The Radicalguy

Guest: Pam Bennett

Ethan St.Pierre — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 18:25:36 GMT

Pam Bennett is a community leader running for Aurora City Council. She has been involved in numerous campaigns for Progressive issues and candidates. Bennett’s volunteer activities vary from Red Cross disaster services to being a state representative’s volunteer aide to serving on the Equal Rights Colorado board. Her varied career has been from oil and gas production to defense aerospace industry, beginning with her honorable discharge from the U.S. Air Force. Bennett is a Commissioner with the City of Aurora Veterans Affairs Commission. She is a member of the National Association of Black Veterans. Pam is a member of the Aurora Key Community Response Team, which is an important interface between communities and the police, fire and city officials. Bennett is a requested speaker at colleges and universities to talk about her life experiences. Ms. Bennett is the 2008 recipient of the Melissa Chapman Award for social change from the Gender Identity Center of Colorado.

Congressional Hearing - Audio

Ethan St.Pierre — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:03:53 GMT

The House Education and Labor Committee’s Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions Held a hearing on discrimination against transgender employees. Congressman Robert Andrews (D-NJ)chaired this historic hearing, the first Congressional hearing on transgender issues and gender identity discrimination in the workplace. Chairman Rob Andrews (D-NJ) has called the following witnesses: Shannon Price Minter, Legal Director for National Center for Lesbian Rights. Diane Schroer, Retired Colonel, US Army. Diego Sanchez, Director of Public Relations and External Affairs for AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts. Sabrina Marcus Taraboletti, Former Space Shuttle Engineer. Bill Hendrix, Chair of Gays, Lesbians, and Allies at Dow (GLAD) for Dow Chemical Company. The minority party has called the following witnesses: JC Miller, Partner at Thompson Hine Glen Lavy, Senior Counsel for Alliance Defense Fund

Guest: Natalie Murray

Ethan St.Pierre — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:47:16 GMT

Natalie Murray is a 20-plus year veteran of the Canadian Forces. She joined the military in 1987 in the hopes of being able to work on aircraft. But she became an electronics technician instead, which has taken her to places such as Bagotville in Quebec, North Bay and Ottawa in Ontario, and finally Trenton, where she is currently posted. She has completed a tour in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and will likely deploy to the middle east sometime within the next two years. Natalie transitioned to female while posted to Ottawa starting in 2003. Her colleagues were not exactly thrilled to have a transsexual woman working with them, and she was faced with a large amount of harassment and an attempt at a constructive dismissal, almost costing her career. Instead, cooler heads prevailed, and Natalie was placed in a position where she could to the good work she was trained for. As the Canadian Military looks after its members to the extent that they paid for just about everything relating to transition, Natalie has made it her personal goal to pass along her experience to others following her path, military or not, in the hopes that they may avoid some of the pitfalls she experienced. Natalie enjoys music, playing with computers and the internet, Amateur Radio (callsign VE3TUX), cycling and swimming. She has raced five triathlons, with her sixth scheduled for 13th July in Philadelphia. She is devoted to her family, especially her two daughters, and her friends. Natalie lives in Trenton, Ontario with her partner Carly.

Guest: Dan Manjovi

Ethan St.Pierre — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 12:52:07 GMT

Dan Manjovi Studied Music & Voice at N.Y.U., and Composition at The Julliard School; trained as an actor at HB Studio and Ensemble Studio Theatre. Current faculty member of HB Studio, and Neighborhood Playhouse. Is a pianist, singer, actor, and composer and comfortable and familiar with just about all musical styles . Regional credits include: Manny in MASTER CLASS (Denver Center Theatre Company, Arizona Theatre Company); Buddy in GUN METAL BLUES (Oregon Cabaret Theatre); David Stone in SWING STREET (Dorset Theatre Festival). Member, New Jersey Repertory Theatre Company. Dan recently appeared in the New York premiere of The End, a new musical review by George Furth and Doug Katsaros. Film credits include: BULLETS OVER BROADWAY and MIGHTY APHRODITE; character work in numerous industrials. Music Direction for The Disney Company, New Stage Theater, and numerous cabaret/club acts including Grace Hightower DeNiro. Librettist, Lyricist, Composer for I AM, I WILL, I DO. AWARDS: Outstanding Singer/Instrumentalist – BACKSTAGE Newspaper; ASCAP From Dan's website: http://www.danmanjovi.com As a singer/songwriter, Manjovi draws deeply from the well of pop's soulful, rhythm & blues greats. This listener hears influences ranging from Jackie Wilson to Bonnie Raitt to Blood, Sweat & Tears to the great seminal white funk rock band Rhinoceros. Oh, yes - and by way of a finale remix of the track "Celebrity" - some old school disco ala the likes of Sylvester and Two Tons of Fun. Manjovi's often dark & humorously sardonic lyrics mirror the more theatrical interpreters of the R & B pop genre - think Better Midler and the composers of modern pop musicals such as Rent, Chorus Line and Spring Awakening. In fact, the song lineup on Woke Up this Morning plays almost like a broadway musical show score - one might imagine set changes in between the tracks - as Manjovi offers up songs evoking song & dance "specialty" numbers ("Give 'em What You Got" and "Daddy Longlegs"), 11 o'clock wake-up songs ("I Fall Down") and houselights-down, spotlight-on solo ballads ("Things'll Get Better"). As with many broadway show tune soliloquies, Manjovi's lyrics are often sung in the first person. There's that kind of "man against the world" delivery - a guy conflicted about on the ups and downs of fame, and of the stuggle to find one's place in modern life. This piano man has musical theater in his blood and it shows.

