Not the Draft

The community is too invisible. How can we get anything done if we all just disappear?

It is the 'I got mine' philosophy of transition; the feeling that you survived the war, finally got home, and don't want to look back.

We are stuck as the silent 'T' on GLBt, a place that we are aligned with for political expediency (yes, there is overlap between 'T' and GLB but the same could be said for Norwegians). We have many of the same goals and issues so it is better that we work together.

The community is too invisible.

How the heck do we fix that?

The dilemma is simple. Many transitioners just want to go on with their lives, anonymously, after completing transition. They don't want to draw attention to themselves and their 'function'.

Eventually, if they transitioned publicly, the notoriety will fade and they can blend back into the woodwork (transition-wise anyway).

So the problem is one of balance - a negotiation. Desire to disappear against a need for people NOT to disappear.

The basic idea is this:

A year of service.

I am not saying quit your job and start on the talk show circuit. I am not saying even try your hand at being a lobbyist.

What I am saying is that you learned lessions while transitioning. You had spots that were harder than others.

If each transitioner pledges to just make the journey a little easier for the next person to come along, then we can make huge strides.

It can be little things.

Be a mentor to someone.
Help change policy for your employer.
Participate in the political process a little more vigorously.

Just do something - ANYTHING - that will make it easier for the next person or next generation.

You don't have to sacrifice stealth. You can participate anonymously. Not everyone has to be the spokesperson.

Put in your year and then fade all you want. If you want to stick it out longer then do it. If you want to continue to fight injustices then please do.

It is just an idea but I don't think it could hurt.