I finally found a job. If I had known how easy getting this one would be, I would have applied ages ago. Mind you, it isn't what I envisioned for myself when I ended up out of work, but hey, a job is a job.
Their application says that the company does not discriminate against all of the usual things (race, nationality, religion, etc.) with regard to their hiring. In addition, they do not discriminate against "sexual preference and sexual identity". That doesn't help me right this minute, but if I continue to work for them, it may come in handy down the road.
This company also has rather strict guidelines about how employees are supposed to communicate about the business and their practices, and I plan to comply, so for the time being, I don't think I will even reveal where I'm working.
Showing posts with label tolerance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tolerance. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Something I'm Not Gonna Talk About
The internet in all its myriad forms has been up in arms these last few weeks regarding a statement made by the president of a fast food chain. The kerfuffle has spilled over into the physical world, with talk of boycotts, protests and counter-protests. I'm not going to say anything about it, other than to share this rather well-written piece by another blogger.
The Chicken Fellatio
Please don't let the title put you off. If it grabs your attention, then the work is done. The author puts everything into glaring clarity, far better than I could ever have expressed.
The Chicken Fellatio
Please don't let the title put you off. If it grabs your attention, then the work is done. The author puts everything into glaring clarity, far better than I could ever have expressed.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
On the Move Again
Sometime soon, this weekend or the first of next week, I'll have my own place again. Vicki (my sister-in-law) has been helping me look for a place, with an eye towards getting my upstairs bedroom back. A couple at her church have a guest house they want to rent out as an apartment. They want $400/month, utilities included. I remember asking, "When can I move in?"
Moving won't be too hard. Most of my junk is still in the boxes from the previous move. In addition to the boxes, I've only got a bed, a TV and some small pieces, nightstands and end tables, mostly. This apartment is already partially furnished, so that's no problem.
I did get some static when I met my new landlords. It was still hot in October when I first went to see them, and I ran over there wearing shorts and flip flops. My blue-painted toes were very much in evidence, and the husband kept goggling at them. He doesn't know the half, but I've been assured that there won't be any problems.
Moving won't be too hard. Most of my junk is still in the boxes from the previous move. In addition to the boxes, I've only got a bed, a TV and some small pieces, nightstands and end tables, mostly. This apartment is already partially furnished, so that's no problem.
I did get some static when I met my new landlords. It was still hot in October when I first went to see them, and I ran over there wearing shorts and flip flops. My blue-painted toes were very much in evidence, and the husband kept goggling at them. He doesn't know the half, but I've been assured that there won't be any problems.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Progress in Florida III - Success!
http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20100512/NEWS01/5120330
Three cheers for Leon County!
I don't know when the protections will kick in, but it's a start.
In a 5-2 vote, the Leon County Commission approved the wildly controversial changes to the county's current human-rights ordinance. The changes are designed to deter discrimination and include more protection for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
Three cheers for Leon County!
I don't know when the protections will kick in, but it's a start.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Progress in Florida, continued
http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20100324/NEWS01/3240319
Apparently I didn't read the original story right. The Leon County Commission voted yesterday, 4-3, to tentatively approve the measure. The final version won't be ready until late April, with a public hearing scheduled for May. I hope this thing passes. The comments posted there and on another news site are all negative. One commenter said that they accepted gays, but "couldn't get past the transgender thing".
Apparently I didn't read the original story right. The Leon County Commission voted yesterday, 4-3, to tentatively approve the measure. The final version won't be ready until late April, with a public hearing scheduled for May. I hope this thing passes. The comments posted there and on another news site are all negative. One commenter said that they accepted gays, but "couldn't get past the transgender thing".
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Weird, but Okay
Last Friday evening I was detailed to baby-sit my nieces while everyone was out of the house. Actually, there wasn't much sitting involved, as the children are mostly self-sufficient. Sarah, who is 14, is usually competent to look after the rest, who are 10 and 11. Mostly I was asked to keep an ear out in case they got rambunctious or needed help with dinner.
