Vote Now To Get Transgender Man On The Cover Of 'Men's Health' Magazine

The popular 'Mens Health' magazine are currently running a competition for one of their readers to be featured on the cover of one of their upcoming issues, allowing anyone to go onto their site and vote for their favourite contestant.

The good news is that one of the men in the running is Aydian Dowling, a transgender man.  And even better, he's winning!

Not only does Audian deserve to win, but having a transgender man on the cover of 'Men's Health' will be a massive step for transgender visibility and acceptance.

Yes, Aydian is currently winning, but we need to make sure he maintains his lead.  Please, everyone go to their website by clicking on the link below, share this with everyone you know and let's make sure Aydian ends up where he deserves to be.

Vote for Aydian now!

Amy.
xx

Follow Amy on Twitter
Join Amy on Facebook

Add Amy on Tumblr

Join Her Fans on Facebook

Transgender Man Fired For Refusing To Present As Female

A transgender man, Tristan Broussard, is suing his former employer after he was fired for refusing to present female at work, despite his employers being aware of his transgender status when hiring him.

Tower Loan in Charles Creek, Louisiana, hired Tristan in 2013, at which point his line manager questioned the fact that he had female birth markers on his identification.  Tristan informed his line manager that he was transgender, and that he had even been on hormone replacement therapy for the previous year.  His line manager informed him that his being transgender would not be an issue and that he would be working in a judgement free environment.

However, Tristan was later called in to a meeting with the companies Vice President and informed that his gender was not 'in compliance with Tower Loan's personnel policies'.  Tristan was presented with a document that he was informed that he would need to sign agreeing to that fact.

He reported that the document read, 'I understand that my preference to act and dress male, despite having been born a female, is not something that will be in compliance with Tower Loan's personnel policies.  I have been advised as to the proper dress for females and have been provided with a copy of the female dress code.  I also understand that when meeting occur that require out of town travel and an overnight room is required, I will be assigned a room with a female.'

Upon refusing to sign Tristan was immediately fired.  He described his feelings after the incident as 'anger, embarrassment, whenever you're singled out like that, you don't feel human anymore.  You're just an alien nobody can understand.'

In addition to being fired for refusing to dress and be treated as female Tristan also reported that his former employer asked if he 'had some surgeries and we can see some results we would consider hiring you back'.

The Southern Poverty Law Centre civil rights group is currently representing Tristan in his legal case against Tower Loan.

Amy.
xx

Follow Amy on Twitter
Join Amy on Facebook

Add Amy on Tumblr

Join Her Fans on Facebook

Mother Fined After Homophobic Rant Towards Teacher

A Birmingham mother, Angela Linton, has been fined £185 and given a 150 hours of community service following an abusive homophobic rant aimed at one of her sons teachers.

Ms Linton had previously argued with school staff at Perry Beeches secondary school in Birmingham over a detention given to her son for using his mobile phone in class, as well as payment for a school trip.  Following abusive telephone conversations and arguments at the school gates Ms Linton was banned from school premises and informed that she could only communicate with the school via her sons passbook.

It was in this passbook that she proceeded to write a hatefilled homophobic letter to one of her sons teachers, Thomas O'Brien.

Prosecutor in the case Helen Shipley said that 'Mr O'Brien said that he was traumatised by reading these comments.  His sexuality is well known.  He said it was something he was comfortable with.  He could not believe they had been written.  He did not know the reason for it.'

Magistrate Peter Pratt condemned Ms Lintons actions, stating that she knowingly and intentionally tried to cause harm and distress to Mr O'Brien.  Ms Linton was found guilty.

Amy.
xx

Follow Amy on Twitter
Join Amy on Facebook

Add Amy on Tumblr

Join Her Fans on Facebook

Louisiana School Finally Agrees to Allow Lesbian Student to Wear Tuxedo to Prom

Patrick Taylor, principal of Carroll High School in Monroe, Louisiana, has given in to massive outcry and agreed to allow lesbian student Claudetteia Love to attend her school prom wearing a tuxedo.

When Claudetteia first expressed her desire to attend her high school prom wearing a suit instead of a dress her school principal, Patrick Taylor, informed her that she would not be allowed to attend the prom if she chose to wear a tuxedo.

