Gender News is produced bi-monthly by TransSask Support Services and its volunteers (www.transsask.org). Contents: Editorial Coordinator: Mikayla Schultz - Surviving the Holidays, Page 3 ([email protected]) Production Volunteers: Vacant - Gender Confusion (Commentary), Page 5 North Area Representative (Prince Albert, - Protecting Gender, Page 6 Buffalo Narrows, La Ronge, Creighton, etc.): Vacant - Getting to Zero: Trans & HIV, Page 8 West/Central Representative (North Battleford, Rosetown, Kindersley, etc.): Vacant - New Standards of Care, Page 9 Central Representative (Saskatoon and - The 'Passing' Controversy, Page 11 Area): Vacant East/Central Representative (Yorkton, - Violence & Emergency Shelters, Page 14 Melville and Area): Vacant - Etiquette for Non-trans, Page 16 South/West Representative (Swift Current, Maple Creek, Shaunavon, etc.): Vacant South/Central Representative (Regina, Moose Jaw, Assiniboia, etc.): Mikayla Schultz ([email protected]) South/East Representative (Weyburn, As the holiday season approaches, I can not help but think of Estevan, Carlyle, etc.): Vacant the many trans-folk who find themselves alone during this time. This is not an uncommon experience, particularly for those in the midst of transition. All to commonly, being Receive news and event notices from alone goes hand in hand with building a new life for oneself. TransSask in your email inbox by sending a Sometimes loss is experienced by being disowned by family blank email to transsask- or friends. But this holiday season, you deserve better! If [email protected]; or by joining our Yahoo Group at you are feeling alone, get up off your ass and adopt new http://groups.yahoo.com/group/transsask family and friends who respect you for who you are. Invite (Yahoo account is required for this last option) this newly adopted family to your home for the holidays, or ALL Reader's Contributions are Welcome. graciously ask others to adopt and invite you. Loneliness Opinions are of the article writers and not happens when a person needs positive human interaction and necessarily those of Gender News or is not getting it. Get it! even if you have to beg for it. Being TransSask Support Services. a crossdresser, transsexual or other transgender person does Advertising: Please send all advertising not mean one's desire for family and social interactions inquiries to [email protected]. suddenly disappear. Non-transgender as well as transgender Donations welcome. Make donations payable people are not immune from what is often called the to TransSask Support Services. “holiday blues.” You have the means to combat this seasonal Gender News illness. Spread some love, and in turn you will be loved c/o TransSask Support Services. back. It's Karma. PO Box 3911, Regina SK, S4P 3R8 May this holiday season bring you joy and happiness as you For more information, to submit articles or for spend time with family and friends (adopted, or otherwise), advertising inquiries, email and the new year be filled with opportunity to be true to [email protected] yourself. DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: January 15, 2012 With much love, Mikayla The holidays can be a stressful time for gender variant people and their families, but there are several strategies that you can use to help reduce stress and create a happy holiday this year. • Don’t assume you know how somebody will react to news of your gender identity — you may be surprised. • Realize that your family’s reaction to you may not be because you are transgender. The hectic holiday pace may cause family members to act differently than they would under less stressful conditions. • Remember that “coming out” is a continuous process. You may have to “come out” many times. • Don’t wait for your family’s attitude to change to have a special holiday. Recognize that your family needs time to acknowledge and accept that they have a transgender family member. It took you time to come to terms with who you are; now it is your family’s turn. • Let your family’s judgments be theirs to work on, as long as they are kind to you. • If it is too difficult to be with your family, create your own holiday gathering with friends and loved ones. • Be gentle with your family’s pronoun “slips.” Let them know you know how difficult it is. Before the visit... • Make a decision about being “out” to each family member before you visit. It is best not to come “out” to family members during larger gatherings. • Have alternate plans if the situation becomes difficult at home. • Find out about local LGBTQ resources. • If you do plan to “come out” to your family over the holidays, have support available, including PFLAG and/or TransParent publications and the number of a local PFLAG chapter. During the visit... • Focus on common interests. Your gender identity does not have to be the main topic for discussion. • Reassure family members that you are still the same person they have always known. • If you are partnered, be sensitive to his or her needs as well as your own. • Be wary of the possible desire to shock your family. • Remember to affirm yourself. • Realize that you don’t need your family’s approval. • Connect with someone else who is transgender—by phone or in person—who understands what you are going through and will affirm you along the way

“With my crazy family, I make sure to have a friend on speed dial or someone I can text. Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed, and make sure that there’s at least one person you can turn to in case of a stressful situation.” – a transgender youth Throughout the coming weeks, consider engaging some of the following strategies for getting around potential sources of the "holiday blues": • Keep your expectations for the holiday season manageable: Be realistic about what you can and cannot do-as well as what you want to do and don't want to do. Set realistic goals for yourself; make a list and prioritize the most important activities; ask for and accept help; simplify! • Remember the holiday season does not banish reasons for feeling sad or lonely: During the holiday season, there's room for feelings such as sadness and/or loneliness to be present along with other more joyful emotions. • Limit predictable sources of stress: If you feel the annual trappings of shopping, decorating, cooking and attending social events risk becoming overwhelming and stressful, use discretion and limit the activities you commit to. • Don't fall prey to commercial hype: Recognize the ads and commercials as hype that manufacturers and stores have to do to benefit optimally from the season. You can show love and caring in lots of thoughtful ways which don't cost a lot and that make the holidays all the more meaningful and personal. • Get together with friends and family members: As much as possible, share the holidays with friends and family members in person, as well by phone, e-mail, and mail. The holiday season can also be a good time to contact someone you have not heard from for awhile. • Attend holiday community events: Most communities offer special events during the holidays, such as theatrical and orchestral performances, that can be enjoyable to look forward to and to attend. • Join a social group: Feelings of loneliness and isolation can often be remedied by participating in activities with others. This can also help in opening up the potential for making new friends. • Engage in volunteer activity: Helping others is a pretty foolproof method of making the holidays feel more meaningful. There are many volunteer organizations that need extra help during this time of year. • Enjoy activities that are free: Financial strain can be the cause of considerable added stress during the holidays, however, there are many ways of enjoying the season that are free, including driving or walking around to admire holiday decorations, going window shopping without buying, making a snowperson with children, and attending free concerts. • Don't abandon healthful habits: Don't feel pressured to eat more than you're accustomed to just because it's the holiday season. • Make the time to get physical exercise: Exercising, for example, aerobics, walking, skiing, hiking, yoga, or swimming, can help burn away a lot of stress as well as the extra calories of holiday meals. • Remember that life brings changes: As families change and grow, traditions often need to adapt to the new configurations. Each holiday season is different and can be enjoyed in its own way. • Spend Time With Supportive and Caring People: In all of the ways listed above, it cannot be emphasized enough how important it can be to spend the holiday season in the company of supportive and caring people.

