Transcription
Blog/June 2011
Last night, I was watching a show on PBS that was about the Stonewall Riot.
I was amazed at how little I knew of my culture's heritage. I knew there were issues in the '60s and '70s growing up in the homosexual culture, but I was not aware of the extent of the abuse suffered by my sisters and brothers: lobotomies, shock treatment, experimental procedures, mental hospitals. There were even Public Service Announcements on the television about the evils of homosexuality. Police would go to schools and have assemblies about how dangerous homosexuality was. If you were caught in a raid of one of the gay bars, it could ruin the rest of your life.
Boy, we have come a long way, although we still have a long way to go.
I can't believe that this was happening so recently in our history. I was and still am horrified. The Gay Rights Movement has now taken on a whole new meaning for me. I feel I have a duty and an obligation to my brothers and sisters who are still fighting the good fight.
I have taken a few minor steps in this area while being incarcerated. I have started a (unofficial) group here for the LGBT community to talk about issues that affect them in prison. I have also started a trans/queer softball team appropriately named Pink Panthers, which strangely has helped improved our morale. It has given us an opportunity to engage in a dialogue with both the inmates and the administration.
The CDCR has two facilities that are trans friendly, CMF and CMC. The rest are sadly lacking in trans policy. It is extremely frustrating and sometimes I think it's not worth the fight. But what I saw last night on the show strengthened my resolve to fight for trans rights while I'm incarcerated. People have given their minds, bodies, and souls—in some cases, their lives. Would it be right for me to give up because I'm met with a little resistance? To all my brothers and sisters out there still pushing and demanding our rights, I thank you and I will continue to join you from the inside.
There are many things in the world bigger than ourselves and once you realize that, you have a responsibility to do what you can to make the world a better place. No one should have to suffer for the way they are born.
Suffer what there is to suffer
Enjoy what there is to enjoy
—Buddhist saying
Once your eyes are opened, there are no more excuses.
All my love,
Terra
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Replies (1)
I was so pleased to read about the response you had to watching Stonewall Uprising on PBS. I just happen to work for the station that broadcasts the show American Experience. My job was to find people who are out there fighting the good fight and invite them to make videos about their LGBTQ activism stories.
We heard from people in New York and LA, of course, but we also received video stories from people in Illinois, Utah, Missouri and Alabama, to name a few.
Like you, I was surprised to learn from the film about the systematic ways in which homosexual and transgender folks were suppressed from expressing themselves. From the messages and videos I received in response to my invitation, I learned a lot about military, financial and family issues still a problem in the gay community, and about the ongoing struggles of transgenders and the lack of support they feel.
One of the films that won our video contest (our judges included Dan Savage and Cyndi Lauper), was about a beautiful girl named Johanna. Her mother was shocked the first time Johanna put on lipstick & a dress, and she took Johanna to many counselors. She is trying to deal with it, but seems just resigned to Jonhanna turning 18. Not exactly supportive. But Johanna will be ok. There are shots in the film of her modeling. Hormone therapy has given her awesome skin. The video shows how strong she is. Hopefully the mom will find it in her heart to be proud.
You are doing great to start a group, and the softball team is a fantastic idea. (I used to play in a public radio league and loved it.) Keep up the great energy, and take heart. I met hundreds of people online who are doing your kind of activism. I hope it encourages you to know that.
All the best,
Annie
PS: because your letter is online, I was able to share it with the producers I know who work in public media. I'm sure they will appreciate knowing your response to the film.