A student that has already earned a scholarship at a top university and has finished top of her class Claudetteia was disgusted that she was treated this way.  She spoke out saying, 'They're using me.  They put me in all these honours and advanced placement classes so I can take all of these tests and get good grades and better the school, but when it's time for me to celebrate the fact that I've accomplished what I needed to accomplish and I'm about to graduate they don't want me to do it the way I want to do it.'

Even after Claudetteia's mother Geraldine became involved Principal Taylor refused to relax the rules, telling her 'the faculty that is working the prom told him they weren't going to work the prom is girls were going to wear tuxes.'  She told news websites that his exact words following that statement were 'Girls wear dresses and boys wear tuxes, and that's the way it is.'

After massive attention on news websites and media outlets around America, and the world, and condemnation from members of the school board including Rodney McFarland, President of the Monroe City School Board, who claimed that no such policies exist to enforce gender rigid dress codes for prom, and that the Principal Taylors decision was bordering on discrimination.

Following a massive outpouring of support for Claudetteia and condemnation towards the school and Principal Taylor the school has thankfully reversed its decision and will be allowing Claudetteia, and any student who wishes, to attend prom in a tuxedo.

Thankfully Claudetteia and her mother had the foresight to report the schools decision and raise support for their cause, but what worries me is all those other students being forced to adhere to strict and outmoded gender stereotypes and heteronormative rules that should not be allowed.  The battle for equality is far from over in the world, and whilst people in any position of power choose to make decisions like Pricipal Taylor things will never get any better.  Only by challenging these injustices when we see them will we make the world into a better place.

Amy.
xx

Follow Amy on Twitter
Join Amy on Facebook

Add Amy on Tumblr

Join Her Fans on Facebook

A Decade of Doctor Who

Ten years ago, on Saturday 26th March 2005, The Doctor returned to our television screens for the first time in fifteen year (nine if you count the TV movie).

After so long away from our screens many heard the news of the new show and laughed.  They remembered the show when it was cancelled, the silly acting, the wobbly sets, monsters made out of green bubble wrap and cardboard and they thought that the new show would be a flop.  Before the first episode had even aired I remember hearing dozens of jokes about how the new show would be a flop, how it wouldn't last more then a season before it was cancelled again.

Thank god those people were wrong.

As soon as the first episode aired people knew that we had something special on our hands.  Eccleston brought a sense of wisdom, enthusiasm and caring to The Doctor, whilst also being able to portray the age, pain and anger that came along with it.  He showed an entire new generation that The Doctor was not only an amazing hero but a deeply flawed and very human person.  Coupled together with a new companion that was a perfect representation of the audience we were treated to something that no one was expecting, a great show.

Over the next ten years we were treated to a dozen new companions and six Doctors, including the return of fan favourite Paul McGann for the 50th anniversary special.  We were treated some amazing new monsters that would go on to become icons like the Weeping Angels, and the return of classic monsters both legendary and obscure.

The return of Doctor Who was not only a show for a new generation of fans, it was also a faithful continuation for long term fans.  That's why it succeeded, it didn't exclude new fans, it didn't alienate the long term supporters, it didn't treat itself as something campy and only for children, it didn't make itself too dark and adult.  Doctor Who found that perfect balance that allowed it to appeal to so many people the world over, from so many age groups.

The show was made with a passion and dedication that set it apart from so many other shows, because this wasn't something new that was being launched purely to make money, it was made by people who had grown up watching the original series.  It was a love letter from fans to fans and that shows through the level of quality and care put into each and every episode.

After ten years the series shows no sign of ending soon, with The Doctor having received a whole new set of regenerations we can have another twelve actors in the role before the writers need to address giving him more regenerations.  Hopefully we'll have another ten years of Doctor Who, and then ten more.  With such a revolutionary way of keeping the show fresh both in front of and behind the camera I'm sure The Doctor will be saving the universe for decades more.

Amy.
xx

Follow Amy on Twitter
Join Amy on Facebook

Add Amy on Tumblr

Join Her Fans on Facebook

Feminist Designer Launches 'Non Sexy' Lingerie

Feminist Hayat Rachi has launched a new line of lingerie named Neon Moon to combat what she believes is a growing trend amongst womens underwear to objectify and sexualise the female body.