Adapted from the Mazzoni Center's Holiday Survival Guide, 2009 http://mazzonicenter.org/publications/holiday-survival-guide-2009 Commentary by Mikayla Schultz

THE IDEOLOGY of the DOMINANT GENDER SCHEMA 1) Sex is an intrinsic biological characteristic. There are two and only two sexes: male and female. 2) All persons are either one sex or the other. No person can be neither. Normally, no person can be both. No person can change sex without major medical intervention. 3) Genders are the social manifestation of sex. There are two and only two genders: men and women, (boys and girls). All males are either boys or men. All females are either girls or women. 4) All persons are either one gender or the other. No person can be neither. No person can be both. No person can change gender without major medical intervention. 5) Gender role styles are culturally defined expressions of sex and gender. There are two main gender role styles: masculinity and femininity. Most males are masculine men. Most females are feminine women. 6) Many persons do not exactly fit their expected gender roles. This is due to imperfect socialization or psychological pathology. 7) By virtue of evolutionary selection processes, those persons who are males, boys, or men deserve greater social status, authority and power than those who are females, girls, or women. – Holly Dover, PhD, “Gender Blending: Confronting the Limits of Duality”

Mikayla's Gender Schema 1. Sex is intrinsically varied in its biological characteristics. There are limitless variations in chromosomes, hormones, genitals/gonads, reproductive organs, and secondary sex characteristics. There are many sexes including, but not limited to, male, female, hermaphrodite, eunuch, intersex, and transsex. 2. All persons possess biological characteristics that may be deemed masculine, feminine, androgynous or neutrois. All persons may have any or several characteristics from each or these categories. All persons can change their identification with any sex category with or without medical intervention. 3. Genders are a social construct most times with little to no basis in biological sex. There are numerous genders including, but not limited to, men, women, transgender, bigender, androgyne, genderqueer, agender, neutrois, and pangender. Some males can have a gender identity of woman or others. Some females can have a gender identity of man or others. 4. All persons have characteristics of gender that may be deemed masculine, feminine, androgynous or neutrois. Some persons can have no gender. Some persons can have two or more genders. Persons can move between genders with or without medical intervention. 5. Gender role styles are culturally defined and varies across sexes and genders, and cultures. There are many gender roles that may be deemed masculine, feminine, androgynous or neutrois. Males can have several gender roles that are not necessarily masculine. Females can have several gender roles that are not necessarily feminine. 6. All persons can pursue gender roles which may be individually appropriate for them. No gender role is imperfect or pathologically inappropriate for any sex or gender. 7. By virtue of mutual respect for all humankind, all persons, regardless of their sex, gender or gender roles, deserve equality in social status, authority and power. We have been very slow in applying the concept of diversity to our understandings of sex and gender. We tend to continue to think of people whose genders or sexes are unfamiliar to us as "mistakes" of either nature or of nurture. Our dogged insistence on thinking in terms of binary categorizations of male/female, man/woman, either/or, right/wrong, serves to hinder our vision. It is time that we begin to recognize that there are far more "mistakes of society" than there are "mistakes of nature," and to begin to retool ourselves for the job of coming to see, appreciate, and understand the value of diversity in human gender and sex. Reprinted with permission http://rabble.ca/blogs/bloggers/mercedes-allen/2011/12/can-trans-human-rights-bill-pass-harper-majority "It'll never pass," I often heard. "Not with a Harper government. They'd never support human rights inclusion for transsexual and transgender people." And then it passed. Oh, Bill C-389 -- championed by the now-retired NDP MP Bill Siksay -- had its challenges. It narrowly passed second reading in June of 2010, and again at third reading in February, 2011. Had an election call not killed the bill while awaiting discussion in the Senate, it could have reached Royal Assent... instead of having to start over. Randall Garrison and Hedy Fry have re-introduced legislation to include gender identity and gender expression among the protected classes in the Canada Human Rights Act, as well as those in the hate crimes clause of the Criminal Code of Canada. "It'll never pass," I often hear. "Not with a Harper majority. They'd never support human rights inclusion for transsexual and transgender people." No doubt, the challenges are bigger. It would be tougher to pass this bill. It will take more effort, and the additional vocal support of trans-positive allies is absolutely crucial. But it's not impossible. Here is a quick summary of the process the bill faces. It has been read into Parliament for first reading, which is a formality. The order in which private members have their bills discussed by Parliament is determined by a kind of lottery, and Garrison's bill, C-279, could come up for second reading in as soon as five months from now. At that point, it will face its first hour of discussion and a vote; if it passes, it will be sent to committee -- probably to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, where it was referred last time. Then the committee would need to discuss the bill and decide whether to hear statements from interested parties, make modifications or pass it forward. At that point, a vote on "report stage" would take place in the house, allowing it to proceed to third reading, probably 6 to 12 months later. Third reading is comprised of a second hour of debate and a final vote, and if it passes that, then proceeds to the same three readings in the Senate. It sounds like a long, complicated and daunting process, impossible with a hard-right or hard-right -influenced government. But it passed under a Conservative minority, and could pass again. Here's how: If you're transsexual or transgender Trans people need to contact their members of Parliament. I believe it will be all the more crucial to make an appointment to visit them personally. If you're a constituent, they shouldn't refuse -- but if they do or give you extensive runaround, find out when they're in their constituency office and drop by. Transphobia persists because we are usually technically invisible, allowing people to make wild assumptions and form distorted pictures of us. Our legislators need to see who we really are, and hear about how we have been obstructed in our jobs or met with harm for being trans. They need to see why inclusion is necessary. This means if your MP is Conservative, and/or voted "no" previously, then it is especially important that you meet with them. Be civil, be professional, and if they disagree, do so courteously. Conflict will not help. And finally, keep heart. We can -- and do -- have Conservative supporters (several supported the bill last time, including some Cabinet ministers), and those who don't can sometimes change when they meet us and see past the myths. If you're a