DOCSLIB.ORG

Born This Way by Gary Boyle

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Born This Way by Gary Boyle Bangkok Post Learning: Test Yourself Test Yourself is where you can improve your reading skills. Whether it’s for tests like University Entrance Exams or IELTS and TOEFL, or even just for fun, these pages help you to read, understand and improve your English. Born this way by Gary Boyle Photo by Melalin Mahavongtrakul Read the following story by Melalin Mahavongtrakul from the Bangkok Post. Then, answer the questions that follow. Asian transgender beauty queens reflect on the issues they face and their hopes for the future. But what’s it like to be a transgender woman living in Asia? “It’s difficult,” said Yaya, a Chinese transgender beauty queen. “In China, most people think transgenders are crazy, that we need to go to a hospital. But the truth is we’re natural. We’re born this way.” BATTLE ROYALE Yaya is one of the contestants the Bangkok Post met backstage prior to the final round of the Miss International Queen 2019 competition, held this month in Pattaya. This Thailand-based international beauty pageant has been celebrating transgender women since 2004. This year, 20 transgender women from all over the world competed for the crown. The pageant’s 14th edition saw Jazell Barbie Royale from the United States taking home the crown. The atmosphere inside Tiffany’s Show Theatre, where the event took place, was truly joyous. More than half of this year’s contestants represented Asian countries, including Kanwara Kaewjin, the reigning Miss Tiffany’s Universe, who represented Thailand. While living as a transgender in some Asian countries means better freedom of expression and a celebration of rights, in others it could still mean discrimination and bigotry. “If you’re transgender, you live in the night, not daytime. If people find out, they may hurt you and beat you. You can lose your job,” continued Yaya inside a roomful of beauties where everyone was getting ready for the show. The ladies were all dressed up in sparkling, gorgeous gowns. Everyone was looking forward to the show but no one forgot the journey that had brought them here. Yaya, 29, is a singer and vocal teacher. She used to hide the fact that she’s transgender for many years. But that’s all in the past. She is now out and proud. Part of her being in the competition is to show the public – especially those in her home country – all the great things transgender people can be. KICKED OUT Elsewhere in Asia, 24-year-old student Angel Lama from Nepal said that the intolerance in her country means transgender people may get kicked out of school. It’s also difficult to find a job. “Many transwomen in our country are forced to be prostitutes just because they’re kicked out of their family for being transgender. People aren’t educated about LGBT in our country. They just kick out people, saying it’s a disease that can’t be let into society,” Lama said. But the situation is different in Laos. Kanrayany Phothimath, 22, considers herself lucky to have been born in Laos, as she believes the country is open for everyone, regardless of gender. She is a college student, a model and a schoolteacher who now teaches basic English. “Opportunity is based on each individual here. If you behave well, you have good opportunities in society. People don’t automatically exclude you based on your gender,” she said. “At the same time, I want everyone to be equal and respectful toward one another and not judge people based on their appearance.” While the level of acceptance may vary across Asia, one of the problems faced across the region is the limited – or absence of – access to healthcare facilities dedicated to transgenders. This includes facilities where they can get consultations, checkups, hormone treatments and sex- reassignment surgery. FEEL THE FREEDOM When they can’t get these services in their country, many transgender people turn to Thailand, which has facilities that offer healthcare to transgender people. “We have a hospital [in China], but the doctor is not good with surgery. This is why I came to Thailand for my sex-reassignment surgery – because Thai doctors are very good,” said Yaya. “I always tell others I was born in China but I was made in Thailand. I’m a half-Thai girl. My doctor made me reborn again.” Despite the struggles and social prejudice facing transgender people, Yaya urged the transgender community, especially the younger generation, to be brave. “We don’t need to hide anymore. We can live in the sunshine. We can feel the freedom,” she said. Vocabulary transgender (adj): relating to a person whose sense of personal identity and gender does not correspond with their birth sex pageant (n): a competition in which beauty, personal qualities and skills are judged Section 1: Read through the story and answer the following questions. 1. Chinese transgenders are crazy. True or false? ……………. 2. When was the first Miss International Queen held? ……………. 3. Where does this year’s winner come from? ……………. 4. More than 50% of this year’s contestants were Asian. True or false? ……………. 5. People in Nepal understand LGBT. True or false? …………..... 