Colorado Springs Trains Police on Transgender Issues!

March 6th, 2010 12:30 pm MST

Colorado Springs Trains Police on Transgender Issues! (a.k.a. - The Times, They SURE Are A-Changing!)


Hi, Friends and Allies;
Nancy-Jo here!

In case anyone is interested in hearing a radio interview I participated in, regarding recent news reports about the Colorado Springs Police Department implementing training specific to how it may better interface with and serve the local Transgender Community, please do the following:

Go online and visit KCFR http://kcfr.org/ to search their radio archives for the above-mentioned news show and title per date 03-04-2010 or click the following link: http://www.kcfr.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=94&Itemid=234&target_pg=com_search&kword_comatters=coloradomatters&stype_comatters=and

Thursday, Mar. 04, 2010

C-Springs Trains Police on Transgender Issues

The program is based on a similar one in Chicago. Ryan Warner speaks with Nancy-Jo Morris, who helped design it, and Sgt. Steve Noblitt, spokesman for the police department.

 

 

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I've been immortalized! (Well, sort of...)

November 14th, 2009 7:55 am MST

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Senator Bennet of Colorado Confirms Support on Inclusive ENDA 2009 - The Inside Story

October 6th, 2009 5:09 am MDT

Senator Bennet of Colorado Confirms Support on Inclusive ENDA 2009 - The Inside Story

One account you’ll never hear of in the Big Blogs which tells what really happened in the field...

By Nancy-Jo Morris
Colorado Springs, USA

Like many of you LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender) Activists out there striving for True Equality in America, I was extremely grateful to be treated to a headline back on September 25 in "The Bilerico Project" which read: Thank You, Senator Michael Bennet: Senate Movement on ENDA (by: Dr. Jillian T. Weiss).

But after the feel-good emotional wave had dissipated itself upon the shores of Practical Reality, I felt sort of miffed. I asked myself "Does anybody really know what actually helped make a thing like this happen - especially after going through what I and a few other concerned Coloradans had to go through on the grassroots level?"

 

The obvious answer to that one is a resounding "NO!" - especially if you’re not part of the "In Crowd" of wealthy or otherwise privileged people who (for whatever reason) have a great big media presence and therefore have become virtual household words in the greater LGBT Community. The fact that this hierarchy exists in any community often causes the valuable efforts of many "average" folks to go overlooked - which, in turn, leaves them thinking that they do not have what it takes to be real Agents of Change in society.

 

My goal in sharing this story is to dispel that myth, give concerned LGBT constituents hope, and let everyone know that the only way to affect truly progressive change in the political landscape of America is for them to care enough to at least hold their Representatives accountable on issues that really matter.

 

It All Started at a Town Hall Meeting

Colorado Springs happens to have the distinction of being the veritable Mecca of Conservative Evangelical "Christendom". At last report, there were about 100 such organizations of all sizes headquartered here, the largest of which is Focus on the Family. Because of this fact, those of us in the local LGBT Community who dare to openly defy their discriminatory, anti-LGBT Dominionist agenda tend to be few in number - and wear many hats whilst "fighting the good fight". So although I am the current Co-Chair Incumbent of the El Paso County Stonewall Democrats, I was already obligated to be away at some other LGBT-related function when LisaJo Laptad (member of the EPCSD and Precinct Chair, Colorado Springs Pct264) reminded me about a special Town Hall Meeting to be held on Saturday, July 11 at the East Library - which featured our state’s freshman senator, Michael Bennet.

 

This rising political star who had been appointed by Governor Ritter to fill the vacancy left when Senator Ken Salazar was elevated to a Cabinet position in the fledgling Obama Administration, was utilizing this event to build rapport with local Democrats so that he could both do his job better and to also help bolster his campaign efforts towards solidifying his seat in the US Senate, come the next state Elections. An article about him in the Colorado Springs Independent which was entitled "Who is this guy?"- Jan 15, 2009 (see

http://www.csindy.com/colorado/who-is-this-guy/Content?oid=1146307 ) shows his photo bearing the caption "Michael Bennet says he’ll learn quickly". Gauging by the interesting sequence of events I’m about to elucidate here, that indeed turned out to be an almost prophetic understatement.

 

Although we knew the general populace there would be more preoccupied with going after the sizzling Healthcare Reform debate ignited by President Obama’s promises of positive change across the board; and that other initial contacts had told me this Senator was already favorable towards LGBT issues; LisaJo wanted to hear it directly from the source, when it came down to if Mr. Bennet actually was in our corner. So she went to publicly get his take on whether he’d vote to repeal both the bigoted Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and the heinous "Don’t Ask Don’t Tell" policy towards LGBT folks in the Military; whilst going on record to support the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Legislation and the Trans-Inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) of 2009. Since I serve in varying official capacities the Gender Equality Coalition, the World Gender Coalition and also network with UnitedENDA, I asked her to report her findings to me immediately after she left that Town Hall Meeting, so that I could forward that info to those who needed to be kept apprised of such matters.

 

According to LisaJo, it wasn’t until the very end of the gathering that she was able to get the floor long enough to pose our LGBT-related questions to Senator Bennet. She said he answered them all exactly the way we’d hoped he would - He’d vote to repeal DOMA and DADT; plus he’d cast a "Yes" vote on Hate Crimes and ENDA. I was understandably pleased with that news. So I gladly sent that data upline as soon as I returned home - and then spent the rest of that evening in Manitou Springs at the 30^th Anniversary Celebration Banquet of the LGBT-affirming Pikes Peak Metropolitan Community Church of Colorado Springs.

 

An Unfortunate Revelation

Despite the current state of this badly wounded economy, Sunday, July 19 in Colorado Springs brought along with it one of the most successful Pridefests the local LGBT Community had ever seen. Even on the political and social fronts, hugely positive gains were made which are so numerous, they would have to be the subject of some other story. But then August came - and when the 7^th of that month rolled around, I got another call from LisaJo about an online political report that instantly sent troubling feelings of possible political betrayal through both of us. The subject at hand was the Federal ENDA; and the spreadsheet which she directed me to via an online link revealed that when it came down to where the Senators in Washington DC really stood on this all-important piece of LGBT-Inclusive legislation, our very own Senator Bennet of Colorado was listed as "Undecided". From what I could tell, the tally was compiled by the Inclusive ENDA Facebook Campaign, and was based upon findings gathered from data in Washington DC and verified by reliable activist sources. At LisaJo’s suggestion, I printed out two hardcopies of what I saw there, just in case we needed to prove a point with this information later on.

 

Why It Mattered

Let me say at this point that some people participate in politics just because they like it; some may do it for a power trip; whilst others may actually do it for more philosophically "righteous" reasons. But when you find Transgender people involved in it, it’s mostly because it’s a matter of sheer survival for us. Because if the laws go bad (even ones that seem innocuous to the typical person), the day-to-day running of our very lives could get exceedingly far worse than any other people group could ever imagine. For example - what other law-abiding segment of society do you know of, that actually gets harassed or dictated to by policies and ordinances, regarding things as personal and essential as where they might relieve themselves whilst out in the Public Square? (In some odious cases, no tenable "Bathroom Option" have even "allowed" for Transgender people!)

