Transgender VS transexual

It was pointed out to me that I may have been wrong in thinking what was meant by transgender or transexual. So here is a further breakdown of the differences between each word. First with transgender followed by transexual. I hope this helps to clear things up for people, I know it did for me and I always appreciate help from my fans.

Pronouns

Where shall I start...

A list, lists are good

Here you can see some examples of common pronouns used to describe a person. I say to you to remember them, look carefully, think about them and the world we live in, not everyone identifies in societies very limited male or female category.

I think a note I would like you all to take from this is of you to ask people, upon meeting someone new or maybe even someone you've know a while, they may be finding it hard to tell you, ask them what their preferred pronoun is. Asking someone straight away saves for any embarrassment later when the person (with courage I add) has to tell you its wrong. Also don't note their choice in a negative manner either, this only makes things upsetting and hard for someone to cope with themselves. Remember everyone is different and unique and we all have a choice of how we live our lives.

Imagine this to be no different that if you were to marry and decide to take the maiden name of your partner. you have been brought together and bound by love and share that with the world, that is who you want to be now and that is who you want to be know as. Asking a person to accept this is no different that a person expressing their chosen pronoun, to them this is a bound of love between that person. The love for themselves, they know who they are and they want to love their life and be known as such.

This is not just to say that everyone who  identifies as "male" or "female" has to do all the work, no. If you would like people to use a different identification towards you it might be helpful if you let them know, usually straight away is best. You may think its hard but there are many ways in which to tell someone that could save you worrying about any problem arising. 

It is always good to prepare yourself for questions, I feels this is extremely good if you are helpful in your advice and explanation. Educate the world to who you are for them to understand you better. Hearing it from the right source it to produce better educated people and it is key if you are to feel comfortable as yourself.

For those who do not and insist of referring to you as something other than what you have expressed I would suggest to do the same, people will soon see how this effects you. They will come to hear your "mistakes" and will probably pick you up on it, this will also make them feel uncomfortable and sad, show them how it feels. For them not to accept your choice and consistently call you by something else is disrespectful.

Not accepting someones choice or way of life is crushing everyone into a box, a cage, like sheep making everyone the same, for all to live a like.

We are not a like one another we are different

Then they came for me

First they came for the gays and lesbians, and I did not speak out -- because I was not gay nor was I a lesbian.

Then they came for the transgender and transexuals, and I did not speak out because I was not transgender or a transexual.

Then they came for the queers, I still did not speak out because I was not queer.

Then they came for everyone else -- and there was no one left to speak for me.......

Queer until death pack

Queer Until Death pack up on the website

2 stickers and 1 25mm pin £2.50

All hand drawn, custom orders on wording email me

Hellofreespirits@live.com

Store Launch!!

So I started a store!

I use Society6 as at the moment money is short and I can't afford to make things on my own. Most items list at the moment are aimed towards queers, thats everyone. After more designing I shall upload most specific stuff for FTM, MTF, gendernetural, feminist etc.

Until then have a look, let me know what you think, any custom orders all you need to do is email me


hellofreespirits@live.com


Society6 doesn't offer much in return of payment, I'm mostly doing this for fun, but any money I can get for the blog would be amazing.

Store

Products include...

Art Prints

Framed Art Prints

Stretched Canvases

Stationery Cards

iPhone & iPod Cases

iPad Cases

iPhone & iPod Skins

Laptop & iPad Skins

T-shirts

Tank Tops

Kids T-Shirts

Onesies

Hoodies

Throw Pillows

Tote Bags

Wall Clocks

Mugs

Boycott Sochi sponsors

I wrote a post about boycotting anti-LGBTQ countries and it came to my attention that there are not just countries we should be aware of but also brands. America may be a state that legalised gay marriage and equal rights but what about the brands that live within that country... Coke maybe?

Coke are a supporter of Sochi when we all know that Russia is denying rights to it citizens because of their sexual orientation. Sochi is a political event no matter how much Putin questions whether it is the right place or not to discuss LGBT rights, it is a place where people should make a stand. For those who are watching the Olympics they may see the terror that Russia brings on its people and the support the world has for the LGBT community. Brands such as Coke are using this event to build awareness, well they should choose wisely when wanting your brand name spread around the world. If and I'm not sure how many, anyone part of the LGBT community is watching Sochi, I know I'm not, They will see these brands as builders of the Russia community and hatred. Anyone who is against us will also see these brands and could then consider to purchase them further in the future. I then say to you (brand supports of Sochi) who are your customers now! will you start doing anti-lgbtq advertising campaigns as your audience slowly turns to LGBT hating, bashing, killing humans.... At least you have your market segments!