6. Which contestant is oldest? a. Yaya. b. Angel. c. Kanrayany. 7. Who comes from a country that is open to transgenders? a. Yaya. b. Angel. c. Kanrayany. 8. Who said transgenders no longer need to hide? a. Yaya. b. Angel. c. Kanrayany. Section 2: Specify whether each of the following words is used in the story as a verb, noun, adjective or adverb. 9. truly. …………… 10. regardless. …………… 11. judge. …………… 12. well. …………… 13. brave. …………… Section 3: Read the following passage. Then, fill in the blanks with the correct words from the choices given. When Jazell Barbie Royale ….14…. Miss International Queen 2019, the ….15…. of the historical moment was felt all over the world. She is the first transgender woman of ….16…. to have won the title. Growing up, Royale said she had a loving ….17…. and her family has shown her nothing but love and support all the way. She has been planning to join Miss International Queen for several years but ….18…. unable to. This year, she is ….19…. here with the blessing and support of her community. 14. a. win b. wins c. won 15. a. important b. importance c. import 16. a. colour b. colourful c. colours 17. a. children b. childhood c. child 18. a. wasn’t b. hadn’t been c. has been 19. a. final b. finally c. finalist Section 4: Find synonyms in the story for the following words. 20. Beautiful. 21. Fortunate. 22. Chance. 23. Lack. 24. Difficulties. For the answers, find the story online at www.bangkokpost.com/learning If you have any questions or feedback, please contact the Editor at [email protected] .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • “Please Don't Run for Next Term”
    Established 1961 T 21 Sunday, March 10, 2019 L i f e s t y l e Fa s h i o n Contestant Jazell Barbie Royale of the US reacts while being crowned the Miss International Contestant Jazell Barbie Royale of the US competes during Contestant Jazell Barbie Royale of the US waits backstage. Queen 2019 by Miss International Queen 2018, Nguyen Huong Giang during the transgender the Miss International Queen 2019 transgender beauty pag- beauty pageant in Pattaya. — AFP photos eant in Pattaya. American crowned queen in Thai transgender pageant merican contestant Jazell Barbie Royale was crowned “Miss International Queen” in Thailand on Friday at a beauty pageant for transgender women, becoming the first person ofA color to win the competition since it started in 2004. Royale buried her face in her hands, spread her arms in victory and welled up with tears when news of the vic- tory was announced in the seaside city of Pattaya. The community leader and HIV activist edged out 19 other candidates from around the world including Brazil, Peru and several Asian countries. “Please don’t run for next term” She said she hoped her triumph inspired other people of color around the world who might say “if she can do it, I’m coming to Miss International Queen next year and I’m going to compete”. Hailing from Florida, Royale said she wanted to use her newfound platform to educate others about the importance of HIV testing, safe sex and medical care. “There are a lot of living with HIV but don’t go to get Jazell Barbie Royale, second left, of the US, the Miss International Queen 2019 receives a kiss from first runner up Kanwara treatment,” she said.
    [Show full text]
  • Current Affairs August 2017 Pdf
    CURRENT AFFAIRS AUGUST 2017 PDF AWARDS AND HONOURS NAME OF THE AWARD AWARD WINNER KEY POINTS TO NOTE Bharat Gaurav – East Bengal’s Dhanraj Pillay He is Former India hockey captain highest honour National Geographic Sergio Tapiro Velasco For photographing Mexico’s Colima Photographer of The Year volcano Prem Nazir’ award Actor Sharada She is national award winner World’s Highest Paid Author by JK Rowling ─ Forbes Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Sardar Singh (Hockey awards player) ─ Devendra Jhajharia (Paralympian) Asia Society Game Changers Dev Patel He is Indian-origin actor Award Best Skilling India award on ASSOCHAM NACER Indian of the Year Debraj Shome India Leadership Conclave Title of National Champion Sravanth Malla 2017 South Asian Spelling Bee Hindu Playwright Award 2017 Gerish Khemani and Akshat In Search of Dariya Sagar Nigam Hugo Award for Best Novel N.K. Jemisin For her work “The ObeliskGate”. 2017 Green Marketer’ Award Hindustan Unilever Marquee Awards 2017 AAAI Lifetime Achievement Roda Mehta Award 2017 Environment Excellence National Aluminium Appreciation Award in large mines Awards 2016-17 Company (NALCO) category Marconi Lifetime Award Thomas Kailath He is Pune -born Stanford Professor Kesari Media Award T J S George Veteran journalist Sena Medal Gallantry award Major Mitali Madhumita The first woman officer to receive Best performance Corporation Bank Conferred by NABARD Best performer award Karnataka Vikas Grameen Conferred by NABARD bank 7th Dr. Ambedkar award Bappi Lahiri ─ Prestigious Agriculture Telangana Chief Minister K For his innovative services rendered Leadership Award 2017 Chandrashekhar Rao to the welfare of farmers Arjuna Award 2017 Oinam Bembem Devi Durga of Indian football Miss India America 2017 LaRoda Los Angeles, California 2017 Biju Patnaik Award Digambar Behera.