 

It was LisaJo who had the courage around 13 years ago to establish SCIRTS (Southern Colorado Inter-Regional Transgender Society) here in Ultra-Conservative Colorado Springs; which eventually evolved into the group I now lead, called PAGE (Peak Area Gender Expressions). This is the largest and longest continuously-existing Transgender support group in all of Southern Colorado. We do what we do for our Constituents because history shows that no one else will ever look after the safety and well-being of the Transgender Community better than other Transgender people. Nothing is more fundamentally important than being assured of getting the fairest opportunity when it comes to securing suitable Employment Therefore, we felt it was our duty to assist in seeing to it that this Trans-Inclusive version of the Federal ENDA that is now before Congress gets a good shot at passing - and becoming the Law of the Land in every state across this Nation.

 

Having that in mind, it should be pretty obvious why both LisaJo ant I swung into action, when it appeared that Senator Bennet had told the public one thing in Colorado Springs - but did something entirely different regarding ENDA, whilst in Washington DC.

 

From Showing Concern to Real Shoe Leather Action

By August 13, I had received an e-mail from the Colorado Stonewall Democrats in Denver that reiterated the fact that Senator Bennet was still listed on ENDA support spreadsheets as being "Undecided"; and I was also getting calls from Transgender Activists and other out-of-state Allies asking me why I reported that both our Senators were already in our corner on this issue when that apparently was not the case. Since this discrepancy was now cutting into my personal reputation for being known as a trustworthy informational source in the Trans Community, it was definitely time to get to the bottom of this. So when LisaJo called and asked if I wanted to accompany her down to Senator Bennet’s local office here in Colorado Springs, I was more than ready to go there.

 

The link to the Official Invitation data LisaJo referred me to, initially gave the public erroneous address information because if you took it literally, it would have had you looking for the Senator somewhere in Acacia Park (209 N. Tejon Street) as opposed to it’s actual location two blocks to the north at 409 N. Tejon. We discovered that error on the way over, and ended up calling the staffers at the Office to redirect our course correctly. When we got there, we discovered a short line of people ahead of us, though the message we’d gotten had led us to believe this was a special appointment time just for us and the Senator’s Staff alone. Whatever the case, we waited out the situation until we got our turn to address the staff personnel on duty at the time.

 

The next few moments were so disappointing full of ineptitude that at one point, LisaJo actually left the room to keep from losing her composure, her temper - or both. The people we interfaced with were properly pleasant and politically correct - but they didn’t even know what ENDA was at first mentioning. After we produced papers with all the pertinent information upon them in an effort to make our point clear about the contradiction we saw in how Senator Bennet said he would deal with it; they somehow still couldn’t find the official text of the Bill, its sponsors, nor its current status on their office computer. (I thought it odd that a Senator’s staffers weren’t able to do something I routinely do online via State and Federal Congressional websites). When we asked if Senator Bennet would ever return to Colorado Springs during this Congressional Recess period, we were told "No" - because he was on an all-county tour of the State. The Senior Staff Representative then apologized for all the frustrating confusion, saw to it that our contact information was obtained - and promised to get back to us as soon as the Senator had rightly dealt with the matter. LisaJo at that point openly predicted that it would never happen, just as we were leaving; and true to her words, neither of us ever got that promised follow-up phone call.

 

All that experience did was strengthen our determination to find a viable fix for this unresolved issue.

 

Close Encounters at The Junction

On Saturday of that weekend (August 15th), President Obama was scheduled to hold a Town Hall Meeting on the subject of Healthcare Reform, out in Grand Junction, Colorado. Just plain logic and a couple of contacts I had told me that Governor Ritter and every major State politico who possibly could get there would be there, too - including Senator Bennet. Since I was already in communication with representatives of the local Change That Works Colorado group that was rounding up a bunch of pro-Obama supporters to drive up to Denver and help fill a chartered bus to Grand Junction; I now had an extra incentive to join in with them. I figured that sometime during our effort to offset the rancor of the opposition expected to show up out there, I just might also get to run into Senator Bennet - and possibly have time to voice in his presence the concerns I and LisaJo brought up about his lack of lending true support for a Federal all-inclusive ENDA at his office in Colorado Springs the other day.

 

Unfortunately, however, my designs on this day were at best a near miss. Our bus arrived at the Town Hall Meeting site so late that those who had official passes into the Central High School Gymnasium where it all was happening did not have time to clear Security in order to be allowed inside. The place already was totally maxed out anyway. So we all added ourselves to the huge throng of people outside which was lining both sides of the road (appropriately named "Warrior Way") that led into the Campus - for one side of the street was full of "Tea Party" Conservatives who were vehemently against President Obama; whilst our side was totally for his proposed plans for Healthcare Reform. There were a few times where the pandemonium on the Front Lines in that street almost hit a flash point that could have went violent - but then the local Sheriff’s crew moved in to separate the loud opposing factions. Not that this mattered - but from what I could tell, I was the only Transgender person out there in that near-melee of a scene.

 

When it appeared that things had calmed to an almost boring lull, I left the Front to see what was going on in the dusty field of a parking area farther back behind me. I then discovered that Senator Bennet was inside the very bus I had rode in on - exhorting the people who were already seated in there. He was just wrapping his speech up, when I came to the door of that vehicle (where a young girl whom I believe was his daughter was standing); and the best that I got out of him after that was just a handshake - because he and some other officials had to rush off to more rarified environs while the folks on our side of Warrior Way packed things up and called it a day. By this time, the President was already gone from the scene - and the opposition forces had all but dispersed. Therefore, I and the progressive amalgamation of people I was with also left - and ended up returning to Colorado Springs sometime way in the middle of the night.

 

What did I take away from all this? Although this close encounter Function at Grand Junction was historic and full of Activist "adventure"; it netted me nothing when it came to my goal of possibly getting Senator Bennet to dispel the confusion over where he was regarding ENDA by promising to go on record as being definitely in support of it in Washington DC.

 

Finally - The Day of Reckoning

I shared what I experienced out in Grand Junction with friends and constituents in several Internet groups and websites; then also dealt with a situation where I thought possible anti-Trans bias was at work (relative to certain other reports of the whole thing), before taking action on issues that were more close to home. But a little over one month later, I got yet another call from LisaJo where she asked me had I gotten an invitation to an up-coming event in Denver sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) called the "No Excuses Community Meeting with Senator Michael Bennet", which was to be held on Saturday, September 19th at 3:30 pm. The short answer to her question was "No".

