Cross Queer Quarterly (XQQ) - 2018 Summer Edition by T'eVine

Summer 2018 Volume I OUR COMMUNITY RESOURCE MAGAZINE

Kate Bornstein Schrodinger's Gender

Pepper & Pearl Women who love women

Uppity Queer Mommy, whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a queer?

Summer 2018 We acknowledge with respect the First Nations peoples on whose traditional territories we live, work and play and whose historical relationship with the land and waters continues uninterrupted to this day. We apologize for our collective treatment of them.

Features

XQQ welcomes submissions from community members anywhere. XQQ is produced by Atley Jonas—Editor in Chief Shirley Yeung—News Editor Erin Rogers—Events Editor ChrŸs Tei—Layout Issa Mistake—Proofing

CONTRIBUTORS IN THIS ISSUE Anna Malkin James Gardner Nicola Spurling

Cover photo: Model: Ariya Bliss. Photography / makeup by Lauren Kief FB/Insta @laurenkeifphotography

Editor’s Note

Letters

News

6-11

XQ Interview

12-17

Intersections

18-19

Ramblings

20-21

Pride!

22-27

Co-op Update

28-29

Stars R Ours

30-33

Rainbow Resources

34-41

Present as You Intend 42-43 Pepper & Pearl

44-45

Backpage

XQQ is printed in four editions: Islands, Coast, Valley and Interior—each with regional info pages. XQQ is distributed directly across BC and the Salish Sea. XQQ is published 8 times a year and updated online in between. Edition

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Jan 30

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Spring

Mar 13

Mar 21

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Apr 23

May 2

Summer

Jun 18

Jul 1

Lammas

Jul 23

Aug 1

Autumn

Sep 4

Sep 21

Samhain

Oct 16

Oct 31

Winter

Dec 3

Dec 21

XQQ, Cross Queer Quarterly

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PO Box 32 Sooke, BC V9Z 0E4 T’Sou-ke Nation Territories Phone (888) 241-9992 Fax (888) 623-3481

Except as noted XQQ is distributed through a Creative Commons 4.0 license 3

Editor’s If Nobody Guards the Door, Everyone Can Get In

On the other side, we have the utilitarian, gatekeepers' view. Unless we police who indeed belongs and who doesn't, For each magazine issue's theme, I try we have chaos. This is also not unreato provide some context in my message sonable. We find ourselves in an age of as editor. Something that has been on intersectional activism, where Black my mind as of late has been the topic Lives Matter is as much a #metoo issue of gatekeeping. as it is a trans queer issue. But we are For many in the LGBTQ2SA+ communi- left with the elephant in the room: ty, it is the object of quite a bit of con- Who gets to be the arbiter for inclutroversy and often, anger. We've all sion, and by Whose authority? been on both sides of the door. In Rachel Dolezal made international some cases, on the outside, trying to headlines for claiming she was black, in get in, with others barring us entry, spite of having both white parents. She saying: "no offense, but you just don't was publicly shamed to the point of belong here." In others, on the inside, losing her job, and inundated with hate looking at someone trying to gain enmail and death threats. She has betry, saying, "no offense, but you just come a prügelknabe (whipping girl) for don't belong here." everyone from those accusing her of It's easy to provide a multitude of experforming blackface, to the conservaamples in either case. One of them tive right, who see it as snowflake libgained quite a bit of attention early this eralism run amuck. Even among the year with a trans-exclusionary feminist black community there was a broad at Vancouver's Women's March, carry- spectrum of opinions on the matter, ing a poster saying that trans women from psychologists who agreed that by were not real women... Another I've every measure, she qualified as seen (on the rise) has been the number "black," to those who were outraged of queer community allies saying they and felt she was a racist of the worst belong in the acronym (and that at kind. From Dolezal's own mouth, she least one 'A' should stand for "ally" said that she was simply challenging and should belong to them). the notion of race as an evolution of human consciousness. It's all cool as long as it's someone else and someone else's group, but once Agree or disagree, does that sound we are faced with it ourselves, it's a familiar? It should. How many times challenge. What was a large, grey area, have trans women tried to explain to open for discussion, quickly polarizes the cis world, and in particular transinto black and white. On the one side, exclusionary feminists, that gender is we have the open, inclusive view: that primarily a social construct and is largenobody gets to say who's in and who's ly performative, especially as it relates out – self-identification rules supreme. to daily, casual interactions. If I say I'm trans, then no one gets to Then, if that weren't enough, we also tell me otherwise. On the surface, this have all of the third path people chimseems reasonable. After all, who ing in. Those are among the "I'll know knows us better than we know ourit when I see it" crowd... The phrase selves? And, why is it anyone else's became popular after it was uttered by business? Justice Potter Stewart in 1964 in the 4

Note

U.S. Supreme Court case, in an attempt to define what constitutes "obscene" content. The problem is, that became widely known thereafter as "the Stewart test for obscenity" is not generally seen as an adequate, defensible position, nor should it. Even if it were practical to evaluate each case on an individual basis and based on its own, unique merits, the question of authority and standards remains. Who gets to set the standards? And by whose authority? Maybe we need to take a page from the Catholic playbook and elect a trans -Pope to settle these types of matters. Each jurisdiction can send forth a transCardinal to a conclave at the transVatican (wherever the hell that would be), and when the people see the rainbow smoke coming out of the chimney, we'd know there was a new transPope... Which we would all refer to as, "their fabulousness." Just maybe. But then again, just maybe it's time to have a fair and honest discussion about what it means to be the member of a community. Is it a gated community? And if it is, what are the consequences of being seen as someone on the inside or outside of the gates?

Coming in October

XQQ.CA/HK4T

Letters to Editor The letters here are the opinions of the writer and do not reflect any position of this newspaper. An Alternative Viewpoint

ly end up with that one fear at the back of your mind that one day I sometimes feel like being trans is a someone will out you and then eveprocess and not an endpoint. I don’t ryone treats you differently. like using the word “stealth” but it can sometimes feel like the goal of There is an old saying – “The nail being a trans person is to stop being that sticks out gets hammered identified as trans – in a sense leav- down.” I don’t want to be that nail. ing the trans label behind. Loner in the Big City A lot of people may identify as It sucks to feel like you've left one trans, but I feel that it is only medicloset, only to enter inside another. cally relevant, and not something I May you find the love and acever want to be socially relevant to ceptance you clearly deserve. me. Unlike some trans people, I don’t identify as “trans and proud.” Transition was a medical process to restore what was right so I could be Where Are the Trans-girl Sexual myself – honestly I’m glad it’s over Health Mags? and done with. Very often trans people can be angry and resentful, I am a pre-surgery trans girl. One and the groups that form around thing that irritates me a lot is how them end up becoming toxic. when you go to the supermarket checkout there are always so many Sometimes I don’t know what is worse – being discriminated against different magazines… And some of by cis people or facing hostility from them are magazines offering sex advice to cis people, like Cosmo. other people who have gone Sure, there are mags for LGBTQ through a similar process. Society has never been kind to people who people, but what about for trans girls attracted to women like them? are different, and so in the end I don’t want to be different. It is diffi- Trans girls who haven’t done surcult to find support without encoun- gery cannot ever find any magazines tering social resistance – even in my that would be useful to them. case blending in was the best and The only option is to read magamost practical option. You eventualzines for gay men… But that’s not

validating. That’s not who I am and it feels wrong. Cosmo isn’t helpful either. A lot of gossip and celebrity sex talk but then none of that means anything to someone like me. It’s awkward to end up in bed with a date but you just sit there not knowing what to do, maybe nervously laugh a bit and then just stare. If there were a mag that offered advice to pre-surgery trans girls, I would definitely read it… At least it wouldn’t be like Cosmo, telling me to do weird things with doughnuts and sparklers.

Inconvenient Phone Calls

I agree. There ought to be one. If you ever start one, call me. I could be the editor-in-chief! But no, seriously. I think the answer is unfortunately more due to the pragmatism of not having a large enough readership to warrant such a mag. Would it make you feel better if XQQ started offering sex advice? We'd be happy to teach you some trans-affirming things to do with those doughnuts and sparklers.

News Trans Need Pronouns in the Class  The topic of pronouns came into focus once again in the state of Florida, where a teacher, Chloe Bressack, was apparently transferred from “… working with children into a classroom with adults after the educator requested to be addressed with gender-neutral pronouns.” The issue of basic respect deserved by all humans aside, some overzealous parents did not agree with the teacher’s request to be addressed as “Mx., and "they, them” pronouns. and pulled their children out of Bressack’s class in response. From being told that they were “selfish,” and “exposing children to a transgender lifestyle,” Bressack has had to put up with many more insults along this vein, with the whole controversy erupting due to a single request in a welcome letter sent to parents by the teacher. Politicians and parents, took to the podium to denounce “choices being made for kids” without considering that they might have a will of their own. Addressing the issue of people fearing the unknown, Chris Sands, secretary of the Tallahassee PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), summed up the issue pretty well. “I think the reaction that’s happening is loud, vocal, irrational, and coming more from parents than students,” said Sands, who has children in Leon County’s elementary schools. “I think most kids accept it.”

