trans* farmer?

[Charlize]

Who would have believed that i would spend a day teaching a class to others farmers as part of a program by the Northeast Organic Farmers Assoc.. The class was on meat goats and almost 40 people attended. My wife had made a nice video presentation and we started off showing it in a well cleaned (my job) barn. She was using her power wheelchair through the day and perhaps the first "coming out" was mentioning my wife. I have no idea if anyone knows i am trans or if they think we are a lesbian couple. It simply doesn't matter. They came for information and we provided a great deal. We are not experts and continue to learn constantly but are certainly able to help some from avoiding the mistakes we made.

37% of the goats eaten in the US are consumed in NJ and well less than 1% are raised here. A market? You bet but with some definite problems.

I don't want to go to far here in discussing goats or farming. I simply want others to know that you can live as yourself and do the things you love to do. I never thought that was possible, nor did my wife. Every time i get into these situations i find that if i just let go and live as myself i am accepted by some pretty rough characters. Some of those guys may be organic farmers but they are also as tough as nails. i only felt respect. Did i pass for 4+ hours? Who cares!

Oh one of the highlights was the birth of a doe kid while everybody was there. Couldn't have scripted that or the acceptance that time has given me.

Hugs,

Charlize

[Guest Kate]

That's awesome Charlize! I'm glad your class went so well for you. I've tried goat meat before, it was a little stringy and greasy but the flavor was good. I'm curious though, do you know why such a large portion of the goat meat market is focused in New Jersey? I never would have anticipated that. Anyway, it's wonderful that you received so much respect and acceptance, hopefully it continues in all your future endeavors.

Kate

[Guest AllisonRae]

Hi Charlize, love the title of your post. Although I don't have a full fledged farm here I tend to my small flock of chickens and all my other duties here. My SO and I are planning to do substance farming once we move to her property. Interesting statistic about goat production in New Jersy, I would of never guessed that.

Hugs,

Allison

[JJ]

Hugs Charlize-thanks for sharing. It is so important for people too know we are just people going about our lives and doing our jobs. And even more important for those facing all the fears for the future we once did to know it does work out. Not only work out better than we can imagine but be so sweet and fulfilling.

Love to picture you and your goat farm . Just wish I was close enough to drop by and see it in real life.

Johnny

[Guest alexia]

Hi Charlize, I've been away for awhile hence the slow reponse. But I have to say your story is inspirational. Your story and encouraging words have shown that its possible stay on the farm when I transition, if I wish. I've worked in some fairly high tech stuff but I find farming the most satisfying and frustrating job I've done (usually related to calving or lambing). I think taking the time to transition allows me to consider all the possibilities whether transgender related or just life related, which is just as big.

So good luck with your goats and thank you.

Alexia

ps one problem I've found being on the farm and having kids is that I don't spend the time on the computer like I used to which I guess is not a bad thing:) But not good for posting on forums.

[Charlize]

On Wednesday we hosted a visit by the NRCS civil rights committee for NJ at the farm. The acronym stands for the National Resources Conservation Service. (glad they have an acronym). We have received help from them for various conservation projects on the farm. I cleaned out the bottom of a barn used primarily for storage and also as a gallery for my art work. I had spent a great deal of time making the farm as pretty as possible as i feel i owe them a great deal. They spent much of the morning in conference and i only participated a bit to welcome the group. I did find that different folks there represented different concern of inclusion. These included: Women, African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanic, Handicapped and a GLBT representative. In the afternoon i spoke to the group about the farm's history and their assistance. I knew several of the folks but not many as the whole state was here. I mentioned at the end how much i appreciated their efforts for the inclusion of all minorities including the GLBT community. I spoke briefly of my transition and got some smiles for women who had known me before transition. After touring the farm many just stayed behind to talk. I am simply amazed how the years( and my presence here) have made it possible to simply be myself honestly and openly in so many situations.

I sold one painting which is always nice and over $100 worth of syrup. All in all a lovely day.

Hugs,

Charlize