Where's the Love?

I don't want to beat a dead identity, but I feel the need to say one more thing about the controversy surrounding Caitlyn Jenner, and the fact that because I support her, I therefore cannot support our troops, nor can I support any person with cancer or another disease, nor anyone who raises money for the search for a cure.

Within minutes of my last post about Caitlyn, and what I hope to see from her and what I hope I see from the rest of the world, a friend on Facebook had posted that Jenner is not a hero, and if you support Jenner, then you don't support our troops.

Part of this argument comes from the decision to honor Caitlyn Jenner with the Arthur Ashe award for bravery, over a young woman who had raised over 1 million dollars for Cancer research, who sadly passed away after her own battle with cancer this year. Noah Galloway, the veteran who appeared on Dancing With The Stars this season, supposedly was up for this award as well, and was passed over.

In no way was I involved in either decision. Do I think Caitlyn Jenner is more deserving than anyone else? Honestly, not yet. Was it brave confirming what people have been thinking for the past few years, on national television? Yes. Braver than losing half your limbs to a land mine? Yes and no. There are different kinds of bravery. Essentially making a spectacle of your private life is in no way the same as trying to make the world a better place for future generations and losing limbs in the process. They're both bravery. And in no way are they comparable.

I don't know what world everyone else lives in, but in my world, it is possible to support the bravery in a trans woman's coming out publicly (whether for profit, fame, infamy or, just because it needs visibility) and also support the service men and women who give up life and limb for the good of the rest of the world. To think otherwise, is foolish.

Whether that post was in reaction to my blog, or not, there is enough love to go around.

Trans issues are close to my heart, because I know people who are transitioning or have made their transition already. I know the battle is a long one that, for some, will never be over. Not everyone has the resources that Caitlyn Jenner, Laverne Cox, or Chaz Bono have.

Both of my grandfathers, my great uncle and my brother have done service for the United States. While I may not blog about military service (usually, because there isn't a lot to do with drag, that becomes public knowledge), I have the utmost respect for anyone selfless enough to give up everything for the safety and freedom that I enjoy. Those are the people who give me the right to talk about Drag and not worry about whether someone is going to kill me for it, because "those are the rules." They also allow for me to freely say that I disagree with someone who believes that I cannot support more than one cause at a time. 

Cancer has taken its toll on both family and friend/acquaintances. Whenever possible I donate what I can to help with the search for a cure. The same goes for HIV/AIDS. While I may only be a child of the '80's, that does not exclude me from those affected by it.  I officially know one person who has died from AIDS complications. I know a number of people who live with HIV, and I wish that in their lifetime, we can progress enough with research that they can end their lives healthy, happy people, not as statistics. Thus the reason that for the last three years, I have taken time off from work to do what I can for the Southern Maine AIDS Walk weekend.

I am not a one trick pony. I support who and what I believe in. 

Let's get over the fear and transphobia, and stop treating each other like we're incapable of being caring. We can try to understand that which we do not without putting it down. We can show care for the veterans who have risked it all for us. And we can support research to end some of this generation's killers. But, we can do none of this through hate. It must come from a place of love. Ask questions. Remember that not everyone knows your life, nor how you think...but also not everyone is going to agree with you. And that is ok.

Respect everyone, including those who disrespect you. You may be the reason that they finally turn the corner and stop the hate.

A Few Things Coming Up...

So, I know, I normally write about events that have already happened.  And, I know, that I'm behind by about three events.  But, I have a couple of events coming up that I want to talk about, because they're for causes that are close to my heart.

If you follow me on Facebook, you probably know that this weekend is the Southern Maine HIV/AIDS Walk, in Ogunquit.  It's an amazing event that raises money for the Frannie Peabody Center, to help with their funding.  The Frannie Peabody Center offers free HIV testing, goes to schools to talk about prevention, and also assists with care for those who are currently dealing with HIV or AIDS diagnoses.  At one point, when I was single, and stupid, a free test from the Frannie Peabody Center helped me to realize how dumb I was by not being a little more careful.

With Shaunna Rai, having been Miss AIDS Awareness for like 4 years running, it is also a cause near to her heart.  Shaunna and I, along with Miss E,on will be at the Red Party: Roundup at the Front Porch this Friday evening, with an after party and show at Mainestreet afterward.  This is always a fun event.  I'm actually excited, because this year, I actually have a red outfit to wear.  (Yes, there will be pictures later, I promise.)

The Walk itself will be on Saturday afternoon.  Shaunna, E,on, and I will be around to cheer on the walkers/runners.  I'll be snapping pictures, like crazy, just like I did last year.  The walk is followed by a cookout at Mainestreet, then a Tea Dance.  If you're not able to make it, and want to make a donation, you can do so here.  Tell Jimmy I sent you!

The only thing missing this year, is the Brunch on Sunday at Bessie's.  Well, and having Joslyn Fox around for the weekend.  That was pretty cool last year.

Dragapalooza is coming up the following weekend...There's a ton of performers this year, so it'll be a good show.  I'll be there with my parents.  You'll be able to tell that it's us, because there will be three cameras going, right in a row.

Of course there are a bunch of other events coming up, but one that I want to get some attention, is a fund raiser for Ariel Maranda Gibbs, who is a good friend of Shaunna's.  While I have yet to meet her, I am friend with her on Facebook, and have been following the heartbreaking Mouth Cancer diagnosis last year, through the treatments, to the seeming remission, and back to another round.

Cancer has been a biggie in my family, and with people around me.  So, it's another thing that is close to my heart.  July 26th, at Jacques Cabaret in Boston, Shaunna and a whole host of kings and queens will be performing for us to benefit Ariel.  ALL proceeds will go to Ariel to help pay for medical bills.

A GoFundMe has been set up for her as well.  So, if you are able, make a donation here, as well.

I enjoy the shows at Jacques, and I'm very much looking forward to this show, due to the number of performers that will be at the show.  Many of whom I have not seen before.  Their names, I recognize, but that's about it.  It will be an emotional show, I would imagine, but it will definitely be worth checking out.  So, if you can, make sure to be there.