(This will be appearing in May's issue of the Rainbow Review) www.rainbowreviewpa.com
Hi everyone! I’d like to begin by wishing everyone a Blessed Spring! The weather here in Rhode Island has been fantastic the past week (sans flooding)! Being as though the weather has been so beautiful, people on motorcycles appear EVERYWHERE! And much to the surprise of many, I’m one of those many. That’s right, I ride motorcycles. And I’m a woman. A transgendered woman, proud to say that I’m living to the fullest as myself. Thus arriving at this months topic: the gender spectrum.
When I began my journey into womanhood, I tried, unsuccessfully to be a super feminine woman. What took me almost 3 years of realization, confusion, and wavering acceptance was that my core person is not a “girly girl.” I have discovered that I live on the middle of the gender spectrum. If I were painting the gender spectrum in an analogy, I’d paint it as such: Femininity ranges from Ellen to Mary Poppins to the women you look at and wonder “isn’t that a boy?”
That’s my long-winded way of telling you that I like some “guy things” and I also like some “girl things”. It’s taken me YEARS to accept that I have both feminine and masculine experiences and that I’m “allowed” to enjoy certain aspects of my former life.
My message this month is to be YOU. Whoever you are. No matter what. Never deny any part of you…even the parts that SOME people may look at sideways.
If you hang in there and endure it… I promise you, those sideways looks become looks of admiration. Until Next month….
Love and Lashes, Muahz n Snuggles!
--Kelli
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Fighting the good fight
We have a picture of Harvey Milk in our living room that I spend a lot of time looking at(when I get lost in my thoughts). Harvey would want me to keep my head held high and march on in spite of feeling awkward, less than, and embarrassed at having to fight certain battles. In the end, the battles that I choose to fight aren't about me. It's about the NEXT trans-person that comes along. I fight the battles I do so that maybe someday, the next person won't have to do it.
I've not been this frustrated in a very, very long time. However I've been told 2 things, ad nauseum, 1. "Anything worth doing is going to be a struggle" and 2."If you give up, you let the bastards win."
*picks her head up* Let's make a difference!
I promise that I'll start updating this more...Stay tuned....
I've not been this frustrated in a very, very long time. However I've been told 2 things, ad nauseum, 1. "Anything worth doing is going to be a struggle" and 2."If you give up, you let the bastards win."
*picks her head up* Let's make a difference!
I promise that I'll start updating this more...Stay tuned....
Monday, February 1, 2010
Keystone Conference Youth Presenters
This year at the Keystone Conference we're doing a section of programming specific designed and talored towards transgendered youth, their familes, and their allies.
As announced on the Keystone Conference website (http://transcentralpa.org/keystone.htm) the trans-youth presenter line-up is as follows:
"Options For Medical Treatment Of Trans Youth"
by Dr. Richard Levine - Chief of Adolescent Medicine and Eating Disorders, Hershey Medical Center
The workshop will explore the medical care for transgender youth- including children teens and young adults. We will start with a didactic presentation with numerous case examples. We will then proceed to a discussion of the many complex medical, psychological and social issues that are involved. At the completion of this session the participant should be able to:
• Review the theories about the biological causes of transgender feelings and the controversies regarding the psychiatric criteria and diagnosis
• Describe evaluation of children, teens and young adults with transgender feelings
• Discuss the treatment options and protocols
Dr. Richard Levine is the Chief of the Division of Adolescent Medicine and Eating Disorders at Penn State- Hershey Medical Center. He is experienced in Trans-medicine and sees a number of children, adolescents and young adults for HRT and medical follow-up. He is pleased to accept any pediatric patients and patients in their teens and twenties for this medical care. He also see adults through age 50 for the medical management of an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia which can sometimes be present in Trans patients. His practice is located in a private office building across the street from the medical center in Hershey with easy access and privacy.