 

I had stopped getting direct e-mails from HRC back in 2007 when I halted my support for them, after they acquiesced to the heinous, "incrementalistic" sacrificial selling out of the Transgender Community through celebrating the forward progress of that version of the Federal ENDA which had been shorn of its original Trans-inclusive language. Although LisaJo’s sentiments about that divisive fiasco were the same as mine, somehow she was privy to this special HRC arranged Town Hall Meeting set for the LGBT Community to voice their concerns to Senator Bennet - and wanted to know if I’d go up to Denver with her to attend it. "Absolutely!" was my reply. Something inside told me that it was very likely that the Trans Community of Denver just might NOT show up for this all-important thing, though it was in their very own city. So we from Colorado Springs endeavored to at least try to make sure Colorado’s greater Transgender Community was rightly represented. Because this would finally prove to be the real Day of Reckoning where the Senator’s inconsistencies on the Trans-Inclusive ENDA would indeed be brought to light - and hopefully corrected.

 

I made sure to get LisaJo and I RSVPed in for the gathering up in Denver; and kept abreast of the situation, when the venue for it suddenly was changed from the Gill Action Building to the Park Avenue Lofts a day before it was to happen. I also printed a couple more copies of that online spreadsheet that showed where all the Senators stood in Washington DC, regarding the all-inclusive Federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act. So when that Saturday did arrive, we were ready - and all set - to go!!

 

We found the location of the Community Meeting after some minor detours amongst Denver’s sometimes difficult one-way Downtown streets; and got parked there 10 minutes prior to its appointed beginning. And because a certain elevator wasn’t working, a lovely onsite staffer had to lead us along a winding route that eventually had us on the top floor of that complex of expensive Lofts at 19^th and Clarkson. The actual site of the event up there was the Club Room, a place that appeared to be normally devoted to the recreational interests of those who lived in that complex.

 

LisaJo and I met and chatted with one other Trans-woman just before the meeting commenced. Her name was Nicole - and she was from a local LGBT-affirming ELCA Lutheran church. When asked where all the other Transgender people were, she said she had just come from a function at the Gender Identity Center where a lot of girls were - but they did not seem interested, when she told them about this opportunity to meet with the Senator. I didn’t see anyone representing The Center there, either. But I could be wrong about that, because other people were still filtering in by the time Senator Bennet arrived - and things really got underway

 

Speaking of the Senator, he began just prior to the official part of things by shaking hands and graciously greeting those of us who were at the front of the room. Most everyone was smiling whilst this was going on - but when Mr. Bennet got to LisaJo, her serious-looking expression caused him to say out loud "You’re not smiling...", to which she simply retorted "You waffled!" - and quickly let him know what she was referring to. The Senator then just as swiftly spoke forth a promise to explain and clarify the matter during the course of the meeting. After the preliminaries and pleasantries were out of the way, other people in the assemblage brought up all the key concerns of the LGBT Community at large. Like getting rid of the "Don’t Ask Don’t Tell" policy towards LGBT folks in the Military; supporting the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Legislation, Not letting the Ryan White Act that helps people living with AIDS via special funding expire; supporting the Trans-Inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) of 2009; and repealing the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

 

Before the gathering ended, Senator Bennet quickly affirmed that he would properly address and handle every LGBT issue to our liking when he returned to Washington DC and his staff were way interested in getting a copy of that ENDA tally spreadsheet I brought forth, which proved the Senator’s words in Colorado weren’t matching what he was actually doing at the Capitol. A short lady who was with the team Mr. Bennet brought promised that they’d get this discrepancy fixed - and that it will soon be seen that the Senator is indeed in support of the all-inclusive ENDA. We were finally satisfied with this response. But why Senator Bennet tried to make excuse for initially admitting that he would not vote to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is another issue worthy of a totally separate blog...

 

In Conclusion

Although this was a very long and detailed account of just exactly what I witnessed and went through, when it came to resolving the inconsistencies and discrepancies which created static in the communication lines between Senator Michael Bennet and his LGBT Constituents in Colorado, I do not apologized for its huge size. Again - I posted this story to let others know how they might go about bringing change where apparent misunderstandings and communication glitches might be the only sticking points. I also want to make it clear that I in no way am alleging that the Senator had knowingly done anything nefarious. I am just bringing to light a process whereby common grassroots-level people can know that they hold the key, are empowered - and must hold their representatives accountable when what is said back home doesn’t match what’s actually done in Washington DC.

Sincerely,

Nancy-Jo Morris

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Take a stand against Anti-Trans Hate!

April 12th, 2009 5:51 pm MDT

Take a stand against Anti-Trans Hate -

Light a Candle for Angie!

I am lighting a Candle for Angie Zapata as the trial of her murderer approaches this Tuesday, April 14th. I urge all my friends to take a stand for Trans-Inclusive Hate Crimes Protections on a Federal level. See http://www.angiezapata.com for more...

Sincerely,
Nancy-Jo

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A TG Holiday Commentary from Nancy-Jo

December 26th, 2008 12:54 pm MST

Sad-Eyed Lady of the Lowlands?

Hell No! - Street Level where I Live is 6000 Feet!

(A TG Holiday Commentary From Nancy-Jo)

This year, just as I have for the last couple of years, I spent Christmas totally alone. Aside from one homemade decoration that a dear co-worker from my job had given me (which got broken before I could even get it home), there was no sign that this festive season had ever come upon us - especially if you went by how my apartment looked. No lights, no Christmas tree; and definitely no presents.

So no - the gaily-illuminated house behind me in some of the e-card pics I sent out (sigh), is NOT mine at all!

Was I boycotting Christmas? Did I threaten Santa with a union picket at his Toy Factory, if he were to step foot upon my roof last night? Did I go heathen - and strike Jesus’ Birthday from my calendar of events to honor? Judging by the preposterous nature of those questions, those who actually know me well would surely know that none of the above could ever be true!

It’s just that some people (like Trans-women who are also blatant Political Activists in a grossly-Conservative town), live in a personal no-man’s-land that few others are willing to walk alongside them in. Now before you dub this as some pathetic Prologue to a St. Nancy-Jo the Martyr Pity Party, please hear my point:

During the Holidays, many Trans-folk find themselves completely forgotten. More often than not, their Families of Origin would consider their sudden, unannounced and totally transformed appearance at the huge, reunion-like festive feasts commonly held at this time to be a recipe for certain emotional disaster. So the hosts of these events in many cases just lie low, conveniently do not send THAT person an invitation - and hope they don’t show up anyway, lest the Grand-kids take to asking all kinds of hard questions; and someone who may have been nursing the spiked egg nog for far too long, gets way tempted to launch into a drunken Sermon against all Queerness!

Hmmm - that’s definitely NOT the stuff which commonly passes as good ti-dings of com-fort and joy, comfort and joy...!

Other Trans-folk who blossomed later in life may likewise lose the fellowship of the very families they built, supported and eventually saw off with the help of a now ex-spouse who, despite all that, would just as soon see them dead and gone. So all the love that once used to flourish in those relationships appears now and forever to be away in a manger!

But what of excellent friends and associates? Well, a lot of them DO have families that they can and will spend quality time with during these Tradition-filled days. Many of these are strong Allies to their Transgender friends - and will be secure enough in their psyche or ego to invite that forlorn friend into their family-fest; but a lot of times, quite due to the hectic nature of the Yule Season, even they just innocently forget.

