Dear Readers...

I know it's been some time since I last posted something. I was transferred recently and I have been trying to get my groove back, it hasn't been easy. When you are a trans person incarcerated in an institution, a transfer is never an easy thing. I must say that California Department of Corrections has done an about face concerning Trans Inmates. We are now recognized in the rules and regulations governing the treatment of Trans persons. They are finally acknowledging that we exist now. One small step for trans... The other side of that sword is if you are on hormone therapy then you WILL be housed in only 1 of 9 prisons and the one I'm currently housed in isn't one of the nine. I have my partner of six years with me who I love dearly. I now have to make a choice. There is also a Vocational training program here for Cosmetology, after you graduate they certify you and you are helped to get a job after you get out. As most of us know that field is not quite as judgmental as others. Do I give up the things I have been fighting for these past 9 years? Do I continue the good fight and forget about the love of my life and not do the Vocational stuff for the sake of Trans rights? I have 5 years left and can do them right there and be comfortable. What about all those Trans people who were not comfortable and continued the fight... It's all a lot confusing right now and I have no one who can give me the right answer. I'm not sure anyone can decide for me... Other places do not offer the same educational opportunities as this place. I love being an activist but I sure didn't think I would have a situation like this. Any good advice out there????

I'm working on some new poetry and as soon as I'm done I will send it so everyone can comment. I received so many positive responses from my last poetry I decided to keep going in the same direction with my writing. By the way if any of y'all reading these posts would like to use them in any type of media, Facebook, or anything else, please feel free to do so. I think that the more Trans stuff out there the better... I was thinking today about social media, which by the way I did not grow up with. Handwritten letters are not as important as they once were, which is a shame. My father told me once he could tell by my handwriting if I was having a bad day or stressed out. Type writing loses something in the translation. My advice to all the younguns, take five or ten minutes out of your busy important goings on and write someone a quick note or letter. It will be greatly appreciated by the receiving party, I promise. Here are a few questions to ponder.

Who makes you smile?
Who do you love?
What is REALLY important to you?
Did you try to make someone's day better today?

There are many things in life to enjoy, start enjoying them, all the rest of the stuff will take care of itself. If you think you are having a bad day, I'm writing this from a dorm style cell with five bunk beds and ten roommates who are here for some very bad things. It can always be worse. :)

Much love, Terra

Make someone's day, smile at them for no reason whatsoever!