Guest: Jennifer Leitham

Ethan St.Pierre — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 18:59:54 GMT

Jennifer Jane Leitham has been referred to by noted jazz critic Leonard Feather as the "left-handed virtuoso of the upright bass." In addition to her successful performance career, Jennifer has appeared on over 100 recordings with some of the giants of jazz music. In addition, she has recorded 6 highly acclaimed CDs of her own. Jennifer is best known for her decade long stints with both Mel Torme’ and Doc Severinsen. She has appeared with many distinguished artists including Woody Herman, George Shearing, Gerry Mulligan, Peggy Lee, Joe Pass, Cleo Laine, Louis Bellson, Pete Rugolo, Bill Watrous, and numerous others. She has also been a member of the Tonight Show All-Stars, The Woody Herman Thundering Herd, Benny Carter Quintet, Bob Cooper Quartet, and more. Jennifer has been invited to perform as a featured artist or group member at almost every major jazz festival in North America and many overseas. A highly regarded educator, she is enthusiastically received as a presenter of workshops and clinics at schools and colleges around the country, and has joined the faculty at California State University Long Beach as a Studio Artist. Jennifer's own highly regarded CD's include Leitham Up, The Southpaw, Lefty Leaps In, Live! , and Two for the Road, (a duo performance with guitar virtuoso Jimmy Bruno). Her new CD, The Real Me features her original compositions, arrangements, and for the first time, her singing voice! Her trio performs for enthusiastic, diverse audiences on a regular basis. You can find Jennifer’s CDs and much more on her website: http://www.jenniferleitham.com/

Guest: M. Dru Levasseur, Esq.

Ethan St.Pierre — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 16:55:03 GMT

M. Dru Levasseur, Esq. is a transgender activist and attorney committed to empowering trans and gender non-conforming people to believe in themselves. He is the chair of the Transgender Committee of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Law Association of Greater New York (LeGaL) and an active member of Massachusetts Lesbian and Gay Bar Association’s Committee for Transgender Inclusion. This past year, Dru initiated New England’s first ever Transgender Pride March and Rally. He received his J.D. from Western New England College School of Law and B.A from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Guest: Dr. Becky

Ethan St.Pierre — Sun, 25 May 2008 17:21:25 GMT

Dr. Rebecca Anne Allison, or Dr. Becky as she is called, has led an exceptional life. Born and raised in Greenwood, Miss., she enrolled in college at age 17. By age 24 she graduated from the University of Mississippi medical program magna cum laude. She first specialized in primary care/internal medicine, but soon realized that her true passion was cardiology. She returned to college for a two-year fellowship and then worked as cardiologist in Mississippi for six years. In 1993, her sixth year as a cardiologist, Dr. Becky made another significant decision, this time regarding her personal life. She began her gender transition. The reactions she received at that time were harsh. "When I came out, I lost my medical practice in Jackson, Mississippi," Dr. Becky says. "I was out of work for the better part of the year, until I found a job in Phoenix." Fortunately that was the last move Dr. Becky was forced to make. In Phoenix, Dr. Becky now serves as the chief of cardiology for CIGNA, one of the largest healthcare organizations in the country. For the past 13 years, Dr. Becky's work and reputation have grown considerably. In 2004, she entered the advocacy arena for national gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality when she offered to speak on transgender issues at the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association's annual dinner. She was asked to serve on the organization's Board of Directors, a position she has held enthusiastically for the past three years. During her first year on the board she was selected as the chair of the Educational Committee. As chair, she has influenced the organization by helping choose topics discussed at annual meetings, bringing greater attention to transgender issues such as medical treatment, legal concerns, counseling and social implications. In addition to her work with the GLMA, Dr. Becky is a member of the American Medical Association Advisory Committee on GLBT Issues. In this capacity, Dr. Becky has been a diligent advocate on behalf of transgender concerns. In June 2007, she testified at the AMA annual convention in Chicago. The AMA subsequently moved to include "gender identity" in its non-discrimination policies. "The new policy changes will impact patients, physicians and medical students," Dr. Becky says. "The implications are major." Bio for Dr. Becky taken from: Dr. Becky Allison: Local Action Hero