JULY 12 7:00—8:30 pm Town Hall Meeting on US Safe Third Country Agreement Hosted by Randall Garrison Saanich Neighborhood Place Tillicum Road—3100 New Democrats have been calling for the Safe Third Country Agreement to be suspended since early 2017. They have emphasized that the problems with irregular border crossings are caused by this agreement, which does not allow refugees coming from the US to make a claim at the border. This causes refugees to resort to irregular crossings which are often quite difficult and dangerous. Come to the town hall to find out more and what you can do to change this danger to refugees.

News Trans Need Essential Support  A standalone, drop-in transgender support centre has been established in Windsor, Ontario, the first in the province. Started by Jayce Carver, executive director of Windsor Essex Trans Support, the centre “will have access to a food bank, clothing donations and support services that are client-centred.”

sionals and support staff as a result of a name that might not match their gender as perceived by others. To quote Daniel Simonian, program manager at Pro Bono Students Canada,

What if one does not have their original birth certificate because they were kicked out of their home for being trans? This, and other similar issues, are explored and addressed,

"It's not just an inconvenience if you lose your ID or if your ID doesn't reflect your name and gender. We Carver has somehow managed to require accurate ID in centralize the centre in the core of order to access mediWindsor, with hospital access, trancal care, receive mensitional support, and links to local tal health services, apPride and LGBTQ organizations. The ply for social assiscentre also assists trans people with tance and to secure filling out documentation, finding housing, (But) the prosafe shelter, and offering transitional cess is not accessible support in general. The venture is or affordable for most not government-funded, and volunpeople. It's a very pateers and donations keep the centre per-intensive process going, with daily operational costs that requires a lot of clocking in at about $40. information, and many To quote Carver, "I don't think $40 of the forms are not is too much to bring people out of trans-inclusive." isolation and bring the suicide rates And that is precisely down." why the Pro Bono StuSupport centres such as this one dents Canada (PBSC) should be part of any community’s are helping essential infrastructure. Individuals transgender people from all walks of life have a right to change their ID for safety and respect, with the estabfree. A trans ID clinic lishment of such a centre going a has been running and long way towards that purpose. Vic- offering free (terms toria could stand to benefit from and conditions apply) such an establishment as well. services in Toronto, with plans to expand the program to new locations.

Naming Sense 

Names have always been a central part of a person's identity. Unfortunately, many trans people may often run into a common, yet unintentional misgendering by medical profes-

The article highlights a variety of issues, such as non-trans-inclusive nature of the overall name change process. 7

News Trans Need once again highlighting the myriad of challenges that transgender people face to get the most basic of things done, in this case having healthcare documentation that accurately reflects one’s name and gender.

Sheer Heart Attack  A recent study has pointed out a possible link between “cardiovascular disease and transgender women undergoing hormone replacement therapy.” According to the article, “… analysis of nearly two dozen studies incorporating 3,231 transfeminine patients found 139 deaths attributed to heart disease, as well as eight strokes, 14 heart attacks, and 56 incidents of deep vein thrombosis—considerably higher rates than in either cisgender women or men. The study also found transgender women taking estrogen had higher blood pressure and increased levels of triglycerides, high concentrations of which are a risk factor for stroke.” This was all bad news, considering that transwomen commonly took their hormones orally. The use of patches seemed a little safer, but worth noting was that the study left many questions unanswered, such as data on specific hormone therapy regimens.

sion, obesity—and perhaps increase regular screenings. (Watch for a HK4T checkin at support meetings / community events)

the so-called transgender military ban, a piece of legislation signed by Donald Trump in March 2018, which critics have alleged, was passed for the express purpose of appealing to Perhaps worth noting however, was his voter base. Despite the various the fact that much of the existing statements issued by the chiefs of knowledge on hormones and its asArmy, Navy and the Air Force on sociated risks were based off their how transgender service people do effects on cis people. With that in not “impair the cohesion of military mind, it seemed that the best advice units or discipline,” - many trans was to have a basic understanding service people were still left in legal of treatment risks, while at the same limbo. time maintaining a healthier lifestyle. For now, the ban still remains in place, despite that a “… half-dozen United States surgeons genOn Modern Standards  former eral have rebutted a flawed PentaA powerful look at the current state gon report released in March that served as the intellectual and scienof affairs with regards to transgender beauty, Sonoma opens tific basis for Mr. Trump’s policy.” with a powerful statement – that In addition to Donald Trump, “… to be deemed pretty in the transgender service people could transgender community means lookalso point to General James Mattis ing as cisgender as possible. Much for the ban, based on his beliefs that like cisgender women, trans women having trans people in military units are expected to cater to conventionwould be detrimental, in spite that a al standards of physical beauty; “2016 RAND study had already conthey're asked to be feminine and cluded that letting transgender peosoft—to be able to blend in. The ple serve would have “minimal immessage being conveyed: exist as pact” on Pentagon readiness and little as possible.” health care costs.” While every trans person has their Further pointing to a case of discrimown different views on the issue, ination rather than a genuine conSonoma’s statement on the plight of cern for well-being of the military, black transgender women is particuwas a Palm Center study that stated larly eye-opening: “…To be black "the total cost for transition-related and transgender, to exist in both of health care in 2017 was $2.2 milthese spaces at the same time, lion, about $12.47 per transgender means not only being constantly service member per month.”, Acgawked at, but also being put in cording to the Pentagon, healthcare dangerous situations every day of for transgender troops would be your life.” “unduly expensive.”

There was no cause for despair, however, as Dr. Tangpricha, an endocrinologist at Emory’s University School of Medicine and the lead author of the report in question, advised against eschewing hormone treatment altogether. Rather, Tang- Ban-Aid  pricha recommended common-sense This article examines and summarizsteps to limit other risk factors for es the current situation regarding heart disease—smoking, hyperten8

Discrimination Tragedy 

News Trans Need Recent legislative developments across the border are threatening to roll back a rule in the Affordable Care Act that prevents doctors, hospitals and health insurance companies from discriminating against transgender people.

furore about which bathroom transgender people were allowed to use, painted a grim picture of the general state of affairs in the US.

women are estimated to have attempted suicide — a rate that's nearly nine times as high as the rate of cisgender Americans.”

It is perhaps not exactly news that transgender people suffer from more Hardly Coincidental  mental health problems than their cis If passed, this motion would allow counterparts – owing in no small Mental health awareness has beinsurers to refuse treatments such as part to how contemporary society come increasingly important in reHRT, gender reassignment procetreats them. A study by the Lancet cent times. dures, and the like, in a large step reinforces the fact that such probback for trans care in the U.S. This “While approximately 6.7 percent of lems primarily arise in response to recent development, was sparked by the general United States population the discrimination, stigma, lack of a judge in Texas who claimed that suffers from depression and 18 per- acceptance, and abuse they face on parts of the rule were unlawful, cent grapple with some form of anxi- a regular basis. which led to a complete removal of ety disorder, nearly half of all individThis, in turn, triggers stress responsthe rule in question, and thus affect- uals who identify as transgender exes, and in the case of some individuing all transgender people in the perience these issues. What's more, als this response never ends, falling States in the process. This, along over 41 percent of trans men and into an unfortunate loop of being with the military ban and the recent

News Trans Need discriminated against and expecting to be discriminated against. Ironically, transgender people often faced discrimination from the very medical health professionals from whom they went to receive aid.

ety of views, including the argument that:

“We think the experience of a woman who is born a woman is completely different from the experience of a man who decides one day to The article is lengthy, featuring many present himself as a woman.” issues and problems in society and It was unclear who exactly, however, existing healthcare frameworks. Acdecided the metrics for such an iscording to the article, “there is no us sue. Would an individual who had versus them… It's, I'm experiencing transitioned between the ages of 10 something this person isn’t. And that to 18 still be guilty of this so-called doesn't make one person more or male privilege? Or if an individual less acceptable." hailed from countries where such privilege might be overshadowed by class divisions.

Canadian News 

Quebec: Social acceptance and understanding has always been a challenge many trans people face. This doubly seems to be the case for Gabrielle Bouchard, who is under assault from trans-exclusionary feminists for simply doing her job. Bouchard, who had recently begun her term as the president of the Fédération des Femmes du Québec (a feminist organization in the province that has been in place for the last 5 decades). Examples include “Is a trans woman a real woman?” and proclamations along the lines of “Being a woman is not a choice or an identity.” Many might argue that choosing between a difficult transition and a false double life is hardly a choice either, though.

According to Bouchard, “I found myself below that ceiling after transition. In a way, I think I have an advantage because I’ve seen both sides. I’ve experienced marginalization, even though people say I didn’t.” For the most part, this article may serve as a reminder that individuals are still often judged by their assigned gender at birth, and not their achievements.

How Free is Free? 

