Archive for the ‘transgender’ Category

Label, Label, Label

Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008

by Monica F. Helms Monica’s Picture

“Yer a cute girl.”

 

“I’ll let our mechanic take a look at this.”

 

“You still have a penis?  Then you’re not really a woman.”

 

Yes, in order to communicate as a human being, we need to label things to give other people a better understanding on what it is we are talking about.  If it weren’t for labels, we wouldn’t find the right foods in the grocery store.  We have to have labels to take the correct drugs, in the correct combination and at the correct time.  Harsh chemicals need labels to keep us from thinking we can use them in our mix drinks.  Labels not only help make our lives easier, but safer.

 

(more…)

Pastor Paul Turner’s Response to an invitation to the Atlanta HRC Dinner

Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008

The following was an E-mail response from Pastor Paul Turner, the Senior Pastor for Gentle Spirit Church, Atlanta, GA to an invitation to the Atlanta HRC Dinner, May 3, 2008. Read after the break.

(more…)

These Colors Don’t Run

Monday, January 28th, 2008

by Monica F. Helms Monica’s Picture

The saying, “These colors don’t run” is one most every American has heard at one time or another, referring to the colors on the American Flag. It’s a saying that is supposed to tell everyone not to mess with America because we will not back down from a fight. Of course, in recent years, we happen to become the bully, picking on other countries first.

In the recent intense situation of transgender people fighting for their rights, I have decided to adopt the same attitude toward those who want to prevent us from being included in equal rights legislation. “These colors don’t run,” but the colors are not that of the American Flag, but of another flag that has been seen more and more lately, the Transgender Pride Flag. TG Pride Flag

Created in 1999, the flag that has been used mostly by the transgender community has five stripes on it. The stripes at the top and bottom are light blue, the traditional color for baby boys. The stripes next to them are pink, the traditional color for baby girls. The stripe in the middle is white, for those who are intersex, transitioning or consider themselves having a neutral or undefined gender. The pattern is such that no matter which way you fly it, it is always correct, signifying us finding correctness in our lives. The one in the picture above is the original flag. (more…)