"Transgender Youth"
by Terri Jo Reese
Transgender youth are invisible in today’s society, and sociologists are trying to increase the visibility of these adolescents. Sociologists today are seeking insight into the lives of transgender youth in order to provide services to meet their growing needs. By transgressing gender norms during adolescence, transgender youth are drastically more susceptible to harassment and vulnerability. As more and more youth begin to identify as transgender, society should realize that these young and vulnerable individuals have needs. By learning and becoming aware of how transgender youth cope with their gender identity, research can ultimately educate society and assist transgender youths in facing the many obstacles they face during adolescence.
Teri Jo Reese of Georgia is a tran-ally and activist. She recently graduated from college with a bachelor's degree in sociology in May 2009. Teri Jo is a prospective graduate student hoping to engage in Transgender research with the intent of bringing about education and awareness.
"Unique Issues For Trans Youth"
by Dr. Michele Angello - Transgender Therapist and Certified Clinical Sexologist
Adolescence is tough enough without dealing with gender variance! Youth and the parents of gender non-conforming young people are invited to participate in this dynamic discussion about some of the systemic variables to consider when dealing with being trans and being a minor. Issues regarding dealing with doctors, schools, places of worship, relationships and extended family will be discussed during this workshop. You are invited to bring your own experiences as well as your questions.
Dr. Michele Angello works with gender variant youth and adults. She offers individual, group and family therapy, as well as corporate education and training on a variety of issues of sexuality and has presented internationally on her work with trans-youth and working with children of transitioning parents. She facilitates several monthly support groups for transgender adults, youth and parents. Dr. Angello is often called on to speak as an expert on transgender issues to universities, corporations and the media. She has appeared on Larry King Live, the Tyra Banks Show, and various documentaries. She base her practice in Paoli, PA.
"Young And Trans"
facilitated by Kelli MatthewsIn “Young and Trans”, we will address the following aspects and struggles unique to those transitioning at a young age:
--Adjusting to school/college during transition
--Coming out to parents
--Starting hormones, gaining consent from Parents/Guardians
--Sexuality as it relates to transition
--Any other issue that may be brought to attention
This is an open forum style workshop, where these issues and more can be talked about and shared by the facilitator and participants. Sharing our experiences with others helps BOTH people. Sharing is NOT mandatory, however is encouraged.
As announced on the Keystone Conference website (http://transcentralpa.org/keystone.htm) the trans-youth presenter line-up is as follows:
"Options For Medical Treatment Of Trans Youth"
by Dr. Richard Levine - Chief of Adolescent Medicine and Eating Disorders, Hershey Medical Center
The workshop will explore the medical care for transgender youth- including children teens and young adults. We will start with a didactic presentation with numerous case examples. We will then proceed to a discussion of the many complex medical, psychological and social issues that are involved. At the completion of this session the participant should be able to:
• Review the theories about the biological causes of transgender feelings and the controversies regarding the psychiatric criteria and diagnosis
• Describe evaluation of children, teens and young adults with transgender feelings
• Discuss the treatment options and protocols
Dr. Richard Levine is the Chief of the Division of Adolescent Medicine and Eating Disorders at Penn State- Hershey Medical Center. He is experienced in Trans-medicine and sees a number of children, adolescents and young adults for HRT and medical follow-up. He is pleased to accept any pediatric patients and patients in their teens and twenties for this medical care. He also see adults through age 50 for the medical management of an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia which can sometimes be present in Trans patients. His practice is located in a private office building across the street from the medical center in Hershey with easy access and privacy.
"Transgender Youth"
by Terri Jo Reese
Transgender youth are invisible in today’s society, and sociologists are trying to increase the visibility of these adolescents. Sociologists today are seeking insight into the lives of transgender youth in order to provide services to meet their growing needs. By transgressing gender norms during adolescence, transgender youth are drastically more susceptible to harassment and vulnerability. As more and more youth begin to identify as transgender, society should realize that these young and vulnerable individuals have needs. By learning and becoming aware of how transgender youth cope with their gender identity, research can ultimately educate society and assist transgender youths in facing the many obstacles they face during adolescence.
