Considering where we are as a country on gay rights...

[Paragon]

...those in the transgendered community truly have my sympathies.

If we're years away on gay rights, I can't imagine what America thinks of the transgendered...if they've even considered them at all.

But we keep hope alive.

[Dookus]

1. You are right.

we still have a very long, long way to go.

[MichaelHarris]

2. I still can't believe the editorial I wrote drew so few replies.

[Paragon]

4. Don't know what you're referring to

:shrug:

[MichaelHarris]

14. It was an editorial I posted here a few days ago.

As a brother of a aids victim I support anyone who isn't full of hate. And I shout it loud and proud WOOOOHOOOO.

[Paragon]

15. Don't look to a message board (even this one) for validation

...for one of a zillion reasons. You know what you've been through and the justness of the cause.

But I "WOOOOHOOOO" with you for support. ;-)

[oxymoron]

16. I just looked for it and couldn't find it.

I have a brother with AIDS also. I would be interested in your perspective.

[MichaelHarris]

18. Ohhh

My article isn't about my brother dying, I'm not sure I'm ready to write that story yet. It was about Same Sex Marriage, sorry.

[oxymoron]

21. Ahh, I see.

I'm sure sorry to hear about your brother.

[MichaelHarris]

22. Thank you

I'm also sorry we live in a country where the cost of medicine is so high. Back when he was alive AZT was like 900 dollars. P.S. If you ever wanna talk about your brother and things you can expect I'm always availible. Not sure of all the treatments now though.

[foreigncorrespondent]

3. I agree with you...

...and support my trangendered brothers and sisters 110%.

[slinkerwink]

5. hear! hear! may the future be brighter and more tolerant for us...

[Maddy McCall]

6. Thank you, Paragon...I am a sister of a gender dysphoric person...

It has been hell--not because of the revelation or anything my sibling has done--but the response of my community has been hell.

My sibling has experienced prank calls, ridicule, death threats, ostracism, and was even fired because of it. We were on suicide watch for five years.

I don't take shit from anyone when this topic arises. There is so much ignorance on the topic that I relish the opportunity to "educate" those who chose to be an asshole.

[slinkerwink]

7. p.s.---check my PM message to you

[Paragon]

12. There was not one, but TWO films regarding gender dysphoria...

...nominated this year for Golden Globes, Normal and Soldier's Girl, which aired on HBO and Showtime, respectively.

on edit: I don't see either film on the "On Demand" services for HBO or Showtime, and don't know if or when they'll be released on video.

[Maddy McCall]

17. I have seen Normal...

have not seen Soldier's Girl...would love to see it.

Normal was fantastic. My sibling couldn't watch it, however, because it was too painful to see people who are successfully out.

Thanks, Paragon. :hug:

[thebaghwan]

8. I think some progress is being made here and there. At the place my wife

worked a person was going through the process and they went out of there way to educate people and work with people and there never was any problems that we heard of. People seemed very accepting.

[Maddy McCall]

20. My sibling was fired after SIXTEEN YEARS of being a faithful employee

There is much ground to be gained.

[ScreamingMeemie]

9. As a mom, I am grateful to the many here on DU who fight the good

fight, who share their struggles, who urge us to understand and be tolerant. Not just tolerant, but embracing. Each and every one of you does a great service here. One that I hope reverberates beyond this board and into our communities, classrooms and homes.

With respect and admiration,
Laura

[slinkerwink]

10. thank you!

:hi:

[Maddy McCall]

13. Laura...

:yourock:

[Lars39]

11. There was program on National Geographic

a few nights ago that had a very good segment on transgendered people. Showed them in a very positive light, following one lady from her life before to after the surgery in Tailand(?).

[oxymoron]

19. Very well put Paragon.

And I might add, timely. I have been disturbed by some posts that I have seen on DU lately. Thanks for your post. People like you help keep hope alive.