Following the tragedy at Charlottesville in 2017, many hoped the overall tone of the dialogue on the freedom of speech would change. That does not seem to be the case, however, and some recent furor over Given that feminism was established who can or cannot speak at universito fight oppression in the first place, ties has prompted much conversation. One question in particular was recent events in Quebec seem once again to illustrate how certain radical centered around why a university would not want a Nazi to speak on groups continue to miss the point. their grounds. In defense of allowing The article continues to quote a vari- such speakers, controversial groups 10

News Trans Need argued against using such labels, even if they shared ideological similarities. The article went on to clarify the perceived confusion between limiting free speech with a responsibility

to stop inciting hatred and violence, or presenting false claims by groups that believed in their validity but could not back them up with evidence. This single line in the article sums it up relatively well:

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Protesting intolerance or hate is not about protecting hurt feelings, or about being offended, as is sometimes claimed. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about the exhausting, emotional work it takes to prove your humanity to society.â&#x20AC;?

The XQ Interview Interview Note: We did a video interview with Kate on a Sunday afternoon last fall when Kate was in town for a UVIC Chair in Transgender Studies presentation the evening before. It had been a long week for Kate, the week before at a university in Wisconsin lecturing, and while in Victoria, a not stop schedule doing workshops as well as the evening program. Kate was a bit worn out by the time we showed for the interview. On our side, the interviewer got sick at the last minute, the Editor had childcare responsibilities and there seemed to be one coordination issue after another. When we finally sat down to start the interview, it did not get off to a good start, and my babbling like a star struck (which I was) teenager didn’t help either. We regrouped for a minute, Kate kindly forgave our fumbling, and then turned on a

thousand watts of charm and intelligence that made this the most memorable hour of the year for me. I hope you get a sense of it as well. Our deepest thanks to Dr. Aaron Devor, for a life of work that makes moments like these possible, Anna Malkin who pulled off the best recovery outside of a Grey Cup game, Atley for pitching in at the height of my panic attack and James Gardner, whose excellent questions made this moment shine. Watch for the video at onmyplanet.ca. XQQ: (Video starts) Okay. So, could you just say hi, Kate? Kate: Hello, I’m Kate. XQQ: As a child you said you felt never male nor female. How did you cope? Kate: I think for the first three or

four years of my life, gender didn’t matter. I knew I was a boy. I knew I was one of two brothers, and there was my big brother, and here, me. Beyond that, all I was, I was the kid; I was the baby. It wasn’t until I went to the nursery school and got told to line up in one of two lines and I went… Oh! And I looked at the boys' line and I said, “I don’t think so!” and I looked, the other option looked better to me, so I went over, and my nursery teacher said, “Oh no, dear. That’s the line for the little girls.” I said, “Then I’m a little girl!” You know when you’re being shut down by a grown-up. (smile) So I scooted over to the boy’s line. My gender journey began with knowing I was not a boy. I knew that. And the only other option I had was “girl.” And so I figured that was what it must be, and that was my assumption. I assumed that for, Goodness, over thirty years, I’m a girl; I’m a wom-

ALL INTERVIEW PHOTOS—ANNA MALKIN an. And the metaphor back then was I’m a woman trapped in a man’s body. I didn’t quite feel like that. I just wanted to get out of being what I wasn’t. XQQ: And what did you do in order to do that? Kate: The only option to what I wasn’t, was woman. And I’d grown up the son of a doctor. And so I went, "yes sir, yes sir, three bags full, sir," to the doctors. And oh, hormones, and surgery, and I said “sounds good to me.” Off I went, through hormones and surgery and therapy, and emerged the other side, and I was a woman. And this was terrific. The relief after thirty or so

years, you go, “Oh, finally! This is what I am. And after about six months, I realized it didn’t come naturally to me to be a woman any more than it had been natural for me to be a man. I still don’t subscribe to woman or man. Girl? That’s fine. Boy? I’m okay with that too. The identities, man and woman - are too rigidly gendered for me. Boy and girl, minus the age factor, has a little more play. There’s a little more give and take. And that’s where I like to settle in. XQQ: You came out as trans at thirty. You say that you are neither a man nor a woman. But those who see you, say you appear female, are you not a trans woman?

Kate: *laughs* I came out as trans in 1984. I was 36 years old. And… Trans wasn’t a word. Transgender wasn’t a word beyond the circles of many cross-dressers following Virginia Prince, who had identified transgender as crossing from male to female without hormones or surgery. That was the original definition of transgender. We were transsexuals. That’s what we were. I did say, yes, I am a transsexual woman, during the period where I really felt I was a woman. I added the modifier because a whole bunch of smart lesbians said “Wait a minute, wait a minute, wait a minute. How can you be a woman the way we’re women? You weren’t socialized. You 13

The XQ didn’t spend your whole life grow- cal profession, the church and the ing up with these boxes and these family. These institutions have the rules. You’re right, I said, I didn’t. right and felt privilege and duty to assign gender to people. I was asSue-Ellen Case, a marvelous, marsigned male. There is gender idenvelous professor, said to me, I call tity. That answers the question, myself a working-class woman, “What do I think I am?” There’s (So) you could call yourself a gender role, which is - if you’re a transsexual woman. Yeah. Yeah, I "fill in the blank," and you’re ascould, I thought. With that modifisigned that, then these are the er I felt more comfortable. The things you can do. This is how you idea of someone being entirely can talk; this is how you can walk; woman was years later, these are the jobs you can hold; this is your sexuality; all of this When I first put out Gender Outfalls under gender role. law, and the Internet was in its infancy, we were all on America In addition to gender assignment, Online, or CompuServe and comwhich is based on the gender plaints came pouring in. You say body, which we call “sex,” and you’re a gender outlaw, but you gender identity, and gender role, look like a woman! Well, gender there is gender expression. How has components. There’s gender do I want to express myself in assignment. This is what we are such a way to ease my suffering? told we are by the state, the mediTo have some joy in life. Or, to

insure a certain kind of response from people when they see me? When I was coming out there was a big emphasis on passing. This was in the 80s. This was important because we didn’t want to get beat up! There was no “Oh yes, that’s a trans person.” There was only “That’s a man in a dress.” That’s all there was. So, part of my impetus for how I express myself was, - didn’t want to get killed. But more so, as that faded and faded, and I just didn’t give a damn. My gender expression is female. I love it. It’s just the funnest thing in the world for me. I have a very straight, almost cisgender expression of femininity. I like that. None of the other aspects of my gender match up with it, but people rarely, rarely have all those aspects of gender lining

Interview up. There’s always some little glitches. In my case this was my glitch. On the Internet people were going, “How can you be a gender outlaw when you look like a woman?” I am doing this consciously. I am having a fucking ball. This is what I’ve always wanted to live like all my fucking life. I’m doing it against the laws of nature, and that’s what makes me a gender outlaw.

And it was a terrible, terrible frightening time for me when I had to say no to both. Because there was no word of “nonbinary.” And I wasn’t the only one. As soon as I said “I’m not a man and I’m not a woman,” in the parlance of the culture, that made us nothing. Literally zero. And I’ve spent the last thirty somewhat years checking out philosophies and systems of belief that actually tackle this notion of zero. Of what XQQ: Do you feel that the course is nothing, of what is non-duality. of your transition would have If you have non-duality then what gone any differently if non-binary is it? And I’m now speaking about identities had been more widely gender not only in terms of postrecognized when you first started modern theory, which does speak the transition? Or do you feel that in terms of fluidity and neither spending time on both sides of nor, but also in terms of Mahatma the binary has been a good growBuddhism, Zen Buddhism, Daoism ing experience? and quantum mechanics. All of which address the idea of nothing. Kate: Excellent question. It’s neiThese provide metaphors that tickther nor; it’s both. Yeah, sure. If le the fuck out of my funny bone I’d known, what I know now, I and give me another way to talk probably would’ve thought long and hard about genital conversion about it. The language of negation works. What are you? I’m not surgery. I probably would have. a man I’m not a woman. Period. Thank goodness, I’m happy with the results! Everything works, I’m That worked for me for a long delighted, I could have been terri- time. But people want to know. bly disappointed. But yeah, I prob- And I want to be able to articulate it better. ably would have thought really long and hard because I really had XQQ: So, in your view, why is bifun with my penis. But by the time nary gender problematic? I got through surgery, I’d been on hormones for a year, it wasn’t re- Kate: Binary gender is only probsponsive very much at that point. lematic to the degree that it inSo I probably would have gone sists on being the only form of ahead with the full medical jacket, gender. And built into the binary as it were. And the second part of is the notion that it is the only form. It Is the (problematic) notion the question? that it is natural, and on some levXQQ: Do you feel that spending el of fuzzy viewing, normal. Yes, it time on both sides of the binary is natural to think that there are has been a good growing experipeople without these, there are ence? people within these. That’s natural. That’s a binary. Yes, that’s Kate: Ok, yes. Spending time on very natural. But we’ve come far both sides of the binary has been invaluable. Because I realized how, beyond that – we’ve learnt to look at subtleties here. The great thing to me, neither made any sense. I about the new transgender movetried. I tried really, really, hard.

