Vision TV Program Gets a D-

I'm tempted to give it a D-. I had been sort of hoping that the pronoun troubles and emphasizing that they were "transgendered males" were isolated to the article, but this wasn't the case.

To its credit, it didn't outright criticize or condemn transition, it called it a behaviour rather than a sin, but that's still not the same as allowing for the possibility that (as the article title said) God may have made transgendered people, rather than people who "misguidedly believe" that they're transgendered. The only time we hear that God had anything to do with it was from the mouths of the interviewees themselves, and that not often. It seemed to me the same old "hate the sin / love the sinner" adage when it came to the church argument for being LGBT-affirming.

The producers tend to have some sway in putting together a production like this, and I wonder how much of what we saw was coloured by what the producers wanted to show. I don't know what the selection process was for the interviewees, but certainly their selections didn't much challenge the stereotypes that people have of transgendered people, other than to humanize us slightly. And then, all we saw of them was clothes shopping, putting on makeup, getting dressed, etc., the photo albums, and one of the girls out taking photos in male mode. All I really saw presented to viewers was a caricature, and I wonder how much of that was what the producers suggested they do for the camera, as opposed to the interviewees' own initiative.

I suppose that I shouldn't have let the other recent media treatments get my hopes up about this one.

Take care;
Mercedes

Saturday Movie Matinee May 12th: Transamerica

[AlbertaTransPeerSupportNetwork]
May 12th, from 2:00 to 5:00. We're showing Transamerica, a reprise request. A fully updated Movie Matinee calendar is online at http://www.albertatrans.org/tmn.shtml

The Trans Movie Matinee is brought to you by The Pride Center of Edmonton (9540-111 Ave). It is held Saturdays at 2:00, and there is no admission charge. This is not meant to be a major public performance -- just a private gathering among friends with a common interest. There will be some munchies and drinks (pop, coffee -- no alcohol) provided, and you are invited (but not required) to bring some as well.
This is mainly meant to provide an extra outing, and a chance to meet people from other groups, as all are invited.

Take care; hope to see you there. :)
Mercedes Allen,Webmistress: http://www.albertatrans.org/Blog: http://sistermercy.blogspot.com/Portfolio: http://www.perditioncitylimits.com/

message to transgender community from roommate

As some know, we've been looking at doing a few activities with the Sunday transgender support group.

We are looking at possibly pre-empting one of the meetings, likely the 3rd-Sunday Edmonton meeting (20may07, Victoria Day long weekend), for a Shop Class for both the Edmonton and Calgary groups (we would all be carpooling, as this would take place in High River, just south of Calgary). This is especially geared toward the transmen, who often don't get the benefit of this sort of thing growing up, but it is also open to others in the trans community who might be interested. There is no charge, but contributions to foodstuffs (we're planning to order pizza, but are open to workable suggestions) and gas would be appreciated. Your instructor (and host) would be April, who has carpentry experience, as well as extensive experience in the flooring industry.

Care will be taken with regards to safety; however, everyone is also responsible to practice safety and to behave accordingly.

We would like to get a head-count of how many people are interested in this, before announcing anything as certain. Please let me know, and also indicate if there are any specific things that you would be interested in learning. We're thinking the basics: small hand tools (including power tools) to start. Also, if you have plans for that weekend but would be interested in participating on a different date, please also let me know this.

(We will also be looking to get some safety glasses and probably a pair or two of kevlar safety gloves -- if anyone has some they can bring, please let me know before I buy any. I have current First Aid training, but if any others attending also have that, please let me know)

Axcella has agreed to be at the Pride Centre (Edmonton) to facilitate on that day (May 20th, if confirmed) for the benefit of any who prefer discussion and support instead of attending the shop class.

Thanks; take care;
Mercedes Allen,http://sistermercy.blogspot.com/Webmistress http://www.albertatrans.org/