TS Roadmap News
Ontario moves to end CAMH death grip on trans health services
Sun, 07/25/2010 - 02:24The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), the infamous Toronto facility known for regressive and humiliating treatment of transgender clients, is about to lose the monopoly that allowed them to become the most notorious “gender clinic” in the world. A Provincial Trans Health Project Advisory Committee is being formed to address this problem that emerged in Ontario over 40 years ago and has been a problem ever since. Loralee Gillis, Coordinator of Research and Policy at Rainbow Health Ontario, has just made the following announcement: Request for applications for membership on Provincial Trans Health Project Advisory Committee We are seeking trans people from across Ontario to be members of a Provincial Trans Health Project Advisory Committee. Sherbourne Health Centre, The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, The Trans Health Lobby Group of the Rainbow Health Network, the Trans PULSE research study and a number of trans community activists have been working with the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care over the last two years to develop a plan to improve trans health services in the province of Ontario for trans people. Through this process the Ministry of health has agreed to: Establish 3 additional assessor sites for trans people needing approval of OHIP funded SRS Provide training for health care providers across the province in trans health care Conduct an evaluation of aforementioned initiatives Establish an advisory committee to oversee the development and implementation of these three projects. This call for applications is to find four members of the trans community from diverse communities across the province to be members of the advisory committee for these projects. We are searching for people with particular skills to work with us to co-create improved services for trans people across the province. We welcome applications from trans people with diverse backgrounds and experience to be part of this ground breaking imitative. We would like to especially encourage applications from: people of colour & people from racialized communities; immigrants and refugees; Aboriginal and Two Spirit people; people whose first language is not English people living with (dis)abilities people living outside of the GTA – particularly people from rural and northern areas of the province; Application Process Click here to link to our website and the application form (NB—you will need to scroll down): http://www.facebook.com/l/eb87dID3L6lvSJblhVIY2k_s5tg;www.rainbowhealthontario.ca/about/whatsnew.cfm?startRow=1#aec572d74-3048-8bc6-e8ee-cad0372460ed Email or mail your completed application form, including references and a brief résumé to us by 5pm, August 18th. Email: jkeystone@RainbowHealthOntario.ca Mail: c/o Jen Keystone Rainbow Health Ontario Sherbourne Health Centre 333 Sherbourne Street Toronto, Ontario, M5A 2S5 We thank all applicants for their interest, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted for a telephone interview. Applicants, please be sure to include a telephone number that we can use to contact you. Loralee Gillis Coordinator of Research and Policy Rainbow Health Ontario Sherbourne Health Centre 333 Sherbourne Street Toronto, ON M5A 2S5 http://www.facebook.com/l/eb87dvRjo8Kr_0htJ5kYJT-K0FA;www.RainbowHealthOntario.ca Tel: 416-324-4100 x5263 Fax: 416-324.4262 Any Canadian citizens seeking trans health services are urged to avoid CAMH at all costs. Please contact one of several alternatives, including the Sherbourne Health Centre listed above. Further information: Close the CAMH Gender Identity Clinic http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=72087499258 Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) vs. sex and gender minorities http://www.tsroadmap.com/info/centre-addiction-mental-health.html
Categories: TS Roadmap News
Transición de hombre a mujer: consideraciones básicas
Sat, 07/03/2010 - 10:11A reader has generously translated the timetable section of this site into Spanish. Un lector ha traducido generosamente la sección de calendario de esta pagina en español. Lanzarse demasiado pronto a vivir full time es probablemente la principal causa de posible infelicidad en una transición. La mayor parte de nosotras desea hacerlo pronto, pero hay que ser realista. Creo que cuanto más te prepares para vivir full time, mayor es la probabilidad de que tengas una transición sin problemas. Aquellas que quieren ser aceptadas como mujeres por otras personas deben adecuarse a su nuevo rol mental, física y financieramente. Personalizando el cronograma de tu transición http://www.tsroadmap.com/espanol/cronograma-transicion.html
Categories: TS Roadmap News
Feds take a stand on housing discrimination faced by transgender people
