the advocation of violence

[threeplusfire]

Fair warning - this article is extremely upsetting. It contains statements made by two Sacramento DJs about how one should physically and verbally abuse transgender children to 'fix' them.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-rowe/krxq-sacramento-radio-hos_b_210637.html

In the days since this show, the hosts sweep the issue under a rug and their station manager excuses them as "equal opportunity offenders."

In the wake of Dr. Tiller's murder, I find this frightening. It makes me think of the suicides a few months back of two young children who were threatened and berated by their peers.

It makes me think about myself, too.

I am twenty nine years old. For almost all of those years, all that I remember, I have never been comfortable with thinking of myself as a girl or a woman. Inside I have always thought of myself as male. For most of those twenty nine years I have only expressed that in tiny ways and have never really spoken about it. The only times I've really written about it online I've locked it away so people, specifically my family, couldn't see. I've been more open about my sexuality, that I've had relationships with both men and women. But I have breasts and big hips, the legacy of a long line of German women from the farm. I look female. I don't look anything like how I am in my head. I have always been afraid on some level to express this feeling, this identity, because I don't 'look' like what I am. But thinking about how angry and how sad I've been about Dr. Tiller and now this, I realized that I cannot be cowardly about it any longer. Even if I never quite figure out what to do about it all I can at least be honest to myself and to you.

I am twenty nine years old. I am a male person who looks female. I am bisexual. I am married to a man who is far better to me than I deserve. I am a transgender person who owns a home, who votes and who doesn't want to hide this anymore.

Today I wrote a lot of emails, to KRXQ and to their advertisers. I encourage you to do the same. (Scroll down the comments of Rowe's article for email contacts for the advertisers.) Snapple and Chipolte have already pulled their contracts due to the show, so show them some love. Comment and tell me what kind of Snapple you like, or how you like your burritos. I'll buy you one the next time I see you.

An open letter from the father of a ten year old, non-conforming boy.

Comments

[litos.livejournal.com]

Thank you for trusting us and for sharing.

I was very tempted to say that writing this shows serious cajones, but that seemed a bit trite and/or out of place.

There's not much else to say - all you've done is tell us who you are. That fact shouldn't be as hard as I know it can be.

The more voices that speak out, the harder it is for the hate to be heard.

-KAO

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

But it is kind of funny. Hee.

Thank you for reading.

[ladyofthelog.livejournal.com]

You are strong, kickass, awesome, and brave. Thank you for trusting us enough to share this.

I am writing letters and buying a snapple today!

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

Thank you. What flavor Snapple? Snapples always make me think of 1994-95.

[onyxlynxx.livejournal.com]

You forgot to mention brave and beautiful. *hugs*

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

Aww, thanks.

[bodlon.livejournal.com]

[insert not-so-secret handshake.]

I'm so glad to see Snapple, Chipotle, and Sonic on this train. I suspect I'll be sending some thank-you letters to their corporate offices.

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

Secret handshakes always make me think of the Masons. Hee.

[bodlon.livejournal.com]

We could have cool matching rings!

[dine.livejournal.com]

thank you for sharing more of who you really are, the essential you. that takes an immense amount of courage.

reading the coverage of this appalling episode hurts; and the station's 'apology' is almost worse than if they'd stayed silent. I'm heartened by the responses I'm reading, and that sponsors are pulling their advertising money - though sadly, that will probably accomplish more than appeals to humanity ever will

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

Thank you for reading.

That is one sorry ass excuse for an apology. Ugh.

[rm.livejournal.com]

I am married to a man who is far better to me than I deserve.

Not that you're not a difficult person, having dated you ;) BUT, the above is just not true. He is far better to you than most people know how to be. That's all.

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

He is so nonplussed about things. It is pretty nice.

[alainn-sorcha.livejournal.com]

I love you, and I think you're wonderful.

I've been reading about this since I got home from work, and I'm so glad that advertisers are pulling their support for the show. I believe I'll send some emails to the station and the remaining advertisers myself.

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

The birthday card is AWESOME. I want a giant glass of beer like that.

[alainn-sorcha.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you like it.

I think giant glasses of wine/beer/liquor should be mandatory issue on most days.

[sykii.livejournal.com]

^^^
Here, have a Ewan McTomato icon.

I'm not much of a Snapple person, but I may have to start drinking the stuff. Chipotle is way better than it should be, and I have never had Sonic, but am an inveterate tater tot addict.

Also, you are awesome, and I admire you enormously for being so open. I know that doesn't come naturally.

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

.... why is he a tomato? That makes me love my EmoFruit nickname all the more.

Sonic is awesome - they are drive-ins and sometimes the people who bring out your food are on rollerskates. Cherry limeades for the win. Plus an impressive array of slushies.

Thank you.

[sykii.livejournal.com]

I have no idea why, but here it is, with bonus Dame Judi Dench: http://img.timeinc.net/people/i/2006/startracks/060605/judi_dench.jpg
His resigned expression just cracks me up. Also please note that his shoes are also tomatoes.

[sykii.livejournal.com]

I realize belatedly, of course, that his name is obviously Ewan MacTomator.

[kythryne.livejournal.com]

I am very glad you are you.

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

Thank you, so much.

[sykii.livejournal.com]

And! M. just called home, and she is bringing home guacamole from Chipotle. Reverse boycott for the win!

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

Mmmmm guacamole for dinner is the best.

[contrail.livejournal.com]

Thank you for sharing the truth of your experience with us.

I have to admit that transsexuality is something I have a hard time wrapping my head around, as someone who does identify with the gender they appear to be. But I'd never tell someone that they shouldn't feel that way, and I'll keep listening and trying my best to understand.

Also, I really love Sonic's tattertots and chicken wraps. Num.

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

Thanks for reading. It is a weird and fraught topic, and I admit that at times I am utterly baffled.

Mmmm now I want a chicken wrap... those are yummy.

[cymry.livejournal.com]

you are making a difference; you are making your voice heard and spreading the news, your thoughts, your experiences. we hear you, loud and clear, and it inspires us in turn.

i bow down to your bravery.

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

Thank you for reading, and your kind words.