The Neon Moon collection will launch with it's first line, Mon Dieo, and will be free of wiring, cleavage enhancing padding and will be made from sustainable bamboo fabric as 'lace and satin mold to the wearers body, which might highlight curves'.  Rachi has described the new brand as being 'designed for women of all body types, including women who embrace pubic, leg and underarm hair'.

'Instead of succumbing to the body shaming, sexualised and objectified lingerie on the market, I used my frustration to start my own brand,' Rachi explained.  'Not everything is about being sexy or being objectified by the male gaze.'

'I find it difficult to find a lingerie brand that shared the same ethos as myself: empowerment, body confidence and the non-objectification of women.'

As well as creating a new range of underwear that does against the physical 'objectification of women' Rachi also hand picked the models for the brand, 'women who support healthier and natural bodies rather than standard fashion models'.

Rachi funded Neon Moon with a kickstarter campaign that despite not ending until April 10th, has already received 181 backers and passed her $5,000 goal.

'I'm absolutely elated with the result.  I genuinely couldn't fathom reaching the $5,000 goal with 18 days left.  I've been so blessed by the support received from women, men, transgender and non-binary people's generosity.'

Rachi credits her goals being met so quickly thanks to people agreeing that women are often overly sexualised by the lingerie industry.

Neon Moon will allow women the option to choose the type of underwear they wish to use, and importantly it gives feminists a positive representation within the lingerie industry.  Hopefully this new band will act as an alternative for those that choose it though, rather than as another way of using the slut/virgin complex to further divide the feminist community.

Yes, the lingerie industy does definietly sexualise their products and the women it uses to model them, and some lingerie is made solely for the enjoyment of those looking at it (male or female), but that does not necessarily mean that flipping it completely on its head is the best solution.

I think it's important to recognise the good work that Rachi is doing with Neon Moon, but it is also vital to not condemn any woman who does not choose to use it, but prefers 'sexy' lingerie.

There is already enough infighting amongst feminist communities over how women should present themselves and how sexualised they should allow themselves to be seen that I sincerely hope that Neon Moon, and other such brands that will hopefully follow, are not used as ammunition in this debate.

If someone chooses to wear Neon Moon underwear then that should be celebrated, if someone wants to wear a lacy thong then that too should be celebrated.  Women need to stand together as a united force, hopefully this new brand will not be used to prevent that.

Amy.
xx

Follow Amy on Twitter
Join Amy on Facebook

Add Amy on Tumblr

Join Her Fans on Facebook

Thirteen Year Old Boy Comes Out As Transgender To His School

An incredibly brave young man, Tom Sosnik, having faced a lifetime of discomfort with his physical sex has chosen to address these issues and become the person he was always meant to be.  In a very courageous act Tom has chosen to come out to his school with a very moving speech that not only outlines some of the struggles he has had to face, but mentions the terrible tragedy that befell transgender teen Leelah Alcorn.

As someone who has had to address my gender identity to a large group of people, being forced to come out at work thanks to some very unsavoury individuals, I found Tom's speech to be incredibly sweet, well written and coming from the heart.

With more and more young trans people choosing to come out and embrace their true identities it's becoming even more important for videos such as this to be shared as much as possible.  It helps those questioning their gender identity to realise that they're not the only ones going through that, it helps them to see that there are other trans youths in the world who are finding acceptance and love.  Please help to share this video and show your support to young trans people the world over.

Amy.
xx

Follow Amy on Twitter
Join Amy on Facebook

Add Amy on Tumblr

Join Her Fans on Facebook

Tennessee Church Sign - 'Remember, Satan Was The First To Demand Equal Rights'

A community was left in shock as Knoxville Baptist Tabernacle Church members changed their sign to read 'Remember, Satan was the first to demand equal rights.'

Pastor Tony Greene insists that everyone who has spoken out against the sign has simply misread it, or misunderstands the message he is trying to send.  'Our sign referencing Satan demanding his equal right to ascend into the heavens and be God was simply 'I' and all about that individual.  It was not a statement against any one group in particular, you know what about the rights of the unborn babies, the rights of the children, the rights of everyone?  My heart breaks in the dividedness of our country.'