Fri, 07/02/2010 - 14:25The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) notes: Department addresses housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity WASHINGTON- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today announced a new policy that provides lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals and families with further assistance when facing housing discrimination. The new guidance treats gender identity discrimination most often faced by transgender persons as gender discrimination under the Fair Housing Act, and instructs HUD staff to inform individuals filing complaints about state and local agencies that have LGBT-inclusive discrimination laws. HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan announced the new guidance at HUD’s LGBT Pride Month Celebration. “Our job to prevent and combat housing discrimination is not complete without addressing 21st Century issues,” stated John Trasviña, Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. “Our fair housing staff will work with state and local civil rights agencies to investigate and refer discrimination cases and work to combat all aspects of gender discrimination.” Department of Housing and Urban Development website http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD/program_offices/public_affairs
Categories: TS Roadmap News
Injected silicone removal: medical resources
Fri, 07/02/2010 - 14:18A reader notes: You have an informative area about silicone injections on your site, listing the cons on why not to get pumped. Well many girls were stupid and went ahead and did it anyway. If I could suggest, adding more information for girls who got pumped and are dealing with issues due to silicone injections. Recently I have been looking for a doctor to remove the silicone I stupidly had pumped in my ass and hips. I went to many doctors and they all said they couldn’t help me. I even had one doctor laugh and rudely say “why would you do something so dumb, I don’t know what to tell you”; I left the office in tears. Meanwhile my butt was hard, lumpy, with red blotches and was hot when you touched it. I had a fever, and was sweating with the chills; it felt like I had the flu. I was physically sick and in major pain, but I couldn’t find someone to help me. It was so overwhelming I honestly wanted to die. Long story short….I eventually found a doctor with experience to treat me. I had a major infection in the area where the silicone was. I treated the infection and was told if I let it go much longer the infection would have spread and made me very sick. I still get reoccurring swelling. I take a steroid to reduce the swelling when it occurs but it always comes back a few months later. I am eventually going to have it removed and don’t care about scarring, my life and health are more important. In doing my research to find a doctor for myself I found countless other girls who didn’t know where to turn. There are so many girls out there with all kinds of problems from silicone injections. I am emailing you to suggest that you have a link with doctors who will treat girls with issues due to silicone injections. There is no such list on the internet. I could help you build a list of doctors. I could also help build a list of pumpers who have had bad results. I went to one of the best around, Joann Layne; she was the supplier of silicone to the late Kelly Harper. Certain steroids will work to reduce the swelling. I went to Dr. Norman Schulman in NYC here is a link to his website http://www.normanschulmanmd.com/. He has removed silicone from many different people; he says my problems are minimal compared to what he has seen. He doesn’t want to remove mine; he feels that in my case it can be treated with steroids. If you need any other info or help building a section on medical professionals that treat silicone complications just let me know. There is also another doctor I know of in Maryland; Dr. Samir Shureih here is a link to his website http://www.cosmeticsurgeryforme.com/ Silicone injections: injuries, deaths, and disfigurements http://www.tsroadmap.com/physical/silicone/index.html
Categories: TS Roadmap News
Central Florida transgender resources
Fri, 07/02/2010 - 14:15Robyn Kelly notes: Gender Identity in Florida Today (GIFT) is an Orlando, Florida, based organization dedicated to offering a safe networking environment and peer counseling support for the transgender community in Central Florida, bringing awareness of transgender issues to the public and working for full human rights for all members of the LGBT community. It is comprised entirely of transgender individuals and their supporters who volunteer their time and financial support to the organization. Transgender Support in Central Florida http://giftorlando.webatu.com See also: Selected web resources http://www.tsroadmap.com/info/links.html
Categories: TS Roadmap News
Fun new Bad Questions To Ask A Transsexual merchandise
Fri, 06/18/2010 - 08:27There are over 1,000,000 views on Calpernia’s hilarious ‘Bad Questions To Ask A Transsexual’ video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjqsB1huDxg To celebrate, we have some fun new t-shirts available to show your pride: http://www.genderlife.com/tshirts
Categories: TS Roadmap News
Stop trans pathologization: International response
Fri, 06/18/2010 - 08:02Lynn Conway points to some of the great work being done under the Stop Trans Pathologization 2012 aegis: The start of the protest march against legal change of sex and control of one’s own transgender body being held hostage to unneeded and unwanted psychiatry. As a result of the publicity around this march and the Congreso that immediately preceded it, Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC) presented at the Congress of Deputies (of Catalonia) a motion for debate in the Equality Commission which calls for policy changes no longer regarded transsexualism as a disease. The initiative calls for, namely to amend the law to eliminate gender identity requirements for diagnosis of “gender dysphoria” and medical treatment for two years to access the correct registration of sex. Once legal change of sex is depathologized the use