ment, is that people now know that gender doesn’t devolve on body structure and body composition, hormones. We are getting back to the old original definition of transgender, essentially. The problem with that is that many of us in the late 80s and 90s used transgender as an incohesive term. Anybody fucking around with gender. Now, that word has been taken back to its old original meaning. Nope, a transgender person is a man or a woman, a boy or a girl, who has transitioned out of another gender. That’s the mainstream view of transgender. And “trans” is the inclusive word. Trans includes a great many gender identities, expressions, roles, and attributions and body types, that have nothing to do with either or. And I find this endlessly yum. XQQ: Thank you. Kate: Okay. XQQ: Many people in the trans community frown upon anyone who doesn’t fit the male female binary. And alternately for example, cisgender feminists sometimes don’t want trans women in living spaces. How do you respond to that? Kate: I… I’m going to pick apart that question a little bit. I find a very small percentage of trans people objecting to me not being one or the other. Very small percentage. And the percentage of people in the trans community who do object to me are those who mostly are they themselves binary identified. Nothing wrong with being a binary-identified trans person! That’s a possibility. There are more possibilities that’s all I’m saying. It’s more understandable to me that the world at large. That people who have never 15

The XQ really thought about gender very much, do object, to not being one or the other. Fuck, I objected to myself not being one or the other for thirty fucking years of my life! Of course, I’m going to understand why people object to me being that. Took me through the years to come to grips with it! As far as cisgender feminists objecting - maybe a few in my generation. There are radicals in every field who still object to that. But I think the forward thinking, more compassionate and inclusive feminism that we have today embraces trans-feminism and non-binary identities as well as binary. Trans identities, because a transwoman who says that “I am a woman” is right. That’s a woman. A trans man who says, “I’m a man.” Yep, you are. In the same way that that’s allowable, it will one day be allowable to say “I’m not. No, I’m not either.” And that’s what I’m hoping for.

the New Testament certainly goes further. Angels have no gender. God made us in their image. Male and female, he created them. Okay, a lot of people interpret that to mean, God is male and female! Medical texts say that there are male and female only. What are they basing that on? Hormones? No. Chromosomes? No. There’s more than XX and XY. We know that now. There are more than fifteen combinations of chromosomes in our DNA at that point that says, “You’re this gender!” Is it an innie or an outie? Well, sure, but again, that’s at all a very subtle look at it because there’s all sorts of degrees of innie or outie. Is it reproductive capability? In which case everybody prior to puberty has no gender! And everybody when they get into old age, has no gender! But we don’t think that way. We wrap ourselves around convoluted thinking in order to believe that what you are

XQQ: You say that you believe people compulsively act out a gender. That there are gender rules. Can you explain? Kate: Ha. When I wrote gender outlaw, I said there were three basic questions to ask oneself: What is a man? What is a woman? And who says we have to be one or the other? You can ask ten different people those questions, and you’ll get thirty different answers. There’s no rulebook. There’s only a belief that the binary needs to be maintained, enforced and furthered. We are policing ourselves in that way. Nobody’s saying that that’s what we have to be. We can interpret certain canonical texts as saying that, but even the Bible doesn’t say that. Judaism at its core, embraces seven genders that I know of. And the Old Testament is the basis of the New Testament. That’s the grounding. And 16

assigned at birth is what you will be all the time. You have no say in it. That’s convoluted. We have to really convolute in order to believe that.

XQQ: You say you want your book (Gender Outlaw) to be a conversation, not an observation. How does that unfold? What does that sound like?

got today is all the answers that people have for gender. Oh yes, we know what a man is, we know what a woman is. I wanted there to be more questions. As soon as you ask a question, you’ve got a conversation going. And I tried to get that done in gender outlaw. By giving multiple voices in the book itself, through the text layouts. The main body is the thesis of the text, but I don’t always agree with myself. So over on the right, there are other words and thoughts. I am saying to myself, “Yeah, right, and what about this?” People support what I say and people contradict what I say, and so on the left are their words. This provides a conversation as you read. My next development in writing about gender was the gender workbook. I thought I made too many statements in Gender Outlaw and I wanted to ask more questions. So there were many more question marks than there were periods or exclamation points in Gender Workbook, and I’m really proud of that.

And this new book that I’m working on is one step beyond it! A lot of what people have been thinking and what they have been saying, is beyond the binary. Or we’ve shattered the binary. Okay, but gender’s still there. If it’s not a binary what is it? And I’m answering those questions with languages and metaphors borrowed from, Tibetan Buddhism, and Buddhism, Daoism and quantum mechanics. For example, we think that gender, you’re assigned it, that’s what it is. It’s a discreet phenomenon that depends on nothing else but its natural existence. That’s how most people observe gender. Okay, that’s how we perceive it. That’s how most people perceive gender.

Kate: When I was writing Gender Outlaw one of the first things I realized that what’s keeping gender in the binary structure that it’s Common perception doesn’t equal

Interview truth. I think we’re just not looking closely enough. For example, gender changes as it is experienced through time and in space. Gender is in fact a continuum. And using parlance of quantum mechanics, sub-atomic phenomenon, can be both particles, discreet particles, and waves, at the same time. They become particles as soon as you go “Oh, there’s one”. As soon as you locate it, measure it in space-time. A photon is a particle. As soon as you look away, it becomes a wavelength. Gender is the same thing. The only time it’s discreet and measurable, is when we’re looking at it and locating it in time and space. Otherwise, it changes all the time. Everything we learn about gender changes how we think about it, how we express it, how we feel about it. My God, gender changed huge in the 60s with the women’s movement! The very fact that women were people too! Or, keep your laws off my body, or women have rights. That was a totally new wrinkle in gender! But people don’t acknowledge that that’s what happened. XQQ: Are you proposing that gender is like Schrodinger’s gender? Where gender is defined by the very nature of observation, otherwise it exists in a non-discreet state? And by observing it you are changing the very nature of it?

non-binary. And everything in between and out and about! There’s room for all of us. In this space called gender. It’s not divided in two anymore! We can be anywhere in it! And if we want to stick to the Tao, if gender is in fact a circle; stay to the middle.

swinging, and people with power are trying to roll back rights that have been hard won for sex and gender outlaws of all stripes. Last night someone had asked me the question: “What could Canada do to help us in the United States?” And I think, oh, if only the people in the United States could hear XQQ: Why is community so imthat they need the help. That’d be portant to you? great. The ball’s in your (Canada’s) court in terms of trans Kate: I don’t call it community. I hold workshops for my family. The in the world. We’ve carried it this workshop I did here yesterday was far as we could, and now we’re experiencing a backlash. You’ve called survival tips for sex and got the baton, you’ve got the ball, gender outlaws. And it was held in a community space. But I’m not I’m here to be your auntie and sure what community is. I’m more encourage you. You can win this race. focused on who family is. And I call it family. If you’re fucking with gender, you’re my family. I’m your auntie, I’m your grandma. Happy to be that. I’m your sister. XQQ: You’re the auntie that everyone needs. Kate: There you go. XQQ: You work closely with gender non-conforming youth on suicide prevention. What are some of the techniques you use to help them feel better about who they are? Feel free to plug your book

Kate: No, not going to speak to that one. That’s all in the book. I was saying earlier I am shy of taking up too Kate: I say to you, that’s a brilliant much space. I have already observation. You just said it to talked about that in many me, so am I saying that gender is places. Ok? in fact Schrodinger’s gender. That XQQ: That’s the end of the it exists in several possible states list. If you have things that until we actually observe it. are off-list. Yup. That’s exactly what I’m sayKate: May I? We’re living in ing. And just embracing gender that way allows for welcoming all hard times, right now. In my sorts of interpretations about gen- country, in the United States der. From strictly binary, to strictly of America, we are pendulum 17

Intersections that cover ripped away by a callous individual for one inane reason or another. Whether I could have minimized the social fallout I had experienced by openly announcing my staLet us consider a common word in tus is up for debate. But the episode the trans vernacular: the act of simply reinforced my understanding “passing.” Some individuals dedicate that gender often has two facets to their transitional experience to this it, namely a personally-identified goal, while it is not as important for gender and a socially assigned one. others. The desire to “pass” however, places the power of affirmation in Of course, one does not question if it the hands of others – namely society is “okay” to be a certain gender. A transgender person should be reat large. One can be caused considerable amounts of distress if they are ferred to with the correct pronouns and understood to be the gender mis-gendered or discriminated against. Tackling the issue the oppo- they identify as. But is this a privilege site way are trans people who proud- or a right? Various voices in the trans community each have their own ly wear their status as a badge. In this case, avoiding potential oppres- opinion. Individuals identify as they sion by not allowing others to make prefer to; one does not need anyone else’s permission to identify as they that choice for them. This, however does not free them from discrimina- please. This concept of permission, however often extends into other tion should they be in such an envispheres. ronment to begin with.

On Transracialism, Misappropriation and China Dresses

tele. As an Asian trans woman of colour, I was hardly offended, and found the entire episode amusing. It is, however a predictable illustration of contemporary dialogue. People question why a white woman wearing a traditional piece of Chinese garb commonly sold in Chinatown souvenir stores would raise such a furor in 2018, with the term “cultural appropriation” liberally used in discussions. What is acceptable? What is appropriate? And who are the gatekeepers? These are the key questions of the discussion. Some, of course claim that the girl’s actions are “not okay.” I would not wear traditional Korean, Japanese, or any other traditional dress and I’m Asian.

