Earlier this year I received a phone call from a friend. She said that she was putting together a program for International Women’s Day 2022 called I’m Speaking! and asked if I would be willing to speak along with 3 other women. I said Yes very quickly because I knew that anything she organizes will be thoughtful, sensitive, on point and laced with a bit of humor. What I chose to talk about was my journey from my hometown of Toledo, Ohio to my arrival decades later in Cathedral City, California. The title is: From THERE To HERE. It includes my thoughts and learnings on Gender Identity, Coming Out and my experiences with the Women’s Community.
The link below will take you to my secure storage where you can download the video of the event. Note that it may take a bit to download as it about 3.5Gb.
https://web.tresorit.com/l/xqAAq#waX2u4oQhE5AGOEDS8iSOw
My speech starts at 32:15 and runs for about 13 minutes. I also responded to a couple of questions. Those begin at about 59:54 and 1:08:09 respectively. However, I recommend listening to the entire program as the other speakers are excellent and thought provoking.
In appreciation, we were all presented with Certificates of Congressional Recognition from our Congressman, Dr. Raul Ruiz:
Wow, DeeAnn! Congratulations on a wonderful accomplishment, we're all so proud of you and what you are doing to benefit our community of trans sisters. Way to go girl!
Love, ❤
Lauren M
Thank You so much!!
I think what was, and is, important to me is the message that there is no right way to come out and no right way to transition. We all have to do what makes sense to us at the time…
DeeAnn, looks like the dictionary is in need of a serious update. Why, because I cannot find a word to express just how powerful your words are. Not were, but are.... Your words will ring true for years in the future. Your words are a mentor to many as they discover their true selves. It is an honor and privilege to know you. Hugs, Michelle
Thank you DeeAnn for doing this and representing our community. You are a model for all of us. Marg
To All Who Have Responded:
I just wanted to let everyone know that I really appreciate the kind and supportive words. It is a bit like hearing good things about your kids. It is a reminder that you did something right and people noticed. So:
THANKS SO MUCH!
I think what it comes down to is pushing the envelope a bit for all of us. Clearly, that is not an easy thing to do, but it is so important.
I live in a relatively accepting place. Cathedral City is next door to Palm Springs, but the other end of The Valley tends to be somewhat more conservative. People like to think of California as such a liberal place in general, but it amounts to pockets. Back in 2017, trans woman Lisa Middleton was elected to Palm Springs City Council. At that time, she became the first transgender person to be elected in California to a non-judicial position. So much for being very liberal. Anyway, I feel fortunate to know her and watch as she provides great leadership for Palm Springs and a great data point for our community.
The thing is this. Whenever we interact with those outside of the community, it serves as a reminder. The reminder is that the world is populated with other people other than straight white males. As such, we (speaking of all facets of the LGBT community) bring a unique set of perspectives and experiences that wouldn't be brought forth otherwise. I am not saying that we are confined to those unique perspectives and experiences. Rather, they are additive to whatever else we bring.
To those who are visible, keep doing what you are doing.
To those who are not, I encourage you to consider how you can raise your voice for all of us.