Update with Donna Rose

Ethan St.Pierre — Thu, 22 May 2008 15:06:18 GMT

Donna Rose is an internationally respected leader within the Transgender community. A dynamic speaker and compelling writer, Donna has appeared in USA Today, Fortune magazine, Pink Magazine, Marie Claire Magazine, on a 4-part Transgender Summit series on Entertainment Tonight, in several documentary films, and is invited to share her compelling story at corporations, universities and events around the country. She is on the boards of several national GLBT non-profit organizations. Her website, www.donnarose.com, is an internationally respected source of education and support for and about the transgender community. Donna has been involved in transgender advocacy since 2003 when her memoir, Wrapped in Blue, was published and selected as a Featured Book at the 2003 Texas Book Festival. She was featured in an educational DVD released by The Human Rights Campaign titled "Understanding Transgender Issues". She has been involved with every transgender effort released by HRC in recent years including the "Coming Out as Transgender" Guide, the workplace Gender Transition Guidelines template, and the "Transgender In the Workplace: A Tool for Managers" booklet. Donna was named a "Gay Corporate Leader" by the Advocate in 2005 and helps companies gain a better understanding of the workplace challenges posed by a transgender employee. Check out Donna's new website: transeducate.com

Guest: Megan Wallent

Ethan St.Pierre — Tue, 20 May 2008 15:08:16 GMT

Megan Wallent lives in Seattle, Washington and is the partner of Anh, the parent of Peri, John and Samwich, a General Manager at Microsoft Corporation in Redmond, and until November of 2007 was known to all as Michael. During her 11+ years at Microsoft, Megan has been responsible for delivering multiple versions of Internet Explorer, has lead a large team that built major portions of Windows Vista, and currently leads a team in the Windows Server and Tools Division. In her role at Microsoft, Megan is a frequent conference speaker and has represented Microsoft in congressional testimony on Internet Privacy issues in the summer of 2001. Megan transitioned on the job in the late fall of 2007, and has documented her experiences on meganwallent.com, which has generated a wide and varied readership. Megan's story has been reported online on valleywag.com and other sites, and in March of 2008, she and Anh were shadowed and interviewed by ABC News for Good Morning America and Nightline. Fundamentally, Megan's transition is a story of reaching the "New Normal" with humor, self-discovery, and surprising normalcy. Megan is a private pilot, a fervent Red Sox fan, and is a frequent traveler and very much enjoys exploring all that this world has to offer with Anh and her family.

Guest: Kate Bornstein

Ethan St.Pierre — Thu, 15 May 2008 22:08:12 GMT

Kate Bornstein is an author, playwright and performance artist. Kate’s best known for her ground-breaking books on postmodern gender theory, Gender Outlaw: On Men, Women and the Rest of Us; and My Gender Workbook. Her latest book, Hello, Cruel World: 101 Alternatives To Suicide For Teens, Freaks, and Other Outlaws , is a runaway underground best-seller. Kate's books are taught in over 120 colleges and universities around the world; and she has performed their work live on college campuses, and in theaters and performance spaces across North America, Europe, and Australia. Her new memoir, Kate Bornstein Is A Queer and Pleasant Danger, is scheduled for release by Seven Stories Press in the fall of 2008. Note: All of Kate Bornstein’s books including “hello Cruel World” is available at the IFGE book store. If you can’t find what you are looking for online, please give them a call at: (781)899-2212.

Leslie Townsend Interview

Ethan St.Pierre — Fri, 09 May 2008 16:34:06 GMT

Leslie Townsend grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was during her early teen years that Leslie came to realize who she needed to be in order to become whole. After leaving home at the age of nineteen, her life took many twists and turns in the pursuit of womanhood that included drugs and prostitution. After having her surgery at the age of twenty-three, Leslie had a difficult time letting go of the shame and rejection she had received from her friends and family. Realizing that she could blend in to "normal" society, Leslie kept her past a secret and lived in stealth for twenty years. Over the course of those years, Leslie pursued other careers such as modeling, secretarial work, bartending, stand-up comedy and many others all in an attempt to shake the past and move forward. It was an elusive quest. Fortunately for Leslie, she came to point in her life where she decided not to hide any longer. She made the decision to come out and tell her story. First she penned her autobiography Hidden in Plain Sight . Then, she began her involvement with Beautiful Daughters . Over the past few years, Leslie has continued to move forward in life with a newfound sense of pride and confidence in her life and accomplishments. As an elected board member of The Attic Youth Center in Philadelphia , Leslie will have the chance to help empower youth in a way that she never could have before. She has also started a scholarship fund at the University of Pennsylvania to benefit transgender students. Leslie continues to speak about her journey at colleges and youth groups. Listen to a sample of the song Leslie wrote the lyrics and melody to on her website http://www.leslietownsend.net/ please purchase a copy of the song “Run Away” it’s only a buck! And don’t forget to check out the website http://www.transsistertales.com/ for info on Trans sister tales.