of psychiatry cannot apply since in the new sex there is no longer any transsexualism, no longer any cross-gender identification. Since GID absolutely requires cross-gender identification then legal change of sex extinguishes that too, AND MAKES KENNETH ZUCKER, OH SO DESERVEDLY, IRRELEVANT! Through the political process we get an end run around those who aim to harm us. And, at last, transgender and transsexual people are free from the psychiatry that has been hurting them for decades. ” Photo-video montage of the Barcelona conference: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dC-OeH0TaR8 Spanish news video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBgOTRRQqfM&NR=1 Conference webpage: http://www.congenid.org/en.html “Las personas transexuales, estadísticamente hablando, son uno de los grupos más afectados por condiciones de vida marginal (prostitución, drogadicción, etc.) y por la dificultad de inserción laboral, probablemente son el colectivo con mayores índices de suicidio así como de muertes por deficiencias en la asistencia sanitaria recibida en su proceso de transición. Los logros puntuales que se han conseguido en Estados como España, Uruguay, Gran Bretaña, Holanda etc. etc. no ocultan, dado que nos movemos en una sociedad global, su alcance limitado y muchas veces no reconocido fuera de las fronteras de los Estados tutelantes. En este contexto, Human Rights Watch, junto con varias Administraciones Públicas españolas y extranjeras han decidido la celebración de una conferencia internacional global sobre transexualidad y derechos humanos, junto a una amplia coalición de colectivos y asociaciones para el reconocimiento de los derechos del colectivo transexual y del movimiento LGTB español e internacional. La idea de realizar, por primera vez, una conferencia global con personas transexuales, por personas transexuales y para las personas transexuales . . . ” Check out these videos as well: Para Presidencia Asoc. Silueta X En el siguiente enlace encontrara el reportaje realizado a nuestras integrantes: Ana Paula Velez y Maria Sol Mite por el canal ITV. El reportaje relata sobre nuestras actividades, misión, visión y proyectos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF0Va9lhP1s TELEAMAZONAS REPORTAJE Sobre el cambio de sexo que persigue Diane Rodriguez, es el reportaje realizado por teleamazonas. A continucación el enlace del video en nuestra red de You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SC4mBDZE8aQ CAMBIO DE SEXO CI. - ECUAVISA REPORTAJE Ecuavisa también realiza un mini reportaje sobre el cambio de sexo en la cédula de identidad al igual que teleamazonas. Puede ver el reportaje en el siguiente enlace de nuestra red de videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLlhaayfa2o
Categories: TS Roadmap News
Rectovaginal fistula: first-hand report
Fri, 06/18/2010 - 07:50Amy Hunter has posted a sobering account of her vaginoplasty complications. Chronic pain, heavy narcotics addiction, and bouts of deep depression are the hushed legacies I have battled. Left with a possibly permanent colostomy and a painful, fibrous lump between my legs where a vagina should be, it is nearly impossible not to revisit the devastation daily. It is now two and a half years later. [...] A slight tear in my colon from a retractor, was all that was necessary to compromise an otherwise flawless procedure. I had developed a rectal-vaginal fistula. This problem happens to natal women too, often as a complication from difficult childbirth or certain cancers. Frankly, the success rate for repairing the defect in natal women is not good either. It often takes multiple surgeries for them too. What makes it even harder for the transwoman? Full article: Sex Reassignment Surgery: When things go wrong http://www.bilerico.com/2010/06/sex_reassignment_surgery_when_things_go_wrong.php See also: Potential complications of vaginoplasty http://www.tsroadmap.com/physical/vaginoplasty/complications.html Living With A Rectovaginal Fistula (via Anne Vitale) http://www.avitale.com/Rectovaginal_Fistula.html
Categories: TS Roadmap News
Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) needs your help to pass!
Mon, 05/10/2010 - 23:09The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) is a proposed bill in the United States Congress that would prohibit discrimination against employees on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity for civilian nonreligious employers with over 15 employees. This bill has been making its way through our legislative system for some time, and transgender protections have been a major sticking point for some activists and politicians. This federal law would help LGBT workers in 38 states that do not currently have trans protections, particularly in less populous states and states generally considered more conservative. Find out how you can get involved at the links below: Employment Non-Discrimination Act via ACLU http://www.aclu.org/hiv-aids_lgbt-rights/employment-non-discrimination-act United ENDA http://www.unitedenda.org/ Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) via The Task Force http://www.thetaskforce.org/issues/nondiscrimination/ENDA_main_page The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is also involved, but following their previous actions on this matter (throwing trans rights language away for political expediency), I do not recommend working through them.
Categories: TS Roadmap News
Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) needs your help to pass!
