I am receiving the Anne Marie Staas Icon Award tonight from the Stonewall Democratic Club. It is especially moving to me because I knew and worked with Anne Marie in the 70’s and 80’s on political issues in California. I am bringing as my guests Calpernia Addams and Andrea James.
My son starred in “Soldier’s Girl” a few years ago ( was nominated for a Golden Globe for his portrayal) in which he played a GI…true story…during the Gulf War, who was bludgeoned to death by his roommate because he ( my son’s character) fell in love with a singer in a nightclub who turned out to be transitioning into a woman. Lee Pace played that role and Calpernia was the real woman in the true story. ( she is the blonde in the pictures although till tonight i always have known her as a dark brunette. Blonds suits her. We have become friends and I have learned a tremendous amount from her and Andrea about the journey and courage of people who know that, for whatever reasons, they have been born into the wrong sex and make the decision to be who they are meant to be.
I was so moved and impressed that I convinced Eve Ensler to allow these women to perform her “Vagina Monologues.” Prior to that, only women were allowed to perform the monologues, but i said to Eve, “these women voluntarily gave up penis privilege. In many ways, they know more about being a woman than I do.” There was a performance of all transgendered women..all shapes and sizes, all with slightly different stories. It was an amazing evening. Calpernia wrote a special monologue which was very moving, called “Home Spun”.
Tonight’s ceremony was very interesting. Lots of new, young, passionate progressive democrats, including elected officials, which included U.S. Congresswomen, Judy Chu. It was thrilling to witness a new generation of articulate, courage activists.
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Brian To
Dear Jane:
It was really lovely meeting and having the opportunity to photograph you yesterday for this special event honoring you. Here are links to the photos I posted on FilmMagic / Getty Images:
http://filmmagic.com/ItemListing.aspx?cgl=493620&evntI=0
I wish you much continued success.
Love and light!
Brian To
http://www.briantophoto.com
http://www.facebook.com/BrianToPhotography
Timothy Dougherty
Hello Jane,
Interesting subject, I been writing some this last year and using my old University library for research work space. Intersting how the library and student body has changed. Been over 30 year that I did a masters there, and worked on the campus. Having taught graduate courses and used to the colloge life style, there is a real change in transgendered student and the acceptance of that as a fact. It is interesting to witness a new generation couragous activists. Also good to see Gore Vidal out and about , I was doing a list of 85 year olds of note for Hugh Hefner, who just had his 85th birhtday, Missed Vidal.
with love and care,
Jason Couch
Congratulations!
Racheal McGonigal
Hi from New Zealand.
So good to see someone so prominent support and showing understanding of Transgender in USA. Sadly I see America as so far behind other places in the world in accepting transgender as just people. The discrimination there is so far behind the rest of the world but with support from people such as yourself Jane, it will help immensely. America is improving but it has a long way to go to catch Australia, Canada, UK and New Zealand. Thanks.
I am a sex change female and have written books on my journey. Alas havent been able to find a publisher in this little country so I have made them free to read on my website so as to help people understand our journey. ‘Country Boy to City Girl’, ‘Summer Storm’, ‘Pictorial Diary’, and ‘Entree2Escorting’ are all free to read on my website. As they are free to read and there to promote understanding, I hope you wont mind my posting the addy.
http://transgenderstorm.yolasite.com
Thanks again