Cross Dresser, Joan

Ethan St.Pierre — Mon, 05 May 2008 17:31:54 GMT

Although Joan has been a cross dresser all of her life, like many of us, she became more involved in the crossdressing community when her children left home after high School,. Her first public outings occurred at the Texas T party where she discovered and came to love the diverse and fascinating transgender world. After joining the Metroplex CD club, the local transgender support group in Dallas Texas , Joan served at various times as the outreach coordinator , newsletter editor, and as “First Lady “ of the organization. In addition, she was on the board of directors of the local Dallas transgender advocacy group, the Dallas Transgender Alliance. She currently serves on the planning committee of Southern Comfort and participates in many activities available to the transgender community such as pride parades, dignity cruises and various transgender conferences. Joan resides with her spouse near the community of College Station, Texas where she volunteers as a medic on an emergency ambulance service. In addition she is a pilot associated with Angel flight, an organization who helps people who need free air transportation for medical and humanitarian reasons. In her spare time Joan travels extensively and participates in various projects which serve both the transgender and other community groups.

Death of United ENDA

Ethan St.Pierre — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 19:08:55 GMT

Marti Abernathey is contributing editor on Bilerico.com and Transadvocate.com's blog mother. She's also a podcaster, activist, and radiologic technologist in Indianapolis, Indiana. She's been a part of various internet radio ventures such as TSR Live!, The T-Party, and The Radical Trannies, to name a few. As an advocate she's previously been involved with the Indiana Transgender Rights Advocacy Alliance, Rock Indiana Campaign for Equality, and the National Transgender Advocacy Coalition. She's taken vital roles as a grass roots community organizer in The Indianapolis Tax Day Protest (2003), The Indy Pride HRC Protest (2004), Transgender Day of Remembrance (2004), Indiana's Witch Hunt (2005), and the Rally At The Statehouse (the largest ever GLBT protest in Indiana - 3/2005). Marti has also lobbied in Washington, D.C. with various national organizations.

Reverend Sky Anderson

Ethan St.Pierre — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 17:24:26 GMT

Reverend Sky Anderson is a Minister of Community Life at Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) in San Jose, CA. Reverend Sky is the first known openly transgender minister in the United States, when he was pastor of MCC. He has more than thirty years experience in ministry, including social organizing in the LGBTQ communities and working with the poor and homeless. Lannie Rose joins in on parts of the conversation. Thanks Lannie!

Guest: Kim Pearson

Ethan St.Pierre — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 11:57:28 GMT

Kim Pearson is the executive Director of TranYouth Family Allies and the mother of a transgender son. Kim will discuss healthcare for transgender youth, employment prospects for transgender young adults and the dilemmas faced by parents of transgender youth. Kim will also fill us in on what TransYouth Family Allies has been up to and some of their upcoming plans. You can contact Kim at kimp@imatyfa.org

Addiction with Dr. Tommie Lauer

Ethan St.Pierre — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 12:23:24 GMT

Tommie Lauer, M.D. Tommie Lauer's journey began in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where she was born. She was only 4 when she told her parents she was a girl. Not surprisingly, though, Lauer's parents dismissed the claim and took their son for psychological testing, thinking the boy was mentally unstable. They also strongly discouraged any further talk of their son being a girl, and Lauer learned to repress those female instincts. In 1971, she enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and earned a four-year chemistry degree in two years, graduating magna cum laude. From there she went to the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, graduating in 1977, and then began her psychiatric residency at what is now Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem. She was chief resident in 1981, her final year. Lauer opened a private psychiatric practice in High Point, North Carolina in 1982 and quickly became a well-known figure in the local medical community. By 1987, she had become medical director of the Smith Psychiatric Center at High Point Regional. She served six years on the board of directors of the Mental Health Association in High Point, and served as secretary (1988) and president (1990) of the High Point Medical Society. Lauer officially transitioned - that is, assumed the role of a woman, including dressing as a woman - on September 8, 2003 in Ghent, Belgium. She transitioned there, at a conference of the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association, because she knew she'd be surrounded by people - researchers, therapists and other transsexuals - who would accept her. She volunteers at Higher Ground - a day center in Greensboro, North Carolina for people infected with HIV - and at an addiction treatment center and a prison. She'd like to see a gender center open in the Triad (Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point) area of North Carolina, to help people with gender identity disorders. All information was gathered from Karen Serenity's website

Guest: Jamie Dailey

Ethan St.Pierre — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 00:52:07 GMT

Jamie has been active in the transgender community since the mid-1990s. For six years, she served on the board of directors for - Connecticut Outreach Society a Hartford-based support group for transgendered individuals and their significant others. She also serves as one of the organizers of the annual Fantasia Fair conference and sits on the board of directors of Fantasia Fair's parent organization, Real Life Experiences, Inc. Jamie has been a presenter at several GLBT conferences, including IFGE, Fantasia Fair, and First Event. She is a published author and her writings including numerous articles related to the transgender community. You can read some of her work on her website, http://www.IAmTransgendered.com. Jamie is also a self-described computer geek and an Associate Professor at a university in her home state of Connecticut. Due to the lack of much-needed legal protection for transgendered individuals in the workplace, she must sadly decline mentioning which university.

