As I stood on the Woodward Theater Stage Saturday night during the Leelah Alcorn vigil in Cincinnati Saturday night with thirty plus other transgender persons of all types - of course I wondered what was and is about my life. We all were encouraged to get up on the stage and honor the memory of Leelah by letting the world know there is so much more to our uncover, closeted world than anyone knows.
When the microphone came to me, in front of 600 people, I said "I'm Cyrsti Hart, a PROUD transgender veteran and senior citizen." Casually looking through the crowd during the evening, I'm fairly sure I was close to one of the oldest in the room. I'm the gender survivor with the HRT changes and the hugely age inappropriate hair.
Since my hair became long enough to discard all my wigs, it has defined my transition to the world. Age inappropriate or not, I use a version of one of Aesop's Fables to explain the life of my hair. Looking back, one of the less than the happiest moments of my life, was when I was riding a night bus into Ft. Knox in January of 1972 to begin Army basic training. Literally, several a few of the other guys on the bus were crying. I was lucky, I was older (21) and had been away from home in college. Plus, I had several other friends who had been through the Vietnam Army experience came back and coached me.
A few days later in basic, it was haircut time. The "barbers" were having a great time asking all of us how we would like out hair cut, when there was only one choice- gone! I look at that point in my life as the beginning of where I am today. It may have taken me awhile like the tortoise in the fable but I have made it to a point of being able to have age inappropriate hair. Sure, genetics have played a part, but I prefer to think karma has too.
Overall, the memories Saturday, just refueled the tragic frustration I feel about Leelah Alcorn's suicide and the surviving transgender youth who told their stories on the stage. I came away just knowing as much as I think I do-I'm missing way too many of the answers.
Monday, January 12, 2015
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Vive La France!
Taking just a moment to remember all of you in France after the terrible cowardly terrorist tragedy in Paris. May the "force" be with all of you!
Cyrsti's Condo "Sunday Edition"
"Ker Plunk!" Another robust version of the Cyrsti's Condo "Sunday Edition" has hit your virtual front porch. Get ready, it's been a busy one around here!
Page One: Tragedy Strikes. If Leelah Alcorn wanted her suicide to "mean something" it has. The LGBTQ community has responded with vigils beginning in her hometown of Cincinnati and spanning the globe all the way to New Zealand-so far. This last week, I attended vigils in Springfield and Cincinnati, Ohio plus made a radio show appearance with an actual therapist who knew "Josh" and never managed (refused) to call her Leelah.
Cincinnati's WCPO TV reported an estimated 600 people attended. It was a moving experience as all of the trans women and men (young and old) were encouraged to appear on stage. The courageous transgender youth were encouraged to tell their stories - which they did. I came away from the evening knowing it takes more than a village to nourish a young transgender youth, it takes a city.
Page One: Tragedy Strikes. If Leelah Alcorn wanted her suicide to "mean something" it has. The LGBTQ community has responded with vigils beginning in her hometown of Cincinnati and spanning the globe all the way to New Zealand-so far. This last week, I attended vigils in Springfield and Cincinnati, Ohio plus made a radio show appearance with an actual therapist who knew "Josh" and never managed (refused) to call her Leelah.
Cincinnati's WCPO TV reported an estimated 600 people attended. It was a moving experience as all of the trans women and men (young and old) were encouraged to appear on stage. The courageous transgender youth were encouraged to tell their stories - which they did. I came away from the evening knowing it takes more than a village to nourish a young transgender youth, it takes a city.
To all of you who have refused to mention another true clueless victim to all of this tragedy-the truck driver was mentioned too.
Page Two: I'm Invisible at Saks? I'm a simple person with a simple noggin. (Calm down with the cheap shots Connie, Bobbie and all!!) So, I can never quite figure when a company seemingly draws a line in the sand and decides to support discriminating against one of it's transgender women employees: In December 2014, Saks Fifth Avenue responded to a sex discrimination lawsuit filed by Leyth O. Jamal, a former employee at a Saks store in Texas who claims she was harassed, then fired, for being a trans woman. Saks could have fought Jamal’s suit by insisting that her claims of harassment are false, or that she was terminated for reasons unrelated to her gender. But instead, Saks has claimed that it has a legal right to discriminate against trans employees based on their trans status...Huh? Really? Of course, there are several theories of why Saks would screw this up so bad- go here to read one and stay the hell out of Saks where you are invisible anyhow.
