This is such great writing, and an incredibly meaningful message about not letting perfect be the enemy of good. Made my heart hurt in the best way- you sound so strong and clear and made it clear for the rest of us.
Thanks for your perspective. I suppose it's a lot like the ACA, signs that a wedge is beginning to open the way to better times and as you so eloquently point out, a little bit of good *right now*.
I know a handful of people who came out as trans as adults and while I'm glad they're living now as their true selves it makes me sad that they spent so much of their lives hiding that facet of themselves. How I wish people would get over their own fragility and let people live as themselves.
I feel like our culture focuses too much on intent. I blame the people who get called out for being racist even though the didn't 'mean' to be racist. "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions" as the saying goes and it also works in reverse, which tells me that intent means fuck-all next to the consequences of our actions, good and bad.
As you so eloquently said, this is no occasion for casual cynicism. Okay, DeWine is usually a dick, and worthy of no trust. But if even a reptile such as he has read the wall and concluded that persecuting trans children is not expedient, then we should take the win gracefully. If he should prove to his ilk that dropping put of the lynch mob is not political suicide, he could be just the first of many. Whatever his reasons, this is a step forward, and we who are not personally menaced by anti-trans hysteria have no business minimizing what a step forward this is. If you are on dry land and see a boatful of people drowning, if you can't help at least don't heckle the rescuers.
I appreciate this. There are principles here, in his willingness to listen to actual people and actual medical professionals. It is of value to have someone speak truth. Every person who does is a reminder that trans lives are important, valuable, and real. Even when the speaker is not on our political side in most ways. I’m pretty cheerful when, for whatever reason, they acknowledge facts like “gender affirming care and spaces save lives.”
Glad you are here with us, Crip Dyke. I’m glad I got to read your voice today.
I sent a message via his website to thank him for doing the right thing. I don't really care why he did it. Positive reinforcement, especially since he'll be hearing from a choir of scorched cats on the right about how he's bringing down civilization.
CD: First, let me apologize for minimizing the news of DeWine's veto. I did not realize how such a small act of acknowledgment could feel like such a milestone and be so important to you. To me, it seemed literally the least he could possibly do. But since I do not have your experience or perspective, your commentary is greatly illuminating, so again I am sorry to have been so cavalier. I look forward to that day when we can all be secure in our identities and safe from those who feel the need to control others' bodies and lives. Wishing you peace, wholeness and all the best for the New Year.
There's not a single hard feeling in my body for you. As I said, your feelings are valid. And I thank you for listening to my perspective as well. That's the sign of a good person. And may you, too, have the best of new years.
BRAVA!!!! So much blood spilled by those who ignorantly hate and so much suffering has been had. To see a conservative politician even consider vetoing a ban on Transgender Rights is a victory. That alone might be the seed someone needs to question their own beliefs. If that person’s heart softens, we’ve won again. Because that means they might smile at a young trans person instead of glowering. Sometimes a smile is a matter of life or death. Celebrate the wins.
Three months on and, due to recent events of course, this is more timely than ever.
Forgive my for repeating myself:
I love you, CD.
That's it. That's the comment.
Amazingly, heart-wrenchingly written. I am so sorry that you were made to endure so much. (((HUGS)))
This is such great writing, and an incredibly meaningful message about not letting perfect be the enemy of good. Made my heart hurt in the best way- you sound so strong and clear and made it clear for the rest of us.
Wow
Your bravery astounds and I celebrate that with you also, too!
Thanks for your perspective. I suppose it's a lot like the ACA, signs that a wedge is beginning to open the way to better times and as you so eloquently point out, a little bit of good *right now*.
I know a handful of people who came out as trans as adults and while I'm glad they're living now as their true selves it makes me sad that they spent so much of their lives hiding that facet of themselves. How I wish people would get over their own fragility and let people live as themselves.
I feel like our culture focuses too much on intent. I blame the people who get called out for being racist even though the didn't 'mean' to be racist. "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions" as the saying goes and it also works in reverse, which tells me that intent means fuck-all next to the consequences of our actions, good and bad.
Saving this to refer back to whenever I hear/read someone scoff about seemingly small bits of progress.
As you so eloquently said, this is no occasion for casual cynicism. Okay, DeWine is usually a dick, and worthy of no trust. But if even a reptile such as he has read the wall and concluded that persecuting trans children is not expedient, then we should take the win gracefully. If he should prove to his ilk that dropping put of the lynch mob is not political suicide, he could be just the first of many. Whatever his reasons, this is a step forward, and we who are not personally menaced by anti-trans hysteria have no business minimizing what a step forward this is. If you are on dry land and see a boatful of people drowning, if you can't help at least don't heckle the rescuers.
Amen. Thank you. I’m glad you are here.
I appreciate this. There are principles here, in his willingness to listen to actual people and actual medical professionals. It is of value to have someone speak truth. Every person who does is a reminder that trans lives are important, valuable, and real. Even when the speaker is not on our political side in most ways. I’m pretty cheerful when, for whatever reason, they acknowledge facts like “gender affirming care and spaces save lives.”
Glad you are here with us, Crip Dyke. I’m glad I got to read your voice today.
I sent a message via his website to thank him for doing the right thing. I don't really care why he did it. Positive reinforcement, especially since he'll be hearing from a choir of scorched cats on the right about how he's bringing down civilization.
CD, I'm glad I follow you and I'm so glad for your voice. Incremental wins are still wins!
Wow. Thanks for writing that.
Yes. Yes, yes, YES.
CD: First, let me apologize for minimizing the news of DeWine's veto. I did not realize how such a small act of acknowledgment could feel like such a milestone and be so important to you. To me, it seemed literally the least he could possibly do. But since I do not have your experience or perspective, your commentary is greatly illuminating, so again I am sorry to have been so cavalier. I look forward to that day when we can all be secure in our identities and safe from those who feel the need to control others' bodies and lives. Wishing you peace, wholeness and all the best for the New Year.
There's not a single hard feeling in my body for you. As I said, your feelings are valid. And I thank you for listening to my perspective as well. That's the sign of a good person. And may you, too, have the best of new years.
BRAVA!!!! So much blood spilled by those who ignorantly hate and so much suffering has been had. To see a conservative politician even consider vetoing a ban on Transgender Rights is a victory. That alone might be the seed someone needs to question their own beliefs. If that person’s heart softens, we’ve won again. Because that means they might smile at a young trans person instead of glowering. Sometimes a smile is a matter of life or death. Celebrate the wins.