Written: 1/20/2013
Lana Wachowski, of Matrix fame, received the HRC Visibility Award, recognizing her brave and public transition. She’s very private and very nervous, but her speech is amazing and engaging, if you have some time, watch it:
A lot of times, I have trouble remembering pronouns, of anybody. But I certainly try to make sure I get it right for anyone transgendered, transexual or any other kind of gender identity that I’m forgetting (and not out of malice or hate). And the rule of thumb, is to use the pronoun that the person prefers, although I think that is just basic decency.
I’ve mentioned it before, but the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell still doesn’t allow transgendered individuals to serve in the armed forces. On one hand, they can sometimes more easily blend into society (but not always, aside from the gender expression, they may also fall anywhere on the sexuality spectrum), but on many others they can’t hide.
I’m still working to better understand those in my own community, but it’s wonderful to see visibility grow and such an eloquent woman tell her story.
All my best,
Mike
