MARCH 16. 2007
JUStOUt, 5
letters
Dedicated to Tim
domestic violence in the queer community [“Help
Geffen, the Choices program was mentioned as a
To the E ditor :
at Hand,” Feb. 16J.
resource for offenders. Stop Abuse for Everyone
Therefore, of course this writer doesn’t speak for
all of us.
I used to listen to Charlie FM’s [KYCH 97.1]
1 appreciate the care taken in the way the
(www.safe4all.org) provides resources for all victims
I have worked with several hundred trans peo
morning show because of the personalities, Dr. Doug
article was presented as well as the research put in
of intimate partner violence. SAFE is a 501(c)3 non
ple at this point in my career as a therapist. A few
and Skippy. However, 1 stopped listening shortly
to get various perspectives and to provide some of
profit human rights agency with a mission that dic
would agree with the author of the letter you
after Valentine’s Day because 1 feel they weren’t hon
the most relevant resources. In particular, I’m so
tates “no victim he left behind.” It is important that
referred to in your editorial. More do still identify
oring their word on playing everything. I requested
glad you talked with the Humane Society and were
the public is aware of all the services and of the par
as trans, in some fashion, well into their transition
“Miracles” by Pet Shop Boys to be dedicated to my
able to let people know that they are out there to
ticular agencies that are inclusive, regardless of age,
processes. 1 do myself. 1 am not the same person
boyfriend, Tim. When the day came, I did not hear
help, too. I have a dog and know that our animals
gender, race or sexual orientation. All victims deserve
1 would have been had I been born male. The
my song, nor did 1 get any e-mails about why they
are extremely important; it’s so reassuring to know
assistance, and all perpetrators should receive the
female socialization I received, the 22 years 1 spent
chose not to play my dedication.
that there are options when we need them.
most appropriate and effective intervention.
living as a lesbian, the effect of 41 years living in an
A few days later, the station played a dedication
Nobody likes to think of their loved ones being
to a straight couple. My question is, “Why is it that
hurt by those who are supposed to care about them.
S heila S mith
more recently in a testosterone-based body—all
straight person’s dedication was played and mine
But knowing where to find help can make a world
Stop Abuse for Everyone
these in combination have shaped who I am.
was not?” The only conclusion is that they do not
of difference—especially in the LGBTQ communi
like to play dedications to gay couples.
ty, where past experiences or fear can leave us
Points of Uncommonality
as “just a man.” But I doubt it. I’m 51 now, and
believing that there’s nowhere to turn. Thanks
To the E ditor :
don’t think 1’11 live long enough that rrfy early life
K en S chram
again for spreading the word!
Portland
Somewhere to Turn
Bradley-Angle House, 1 just want to thank Malka
Geffen for taking the time to focus on the issue of
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experiences won’t continue to contribute to my
sense of identity. I’ll always be trans. But that’s me.
people?” in wanting to drop the words “trans" or
1 will'never claim ownership of any of the defini
Bradley-Angle House
“tranny" and just refer to “men" and “women.”
tions associated with transgender identities. We all
r
r
r
Safe Options
1 transitioned out of the lesbian community some
To the E ditor :
10 years ago. At that time I used to joke, “Ask four
In reading the excellent article by Malka
Vi wyvi> a J"
juttoutpersonal«
Resources
In Marty Davis’ Feb. 16 editorial, “Slam Dunk,”
she asks, “Does this writer speak for all trans
This might as well be a rhetorical question.
On behalf of myself and my co-workers at
Photo Gallery
It might be that someday 1 will think of myself
M elissa A dams
To the E ditor :
orí vuty life <-UO
*
estrogen-based body and the 10 years I’ve lived
• World AIDS Day 2006
• Human Rights Campaign on
Holiday Shopping
College
Send your letters,
wedding announcements,
transitions, or submit your
events online at
vwww.justout.com
live this path differently. So, 1 suppose we do have
that in common.
lesbians a controversial question and you’ll get five
R eid V anderburgh
answers.” I thought there was no more diverse
Portland
community than the lesbian community. However,
CORRECTIONS
ask four trans people a controversial question and
you’ll get six answers. This is a group of folks who
The March 2 newsbrief “Offering Treasures
have nothing in common other than some degree
Today” included erroneous contact information for
of not resonating with the gender assigned them at
Yesterday and Tomorrow. The business is located at
birth. There is no other point of commonality—not
7506 N. Albina Ave., on the corner of North
sexuality, political affiliation, religion, class, educa
Lombard Street and North Albina Avenue. The
tional level, ethnicity, gender identity. You name it,
phone number is 503-459-3230. Just Out regrets the
we don’t have it in common.
error.