This argument leaves much to be desired. To begin with, the definitions of what constitutes Asian and traditional dress is largely up for deTake the recent case of the high One group seeks to blend in; the bate, given the multitudes of nations school student in the United States other seeks to stand out. Having and cultures in South-East Asia. If the who decided to wear a traditional been outed by a gay man (who I mourning clothes of a certain culture Chinese dress to her prom. The type thought was a close friend) prior to had been worn as a prom dress, the of Chinese dress she chose is known my transition, I have personally expediscussion may have had some merit. as a cheongsam or a qipao rienced how it feels to seek to blend (depending on where you are). In any But as it stands, it appears to be yet in and be “normal,” only to have another case of overzealous gatecase, the girl in question wore one such garment and posted pictures on keeping. twitter. The resultant backlash and The concept of gatekeeping is simfirestorm from certain Asian voices ple. Does being an Asian person alon Twitter was swift, with one comlow me to decide who is able to mentator responding: “My culture is wear the clothing usually associated not your prom dress.” However, with my culture on a certain occacheongsam in general were designed sion? “Gatekeepers” in turn, proby incorporating western design idepose that an invisible social force as into Chinese fabrics, creating a controls what one can and cannot form-fitting dress that allowed for wear. women to move freely back in the 1915s to the 1950s. In addition, gar- The issue of social permission in turn, is observed in many variations, with ments of questionable quality are these differences appearing almost often sold in tacky souvenir shops kaleidoscopic in nature. We could that mostly cater to a foreign clien18

Intersections speak of the oft-quoted case of Rachel Dolezal, the white woman who claimed to be an African-American, in one of the most public discussions on transracialism. An academic by the name of Rebecca Tuvel summarily studied the case and wrote a thesis about it, proposing that “… similar arguments that support transgenderism support transracialism.”

fear and mutual apprehension.

then does this mean for the offended individuals who reacted so intensely Similarities can be seen in the case of because “Chinese culture” was apa white woman who decided to have propriated? a Maori face tattoo. The woman, while married to a Maori man, is Who fights for the supposedly opclaimed to be culturally appropriatpressed party in this case, and who ing, as she has no Maori heritage are the oppressed? Chinatown souwhatsoever. While cases like this are venir stores? Traditional Cheongsam somewhat more opaque than angry makers in a high-end boutique on voices directed at a girl in a dress, Shanghai’s High Street? Or is it peoThe core takeaway from Tuvel’s arti- the factor at the heart of the matter ple who identify as a minority and cle is the fact that the Dolezal case remain the same. are offended at the thought of a centers on someone who feels that white person wearing clothing that Misguided stewardship can only exist they should be of another race, isn’t “for them?” I could go on. because of a victim’s mindset. In much like how transgender people fact, I have once been told that At the end of the day, similar argufeel that they should be of another “Asian people don’t count as minori- ments can be applied to gender and gender. Is choosing one’s race alties cuz [sic] you guys were never race. Whether it is appropriate to do lowed? Is choosing one’s culture alenslaved.” Is being a minority neces- so depends on situational context lowed? What about one’s gender? sarily being a victim, then? Do I have and sensitivities – something that is Once again, we return to the conto be a victim or have a history of all but impossible to quantify into cept of social permission. While being oppressed to have any kind of words alone. transgenderism and transracialism view? Does belonging in certain racial cannot necessarily be equated to Is it not possible for someone to have groups give one the “privilege” to each other, their supporting/ their own cultural roots, personal definitively present their views and underlying arguments have more opinions, societal views, and not declare that those who are not in similarities than one may realize. have an individual from a so-called accordance with it are wrong? PerIn the same vein of the argument, “less oppressed” race to defend haps. But unless we are in possession should every male-to-female trans them or fight for them in their of that specific piece of highly conwoman be treated negatively bestead? textual cultural intelligence, it is percause they used to have male privihaps for the best that we walk out of To this, I propose that one does not, lege? Similarly, is giving up white the proverbial souvenir stores within fact need social permission of any privilege to become black, right or out heckling the shopkeeper about kind to belong to a minority group, wrong, or even possible? enabling cultural appropriation, peror to have certain views, or to identimissions be damned. Gatekeeping, and in turn permission fy as certain genders. This is not to and its enforcement is a complicated say that it is acceptable for small chilissue. This can be observed via the dren to prance around in Native The author has lived in various counphenomenon of “misguided stewAmerican garb during Halloween. It tries in South-East Asia for the last ardship,” aka getting angry for oth- simply means that one must have a two and a half decades, and is a first ers on their behalf. This can be seen certain degree of cultural intelligence -generation migrant to Canada. in the ever-present fight against “the and understanding in order to preViews expressed therein are the auwhite people” that is seemingly present their views. thor’s personal opinion, and do not sent in every form of social media. Ironically, the feedback and rhetoric necessarily reflect the views of XQQ . Even the slightest mention of (British) coming from China with regards to colonialism will have some white the girl's prom dress of choice has people apologetically looking away, been overwhelmingly positive. What, in turn breeding an atmosphere of 19

Thoughts do next, to who is the person doing Like a filter, it colours every scene of our those things. This is a collective step and lives and makes all the shapes in our we see it in our news feeds and our con- kaleidoscope have the same tinge. of Identities versations. Accepting the thing in front of us, our The rest of the letters wonder how the T true identity, can be both terrifying and The Pride season awakens in many of us got there and the Ts wonder the same. utterly, completely satisfying. For us, The small threads connecting the letters a flashback of our life narrative, like identity is not the musings of lazy afterJames Holden connecting the circuit for are delicate enough without trying to noon, it is lifelong work. It is not a social bind in Qs, 2s, As and +s. the proto molecule. cudgel with which to grant ourselves a moment of respite through the false The thought bubbles. Oh, it's Pride this sense that our place in the equity pile is week, and along with it the many choicsomehow just a bit more worthy than es and experiences of our lives that led to that of others. People treating identity this moment. with less than total care and attention People process this in different ways can make us furious. depending on which page of their life In this issue, we reflect on the discussion story they are immersed. Sometimes, it is around the informal and formal policing gratitude - that whatever happened, the of identity, and stories about what hapgood, the bad, all of that was needed for pens to everyone when our identities us to be the person we are at this moshift, because, they do shift. ment. For others, it can be such a kaleidoscope of pain, lost relationships, and We start with the challenge of the cover trauma that it is a moment of utter broand a juxtaposition of the social convenkenness, and we long for a good shake tion to objectify womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bodies, with a to reset the pieces and start all over Is there room for everyone? Why do we woman who is celebrating the newness again. For some, including myself, it is cling to and defend these small scraps of of hers after years of struggle in a differboth, depending on the time of month, person? ent one. or the triggers of the week. In her interview, Kate notes that people Outside of the rainbow, for most, this This moment of consideration gives us have always been uncomfortable with self exam is a relatively quick exercise. pause to ask, who is it looking into that her giving three answers to the same Boy, girl, man, woman, other, check. kaleidoscope. Which part of that stream Worker, student, pensioner, check. question. As unchanging as the core of of stories is the real me? The trans condi- Hetero/homo/as/pan/sexual, check. ourselves is, all else is a reflection of that tion, dissonance, is such that we are abcore which we re-interpret and change But for everyone there are some boxes solutely certain of what our true self is, moment by moment. And in doing so, while at the same time completely uncer- where the pen wavers. Well, I was that, we choose our seat in Plato's cave. but not now, I am not yet, but about to tain that it is true. be that, or more simply, I choose not If you are like me, and the view back to answer. across the story of your life shows this constant dynamic, it is a moment where I That moment of uncertainty, of not yet, nearly there or donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t care, that literally scream or weep and prompting moment - is endless for many gender my cat to check his list of other people diverse people. It is not simply a moavailable to fill his food bowl. mentary passing consideration, it is the So at the door into the Pride season, we only thing we can see. We squint and cross the threshold of identity and shift look out of the sides of our eyes so we our thoughts from what we are going to can ignore the thing right in front us. From Great Dialogues of Plato

The Kaleidoscope

(New York, Signet Classics: 1999. p. 316

& Musings

If, like the prisoners in the cave we are only ever looking at shadows—Why the fuss?

Or alternately, if we could just turn around our collective heads and see the truth, would all the fuss and bother fall away? The reality is that we need neither the ability to see what is true, nor the simplicity of illusion, or even the quantum reality of gender to make our way through life and make sense of what we are seeing in the kaleidoscope of identities. We need only to choose. It is a very simple thing, but like the ocean dripping through our fingers, it is something we can never grasp to hold. We are better off to simply immerse ourselves. It is a matter of choice: To be kind, and to ourselves, first. To be thoughtful, before we speak. To show mercy to all, beginning with ourselves.

The quality of mercy is not strained, It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath: it is twice blest; It blesseth him that gives and him that takes: ‘Tis mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes The throned monarch better than his crown; His sceptre shows the force of temporal power, The attribute to awe and majesty, Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings; But mercy is above this sceptred sway; It is enthroned in the hearts of kings, It is an attribute to God himself; And earthly power doth then show likest God’s When mercy seasons justice.

