I have been thinking a lot about gender and religion lately. But as a distinctly unreligious person I also think I am distinctly unqualified to talk about it. But today I saw a great article by Rabbi Mark Sameth in the New York Times that really struck a cord. Here it is in its entirety: Is God Transgender? In the 1970s a cousin of mine, Paula Grossman, became one of the first people in America to undergo sex-reassignment surgery. As Paul Monroe Grossman, Cousin Paula had been a beloved music teacher in New Jersey. She was fired after her surgery, and she subsequently lost her lawsuit for wrongful termination based on sex discrimination (though a court did rule that she could receive a di
Ever since I started my transition, I have been asked many questions about “how did I know” or “what made me one day in my late 30's come out to the world and tell everyone.” My response is that I just could not look in the mirror anymore and feel good about myself. The day I told the world was the toughest but the best at the same time. Don't get me wrong, I have struggled at times and felt alone, but what got me through was getting to look in the mirror and say I am free - free to be the real me and free to live without shame. I understand coming out to the world is not for everyone, but it is what I had to do for my sanity. Finding A Path Forward Through Community I have lost a lot of
The team at Lehigh Valley Renaissance Transgender Association, a non-profit educational and social support group for the transgender community in Eastern Pennsylvania and Western New Jersey, has announced the programming for its meetings through the end of 2016. “During each monthly meeting we strive to provide an educational or other component that will stimulate our members and visitors interest ” said Amanda Porter, Vice President of the organization. “Whether they are a guest speaker or a transgender-friendly business, these programs are helpful in terms of educating our members and the general public about transgender issues” she continued. Upcoming speakers and guest vendors include
At Lehigh Valley Renaissance we are always seeking to improve our ability to serve the Transgender community in eastern Pennsylvania and north-central New Jersey. As such we have added a new Downloadable Resources page to our website. Currently you can find information regarding: General Information and Transgender Terminology Medical Standards for Treatment Template Letter for HRT Treatment Carry Letter Templates Resources for Transgender Youth & Families FAQ for Significant Others Transgender Information Curated Just For You These resources have been gathered from leading information providers including the National Center for Transgender Equality, The Human Rights Campaign, The ACLU and
