Originally Posted By SingleParkPassholder <a href="http://www.laobserved.com/archive/2007/04/mike_penner_takes_a_big_s.php" target="_blank">http://www.laobserved.com/arch ive/2007/04/mike_penner_takes_a_big_s.php</a> I thought I'd post this since the thread about two girls kissing is somewhat related, seeing as how the jerkwater set of parents think they can send their daughter away to be "cured" of her alleged homosexuality. Mike Penner of the LA Times announced yesterday he's a transsexual and will be known as Christine Daniels after he returns from some time off. Admittedly, this one takes some getting used to, but after thinkign about it, you have to at least admire the guy's courage at coming out like this.
Originally Posted By melekalikimaka I think it always takes courage to imagine that your life can be different and even more courage to make it happen. There is an amazing freedom that comes when you can be exactly who you feel you were meant to be. Good for him.
Originally Posted By DAR If he's a good writer who really cares if he goes through the change. Since he's a sports reporter does he get access to both men's and women's locker rooms?
Originally Posted By Mr X I think jdub was kidding. I actually have a bit of "first hand" experience with this, as an old and dear friend of mine (we met when we were 14 years old, in fact!) has fairly recently started "his" transition into becoming a woman. I'll keep the proper terminology of "she" from here on in... It is a gut-wrenching thing to say the least. As she told me, consider what homosexual people go through as far as shame and outcast and all that society stuff...and multiply by 1000. Not to mention, many homosexuals are actually "transphobic" and so a large population that should really understand and be on their side is, in a large way, also against them. And, they get a lot of crap about "you are really just gay, but you're taking it too far", and stuff like that. In any case, as far as practicality is concerned (and the locker room comment), a transsexual person wishes to be given the same consideration of anyone else of that particular gender. And so, this reporter would, ideally, be welcomed in the womens locker room...and assuming women are allowed access to the mens, that too. If women are barred from there, in general, than this reporter would probably expect the same rules to apply. It's all very weird for me, having this dear friend go through this difficult transition that I have a LOT of trouble understanding or relating to, but I do think I'm learning and I think a lot of my preconceived notions are falling by the wayside. Unfortunately, I worry about my friend because she's been pretty close to suicidal for some time because of the difficulties tied to this issue. Also, my friend was married, but at this time the woman is seeking a divorce and has said some very nasty stuff such as "our whole relationship was nothing but a lie" (my friend did NOT want the divorce, and was in fact prepared to "stop" being a transsexual to try and prevent it)...so, I'm worried anyway. Tough situation. And I appreciate this reporter being bold enough to talk about it in this day and age (this day and age being "we're "kind of" liberal and accepting, but not really)...that person is truly courageous, and I think she is really helping to bring the transsexual issue into the foreground by talking about it.
Originally Posted By imadisneygal Transgendered youth were the subject of Barbara Walters' 20/20 last night. I thought it was very well done and presented three beautiful children who happen to be transgender. I do wish they would have focused more on families who do NOT accept their transgendered family member because those are the people who suffer the most. The story mentioned that people who are transgendered and are rejected by their families have a 4x higher suicide rate than the general population and are much more likely to have problems with substance abuse as well. I wish Christine all the best as she transitions. Much of the suffering for people who are transgendered occurs before the transition, although there are many challenges throughout the process. Many people find that once they are allowed to express their true gender they have more confidence to stand up to the challenges they face. I wish Christine all the best and I hope that her transition is as smooth as it can possibly be.
Originally Posted By officerminnie I have to admit I never quite understood anything regarding trandgenered people and was probably one of those who thought it was just "gay people taking it a bit too far". But I watched the Barabara Walters feature last night too and now I at least have a better understanding of what it's all about. It was so very heartbreaking to see how much turmoil those kids go through WITH their family's support. I can't imagine the heartache other kids must have to endure who have no support whatsoever! Hopefully the "coming out" of Christine will not sabotage her career and more people will be enlightened and hopefully more accepting of transgendered and transexual people.
Originally Posted By JohnS1 So, is Penner now going to move from the sports section to the fashion section at the Times?
Originally Posted By DouglasDubh I wonder if he'll end up looking like Rebecca Romijn. Or should that be I wonder if she'll end up looking like Rebecca Romijn.
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA Or should that be I wonder if she'll end up looking like Rebecca Romijn.> Wow, you watch 'Ugly Betty' DouglasDubh? I hadn't pegged you for gay.
Originally Posted By DouglasDubh My wife watches it. I'm just present when it's on. At least, that's my story.
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA ^^^That's my justification for watching 'The View' -- right on!
Originally Posted By jonvn In autopsies they have done on transgendered people, they have found that a part of the brain that revolves around sexual identification is reversed in trans people. That is for men, this portion of the brain looks like a female brain. Vice versa. It's a birth defect, basically.
Originally Posted By Disneyman55 Cool. Who cares? Last time I checked he/she has a right to do as he/she wishes on that subject. Don't agree with it, but he/she still can do as she wishes. Just as I can think as I wish. (Awaiting a smiting from the thought police.)
Originally Posted By jdub There seems to be a recurring theme--is that the secret word? Should I be screaming real loud?