Winter sicknesses can also steal away wonderful social opportunities at local houses of worship or even bars and clubs. Actually, that was the Temporary Nemesis that kept me home, later on Christmas Eve. During such a physiological struggle, ofttimes the only visitors sure to come your way are two frumpy old girlfriends whose names are Holly Dae Loneliness followed by Lady Dee Preshun!

No matter what the reason, the net result is many times all the same - a large percentage of the Trans Community will be home alone during Christmas and/or New Years. And for some of these folks, this can lead to a potential disaster because suicide rates in all people-groups across the board (and especially within OURS), tend to ironically be highest during the holiday season.

Obviously no one can take precision steps to absolutely guarantee that anyone else will pull through a sad and lonely time this Winter. A vast portion of the responsibility lies with the person in question, themselves. But just dropping a line by e-mail, card or phone is far better than doing totally nothing to help.

So please remember your TG friends, while you enjoy your holiday season... You just might make their day, week, month or YEAR!

Lovingly,
Nancy-Jo Morris
Colorado Springs, USA

In MySpace:  http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=109968289

Yahoo http://360.yahoo.com/nancy_jo58

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URNA http://profiles.urnotalone.com/71878

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Equality - I spoke that word as if a Wedding Vow... Anti-Proposition 8 Rally in Colorado Springs!

December 21st, 2008 12:50 pm MST

My Back Pages Revisited - November 16, 2008

Equality - I spoke that word as if a Wedding Vow...
Anti-Proposition 8 Rally in Colorado Springs!

Bob Dylan ranted about Equality (or rather, the lack thereof) over 40 years ago. Yet here we are once again having to reckon with it in a slightly different way within this Cultural War right now!

And the sad thing is that many of the very Racial Minorities whom Dylan openly advocated for in his once highly controversial Political Statement songs of the 60s, somehow deemed it necessary to vote against Equality for yet another set of Minorities over one of the very Issues and Rights that they themselves had been so wrongfully denied of, back in those bad old days!

How pathetically hypocritical !!! ...

Here are the links to some selected video clips from the Protest and Call to Action of The Impact Anti-H8 Rally here in Colorado Springs, Colorado between 11:30 am and 12:15 pm on Saturday, November 15, 2008

Proposition 8 was the Amendment to the California State Constitution that repealed Gay Marriage over there on November 4th - and many across America view that legislation as an illegitimate act of Discrimination, wrong-headed incompassion, rank Bigotry and straight-out elitist hate!

Although our Rally wasn't huge like Woodstock or anything, it was historic, in that such a thing could take place at all, in a city where 58 Far Right religious organizations (including the International Headquarters of Focus on the Family) are located!

The vids were recorded by a local member of the ACLU, I believe - and all are very short segments (shorter than your favorite song, I'm sure of it!)

The second of two speeches that I gave there (yes - I'm not afraid of Ultra-Conservative Colorado Springs) appears in Link 2 of the first 4 listed below.

~ Nancy-Jo Morris

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqpBqDtLR7c&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_JTCD9oSm8
(the Nancy-Jo Speech)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onVHXy7TDik&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBMZxNVFKKM&feature=related

More from the
Anti-Proposition 8 Rally in Colorado Springs!

Here are some additional video links from the Protest and Call to Action of The Impact Anti-H8 Rally here in Colorado Springs, Colorado between 11:30 am and 12:15 pm on Saturday, November 15, 2008.

The first clip is a very professionally-done piece produced by CSaction which features powerful testimonials by concerned citizens and a Representative of the ACLU; the second is where Peterson Tuscano, an activist and performer from Connecticut spoke; and the third is of Argiope, a local Trans-girl who rose up to tell her story.

Who's that Blonde in purple who is almost in the way of the camera during that last speech??

It's me -
Nancy-Jo!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwGrg9k9i7c&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXQS2dlqAJU&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl3TmLb3Mcg&feature=related

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The Wicked Messenger (HRC Remix)

August 13th, 2008 9:17 pm MDT

Trans-Forsaking HRC Utilizes News of Angie's Demise to Snag Good PR, Contributions -

Dear Friends,

Usually I write my own articles - but THIS is an utterly obscene OUTRAGE!

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The Wicked Messenger (HRC Remix)

August 13th, 2008 9:16 pm MDT

Trans-Forsaking HRC Utilizes News of Angie's Demise to Snag Good PR, Contributions -

Dear Friends,

Usually I write my own articles - but THIS is an utterly obscene OUTRAGE!

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The Wicked Messenger (HRC Remix) Trans-Forsaking HRC Utilizes News of Angie's Demise to Snag Good PR

August 13th, 2008 9:14 pm MDT

Trans-Forsaking HRC Utilizes News of Angie's Demise to Snag Good PR, Contributions -

Dear Friends,

Usually I write my own articles - but THIS is an utterly obscene OUTRAGE!

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Benefit Memorial for Angie Zapata

July 26th, 2008 4:28 pm MDT

Benefit Memorial for Angie Zapata - July 26, 2008 - Knockin' on Heaven's Door

Everyone!

No matter what is determined by the Authorities in Greeley, Colorado, I am thoroughly convinced that Angie Zapata was savagely attacked and killed in the hideous manner that she was, mainly because she was a Trans-woman.

Though I did not know her personally, her death caused me to weep off and on a number of days when I heard of it. Because she was in a real sense, one of my sisters. One of many whom I have worked hard for as a Colorado Transgender Activist to help get viable, practical and enforceable laws passed which would in the end make life much better for us all.

Trans-inclusive laws are great - but as seen here, no manner of legislation can totally stop hate-driven outlaws from falling upon their hapless victims to take even their very lives from them.

In keeping with the theme of my blog, I have entitled this sad entry in part: "Knockin' on Heaven's Door", since that's one of my favorite Bob Dylan songs - and I sincerely believe that if we were to go see Angie right now, we would have to knock upon the glorious Portal and Entryway to the sublime regions of Heaven to visit with her. Because that must be where she is today - totally blessed with the incomparable beauty and unspeakable peace which she probably sought time and time again, while in this earthly realm.

Her friends and loved ones, nevertheless, miss her...

Meanwhile. what can we in the Greater Community do to show our love and sympathy?

Please consider this: Either contribute to this most worthy Memorial Fund or attend the associated event, which happens Sunday, July 27, 2008.

It is one small way to both help ease the pain of Angie's grieving family and also stand in solidarity against the kind of hatred and senseless violence that took her life.

Sincerely,
Nancy-Jo Morris

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Benefit Memorial for Angie Zapata

July 26th, 2008 4:21 pm MDT

Benefit Memorial for Angie Zapata - July 27, 2008 - Knockin' on Heaven's Door

Everyone!

No matter what is determined by the Authorities in Greeley, Colorado, I am thoroughly convinced that Angie Zapata was savagely attacked and killed in the hideous manner that she was, mainly because she was a Trans-woman.

Though I did not know her personally, her death caused me to weep off and on a number of days when I heard of it. Because she was in a real sense, one of my sisters. One of many whom I have worked hard for as a Colorado Transgender Activist to help get viable, practical and enforceable laws passed which would in the end make life much better for us all.