parent, significant other, sibling, child or friend of someone who is trans Parents and loved ones of trans people also need to contact their members of Parliament. Again, I recommend an appointment and civil discussion. Human rights inclusion affects far more than ourselves, and it helps to see real Canadians who are touched by our lives and want or need us to be enfranchised in society. If you're an ally Allies also need to contact their members of Parliament. If allies don't have experience on trans issues and feel at a loss to help in that way, then at least write to your MP and voice your support. Don't be discouraged. I will include a few links below for some resources so you can educate yourself on the issues and the bill in question. Follow up The process is long. See your MP now, then contact them before the second reading vote and the vote at the report stage. If there's a third reading vote, then contact them again to remind them of your visit and your support. A letter is just a letter: diligent persistence (but not to a level of harassment) shows importance. If you have spoken to your MP and have a commitment of support or see an "iffy" possibility of support, also send a short note to Mr. Garrison's constituency office to let them know. He may also be able to follow up, and has a better picture of where things stand, this way. Media: Be visible if you can Media will make a lot of difference. Last time around, there was a lot of media interest in hearing from Charles McVety and other anti-trans people, but sometimes few if any interviews from actual trans people. Many of us were willing to talk. Do so again. But don't stop there. Find media avenues to talk about the challenges you face as a trans person. Blog. Write to smaller magazines, community publications and weeklies. If larger media outlets are uninterested, and if second reading, report stage or third reading are approaching, hold a rally. Or better yet, hold a rally anyway. Procedural questions A free vote is needed. And if Prime Minister Stephen Harper chooses to enforce a "no" vote among Conservatives on a piece of human rights legislation, then it would need to be called out, and loudly. I doubt, though, that there would be that kind of visible obstruction of the bill. I expect that a free vote or at least partial free vote will happen, and private member's bills are traditionally all free votes. If our representatives pledge their support, then it's crucial that they be present for all three votes: second reading, report stage and third reading. If the bill proceeds to committee stage, we need to send trans and trans-inclusive groups to the Standing Committee to speak on the bill. Some of those groups are underfunded, so may need allies to assist getting them there. If support is not an option, at least don't stand in the way And finally, if your member of Parliament is positive toward you, and perhaps wants to support trans human rights but feels pressured to vote against, there is a third option: abstain. It is practically impossible to determine if a failure to vote is because of deliberate abstention, or of not being present for the vote (many MPs do not stay to vote on private members matters anyway). Support is far preferable. But if there are fears about how a voting group or party members may react, then abstention will allow a member of Parliament to not obstruct the chances for transsexual and transgender people to obtain human rights. If your member of Parliament seems strained, uncomfortable or perhaps under pressure, then encourage them to consider doing so. On October 20, several Conservative members of Parliament responded to the suicide of gay teen Jamie Hubley by making an "It Gets Better" video. They were roundly criticized for doing so while supporting a government which has often opposed legislation what would protect or benefit lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans (LGBT) people. I won't, because when it comes right down to it, I'm willing to bet that on an individual level, they probably are genuinely concerned for LGBT kids. And as long as that is true, then there is some will to make it better... or at least willingness to not support making it worse. Sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression are different things, but that will can translate. In late September, Mr. Garrison estimated that he needed 15 more votes from across the aisle to pass the bill. Canada, we can do this. Make it better: Don't stand in the way of human rights for trans people Resources Find your member of Parliament using your postal code, to send them a letter or contact their office for an appointment. During the last session, the arguments against extending human rights protections focused mostly on fears about washrooms and claims that explicit inclusion was unnecessary. Ironically, the washroom fears and myths proved the necessity. I will eventually update and repost it, but I'd compiled a Quick Facts article regarding C-389. There was also a PDF trifold brochure version. It addresses the washroom argument, but if you want to dig deeper and learn about the history of the washroom argument as a tactic to oppose human rights for LGBT people, Flushing the Fear picks it apart further. The text has not changed, but the bill number has. It's now Bill C-279. Here's the full text of the bill. Most people know what transsexualism is ("gender identity"), but what does "gender expression" refer to? Here's an answer. Including excerpts from: Estimating HIV Prevalence and Risk Behaviors of Transgender Persons in the United States Although the annual number of new HIV infections has steadily declined and the number of AIDS-related deaths has also declined worldwide (AVERT: Worldwide HIV & AIDS Statistics), there are some communities and some populations in which the numbers are increasing. One of these populations is the Transgender Community. No nationwide data is currently available on the incidence or prevalence of HIV/AIDS within the transgender population, yet data collected by local jurisdictions within the US suggest disproportionately high rates of HIV infection among transgender persons. In 2002, the State of California began recording male-to-female (MTF) and female-to-male (FTM) as gender reporting options in publicly-funded HIV counseling and testing sites. Despite accounting for a small proportion of the population, data collected in 2003 revealed that self-identified transgender clients had a much higher rate of HIV diagnoses (6.3%) than other risk categories, including men who have sex with men (MSM; 4.2%) or partners of people living with HIV (4.8%) . Data found through 29 studies suggest that transgender populations, particularly MTFs, appear to be greatly impacted by the HIV epidemic. The average HIV infection prevalence rates for MTFs was 27.7% (range 16– 68%) from four studies that reported rates of laboratory-confirmed HIV infections. Where respondents self- reported their HIV serostatus, the weighted average was 11.8% (range, 3– 60%) across 18 studies. One study conducted in anonymous HIV testing sites in San Francisco reported that the incidence of new HIV infections among 238 MTF repeat testers was 7.8 infections per 100 person years—the highest rate reported for any risk group in that jurisdiction. In four studies where FTM transgender men self-reported their HIV serostatus, prevalence rates ranged from 0% (in three studies) to 3% (in one study). The only study providing HIV tests to FTMs reported a 2% prevalence