William Shakespeare 21

ALBERNI VALLEY PRIDE FEST SUNDAY JULY 29 12:00 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 4:00 RECREATION / GYRO PARK

SUNDAY JULY 29 3:00â&#x20AC;&#x201D;9:00 OAK BAY UNITED CHURCH 1355 Mitchell Street, Victoria, V8S 4P9

Co-op Our 2018 Annual Genderall Meeting We held our third annual meeting on June 30 at the Songhees Wellness Centre, on the traditional territories of the Songhees People.

confident, there is no need to be on any central list for any transition related surgery. It is simply gate keeping in 2018.

The gods of the electrons were having an off day that day, so I begin with an apology to those who tried to use the Skype link without success. We think some internal firewall at the Songhees Centre kept us from actually connecting, and there was no tech support around on a Saturday.

We have also made good progress in discussions with the Minister of Education regarding community input on the SOGI 123 program and Learning Support related to gender diversity. The Minister hosted a meeting at his office and helped us connect with Ministry officials responsible for this programming.

We never did figure out the problem but will actually test the connection before the next meeting. Sorry for the frustration, lesson learned.

We reached out to the Parliamentary Secretary regarding community input on gender markers on provincial ID, and we met with Mitzi Dean, ParliaIt was pleasing to see that nearly everymentary Secretary for Gender Equity. body came for the AGM as well as the Every time I see Mitzi, she confirms that town hall. gender equity means all genders and There was an update on our current she restated this during the town hall. initiatives. We do see her as central in our apGender equity in surgical accessâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;This proach to creating change where needrefers to getting the Ministry of Health ed for community wellness. to end the additional MSP people are Our members approved our 2018-19 subjected to for feminizing top surgery. Service Plan and budget. If you wonder As we suggested a year ago when we raised the issue, the problem is the lack of unique billing codes for transition related surgeries. Perhaps more surprising was the amount of time it takes to change something like this. (or so we are told) However, the Ministry of Health says that the change is underway and will be complete this year. (donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry, we will track it to the end) Meanwhile, people requesting this transition related surgery are not to supposed to be subjected to the previous standards and process. If you are interested in this surgery, book an appointment with your primary care provider and get the referrals underway. Contrary to what TransCare BC states, any competent plastic surgeon can complete augmentation and as long as PHOTOâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;KIM MANTON you and your primary care provider are 28

who is deciding what the co-op does it is our members, and this is how it is done. You can see a summary of each program at XQQ.CA / plan18. If you are a co-op member, you can also request your copy of the service plan. With the service plan set for next year, it is time to begin work on the following one. If there are things you want to see happen in your part of our community - this is a good time to get involved. The call for directors happens all of July, watch for notices - and you can always contact us directly for details. We really, really want gender diverse community members, individuals and their families from all parts of BC to join us this year. We want a better gender balance on the board and put out a special call to those trending toward the masculine as well as those who don't trend in any direction.

Update After the AGM, we spent an hour and a half sharing our stories with representatives from federal, provincial and regional governments. It was humbling to witness people's willingness to share, and I thank everyone again for doing so. When asked, what makes for effective advocacy, the politicians replied it was connecting with the person behind an issue, and I feel like that happened.

of empowering the community as a partner in their care and their apprehension of what might happen if the patients actually control the asylum. It is a fear deeply embedded throughout the healthcare system. Our main grant is part of a federal initiative in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Strategies for Patient Oriented Researchâ&#x20AC;? (SPOR). The first benefit of the project is a result of the training courses in community-based research we have been completing. The trend in healthcare, beginning with research, is patient oriented care.

After a nice lunch from the Songhees kitchen, the focus shifted to action, beginning with the Co-op's announcement of the BC wide research project we are doing with our partners at the University of Victoria and funded by the Canadian Institute for Health Research.

It is our goal to make this "Gender Diverse Community Council of BC" an ongoing resource to provide substantial input on how the care we pay for is The project will look at a basic question provided. - is healthcare for the gender diverse We have received good support for this community improving? The project is project from the Federal, Local governplanned over five years to establish ments, and BC Gaming, but TransCare evidence that is directed by the comBC rejected matching grant proposals munity, not government or academics. without reading them. This is the secAND meets the rigors of science. This is ond year they have frozen us out of a community-based research project, program funding. We have asked the so we hire community members to do Minister of Health to review their decithe work, and the community directs sion. us as to what concerns them the most. This is done through a community We can make it happen without their council. support, but it will reduce the number of community members we can hire. BC is divided up into 18 health districts One of the grants was to cover travel and the project will establish a process costs for people living outside of the so that community members across BC bigger cities, and this too was rejected. in each district designate their repreVancouver based agencies simply do sentative on one BC wide council. This not get what it means to live in other council was called for in the original parts of BC and still get equitable acTransCare BC program recommendacess to services and programs. tions and was meant to be in place by now. We have tried in many ways over the past two years to find common ground We are taking on fulfilling this recomwith the agency the BC government mendation as a key deliverable of the has designated as responsible for trans research project. healthcare, without success. At the core of the tension is our goal

While it may be the worst acronym of the decade, the training affirms our belief that our voices do matter and that the system is not meant to be the sole authority in how we use them. TransCare BC is the first major BC healthcare program in 20 years and it is surprising that it is so far off the mark from current trends in how care is determined. Like any victim shaming, this unwillingness to even consider these requests holds the community responsible for the fact that the government of BC has underfunded transition related healthcare services for decades. It simply takes more money to catch up and provide equity in access and care across BC. We Do Get Better Together - but only through collective action will it happen for any one of us.

At the heart of it all, this is what your co-op does for you. Protects our collective rights, so your individual rights have meaning. The researchers are busy transcribing all comments and we will review them at our next members meeting Aug 2. Stay tuned for details. 29

Yo u r P r i d e H o r o s c o p e ARIES (March 21-April 19): The most significant planetary movement for you this month is Saturn's retrograde. This means, a shift in focus. If you were job -hunting in June, July might be a good time to re-focus on family, and keeping your loved ones close by. If they've drifted off, now might be the best time to send that e -mail or make that call you've been putting off! The Sun and your ruling sign, Mars, bring focus and financial needs will be met, so it's holiday season, baby! That hot guy (gal) hanging out by the pool cabana? Uh huh! Work it! Love is in the air! Your sacral chakra is what you need to focus on. Energize it! Make love! Paint something. Combine the two... Paint your lover. Use edible paints. Long, sensual licks tracing your brushstrokes. God, I'm hot now.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Busy, busy, busy! Holy crap, girl. How do you even? But busyness can also mean prosperity (though not always, so be careful). Through all of that, you might find family members pissing you off. Don't fall into the trap of silly ass confrontations. Take my word for it, it ain't worth losing your peace over. Oh, and speaking of which, your boss falls into this category too. Don't piss off your boss this month if you want your career to continue to be successful. This is month for love, hun! But not like Aries. You got to take this slow and smooth because Pluto, your love planet, is in retrograde. Put on some Barry White, and write someone a long, steamy, sensual letter about all the dirty, dirty things you're going to do to them when you see them. Fertility is at a peak, so make sure you know what you're getting into here. If you don't want any little astrokidlets anytime soon, load up on all those free condoms you'll pick up at the Pride Festival!

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The word of the month for you, is communication. Yes, you are a talented communicator, but that may be put to the test! The power of your word can heal or it can destroy. Your solar plexus chakra is energized. Ensure you keep it in balance by meditating on love and kindness, and emanating those positive vibrations to those around you. Continue to be your charming self! Maybe those words you have a knack for will get you that promotion at work? Good things should come your way. Listen to your spirit. Creativity should come naturally this month, as long as you take the time to listen and observe. Take a 420 break! Enjoy the pretty swirling colours, shapes, and patterns. In and out of focus, time turns elastic. Whoa! Thanks, Trey! That was deep.

I know nothing with any cer tainty but the sight of the stars makes me dream Vincent Van Gogh CANCER (June 21-July 22): Happy Birthday, crabcakes! Let Guru Chamunda look at the stars to see what your next celestial year holds in store... Here's the deal. As with any new beginning, it can be such a good thing to start with a little introspection. Look deep within. Take the time to balance your root chakra. Begin each day by spending some time outside, in a garden, or by the sea, or in a forest, or on top of a mountain. Pray. Meditate. It's also your month for altruism and charity work. That's a soul-lifting endeavour regardless of the month, but now more than ever, your investment will go far. Find your true self. Once you've done that, it's time to hit the spa, girl! Mani/pedi, full body body scrub and massage... Treat yourself! Not only is it a birthday present to yourself, Venus is moving into your sign, which means, hello sexy people! And now that you're all glammed up, you'll be especially attractive to potential mates. Don't wait! Run out right now and buy that new party outfit and slay, Queen! Yasss!

LEO (July 23-August 22): Wait... What? If you feel like you're in a haze... Maybe you've been hitting the herb a bit too much with the Geminis... Take heart. The dank cloud is lifting. As Mars continues its course through your sign, Venus moves into your 12th house. Since that is the planet that regulates your career, the best thing you can do for yourself is use that extra energy you have now and seek upward movement. It may be time to take that new position at a new job, or to stay in the organization you're with, but look for upward or lateral movement. Use your third eye chakra to stay in tune with your existence. It may be the right time to book a consult with your favourite spritual guide or astrologer. And while Guru Chamunda would love to help you, we don't have any appointments for new clients at the moment. Regardless of what you do though, I advise you steer clear of any plans to visit Trumpland. You see, The Donald is SO busy trying to make America great again, it is sure to disrupt your harmonious energy that you've been trying so hard to cultivate. Plus, him being a Gemini will not help matters at all at this time.