Trans-inclusive laws are great - but as seen here, no manner of legislation can totally stop hate-driven outlaws from falling upon their hapless victims to take even their very lives from them.

In keeping with the theme of my blog, I have entitled this sad entry in part: "Knockin' on Heaven's Door", since that's one of my favorite Bob Dylan songs - and I sincerely believe that if we were to go see Angie right now, we would have to knock upon the glorious Portal and Entryway to the sublime regions of Heaven to visit with her. Because that must be where she is today - totally blessed with the incomparable beauty and unspeakable peace which she probably sought time and time again, while in this earthly realm.

Her friends and loved ones, nevertheless, miss her...

Meanwhile. what can we in the Greater Community do to show our love and sympathy?

Please consider this: Either contribute to this most worthy Memorial Fund or attend the associated event, which happens Sunday, July 27, 2008. (See official ad below)

It is one small way to both help ease the pain of Angie's grieving family and also stand in solidarity against the kind of hatred and senseless violence that took her life.

Sincerely,
Nancy-Jo Morris

Greetings!

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Benefit Memorial for Angie Zapata

July 26th, 2008 4:18 pm MDT

Benefit Memorial for Angie Zapata - July 27, 2008 - Knockin' on Heaven's Door Everyone! No matter what is determined by the Authorities in Greeley, Colorado, I am thoroughly convinced that Angie Zapata was savagely attacked and killed in the hideous manner that she was, mainly because she was a Trans-woman. Though I did not know her personally, her death caused me to weep off and on a number of days when I heard of it. Because she was in a real sense, one of my sisters. One of many whom I have worked hard for as a Colorado Transgender Activist to help get viable, practical and enforceable laws passed which would in the end make life much better for us all. Trans-inclusive laws are great - but as seen here, no manner of legislation can totally stop hate-driven outlaws from falling upon their hapless victims to take even their very lives from them. In keeping with the theme of my blog, I have entitled this sad entry in part: "Knockin' on Heaven's Door", since that's one of my favorite Bob Dylan songs - and I sincerely believe that if we were to go see Angie right now, we would have to knock upon the glorious Portal and Entryway to the sublime regions of Heaven to visit with her. Because that must be where she is today - totally blessed with the incomparable beauty and unspeakable peace which she probably sought time and time again, while in this earthly realm. Her friends and loved ones, nevertheless, miss her... Meanwhile. what can we in the Greater Community do to show our love and sympathy? Please consider this: Either contribute to this most worthy Memorial Fund or attend the associated event, which happens Sunday, July 27, 2008. (See official ad below) It is one small way to both help ease the pain of Angie's grieving family and also stand in solidarity against the kind of hatred and senseless violence that took her life. Sincerely, Nancy-Jo Morris   ----- Original Message ----- From: Colorado Anti-Violence Program Subject: Benefit for Angie Zapata Benefit for Angie Zapata Greetings! We hope that you are able to attend the Benefit for Angie Zapata on July 27th hosted by her friends and family. On Thursday, July 17, Angie Zapata, an 18-year old Latina transgender woman was found murdered in her home in Greeley, CO. It appears that there may be anti-transgender motive in this brutal crime. It is believed that the suspect has stolen Angie's sister's car, a very dark forest green 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser with the Colorado license plate number 441ORN. There is a hubcap missing on the front passenger-side tire and there is paint missing on the front bumper on the driver-side, under the headlight. Anyone with information about the car is asked to call the Greeley police through the communications center, 970-350-9600 . "We want to get the whole community involved to find this person who hurt my sister and to let everyone be aware that all she wanted was to be beautiful. We want this violence to end. Transgender people deserve to be treated with respect," said Angie's sister Monica. The Colorado Anti-Violence Program will be sending out information soon about a community organized vigil to be held in Angie's honor early next month. Benefit for Angie Zapata What: Fundraiser for Angie Zapata's Memorial Fund When: Sunday, July 27th at 8 pm Where: Sipres Lounge 1490 County Road 27 Brighton, CO 80603 If you are unable to attend, consider making a contribution to Angie Zapata's memorial fund. Contributions may be made at Academy Bank in Wal-Mart, 60 W. Bromley Lane, Brighton or checks made payable to Monica Murquia may be mailed to CAVP at P.O. Box 181085, Denver, CO 80218.

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Benefit Memorial for Angie Zapata - July 26, 2008 - Knockin' on Heaven's Door

July 26th, 2008 4:12 pm MDT

Benefit Memorial for Angie Zapata - July 26, 2008 - Knockin' on Heaven's Door

Everyone!

No matter what is determined by the Authorities in Greeley, Colorado, I am thoroughly convinced that Angie Zapata was savagely attacked and killed in the hideous manner that she was, mainly because she was a Trans-woman.

Though I did not know her personally, her death caused me to weep off and on a number of days when I heard of it. Because she was in a real sense, one of my sisters. One of many whom I have worked hard for as a Colorado Transgender Activist to help get viable, practical and enforceable laws passed which would in the end make life much better for us all.

Trans-inclusive laws are great - but as seen here, no manner of legislation can totally stop hate-driven outlaws from falling upon their hapless victims to take even their very lives from them.

In keeping with the theme of my blog, I have entitled this sad entry in part: "Knockin' on Heaven's Door", since that's one of my favorite Bob Dylan songs - and I sincerely believe that if we were to go see Angie right now, we would have to knock upon the glorious Portal and Entryway to the sublime regions of Heaven to visit with her. Because that must be where she is today - totally blessed with the incomparable beauty and unspeakable peace which she probably sought time and time again, while in this earthly realm.

Her friends and loved ones, nevertheless, miss her...

Meanwhile. what can we in the Greater Community do to show our love and sympathy?

Please consider this: Either contribute to this most worthy Memorial Fund or attend the associated event, which happens Sunday, July 27, 2008. (See official ad below)

It is one small way to both help ease the pain of Angie's grieving family and also stand in solidarity against the kind of hatred and senseless violence that took her life.

Sincerely,
Nancy-Jo Morris

----- Original Message -----

From: Colorado Anti-Violence Program

Subject: Benefit for

Greetings!

We hope that you are able to attend the Benefit for Angie Zapata on July 27th hosted by her friends and family.

On Thursday, July 17, Angie Zapata, an 18-year old Latina transgender woman was found murdered in her home in Greeley, CO. It appears that there may be anti-transgender motive in this brutal crime.

It is believed that the suspect has stolen Angie's sister's car, a very dark forest green 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser with the Colorado license plate number 441ORN. There is a hubcap missing on the front passenger-side tire and there is paint missing on the front bumper on the driver-side, under the headlight. Anyone with information about the car is asked to call the Greeley police through the communications center, 970-350-9600 .

"We want to get the whole community involved to find this person who hurt my sister and to let everyone be aware that all she wanted was to be beautiful. We want this violence to end. Transgender people deserve to be treated with respect," said Angie's sister Monica.

