They did it. The Texas Senate just passed the very poorly thought through Senate Bill 3. Hiding behind a bogus argument for “privacy,” Senator Kolkhorst authored and argued for a bill that discriminates against our transgender community. Now it’s up to the House to maintain our dignity and prevent Texas from becoming the next North Carolina.
This is personal for me. SB3 discriminates directly against my son. He grew up in Texas. He works and pays taxes. He is sweet and charming. He cares about his family and friends. And he is transgender.
When he first came out three years ago while a student in Colorado, he said he’d never move back to Texas. You see, the laws in Colorado protect him from discrimination; there are no similar state-wide protections here in Texas. But when his siblings started having babies, Jeremy had to be a part of it. He wanted his nieces and nephews to grow up knowing him. So, despite Texas being a less supportive environment, my boy came home.
Now he lives in Dallas where he is protected by the city’s non-discrimination ordinance. He cannot be thrown out of his apartment because of who he is. He cannot lose his job because someone doesn’t like the fact that he is transgender. He can participate fully in public life, not worried about where to use a restroom.Please don’t let the politicians take that away from my son and others like him.
Transgender people have been using the restroom of their choice for years and years with no problem. They are not a threat. In fact, if forced to use the bathroom on their birth certificates, then the opposite will be true. Transgender people, especially our youth and trans women of color, will be at risk.
Don’t let our politicians attack my son for their political gain. He and others like him are worthy of protection and respect, just like the rest of us. Don’t let them discriminate against him. Please urge your Texas House Member to oppose any anti-transgender bathroom legislation during the special session.
Bravo. SB3 is a shameful, hateful, discriminatory bill.
Jo, I hope you are finally including transvestites in your Transgender Community. I’ve received more discrimination from homosexual men than just about any other branch of society except straight men. Much less from straight women; least of all from lesbian or bi-sexual women. Please understand that I came from a male- dominated Appalachian Mountain family, most of whom would have killed me if I’d come out when I was young. Including my Father. Even today, I have a Paternal Cousin who says he’ll “take a shotgun” to me if I ever come near the Family land, and my Stepfather was so dominant that he tore me away from my Mother after he married her, told me he “despised” my wife, and threatened to “kick my teeth down my throat” if I ever brought her onto his property. This man even tore up letters to my Mother and lied to her that I wasn’t writing her. You know I was once told that cross-dressers “don’t exist”. I hope you feel different.
It is heartbreaking to hear about rejection by your family. Nobody should have to deal with that.
As to your comment about who is included in the definition of transgender, I think labels can be more harmful than helpful sometimes, so I haven’t participated in that discussion. If someone defines themself that way, I’m okay with it. So if you, as a cross-dresser, consider yourself to be trans, no problem for me. I am most comfortable using the word “transgender” as an umbrella term, including a wide variety of individuals. But I am aware that some people prefer a more narrow definition, saying that it should include only those whose gender identity and/or expression doesn’t match their birth certificate.
Wonderful answer! No, I don’t label myself in a narrow way, and I’m glad you don’t either. People like you are exceptional, because each person has an orbit in life that is particularly their own. I love you for your openness
and your dedication. Keep up the good work.
My heart breaks for you , your wife and your Mother. Being a mother who lost her son at 23, almost 19 years ago, know the devastation of not being able to be together. I am not sure if this has come out right. The fact is you were made just as you were supposed to be. Please know there is absolutely nothing wrong with the way you live your life. The one with the problem is the ignorant person your Mother married. I only say ignorant because they cannot see with their eyes and hearts not accept the differences we all have. Please remember the problems are theirs not yours. It’s all a matter in which we are raised. God bless you and yours. Stay true to yourself. I only wish you and all transgender people love and peace in your lives. Know we are all not ignorants!
Hello Deborah – I’m wondering if you were trying to respond to someone else. I am the mother of a trans man. It seems as if your comment is directed toward a trans individual who is having difficulty with their stepfather. Not sure if you meant this note for me. In any case, though, thanks for your positive comments about wishing well to all those in the trans community. Take care.
I find Jo’s mission in life very admirable. I am moved by her work, her beliefs, her heart.
As an older gay man who experienced much turmoil (I came out in 1975) I feel hope for my community knowing How and others are standing up for their children and us.
I would like to contribute – please give me a push in the right direction.
Hi Dave,
Thanks for your very kind words.
And for your courage. Coming out in the mid-1970s can’t have been easy. I can’t begin to understand what it was like for you, especially when the AIDS crisis hit so soon after.
Like you, I also feel hope, especially as I see how accepting the next generation is. I spend a lot of time with students and they often don’t blink an eye about it when I discuss what it’s been like for my family with a transgender son and brother. The students are eager for information and don’t understand why their parents’ generation has difficulty accepting the reality of being gay or trans or non-binary or non-conforming.
I’m also encouraged by your closing comment about wanting a push in the right direction. There are so many advocacy groups active today. If you are comfortable letting me know approximately where you’re located, I may be able to connect you with others who are trying to make a difference. And keep checking back to my “events page” as that will show you if I’m going to be in your area giving a talk. You’re welcome to contact me via e-mail at jo@joivester.com. I’m always eager to meet fellow advocates and community members.
Take care,
Jo