Teri Jo Reese of Georgia is a tran-ally and activist. She recently graduated from college with a bachelor's degree in sociology in May 2009. Teri Jo is a prospective graduate student hoping to engage in Transgender research with the intent of bringing about education and awareness.
"Unique Issues For Trans Youth"
by Dr. Michele Angello - Transgender Therapist and Certified Clinical Sexologist
Adolescence is tough enough without dealing with gender variance! Youth and the parents of gender non-conforming young people are invited to participate in this dynamic discussion about some of the systemic variables to consider when dealing with being trans and being a minor. Issues regarding dealing with doctors, schools, places of worship, relationships and extended family will be discussed during this workshop. You are invited to bring your own experiences as well as your questions.
Dr. Michele Angello works with gender variant youth and adults. She offers individual, group and family therapy, as well as corporate education and training on a variety of issues of sexuality and has presented internationally on her work with trans-youth and working with children of transitioning parents. She facilitates several monthly support groups for transgender adults, youth and parents. Dr. Angello is often called on to speak as an expert on transgender issues to universities, corporations and the media. She has appeared on Larry King Live, the Tyra Banks Show, and various documentaries. She base her practice in Paoli, PA.
"Young And Trans"
facilitated by Kelli MatthewsIn “Young and Trans”, we will address the following aspects and struggles unique to those transitioning at a young age:
--Adjusting to school/college during transition
--Coming out to parents
--Starting hormones, gaining consent from Parents/Guardians
--Sexuality as it relates to transition
--Any other issue that may be brought to attention
This is an open forum style workshop, where these issues and more can be talked about and shared by the facilitator and participants. Sharing our experiences with others helps BOTH people. Sharing is NOT mandatory, however is encouraged.
Monday, January 25, 2010
All manner of stuff...
I started college today, FINALLY! After floundering for so long, I'm FINALLY doing it. I know that doesn't seem like a big deal to most, but it's big to me. And the other person who it would've been a HUGE deal to was Grandma. Every time I close my eyes, I see her just BEAMING with excitement for me. And then I open my eyes only to realize that she's gone.
I imagine that Grandma wants me to know that she's watching, cheering me on. I imagine she wants me to know that my "Heavenly Cheering Section" is overflowing.
When I was younger, I lost my Dad. He passed away due to a second stroke. At that place in my life, his death was my ultimate excuse. I checked out completely, and in essence killed any spirit that I had. I was of the mindset that "if Dad can't see me doing well, the FUCK IT." That continued for the following 5 years.
This time, however... having learned from cleaning up my own wounds, I'm not checking out. I'm NOT giving up. Dispite the battle that wages within my own mind from day to day, I'm NOT giving up.
I imagine that Grandma wants me to know that she's watching, cheering me on. I imagine she wants me to know that my "Heavenly Cheering Section" is overflowing.
When I was younger, I lost my Dad. He passed away due to a second stroke. At that place in my life, his death was my ultimate excuse. I checked out completely, and in essence killed any spirit that I had. I was of the mindset that "if Dad can't see me doing well, the FUCK IT." That continued for the following 5 years.
This time, however... having learned from cleaning up my own wounds, I'm not checking out. I'm NOT giving up. Dispite the battle that wages within my own mind from day to day, I'm NOT giving up.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Ferret Factoids
•A ferret named Felicia was used to clean the pipes at the National Accelerator Laboratory at Batavia. Felicia went through a 300-foot-pipe dragging a string. When she came out the other end, technicians tied a swab dipped in a chemical cleanser to the string. They pulled the tight-fitting swab through and when it came out it was covered with dust and steel specks.
•A ferret named Misty was used to help pull conduit at Peterson Air Force Base. Additional wires had to be run through 40-foot-long narrow pipes, called conduits, under the floor to connect computers. A piece of yarn was tied around the ferret's midsection. The animal crawled through the conduit, towing the yarn behind her. Then the loose end was tied around the wires and they were pulled through the conduit. Misty made several trips, and her work was done in an hour.