The Colorado Anti-Violence Program will be sending out information soon about a community organized vigil to be held in Angie's honor early next month.

Benefit for Angie Zapata

What: Fundraiser for Angie Zapata's Memorial Fund

When: Sunday, July 27th at 8 pm

Where: Sipres Lounge
1490 County Road 27
Brighton, CO 80603

If you are unable to attend, consider making a contribution to Angie Zapata's memorial fund. Contributions may be made at Academy Bank in Wal-Mart, 60 W. Bromley Lane, Brighton or checks made payable to Monica Murquia may be mailed to CAVP at P.O. Box 181085, Denver, CO 80218.

 

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Benefit Memorial for Angie Zapata - July 26, 2008 - Knockin' on Heaven's Door

July 26th, 2008 4:06 pm MDT

Benefit Memorial for Angie Zapata - July 26, 2008 - Knockin' on Heaven's Door

Everyone! No matter what is determined by the Authorities in Greeley, Colorado, I am thoroughly convinced that Angie Zapata was savagely attacked and killed in the hideous manner that she was, mainly because she was a Trans-woman. Though I did not know her personally, her death caused me to weep off and on a number of days when I heard of it. Because she was in a real sense, one of my sisters. One of many whom I have worked hard for as a Colorado Transgender Activist to help get viable, practical and enforceable laws passed which would in the end make life much better for us all. Trans-inclusive laws are great - but as seen here, no manner of legislation can totally stop hate-driven outlaws from falling upon their hapless victims to take even their very lives from them. In keeping with the theme of my blog, I have entitled this sad entry in part: "Knockin' on Heaven's Door", since that's one of my favorite Bob Dylan songs - and I sincerely believe that if we were to go see Angie right now, we would have to knock upon the glorious Portal and Entryway to the sublime regions of Heaven to visit with her. Because that must be where she is today - totally blessed with the incomparable beauty and unspeakable peace which she probably sought time and time again, while in this earthly realm. Her friends and loved ones, nevertheless, miss her... Meanwhile. what can we in the Greater Community do to show our love and sympathy? Please consider this: Either contribute to this most worthy Memorial Fund or attend the associated event, which happens Sunday, July 27, 2008. (See official ad below) It is one small way to both help ease the pain of Angie's grieving family and also stand in solidarity against the kind of hatred and senseless violence that took her life. Sincerely, Nancy-Jo Morris   ----- Original Message ----- From: Colorado Anti-Violence Program Subject: Benefit for Angie Zapata Benefit for Angie Zapata Greetings! We hope that you are able to attend the Benefit for Angie Zapata on July 27th hosted by her friends and family. On Thursday, July 17, Angie Zapata, an 18-year old Latina transgender woman was found murdered in her home in Greeley, CO. It appears that there may be anti-transgender motive in this brutal crime. It is believed that the suspect has stolen Angie's sister's car, a very dark forest green 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser with the Colorado license plate number 441ORN. There is a hubcap missing on the front passenger-side tire and there is paint missing on the front bumper on the driver-side, under the headlight. Anyone with information about the car is asked to call the Greeley police through the communications center, 970-350-9600 . "We want to get the whole community involved to find this person who hurt my sister and to let everyone be aware that all she wanted was to be beautiful. We want this violence to end. Transgender people deserve to be treated with respect," said Angie's sister Monica. The Colorado Anti-Violence Program will be sending out information soon about a community organized vigil to be held in Angie's honor early next month. Benefit for Angie Zapata What: Fundraiser for Angie Zapata's Memorial Fund When: Sunday, July 27th at 8 pm Where: Sipres Lounge 1490 County Road 27 Brighton, CO 80603 If you are unable to attend, consider making a contribution to Angie Zapata's memorial fund. Contributions may be made at Academy Bank in Wal-Mart, 60 W. Bromley Lane, Brighton or checks made payable to Monica Murquia may be mailed to CAVP at P.O. Box 181085, Denver, CO 80218.

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Benefit Memorial for Angie Zapata - July 26, 2008 - Knockin' on Heaven's Door

July 26th, 2008 4:04 pm MDT

Benefit Memorial for Angie Zapata - July 27, 2008 - Knockin' on Heaven's Door Everyone! No matter what is determined by the Authorities in Greeley, Colorado, I am thoroughly convinced that Angie Zapata was savagely attacked and killed in the hideous manner that she was, mainly because she was a Trans-woman. Though I did not know her personally, her death caused me to weep off and on a number of days when I heard of it. Because she was in a real sense, one of my sisters. One of many whom I have worked hard for as a Colorado Transgender Activist to help get viable, practical and enforceable laws passed which would in the end make life much better for us all. Trans-inclusive laws are great - but as seen here, no manner of legislation can totally stop hate-driven outlaws from falling upon their hapless victims to take even their very lives from them. In keeping with the theme of my blog, I have entitled this sad entry in part: "Knockin' on Heaven's Door", since that's one of my favorite Bob Dylan songs - and I sincerely believe that if we were to go see Angie right now, we would have to knock upon the glorious Portal and Entryway to the sublime regions of Heaven to visit with her. Because that must be where she is today - totally blessed with the incomparable beauty and unspeakable peace which she probably sought time and time again, while in this earthly realm. Her friends and loved ones, nevertheless, miss her... Meanwhile. what can we in the Greater Community do to show our love and sympathy? Please consider this: Either contribute to this most worthy Memorial Fund or attend the associated event, which happens Sunday, July 27, 2008. (See official ad below) It is one small way to both help ease the pain of Angie's grieving family and also stand in solidarity against the kind of hatred and senseless violence that took her life. Sincerely, Nancy-Jo Morris   ----- Original Message ----- From: Colorado Anti-Violence Program Subject: Benefit for Angie Zapata Benefit for Angie Zapata Greetings! We hope that you are able to attend the Benefit for Angie Zapata on July 27th hosted by her friends and family. On Thursday, July 17, Angie Zapata, an 18-year old Latina transgender woman was found murdered in her home in Greeley, CO. It appears that there may be anti-transgender motive in this brutal crime. It is believed that the suspect has stolen Angie's sister's car, a very dark forest green 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser with the Colorado license plate number 441ORN. There is a hubcap missing on the front passenger-side tire and there is paint missing on the front bumper on the driver-side, under the headlight. Anyone with information about the car is asked to call the Greeley police through the communications center, 970-350-9600 . "We want to get the whole community involved to find this person who hurt my sister and to let everyone be aware that all she wanted was to be beautiful. We want this violence to end. Transgender people deserve to be treated with respect," said Angie's sister Monica. The Colorado Anti-Violence Program will be sending out information soon about a community organized vigil to be held in Angie's honor early next month. Benefit for Angie Zapata What: Fundraiser for Angie Zapata's Memorial Fund When: Sunday, July 27th at 8 pm Where: Sipres Lounge 1490 County Road 27 Brighton, CO 80603 If you are unable to attend, consider making a contribution to Angie Zapata's memorial fund. Contributions may be made at Academy Bank in Wal-Mart, 60 W. Bromley Lane, Brighton or checks made payable to Monica Murquia may be mailed to CAVP at P.O. Box 181085, Denver, CO 80218.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Wicked Messenger

March 10th, 2008 1:08 am MDT

The Wicked Messenger:

Gay Columnist’s Anti-Trans Hype was NOT funny...

