Jane's Due Process

[threeplusfire]

http://open.salon.com/blog/steelrigged/2009/06/02/i_helped_teenagers_get_secret_abortions

I know I am helping the right-wing make something private into something shameful by being discrete. But I don’t have a T.V. show, I don’t have security guards, all I have is the residual fear that somewhere there is a man with a gun, looking for our office, who is absolutely certain he has the right to shoot me, because I help teenagers get abortions.

Jane's Due Process - http://www.janesdueprocess.org/

I am thinking about volunteering for this group. I have no legal skills or training, but I do know how to talk to upset people on the phone. Of all the things I've done in my life, I am wondering if volunteering at clinics and for groups like this will be the most dangerous one. (My volunteer orientation for Planned Parenthood is next month)

I am also starting to wonder how this, and how my messy, complex gender identity crisis, will change my friendships and my life. My livejournal has not been exceptionally funny or lighthearted in the past couple weeks. If I feel some outrage fatigue on the subject, that probably goes double for anyone reading. Not to mention, is there a weird disconnect between identifying as male and being so wrapped up in the cause of women's rights over their reproductive health and choices? I don't know. Is it frivolous to be wishing I had a more gender neutral name at such a time? What am I going to say when someone does cut me out of their life because of all of this? Should I finally go ahead and take that hand gun class, get a concealed carry license?

It is strange, to feel all of this converging at once.

Comments

[sykii.livejournal.com]

Speaking only for myself, it has been refreshing to see someone eloquently outraged about this when all I am, somehow, is tired and out of words for it.
I don't think there's any contradiction at all in caring deeply about women's rights while recognizing that one's gender identity isn't female. All men should be feminists; it's in your own best interest, because the patriarchy hurts men, too. There is also the fact that, as you present yourself right now, most of the world treats you as a woman, and as such, you are invested in the lot of women. And even should that presentation change, you, being a decent human being, will continue to care.
For what it's worth (again speaking only for myself), the information about your gender identity is more of a "oh, so that's what that is" rather than a big shock or surprise. You are my friend. If there are changes of pronouns or names that need to happen, cool; just let us know.
Of course, this being the internet, I mostly picture you as either a swimming pool, an owl, or pie, which renders the question of gender somewhat moot ;)

[kythryne.livejournal.com]

Yes, this. All of it.

Also, if you want, I suspect Amy would be happy to talk with you about gender stuff. Having lived on both sides of it and now settled in the middle, she's got some interesting perspectives on the matter. Let me know if you'd like me to put the two of you in contact.

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

That would be nice. I would like that.

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

You know, if I could just be three random things, a pool, an owl and a pie is one of the best combos ever.

Thank you for being a friend.

[delchi.livejournal.com]

"it's in your own best interest, because the patriarchy hurts men, too."

Thank you.