I went out into the garage to rummage through boxes from the move. I've got most of my clothes in the house, and some of my jewelry, but I've misplaced the box containing my stud earrings. After a short, frustrating search, I was called back into the kitchen to help Sarah with dinner. She asked me what I was looking for, and I told her I was looking for my earrings. She gave me that look. Then she looked down at my feet (I got a pedicure last week) and pronounced that all I needed was a dress, heels and a tiara, and I could be a princess. She was joking.
I told her I was only missing the tiara.
I broke down and gave her the CliffsNotes version. She asked a couple of questions, which I answered, then she told me I was "weird, but okay."
It's a little thing, but I'll take my acceptance wherever I can find it. Small steps, right?
I went out into the garage to rummage through boxes from the move. I've got most of my clothes in the house, and some of my jewelry, but I've misplaced the box containing my stud earrings. After a short, frustrating search, I was called back into the kitchen to help Sarah with dinner. She asked me what I was looking for, and I told her I was looking for my earrings. She gave me that look. Then she looked down at my feet (I got a pedicure last week) and pronounced that all I needed was a dress, heels and a tiara, and I could be a princess. She was joking.
I told her I was only missing the tiara.
I broke down and gave her the CliffsNotes version. She asked a couple of questions, which I answered, then she told me I was "weird, but okay."
It's a little thing, but I'll take my acceptance wherever I can find it. Small steps, right?
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Another Year
Last night my friends and I marked the eleventh Transgender Day of Remembrance. We marched down Brambleton Avenue in Norfolk from Scope down to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial (an obelisk), carrying the signs we made Wednesday. My friend Tracy and a lady named Vega read off the names of the fallen, then we walked back to Scope and adjourned to TACT for refreshments.
There weren't any ugly incidents while we were out. There was an old homeless man we encountered on the way back. I think he wanted to get to know some of us better, but he eventually went on his way. I did get a couple of nice complements on my outfit. I wore my purple sweater from Dots with a grey plaid skirt and purple tights, with a pair of black l.e.i. boots I scored at a thrift store in Churchland last year.
I got lost a couple of times heading to TACT. For some reason, I thought it might be reasonably close to where we marched. It was way, way down Granby Street, almost in Ocean View. I got there just in time for a quick snack and a sit-down with Julian and LLLLL before they kicked us out. I went home and changed for work. Nate had cooked while I was out: barbecue chicken and rice. And he baked brownies! I had one before I came to work, and it was incredible.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Transgender Day of Remembrance
November 20th is the next Transgender Day of Remembrance. Attending a TDOR event last year is how I connected with my support group. The practice started in 1999 to commemorate the death in 1998 of Rita Hester, a transwoman in Boston, MA. As we make strides toward a better future, it's important to remember those who came before us.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Hurry Up and Sign the Damn Bill!
In case you've been living in a cave for the last twenty-four hours and didn't hear, the Senate voted to approve the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes amendment that was tacked onto the defense appropriations bill. The President said he'd sign it. He'd better.
In a couple of the news stories I've read, the conservative backlash has been a little stiff. The Religious Right are saying that they're afraid that including gays and trans folk in a "protected class" will limit others' religious freedom. They're just upset because no one will be able to gay-bash and then say that God told them to do it.
This legislation is long overdue, but knowing it's (nearly) done is a nice feeling.
In a couple of the news stories I've read, the conservative backlash has been a little stiff. The Religious Right are saying that they're afraid that including gays and trans folk in a "protected class" will limit others' religious freedom. They're just upset because no one will be able to gay-bash and then say that God told them to do it.
This legislation is long overdue, but knowing it's (nearly) done is a nice feeling.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
I Love Dots!
It's Google's fault, really. You know how in Gmail, if you're reading a message, you can read little ads on related topics in the header or the margins? I was reading an email from Newport News one day when I noticed a little ad for Dots. I don't remember the wording, but the words "affordable prices" were particularly eye-catching. About the only time I can afford to shop at Newport News is when things are on clearance, and by then, they often don't have my size.