    [Show full text]
  • Long Sought by North Korea, Summit Holds Risks for Trump Administration
    Houston-area spring For news and information consider- If you would like to share news or news organization events, and school breakers have another ation, please send to If information with our readers, please news to us includinig your name and [email protected] low-cost option: Fishing send the unique stories, business phone number in case more informa- tion is needed. or contact John Robbins 832-280-5815 Jun Gai 281-498-4310 Publisher: Wea H. Lee General Manager: Catherine Lee Editor: John Robbins, Jun Gai Business Manager : Jennifer Lopez Address: 11122 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, TX 77072 Southern Daily News is published by Southern News Group Daily E-mail: [email protected] Inside C2 Saturday, March 10, 2018 | www.today-america.com | Southern News Group Long sought by North Korea, summit holds risks for Trump administration SEOUL/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - For at while other positions are entirely empty. least two decades, leaders in North Korea Joseph Yun, the U.S. envoy in charge of have been seeking a personal meeting with negotiating with North Korea, quit last an American president. week, and Trump has yet to nominate an Now, as a summit unexpectedly appears ambassador to South Korea. possible, analysts fear U.S. President Donald “A Trump meeting with Kim presents Trump’s understaffed administration may both risks and opportunities,” said Bonnie lack the expertise to successfully turn a po- Glaser, an Asia expert at the Center for litical spectacle long sought by Pyongyang Strategic and International Studies think into a meaningful opportunity to convince tank. North Korea to abandon its nuclear program.
    [Show full text]
  • Septiembre a Diciembre De 2015 Pepe Medel
    Septiembre a diciembre de 2015 History of Beauty Comentarios, anécdotas y relatos sobre los concursos de belleza. Tomo I Pepe Medel Septiembre a diciembre de 2015 Contenido general Presentación……………………………………………………………………………………………. 2 1 Septiembre……………………………………………………………………………………. 3 Octubre…………………………………………………………………………………………. 42 Noviembre……………………………………………………………………………………… 90 Diciembre………………………………………………………………………………………. 126 Presentación Muchos de los lectores de mi blog personal en Facebook History of Beauty (https://www.facebook.com/historiadelabelleza) me han solicitado que republique algunas de las notas que han considerado interesantes y que en su momento no pudieron leer y que además por el tiempo en que las publiqué, es muy difícil buscarlas en la página, a pesar de señalarles la fecha en que las subí a la red. Ante esta situación decidí re trabajar cada una de las notas y organizarlas a manera de un libro en línea que rescate todos esos comentarios y que los interesados lo puedan bajar de 2 la red, imprimir, coleccionar o lo que ustedes decidan. Esta colección que publicaré cuatrimestralmente se denomina: History of Beauty. Comentarios, anécdotas y relatos sobre los concursos de belleza. Es por esto que con mucho gusto les presento el primer tomo de este esfuerzo, el cual comprende las notas publicadas desde la aparición de mi blog el 9 de septiembre de 2015 y comprende hasta la última aportación subida en diciembre del mismo año. Esta publicación incluye las 185 fotografía empleadas en las diversas notas que escribí durante el último cuatrimestre del año 2015 y que en algunos casos, son fotografías que solicitaron subiera y yo aproveché para hacer un breve artículo. Espero que con la lectura de este tomo, los jóvenes aficionados a los concursos de belleza puedan encontrar los orígenes de nuestra pasión y los que ya son grandes conocedores del tema, logren revivir la emoción que nos siguen causando los certámenes que, al menos a mí, se han convertido en parte de mi vida y han convivido conmigo por más de 50 años.
    [Show full text]
  • Thailand, a Beauty Hub for Everyone?