VIRGO (August 23-September 22): Repeat to yourself: I is kind, I is smart, I is important. That is the mantra for you this month. You might find some challenges at work this month... And just like the Tauruses (Tauri)? who'll be facing some real pissoffs, you need to slow your roll. Unload any unnecessary burdens and refocus on the important shit. The best thing for you is to ensure you have a well -balanced throat chakra. Buddha encourages us to consider three ideas before using your throat to produce sound and speak to another being. For what you're about to say: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind? Only speak if it improves on the silence. If you're having trouble with this, I suspect you may also be experiencing some stress -related ailments like digestive problems. Consider investing in GalaxoSmithKline stock. (They're responsible for making Tums antacids). Failing that, drop a bit of E before you hit the club tonight... Or not. Come on! You wouldn't really take an illegal drug because your astrologer told you to, right? Jesus! What's wrong with you?

Yo u r P r i d e H o r o s c o p e LIBRA (September 23-October 22): Aw, hell. It's always the one sign that pull the short straw... And this month, my unlucky duckling, the shit -magnet is you! It's probably because your ruling planet, Venus, has been hanging out in Gemini for a long time, and Pluto is in retrograde. When's the last time you updated your will? What, you haven't written one? Now's a good time to do it. No, I'm serious! And tell your family and friends to get their shit in order too. Because someone's gonna be dealing with some death-related issues. I just don't know who. But take advice from the Blue Oyster Cult on this one... Seasons don't fear the reaper. Nor do the wind, the sun or the rain. We can be like they are. Come on, baby, don't fear the reaper. Baby take my hand. You get the idea. Speaking of which, love may come in strange places this month. I'm not the etiquette expert here, but would it be considered gauche to ask someone out on a date at a funeral?

SCORPIO (October 23-November 21): Doesn't matter how long I've been an astrologer. But you Scorpios still friggin' scare me. In spite of that, I know you've been trying to find yourself and figure out who you are. Unlike Leo, maybe a trip to the States would be good for you. Sometimes it helps to consider what we don't want and who we aren't in order to bring focus to what we do want and who we are. Nevertheless, if you work in an office, you may find an office romance. If you don't, then maybe you need to find an office. Actually, that's exactly the type of relationship that will end in disaster... One that was based on shared circumstances rather than what you share in common outside of work. Anyway, Jupiter is in the 10th house, so you might want to apply for that credit card and do some shopping, baby! Or get a Brick card and fill your house with some nice, new furniture... At zero interest, and zero down payment until 2019.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21): You need to chill, bro! But I hear that a few Geminis might be looking for some company to take a 420 break or two. I see a lot of intensity for you in July, and it'll be important to be able to deal with that effectively. Socially, you're a butterfly this month. And unlike those sad, sad Libras who're all going to be at funerals, you my friend, may have someone propose to you. Or hell, you're a Sagittarius after all... Take the bull by the horns and beat them to it. Propose to THEM first! Yeah! No expensive engagement rings though. Seriously. Saturn is in retrograde, and that's your financial planet, so be extra -careful. No need for panic, but be fiscally responsible with your finances. Do I sound like a didactic, old aunt when I say that? Fiscally responsible finances. Fiscally responsible finances. Fiscally... fark it. Just remember to take care of yourself. Eat right, get some exercise, and keep your shit in perspective.

The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves, that we are underlings William Shakespeare CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19): W o o h o o ! ! ! P a r - t a y l i k e i t ' s 1 9 9 9 ! Y o u ' r e in summer mode and it shows. While that's not necessarily a bad thing, you're gonna have to reel it in a bit because shit's about to get real! What I mean by that, is Mercury will be in retrograde soon, and that's gonna piss on your parade unless you're ready for it. To quote Shakespeare, all that glisters is not gold. Remember, that if something appears to be FREE and without any strings attached, YOU are the product. Other aspects of your life seem to be in balance though. Love, career, finances... There's not that much going on professionally in the summer months, but capitalize on any social networking opportunities that come up. You can go alone, but if you can, bring along a Taurus or a Virgo. Don't bother with the Libras, though. They're all attending a funeral.

AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18): You, my water-bearing friend, are a creative powerhouse this month! There's just so much going on with that, but don't let it get too far away on you. That may lead to anger or even violence if left unchecked. Make sure your meds are in good supply. Renew your prescription if you haven't recently. Match the Sagittarians, take the time to eat well, exercise, and take care of yourself first. But once you have that under control, don't be afraid to enjoy the season! It's Pride, baby! You've got it, so flaunt it! Rainbows. Lots and lots and lots of rainbows. Rainbow dress, rainbow socks, and rainbow G -string. Don't have a rainbow G-string? Why on earth not? At least dye your hair in rainbow colours. C'mon! You know you want to!

PISCES (February 19-March 20): S u c k s t o b e l a s t , d o e s n ' t i t ? B y n o w t h e a s t r o l o g e r is so tired from writing all the other 11 signs, poor ol' Pisces gets the short end of the stick. Well, not really. That dubious distinction belongs to the Libras this month. But you could send them flowers. They'd like that. Anyway, there's lots happening in your 4th House this month, so focus on your loved ones and on your home. Go and borrow the Brick card that the Scorpios applied for (and got approved) and buy some nice furniture. Maybe a nice chaise longue. I love a chaise longue, don't you? They're so... French. So... romantic. So now that you have one, (thank you, Scorpios), I strongly suggest putting on some of your naughtiest lingerie... Maybe even borrow that rainbow G -string from an Aquarius if you're feeling extra adventurous. Then, hire a professional boudoir photographer to take some erotic photos of you in all your pretty things (oh, and did I mention pasties with tassels)? as you strike some incredible poses on that chaise longue. No, I mean it. The stars are aligned and they don't lie.

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Present as Elizabeth Marshall kindly offered to sit down with us for this issue, as well as provide some insight into her personal philosophy of hairstyling and being a supportive ally.

nobody was surprised that I wanted to go into hairdressing because it was something that I always did. I was always doing my own hair, colouring my Barbie dolls' hair. In fact, any of my dolls that had hair received a hairCould you introduce yourself to our readers, cut from me. Elizabeth? It was something that started very early in My name is Elizabeth Marshall, I’ve been a my life. I even used to beg my mom to let hairdresser for 20 years. I started when I was me go with her to the hair salon so I could 21 in Victoria. I was a hairdresser before I watch. I even loved the smell of the salons: knew it. I was cutting my doll’s hair at 4, my the perms and all that. It is just something brother’s hair at 5, and my parents didn’t like that was always a deep interest. When I got the fact that I was cutting my brother’s hair to hairdressing school I knew that I was in because I was doing all sorts of crazy hairthe right place; felt like I found my bliss. The styles on him, dressing him up, calling him attention that I could pay to an individual Sally and having a salon in my bedroom. He was so exciting to me. It taught me how to was quite happy to go along with it, but be compassionate, open, non-judgmental – because I just kept chopping his hair and… a caregiver as well as a creative stylist. The Well, I actually even took some bleach from combination of the two was really exciting to underneath the sink and I put some on his me – it gave me the opportunity to be exbangs – and that was sort of the last straw tremely loving to my clients. for my mom. Could you describe the services you offer? My dad, however, agreed that if I cut his hair, I would leave my brother alone, so I did. Well, because I work for myself now, I had My dad would come to my hair salon in my to put perming aside mainly because of the bedroom. He was a stage actor, and would lack of a proper hairdressing sink. Besides play all kinds of different roles. I would then that, I do colour, highlights, colour correcadjust the haircut accordingly to his role that tion, haircutting and updos. he was playing. When I finished high school,

About five years ago, I decided that I wanted to take hairdressing to a more personal level. There was a lack of intimacy at the hair salon that I really started to notice. You are on a tight time schedule – your creativity is somewhat limited because you only have so much time with your client. It was a bit of a crisis for me because I did not want to leave the job, but I knew that the environment was not as nourishing as I needed it to be. I decided to ask my clients if they would be open to coming to my home, or me visiting theirs. I would say that the majority of my clientele was very excited about having me in their home, and also coming to me; we had established such a close relationship over the years. I did try to go back to a salon when I moved to Sooke, which was further away from the clients I had in Victoria. Very quickly, however, I realized that I was much happier with my decision I had made. I am thrilled to be able to connect with my clients like I have never been able to in a salon. Have there been any challenges arising from your unique business approach? I don’t see it as a challenge, really, if I think about it. I gained the freedom to make an appointment for somebody that may need more time than an hour, some people may need an hour or a half to two hours, depending on their needs. Working on my own has given me a sense of peace, as opposed to rushing people through just to make the salon money. I’ve gotten to know my clients on a much deeper level, and I also feel that my work as a hairdresser is much better as I am no longer concerned about meeting the needs of the salon – as opposed to meeting the needs of the client. Could you please elaborate a little more on your history of serving the trans community? I’ve been very blessed in that I’ve met a variety of different people from all walks of life in my career. I think it’s because I have a lot of