rate of HIV infection. HIV incidence rates for FTMs have not been reported in the literature. Over the past decade, a small but growing literature has documented behaviors of transgender persons that can ultimately lead to the acquisition or transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV. Within 29 studies, 1.7% of MTFs reported having multiple sex partners, and 48.3% reported having sex with casual partners. Fewer MTFs reported having sex with partners who were injection drug users (weighted mean, 24.3%) or HIV-seropositive (weighted mean, 8.5%). The averaged rate of any unprotected receptive anal intercourse [URAI] was 44.1%, and the highest rates of URAI were reported with sex work clients (weighted mean, 38.5%). Seventeen studies reported data concerning the percentage of MTFs who participated in sex work, with rates ranging from 24 to 75% (weighted mean, 41.5%). Across studies, MTFs reported comparable rates of injecting hormones (weighted mean, 27.0%) or silicone (weighted mean, 24.7%), and a much lower rate of injecting street drugs like heroin or crack (weighted mean, 12.0%). Nine studies reported low rates of sharing needles when injecting street drugs (weighted mean, 2.0%), or when injecting hormones or silicone (weighted mean, 6.0%). Two studies reported that a vast majority of Get Tested! FTMs engaged in at least one high-risk sex behavior in the prior 3 months For more information in (90.6% and 93.3%); however, neither study specified the nature of the behaviors. your area, contact: In a study of 123 FTMs , 34% reported having two or more partners during the prior 6 months, and 31% reported engaging in sex work. Three studies reported AIDS Programs South rates of non-hormonal injection ranging from 4 to 21%. Saskatchewan (APSS); Since no effective evidence-based HIV prevention interventions have been or identified for transgender persons, there remains an urgent need to better AIDS Saskatoon; understand risk behaviors, and the contextual factors underlying these risk behaviors. Once understood, these factors can be used to inform the development or of new interventions or the adaptation of existing evidence-based interventions visit a local to meet the unique HIV prevention needs of transgender populations. HIV testing clinic With excerpts from gidreform.wordpress.com On September 25 the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) released it’s 7 th Version of Standards of Care for the Health of Transsexual, Transgender, and Gender Nonconforming People (SOC) in Atlanta, Georgia. The previous Version 6 was published in 2001. With its first appearance in 1979, the SOC has provided clinical guidance to medical and mental health providers serving trans people, with an emphasis on transsexual individuals seeking hormonal and/or surgical transition care. Overall, this newest SOC represents significant forward progress in respecting trans people and affirming the necessity of medical transition care for trans and transsexual individuals who need it. Although controversies and issues of transition care access remain in the SOC7, WPATH has announced a more frequent update process that will hopefully be more responsive to emerging evidence and clinical experience in the future. The Goods (quotations are directly from the SOC7, unless otherwise noted with web page links): • Gender Conversion Psychotherapies are Unethical: “Treatment aimed at trying to change a person’s gender identity and lived gender expression to become more congruent with sex assigned at birth has been attempted in the past [...]. Such treatment is no longer considered ethical.” • De-psychopathologisation of Gender Difference: “...the expression of gender characteristics, including identities, that are not stereotypically associated with one’s assigned sex at birth is a common and culturally-diverse human phenomenon [that] should not be judged as inherently pathological or negative.” • Psychotherapy is not an absolute requirement for treatment: “A mental health screening and/or assessment as outlined above is needed for referral to hormonal and surgical treatments for gender dysphoria. In contrast, psychotherapy – although highly recommended – is not a requirement.” • Gender dysphoria, as the focus of treatment, replacing “disordered” gender identity: “…transsexual, transgender, and gender nonconforming individuals are not inherently disordered. Rather, the distress of gender dysphoria, when present, is the concern that might be diagnosable and for which various treatment options are available.” • Other Positive changes: • Concise and more cogent criteria for access to hormonal and surgical transition care. • Relaxation of the age 18 restriction for access to hormonal transition care. • Removal of the three month requirement for either “real life experience” or psychotherapy before access to hormonal care. • Clarification that “the presence of co-existing mental health Canadian Professional concerns does not necessarily preclude access to Association for feminizing/masculinizing hormones.” Transgender Health • Removal of barriers to surgical care because of family intolerance or interpersonal issues. “CPATH is the largest • An expanded role for medical health professionals in granting national professional access to hormonal therapies. organization for • Acknowledgement of informed consent model protocols, transgender health in the developed at community health centres worldwide for hormonal world. Our members are transition care. diverse, representing and • Emphasis of cultural competence and sensitivity for care identifying within the trans providers. community – from medical students to social workers • Expanded and clarified information on puberty delaying to psychologists.” treatment for gender dysphoric adolescents. • Clarification on the role of the SOC as flexible clinical guidelines http://www.cpath.ca/ that may be tailored for individual needs and local cultures. The Bads: • Gender dysphoria (defined as “discomfort or distress that is caused by a discrepancy between a person’s gender identity and that person’s sex assigned at birth”) being a prerequisite for treatment of gender diverse youth: families all over the world are discovering, when children are in fact allowed to authentically explore their own gender in a safe and supportive setting, little or no distress is demonstrated. Quite the contrary, many young people see such distress reduce or disappear once their own sense of self is recognized and affirmed by those around them. (http://www.genderspectrum.org/blog/95-new-soc-from-wpath) • Language regarding social transitions in young people: much of the data regarding “persistence of gender dysphoria” comes from studies that failed to effectively assess the roots or depth of the child’s gender nonconformity, therefore failing to distinguish children presenting a true sense of a transgender identity from those who were simply expressing gender in atypical ways. Further, referencing the “distress” of “a change back,” without at the same time naming the alleviation of stress that may also result seems disingenuous at best and potentially manipulative. (http://www.genderspectrum.org/blog/95-new-soc-from-wpath) • Continued, and further, pathologizing of gender dysphoria in individuals of an intersex identity: “WPATH [...] reclassifies intersex as people with Disorders of Sex Development (DSD) and see those [...] who reject [...] birth assignments as being in need of the counsel of a mental health professional.” (http://oiiaustralia.com/14595/arrogance-hypocrisy-wpath-standards-of-care-7-intersex/) • Adopting the use of the term Disorder of Sexual Development (DSD): “Although the terminology was changed to DSD during an international consensus conference in 2005, disagreement about language use remains. Some people object strongly to the “disorder” label, preferring instead to view these congenital conditions as a matter of diversity and to continue using the terms intersex or intersexuality.” “...the adoption of the terminology and its implied status as a "disorder", seeing this as offensive to intersex individuals who do not feel that there is something wrong with them, regard the DSD consensus paper as reinforcing the normativity of early surgical interventions, and criticizing the treatment protocols associated with the new taxonomy.