    I n t e r n a t i o n a l M a r k e t i n g M a s t e r T h e s i s E F O 7 0 5 Thailand, A Beauty Hub for Everyone? ( Internationalizing Thai Aesthetic Surgery ) D AT E : J u n e 4, 2008 T u t o r : T o b i a s E l t e b r a n d t A u t h o r s G r o u p 2000 : J i t m a n e e P u l l a w a n 7 9 0 9 1 8 K a n t a r a S i n h a n e t i 8 1 0 6 0 8 ABSTRACT Subject / term: Business Studies / VT2008 Title: Thailand a beauty hub for everyone? Internationalizing Thai aesthetic surgery Author(s): Group 2000 Kantara Sinhaneti Jitmanee Pullawan Tutor: Tobias Eltebrandt Abstract: Introduction: Aesthetic surgery becomes another option of beauty. Interested Patients seeking for choices offered outside their homeland for more benefits. Thailand maybe one of those choices people is now interested in. Thai aesthetic industry may prove to be one of the most wanted destinations because of its expertise and relatively low cost with impressive service. Problem: “How should Thailand improve its Aesthetic service attractiveness to drive its potential to the level of internationalization?” Purpose: This thesis aim to understand Thai aesthetic surgery business and expect to conduct the idea of how to improve the attractiveness of aesthetic service in Thailand by find out international demand then analyze advantages of Thai aesthetic surgery and what can be improve to serve international customers’ demand.
    [Show full text]
  • Leading Articles
    Point of views DOI:__________________________________________________________________________________ http://doi.org/10.4038/joshhm.v3i0.63 The shifting landscape of Gender Identity and the situation in Sri Lanka Dr A.S. Malalagama, Consultant Psychiatrist, Base Hospital Warakapola, Sri Lanka Email: [email protected], https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5507-9815 DOI: Gender non conformity- a revolution and Pakistan intersex and transgender Gender binarism is entrenched in cultures of individuals are known as “hijra” and have Sri Lanka and most other Asian and Mediterranean countries. Gender non been identified as a third gender1,3. South conformity was not heard of, a generation Sulawesi, Indonesia, identifies five genders, ago. Even today, majority are unaware of including bissu, calalai’, and calabai’1. gender pluralism and non-conformity and use the words sex and gender interchangeably. Gender spectrum and transgenderism Gender identity is an individual’s perception and self-awareness of being male or female or Gender non-conforming individuals are a combination of male and female or neither identified under the umbrella term, gender male nor female. It is different from sex, queer, which includes agender, androgyny, sexual orientation or gender role. Gender gender fluid and pangender4. Transgender identity lies in a spectrum as any other refers to the broad spectrum of individuals biological parameter such as height or who transiently or persistently identify with a weight1. A recent survey of a thousand gender different from their sex assigned at millennials found that half of them think birth (American Psychiatric Association). gender is a spectrum. In the recent past, there Prevalence is 1 in 30 000 natal males and 1 in are an increasing number of reports on 100 000 natal females5 .The prevalence of youngsters questioning their gender identity.
    [Show full text]
  • Miss International Queen, a ASTRA-Rio E Majorie Marchi Foram Premiadas Na Categoria Visibilidade Trans Do 12º Prêmio Arco Íris De Direitos Humanos111
    297 5 REINADO: OS MODELOS DE REPRESENTATIVIDADE DO MISS T BRASIL 5.1 Produzindo e promovendo a representatividade trans Figura 73 - Matéria sobre a primeira edição do Miss T Brasil no site do jornal norte-americano Huffington Post (01 nov 2012). 298 Figura 74 - Foto das candidatas do Miss T Brasil 2012 em galeria no site do jornal italiano La Reppublica (30 out 2012). Figura 75 - Galeria de imagens da primeira edição do Miss T Brasil no site chinês de moda masculina Yoka Men (30 out 2012). 299 Figura 76 - Matéria sobre o Miss T Brasil 2012 no site do jornal argentino La Gaceta (31 out 2012). No final de dezembro de 2013, após a realização das duas primeiras edições do Miss T Brasil e da vitória de Marcela Ohio no mundial Miss International Queen, a ASTRA-Rio e Majorie Marchi foram premiadas na categoria Visibilidade Trans do 12º Prêmio Arco Íris de Direitos Humanos111. Premiação de acordo com a visibilidade pretendida pelo concurso, que reforça desde o nome da categoria de tal prêmio a relação entre visibilidade e algo concebido como cidadania. Reproduzo na íntegra o discurso de agradecimento de Majorie Marchi, no qual faz uma espécie de síntese do projeto Miss T Brasil, em uma noite de gala no Teatro Laura Alvim, em Ipanema, onde sua figura elegante em vestido dourado e, neste momento, comedida em suas palavras e críticas, parecia personificar o modelo ditado e construído pelo Miss T: Bom, boa noite. É inegavelmente com muita emoção que pela segunda vez eu recebo o Prêmio Arco-Íris de Direitos Humanos.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 the Third Gender in the Tourism Industry: a Preliminary Observation