Mon, 05/10/2010 - 23:09The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) is a proposed bill in the United States Congress that would prohibit discrimination against employees on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity for civilian nonreligious employers with over 15 employees. This bill has been making its way through our legislative system for some time, and transgender protections have been a major sticking point for some activists and politicians. This federal law would help LGBT workers in 38 states that do not currently have trans protections, particularly in less populous states and states generally considered more conservative. Find out how you can get involved at the links below: Employment Non-Discrimination Act via ACLU http://www.aclu.org/hiv-aids_lgbt-rights/employment-non-discrimination-act United ENDA http://www.unitedenda.org/ Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) via The Task Force http://www.thetaskforce.org/issues/nondiscrimination/ENDA_main_page The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is also involved, but following their previous actions on this matter (throwing trans rights language away for political expediency), I do not recommend working through them. Here is a simple one-click option for helping with this important issue: http://bit.ly/enda123
Categories: TS Roadmap News
Trans Bodies, Trans Selves chapter proposals due June 1
Sat, 05/08/2010 - 15:01Dr. Laura Erickson-Schroth notes: “Just wanted to let you know we’ve decided to close the submissions for chapter authors on June 1st so that we can go through them the weekend of the philly trans health conference. There’s a link and more info below. Thanks so much for helping us get the word out about this stuff.” Interested in being a chapter author? SUBMITTING A CHAPTER AUTHOR PROPOSAL ALL PROPOSALS ARE DUE JUNE 1, 2010 Project Overview Trans Bodies, Trans Selves is a resource guide for the transgender population, covering health, legal issues, cultural and social questions, history, theory, and more. It is a place for transgender and gender-questioning people, their partners and families, students, professors, guidance counselors, and others to look for up-to-date information on transgender life. Each chapter will be written by a separate transgender or genderqueer author, but to provide consistency of layout, message and tone, authors will be given guidelines and will work closely with the editor. The book will be aimed at a general transgender and gender-questioning audience, and when using complicated language, will provide definitions and explanations. The tone will be friendly and fun, and will promote trans-positive, feminist and genderqueer advocacy. Included in each section will be anonymous quotes from everyday transgender people, who will be interviewed and also surveyed electronically, so that their voices are heard throughout. Short opinion pieces and testimonials (1-2 pages long) will also be included in each chapter. Finally, each chapter will contain references to resources such as books, movies, and organizations related to the chapter’s topic. CHAPTER TOPICS: Understanding & Defining Ourselves Coming Out Living as Ourselves Our Communities Relationships Sexuality Health Legal Issues Children & Adolescents History Popular Culture & Media Art, Music, Film & Literature Gender Theory Feminism & Queer Theory Action & Organizing Understanding & Defining Ourselves – This chapter is an introduction to the many terms and definitions surrounding transgender identities. It is an exploration of our ways of understanding ourselves and our many stories. What is the incidence/prevalence of transgenderism? What are the ways in which different members of our community identify? How do we decide when or if we want to change our bodies and what we would like the outcomes to be? Coming Out – This chapter explores how we come to terms with our identities. How do we decide that we are transgender, genderqueer or otherwise gender-variant? How is coming out as transgender different from coming out as gay or lesbian? How do we explain how we feel to important people in our lives? How do we learn to acknowledge potential losses or friends, family, jobs, etc? How do we choose whether and how to come out as transgender on a daily basis, in everyday life? Living as Ourselves - This chapter goes into detail about the logistics of transitioning and living in our chosen genders. It outlines picking a name, changing pronouns, adjusting your appearance through voice training, dress, and other techniques. What are social interactions like in a new gender? (Ex. One-gender social circles, bathrooms, sports, workplaces) How do we keep ourselves safe from physical and emotional abuse as we transition? What is life like post-transition? What is it like to live in a “grey zone” between genders, either by choice or not? Our Communities – This chapter will likely require two to three authors. It will explore the ways that we can find support groups and communities where we fit in. What resources, cultural traditions, and challenges are there for the many communities within the transgender community? Examples: Genderqueer/androgenous, different racial and ethnic groups, disabled, elderly, intersex, religious/spiritual, lower income, rural/urban, performance/drag, military/veterans, queer/gay/lesbian, and crossdressers. This chapter will also highlight the way gender and transgender issues are approached in some other countries outside the United States, although this section will necessarily not be comprehensive. Relationships – This chapter examines our relationships with our partners and children. It discusses transitioning within a relationship, how to form new relationships after transition, and provides resources for partners. It also provides guidance on how to come out to our children and maintain positive relationships with them, in addition to resources for children themselves. Sexuality – This chapter has an author. While this chapter does not require additional authors, comments and suggestions are greatly appreciated. Short opinion pieces and testimonials relating to this topic are also being collected. Please click on the “Join Us” tab at the top of this page for more information. Health – This chapter has an author. While this chapter does not require additional authors, comments and suggestions are greatly appreciated. Short opinion pieces and testimonials relating to this topic are also being collected. Please click on the “Join Us” tab at the top of this page for more information. Legal Issues – Transgender people come into contact with the legal system in a number of ways, and issues pertaining to trans people and the law will be the focus of this chapter. Some of these issues include name and sex change, marriage, child custody, employment, immigration, violence, and incarceration. Children & Adolescents – This chapter will tackle the unique challenges for transgender children and adolescents, and provide resources for parents as well as adolescents themselves. It will discuss what we know about childhood gender development, gender-based cultural expectations for children, identifying gender-variant children, different family approaches to childhood gender variance, how to find a therapist or physician, adult gender identification of gender variant children, and hormonal treatment when applicable. The chapter will also explore the unique challenges for high school and college