Check out this video it explain in 2 minutes about the brands sponsoring Sochi Olympics

You can pledge against Coke through this link via Facebook

For more information on all the brand sponsors of Sochi here is a link to the official Olympic website. 

Source

http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2014/02/in-2-minutes-why-you-should-boycott-the-olympic-sponsors/

Mapping My Journey Exhibition - Birmingham UK

Some of my friends are in this exhibit and it looks truly amazing. Definitely worth a visit if you are in the UK! It is a free project in the community gallery, help support these extraordinary human beings by popping in.

Mapping My Journey

Location: Birmingham Museum

18th January 2014 - 16th March 2014

This exhibition explores and celebrates the living memory and history of the transgender community in Birmingham and the West Midlands.

Through compelling sound, photos, video, artwork, poetry and artefacts, ‘Mapping my Journey’ brings to life the places, events and personal journeys - for some decisive and swift but for others spanning decades - which makeup the heritage of the West Midlands’ transgender community over the past sixty years.

These stories represent part of our community’s heritage and aim to capture, record and preserve unique individual experiences of being transgender.

In the Community Gallery. Free.

Download the Mapping My Journey flyer. 

Mapping My Journey has been developed by Gender Matters and Involvement Innovation Ltd in Partnership with Birmingham Museums Trust. It is the culmination of a major two-year HLF funded Project.

Source

http://www.bmag.org.uk/events?id=3074

Boycott anti-lgbtq countries

I read an article about travellers boycotting anti LGBTQ countries, interestingly I found myself doing this. I no longer have an extreme urge to go to Russia and I know a lot of people will be discouraged to go to places like Uganda because of all the news of hatred they have towards us.

Why should we support a country that doesn't support our life style?

I would gladly donate to the LGBTQ community in Russia, but not to the state which denies these people their right to equality. We need to build the strength of the minority, I know I would support the community for my life. As far as I'm concerned these countries are legally allowing killing and hatred, I would not like to visit a country where I know my safety is in jeopardy.

Here’s the list of 83 countries and independent political entities with anti-homosexuality laws:

Africa

1 Algeria
2 Angola
3 Benin
4 Botswana
5 Burundi
6 Cameroon
7 Comoros
8 Egypt
9 Eritrea
10 Ethiopia
11 Gambia
12 Ghana
13 Guinea
14 Kenya
15 Lesotho
16 Liberia
17 Libya
18 Malawi (enforcement of law suspended)
19 Mauritania
20 Mauritius
21 Morocco
22 Mozambique
23 Namibia
24 Nigeria
25 Sao Tome
26 Senegal
27 Seychelles
28 Sierra Leone
29 Somalia
30 South Sudan
31 Sudan
32 Swaziland
33 Tanzania
34 Togo
35 Tunisia
36 Uganda
37 Zambia
38 Zimbabwe

Asia, including the Middle East

39 Afghanistan
40 Bangladesh
41 Bhutan
42 Brunei
43 India
44 Iran
45 Kuwait
46 Lebanon
47 Malaysia
48 Maldives
49 Myanmar
50 Oman
51 Pakistan
52 Palestine/Gaza Strip
53 Qatar
54 Saudi Arabia
55 Singapore
56 Sri Lanka
57 Syria
58 Turkmenistan
59 United Arab Emirates
60 Uzbekistan
61 Yemen

Two Asian/Middle Eastern countries were listed separately by ILGA under the heading “Legal status of homosexual acts unclear or uncertain”:

• In Iraq, there is no law against homosexual acts, but homophobic violence is unchecked and self-appointed sharia judges reportedly have imposed sentences for homosexual behavior.
• In India, enforcement of the law against homosexual activity had been suspended by court action, but the Supreme Court overturned that ruling on Dec. 11, 2013, so India is back on the main list of countries with anti-homosexuality laws.