    The Third Gender in the Tourism Industry: A Preliminary Observation Farok Zakaria, Ph.D [email protected] Abstract In South-east Asia, the involvement of the third gender in promoting tourism is remarkably prominent. Many transvestites are involved in cultural performances or paper dolls shows. The Moulin rouge girl sort of shows received overwhelming response from holiday goers. Many transvestites especially in Thailand and the Philippines opted to work as performers as their living professions let alone those who have traveled the world performing as impersonators and make-up artists. This group of people has tremendously contributed to the Tourism industry yet they are a laughing stock to the society. Their important role to tourism industry in some countries are denied and seen as a nuisance to the society. This paper will look at the contribution of the third gender people in the tourism industry especially in the South-east Asia. Discussions on types of performances offered to tourists are highlighted in this paper. 1.0 Introduction Many have been said about the third gender in the society. Undeniably, many have also constructed bad images of the third gender. The existence of third gender people is extensively getting the society’s attention from day to day. The ways they behave are being imitated in films and dramas. They even make movies out of the third gender dilemma. “To Wong Foo”, “The Iron Lady”, “The Beautiful Boxer”, “Bugis Street” and “Buka Api” are some of the films made to familiarize the society with the third gender. Be it in the west or in Asia, the story of the Third Gender are the same.
    [Show full text]
  • Transsexual Miss World Contest Aims to Boost Awareness
    14 生活時尚 S T Y L E WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2009 • TAIPEI TIMES My Document laptop case (My Document電腦包) NT$720 These bags are targeted at “kidults,” grown- ups who have maintained a taste for youth OW culture. They’re made from waterproof fabric N 25togo started life as a design bound with water-resistant rubber seams. Rocking Horse and creativity information blog The front bears the leather mobile that introduced unique designs “My Document” phone case and rapidly developed a large logo with either a (搖搖馬皮革手機座) readership. Starting in 2006, cursor, a finger or an NT$980 25togo branched out and began hourglass symbol. Childhood themes selling international designs and have provided developing products under its a major source of inspiration for 25togo’s own brand. A diverse spectrum of designers, who believe that there is a small designers subsequently joined the child inside everyone of us. 25togo with the goal of making “Made in Taiwan” designs a part of people’s daily lives. 25togo was featured earlier this year at 100% Design in Tokyo week. Somebody celebrity notebook (SOMEBODY？名人筆記本) NT$350 Color the boxes with the number “1” and the image of a well-known celebrity will appear Shopping List eco-friendly shopping bag (購物清單環保包) NT$380 Comes with a handy built- Message messenger bag in grocery list (信封郵差包) NT$2,800 Water-proof and shock- absorbent with an adjustable strap. One side looks like an airmail envelope, the other an Store e-mail icon. notes Address: 20, Ln 90, Anhe Rd Sec 1, Taipei City (台北市安和路一段90巷20號) Tel: (02) 2700-2426 On the Net: www.25togo.com Other vendors The Door Address: 34, Ln 40, Taishun St, Taipei City (台北市泰順街40巷34號) Tel: (02) 3365-2199 Togo Transformer folders Polapost photo postcards (打包資料夾) (Polapost相框明信片) Lakaffa (六角咖啡) NT$280 (for a package of NT$230 (for a package of Address: B1, 6, Ln 14, Siwei Rd, Taipei three) seven) City (台北市四維路14巷6號B1) These dual-use folders Use these PVC postcards Tel: (02) 2701-9227 can hold documents or be to decorate your walls or On the Net: www.lakaffa.com.tw flipped open and expanded mail them to friends.