students. History – This chapter will discuss the roles of gender-variant people through ancient and modern time, exploring questions around how to view historical figures who did not identify with the relatively new terms transsexual and transgender. It will cover the first uses of these terms, the important figures in modern transgender history, and how we have come to understand transgender identity in our culture today. It will also explain the Foucauldian concepts around identity creation and investigate the history of transgender relationships with the feminist and LGBT communities. Popular Culture & Media – This chapter has an author. While this chapter does not require additional authors, comments and suggestions are greatly appreciated. Short opinion pieces and testimonials relating to this topic are also being collected. Please click on the “Join Us” tab at the top of this page for more information. Art, Music, Film, and Literature – This chapter will provide readers with information on creative work done by gender non-conforming people, and will include art, music, film, literature, and more. Gender Theory – This chapter will explore theories of gender identity formation, including gender roles and the construction of gender, performance of gender, childhood gender development, the legacy of psychoanalysis, and current scientific theories of gender identity based on genetics studies, birth order, twin studies, neurological studies, and data from the cases of intersex individuals. Feminism & Queer Theory – This chapter will tackle the history of feminism and feminist theory and how these relate to gender identity. It will describe forms of discrimination against transgender people, including transphobia, homophobia, and misogyny. It will explain the basics of queer theory, the history of queer studies, use of the word “queer,” and how transgender authors have interacted with queer theory. Finally, it will explore trans-academia and provide information on being a transgender academic as well as transgender studies within women and gender studies departments. Action & Organizing – This chapter will delve into the history of action and organizing within the transgender community, from Stonewall and the Compton Cafeteria riots to GID reform. The chapter will make connections between social oppression and institutionalized oppression through housing, employment, and judicial discrimination. It will explore questions about passing versus visibility, and the use of identity politics in political work. It will provide resources to get involved with local and national organizing. Submission Details Submissions for consideration as a chapter author should include the following: 1) A detailed outline of the proposed chapter, with an estimate of the page length (400 words/page). 2) A list of questions pertaining to your topic that should be included in interviews or an electronic survey of transgender individuals. This survey will be distributed by the editor and the answers to these questions will be used as quotes within your chapter. 3) A description of your experience in this field and why you would be the right person to author this chapter. Please include a CV. 4) A writing sample appropriate for a similar audience to this book. (Your sample does not need to be written for a transgender audience. However, the tone should be friendly and it should be written at a level comprehensible to a high school student or beyond, explaining any complicated language that is used. If you do not have a sample of this type, you can alternatively write the first few pages of your proposed chapter.) Chapter author proposals are due June 1, 2010. Please direct all submissions to: transbodies at gmail.com. (The @ symbol has been removed in order to avoid spam through this website. Please replace it when sending in your submission.) More info http://www.transbodies.com/AboutTheBook.html
Categories: TS Roadmap News
Anthropology graduate thesis on trans identities
Sat, 05/08/2010 - 14:47Graduate researcher Ophelia Bradley notes: I wanted to let you know that I have just completed my Master’s program in anthropology at Georgia State University, and would like to share my thesis research with you. Following several years of participant observation on transgender discussion boards, I created a project dealing with the pathologization of gender variance and its effects on the identity formation of transgender individuals. What I essentially argue in my thesis is that 1) the assumption that gender variance constitutes an inherently disordered condition has not been validated; 2) that academic concern with the origins and classification of gender variance have little (if any) positive effect on the outcomes of transition; and 3) that the current psychological framework for understanding gender variance is partly to blame for the animosity found in transgender communities, as different groups and individuals must compete for legitimacy in the eyes of the psychological and medical institutions. I would love any feedback that you might be able to provide, and please feel free to disseminate this thesis however you may see fit. http://etd.gsu.edu/theses/available/etd-04302010-164207/
Categories: TS Roadmap News
Another anti-LGBT “expert” busted: George Rekers and his vacation “rent boy”
Wed, 05/05/2010 - 07:38NARTH “expert” George Rekers is the source of a lot of the anti-gay “research” about curing gay and gender-variant people. Like other “experts” who refuse to be open and honest about their own sexual interests (*cough*, Bailey, *cough* Blanchard), it turns out his anti-LGBT science might be just a teensy weensy bit of working through some personal issues: The Virulent Anti-Gay Activist Who Brought a Rentboy to Europe (Updated) http://gawker.com/5531027/the-virulent-anti+gay-activist-who-brought-a-rentboy-to-europe-updated Christian right leader George Rekers takes vacation with “rent boy” http://www.miaminewtimes.com/2010-05-06/news/christian-right-leader-george-rekers-takes-vacation-with-rent-boy/
Categories: TS Roadmap News
Support our next film: join us for a night on the town!
Sun, 04/25/2010 - 06:34Calpernia and I are going to do another fun auction as part of our fundraising project for our next film. Calpernia Addams and Andrea James of Deep Stealth Productions are offering another memorable night on the town in Los Angeles! You are bidding on dinner and a Sunday night show for you and a guest at Calpernia and Andrea’s VIP table at the West Hollywood Hamburger Mary’s. You’ll get a tasty dinner and a great seat for one of the most entertaining live shows in town. Dinner and first round of drinks are on Callie and AJ! You’ll get souvenir photos with Calpernia and Andrea, and if you ask nicely, Calpernia might even jump on stage and name-check you in a live performance of one of her club hits. These evenings are always a lot of fun, and Hamburger Mary’s is a great place to hang out and just be yourself. Join Calpernia and Andrea for food, fun and fabulosity! This offer is for one of the following dates: Sunday April 25th, Sunday May 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd or 30th. Regardless of the agreed-upon date for the event, payment will be accepted immediately upon closing of the auction. A night on the town with Calpernia and Andrea http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330427894579#ht_500wt_977
Categories: TS Roadmap News
Support our next film: join us for a night on the town!