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intersex) • Addressing assessment and treatment of persons with Disorders of Sexual Development without consultation of intersex individuals: although there are recommendations made, “WPATH does this without the input or inclusion of a single intersex person. Indeed the WPATH membership requirements preclude being intersex as a reason for belonging to this organization […] we are pathologized without our contribution and without WPATH seeking any intersex input whatsoever. WPATH would not formulate a Standards of Care for trans people without considerable trans inclusion and widespread trans consultation. That WPATH is prepared to do what they have done to intersex people shows the complete misunderstanding that these trans professionals have in respect of intersex and their disregard for both our rights and for our wellbeing.” (http://oiiaustralia.com/14595/arrogance-hypocrisy-wpath- standards-of-care-7-intersex/) • Perpetuating, without condemnation, current controversial medical AIC is the first, and treatments of individuals with DSDs: “Some people are recognized as having only, organization in a DSD through the observation of gender-atypical genitals at birth. These the U.S. to undertake a infants then undergo extensive medical diagnostic procedures. After coordinated strategy of consultation […] the newborn is assigned a sex, either male or female. The legal advocacy for the type of DSD and severity of the condition has significant implications for rights of children with decisions about a patient’s initial sex assignment, subsequent genital surgery, intersex conditions and other medical and psychosocial care.” (http://aiclegal.org/) When I first started crossdressing it was amazing how fast society accepted that I had renounced male privilege. However I did not seem to be excused from male responsibility, nor from having behaviour described as "just like a man", nor did women lose their fear of potential male violence or sexual aggression, which kind of saddened me as I have never been like that and kind of hoped my coming out would make that more clear to people. At first I never really worried about passing. I'm not interested in prosthetic breasts (personally I've always liked flat-chested women) nor in wigs or padding. I guess I imagined people would accept my own style of female-ness. However the constant treatment of me as male, the feeling that I was being viewed as "just" a man in a skirt, or some kind of pervert or sicko did begin to wear me down. My earlier happiness and pleasure at finding ways of dressing and being that made me feel attractive for the first time in my life, began to be replaced by insecurity about my presentation. I began to feel (or imagine) a bit of passing competitiveness within the trans community. I tried more makeup, which just makes me look like an old hag, or a rather frightening drag queen. I became self-conscious about my "bulge" showing when I wore certain skirts. I began to realize that really, despite being thin, not too tall, with very little body and facial hair, and looking rather attractive in a skirt, (I think!) I would never pass without extensive and expensive cosmetic surgery, voice lessons, name change and a move to a new location, job and friends. Still with no guarantee that I would be accepted as a female person. In moments of despair I've tried to re-imagine myself as a man. I never was very good at being a man. I think I would now know better how to pretend, but I can see that that would make me really miserable. I also suspect most people would see through my act. So now I don't know what gender I can be. I'm getting used to the idea that this is going to be my future in society. I think, as a man in a skirt, I make most of my straight friends uncomfortable, some seem to avoid me. As for love and sex, anything is possible, but so far gay friends find me too feminine, too emotional and wanting to talk too much. A lesbian friend found me too male, my body too hard and angular. While there's a certain satisfaction in being the embodiment of gender revolution everywhere I go, mostly it's tiring and lonely. I would love it if more people would just accept me as me. And if, when seeing me obviously presenting as female, they could have the consideration to call me "ma'am" instead of "sir". I think the issue of the importance of passing is very critical for the transgender community and for society in general. The need to pass is in every way pandering to the out of control pharmaceutical and medical industry, the advertising stereotypes and needless consumption that are part of the process of destroying the world in order to make money for a few. And it promotes the divisions between rich and poor: If you're rich you can pay to be beautiful, to pass, but if you're poor you must remain ugly and deviant. It affirms society's devaluing of age, judgments about obesity, and other ways of marginalizing groups and individuals. While it's been a difficult and important struggle for those who want and need to pass, and we must continue to fight for appropriate legislation and health care, I wonder if we haven't put a disproportionate amount of emphasis on the transitioning part of the trans experience. We've all seen cis people and friends, when faced with the reality of transgender friends or acquaintances, begin to share their own gender variations and questions. As a society we need to accept that the majority of people probably don't fit very well into the binary stereotypes, and that this is part of what's wrong with the whole patriarchal military industrial system we are all bought into. The centrality of passing, and the costly means required may alienate people who could be allies such as environmentalists, anti-poverty activists, campaigners against the excesses of the medical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries and people in favour of women's and men's liberation. To make an analogy, advocates for the breaking down of racial barriers are not lobbying for greater availability of skin whitening creams and nose jobs. In the ideal society many of us are dreaming of and working for there would be no oppression. Gender dysphoria could disappear as we would learn to appreciate and celebrate the many individual variations and expressions of beauty and gender. In the meantime I feel we must work at least as hard to gain acceptance and support for gender variance as we do for the process of transitioning to one extreme or the other of the gender binary. by Michael Bantjes, 11/29/11 Visit the Saskatchewan LGBT Events Calendar online Want to add an event? Email [email protected]