Guest: Margaret Stumpp

Ethan St.Pierre — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:07:46 GMT

Margaret Stumpp is a Senior Vice President at Prudential Financial, Inc. She is the first openly transsexual person out of over 60,000 employees in the firm. In February 2002, Margaret transitioned from male to female while simultaneously maintaining her position at Prudential Financial, where she functioned as Chief Investment Officer for Quantitative Management Associates - a wholly owned investment management subsidiary of Prudential. In that capacity, Margaret directs the investment of over $65 billion across a myriad of investment strategies for institutional and retail investors around the globe. QMA's clients include a global roster of the world's largest corporations, endowments, public entities and mutual funds In addition to remaining in investment management, she also continued to be actively engaged in investment research and her work has appeared in a number of academic journals. These include the Financial Analyst's Journal, The Journal of Portfolio Management and The Journal of Investment Management. Margaret received a BA in Economics from Boston University and Ph.D. in Economics from Brown University.

Guest: Lannie Rose

Ethan St.Pierre — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 19:02:31 GMT

Lannie Rose is a trans woman with a technical writing career in San Jose, California. She wrote the book on sex changes—really! It's called "How To Change Your Sex: A Lighthearted Look at the Hardest Thing You'll Ever Do" Her latest book is a memoir of her transition five years ago; it's titled Lannie! My Journey from Man to Woman. Lannie also has several podcasts you can get at iTunes. One is an audiobook reading of How To Change Your Sex. She is currently doing a podcast called Lannie's Website, which is readings from her Web site www.lannierose.com, which, as she says, "has way more stuff on it than any rational person would want to read online." Lannie is also a speaker with The Triangle Speakers of Santa Cruz, and she has hosted workshops at the Cal Dreamin' conference in her hometown, San Jose, and at the recent Gold Rush in Colorado. Proudly but somewhat reluctantly, she cops to being a "professional transsexual" at this point in her life. Lannie Rose is now a contributing podcaster on TransFM.org

Guest: Andrea James

Ethan St.Pierre — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 18:40:52 GMT

Andrea James is a writer, director, producer, and activist. She earned an M.A in English from the University of Chicago, then wrote ads for ten years at top Chicago agencies. She authored tsroadmap.com, a how-to guide for transgender people, and hairfacts.com, a guide to hair removal. In 2003, she co-founded Deep Stealth Productions with Calpernia Addams, creating numerous instructional videos. Their first all-transgender performance of The Vagina Monologues was featured in the documentary ”Beautiful Daughters.” Andrea consulted with Felicity Huffman and is the opening shot of the 2005 film "Transamerica." Andrea also directed the 2007 short ”Casting Pearls,” and is developing a feature. Get the latest news on Andrea's work at AndreaJames.com.

Guest: Diego Sanchez

Ethan St.Pierre — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 18:12:22 GMT

