A day at the university

[Charlize]

I joined a GLBTQ+ group that is made up to advise my university on how to involve alumni and hopefully improve the universities work with students. Yesterday we presented our work and heard a great deal of information from both students, faculty and the folks who run the GLBTQ+ center on campus.

The conference took place in a large lecture room but i was the only trans* person that came to the presentation other than a wonderful graduate student who did speak. I found it a great opportunity to see how the university helps with the special needs that trans* students as well as graduates face. The university is finally offering HRT and has adequate therapy as well. By attending these events and being openly out (as well as noisy) i find that the gay community has come around to a greater understanding of our issues. I have also learned a lot more than i did about what they face.

The event was broadcast to any alumni who wished to watch. There are over 90,000 of us at this point. That made me remember how hard it was for me to out as myself. Perhaps my simply being there could help others. I was amazed that others applauded when i shared that the University had provided me with a diploma and transcript that used my new identity within weeks of my request. That simple act can help many younger grads who transition after graduation and are applying for jobs.

it was gratifying to hear about the expansion of academic work on GLBTQ issues. I was also great to see how students were able to attend conferences around the country with the help of funding from our group. Princeton has good support for trans* students now and it sounds like the Ivy league is really changing. The force of 'out" alumni certainly helps.

Overall it was a satisfying experience. It made me remember the protests and conversations during the Viet Nam era. I was a bit of an activist then. I guess that hasn't changed too much with age and transition. Well maybe i'm a little quieter.

Hugs,

Charlize

[Carolyn Marie]

That's such a great thing you've been doing, Charlize. I don't think that anyone should be surprised that academia needs to catch up with what's been happening in our community, and addressing our needs, just as much as any other business group or industry. Even those in the medical field need, perhaps even more so, to understand us better.

I applaud your activism and willingness to get involved and make a difference. We need more folks like you out in the world. Every step taken is a step forward.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

p.s. sorry for the bad grammar. Haven't had my coffee yet.

[tracy_j]

Thank you Charlize

It makes me think (as you show) to how we can well be helping others just by being ourselves and describing our experiences. Maybe not even standing out, but just being there as an example of how life can go on.

Tracy