(Observances) December: International Human Rights Month 1-7, Tolerance Week 1, World AIDS Day 1, Rosa Parks Day 3, International Day of Persons with Disabilities 5, International Volunteers Day 10, International Human Rights Day 11-17, Human Rights Week 17, International Day to End Violence against Sex Workers 20, International Human Solidarity Day 22, 5:30pm, Global Orgasm Day 31, 6:00pm, Universal Hour of Peace

January: 11, International Thank-You Day 16, National Nothing Day 20, International Fetish Day 21, National Hug Day 23-27, No Name-Calling Week 27, International Holocaust Remembrance Day 30, School Day of Non-violence and Peace Submit your upcoming event announcements to the Editor ([email protected])

Weekly Trans Community Gathering Amnesty International Regina Every Tuesday, 7:00 pm invites you to Write for Rights, Saskatoon on Human Rights Day For more information, contact: Saturday, December 10th, [email protected] from 11am to 2pm 306.966.6615 Westminster United Church, Saturnalia 3025 13th Avenue, Regina a seasonal concert by For more information call Mona at 586-1938 Prairie Pride Chorus With special guest speaker Amber Fletcher

2:00 pm, December 11, 2011 Sunset United Church, 170 Sunset Drive, Regina Admission $12; $10 for seniors and the unemployed Definition: Neutrois http://cuqsc.org/ Neutrois is an identity used by individuals who feel they fall outside the gender binary. Many feel Neutrois is a gender, like a third gender while others feel agendered. What June 18-24 they have in common is that they wish to minimize their birth gender markers. 2012 Within Neutrois, there are two types. FTNs (Female-to- https://www.facebook.com/ReginaQueenCityPride Neutrois) seek to lose the physical traits that cause them to be socially read and treated as women. Most demonized of Camp fYrefly the female traits are breasts, round hips, and feminine voices. Some despise their vaginal regions and menstrual Make Your Summer Last a Lifetime! cycles enough to desire hysterectomies, oophorectomies, and vaginal nullification. Other FTNs are not as affected Camp fYrefly-Saskatchewan, 2012, by their pubic regions and are content to dismiss them as will take place August 3-6. irrelevant under clothing. Camp fYrefly-Saskatchewan is MTNs (Male-to-Neutrois) seek to lose the physical traits dedicated to the guiding principle of helping sexual which cause them to be read and treated as men. Most minority and gender variant youth move from being "at- commonly, those traits are facial and body hair, deep voice risk" to a place where they can be resilient and positively pitch, rough skin, and crotch bulge. While some may address the challenges of adolescence and young adulthood. desire being rendered Eunuchs through castration and For sponsorship, donation, or volunteering opportunities, penile nullification; most gaff/tuck, or train their sexual contact: organs to lie flatter. A special point should be mentioned that Eunuchs are not necessarily Neutrois. Many Eunuchs Russell Mitchell-Walker ([email protected]) still identify as men. Or visit online http://www.neutrois.com/ http://www.usask.ca/education/fyrefly Transgender communities are becoming more visible and vocal about their need and right to be recognized. This has caused many of us to rethink what a "real" woman or man is, to consider how we know that we are women or men, and to break down the concept of gender much further than we have in the past. This rethinking of gender becomes more necessary when transgender people attempt to access gender segregated services. The experiences of transgender people are similar to that of many oppressed groups. They grow up feeling isolated; they are often ridiculed in public; they may be assaulted or even murdered because they are transgender; and they may lose their children and jobs when they self-identify. Transgender people may also be sexually and physically assaulted by their family or partners and, when that happens, they do not have services available to them. Services for men do not meet the needs of transgender people, and can often times be more dangerous than the situation they have come out of. At the same time, most services designed for women are not prepared to accommodate transgender people either. Accessibility to transition houses and emergency shelters for survivors of domestic and sexual violence represents just one of the more pressing needs of transgender people. Although the term 'transgender' remains in flux as we learn more about gender variant persons, its common usage has become an umbrella term including all those whose identity or expression of gender does not conform to our society's traditional expectations of being male or female, man or woman. Although many have contested to being included under this umbrella, the term transgender in this discussion may include: transgenderists (live socially in the gender opposite to their assigned birth sex); transsexuals (identify as the sex opposite to their assigned birth sex and may, but not always, option for medical/surgical transition); intersex (are born with ambiguous sex characteristics, whether it's genitals or other sex organs, chromosomes, or hormonal development, and most often do not identify as transgender or transsexual); two-spirit (is a spiritual identity of First Nations in which one's body is in possession of both male and female spirits, is an identity often not seen through cross gender expressions, and can include lesbians, gay, bisexual and heterosexual orientations); genderqueer (non-conformity to the gender binary and those expectations society has of men and women) which may further include bigender (identify as a gender which includes both masculine and feminine gender identities and/or expressions), agender (identify as a gender which is neither masculine nor feminine, third gender or other-gender), gender fluid (variation in gender identity/expression over days, months or even years); among many, many others. No matter our gender identity or expression, we are all affected by domestic and sexual violence.