The sign was later changed to read 'Glad you reading, did not intend to offend, we all need Christ'.  Unfortunately at this point the damage had already been done, with not only members of the community condemning the message Greene posted, but reports featuring on US News networks and several internet sources.

Several people have pointed out that the sign was an obvious attack on the current battle the LGBT community are facing for equal rights, that it is once again another case individuals using their religious beliefs to condemn and marginalise a group of people.

However, whilst that might be the case here, with no mention on LGBT on the sign it makes a sweeping statement about equal rights in general.  It's not hard to see how any group who has had to fight for equal rights could take offense when reading this, women, members of a racial community, members of another religious group, people on the LGBT spectrum, this sign sends a vicious message to them all.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinions on these matters, but it's about time religious groups stopped trying to force theirs onto others and using hate speech to do so.

Amy.
xx

Follow Amy on Twitter
Join Amy on Facebook

Add Amy on Tumblr

Join Her Fans on Facebook

Transgender Teen Defends Her Right To Use The Correct Bathroom

Earlier this week in Boise, Ohio a student was removed from their school by their parents after they discovered that a transgender student had won the right to use the bathroom of her choice.  The parents of the student sited fears over their child's safety as the reason for removing them.

Yesterday the transgender student in question, thirteen year old D.W. Trantham, spoke out on the controversy to American news networks.

'It was really devastating to think that parents were so scared of me and that their lack of understanding led them to take their child out of school,' she said.  'Coming from a person who was sexually assaulted in bathrooms for being trans I care about bathroom safety.  I'm not their to hurt anyone, and what's between my legs is not a symbol of who I am.'

Earlier in the year D.W. would use the nurse's office private bathroom to avoid using the male bathroom to ensure her own safety, but after a long struggle the school district has agreed to allow her to choose which bathroom facilities she can use.

Her father, Tim, also spoke on the subject and even reached out to the parents who removed their child from the school.  'I was some of those people myself at one point in my life.  I didn't understand what transgender was or the issues involved.'  He has even offered to meet with the students parents and try to help address any issues they may have and to show them that D.W. is just a regular thirteen year old girl and that they have nothing to fear from her.

D.W. has said that despite the negative response she has received she will continue to fight for transgender rights.

Amy.
xx

Follow Amy on Twitter
Join Amy on Facebook

Add Amy on Tumblr

Join Her Fans on Facebook

Fight On - Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 'One of Us' Review

The latest episode of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. was billed as something of a big episode, the first ever team of 'super villains' in the Marvel Cinematic Universe coming together to bring down Coulson and the team.

As it turns out there was actually very little super to the team.  It seemed like Cal grabbed the first four people from the gifted index rather than try and gather a group that could actually do some serious damage.  Other than Angar, whose scream could incapacitate anyone around him, there were very few people who could be a believable threat against agents such as Coulson, Melina May and Bobby.

Instead the main focus of the show this week seemed to be Skye and her entry into the gifted index.  Joined by guest star Blair Underwood as the former Mr Melinda May we had some great insights into not only Skye, but a little of the past of everyone's favourite hard arse agent May.

This episode was clearly not the event they were billing it to be, but rather a stepping stone to the point where Skye can become a super powered S.H.I.E.L.D. agent and get to use her quake powers on some bad guys.  It's not going to be an easy process, if she gained her powers one week and became 'Quake' the week after it would have felt very cheap.  I hope that we get to see her using her powers effectively soon, but even if it takes the rest of the season I'm sure the show will do it well.

We also got some answers to one of the show's mysteries this episode, with Mac revealing to Hunter that he and Bobbi are working for 'the real S.H.I.E.L.D.' and that they are planning on bringing Coulson and his operation down.

Despite having been told who they are working for we are left with even more questions.  Who is this other S.H.I.E.L.D.?  Why are they trying to stop Coulson?  Who is in command of the 'real' S.H.I.E.L.D.?  Guess we'll just have to wait to find out.

Amy.
xx

Follow Amy on Twitter
Join Amy on Facebook

Add Amy on Tumblr

Join Her Fans on Facebook