September 18, 2007

There have been lots of things taking place recently, all of which are good.

Last week was the Southern Comfort Conference in Atlanta. This past Friday was an event unique to the conference and our community, a Transgender Career Expo day. There were representatives from a number of Fortune 500 companies. I had planned to drive down from Charlotte for the day, but a sprained foot changed my mind. This expo is one more sign of the progress that continues to be made in public awareness of who we are as individuals. The Charlotte Observer published a story on the event yesterday.

Saturday, August 25th was Pride Charlotte. I was able to work the NCTGUNITY booth for the entire day. Even in the 99 degree heat, it was a totally remarkable day . I don't recall a time when I have seen so many old friends from the past, or had more hugs. A few photos are posted in my online webshots. One saving grace was our table was less than 20 feet from the back door of Starbucks. When I saw that door, I knew I woud survive the heat.

Naturally, we had the usual protestors. It's ironic that not only are we charged with educating the GLB segment of the community, we also deal with the same protestors which bedevil them. Many disagree, but I don't think they are bad people. A GG friend and I followed two protestors into Starbucks and engaged them in dialogue. I won't go into the verbage, but it was mutually respectful. Both of us had goosebumps when we left them. We did the right thing.

My hairdresser visited Kappa Beta in August for presentation on facial shapes and a styling demonstration. I think everyone enjoyed it. I know she enjoyed it so much, she's coming to our Christmas party.

Our Charlotte Gender Alliance is growing more rapidly than I would have dreamed. Our September meeting was well attended and the discussion intense. This is precisely what we were hoping for.

Things are not perfect, but life is great with much more to take place in the near future. More on that later.