First Amendment rights notwithstanding, when it comes to some on-going, really sensitive subjects, the last line in the Bob Dylan tune of like title states, "If you cannot bring good news, then don’t bring any!"

Irresponsible ridicule dehumanizes the target of the derision and often leads to bullying or worse...

As many in the national LGBT Community are still reeling from the senseless February 12^th slaying of 15 year old Lawrence King at the hands of a classmate, simply because he was openly Gay and gender-variant, out plops this stinking load of anti-Transgender crap last week from an hour’s drive north of me in Denver:

"Homo-Razzi in the News" by Benjamin Paige - 7 Year Old Transvestites in Public Schools - Gayzette http://ai.eecs.umich.edu/people/conway/TS/News/US/Benjamin%20Paige/ben-paige-hi-res.jpg

----------- See above link for the vile details: ----------

Pam Bennett, a very influential member of the Colorado Trans Community who recently ran for a city council seat in the City of Aurora, Colorado took the issue on immediately and the following resulted:

Gay publication apologizes to community for article about transgender Colorado student

by Nick Langewis

http://pageoneq.com/news/2008/Gay_publication_apologizes_to_community_for_article_about_transgender_Colorado_stud_0307.html

A monthly magazine out of Denver has issued a retraction and apology to the LGBT community following hyperbole gone wrong in the publication of an Op/Ed column about a transgender Colorado student...

----------- See above link for the entire story: ----------

Certain TG activists and concerned citizens including myself have taken other steps to try mending this slashing cut in the fabric of the Rainbow Flag made by a person who, given the position he holds in Colorado’s LGBT Community, ought to in all seriousness have known better!

 

And even though the Publisher of the Gayzette, Rich DeMarah, has publicly apologized and thankfully retracted that heinous article, as far as I'm concerned, the damage is already done. That columnist spoke his first mind on Transgender issues. He clearly doesn't "get it" but even beyond that, he has thrown his hat in the ring with haters like the 58 Far Right religious organizations here in Colorado Springs, some of which made similar public rants against this child and her family!

The original article NEVER should have seen the light of day in any respectable LGBT media outlet - unless The Gayzette has the same sentiments against Transgender people as he does. But whatever the case, that article is already out there in the hands of the LGBT Community - and therefore has already strengthened the attitudes of Gay sectarian elitism, perpetuated hateful, anti-Trans ignorance, and has fueled the fires of the same Equality-stifling, inexcusably divisive bigotry that got us full-time Trans-folk stripped out of the most recent try for a Federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act!

Also, consider this fact: Retractions never get the same front billing as the original article gets in any news publication!

Therefore I, for one, will stand against anything that the author of that hate-speech is part of until he spends EQUAL TIME rebuilding the bridges his hypocritical prejudices have burnt down.

If he balks at making it properly right, I will use all the power I currently have in the TS Activist Community to go against this offender.

He should lose his job over this because it is FAR worse than Mr. Imus' quip about "nappy-headed ho's" which lost him his job!

HOWEVER - I shall first look for the full extent of that retraction before I decide to launch my Nationally-Based "answer" to this anti-Trans nonsense!!!

Nancy-Jo Morris
of Colorado Springs

Recipient of the Thomas G Martin Activist Award of 2007 (along with 3 other awards on that year for my activist role in the LGBT Community at large).
Executive Facilitator of PAGE (Peak Area Gender Expressions) Serving the Transgender Community of Southern Colorado
Co-Chair - El Paso County Stonewall Democrats (Not speaking on behalf of the Caucus here)

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With God On Our Side...

February 17th, 2008 3:30 pm MST

With God On Our Side -

Power-Plays and Ploys used to Promote Prejudices and Pet Peeves.

WARNING: This article cuts both ways!

Most of us in the LGBT Community are all too familiar with the hurtful schemes, plans and scams that Far Right religionists and politicians come up with, to justify their insistence that we do not deserve the same rights and privileges as they do in society. As I have said in past writings, the mildest of these insulting attacks is to claim we are asking for "special" rights when all we are asking for is a level playing field of EQUAL rights. And what fuels the twisted logic behind this ruinous rhetoric and brutish behavior?As Bob Dylan so aptly spells out in his appropriately-titled anti-war tune of the 60s, These people simply claim they have God on their side.They claim that THEIR God says we are heinous sinners - and unrepentant sinners who rebel against the "natural order of things" (they really try to hang this one on us Transgender folks) cannot ever be made equal to saints...

Never mind that many of these so-called "saints" had been caught up to their necks in Enron-like misadventures of filthy lucre. Or in clandestine Gay sex scandals. Or in horrific domestic abuse cases. Or had by their countless adulteries, illicit affairs, and frivolous divorces trashed the Institution of Marriage LONG before any Gay couples ever started clamoring for State-sanctioned, Church-ordained nuptials.

And whose "natural order" are they talking about, anyway? How can they appeal to "Mother Nature" in this case, when they normally impugn Darwinian Naturalists, tree-hugging Environmentalists and Pagans whose faith follows nature’s Circle of Life? (Come on, now - they can’t have it both ways!)

Nevertheless, in accordance with Hitler’s chief strategy, they drone on and on promulgating the Big Lie, in the hopes that society would continue to buy into it - and thus not lose any sleep over heartlessly discriminating against people who in their minds are way too different (and therefore must be sub-human anyway).

But before we go after the Far Right’s hypocrisy too vehemently here, some on the Far Left had better look in the mirror first!

Some Gay theologians and ministers violently trash the validity of the Bible just to justify their Gayness - then want to claim that the God promoted in that "flawed" book is the same one who vindicates them. I obviously do not have a problem with anyone’s sexual orientation, but sorry - they can’t have it both ways either! In my mind, any god who cannot keep his own words from getting flawed by mere mortal men is himself seriously flawed and woefully impotent. I don’t need that sort of defense attorney to back me up! (Those who preach this way ought to at least admit that they are no longer Christians!)

And then there is that stupefying phenomenon of the Unity-stifling, Equality-delaying "Tranny Wars". You know - the one where blushing, beautiful Post-Op girls run to their new gilded closets and disavow ever being a "disgusting Transgender anything". They swear off any association whatsoever with the Trans Community at large and wouldn’t be caught dead helping another sister pull through the Hell of Transition, lest they be "outed" via "guilt by association"! Or where Drag Queens say "I’m not Transgender - I’m Gay..." Or where deeply-sequestered Cross-dressers claim one-upmanship because they "Are at least not Gay, nor so far deluded as to want to get THAT surgery done!" Or where full-time TG gals rake the part-timers over the coals for being "cowardly weekend warriors". And each sub-set claims almost dogmatic religious-like rights to assume the preeminence over the others.

It is so hypocritically pathetic!!!

