Gender Isn’t Binary

The Gender Diversity Group met on Sunday, Dec 11, and while sparsely attended (holiday season does that! lol!) the discussion was lively and interesting.

One thing that has become apparent is that those who are gender fluid need to be protected by law. It is hard enough being transsexual in a workplace, but those who are gender fluid can face some even harsher discrimination.

For some gender is binary, for example male or female, but for some it is more than that. And society does tend to ignore this, despite the fact that it is increasing.

– Vanessa, Secretary

ALCC On Dr Laurie – Trans Issues (trans? whazzat? my transmission? you talkin’ cars now?!?)

No, not issues related to your cars transmission, but the issues that face those in the trans community, be they crossdresser, transsexual, transgenderist, gender queer, gender fluid, etc.

The show on CJAD on the 11th of May focused on trans issues, and present were Contessa Alura, petal, Vanessa, and Gabrielle from the 211o Gender Advocacy Center.  Dr Laurie already has knowledge of these issues, and that was a great help in the show. 

Starting off was petal, discussing how it is to be a crossdresser, what “drove” him to crossdress, why he does, who knows, and the issues that he faces being a crossdresser.  This was very enlightening to even those of us there. Far too many have misconceptions about those who crossdress, and petal did a great job trying to dispel those myths (ie CD’s are “gay”, they “want to be women full time”, etc etc)

Next was Vanessa (me! lol!), discussing her story, and the issues she faces.  Starting off with how she came out, she talked also about when she knew she was “different”, how she approached this as a youth, how she approached the army in coming out, being assaulted physically simply for being transsexual, why we need legal protection for gender identity, and as well the misconceptions about transsexuals. As well as what a TS can face daily.

Gabrielle talked about the 2110 Center, and touched on the two above issues, adding some very very valid points.  Her expertise was a great help in this show. She also touched on the fact that the 2110 also has a needle exchange and a program for the FTM (Female To Males) that require binders (to hide the breasts). More for sure will be coming on the 2110!!!

All in all a great show! And… if you missed it… it can be heard here! So give it a listen!

Trans Unite!

The crossdresser group has become the new ‘Trans Unite Group’, addressing issues of interest to Trans people (CD, TS, M2F, F2M, transitioning, all trans). We face many of the same issues and we can learn from the perspectives of each other. Again, we had new faces and new experiences to learn from. Vanessa gave some great advice on safety that we all learned from. Thanks again Vanessa, for co-leading this group… we have new challenges and new possibilities!

 – petal

Crossdressers Unite Feb 12th

On Saturday, February 12th, the Crossdressers Unite Group met.  Snacks were there, and talk was lively.  Among topics in discussion were the passage of Bill C-389 through Parliament, and how it just needs Senate approval to be law.  This bill, once law, would give protection for gender identity and gender expression in Canada. Let’s hope it passes!

Do not forget, you do not need to come dressed or even dress at the group. It is a non-judgemental group, and there to help others. If you have a spouse/significant other you would like to bring to the group that is permitted as well.

– Vanessa

Crossdressers Unite Nov. 14

The Crossdressers Unite group was held on Sunday, November 14 and it was well attended. Besides regular faces there were some new ones as well.

Among the attendees was a Concordia student doing a report, to get a better understanding of what it means to be a crossdresser, transsexual, etc. and was very much welcomed. (Of course no names etc would be used).

The topics of the night varied, from make up, clothing, corsets, and of course what it is like to be CD/TV or TS. The conversation was lively and interesting, with many different angles. Before we knew it, it was time to wrap up for the evening! The time flew!

I would like to take a moment to mention some things about the Crossdressers Unite group. First, you do not have to dress to come. You can choose to dress there, or not dress at all. There is no judging of you. Second, even if you have beend dressing for years, this group is still very much for you as well, because the newer members could really benefit from your experience. Third, you don not have to be “out”, even if you are a “closet CD”, you are most welcome to attend. As well, anyone who has a significant other that they would like to bring along who may need some help understanding your dressing, please do feel free.

Until next month!

– Vanessa