"I am a leaf on the wind - watch how I soar."
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No Mas Chesticles
Hi Friends, Family, Supporters,
It seems that my previous chip-in account expired before I could collect all of the monies for surgery. Behold- a new, continuation of the first has been resurrected.Thank you all for taking the time to check out my chip-in account. This is, essentially, a fundraiser for my top-surgery. (a surgery that would remove my chesticle lumps) My goal is to save enough money in the next handful of months to have my chesticles removed next year. The surgery cost, not including extra charges is $5,900. I’ve been saving my own money over the last year, Kristin is giving me a lump sum that she’s set aside but we need a little bit more to make it. Why not ask the people I ask too much of already? :)
It feels silly asking people for help to raise money but if every one of my friends gave $1 then I would have …. well $5 but, shit, that goes a long way! ;) There’s no harm in exhausting every effort in order to achieve a goal.
In all seriousness, thank you to everyone who has helped me through this tremendously scary journey. It means more to me than words could express.
I have provided a link below to the website of the doctor I have chosen for my surgery,Dr. Garramone in Florida. His website has lots of information about cost, surgeries and pictures. If you still have some questions, I’m an open book.
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A very personal look into my life as a trans dad and how, a year ago, my trans status and YouTube videos led to DCFS taking our kids away for a short time.
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Nat Geo TV to air hour-long special, “American Transgender”
Check it out! The show “American Transgender” will air on May 1, 2012 at 8:00 PM EST on Nat Geo TV.
Here is a quick description from the National Center for Transgender Equality Blog: American Transgender takes us firsthand into the daily lives of three individuals—Clair, Jim, and Eli—who each identify with a different gender from the one in which they were born and raised. We witness their struggles and triumphs, and experience their hopes and fears. How do they manage at work, build careers, maintain friendships, and nurture lasting, intimate partnerships? Each of the characters in the film tells their story in their own words as we follow them through life’s daily battles and victories, both large and small.
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The poem in this video is beautiful and powerful, but it leaves trans* people out as usual. So, here is my counter poem:
I want to know what it’s like
to be accepted in my own community,
to be included in campaigns for equality,
for safe spaces to protect me.
I want to know what it’s like
for the T to not be silent,
to witness my acknowledgement,
to not be an ailment.
I want to know what it’s like
to not hear slurs against me in LGB spaces,
to see a community that embraces
me and the rest of the T it erases.
I want to know what it’s like
to learn about my history
not gender as sexual identity,
to be a priority.
I want to know what it’s like
to not be labeled “gay”
to know that I have a say
in how I will be portrayed.
I want to know what it’s like
to be understood when I come out,
to not be silenced for lack of clout,
to not have to shout.
I want to know what it’s like
to be treated as individuals,
not as cultural criminals,
and more than our genitals.
I want to know what it’s like
for stomachs that need feeding,
for folks who need shelter for sleeping,
to be more important than a ring.
I want to know what it’s like
to relax and sing,
to see an awakening,
my voice seen as empowering,
no longer dismissed as complaining.
I want to know what it’s like to be heard. Acknowledged. Included. Recite it.
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Inigo Montoya
