Transgender Equality: This proud Texas Christian mom is taking on the world for her trans daughter’s rights

An evangelical mother in Texas has become an unlikely firebrand for transgender equality – as she fights for her daughter’s rights. Pearland, Houston mother Kim Shappley is a devout Christian and ordained minister – in one of the most anti-LGBT parts of America. Houston last year became the focal point of a transgender rights battle last year when residents voted to repeal a local LGBT rights ordinance after lobbying from religious groups. But Ms Shappley is swimming against the tide in the conservative-dominated state, for the sake of her five-year-old transgender daughter Kai – who insisted she was a girl from age 3.

The mother says she prayed her child would grow out of it, and spent months of trying to make her act like a boy. Ms Shappley recalled: “We would take the girl toys away and Kai would pull a shirt down to her waist and make it a skirt. A shirt would get tied onto her head and it would make long hair.” “I would hold Kai down, and make her get a haircut while she screamed ‘no mommy, no mommy’…. my child would pray and ask to let her go to Heaven and be with Jesus. “Kai was begging the Lord to let her die.” After seeing the extent of harm she was causing, the mother realised the error of her ways and vowed to always embrace Kai for who she is. And that’s why when Kai’s school informed her that they would treat her daughter as a male student, she vowed to fight the decision.

The proud mum is taking on Pearland Independent School District in her bid to secure equality for Kai

Read more here: http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2016/08/11/this-proud-texas-christian-mom-is-taking-on-the-world-for-her-trans-daughters-rights/

Non-Binary and Relationships: What Do I Call You?

Ugla Stefanía writes about Non-Binary relationships in this article from Huffpost Lifestyle.

Most people don’t really have a problem with what name to use when introducing the person they are with. For most people it’s as easily solved as “girlfriend” or “boyfriend”. Seems simple enough, right?

I wish it was. I’ve just spent the last 5 minutes trying to phrase the first sentence of this article in a gender neutral way that doesn’t sound ridiculous. You see, when you don’t identify with the rigid categories “man” or “woman” and all that is associated with that, you will have a problem on your hands.

Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of sweet, cute and adorable gender neutral terms to use for one another; bae, sweetheart, honey, honeybee, pumpkin, pudding – all that jazz. But when you are in a situation where you are actually introducing someone (for example to friends or family) that is non binary and with you it becomes a bit more challenging.

Read more of this article here: http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/ugla-stefanaa-owl/non-binary-dating_b_11264804.html

Meet Grrl Alex, The Gender Non Conforming Trans Woman From Wales

Meet the marvelous gender non conforming Trans Woman, Alex, from Cardiff. Part of the My Genderation ‘Patchwork’ series, with All About Trans.

Trans student outed by Edmonton teachers wins ‘landmark’ privacy ruling

Going to a new school can be tough for any kid. But for Ella Grant, it was a fresh start and a chance to live as a girl. That was until a series of human errors outed the trans student over and over again. Globalnews.ca has more on the privacy breach and how it’s led to a major milestone for transgender students.

 

Trans Student

By the time Ella Grant started Grade 8 she was used to being “the weird kid.” She had been on the receiving end of nasty looks and the subject of schoolyard gossip before.

But nothing prepared her to handle the name teachers and students called her numerous times in her first months at her new junior high in 2013: Eliot.

Read more here: http://globalnews.ca/news/2865174/trans-student-outed-by-edmonton-teachers-wins-landmark-privacy-ruling/

Courtesy of globalnews.ca

Bolivia Government Legalizes Trans Name & Gender Changes!

As of August the 1st Trans people in Bolivia over 18 can change their name and gender on all public and private documents. The government signed into law this much needed. gender identity legislation.

“This is democracy. For that reason, I feel happy to be able to sign this law” Vice President Alvaro Garcia Linera on Saturday said.

“They will not disappear if we ignore or discriminate against them. What has happened till now is that this group has become visible and has claimed its rights. Today the transsexual and transgender group is enriching Bolivia’s democracy,” Linera said.

Read more

Trans Pride Brighton 2016

On July 23rd 2016 the annual Trans Pride in Brighton took place. This year it was bigger than ever with a total of 4500 people attending to the main event. The Protest march took place along the seafront this year and ended up in Brunswick Square.

The stage made a return this year complete with live music, poetry, speeches and more on the stage,this year the entertainment was hosted by the wonderful Romario Wanliss and Emma Frankland. Music from Tilly Braiance, Taylor Lucas, Ren, Screaming Toenail, the Chemtrails and Squid & the Krakens. Poetry was also provided from Dae Fletcher,  Connor Byrne and Alice Denny.

Read more