Meet our Guest AIDS ACTION’S PR DIRECTOR ELECTED TO 2008 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION (DNC) PLATFORM COMMITTEE AND NAMED AT-LARGE DELEGATE Diego Sanchez is first transgender community member appointed to Convention Committee by DNC Chair; record number of LGBT people selected BOSTON, Jan. 18, 2008 – AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts, Inc.’s (AAC) Director of Public Relations and External Affairs, Diego Miguel Sanchez, APR, was unanimously elected to the 2008 Democratic National Convention (DNC) Platform Committee and named an at-large delegate, after being nominated by DNC Chairman Howard Dean. Dean appointed seven LGBT members, a record number, including Sanchez as the first-ever transgender community member to be appointed by a DNC Chair, to the Standing Committees. Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick Co- Chairs the DNC’s Platform Committee. “I’m honored, humbled and eager to begin listening and drafting as we shape the Democratic Party’s platform for the coming election,” said Sanchez. “While each leading Democratic Presidential candidate vows to create a National AIDS Strategy, recognizes LGB and T issues as relevant and expresses clear positions that affect Latinos, the voices we will hear during this process will fortify the candidates, the Party and its platform,” he added. Sanchez, who also directs public relations for AIDS Action Council in Washington, DC, was named among the Top 100 Most Powerful Latinos and Latinas in Corporate America by Hispanic Business magazine and voted in 2007 to Poderometro, the 100 most powerful Latinos and Latinas in Massachusetts by El Planeta, the largest-circulation Spanish-language newspaper in New England. He is a founding Board member of the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE), Steering Committee Member and Diversity Co-Chair of Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) Boston chapter, Past Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) and a Board member of Somos Latinos LGBT Coalition of Massachusetts. He is also active with the Mayor Thomas M. Menino’s Office of New Bostonians, created to meet the needs of growing and changing immigrant and newcomer communities in Boston. Through Dec. 2007, he chaired the Work Plan and co-chaired the Advocacy and Activism Committees of the Massachusetts HIV Prevention Planning Group (MPPG), the CDC-mandated advisory group to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s HIV/AIDS Bureau on preventing new HIV infections. Prior to joining AIDS Action in 2004, he was JRI Health’s Director of the GLBT Health Access Project and TransHealth, the nation’s first program funded by a state’s Department of Public Health to educate medical, mental health and social service providers on how to deliver welcoming access to members of the transgender community. Currently an Accredited member of the Board/Leadership Team of Boston’s Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) chapter, Sanchez spent more than 20 award-winning years leading global public relations and diversity management for leading corporations and public relations firms. While at Starwood Hotels, ITT/ITT Sheraton Corporation, Holiday Inn Worldwide, The Coca-Cola Company, Burson-Marsteller and Ketchum Public Relations, he introduced more than 50 global marketing programs and 20 global brands and line extensions, including Diet Coke® and The St. Regis®. He is a Senior Fellow of UMass/Boston’s Emerging Leaders Program in the College of Management, Center for Collaborative Leadership and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with a major in Public Relations from the University of Georgia, where he was a Rhodes Scholar Candidate (tennis), Cum Laude graduate and member of Mortar Board. “I am very proud of Diego’s leadership role within the many communities that we serve. This is well-deserved recognition of his hard work and impact on many very important issues including HIV/AIDS, GLBT equality particularly as it relates to gender identity, and inclusion. He recognizes that the root causes of many of the problems are racism, homophobia, transphobia, poverty and violence. His voice will be an important one on the platform.” "These outstanding leaders reflect the great strength, diversity and energy of the Democratic Party, and I'm confident their efforts will ensure our Convention in Denver is reflective of our shared values and our nominee's vision for America,” said Governor Dean. The Platform Committee is responsible for drafting and recommending a proposed National Platform for approval at the Convention, after conducting hearings and forums to collect testimony on issues and policies to potentially include in the platform. Chairman Dean appointed three people from Massachusetts to Standing Committees: Gov. Deval Patrick to Co-Chair the Platform Committee, Boston City Councilor Sam Yoon to the Rules Committee and Sanchez to the Platform Committee. A full listing of Standing Committees Chairs and PLEO members with biographical information is available at http://www.demconvention.com/a/standingcommittees.pdf AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts, Inc., (AAC), New England’s first and largest AIDS organization, is dedicated to stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS by preventing new infections and optimizing the health of those already infected. AAC provides free confidential services to men and women already living with HIV/AIDS, as well as conducts extensive educational and prevention outreach to those at risk of infection. AAC runs the only statewide AIDS Hotline (1.800.235.2331), Hepatitis Hotline (1.888.443.4372) and Pharmacy Access Hotline (1.800.988.5209). All Hotlines offer support in Spanish and in English. Free and confidential rapid HIV testing and counseling is available at AAC’s downtown Boston location and at its MALE Center in Boston’s South End neighborhood. AAC also advocates for effective science-based prevention programs. More information is available at www.aac.org and at AAC’s blog at blog.aac.org. # # #

Guest: Jennifer Finney Boylan

Ethan St.Pierre — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 21:22:44 GMT

Jennifer Finney Boylan is a widely praised author and professor. Jenny's memoir,She's Not There won an award from the Lambda LIterary Foundation in 2004, the year after its initial publication. The book has since been published in many foreign editions, and was an alternate selection of the Book-of-the-Month Club. Her 2008 memoir, I'm Looking Through You, is about growing up in a haunted house. While trans issues form part of the exposition of the book, the primary focus of I'm Looking Through You is on what it means to be "haunted," and how we all seek to find peace with our various ghosts, both the supernatural and the all-too-human.

Guest: Kelley Winters

Ethan St.Pierre — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 21:02:08 GMT

