It was a pleasure to meet you here in my fair city this past Saturday.

From our all-too-brief conversation, I get the impression that you are a intelligent and compassionate human being, albeit still a bit unaware of the often grim and perilous twists and turns that we must traverse on this incredible journey of transgenderism.

I look forward to having more in-depth conversation with you privately, but in the meantime, I would like to respectfully offer some commentary (this IS the “comments” section, right?) on your “activist manifesto” (with apologies to the apostle Paul).

“It is not vengeful and does not take into account a wrong suffered.”

My observation is that it is indeed blessed to forgive, but it is undeniably foolhardy to forget those who have done you wrong.

Keep in mind that the clinical definition of insanity is to do repeat the same actions and expect different results.

To remember who one’s opponents are is far from being “vengeful”, and in fact, allows one to avoid known treachery and continue to “fight the good fight”, unencumbered by the forces of darkness that one has already encountered along the way.

“My activism does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth.”

I would concur with this statement 100%. To that point, it would serve you (and by default, the collective trans-community) well to have the courage to speak TRUTH to the power that has just hired you.

However, before you speak, do some research into the historically documented actions of those to whom you should address for the sake of context and accuracy, and then wait patiently for the response.

If it rings with predictably patronizing falsehood, then your course should be painfully clear, as it was to Donna Rose.

“If my activism speaks with power, wit, and sophistication, but lacks any of these aforementioned qualities, it becomes merely noise.”

Once again, I concur with a statement so self-evident that it requires NO further commentary.

In closing, I truly do wish you the best of luck, because you are going to need it in your Quixotic endeavor.

Please do feel free to contact me off-list for further discussion.

>>> (all respect, no restraint) Cyndi Richards - chair, Illinois Gender Advocates

From a Lesbian Activist to you as a Trans-Activist: “Keep ‘em honest, girl!”

Maura

XO, Katie

While there may be some adults that have problems with a trans couple, the children only know that we love them, will care for them and protect them. They love to spend time with their two auntees.