Sometimes you really have to be careful what you wish for and sometimes things happen that you want to happen until they happen.
So I'm minding my own business, trying to build my literary empire (one of the titles on the PS4 and X-Box 0ne I'm sure) and low and behold, people are taking notice. All i wanted to do was sell books, but it seems things have evolved to something a bit deeper. First off, on September the 3rd I'll have my first TV interview. There is a lot that goes into that, a lot of fear. I am not attractive and I really don't want to come across as some dude wearing a dress. I am trying to find a makeup artist so I look halfway presentable because the interview will be done by remote. I don't even know what the interview is going to consist of, but I do know I have to get 6 pictures taken and give something of a short bio. I hope I get the questions in advance because I have a habit of coming across as arrogant (because I am).
Then later in September I'm going to be part of a panel speaking about Gender Identity, spirituality and children. That is the scary one. I have a degree in Childhood growth, learning, and development, and I've stayed on top of things as best I could, but I'm no expect. Someone grabbed hold of my book, and said "no one else is saying this," and now I get to do more public speaking. The problem is, I don't know where I stand on a lot of issues. Issues like hormone blockers for kids. I'm on the fence. I think my stand is that it needs to be done on a case by case study, but I don't know if that's a stand at all.
So now I am back in the limelight. At least it's for something good. I still have an open invite to go to Ohio to speak too, if I could quit the paper route I would head up there.
When my first interview goes online, I will post a link. This way you can see me live on tape :)
Comments
those sound like good opportunities
praying for your success, hon.
In Ohio for speaking...
If you do end up speaking in Ohio, let me know where abouts and I might be able to attend, as that's my home state. :)
Peace be with you and Blessed be
Don't forget . .
. to let us know when and where the TV thing will air.
And good luck on all of it.
Very Cool
Katie,
I am happy for you. Seems like your prayers are being answered.
You go, girl. You've worked hard for this.
Joani
Congratulations on your success....
Or should I say be careful what you wish for?
Seriously, it's great to see someone that I know (OK, kind of at least) become successful. I truly hope that it all works out for the best for you!
As to what your stance is, well, I think that stating that there is no generic rule to be used where cases of gender disphoria are concerned is an excellent stance. In fact, in my opinion it is the only stance. I wholeheartedly agree that each case must be carefully examined on its own by fair and open minded people. The key here is that no one can or should be allowed to be judgmental towards those who identify as GID.
None of us are cookie-cutter instances of some textbook syndrome. We are all individuals - no matter how we identify gender wise. After all, just what is normal?
I think that if you simply state your own feelings and use your personal experience and that of those you know, then you will do a great job of presenting your stance.
As to the use of hormone blockers for kids, I am in favor of them. I only wish that I had known 35 years ago what I know today, and that I had been possessed of the courage to face my parents and the world and demand to be put on them. I would have had the opportunity to discover just who I really was, rather than being forced to conform to a false and made up persona. Perhaps I would have become the person that I dream of being, rather than what I am today. Either way, I would have had the choice - the option - to become that person.
Good luck and make sure to let us know when to watch you!
Dallas
D. Eden
Dum Vivimus, Vivamus
Taking a stand (or not)
Actually, I'd say that as with pretty much everything in biology and biochemistry, a case by case basis is the best approach. Particularly with hormone blockers, it's almost certainly best to make an informed decision based on the child's medical and case history to date. For example, if a child's GID has been known for a long time and they've been presenting as their target gender for an extended period of time, that would probably be strong evidence in favour; whereas if they'd only recently been expressing uncertainty the evidence on either side of the argument would probably be more balanced.
As for your TV spots, first of all well done, secondly do as much research into the TV / production company / interviewers as you can to prepare yourself for the kinds of things they may ask. It might be worth making clear that you reserve the right to refuse to answer anything wildly off-topic, and on the day itself, pretend your only audience is the camera operator (or interviewer if they provide you with a monitor feed of the studio).
Overall, just do the best you can - you can't expect to do any better! The important thing is the impression they get, rather than how you yourself think you've done. It's likely to be tempting to watch a recording of the interview and be hyper-critical of your performance, producing a huge list of "things I could have done better" - but it's likely the interviewer (and intended audience) won't notice (or may even overlook) your perceived failings.
As the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body, then only left-handers are in their right mind!
Dont Be Serious, Be Funny !
Katie,
try to be positive about this - see it as an opportunity. Smile at everyone as much as possible, make a few inoffensive jokes, appear not to be serious about anything especially you, and you will enjoy it, I promise you.
I was once so shy that, if I saw people coming along the road towards me I slipped through a hedge and went round a field to get back on the road without having to meet them. Then I was thrust onto the stage in a high school play, and beause I was the character and not me I could enjoy it. Pretend to be an actress, that will help.
A few years ago I had to stand up and give a paper at a medical congress in Spain to over a thousand attending Allergologists. I am not even a medical doctor, only a research scientist in immunology. But I did it and though scared almost witless, I finally enoyed it when they all applauded.
Now I am semi retired and not quite senile yet, I get asked to take part in discussion groups on radio and the telly. One is there to entertain and amuse the audience remember - even a clown gets applause when he does something funny, even if it is silly. So dont be afraid, enjoy it instead !
Love,
Briar
Briar
Hey, Womyn!
These things you're going to do sound really great! All your writing effort is paying off. At least I hope. OTOH, this might be your 15 minutes of fame. It would be good to find a way to prolong your notoriety. Maybe just being a novelist and expert presenter will work for you. I'm thinking an idea might be to get an advanced degree, but that won't make you money in the short term and might be tough otherwise to fit into your life.
When you mentioned hormone blockers, this picture came to mind:
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://cache.boston.com/...
Sorry, I couldn't get the picture. Probably most of us have seen the pic. These identical twins are 14; the Jonas is growing a mustache and has a distinct adam's apple, a bigger neck, etc. Nicole looks completely fem. She is so much better off taking the blockers!
In the article: Nicole started blockers at 11 and at the time of the article had been on HRT about 10 months. Jonas was 5' 6" and 115 pounds then; Nicole was 5' 1" and 100 pounds.
Hugs and Bright Blessings,
Renee
Congrats
That's great news. Good luck in it all.
I'm glad someone is finally "saying it". About time, too.
Hormone blockers for kids--that's a tough one, but on a "case to case" basis is definitely a stance. And I think it's best one, to be decided by a counselor with a 'transgender' specialty. After all, it's all about what's right and best for the individual, and varies from person to person.
Just be yourself. A bit of humor is good, but don't overdo it or you may come across as not being serious.
I'm looking forward to watching you "live" on tape. lol
Hugs,
Mark <3