#ex-trans

Now that I've stopped hormones for 4 months and started a new job, I'm finding myself just as insecure as before. The hormones wasn't a cure, it was a mask. I'm still shy and insecure. I "pass" as a gender I no longer identify as.. and I feel too awkward to "fix" It. This is a mess.

Now I’m older, a terf who will promote to tear down gender roles and tear down the trans community. Because I’m a woman. That doesn’t mean anything. Being a woman isn’t a feeling or the way you dress. Being a woman is just being a woman. A man cannot be a woman. A man can be feminine, but femininity is not womanhood.

The latest interview with anti-trans ex-trans Walt Heyer (MTFTM), along with anti-trans ex-trans KathyGrace Duncan (FTMTF). Led by Dr. James Dobson, "Focus on the Family" is one of the largest religious broadcasters in the US, with its shows on nearly every protestant Christian radio station in the country, as well as on many local and shortwave outlets overseas.

Mister Walt Heyer strikes again...

Hi Benny, Thanks for your note. I apologize for my delay in getting back to you as I've been on the road for 10 days and have fallen behind in emails. You have every right to disagree with what I'm saying. As I stated Monday night, the university should be a marketplace for the free exchange of ideas where students each come to their own conclusions on issues presented. As far as outdated & outmoded research, I think you're right that I need to strengthen that part of my presentation. Thank you for the feedback as I'm always trying to improve. However, I did cite the latest known twin study (2008) and also cited a more recent APA quote (2008) than was quoted on the info sheet your group distributed when we arrived (your quote on point #2 was from 2000). I find it ironic that I am charged with outmoded information when something I shared was more recent than what your info sheet stated. That being said, if you know of any more recent scientific studies (regarding a genetic link to homosexuality), I would like to learn more if you have any links to pass along. I agree with you that a presentation at a university needs to be up to date on the latest research. I am just not aware of anything published after 2008 when the APA changed their statement to include that the cause of homosexuality is likely a complex mix of nature and nurture—hence, my assertion that there are a variety of environmental factors that can contribute to same-sex attractions which can be substantiated by reputable sources at www.narth.com (a secular organization of research scientists, psychologists, and psychiatrists that parted ways with the APA due to their research findings that contradicted the politicized views of the APA). In fact, Narth produces the "Journal of Human Sexuality" which is an excellent source commenting on the latest research out there. I agree  with you that I should document my sources better so people understand that what I'm sharing is from documented research and not just my own ideas. Thank you for that reminder. In the end, you have every right to disagree with what I'm saying and to host similar events to promote your own ideas. I don't want to live in a culture where you don't have that right. But I hope that you would agree I should be afforded the same right to share my own story and the reasons why I have come to the conclusions I have. To disagree with someone else's beliefs is not hate speech. I think a culture that allows for differing views to have a seat at the table so people can come to their own conclusions makes us a stronger society as a whole. Also, I did want to come to your gathering on Monday night, but I was held up by people who wanted to talk to me afterwards, and I wanted to give them my full attention and answer their questions instead of rushing off. However, even if there were not people who stayed after to talk, I have to be honest and say that after the last student who stood in line to ask a question (I don't remember his name) stormed out of the auditorium in a fit of rage, I did have concerns for my safety. I didn't feel threatened by the majority of your group during the evening (most of you were very gracious to me, thank you), but seeing that young man lose control of his emotions and leave before I could even finish my sentence left me feeling like I was not welcomed. In other words, it did not feel like a "safe zone" for me. If I had come, I would have felt like I needed to bring several people with me for safety reasons. Obviously, this is a volatile issue, but I think we need to learn on both sides that keeping our emotions under control, taking time to truly listen, and making others feel like they are valued as a person is important. But if we yell at each other and don't let one another finish our sentences, we are not truly listening and valuing the other person, even if we disagree with their ideas. Disagreement does not have to be denigration. I did my best to speak with compassion and to reiterate multiple times that you don't have to agree with me, and I am not forcing anyone to change. Each individual has a right to decide whether or not they want to accept or reject same-sex attractions (if they experience them at all). I don't hate any of you, and I did not raise my voice or cut anyone off during the Q&A time. And yet, that same grace was not extended to me by some members of your group. I realize that is not representative of your whole group, and you especially have been respectful towards me in your emails and your FB posts on your alternative event which I appreciate. Thank you. As I said Monday night, I agree with you regarding the concept of a safe zone, and I refuse to denigrate a person because of what they believe, even if they disagree with me. But I would hope that the safe zone would not be a double standard and that someone like me would not be denigrated and publicly maligned because of what I believe. If we both call for a safe zone, let's practice what we preach. Thanks again for writing, Benny. I will take your comments to heart and work on my documentation. Hope you stayed warm and safe during the storm today. Blessings, Linda

Focus on the Family’s promotion of ex-gay therapy is nothing new, but this week the anti-LGBT group also started promoting “resources for transgenderism and gender identity disorder.” In addition to citing familiar ex-gay ministries, the links also include efforts to convince transgender people that their gender identities are wrong — the result of “confusion” — and that they should try to conform to their biological sex. For example, the UK ministry Parakaleo aims to help “those seeking to re-establish their God given gender identity and destiny.” Another link highlights an author who claims to “expose and debunk the promises of gender change surgery.” Given the American Psychiatric Association is in the process of declassifying transgender identities as a disorder, Focus seems to be invested in demonizing trans people and denying them affirmation regardless.