Page Three: Move Over Bitches. After the vigil last night, Liz and I went to an ancient looking tavern down the street called Motr Pub. We had never been there, but were attracted by the sign on the window that they had "writer's night" every Tuesday-so in we went. I knew I was in the right place when a guy who seemed to be a manager was wearing a jacket with a "Zappa for President" patch. Before too long, the place began to fill up with 20 and 30 something's before the band began to play. Also (all too soon) the Hudepohl draft beer I was drinking caught up with me and I was headed to the women's room. The first visit was quiet and harmless enough but my second became interesting when I came out of my stall right into three rather predatory blonds looking at me. I thought Whoa! said "excuse me" and headed to the sinks-washed my hands and left. As I returned to my seat next to Liz, I asked her for the proper "generic protocol" for bitches on "man prowl" in the restroom. She said they weren't much interested in me except to size me up and I did well.
Page Four: The Back Page. As I said, it has been quite the week. All of the sudden, I was in the right place at the right time to rethink how I pay forward into the transgender community. More on those ideas later! Thanks for stopping by Cyrsti's Condo!
Page Three: Move Over Bitches. After the vigil last night, Liz and I went to an ancient looking tavern down the street called Motr Pub. We had never been there, but were attracted by the sign on the window that they had "writer's night" every Tuesday-so in we went. I knew I was in the right place when a guy who seemed to be a manager was wearing a jacket with a "Zappa for President" patch. Before too long, the place began to fill up with 20 and 30 something's before the band began to play. Also (all too soon) the Hudepohl draft beer I was drinking caught up with me and I was headed to the women's room. The first visit was quiet and harmless enough but my second became interesting when I came out of my stall right into three rather predatory blonds looking at me. I thought Whoa! said "excuse me" and headed to the sinks-washed my hands and left. As I returned to my seat next to Liz, I asked her for the proper "generic protocol" for bitches on "man prowl" in the restroom. She said they weren't much interested in me except to size me up and I did well.
Page Four: The Back Page. As I said, it has been quite the week. All of the sudden, I was in the right place at the right time to rethink how I pay forward into the transgender community. More on those ideas later! Thanks for stopping by Cyrsti's Condo!
Saturday, January 10, 2015
If I Don't Exist-Can I Buy at Saks?
Bobbie posted a reason why I can't-I don't exist at all!
"Saks could have fought Jamal’s suit by insisting that her claims of harassment are false, or that she was terminated for reasons unrelated to her gender. But instead, Saks has claimed that it has a legal right to discriminate against trans employees based on their trans status.
This tactic is quite odd, for two reasons. First, it is morally repulsive. Saks mis-genders Jamal throughout its filings, referring to her as “he” and “him.” Even worse, when Saks quotes Jamal’s own complaint, it adds a stinging “[sic]” after every reference to Jamal as female, as if to assert that Jamal’s identification as a woman is factually incorrect. Saks, then, not only appears to condone discrimination against trans people; it also seems to refuse to accept the validity of a trans identity at all."
This story seems so out of sync to me for a couple reasons. First, why would Saks let this happen at all and two, why would they hire (or retaining) such an ignorant out of touch legal team? Saks' sales must be way up since they don't need any additional dollars from the transgender community? Or maybe they called Chick Fil-A for ideas?
"Saks could have fought Jamal’s suit by insisting that her claims of harassment are false, or that she was terminated for reasons unrelated to her gender. But instead, Saks has claimed that it has a legal right to discriminate against trans employees based on their trans status.
This tactic is quite odd, for two reasons. First, it is morally repulsive. Saks mis-genders Jamal throughout its filings, referring to her as “he” and “him.” Even worse, when Saks quotes Jamal’s own complaint, it adds a stinging “[sic]” after every reference to Jamal as female, as if to assert that Jamal’s identification as a woman is factually incorrect. Saks, then, not only appears to condone discrimination against trans people; it also seems to refuse to accept the validity of a trans identity at all."
This story seems so out of sync to me for a couple reasons. First, why would Saks let this happen at all and two, why would they hire (or retaining) such an ignorant out of touch legal team? Saks' sales must be way up since they don't need any additional dollars from the transgender community? Or maybe they called Chick Fil-A for ideas?
Cyrsti's Condo "From the Hart"
"Life is like a wheel. You just have to remember to hang on tight when it begins to turn too fast!"
Cyrsti Hart
Cyrsti Hart
Just When You Think it's Impossible:
An unnamed MtF gender transition picture comes along which shows you what just could be: Rockin the Airwaves!
I can't say Thursday brought back many fond memories of my radio disk jockey days which ended in the early 1980's , but it's worthwhile to note the feedback from a couple of you who heard the broadcast.