•In the1960's, Boeing Aircraft Corporation used ferrets to lay guidewires that pull heavier cables through conduits.
•Ferrets have been used in the White House to eliminate a rat problem. In 1889, Caroline Harrison, wife of President Benjamin Harrison, brought in an army of ferrets to eliminate the hordes of rats.
•Freddie, the only ferret anywhere with a steady job as an electrician's assistant. Freddie's bosses tie a length of fishing line to his collar; to the fishing line they attach another length of electrical wiring. Then, while Freddie is held at one end of a piece of pipe designed to protect wires, another man, with a dead rabbit and an air compressor, goes to the other end. The air compressor sends the scent of the dead rabbit down the pipe to Freddie's nose. Released, Freddie runs up the pipe in pursuit of the rabbit, and, simultaneously, lays the wiring. In one morning recently, Freddie laid wiring in 60 pipes, the longest of which was 130 ft. In contract the job would have taken a human electrician a month.
•How telegraph wires in London were put through small pipes. A large rat, with a fine steel wire, was put in the pipe. Behind there was thrust a ferret. The rat ran from the ferret a short distance and stopped. It was feared that he would show fright and be killed. But he started on again. He ran through the whole length of the pipe and brought out the wire in good style, though closely pushed by the ferret. The Electrician, 17 May 1884
•Ferrets been known to help lay cables! To prepare for the Millennium Pop Concert in Greenwich Park, a trio of ferrets were used to lay power cables. Fitted with small nylon harnesses attached to a rope, the ferrets ran through a series of tunnels, leading the cables with them.
•TV and sound cables were run by ferrets for both the wedding of Charles, Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer
•In Britain, ferrets have been used for centuries for hunting rabbits and rodents - typically flushing the victim out of its burrow to be shot by the hunter. Ferreting is still practiced today.
•First Cloned ferrets - named Libby and Lilly - May 2006 (Cloned ferrets produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer. Developmental Biology 293(2): 439-448. ISSN: 0012-1606. NAL Call Number: 442.8 D49)
•Ferrets have been domesticated for thousands of years; in fact, on the walls of some Egyptian tombs there are pictures of ferret-like creatures on leashes.
•Some ferrets can sleep so soundly, they cannot be woken up even when picked up and jostled. Some ferret owners have even thought their ferret was sick or had died, only to awaken once they reach the veterinarian office.
•Ferrets are used in many broad areas of research and have been since the early 1900's to study the pathogenesis and treatment in a variety of human disease as animal models in biomedical research, including studies of cardiovascular disease, nutrition, respiratory diseases (such as SARS and human influenza), airway physiology, cystic fibrosis and gastrointestinal disease (such as peptic ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori). Ferrets share many anatomical, metabolic and physiologic features with humans which has promoted their use as an animal model.
•Ferret are used in fur farms in other countries to produce fur coats and other fur products. The fur is called "fitch fur"
•In the early 1900's, the U S Department of Agriculture issued a farm bulletin advising farmers to use ferrets for rodent extermination in grain storage.
•The film Along Came Polly with Jennifer Aniston and a ferret named Rudolfo
•A ferret named Misty was used to help pull conduit at Peterson Air Force Base. Additional wires had to be run through 40-foot-long narrow pipes, called conduits, under the floor to connect computers. A piece of yarn was tied around the ferret's midsection. The animal crawled through the conduit, towing the yarn behind her. Then the loose end was tied around the wires and they were pulled through the conduit. Misty made several trips, and her work was done in an hour.
•In the1960's, Boeing Aircraft Corporation used ferrets to lay guidewires that pull heavier cables through conduits.
•Ferrets have been used in the White House to eliminate a rat problem. In 1889, Caroline Harrison, wife of President Benjamin Harrison, brought in an army of ferrets to eliminate the hordes of rats.