Sun, 04/25/2010 - 06:34Calpernia and I are going to do another fun auction as part of our fundraising project for our next film. Calpernia Addams and Andrea James of Deep Stealth Productions are offering another memorable night on the town in Los Angeles! You are bidding on dinner and a Sunday night show for you and a guest at Calpernia and Andrea’s VIP table at the West Hollywood Hamburger Mary’s. You’ll get a tasty dinner and a great seat for one of the most entertaining live shows in town. Dinner and first round of drinks are on Callie and AJ! You’ll get souvenir photos with Calpernia and Andrea, and if you ask nicely, Calpernia might even jump on stage and name-check you in a live performance of one of her club hits. These evenings are always a lot of fun, and Hamburger Mary’s is a great place to hang out and just be yourself. Join Calpernia and Andrea for food, fun and fabulosity! This offer is for one of the following dates: Sunday April 25th, Sunday May 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd or 30th. Regardless of the agreed-upon date for the event, payment will be accepted immediately upon closing of the auction. A night on the town with Calpernia and Andrea http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330426964386#ht_500wt_939
Categories: TS Roadmap News
Answers About Transgender Issues in the New York Times
Thu, 04/22/2010 - 19:28In what is a watershed moment in many ways, Dr. Laura Erickson-Schroth started her “Ask About Transgender Issues” feature in the New York Times today. She is working on “Trans Bodies, Trans Selves,” a resource guide for transgender and other gender-variant people. http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/21/answers-about-transgender-issues/
Categories: TS Roadmap News
My comment on the DSM-V proposals
Tue, 04/20/2010 - 21:21Below is what I submitted to the American Psychiatric Association regarding the highly problematic proposed revisions for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). Comments are due April 20. I’m grateful to those diplomatically working on damage control regarding this ill-fated DSM-V revision. Its negative effects will harm sex and gender minorities well into the 2020s. It will particularly harm an entire generation of transgender youth and intersex people. My comments below are not diplomatic. I am noting for the record that those responsible missed their historic opportunity. They rejected the depathologization of sex and gender minorities in 2013. The DSM-V is on track to be remembered for how the responsible parties reinforced and even expanded the pathologization of sex and gender minorities, rather than taking the courageous and historically inevitable step of depathologization. DSM-IV editor Allen Frances observed that this group has proposed two of the most troubling DSM-V revisions. Since the actual number of problems makes an exhaustive yet brief commentary impossible, I will focus on the worst of the worst: “Paraphilia” The worst decision in this fiasco will be to continue treating “paraphilia” as a mental disorder rather than as a sexual orientation. It is clear that the listed sexual interests cannot be “cured” any more than those orientations currently deemed non-disordered by the APA. What should be diagnosed for treatment is not the underlying interest, but the thoughts and actions related to the interest. These are no different than any other forms of impulse control issues. Any behavior can be taken to a level that could become problematic. Most “paraphilias” involve consensual behaviors and should not be considered disorders. Characterizing these as “erotic target location errors” or diseases echoes now-outmoded “clinical wisdom” on homosexuality. We are about to see a broad expansion of “disordered” sexualities, a doubling of the types. This is being promulgated by those who think creating new “paraphilias” through iatrogenic artifact is their bid for immortality (Blanchard), or who don’t think peddling “cures” to self-hating crossdressers and what-not (Kafka) is a direct conflict of interest with the aims of this revision. As for nonconsensual sexual interests, they are not mental disorders, either. Consent is a legal concept, not a medical one. Arousal studies suggest that many people with interests deemed illegal never act on those interests, and in fact they may face a lifetime of silent struggle not to act on these interests because of the medico-juridical climate surrounding these interests. Diagnoses support criminal statutes and vice versa: in most jurisdictions where homosexuality is illegal, it is also considered a disease. “Experts” leverage the moral panic about intergenerational sexuality and age of consent to get funding and job security, in the same way the moral panic about homosexuality created a cottage industry. What politician wants to say they voted against funding to “cure” pedophilia? Anyone who questions any aspect of current protocols is immediately considered sexually suspect themselves, akin to earlier moral panics about communism, terrorism, and again, homosexuality. It’s clear that doctors have an important role in preventing non-consensual sexual behavior. What they are treating is not the underlying interest, but the ability to control the impulses to act on those interests. Unconventional sexual behavior that is consensual can reach a level where impulse control needs to be managed, but that should not be thought of as “curing” the interest itself. There’s no need to diagnose or “cure” harmless sexual interests. It’s sad to see that we are well into the 21st century, yet some experts still cling to the idea that “transvestic fetishism” or other forms of consensual kink are disorders. “Disorders of sex development” It was inevitable that DSD would make its way into these revisions, since the term is such a huge step backwards for sex minorities. That this disorder is intermingled with gender minorities in these proposed revisions was also inevitable. From the moment I heard the term “disorders of sex