I used to shop a lot at Torrid. When I lived in Charlotte, I used to hit one location or the other every other week. Of course, I was making $12/hour then, and I could pay all my bills and splurge on clothes too. Now I'm plugging along with a lot less, so I've been on the lookout for something more affordable. I've occasionally shopped at Cato, and their prices are pretty reasonable, but I don't always like their styles.
I clicked through the link to dots.com. I loved the clothes I saw. Their size range was appealing too. "Sizes 0-24," it says on the door. I signed up for their email list. They always seem to have good sales, but moeny was tight almost all summer, so I never managed to get out to one of their stores. I decided to change that today. I made sure to print out this week's email coupon before I left: $10 off any purchase of $30 or more.
The weather left a little to be desired, cool and rainy, but it wasn't horrible. I wore a couple of layered tops (a pink and black striped top over a black Tactel tank) with jeans and a pair of Tommy Hilfiger ankle boots with a black sweater jacket. Other than the boots, my whole outfit was built out of things I purchased at Torrid.
Upon arriving at the store, I was immediately greeted by a salesperson (always a good sign). I told her that this was my first time in the store, and she gave me a little tour, pointed me at a few items that she thought would look good with my colors, then turned me loose. I was determined to not spend more than $40, but I must tell you, I could have spent the rent! In another time, I would've spent $300 in there without blinking.
Not to demean Dots, but it was like walking into a Torrid where everything was 50% or more off. They had all the same styles, at the same quality, but at dramatically lower prices. Dresses for $18. Jeans for $12. Ever since I saw The Devil Wears Prada a couple of years ago, I have wanted a pair of over-the-knee boots. Dots has 'em, for 26 dollars!!!
Like I said, I could have gone crazy in there, but I restrained myself. I bought a red, black and grey sweater dress, a purple sweater/tunic and purple argyle tights, plus a handful of little spring-loaded bangle bracelets. With my coupon, I got out of there for $39 and change. Mission accomplished!
I think I've mentioned before that people have usually been pretty tolerant on my shopping excursions. This was no exception. A few people gave me "the eye", and one fellow I passed on the sidewalk laughed, but there were no unpleasant encounters. There was a customer in Dots who looked like she wanted to say something, so I said, "If you want to say 'Boo', go ahead." She said, "No. I like your hair." I thanked her, and everything was okay after that.
After Dots, I trekked across the shopping center to a wig shop to look for new hair. My favorite red piece is looking a little ratty, but I didn't see anything that was in my price range.
On the way home, I zipped through the Wendy's drive-thru and went home. I tried on my purchases and hung them up, cleaned off my makeup, ate, then crashed. Now I'm back at work, on the last night of nine. This was a good day, and I think I've found my new favorite store.
Before I forget, the title has a link to their website.
I used to shop a lot at Torrid. When I lived in Charlotte, I used to hit one location or the other every other week. Of course, I was making $12/hour then, and I could pay all my bills and splurge on clothes too. Now I'm plugging along with a lot less, so I've been on the lookout for something more affordable. I've occasionally shopped at Cato, and their prices are pretty reasonable, but I don't always like their styles.
I clicked through the link to dots.com. I loved the clothes I saw. Their size range was appealing too. "Sizes 0-24," it says on the door. I signed up for their email list. They always seem to have good sales, but moeny was tight almost all summer, so I never managed to get out to one of their stores. I decided to change that today. I made sure to print out this week's email coupon before I left: $10 off any purchase of $30 or more.
The weather left a little to be desired, cool and rainy, but it wasn't horrible. I wore a couple of layered tops (a pink and black striped top over a black Tactel tank) with jeans and a pair of Tommy Hilfiger ankle boots with a black sweater jacket. Other than the boots, my whole outfit was built out of things I purchased at Torrid.