Kelley Winters, Ph.D., formerly under pen-name Katherine Wilson, is a writer on issues of transgender medical policy, founder of GID Reform Advocates and an Advisory Board Member for the Matthew Shepard Foundation. She has presented papers on the psychiatric classification of gender diversity at the annual conventions of the American Psychiatric Association, the American Counseling Association and the Association of Women in Psychology. Her articles have appeared in Psychiatry On-Line, the Journal of Psychology and Human Sexuality, and the books, Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Issues in Sex and Gender, edited by Elizabeth Paul (2001) and Sexual and Gender Diagnoses of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM), A Reevaluation , edited by Dan Karasic and Jack Drescher (2005). Contact: --Kelley Winters, Ph.D. kelley@gidreform.org --GID Reform Advocates www.gidreform.org Further Reading: --Sexual and Gender Diagnoses of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM), A Reevaluation , Ed., Dan Karasic, MD, and Jack Drescher, MD. (2005), Order from IFGE at http://www.ifge.org/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=28&products_id=1505. --The Last Time I Wore a Dress, Dylan Scholinski (1998). http://www.amazon.com/Last-Time-I-Wore-Dress/dp/1573226963 Announcements: --Colorado Gold Rush, Feb 21-24, Denver CO, www.cologoldrush.org --Matthew Shepard Foundation, Bear to Make a Difference Gala, Mar 29, Denver CO, www.matthewshepard.org --Philadelphia Transgender Health Conference, Philly PA, May 29-31, http://www.trans-health.org/ What Can You Do? Are you an Advocate for Psychiatric Policy Reform? Please add your voice to the GID Reform Advocates page (http://www.gidreform.org/advocate.html). We would love to hear from individuals and organizations who support reform of the current psychiatric categories of "gender identity disorder" and "transvestic fetishism."

Guest: Jamison Green

Ethan St.Pierre — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 18:39:26 GMT

Twenty years of educating in business, government, legal and medical arenas about transgender issues gives Jamison unparalleled expertise in the field of transgender diversity training and policy development. Jamison also has twelve years of corporate management experience in high technology development firms, so he’s familiar with the specific concerns managers and policy makers have in addressing transgender issues. He is the author of the award-winning book Becoming a Visible Man (Vanderbilt University Press, 2004). Jamison is well-versed in the law, policy, and social issues that arise when transgender and/or transsexual people are a part of the workplace, retail establishment, school, or other institution. His services range from brief consultations to collaboration with internal teams developing internal policy communications to extensive training programs for diverse audiences, and informative, inspirational, educational lectures. Jamison’s communication skills and ability to engage people from all walks of life have contributed to his success as a manager and as an author, public speaker, and corporate trainer. He has delivered trainings, presentations, and keynote speeches in venues around the world. He is well-known for his ability to inspire, empower, and encourage others, resulting in increased awareness, diffused interpersonal tensions, and better understanding of fundamental human diversity. website: transeducate.com

Guest: Donna Rose

Ethan St.Pierre — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 22:38:22 GMT

Transgender Workplace Diversity

Ethan St.Pierre — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 21:21:02 GMT

Book Review: Dr. Paisley Currah, Associate Professor of Political Science at Brooklyn College, has hailed the book as "an essential resource for HR professionals." Dr. Currah, who is the Founder and Board Member of the Transgender Law and Policy Institute, and Editorial Board Member of GLQ: A Journal of Lesbian and Gay Studies and WSQ: Women's Studies Quarterly, as well as former Executive Director of the Center For Lesbian and Gay Studies, is well qualified to make this assessment. He has endorsed Dr. Weiss's text as a "clear, up-to-date, step by step guide for employers in supporting their transgender employees."

Dr. Nick Gorton discusses the DSM

Ethan St.Pierre — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 15:39:31 GMT

Nick Gorton was born in 1970. He graduated NCSSM in 1988, NCSU in 1991, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine in 1998. He completed his residency and chief residency in emergency medicine at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, NY in 2002, and became a Diplomate of the American College of Emergency Physicians in 2003. He is an out gay transsexual man, and lives with his partner, Dan Gonsalves, in Davis, CA. In addition to his day job in the ER, he volunteers with Lyon-Martin Women's Health Services and has clinic there every Wednesday with a special focus on providing care for transgender people. He also provides pro bono medical consulting for a number of transgender-rights organizations - most notably the Sylvia Rivera Law Project. http://www.Nickgorton.org

Helen Boyd & Betty Crow

Ethan St.Pierre — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 11:32:00 GMT

Helen Boyd is the author of My Husband Betty (Thunder’s Mouth, 2004), a finalist for a Lambda Literary Award that is now in its 6th printing. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from The City College of New York with a degree in literature and a few other awards in tow. Her second book, She’s Not the Man I Married, has been described by Kate Bornstein as “accessible, moving, and pee-in-your-pants funny.” Boyd has been running an online group for couples since 2000, and has spoken at many trans conferences, including the IFGE, Fantasia Fair, Southern Comfort, the Chicago Be-All, and also at special events, like Trans-Week at Yale University. Helen and Betty have been featured on The Dr. Keith Ablow Show and spoke about GLBT marriage on PBS’ In the Life. Her writing has also appeared in anthologies edited by Mattilda and Vern Bullough. Her blog (en)Gender, and its complementary newsletter, is read widely within the trans community, and the MHB message boards grow larger daily. Buy the book: http://tinyurl.com/29us9s

An Interview with Tim Cwiek

Ethan St.Pierre — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 20:39:53 GMT

Tim Cwiek is a journalist for Philadelphia Gay News and has provided the most in depth coverage of the suspected police involvement of the death of transgender woman, Nizah Morris than any other journalist in the country. **NOTE: I usually add a song at the end of every interview to sort of drive my point home. I labored about which song to add to this interview and I finally came to the conclusion that there just isn't a song made that is appropriate.