development” being bandied about by self-styled ethicists, I know this is where we would end up. Their short-sighted advocacy will now result in a generation of people with natural human variations in sex anatomy to be de facto mentally disordered as well as physically disordered. This term implies that these people have a form of retardation (developmental disorder), and we will see an uptick in “cures” for both fetuses and neonates thanks to the term DSD. The pathologization of sex diversity through the term “disorders of sex development,” which was railroaded through in a sham “consensus,” should not be codified in the DSM. To use one of Zucker’s favorite analogies (racism), policing racial distinctions is the same thing as policing sex and gender distinctions. The DSM-V should avoid engaging in this sort of policing activity: it’s politics, not science. “Gender identity disorder” “Gender identity disorder” and “disorders of sex development” have at their hearts the same problem: diversity is not disorder. I have lobbied long and hard against both concepts because both DSD and GID emerged from the same mindset that sees the world through a medical lens of sickness. It has troubling overlap with heterosexist reproductive ideologies as well, where those who can’t procreate are less able or even less human. There are some trans people, especially older trans people, who argue that disease models validate their identities and allow treatment. They want GID to stay because they fear trans health services will become less available. Some also wish GID to remain because they consider themselves disabled because of GID and collect government benefits based on this alleged disability. Their self-interests should not affect the scientific debate at hand. Most transgender people do not seek out transition-related medical services. Of those who do, most people are doing things the way we did before the rise of the “gender clinics.” Gender clinics function as gatekeepers and thus want to keep “gender identity disorder” in place. Ritual documents like the DSM encourage regressive protocols that few trans people have the patience to endure. These regressive gender clinics like CAMH in Toronto have turned down as many as 90% of patients in the past, leaving them to seek higher-risk options like medical tourism at their own expense. They then get drugs and surgery from exotic locales and/or unqualified providers unless they have the money to seek less risky treatment. Gender clinics that engage in regressive gatekeeping result in the opposite of harm reduction by forcing patients to find care outside the established system. My position is simple but unpopular among some: Subsidized healthcare is not a fair trade for human dignity. If the psychopathology model of gender diversity promulgated in Toronto by American ex-pats is imported to the US via the DSM-V, it will have disastrous long-term consequences. The UK has made it clear that trans people are able to have access to trans health services without the stigma of a mental illness diagnosis. Other countries have followed. It’s time to remove gender identity disorder and look at options that do not situate a disorder within trans peoples’ minds. Inflicting trauma and shame on gender-variant children through “GIDC” In the years I have been raising awareness about the atrocities committed against gender-variant children at CAMH in Toronto, I have come to see in Zucker what can only be called anti-intellectualism regarding philosophy of science, history of science, the sociology of theory, and other relevant academic disciplines critical to understanding how pathological science and systemic bias seep into scientific methodology. We are expected to rely on Zucker’s “clinical wisdom” rather than objective outcome data. We are not supposed to question why 5 to 30 times as many children assigned as males have historically been targeted for “curing.” We are not supposed to ask if we can talk to any of the children Zucker “cured,” just as John Money wouldn’t divulge the status of a patient against whom he committed atrocities then lied about “curing.” Clinicians have called Zucker and his colleague Susan Bradley’s therapeutic intervention for children “something disturbingly close to reparative therapy for homosexuals” and have noted that the goal is preventing transsexualism: “Reparative therapy is believed to reduce the chances of adult GID (i.e., transsexualism) which Zucker and Bradley characterize as undesirable.” Author Phyllis Burke wrote, “The diagnosis of GID in children, as supported by Zucker and Bradley, is simply child abuse.” Conclusion When Zucker was in charge of a similar ritual document for the American Psychological Association, he and his team cheerfully ignored a wide range of suggested changes. Between that farce and this process, I have lost faith in these empty gestures toward public commentary. So I’ll end here for now, since I am not confident in this process or its outcome. We see these people ignoring legitimate scientific objections and continuing to use unscientific and inaccurate terminology like “shemales” (Blanchard) and “homosexual transsexual” (Cohen-Kettenis), both of which are considered outrageous slurs outside of the bubble in which these alleged experts live. Science and its terminology evolve with understanding, and if these experts are unable to evolve their terminology and thinking as well, they should not be placed in positions of authority. Let’s hope we don’t have to resort to stunts like Dr. H. Anonymous to make our points. I doubt even someone of his fortitude could overcome all the problems with this proposed revision. Andrea James April 2010 Note: These views are mine only and do not necessarily reflect the views of any other organizations or individuals. If you require footnotes, I am happy to provide them after the fact, but I don’t really feel like taking the time after similar efforts were cheerfully ignored by Zucker and company on the 2007 American Psychological Association Task Force. DSM-V site http://www.dsm5.org/Pages/Default.aspx Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders http://www.dsm5.org/ProposedRevisions/Pages/SexualandGenderIdentityDisorders.aspx