Upon arriving at the store, I was immediately greeted by a salesperson (always a good sign). I told her that this was my first time in the store, and she gave me a little tour, pointed me at a few items that she thought would look good with my colors, then turned me loose. I was determined to not spend more than $40, but I must tell you, I could have spent the rent! In another time, I would've spent $300 in there without blinking.
Not to demean Dots, but it was like walking into a Torrid where everything was 50% or more off. They had all the same styles, at the same quality, but at dramatically lower prices. Dresses for $18. Jeans for $12. Ever since I saw The Devil Wears Prada a couple of years ago, I have wanted a pair of over-the-knee boots. Dots has 'em, for 26 dollars!!!
Like I said, I could have gone crazy in there, but I restrained myself. I bought a red, black and grey sweater dress, a purple sweater/tunic and purple argyle tights, plus a handful of little spring-loaded bangle bracelets. With my coupon, I got out of there for $39 and change. Mission accomplished!
I think I've mentioned before that people have usually been pretty tolerant on my shopping excursions. This was no exception. A few people gave me "the eye", and one fellow I passed on the sidewalk laughed, but there were no unpleasant encounters. There was a customer in Dots who looked like she wanted to say something, so I said, "If you want to say 'Boo', go ahead." She said, "No. I like your hair." I thanked her, and everything was okay after that.
After Dots, I trekked across the shopping center to a wig shop to look for new hair. My favorite red piece is looking a little ratty, but I didn't see anything that was in my price range.
On the way home, I zipped through the Wendy's drive-thru and went home. I tried on my purchases and hung them up, cleaned off my makeup, ate, then crashed. Now I'm back at work, on the last night of nine. This was a good day, and I think I've found my new favorite store.
Before I forget, the title has a link to their website.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Matthew Shepard Act Passes the House
The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007 has passed in the US House of Representatives. Now it goes on to the Senate, and from there to President Obama's desk. Obama wants to sign this thing, unlike his predecessor, so the Senate better not frak this thing up. Before the vote, Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC) made a speech where she claimed that the 1998 attack on Matthew Shepard was a simple robbery, rather than a hate crime. Is she a Ditto-head? Or a Newscorp sock puppet? Matthew Shepard's mom was sitting in the gallery, not too far away. Keith Olbermann named her his "Worst Person in the World" tonight.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Let's Go to Iowa!
Yesterday, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled unanimously that a ten-year old law banning gay marriage is unconstitutional. You can read about it here:
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090403/NEWS/90403010
The only way to overturn this would be to amend Iowa's constitution, and any amendment must be passed by two consecutive sessions of the Iowa General Assembly. Each session lasts two years, so it would be 2012 before such an amendment would pass, if such a bill were able to be raised and passed during the current session.
In case anyone wonders, I'm not trying to turn this into "Jaye's Gay Blog". Gays aren't in exactly the same boat as transpeople, but I feel like we're traveling in the same direction, more or less. Good news for one party may lead to good news for the rest of us. Maybe Obama will move forward with ENDA as part of healthcare reform. One can only hope.
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090403/NEWS/90403010
The only way to overturn this would be to amend Iowa's constitution, and any amendment must be passed by two consecutive sessions of the Iowa General Assembly. Each session lasts two years, so it would be 2012 before such an amendment would pass, if such a bill were able to be raised and passed during the current session.
In case anyone wonders, I'm not trying to turn this into "Jaye's Gay Blog". Gays aren't in exactly the same boat as transpeople, but I feel like we're traveling in the same direction, more or less. Good news for one party may lead to good news for the rest of us. Maybe Obama will move forward with ENDA as part of healthcare reform. One can only hope.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Yea, Diversity!
Check out the story linked in the title. Apparently, a contingent from the Westboro Baptist Church (those "God hates fags" yahoos) showed up at the University of Chicago to protest their support of President Barack Obama. They brought the usual assortment of nasty signs, and chanted, but the students and faculty were prepared for them, and they counter-protested, with their own signs, and song-and-dance numbers and stuff. It sounds like they had a lot of fun. The photo above is one of the counter-protest signs.
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