First, The "Fabulous Connie Dee": I listened to the broadcast stream - not sure if it was up or downstream-complete with commercial interruptions. I even tried to call in (after making a search for their number), but they apparently have but one line, and they would wait forever to hang up on each caller. I thought that it could be fun if we were on at the same time. You did just fine by yourself, though. I remember a Cyrsti from not that long ago who would not have been so restrained. I would have shamelessly plugged your book, had I been given the chance/ {:-)
Connie, don't worry, I have not developed a new "laid back" personality, unless by some chance HRT is working some sort of changes on me. And, I haven't developed the "Dr. Phil" mentality yet by trying to plug my "Stilettos on Thin Ice" book , although I should before I get invited to Ophra's house!
As far as the radio station itself- WAIF, it's a local "subscriber" supported radio station and I really don't know if it is not another of the many "faith based" radio stations around here or simply a non commercial one. Except for the commercials you pick up on line on their "stream". Yes Connie, being on with you would have been a dream come true- or nightmare when we got kicked off!
And, Janet Warner sent in this comment: Cyrsti,
I caught part of the show today and heard you when you called back in the second time. I thought the show was very positive, it is so wonderful that finally what it means to be TG is being discussed openly on a radio station with a broad audience. It is a rotten shame however that it takes the death of such a young innocent person to shock folks enough to have the discussion in the first place. Hopefully some good will come of all of this, but as one of the callers said, until it is no longer legal to discriminate against a person on the basis of gender identity, it is hard to see how real progress can happen.
Thanks Janet! Indeed it is sad a young transgender person has to take her own life for this to happen. Didn't you think the program showed the depth of the problems we face? Mr. teen therapist Moderator Tom, relayed right off the bat how stunned he was when he found about the "Josh Alcorn" he knew and the problems "Josh" was facing. At the least now, Moderator Tom has heard about the problems of being transgender and how close to home and well hidden it can be.
While the conversation did show the depth of ignorance we face, until we face up to talking about it-no real progress can happen. I was happy when I got back in to the show for the third time, I was able to have been one of two transgender veterans on the show. I was able to mention the discrimination active military members face IF they chose to come out.
While I doubt if I will be invited back to participate anytime soon on the station (even though I was not a wild woman), I think perhaps I will get a mention or two at "Moderator Tom's (and Leelah's church) on Sunday. I would love to be a fly on that wall-until I got swatted for being a trans fly.
First, The "Fabulous Connie Dee": I listened to the broadcast stream - not sure if it was up or downstream-complete with commercial interruptions. I even tried to call in (after making a search for their number), but they apparently have but one line, and they would wait forever to hang up on each caller. I thought that it could be fun if we were on at the same time. You did just fine by yourself, though. I remember a Cyrsti from not that long ago who would not have been so restrained. I would have shamelessly plugged your book, had I been given the chance/ {:-)
Connie, don't worry, I have not developed a new "laid back" personality, unless by some chance HRT is working some sort of changes on me. And, I haven't developed the "Dr. Phil" mentality yet by trying to plug my "Stilettos on Thin Ice" book , although I should before I get invited to Ophra's house!
As far as the radio station itself- WAIF, it's a local "subscriber" supported radio station and I really don't know if it is not another of the many "faith based" radio stations around here or simply a non commercial one. Except for the commercials you pick up on line on their "stream". Yes Connie, being on with you would have been a dream come true- or nightmare when we got kicked off!
And, Janet Warner sent in this comment: Cyrsti,
I caught part of the show today and heard you when you called back in the second time. I thought the show was very positive, it is so wonderful that finally what it means to be TG is being discussed openly on a radio station with a broad audience. It is a rotten shame however that it takes the death of such a young innocent person to shock folks enough to have the discussion in the first place. Hopefully some good will come of all of this, but as one of the callers said, until it is no longer legal to discriminate against a person on the basis of gender identity, it is hard to see how real progress can happen.
Thanks Janet! Indeed it is sad a young transgender person has to take her own life for this to happen. Didn't you think the program showed the depth of the problems we face? Mr. teen therapist Moderator Tom, relayed right off the bat how stunned he was when he found about the "Josh Alcorn" he knew and the problems "Josh" was facing. At the least now, Moderator Tom has heard about the problems of being transgender and how close to home and well hidden it can be.
While the conversation did show the depth of ignorance we face, until we face up to talking about it-no real progress can happen. I was happy when I got back in to the show for the third time, I was able to have been one of two transgender veterans on the show. I was able to mention the discrimination active military members face IF they chose to come out.
While I doubt if I will be invited back to participate anytime soon on the station (even though I was not a wild woman), I think perhaps I will get a mention or two at "Moderator Tom's (and Leelah's church) on Sunday. I would love to be a fly on that wall-until I got swatted for being a trans fly.
Cyrsti's Condo Vintage Cartoon
Way, way way back in the day female impersonation cartoons such as this was something I looked for in every one of Dad's Playboy's:
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