One of my favorite parts of the Philadelphia Trans-Health Conference was meeting so many people who had seen me on TV or knew about my other media work. Joshua just posted this kickass shot of me signing Andrew’s binder!
I usually try to have a Sharpie with me for such occasions, so note to those who might be signing items at trans events – ball point + binder = writer’s cramp!
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Being so out about my trans history has allowed me to meet so many great people over the years. One of my all-time faves is Lynn Conway, who to me epitomizes what trans women can accomplish. She transitioned around the time I was born, so she is part of the reason it was easier for those of us who came after. She has had tremendous success professionally and personally since she transitioned, including huge amounts of peer recognition of her work in microchip design. She is also a perfect example of the many women in loving, committed marriages.
Lynn has given up some of her privacy in order to stand as an example of the success most trans women have after transition, living quiet, productive lives. By doing so, she has opened herself up to a lot of the nonsense from society, the kind of nonsense most successful trans women try to avoid. She’s undaunted by those who would like to paint us as pathetic figures unable to make contributions to society or engage in happy, lifelong relationships.
It’s a great joy to know Lynn and to have a chance to connect with an earlier generation of our community, as it was when I was recently in Philadelphia and saw so many of the newest generation of activists. It’s truly astonishing how far we have come.
Our recent get-together in Cincinnati reminded me that I needed to spend more time with Lynn and her husband Charlie. She is an absolute sweetheart, and a true heroine of the community and especially of mine.
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I learned that one of my friends from Chicago died this week. Brent was a super-sweet guy. He grew up in rural Indiana just like me, and we hung out almost every weekend for several years.
His twin brother would occasionally join us for wild weekends of dancing and what-not. Brent was also with me on the most important day of my life, so we will always have that bond.
Brent lived more in his life than most people will ever experience in a life twice as long. As I said in my first-ever blog post, the time for doing is short, so make the most of each day!
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Calpernia was holding our friend Brook’s baby at a dinner party, so I thought I better get a shot of that! I liked how her face was in warm light and the baby’s face was in cool light. Nice juxtaposition.
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The bees and hummingbirds are really going crazy in the back yard.
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Last night I hosted my first official Outfest event, and it was delightful. Great turnout, and some people I have not met before, including my board advisor Beth. Another board member whom I have not met yet couldn’t come because she was about to take a job where one of my best friends works. Very small world.
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My yellow roses went crazy this weekend, and I missed most of it because I was out of town. Alas.
Here’s a shot from before I left.
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Some floral enjoyment while I am away. This was a flowering tree with these purple flowers that seemed to absorb the light.
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I mentioned a giant weird bee I tried to snap. The pictures don’t give you the scale, but it was as big around as a quarter. Very odd.
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