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 ;)

[alainn-sorcha.livejournal.com]

I don't know if I'll express this very well.

I find the idea that gender is binary to be as limiting as the idea that sexuality is binary. If you aren't female, therefore you are male seems too simple. Yes, you identify as male. But you also have a uterus and ovaries and have lived with them for 29 years now. Their existence forms part of your identity, whatever label you use to describe it. And anyway, there's nothing that says men can't be passionate and concerned about women's health issues. They have mothers, sisters, wives, daughters.

You are my family (part of the best one--the one I chose) and that's all that matters to me. If you want me to start calling you Henry, I will and I'll love you just as much.

[wonderlandkat.livejournal.com]

I've been really upset about the subject but I'm not sure what to do- find out how to be an escort, what?

[eroticcakejob.livejournal.com]

I think being pro-choice and expressing that gender is fluid go hand in hand.
People should be free to do what they choose with their minds/bodies/identities.
You are preaching to the choir with me, though.

I am happy to know you and proud to be an ally.

[violetisblue.livejournal.com]

"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?"

Why should there be? This is a human issue, not just a (self-identified) women's issue; anyone who thinks the politicized legislation of medical procedures and the use of so-called "conscience" as a sledgehammer will ultimately only affect women is at best naive.

"Is it frivolous to be wishing I had a more gender neutral name at such a time?"

Names are important. They're part of how we show ourselves to the world just as much as our gender presentation. If "small" decisions weren't made large by politicization then boys could freely wear pink and take dance lessons without living in constant fear of being beaten up and having everyone from their classmates to the media applaud it.

"What am I going to say when someone does cut me out of their life because of all of this?"

In some cases, probably "Good riddance."

[brienze.livejournal.com]

I don't think it's a disconnect at all -- these issues pertain to the body you're living in. And I think it would be great if you could repurpose your skills at talking to upset people on the phone. I was always amazed that the content of your job didn't drive you around the bend, but hopefully supervisors/administrators in this line of work are a lot more client-oriented and a lot less petty bureaucrats.

I haven't replied much to your recent posts, but that's not because I'm uncomfortable with who you are or wouldn't want to still hang out with you. I don't talk much about my own issues, so it's just hard to find anything to say. Gender and sexuality and holding strong feelings about them are just entirely alien... I read porn on the internet as sociological texts. =P

[rm.livejournal.com]

This will be one of the most horrible things I ever say to you:

You matter more than other people's affection.

As to getting a concealed carry permit, the biggest danger of carrying a weapon is having it used against you. If that's something you want or need, I feel pretty strongly that you need to do a lot more than just get that permit and that weapon. You don't just need to know how to use a gun (which I know you do) to carry one, you need to know how to keep possession of it.

[alteredhistory.livejournal.com]

> 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?

You would not be the first man to want a say in the life of a child, nor the first to have an opinion about whether a baby should be carried to term or not. Indeed, your position is lucky in that you don't risk every woman in the room turning to you and saying, "Why the hell do you think you get to express an opinion, male?" And there are plenty of men who have contemplated the possibility of getting pregnant and raising children. So, no, I don't think there's a weird disconnect.