The past week has been a roller coaster of emotions. Memorial Day as one of conflcted feelings. Later in the week I read about the House of Representaives in Washington voted to deny trans people any kind of medical care.
I felt anger and conflict, two emotions I rarely show. The country is so divided. A leader should bring the nation together. From what I'm seeing now, It's anything but.
This is the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Plaza in the financial district 8n New York City. I visit here a few times during the year. When I reading the quotes of people carved on the wall, I come away with conflicted feelings. Yesterday, those feelings were stronger than ever.
I was in the military (army) during the Vietnam conflict. I was state side during the time (1971-1974). The war was unpopular, and some folks took out their wrath against the men and women serving. I sat on the bench nearby struggling g with my own feelings. These soldiers were my contemporaries. Some of them never made it home.
Why do I have these feelings of conflict? I don't know, and I wasn't there. I will continue to visit the memorial. It's my own personal homage to the men and women who served during that time. I suppose I will always have this conflict. However, I will always remember their service and those who lost their lives.
MEMORIAL DAY MEMORIES
The military will be discharging all transgender personnel. Trans people will not be allowed to join the service either. As a veteran I am appalled by this order. To say that we are incapable of performing our duties is a lie.
The military will need to replace these spots. I'm m sure that some were in high security positions. The services have to maintain a particular quota. When gay and lesbian personnel were discharged, they needed to be replaced. Some of the replacements weren't the best or the brightest.
As a veteran who is transgender, I served with honor and distinction. So have many others. This order sends a chilling message to the trans men and women who want to serve our country.
Things will only improve when the people-all of us- say to authorities, 'I will hold you responsible.' We shall all be showing up at city council meetings, lighting up every community with activism and mobilization.
~Erin Brockovich
Earlier this evening I shared my life story at a community rally and press conference at Fort Washington Collegiate Church. The church is slated to close on June 30th. However the worshippers and the community are fighting against this.
Fort Washington is the poorest of the four collegiate churches. Despite obstacles we have been able to raise funds and get tenants to share our space. The will be a protest on May 20th to challenge the Collegiate board to change their mind.
FWCC has been a pillar in the community. Many folks have been helped. Lives have been saved. There is a community fridge, activities for young people, and a community garden. There have been concerts, a community Thanksgiving dinner annually, weddings and other activities. FWC. is an open AND affirming church.
I am attending May 20th protest. This is very important to me and the community. This reluctant activist not going to go down without a fight.
The past week has been one of mixed blessings. Confusion over the need to bash transgender folks. The powers that be blame us for the ills of society. Inam also feeling blessed about who I am and where I'm heading to. In spite of all the naysayers, I'm still marching on.
This journey is taking me to new places. Questions about gender, sexuality, and protest have give new meaning as to what it is to be different. I welcome these questions and know, down the line, they will be answered. Once I make a decision to do something, nothing will stop me from proceeding ahead. This is where I am right now.
I generally don't talk much about myself. Being out as a transperson is how I choose to speak. There may be someone who is watching me who may be struggling. I pray that they know they aren't alone.