In my political forays, I have also found no shortage of so-called "Progressives" who still have a big problem with TRULY treating me and other Transgender people equally and respectfully. One high official in my own political party was quoted as having said of my ascension to power in El Paso County, "How did THAT happen? That Nancy-Jo was supposed to be gone from here a long time ago! We don’t mind those people working for us behind the scenes - but we cannot afford to have some Transsexual be the Face of our Party!"

At least he didn’t claim God told him to say that...

Um, well - I think it’s time that I jump into that God power-play bit, myself. I’ll claim the Divine Rights of Queens, begin the T version of the Doctrine of Manifest Destiny, incite the Militant Arm and Sword of the Trans-Girl Liberation Revolution - and THEN openly promote my Program for World Domination!

Because I have God on my side!

But on second thought - maybe I just need another cup of coffee...

The Painfully Pragmatic
Nancy-Jo

[4 comments]

All I Really Want To Do... - May 6, 2007

May 6th, 2007 3:45 am MDT

Many people in "Mainstream Society" totally misunderstand the LGBT Community - and especially the "T" Part. So much so that like Bob Dylan’s tune with the above title, I have to start in by telling them what we in all truthfulness do NOT intend to do with (or to) them!

Then I make it clear that "All I really wanna do - is baby be friends with you!"

The Far Right pundits, politicians, preachers and pseudo-psychologists (yes, this means you, James Dobson!) have done such a splendid job of rearing up their self-fabricated, monstrously grim Spectre of the "civilization-threatening, Satan-inspired Gay Agenda" that the general populace unfortunately gets duped into believing their home-spun lies.

Case in point: ENDAs (Employment Non-Discrimination Amendments), Gay Adoption Bills, Hate-Crimes legislation and Gay Marriage. On these hot issues, I often end up doing an odd form of "TG Apologetics" and "Outreach Education" even to get my non-Gay or non-Transgender friends to halfway grab a hold of where we all are coming from!

Concerning most of these, the Bigots claim we are after "special" rights that no one else has. That’s pure hogwash, jackal excrement and horse dung!

After President Lincoln set the slaves free in 1863 all the laws were in place for Blacks to have true liberty. But that freedom didn’t truly happen. Blacks only got to be dirt-poor share-croppers while the Whites no longer had to house, feed or cloth them anymore! The so-called better laws of the victorious Union were not ever equitably enforced. Racial bigots used religion and economics to circumvent justice. Then the heinous Jim Crow system of so-called jurisprudence rose up. It wasn’t until 1963+ when the Civil Rights Movement FORCED the entrenched Hegemony of Hatred to begin crumbling.

Because sinful and selfish mankind NEVER willingly surrenders or shares the Seat of Power with anyone merely because it’s the right thing to do.

And just for the record - we ain’t waiting no 100 years to walk in True Freedom and Equality!!!

Some say being Gay isn’t like the Racial issue - which becomes an issue instantly upon a glance - and is DNA-verifiable. Because (according to these critics) Gayness is a type of activity and not a real state of being. One can simply NOT do any Gay sex - or not tell anyone if you do engage in it. But being Transsexual IS built in - some way, some how. It is a state of being (i.e. you are Trans, no matter what you do or don’t do); - and it likewise is often detected at a glance. Especially when you’re a tall girl like me!

But from where I sit, you cannot immediately tell if a person is Straight either. (Ask the fallen Rev. Ted Haggard). Does that mean being Heterosexual isn’t a legitimate state of being either?

That infantile, myopic sort of logic just doesn’t fly in an intelligent world, my friends!

Our careers, our families, our safety, and our loves are all REAL - and are just as legitimate as any Straight person’s are. To deny that is to either admit utter stupidity - or to brazenly proclaim one’s raw, oppressive and un-Christlike prejudicial mentality. It’s just another instance of Jim Crow-ism. Except this one is written on PINK paper. Just Delete "Blacks" - and insert "Gays" or "Transgenders".

When you do that, Dylan’s old protest songs suddenly become relevant again!

It’s all the same damn poison - served up on a hypocritical Communion platter in the name of an evil IDOL of DEATH that the Far Right deceptively portrays as the True and Living God!

 

Anticipating Divine Self-Vindication...
Nancy-Jo

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Major Anti-LGBT Leader Falls

November 3rd, 2006 12:55 am MST

BREAKING NEWS___ Thursday, November 2, 2006___The Rev. Ted Haggard, senior pastor at 14,000-member New Life Church, resigned today as president of the 30-million-member National Association of Evangelicals, following allegations he paid a Denver man for sex over the last three years. (See this link from the Gazette of Colorado Springs): http://www.gazette.com/display.php?id=1326038______Besides Focus on the Family’s Dr. James Dobson himself, Rev Haggard has over the past few years been a major champion of Far Right Conservative Christianity’s anti-LGBT agenda, both locally and in some cases even nationally. In light of this breaking news, he ironically has hosted rallies aimed at opposing marriage equality for Gays - and has repeatedly preached that Homosexuality is a sin before God, no different than adultery or lying.___Can we now breach the subject of gross hypocrisy?!___Major national news sources are now scrambling around town to get the details on this story - but you all have an inside track on it right here. I will post whatever I find on it, as the whole truth comes forth.___Working hard for Equality___Nancy-Jo of Colorado Springs

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Get Ready, Girl - We’re Goin’ Down! (Goodbye to All My Friends...)

September 8th, 2006 11:54 am MDT

The Scene: A lone airplane has been circling the airport for what seems like an eternity. No matter what the pilot says or does to comply with FAA Protocol, the Control Tower has refused to give clearance to land. Now, with her fuel practically spent, the pilot makes her final circuit around. She has only one more shot at lining up with the runway to make a safe landing. She radios the Tower one last time - and... and... ___That’s exactly where my life is today. After 8 months and over 100 job contacts that ended in rejection, my last unemployment check will arrive in less than 2 weeks. If I am not hired somewhere before that happens, I shall plummet in a free-fall to homelessness and utter destitution. Not a good place for a Trans-girl to be. ___But such is the toll a hostile society exacts upon those whom it has deemed as unworthy and less than human. What is my crime? I requested permission to Transition on the job.___I’ve made a few friends here in URNA. But over time, they, for the most part, have forgotten me and moved on. Life is hard for the not-so-pretty, the poor and the soldiers on the front lines fighting for freedom.___even the freedoms of those who don’t care...___Since I cannot continue paying for my Internet connection, it won’t be long before I completely drop out of sight here and elsewhere. But my efforts to stand for the full Liberation of ALL T-girls will go on. No matter how bad off my life gets. It is my all-consuming passion. My Mission in this life.___So goodbye for now, girlfriends. Will I rise again? I don’t know. Will I find my One True Love? I thought I had - but I think she’s gone away from me, too. ___So I brace myself, look over the landscape below, then tell myself, "This is really it. Get Ready, Girl - WE’RE GOIN’ DOWN!"___This is Nancy-Jo of Colorado Springs signing off.___LONG LIVE THE REVOLUTION!!!___

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