Americas

62 Antigua & Barbuda
63 Barbados
64 Belize
65 Dominica
66 Grenada
67 Guyana
68 Jamaica
69 St Kitts & Nevis
70 St Lucia
71 St Vincent & the Grenadines
72 Trinidad & Tobago

In the United States, anti-sodomy laws were ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2003, but they are still on the books in 13 states: Alabama, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina,  Texas, Utah and Virginia. Conservative state legislators refuse to repeal the laws and, in some cases, police still enforce them.  Reportedly, in the past few years more than a dozen LGBT people were arrested for violating those laws, but the arrestees were freed because prosecutors won’t seek convictions based on defunct laws.

Oceania

73 Cook Islands
74 Indonesia (Aceh Province and South Sumatra)
75 Kirbati
76 Nauru
77 Palau
78 Papua New Guinea
79 Samoa
80 Solomon Islands
81 Tonga
82 Tuvalu

Europe

83 Northern Cyprus

Also in Europe and worth mentioning but not on that list of countries with laws against homosexuality are:

• Russia, which enacted a law in 2013 prohibiting any positive mention of homosexuality in the presence of minors, including online;
• Ukraine, which has considered, but so far has not adopted a similar law against “gay propaganda.”
• Moldova, which adopted and then repealed such a law in 2013.

Countries answered yes to should society accept homosexuality

Source
http://76crimes.com/76-countries-where-homosexuality-is-illegal/
http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/should-travelers-boycott-anti-gay-and-anti-trans-countries160114
http://www.policymic.com/articles/49755/a-startling-map-showing-the-state-of-homophobia-in-the-world

Paris

I've already wrote my list of things to do next time I go to Paris, I can't wait and I hope this time I will have found more queer places to visit.

Queer Paris

What a disappointment, Paris the city of love?

This city surprises me that it lacks so much in queer culture. I had desperately searched the internet, asked friends who live in Paris thinking maybe I would come across a list of places to venture to on my visit, but only to be met by a few clubs, not even an art gallery. What was I to do!

So the traditional places, Paris is famous for, are there for me to visit, The Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, but having already been to these places I wanted to experience the hidden Paris, the queer side.

It was a shame to be met by very little, however I did enjoy my trip to Paris and found some clubs online that might be of interest if one was to visit Paris and would like to venture out at night for a drink and a dance.

Online resources

Map of gay Paris

Places you could visit

Scream

18 rue du Faubourg du Temple | map

| website | facebook |

Weekend opening times: Sat 24:00 - 06:00

Audience Rating: 5.0 stars from 2 votes - Click to vote

DANCE PARTY: Scream – New Year’s Eve / 2013-12-31

One of the most popular gay dance party venues in Paris spread out over three floors attracting a gym-toned crowd who just can’t wait to get their shirts off.  Part of Scream’s success can be attributed to the world-class DJs that have taken over the decks, including the likes of Juanjo Martin, Offer Nissim, Mark Anthony, Chris Cox and Danny Verde.  Scream is open every Saturday from midnight – 6am.  Expect a long queue – but it is worth it!  Metro: République

La Nuit des Follivores/Crazyvores at Bataclan

50 Boulevard Voltaire | map

| website | facebook | +33 (0)1 43 14 00 30 |

Weekend opening times: Sat 24:00

Audience Rating: 4.0 stars from 1 votes - Click to vote

The popular and highly successful monthly gay dance party in Paris that has gained an international reputation with spin-off events across Europe.

La Nuit des Follivores/Crazyvores at Le Bataclan takes top spot on the Paris gay dance calendar with parties every 1st (or the 3rd) Saturday of each month.  Follivores is for those who enjoy a big party with plenty of fabulous French hits and songs from the past.  Crazyvores is the same concept but with with a broader range of international/English language music.  Check website for upcoming events.  Metro: Oberkampf

CUD

12 rue des Haudriettes | map

| website | facebook | +33 (0)1 42 77 04 88 |

Weekday opening times: 00:30 - 07:00 (Mon - Thu) 08:00 (Fri)

Weekend opening times: 00:30 - 08:00 (Sat) 07:00 (Sun)

Audience Rating: 4.0 stars from 2 votes - Click to vote

Stylish all-night gay dance bar that gets busy after 2am attracting a young, fun and friendly crowd.  CUD has a relatively small bar on the ground floor – the dance floor is in the basement.  Great sound and lighting system and occasional special events.  Metro: Rambuteau

After WAKE UP

77 rue JB PIGALLE | map

| website | facebook |

Weekend opening times: Sun 07:00 - 13:00

Audience Rating: Click to vote

From the club that brought you the legendary SCREAM party. After WAKE UP is a club night that runs from the morning through to the night every Sunday, for the hardcore partygoer. Music and dance in one of Paris’ most glamorous venues, a perfect way to end the night (or rather morning!).

