Politics, Transgender, Priorities

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This posting is from: Michelle Jenkins
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Hi

I thought I might share a foreign view on the interesting dynamic
between politics, being transgendered and priorities.

In new Zealand about 10-12 years ago a transsexual Georgina Beyer became
mayor of a small town just north of Wellington., She was the first
(supposedly) openly RTG mayor world wide although I see there now seem
to be a few more.

Her politics are definitely left wing; she was member of the Labour
Party in NZ and eventually ran for parliament and ended up as a LABOUR
MP for two terms. While in parliament she actively campaigned for a
whole range of GLT issues which were generally the policies of the
Labour party.

I met Georgina when she came to a local support group meeting / weekend
and have a couple of photos taken with her. Nice lady!

My politics are definitely NOT left wing. I vote for the National party
about as right wing as you can get in NZ (although some might argue
that). Put in perspective the difference between the Labour and National
parties is about as wide as the width of a ruler. They are both very
much centre left/right rather than extreme.

Having said all that, would I have voted for Georgina if she was the
candidate for my town (maybe); electorate (no WAY!). Labour policies are
almost 100% diametrically opposite of what I want for this country. The
reality is that we all face choice in these situations and the decision
ends up based on priorities. Mine are for an economy that works.....<end
political tirade>......

I'm guessing that most of us are much more interested in the tax
rates/breaks we'll get, the medical or accident compensation or the
economy and availability of work than a candidate or parties policies on
GLT issues.

Now of course for those that are directly and daily affected by GLBT
issues their priorities are probably different and they would look at a
party that will improve their quality of life or rights or whatever.

And if I look at the people making the arguments between Republican and
Democrat or Tea Party and whatever the underlying reality is that you
most likely are NOT going to be swayed by their GLT positions.

So.... I think we can all agree that we agree to differ on the best
dictators, rulers, government, hierarchy or whatever of the country(s)
and keep politics out of the discussion.

Whether the Democrats are or are not the best party to improve TG rights
is probably not really so important given the other issues facing
America today. Its economy looks like its toast and the affect of that
is felt around the world. Mind you most of Europe is probably not much
better! The US is fighting wars (or at least in conflict situations) in
various remote locations around the world and SEEMS generally viewed
WITH suspicion and distrust in the Middle East and elsewhere. Even here
is lonely NZ, there are those that believe the American navy is posed to
steam across the Pacific and take us over for...our fresh air??!!

Maybe they've been put off by the earthquakes that have returned much of
eastern Christchurch to liquefied swamp as it was when the first
settlers arrived.

Anyway lighten up! There are more important things yo worry about than
whether we can pee or not in the ladies at the Bellagio...that is until
you're desperate to go of course!!

My continually devaluing two cents worth.

Hugs
Michelle

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This posting is from: Gina Richards
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Thanks Michelle.

Gina

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[bobbiemlv]

So, Michele, are you going to be able to make it to DLV next year? I'm sure that that is the burning question going thru the minds of us, who love and miss you.

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This posting is from: Gabi
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Well written Michelle

Gabi

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[annie]

> Put in perspective the difference between the Labour and National
> parties is about as wide as the width of a ruler. They are both very
> much centre left/right rather than extreme.

Out of curiosity, how are the NZ parties aligned with regard to religion and "family values" issues? (Does NZ recognize the Church Of England?) What are the parties' positions regarding the control that religion should have over individuals' lives?

As you probably know, in the States, in recent decades, the left (often represented by the Democrats) has tried to keep government out of religion and vice-versa, while the right (often represented by the Republicans) appears to wish a tighter bond between religion, in particular a very authoritarian type of fundamentalist Christianity, and public policy.

Therefore, here in the States, those politicians who are on the less-government/less-tax side of the fence are far more likely than not to support the issues which are hostile to the GLBT community.

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This posting is from: Julie
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Very well put Michelle. Well written and with reason. We should all
examine the sometimes not so obvious.

*Life, it may not be the party we hoped for,*
*but while we are here we might as well dance.*

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This posting is from: Rosada Delano
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Gracias Michelle, I agree. I will also agree to do my part in keeping
political discourse out of DLV week. Let's keep politics out of DLV.
We're there to have fun and embrace and express our feminine side. Let's
leave the politics at home. If we hear anyone discussing politics,
either Dems, Repubs, or Tea Bagger political views, let's agree to
inform that person delicately and kindly to drop it. I know I will
because I'm in no mood to hear a slew of Obama-bashing next year while
at DLV. In fact, if your going to discuss Tea Bagging around me it
better be about the sexual practice kind of tea bagging.

Just my two centavos worth,

Rosada

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[bobbiemlv]

It's a shame Michelle is from NZ or I would nominate her for Prez. Perhaps we should have a monarchy. Since what is the USA was once a colony of Britain, maybe we should make Michelle our queen(no pun intended).

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This posting is from: Rosada Delano
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> Therefore, here in the States, those politicians who are on the
> less-government/less-tax side of the fence are far more likely than not
> to support the issues which are hostile to the GLBT community.

Very true Annie! You don't let anyone forget that either!

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This posting is from: Rosada Delano
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> *Life, it may not be the party we hoped for,*
> *but while we are here we might as well dance.*

I'm afraid you're referring to the wrong type of party
here...hehehehehe...cute anyway. But it may be awfully hard when the
people putting on the party won't let you come in or even dance for that
matter. And if by chance they should feel sorry for you enough to let
you join the fun at the party, as you put it, they (again those in
charge) may prohibit you from dancing with anyone but yourself! I'm sure
they'll have their posse of gun-toting law enforcing type men there to
make sure you don't act up and try anything funny. Not the party I would
want to be at!

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(This posting was entered by Rosada Delano, an external user of MyDLV.)