I wonder if my own 1970s cis feminist life crossed paths with the work of Dr. Hoff. Her name seemed familiar when I read it in your first paragraph, and while I do not believe I saw the film she made, I think I talked with others who had seen it. That would have been in the late 70s or early 80s. It was hard to even find ways to talk about it then - particularly because my women's community was deep in the original "political correct language" discussions, which were all about trying to find more encompassing language so we weren't subconciously (or conciously) shutting people out.
Your article prompted a LOT of memories for me - not all about Hoff, but related to her work. I took a human sexuality class at Green River Community College (near Seattle), and the teacher had a whole week on trans life and trans surgery. The film we saw on trans surgeries was from one of the Scandinavian countries, with English voice over or subtitles or something. It was kind of patronizing and doctor-y. But the guest speakers were trans people from the Seattle area, and that was wonderful. The teacher allowed for awkward questions, but tolerated no dissing of our guests or the topic. I'm guessing that if I could take a peek at that class NOW, I'd spot some problems, but for its time, it was pretty awesome.
Reading your piece, I like to think that Dr. Hoff's work had a lot to do with the shape of the class, and my cis teacher's attitude, and (for that era at least) the welcoming attitude toward trans life. She no doubt had an impact on a wider world than the PNW, but what an amazing resource she must have been, for community and clients and medical professionals alike.
Thanks for writing, CD. I always seem to both learn a lot, and find new angles on my own experiences in life.
What a gift to the world Dr. Hoff was and always will be. Thank you for the education, always.
Thank you, CD.
I wonder if my own 1970s cis feminist life crossed paths with the work of Dr. Hoff. Her name seemed familiar when I read it in your first paragraph, and while I do not believe I saw the film she made, I think I talked with others who had seen it. That would have been in the late 70s or early 80s. It was hard to even find ways to talk about it then - particularly because my women's community was deep in the original "political correct language" discussions, which were all about trying to find more encompassing language so we weren't subconciously (or conciously) shutting people out.
Your article prompted a LOT of memories for me - not all about Hoff, but related to her work. I took a human sexuality class at Green River Community College (near Seattle), and the teacher had a whole week on trans life and trans surgery. The film we saw on trans surgeries was from one of the Scandinavian countries, with English voice over or subtitles or something. It was kind of patronizing and doctor-y. But the guest speakers were trans people from the Seattle area, and that was wonderful. The teacher allowed for awkward questions, but tolerated no dissing of our guests or the topic. I'm guessing that if I could take a peek at that class NOW, I'd spot some problems, but for its time, it was pretty awesome.
Reading your piece, I like to think that Dr. Hoff's work had a lot to do with the shape of the class, and my cis teacher's attitude, and (for that era at least) the welcoming attitude toward trans life. She no doubt had an impact on a wider world than the PNW, but what an amazing resource she must have been, for community and clients and medical professionals alike.
Thanks for writing, CD. I always seem to both learn a lot, and find new angles on my own experiences in life.