Categories: TS Roadmap News
Applications for Trans Bodies, Trans Selves interns due May 15
Sat, 04/17/2010 - 06:48Dr. Laura Erickson-Schroth notes: APPLY TO INTERN FOR TRANS BODIES, TRANS SELVES http://www.transbodies.com/ContactUs.html Trans Bodies, Trans Selves is a resource guide for transgender and other gender-variant people, covering health, legal issues, cultural and social questions, history, theory, and more. It is a place for transgender people, their partners and families, students, professors, guidance counselors, and others to look for up-to-date information on transgender life. Trans Bodies, Trans Selves is seeking two enthusiastic people to join our team as interns at this time. These two interns will be an integral part of the Trans Bodies, Trans Selves team. Transgender and genderqueer people, people of color, and students are especially encouraged to apply. Also those living in New York City, San Francisco, Ann Arbor, Philadelphia, or Washington, DC, as these locations are places where interns would be able to meet in person with other members of the team. Unfortunately we do not have funds at this time to provide payment to interns. However, we will do our best to work with your school to secure college credit for your internship if this is something that interests you. The deadline for this round of intern applications is May 15, 2010. Intern A (Survey intern) – The survey intern will work with the Trans Bodies, Trans Selves team to reach out to those who have taken the online survey. This intern will spend time reading through the material submitted and present interesting stories that should be considered for testimonials to the rest of the team. This intern will also contact survey-takers who have provided their contact information to thank them and to answer any questions they may have and provide them with information on getting involved with the book. Intern B (Publicity intern) – The publicity intern will work with the Trans Bodies, Trans Selves team to consider our outreach strategies. This intern will work with the website, facebook, and other digital strategies, and also organize the presence of the Trans Bodies, Trans Selves team at events where advertising and/or media may be possible. This intern will also be involved in brainstorming around marketing materials such as postcards, stickers, and bookmarks. How to apply: Please submit a letter that answers the following questions: 1) Why are you interested in interning for Trans Bodies, Trans Selves? 2) Which of the two projects are you interested in working on and how would you approach this project? 3) What makes you an ideal intern for this project? 4) Be sure to include your name, the city where you are located, and your telephone number in your letter. 5) Also include the time period you expect to be able to devote to your internship with Trans Bodies, Trans Selves. Be specific. For example, “I am a college student with the summer off, so I would like to intern with Trans Bodies, Trans Selves from June 1 through August 30, 2010” or “I can set aside time for the next 6 months to work on this book, so I would be available from the date of my acceptance through November 15, 2010.” 6) Include a writing sample (Ex. Article you wrote, paper you turned in). 7) A resume/CV is optional. Submit all materials to transbodies@gmail.com. The deadline for this round of intern applications is May 15, 2010. She will also be answering questions regarding trans health and the book this coming week on the NY Times blog “City Room”: http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/ More information: http://www.transbodies.com/ContactUs.html
Categories: TS Roadmap News
Canada: Psychiatrist arrested for crimes against sex/gender minorities. Is CAMH next?
Mon, 04/12/2010 - 14:26Canada is the destination of choice for non-Canadian “experts” who wish to impose their ideologies on sex and gender minorities. Late last month, Canada finally started taking action against the people trying to “cure” gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people by starting with one of the worst of the worst of these immigrants: Aubrey Levin, the psychiatrist in the apartheid military known to many colleagues as “Dr Shock” because of the methods he used in attempts to “cure” homosexuals, was this week arrested in Canada and charged with sexual abuse of a patient. Now 71, Levin fled South Africa shortly before the democratic transition for the Albertan city of Calgary where he practised as a psychiatrist and lectured at the local university. He refused to testify before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission where it was alleged he had been guilty of gross human rights abuses. Among the allegations levelled at Levin was that he used severe electric shocks as part of “aversion therapy” that was supposed to “cure” homosexuals. Let’s hope Canadian authorities take a look at the CAMH “experts” committing reparative therapy against gender-variant Canadian children and attempting to “cure” other citizens they consider mentally disordered because of the sexual interests or gender identity and expression. Apartheid’s ‘Dr Shock’ arrested on sex charge http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=22&art_id=vn20100326040919344C954764 More: http://calgary.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20100324/CGY_Levin_Patient_100324/20100324/?hub=CalgaryHome http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Prominent+Calgary+psychiatrist+facing+assault+charge/2720133/story.html http://www.eyewitnessnews.co.za/articleprog.aspx?id=35684 http://www.cbc.ca/canada/calgary/story/2010/03/24/calgary-psychiatrist-levin-charged-sex-assault.html http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/controversial-alberta-physician-charged-with-sex-crime/article1514226/
Categories: TS Roadmap News