    [Show full text]
  • Gender Issues & Sexuality: Essential Primary Sources
    Index Note: This is an excerpt of the index to Gender Issues & Sexuality: Essential Primary Sources , edited by K. Lee Lerner. Gender determination, female infanticide and, 60 G Gender differences, 38–40, 77 Gallo, Robert, 232–235 Gender discrimination. See Sex discrimination Gambia, adult literacy class, 334 Gender identity disorder, 197–198, 207 Ganzon, Donita, 199 Gender Outlaw: On Men, Women and the Rest of Us Gardner, Penny, 257 (Bornstein), 192 Garr, Teri, 339 Gender reassignment surgery Garrett, Daniel Ryan, 362 custody case, 196–198 Gartrell, Nanette, 143, 144–149 history, 205–206, 207 Gauthe, Gilbert, 395 Richards, Renee case, 189–191 Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD), 257 sex discrimination and, 100–102 Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA), 251–252, Gender stereotypes 253–255 abstinence-only sex education and, 328–329 Gay bar raids, 118, 127 gay men, 368–369 Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender rights (GLBT), 109– transgender sex discrimination and, 100–102 Gene Robinson Becomes First Openly Gay Episcopal Bishop 177 338 adoption, 169–177, 171 (Marriner), Beauvoir, Simone de on, 129–132, 130 General Accounting Office, 323 bisexuality, 115–118 General Motors Sit-down Strike of 1936-1937, 291 blasphemous libel concept, 120–123, 122 Geoghan, John, 395 Boy Scouts discrimination case, 150–154, 154 Georgia, 262, 418 as choice vs. innate biology, 164–166, 166 Ghandi, Rajiv, 375 DOMAs and, 154–157, 157 , 166–169, 167 Gilda (Film), 308 domestic partner benefits, 157–160, 158 Ginsburg, Ruth Bader, 160, 313 hate crimes and, 125–127, 126 , 135–140, 136 Girls. See Children; Teenagers military hero funeral, 308–310, 309 Gita (child bride), 48 Give a Poor Woman a Fish? o.
    [Show full text]
  • GK Digest August 2017
    Bankexamstoday.com GK Digest August 2017 Contain Current Affair of August 2017 Important Days National Handloom Day: 7 August 2017 . National Handloom Day is being observed today to encourage people to use hand-made loom in the country. The main event will be held in Guwahati to celebrate the third National Handloom Day. Central Government has declared August 7 as National Handloom Day, to be celebrated every year due to its significance in India's history, as 'Swadeshi Movement' was launched in 1905 on this day. The movement involved revival of domestic products and production processes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the first National Handloom Day on August 7 in 2015 World Bio Fuel Day: 10 August 2017 . Every year 10th August is observed as World Bio-Fuel Day in a bid to create awareness about non-fossil-fuels (Green Fuels). On this day in 1893, Sir Rudolph Diesel (inventor of the diesel engine) for the first time successfully ran the mechanical engine with Peanut Oil. His research experiment had predicted that vegetable oil is going to replace the fossil fuels in the next century to fuel different mechanical engines. Thus to mark this extraordinary achievement, World Biofuel Day is observed every year on 10th August. International Youth Day: 12 August . On 17 December 1999 the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth that 12 August be declared International Youth Day. It reaffirms the important role youth can play in deterring and resolving conflicts, and are key constituents in ensuring the success of both peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts.
    [Show full text]
  • 2021Translations-Program.Pdf
    TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS WELCOME LETTER . .. 3 OPENING NIGHT FILM . 4 CLOSING NIGHT FILM . 5 FEATURES . 7–12 SHORTS . 14–22 EVENTS . 24–25 WELCOME LEttER WELCOME TO THE 16TH ANNUAL TRANSLATIONS! It is our great privilege to co-program the 16th annual Seattle Translations Festival, one of only ten festivals of its kind in the world. After years of elevating the voices of people who are rarely heard, it can feel like the change we need to bring about has arrived, particularly here in the openly liberal space of the Pacific Northwest. But as we all know, there is much work to be done. As we finalize our program, there are currently almost ninety pieces of anti-trans legislation being proposed across the US, and the horrific murder of trans folx, especially black trans women and trans women of color, occurs at alarming rates. While our struggles are not the same as in Brazil or Ukraine, where government sanctioned annihilation of trans and queer identified folx happens every day, it remains true that many of us here and around the world desperately need to know we are not alone. It is indeed a powerful act to see ourselves on screen, to tell our own stories, and to exist in community with each other. This is the work we do. For that, we are humbled and grateful. In the midst of so much darkness, we invite you to spend some time in the (spot)light and celebrate trans lives with us. We look forward to bringing you great films from around the world and to interacting with you online.
    [Show full text]