•Freddie, the only ferret anywhere with a steady job as an electrician's assistant. Freddie's bosses tie a length of fishing line to his collar; to the fishing line they attach another length of electrical wiring. Then, while Freddie is held at one end of a piece of pipe designed to protect wires, another man, with a dead rabbit and an air compressor, goes to the other end. The air compressor sends the scent of the dead rabbit down the pipe to Freddie's nose. Released, Freddie runs up the pipe in pursuit of the rabbit, and, simultaneously, lays the wiring. In one morning recently, Freddie laid wiring in 60 pipes, the longest of which was 130 ft. In contract the job would have taken a human electrician a month.
•How telegraph wires in London were put through small pipes. A large rat, with a fine steel wire, was put in the pipe. Behind there was thrust a ferret. The rat ran from the ferret a short distance and stopped. It was feared that he would show fright and be killed. But he started on again. He ran through the whole length of the pipe and brought out the wire in good style, though closely pushed by the ferret. The Electrician, 17 May 1884
•Ferrets been known to help lay cables! To prepare for the Millennium Pop Concert in Greenwich Park, a trio of ferrets were used to lay power cables. Fitted with small nylon harnesses attached to a rope, the ferrets ran through a series of tunnels, leading the cables with them.
•TV and sound cables were run by ferrets for both the wedding of Charles, Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer
•In Britain, ferrets have been used for centuries for hunting rabbits and rodents - typically flushing the victim out of its burrow to be shot by the hunter. Ferreting is still practiced today.
•First Cloned ferrets - named Libby and Lilly - May 2006 (Cloned ferrets produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer. Developmental Biology 293(2): 439-448. ISSN: 0012-1606. NAL Call Number: 442.8 D49)
•Ferrets have been domesticated for thousands of years; in fact, on the walls of some Egyptian tombs there are pictures of ferret-like creatures on leashes.
•Some ferrets can sleep so soundly, they cannot be woken up even when picked up and jostled. Some ferret owners have even thought their ferret was sick or had died, only to awaken once they reach the veterinarian office.
•Ferrets are used in many broad areas of research and have been since the early 1900's to study the pathogenesis and treatment in a variety of human disease as animal models in biomedical research, including studies of cardiovascular disease, nutrition, respiratory diseases (such as SARS and human influenza), airway physiology, cystic fibrosis and gastrointestinal disease (such as peptic ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori). Ferrets share many anatomical, metabolic and physiologic features with humans which has promoted their use as an animal model.
•Ferret are used in fur farms in other countries to produce fur coats and other fur products. The fur is called "fitch fur"
•In the early 1900's, the U S Department of Agriculture issued a farm bulletin advising farmers to use ferrets for rodent extermination in grain storage.
•The film Along Came Polly with Jennifer Aniston and a ferret named Rudolfo
Why DookLand?
Well, I absolutly ADORE my three ferrets. In the ferret community, when they play very rough, it's referred to as "dooking", hence the name "DookLand".
My blog won't totally be about ferrets, but expect a fair amount of "insanity breaks".
I'm starting at Community College of Rhode Island on Monday(tomorrow!) and I'm actually really excited. Nervous, but excited. Any new social situation that I walk into feels nervous, but I suppose I'll get over that.
Anyhow... That's all for now! It's cage cleaning time!
*muahz!*
My blog won't totally be about ferrets, but expect a fair amount of "insanity breaks".
I'm starting at Community College of Rhode Island on Monday(tomorrow!) and I'm actually really excited. Nervous, but excited. Any new social situation that I walk into feels nervous, but I suppose I'll get over that.
Anyhow... That's all for now! It's cage cleaning time!
*muahz!*
Hey Hey Hey
Hey everybody. On somewhat of a whim, I've decided that the only way to recapture my writing muse is to JUST WRITE.
So... Hold on to your seats... My Blog/Vlog will be taking off soon!
So... Hold on to your seats... My Blog/Vlog will be taking off soon!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
