stop the Bigotry!
Friday 5
Whether you’ve ever been there or not, what are your thoughts on Texas?
No I have never been to Texas and I really don’t want to go and visit it. They are too Red Neck and bigoted for my taste.
Who was the last person you sent a text message to? If you’ve never sent someone a text message, is there some reason?
I have never sent a text message; I don’t see a need for it. I rather leave a voice message or email them.
Who’s usually the first person you go to when you have a tech-related problem, especially for computers?
Everyone usually asks me and if I can’t fix it then I look it up on the internet. (Hint: if you have a problem with a computer or software; Google it.)
What was the best textbook you were ever assigned?
I do not if there was every a good text book. There was a book that we had to read for class this semester that I liked, “Nickel and Dimed” by Barbara Ehrenreich. She went to work for minimum wage for three months to see if she could live on minimum wage, which she couldn’t in one city.
What are your thoughts on techno music?
What’s Techno? Give me, the Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd, Cream, Stepping Wolf and the Eagles any day.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Tell It To Me Tuesday
"The Regular Crowd Shuffles In"
1. How do you attract new people to your blog?
By leaving comments of other blogs, by doing memes (They also are fun.) and by listing my blog on my “Business Card”
2. What do you look for in the blogs you read?
Neat questions or answers for memes, friends’ blogs, blogs that have a positive outlook on life and political blogs.
3. What excites you? (In blog land, that is:)
Civil rights causes.
4. What turns you off?
Long, long boring rambling, tedious and excessively ranting blogs.
5. How do you discover new blogs?
Through reading comments on blogs
I try to keep my blog balanced between memes and more serious issues covering the trans-community. I try to convey what it is like being transgender, while not turning reads away with a long boring rambling, tedious and excessively ranting blog
1. How do you attract new people to your blog?
By leaving comments of other blogs, by doing memes (They also are fun.) and by listing my blog on my “Business Card”
2. What do you look for in the blogs you read?
Neat questions or answers for memes, friends’ blogs, blogs that have a positive outlook on life and political blogs.
3. What excites you? (In blog land, that is:)
Civil rights causes.
4. What turns you off?
Long, long boring rambling, tedious and excessively ranting blogs.
5. How do you discover new blogs?
Through reading comments on blogs
I try to keep my blog balanced between memes and more serious issues covering the trans-community. I try to convey what it is like being transgender, while not turning reads away with a long boring rambling, tedious and excessively ranting blog
Manic Monday
Manic Monday.
What new course would you like to see added to the nation's school curriculum?
I do not think we need any more courses, what we need is to motivate the students. Instead of being a blob on a chair, we need to get them involved in the education process. Especially the boys; for some reason the culture is it is not cool to get an education.
Where is your favorite place to sit when at home?
The recliner by the window. It is a cozy place to read and watch the fire on a snowy winter day.
Do you buy anything in bulk? If so, what?
No, being single I just do not go through that much food. The more food in the house, the more I eat.
What new course would you like to see added to the nation's school curriculum?
I do not think we need any more courses, what we need is to motivate the students. Instead of being a blob on a chair, we need to get them involved in the education process. Especially the boys; for some reason the culture is it is not cool to get an education.
Where is your favorite place to sit when at home?
The recliner by the window. It is a cozy place to read and watch the fire on a snowy winter day.
Do you buy anything in bulk? If so, what?
No, being single I just do not go through that much food. The more food in the house, the more I eat.
Well the Semester is Finally Over!
My last class for the semester was last night and I think that I did well in that class. I talked to the professor for about an hour last night after class and she encouraged me to continue working towards my Masters. She felt that I had the drive and the desire; that I would be a valuable resource top the transgender community. She wanted us to stay in touch and she would help me if I needed help. She also mentioned that on the main UConn campus in Storrs that they have four or five individuals who are transgenderd.
I was looking back on my grades in college when I got my Bachelors and my highest grade was a C+ and the entire time I was in college I never talked to a professor or my student counselor; I think I have grown up in 35+ years.
Now I just have to sit back and wait for my grades.
I was looking back on my grades in college when I got my Bachelors and my highest grade was a C+ and the entire time I was in college I never talked to a professor or my student counselor; I think I have grown up in 35+ years.
Now I just have to sit back and wait for my grades.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Save Our History!
I just finished writing a term paper on the history of the transgender movement in Connecticut and the formation of the Anti-Discrimination Coalition. One of the problems I had in researching the paper is that nothing is written so I had to rely on interviews.
As Director of the Connecticut Outreach Society I get newsletters from other regional and national groups, in the past we used to give them away to our members. But now I instituted a policy of donating them to a local college for their GLBT archives and other GLBT organizations are also donating their papers.
The papers are being donated to the Canon Clinton Jones Papers Archives which is located in the Special Collections Rare Book Room of the Elihu Burritt Library of Central Connecticut State University. The Reverend Canon Clinton Jones was an Episcopal priest who ministered to the GLBT community and you can read more about him here.
As Director of the Connecticut Outreach Society I get newsletters from other regional and national groups, in the past we used to give them away to our members. But now I instituted a policy of donating them to a local college for their GLBT archives and other GLBT organizations are also donating their papers.
The papers are being donated to the Canon Clinton Jones Papers Archives which is located in the Special Collections Rare Book Room of the Elihu Burritt Library of Central Connecticut State University. The Reverend Canon Clinton Jones was an Episcopal priest who ministered to the GLBT community and you can read more about him here.
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