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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Jan. 21, 2000)
sù ea k out Serving all women To the E ditor : January 21.2000 * lU StO M ts close our doors and be safe? Can we afford to put ourselves above another group of people? I will not submit to the mentality that says, “Well, at least I’m not one of them.” The women who want LCP to close its doors so they can have a “women-only space” should open the doors of their houses and invite these womyn-loving womyn over for a pot luck— and I hope they remember to check each other’s panties so no one undesirable gets in. Over the past couple of years in Just Out, 1 have read many articles and letters that address the issue of including trans people in lesbian, gay and bisexual organizations, and at women- only events. What I hear in many of these letters is a tone of misunderstanding and fear. Those of us who identify as lesbians constantly face having our lives questioned, criticized and physically M organ L e F ey attacked. We know what it’s like to be forced to Portland struggle in order to create safety for ourselves and for the people we love, but somehow the threat of trans folks asking to be recognized as a part of the movement for sexual minority rights To the E ditor : has resulted in an unsafe environment for these I read with interest the article about the sexual minorities who have always worked meeting with Lesbian Community Project and alongside us in this movement. people from the community [“Aboveboard A s the sexual minorities’ services coordina Meeting,” Dec. 17]. I was at the meeting and tor at Bradley-Angle House, I would like to let thought the article, while it was very nice to folks know that it is our goal as a feminist orga folks, missed some on the emotional issues being nization to continue the struggle against oppres discussed. sion. In the October 1998 annual meeting, mem In the past few years we have found that we bers were informed that part of the changes tak need to examine the ways in which we partici ing place was to remove the term “woman” from pate in the oppression of transsexual, transgen- the definition of lesbian...this to many, myself dered and intersex people. included, was not OK. The reason many came One of the results of our discussions is the to the annual meeting was to not only review creation of a policy that directly addresses who the changes, but see what we as members could our agency serves. Our policy states that if “a continue to do to support LCP. However, I, person identifies as a woman, Bradley-Angle speaking only for myself, will not support an House will accept her into services as appropri organization that decides to redefine who I am. ate. Actual biology or participation in a med We have long supported differences in LCP, but ically-based transition is not the deciding fac 1 refuse to be considered not woman-identified tor.” or as a “nontrans” by anyone. If LCP chooses to In a period when some feminist organiza be an any-sexual-orientation-identified mem tions are attacking trans folks I understand that bership, then that is up to the organization, trans women are likely to feel wary of accessing however, I think it is time for the name to reflect the services of our organization. I know we have who they are, as I am sure many people in our and will continue to make mistakes in our community are not aware of some of the issues. attempts to serve trans women, but it is impor Women in the Woods has long been sup tant to let members of the trans women’s com portive of LCP both emotionally and financial munity know that our services are available to ly. I think it’s very narrow if the LCP board all women, and that we are working to create an refuses to support an organization that chooses environment that is safe for trans, lesbian and to provide a safe and supportive environment bisexual women. for women. It seems that those of us bom While I believe it is important that this dia women are continually expected to take into logue among our different sexual minority com consideration the fact that trans people may not feel they belong. munities continues, I am uncomfortable with the manner in which we are communicating. It In most instances, I could not agree more, is my hope that the climate of this dialogue can but I also believe that many women need space change from one of fear and misunderstanding safe for them with women who do not represent to one of empathy and respect. in whatever fashion, male origins or have a penis. When we understand the myriad ways that we are both affected by and participating in There definitely needs to be acceptance of oppression, we can begin to recognize the who people are or choose to be— that also strength and power we gain by working in extends to Women in the Woods and their right alliance for social change. to serve a specific need. LCP was instrumental in fighting the O C A , reaching out to the gay men’s community, combating the onslaught of J ody A nderson A ID S and the ignorance of who would get it. I Sexual Minorities’ Services Coordinator have long believed that there should be sister- Bradley-Angle House brother organizations: Gay Community Project, Portland Trans C.P., Bi C.P. If this is not to continue being lesbian-focused allowing differences and allowing sameness, then the name and the membership needs to change to reflect this. To the E ditor : I wish the bi/gay/trans/nontrans Community Congratulations to the Lesbian Community Project all the luck in the future. Project for having a brain and a heart. Every lesbian knows what oppression is, and D onna L uckett 1 am proud that I have access to a community Portland project that does not push oppression on other people, e.g., transsexuals. The people at LCP should be proud of them selves for having the courage to open their arms In the photo caption accompanying the Jan. to all people. The signs that read “whites only” 7 article “From Secretive to Supportive,” Jen are still erect in many peoples minds, and saying "woman bom " is a sign created in fear and igno nifer Jako was incorrectly identified as Allison Cox. Just Out regrets the error. rance just like the signs that segregate by color. 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