Discrimination against transgender people (and those seen to be transgressing gender rules) is pervasive in our society. Whether it is constantly being referred to as male when you are female (or female when you are male); being denied housing, employment, medical care or legal protections; or being unable to walk down the street without being insulted or assaulted, transphobia affects all aspects of life. Transphobia is the term used to describe the prejudice and discrimination directed at people who stray from the rigid gender expectations of our society. While the term is relatively new; the oppression that it describes is not. Transphobic remarks abounded in the 1960s when men let their hair grow and are now commonly heard by lesbians who adopt a "butch" appearance. Transphobia can manifest in many ways. Systemic or institutionalized discrimination refers to situations in which an entire group of people, on the basis of a shared characteristic, is denied the same opportunities, rights and protections as the rest of society. This may be experienced by transgender people accessing programs that accept only those whose gender presentation matches their birth sex or through the lack of specific protection in human rights law and anti-discrimination policies. Unintentional discrimination is the non-consideration of the existence of transgender people, their needs or their experiences. There is no intent to do an injustice; there is simply a failure to recognize that anyone is there. However, discrimination is defined by its effects, not the intention or lack thereof. Intentional discrimination refers to conscious discrimination that is justified by the belief that transgender people do not belong and do not deserve equitable treatment. This can take the form of placing insurmountable obstacles in people's paths; for example, requiring that sex reassignment surgery (SRS) be completed in order to be eligible for services. This excludes the majority of transgender people who cannot (or choose not to) undergo surgery. Personal discrimination refers to transphobic behaviours enacted on a one-to-one basis. This both creates, and is a product of, systemic discrimination and also may be intentional or unintentional. Personal discrimination may be seen through: a display of discomfort in the presence of a transgender person; insulting, harassing or assaulting a transgender person; isolating transgender people by insisting on separate services, facilities or communities; or withholding services or opportunities due to a person's gender expression or identity. The discrimination experienced by transgender people is extensive. Genderism is so pervasive in our culture that it is rarely considered to be unfair treatment. Many people are unaware of their genderist assumptions and others feel justified in excluding those who are different. Those who are also members of other marginalized groups suffer additional harassment, isolation and loss. Transgender people face rejection and alienation from their families of origin and their cultural, ethnic and religious communities. Not only is their gender identity rejected, but they may lose validation for most fundamental aspects of who they are. Without these sources of support, they must also cope with classism, racism, ableism and ageism, etc. in mainstream society and even within transgender communities. Regardless of the nature of the discrimination suffered, whether it is because of our sexual orientation, race, age, religion, size, ability or gender identity, discrimination erodes our dignity, our ability to participate in society as equals, and our ability to experience ourselves as fully human.

Often times, transphobia can result in domestic, sexual or physical violence. Insufficient research has been undertaken to document the real extent of the violence experienced by transgender people; however, preliminary research indicates that the incidence is very high. Of the violence and harassment that are experienced by transgender individuals, very little is reported. This is similar to other oppressed groups and there are valid reasons for marginalized people's reluctance to report abuses. Sexual assault and domestic abuse against women are among the lowest reported crimes, in addition to having some of the lowest conviction rates. It has taken years of work by the shelter movement to get a satisfactory response from law enforcement agencies. In fact, it has taken years for domestic abuse to even be considered a crime; and yet, we still hear of women who are killed by their partners, even after the police have been involved. Just as crimes against women have been invisible, so too are crimes against transgender people. The impact of sustained transphobia is profound. Most transgender people, like members of other disadvantaged groups, grow up feeling isolated and acutely aware of being different. The constant barrage of negative messages can lead to internalized transphobia, with feelings of shame and self-hatred. The abuse, anxiety and self- loathing instilled by genderism and transphobia permeate all aspects of a person's life. A recent survey of transgender people reports that a staggering 41% of the respondents attempted suicide at least once in their lives, compared to 1.6% of the general population, with rates rising for those who lost a job due to bias (55%), were harassed/bullied in school (51%), had low household income, or were the victim of physical assault (61%) or sexual assault (64%).

Any group faced with unrelenting discrimination will be in particular need of social services; however, as is often the case, those in greatest need have access to the fewest resources. Transgender people face a multitude of systemic barriers, including denial of entry to traditional alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs and refusal of access to shelters for youth, women and the homeless. In a study of shelters in the Toronto area by Mirha-Soleil Ross (“Investigating Women’s Shelters” gendertrash 3, 7-10), it was found that some women's shelters refused to admit transgender women under any circumstances, while others would offer services only under specific conditions, confirmation of completed SRS for example. Acceptance of transgender women varies from shelter to shelter, making it very difficult for a transgender survivor of violence to know where to turn. Transgender men, on the other hand, face even further rejection, as many, before coming out as transgender, were already closely involved in women's organizations. The impact of discrimination is such that transgender survivors of violence have few, if any, options available to them when they are assaulted or abused. While shelters are beginning to take notice of this issue, and some are taking a genuine interest in rectifying the situation, there is still much work to be done. While the debate over who is a "real" woman or man rages on, transgender survivors of domestic and sexual violence remain without refuge. … Provincial Association of If you, or someone you know, is in a violent, or potentially Transition Houses and violent, situation, whether that is verbal, physical, sexual or Services of Saskatchewan otherwise, please contact an abuse help line in your area. (PATHS) For more information, check the Abuse Help Lines page in your local Direct West phone book, or visit "The mission of PATHS is to http://abusehelplines.org/resources/abuse-help-lines/ provide integrated, collaborative support for PATHS members who work with individuals If you are in any immediate danger of physical or sexual directly or indirectly exposed to violence, and to violence, phone 911. provide research, program development, public awareness and education on personal and family violence in Saskatchewan." http://tranifesto.com/transgender-faqs-and-info/trans-etiquette-for-non-trans-people/