Beardrop

75 rue des Martyrs | map

| website | facebook |

Audience Rating: 5.0 stars from 1 votes - Click to vote

Biggest monthly gay party in Paris for bears and leather lovers, with resident DJs spinning mostly house, electro and progressive music.  The party normally takes place at Le Divan du Monde on rue des Martyrs.  Metro: Pigalle

Club 18

18 rue de Beaujolais | map

| website | +33 (0)1 42 97 52 13 |

Audience Rating: 4.0 stars from 1 votes - Click to vote

Weekend gay dance club in a small venue (200 persons maximum capacity) but also one of the oldest in Paris.  Club 18 attracts a young crowd who come to enjoy popular tunes and top 40 songs.  Metro: Palais Royal, Musée du Louvre, Pyramides

Overkitch at Queen Club

102 avenue des Champs-Elysées | map

| website | facebook | +33 (0)1 53 89 08 90 |

Weekend opening times: Sun 23:30 - 06:00

Audience Rating: 5.0 stars from 1 votes - Click to vote

An institution in Paris nightlife that wrote its way into gay clubbing history in the 1990′s.  Queen Club, located on the famous Champs-Elysées, now attracts a rather ‘metrosexual’ crowd.  The only gay night at the moment is the Overkitsch party on Sunday nights.  Metro: George V

Café Rosa Bonheur

Parc des Buttes Chaumont, 2 allée de la Cascade | map

| website | facebook | +33 (0)1 42 00 00 45 |

Weekday opening times: Wed-Fri 12:00 - 24:00

Weekend opening times: 12:00 - 24:00

Audience Rating: 3.0 stars from 1 votes - Click to vote

Rosa Bonheur is a fabulous café bar attracting a fun-loving and free-spirited crowd.  Popular with gay customers every Sunday evening.  Drink, eat, dance and perhaps even more at this indoor/outdoor venue right in the middle of the beautiful Parc de Buttes Chaumont.  Arrive early (around 6pm) if you want to be able to get indoors.  Closed Mondays & Tuesdays. Highly recommended.  Metro:  Botzaris

BBB – Black Blanc Beur at Folies Pigalle

11 Place Pigalle | map

| website |

Weekend opening times: Sun 21:00 - 03:00

Audience Rating: 2.5 stars from 2 votes - Click to vote

Weekly gay tea dance party that is particularly popular with the black gay community.  BBB offers a great mix of R&B, top 40, house, disco, hip-hop and world music.  The party takes place at Folies Pigalle every Sunday.  Entrance fee includes one drink.  Metro: Pigalle

La Boîte à Frissons at Tango

13 rue au Maire | map

| website | facebook | +33 (0)1 42 72 17 78 |

Weekend opening times: Fri-Sat 22:30 - 05:00; Sun 18:00 - 23:00

Audience Rating: 3.0 stars from 1 votes - Click to vote

Weekend ballroom dance club for gays and lesbians.  La Boîte à Frissons (or “Thrill Box”) at Le Tango has kept the old-fashioned charm of old dance halls with decorations from the fifties, wooden floors and tables and seats all around the hall.  Expect various genres of music including pop, tango, cha cha cha, campy 70s disco, rock ‘n roll, etc.  Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.  Metro: Arts et Métiers

Mix

24 rue de l'Arrivée | map

| website | facebook | +33 (0)1 56 80 37 37 |

Audience Rating: 4.0 stars from 1 votes - Click to vote

Mix has one of the largest dance floors in Paris that attracts some of Europe’s best DJ’s.  Mostly straight crowd with some gay partygoers.  Check Mix’s website for current agenda.  Metro:  Montparnasse

More information

If anyone knows anything queer going on in Paris be sure to email me hellofreespirits@live.com, I would love to hear from you as I plan to revisit this city again