FACE OF EQUALITY: TIGER

 You can call me... Tiger

I identify as... third gender.  I consider myself to have both traditional male and female traits, but have also transformed into something integrated and beyond that, rather than being a stitched together patchwork of pick and mix cisgendered ideas.

My preferred gender pronouns are... Male, female, gender neutral

The thing about gender identity is... We all have a right to define ourselves and to be free from violence directed against that definition.

I like to... write, sing, read, review books, study criminal psychology, cook, drink coffee

I want people to understand... Anecdotal evidence about gender expression is a poor source for learning. If you are a parent especially, I would like to caution you against making logic leaps about the validity of the binary simply because your little boys like to pretend to shoot guns and because your little girls have tea parties.

To me, equality means... I don't wish to destroy the concepts of male and female. There are many cisgendered people who deserve their identities, too, and many trans folk that want to take on roles much like those embraced by the cisgendered. Equality, however, is the acknowledgment of a gender spectrum and the right of an individual to exist on it without violence. We should all have the right to leave or join a gender role without fear.

FACE OF EQUALITY: SUSAN

You can call me... Susan

I identify as... a transgender woman

My preferred gender pronouns are... she / her

The thing about gender identity is... it's this huge three dimensional space, and everyone has their own point, their own star, somewhere within it. It's not fixed for everyone, but fortunately there's an awful lot of room to move around and find the place we like best.

I like to... write lots of things! I'm a published author, a political commentator and lots more. I also like reading, gaming, biking, social networking and spending time with my wife.

I want people to understand... that there are so, so many different ways to be human. I want people to understand that I'm not a sin, I'm not a threat, I'm not a creep, I'm not broken or wrong, I'm a person, and I am real.

To me, equality means... that no one can take away or deny me my right to work, speak, travel and exist, simply because I am who I am.

FACE OF EQUALITY: DANIEL

You can call me... Daniel

I identify as... a gay male

My preferred gender pronouns are... I dont have a preference

The thing about gender identity is... That it is a really rewarding experience to help others to understand that "male" and "female" is just the tip of the iceberg

I like to... Imagine the end of human suffering.....

I want people to understand... That we have the potential to be a no limit species

To me, equality means... Believing.  Believing that everyone can be treated fairly, that we can overcome all forms of prejudice, that hunger and poverty can be eradicated, capital punishment can end, we could disband all armed forces, prisons could be emptied- believing in equality is what can make it a reality.

TOWARD FULL EQUALITY: TRANSGENDER CIVIL RIGHTS in 2011

ctEQUALITY & ACLU of CT collaborate to offer you an inspiring and educational community conversation about transgender civil rights.

 

For more information about ACLU of CT visit: www.acluct.org

Canada's Transgender Soldiers

Here in the United States we still can't get over "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", but contrary to what some may say or believe, other countries are, or are becoming, much more progressive when it comes to their militaries. Take Canada for instance. In order to accommodate a small portion of their soldiers (one or two) who transition every year, they are now allowing transgender soldiers to wear the uniform of their target gender. 

Congratulations Canada! (for being so progressive, and for taking those seemingly small steps that need to be taken) Now, if only you could convince Congress to see things from your point of view.