Working with, befriending, or otherwise interacting with trans people is not scary or difficult. We are pretty much like everyone else, and we are not a monolithic community. We are men, women, Democrat, Republican, Independent, liberal, moderate, conservative, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Pagan, atheist, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, interesting, boring — just about everything. We have various occupations, from doctor to ditch-digger. You can run into us at parties, at the mall, at the grocery store, or at your local PTA meeting. In many cases, you might not even recognize us as trans. But if you do, or if you are the friend or co-worker of someone who is transitioning, there are some basic points of etiquette that you can keep in mind to help you interact respectfully with a trans person. 1. Treat trans people as you would treat anyone else. Don’t do things to call attention to a trans person, even if your goal is to let that person know that you accept him or her – no winking, smiling, little innuendos. If you wink at a person, he or she might think you want a date. If you do, then go for it. 2. Use the correct name and pronoun. The correct name is whatever the person has given you. The correct pronoun is whatever gender the person is presenting. Most cultures have clothing or other appearance markers that designate gender for that culture – that are considered masculine or feminine. Names also give off clues, because most cultures have names that are considered masculine or feminine. If you ask the person’s name and he or she says “Pat,” then the joke’s on you. If you are unsure of which pronoun to use, and you really need to know, just ask – most trans people won’t be offended and see this as a sign of respect. But don’t ask if the person is obviously expressing a female or male gender. 3. If you make a mistake with a pronoun or name, move on. Don’t make a big deal out of it. If you are alone with the person, apologize and drop it. If you are in a crowd, just move on. Don’t draw attention to your slip-up by making a face or groaning, falling all over yourself to apologize, or making excuses to others around you. It will just make things uncomfortable for everyone. Let it go and make sure that you use the correct name and pronoun the next chance you get. But don’t stick in some hokey, off-topic phrase just so you can use the right name or pronoun – we are wise to that, and other people will just think you’re having a ’60s flashback. (Keep in mind that, in some work settings where there are laws covering gender identity, intentionally using an incorrect name or pronoun because you don’t “approve” of the trans person or because you want to shame or out that person could be considered harassment and grounds for disciplinary action. Trans people know the difference between an accidental slip-up and intentional misuse.) 4. Don’t say, “I’ll never get that pronoun (or name) right.” When you say this, you are saying, “I don’t care enough to try.” One thing that helps is to see the person as an entirely new and different individual instead of a man who you now have to call “she” or a woman who you now have to call “he.” Try it – it really works. 5. Don’t say, “You will always be a man (or woman) to me.” Again, you are saying, “I don’t care enough or respect you enough to see who you really are,” “My feelings are more important than yours,” or “I don’t recognize you as a person.” This isn’t about you. It is about the person with whom you want to stay friends. 6. Don’t touch the person inappropriately or ask personal questions unless you are invited to do so. Trans people are not public property. Touching something on a person to see if it is “real” or asking personal questions about a person’s body or sex life is inappropriate – unless the person has invited you to “ask me anything.” Otherwise, do not do or say anything that you would not do or say to anyone else. 7. Don’t “out” a trans person. If you see a person on the street that you know to be trans, it is a private matter and not appropriate to tell your friends that the person is trans. It is also not appropriate to mention anything that would “out” a trans person if you are with that person in a public setting – unless you want that person to tell everyone what you did at the office party last year. 8. Don’t make assumptions. Don’t assume that the trans person you are talking to is politically liberal (or conservative), straight (or gay), happy (or unhappy), poor (or rich), and so on. We are all very different. And don’t assume that this person wants to educate you about trans issues or even discuss them. If the person wants to talk about trans issues, he or she will bring them up. For some of us, talking about trans stuff is like being at work all the time. If you’re stuck for conversation, the weather is always a good fallback position. Trans people get hot and cold, too. Use common sense and respect and you will be fine. … Transgender Pride Flag The Transgender Pride flag was created by Monica Helms in 1999, and was first shown at a pride parade in Phoenix, Arizona, United States in 2000. The flag represents the transgender community and consists of five horizontal stripes: two light blue, two pink, and one white in the center. Ms. Helms describes the meaning of the transgender flag as follows: "The stripes at the top and bottom are light blue, the traditional color for baby boys. The stripes next to them are pink, the traditional color for baby girls. The stripe in the middle is white, for those who are intersex, transitioning or consider themselves having a neutral or undefined gender. The pattern is such that no matter which way you fly it, it is always correct, signifying us finding correctness in our lives." - Accommodating the Needs of Elderly Transgenders

- Transwomen and Breast Cancer

- Where Did All the Third Gender Go?

- Transgender Identities in Saskatchewan's Prison System

and much, much more! ... We look forward to your comments and suggestions on how we can improve Gender News All reader's contributions/articles for the next issue are welcome We are also looking to feature Art, Poetry, etc. in upcoming issues

Send submissions to the Editor at [email protected] Deadline for next issue is January 15th, 2012 ... Receive future issues of Gender News, event announcements and other information from TransSask in your email inbox by joining our Yahoo! Group (mailing list) at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/transsask/ (Yahoo account needed to join) Or, by sending a blank email to [email protected] (no Yahoo account required)

Gender News is produced bi-monthly by TransSask Support Services and its volunteers. To get involved, visit us at www.transsask.org