Yo u I n t e n d respect for the client once they’re in my chair. I have very strong boundaries – I don’t pry into my client’s personal lives, and I accept wholeheartedly what they have to offer me. I grew up in a theatre background – my parents were both professional actors. We lived in a very open minded home, where everybody was accepted. Nobody was better than anybody else for any reason. When I was a child, we had all sorts of diverse people in our world, and I think I was led by my parents that way – that people have the right to express themselves the way that they want to, and we are not here to judge. We are here to support the individual and their freedom. Not only do I work with gender diverse clientele, I also serve people with dementia, people with anxiety issues, people who are facing struggles in their lives. There is no judgment – they are just like me. I always see myself reflected in my client – they are vulnerable in my chair, and they are handing their hair over to me. It is something that represents who they are, and that trust level is huge. I honour that, and I think that that creates a trust and a sense of well-being between the both of us. I always come with the attitude that I will do my best – my own personal best. Thank you for being a supportive pillar in the community, Elizabeth. Would there be any hair products you recommend for our readers? There are so many good products out there now; a lot of competition too. As for products that I like to use – I think Bedhead is great. There is something for everybody in their entire line. There are really good oldschool shampoos and conditioners: the Matrix Biolage line is fantastic, as is Joico K-PAK. No-poo shampoo is great as a no-fragrance option. It is largely down to personal preference. Like skincare, it depends on the individual’s needs. Trial and error is always the best way to go.

Would you happen to have any other advice Thank you very much for your time Elizafor hair care in closing? beth! Elizabeth’s Hairdressing is an independent business run by Elizabeth herself, Yes. My advice is to take care of your health based in Sooke. Elizabeth offers a deeply – if you take care of your health, your hair personal hairdressing service – email and text will show that reflection. Not only that, but her for inquiries! also to find a hairstyle that you’re wearing, as opposed to it wearing you; something that Elizabeth’s Hairdressing complements your being and expression. 250-220-1739 The sky’s the limit, it doesn’t matter how you hairdressing1976@gmail.com wear your hair, but make sure that it feels like “you.”

Dear P&P, My husband recently came out of the closet. Apparently, he (she? they? Jesus Christ I'm confused, so I'm going to use "she") has never felt like SHE was ever male. I guess growing up in a male body and being perceived by others as male was some kind of cosmic mistake and only now has she felt sufficiently empowered to express that. (Should I blame that Jazz show on TLC)? Whatever. Anyway, I've always felt like I was an openminded person and an ally to the LGBT community. We have all kinds of diverse friends and it has never been an issue. But here's MY issue. I'm not gay! I'm not a lesbian! If my husband becomes my wife... and well... gets his...her funstick hacked off and replaced by a hoohaw... I mean... How can I put this? I ENJOY sex with my husband. And I don't want that to go away! So sue me! What can I do? Am I selfish? Please excuse the verbal diarrhea. Okay. I'm done. Help. - But I Don't Wanna Be a Lesbian

Dear Don't Wanna, I hear you, hon! You're not the first to be in this situation and won't be the last. And frankly, you wouldn't believe how many times this exact question crosses my desk. It's 44

not easy and this is the point at which I'll often recommend professional couples counseling. It's simply beyond the pay grade for a humble magazine columnist, nor do I want to give you a glib or trite response. But here's what I've said to others who have asked... When you first met your partner (let's avoid socially, culturally, and historically loaded terms like "husband" and "wife" for now), who did you in fact fall in love with? Was it their dick? Was it the tickle of the mustache ride? Was it their body? Build? Physique? Voice? Hairy legs? Chances are, that while all those things may have had some impact on you (given your identification as straight and having a preference for men), but in my experience I've found that those relationships that truly last a lifetime and are happy and successful over decades of ups and downs, are

based primarily on deeper things. Personality. Interests. Life philosophy. Worldviews (like political and religious ideals). Opinions on how to raise children. And many, many other things too. Maybe an interesting mental exercise might be to ask yourself, if losing particular aspects of your partner would change your love for them and your ability to be with them. If they lost their dick in a horrible, fiery crash, for instance. Or their legs. Or their voice. Or their good looks. Would your relationship last? If it would, then maybe (just maybe) you're a little too hung up on the label. Lesbian. LEZZZZZbian. Lez. Lezzy. Lesbo. Gay. Homo. But I'm not a homo. I'm not gay. I'm not a lesbian. Are you afraid of being labeled in public? Embarrassed to be seen holding hands or kissing someo n e t h a t l o o k s l i k e t h e y ar e t h e same sex? That's a lot to un-

pack and a good counselor will be able to help you sort out if that's something that is coming into the equation.

learned to be creative in the bedroom too! There are some fantastic toys out there. You can even get a dildo from a plaster cast mold of your partner's schlong that's so accurate you'll never feel the difference between it and the real thing. With advantages! (Like that it's ALWAYS hard for you and comes in bright pastel colours to match your decor). Explore other forms of intimacy. Tantra, different erogenous zones, different sensations (even sounds, smells, tastes, textures). There's no limit to what you can get up to! Those are just a few suggestions though.

A lot of these cases resolve around fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear of alternatives. Fear of change. Fear of not getting a good schtupping by a partner's turgid D on a sunny, Sunday morning... I hear you, girl. I enjoy a good lay too. But allowing a partner to finally express who they are (and who they always have been) is no contest. There's plenty of ways to be sexual, and believe me, just because someone says they're trans doesn't mean they've given up sex and decid- Long story short, take a step ed to join a convent. I've back, a deep breath or two,

and try and separate the labels, fears, preconceptions and expectations from the reality. The person you married is still the person you married. Perhaps not as much changed as you think it did. Perhaps it did, in which case only you can determine at which point different is TOO different and a place you aren't willing to go. As long as you're clear on why. This may not be the clear, concise answer you're looking for but I do hope you manage to sort it out.

P e p p e r & P e a rl

B AC K PAG E Earlier this year, the BC Green Party worked in collaboration with youth from the Transgender Tipping Point Project to draft two pieces of legislation aimed at protecting gender identity and gender expression privacy rights. These bills amend the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Amendment Act (FIPPA), and the Personal Information Protection Amendment Act (PIPA). The proposed amendment to FIPPA would ensure that information pertaining to a person’s gender identity and gender expression does not get revealed, and is obscured in Freedom of Information Requests. The proposed amendment to PIPA would remove gendered language (he/him/his or she/her/hers) and replace it with gender neutral language (they/them/theirs), so as not to reveal sensitive personal information without consent. Given the BC NDP’s past of championing LGBTQAI2S+ rights, particularly by West End MLA, Spencer Chandra Herbert, Andrew Weaver and the BC Greens had hoped that the BC government would bring forward these private member’s bills during the Spring session of the Legislative Assembly. Unfortunately, this did not happen - but don’t despair, the bills have not been thrown out. Transgender folks will have to wait until the Fall to see if these bills will be called for debate. Unlike past attempts to push through private member’s bills under the BC Liberals, the BC NDP have shown that they are willing to bring forward legislation from other parties, as seen with the BC Green bill to enable incorporation of benefit corporations. LGBTQAI2S+ advocates fought for legislation to protect gender identity 46

and gender expression for years before the BC Liberals listened, and when they did, it was through the introduction of their own bill, so they could take credit. These proposed changes will be welcome regardless of how they come about, but this new BC NDP government has talked about doing things differently. Parties need to be able to set aside partisan politics and collaborate to bring about positive change. During the 2017 campaign, the BC NDP led British Columbians to believe that they would listen to the needs of British Columbians. Shortly after getting in to in office, however, they approved the Site C dam, and are looking to move ahead with LNG and fracking, despite making commitments to protect the environment, and to reconciliation with First Nations people. It’s decisions like these that make LGBTQAI2S+ people feel concerned that their interests may not be represented to the same extent by the BC NDP now that they are in power, and that action may not be taken swiftly to address concerns raised by affected communities. Yet again, there is reason to be optimistic. The Confidence and Supply Agreement (CASA), signed by the BC NDP and the BC Greens, ensures that the interests of British Columbians are protected far more than if the BC NDP had free rein. There will also be a Fall referendum on electoral reform. A yes vote for Proportional Representation (PR) would mean that seats in the legislature will accurately reflect the percentage of British Columbians that voted for each party. Instead of a party having a majority government with 100% control when they only gained 39% of the popular vote, that

party would at best be a minority government. Under a PR system, parties would need to collaborate more to put forward legislation, and instances where parties gain full control of the province against the wishes of most British Columbians could be avoided. Had the USA been operating under a PR system, Hillary Clinton would have been elected instead of Donald Trump. It’s time for the BC NDP to listen to the constituents that elected them and bring forward common sense private member’s bills, like the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Amendment Act, 2018, and the Personal Information Protection Amendment Act, 2018. In the meantime, before the Legislature convenes again in the Fall, trans people will be waiting in anticipation, to see if their best interests will be a priority for BC’s government.

Nicola Spurling is the BC Green Party representative on CBC's Early Edition political panel and the Lower Mainland Representative on the BC Green Party's Provincial Council

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