Interview - Ken Garber, supportive dad of an FtM

Ethan St.Pierre — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 19:46:44 GMT

Interview with Ken Garber, supportive father of a female to male transsexual who is transitioning in High School. Ken speaks very candidly about his son's transition and his open minded attitude toward transgender people. This is a must listen interview for all parents.

Interview with William Wagner

Ethan St.Pierre — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 19:27:04 GMT

William Wagner is an out gay man who survived a horrible hate crime. Listen to William's story and know that there are many others like him and unlike William, many who do not have the support of a loving family.

Part 3 of Interview with Carolyn Wagner and Gabi Clayton

Ethan St.Pierre — Sat, 02 Dec 2006 00:19:04 GMT

Part 3 of 3 Carolyn Wagner: Organizations/Community Service History * 1974-1976 Volunteer Lay Therapist for S.C.A.N. (Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect) of Fort Smith, Arkansas * 1979 Founded Fulfill A Dream, Inc. (an org. to assist families with limited income/resources meet needs and or fulfill dreams for children with catastrophic and or terminal diseases). Merged in 1993 to form Make A Wish Foundation and moved offices to Memphis, TN. * 1983 Founded Camp Rainbow (a camp for children in AR, OK, MO, TN, and LA, MS who had cancer and at the time could not attend other camping facilities) the mission was to provide normal living experiences for children experiencing abnormal living conditions and their siblings as well as to give parents/caregivers a week of respite. Merged to form C.O.C.A. (children’s oncology camps of America). * 1999 Co-founded Families United Against Hate (FUAH) which is to provide support, education and advocacy for families and or survivors newly impacted by bias-motivated violence. Several of us who had experienced this found the one common thread we shared was our need to have had another parent/mother we could have talked to, advised us during the worst time in our lives as parents on how to cope with the judicial system, usually biased, media, hate mongers and organizations we had never heard of. Our website is at http://www.fuah.org * 2000 Co-founded Arkansas Equality Network, to coordinate and advocate with individuals and organizations based on the pursuit of equality for all. Gabi Clayton: (Please use the links to learn more about Gabi) http://www.youth-guard.org/gabi "Bill's Story" http://www.youth-guard.org/gabi/Bills_Story.html new ~ my blog: Gabi Clayton ~ Inside the outsider . . . http://gabiclayton.blogspot.com Families United Against Hate: http://www.fuah.org Youth Guardian Services: http://www.youth-guard.org Safe Schools Coalition: http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org PFLAG-Olympia: http://www.pflag-olympia.org more resources: http://www.youth-guard.org/gabi/gc_resources.html

Part 2 of the Carolyn and Gabi Interview

Ethan St.Pierre — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 20:00:55 GMT

Part 2 of 3 Carolyn Wagner: Organizations/Community Service History * 1974-1976 Volunteer Lay Therapist for S.C.A.N. (Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect) of Fort Smith, Arkansas * 1979 Founded Fulfill A Dream, Inc. (an org. to assist families with limited income/resources meet needs and or fulfill dreams for children with catastrophic and or terminal diseases). Merged in 1993 to form Make A Wish Foundation and moved offices to Memphis, TN. * 1983 Founded Camp Rainbow (a camp for children in AR, OK, MO, TN, and LA, MS who had cancer and at the time could not attend other camping facilities) the mission was to provide normal living experiences for children experiencing abnormal living conditions and their siblings as well as to give parents/caregivers a week of respite. Merged to form C.O.C.A. (children’s oncology camps of America). * 1999 Co-founded Families United Against Hate (FUAH) which is to provide support, education and advocacy for families and or survivors newly impacted by bias-motivated violence. Several of us who had experienced this found the one common thread we shared was our need to have had another parent/mother we could have talked to, advised us during the worst time in our lives as parents on how to cope with the judicial system, usually biased, media, hate mongers and organizations we had never heard of. Our website is at http://www.fuah.org * 2000 Co-founded Arkansas Equality Network, to coordinate and advocate with individuals and organizations based on the pursuit of equality for all. Gabi Clayton: (Please use the links to learn more about Gabi) http://www.youth-guard.org/gabi "Bill's Story" http://www.youth-guard.org/gabi/Bills_Story.html new ~ my blog: Gabi Clayton ~ Inside the outsider . . . http://gabiclayton.blogspot.com Families United Against Hate: http://www.fuah.org Youth Guardian Services: http://www.youth-guard.org Safe Schools Coalition: http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org PFLAG-Olympia: http://www.pflag-olympia.org more resources: http://www.youth-guard.org/gabi/gc_resources.html