Posted on 12/16/2004 12:10:14 PM PST by freespirited
Amanda Simpson was recognized last week by the YWCA as one of a dozen local Women on the Move.
That's more than a personal accomplishment for the 43-year-old senior principal systems engineer at Raytheon Missile Systems. It's also a personal victory, since Simpson is a transgendered woman who very publicly allowed the media to recount her transition from Mitchell Simpson four years ago.
"To say that I was absolutely thrilled is a bit of an understatement," Simpson said. She was selected from a pool of 89 finalists for the award, which gives the nod to women who are committed to the elimination of racism and the empowerment of women.
When Simpson was introduced at the awards banquet, the audience heard about her accomplishments at Raytheon, her recent bid for the state House of Representatives and her volunteer work in the community. She was also singled out as "an example of courage" for being open about her transition and becoming a nationally known speaker on gender issues in employment - openness worth recognizing when anonymity can be easier.
Linda Breck, director of leadership development for the YWCA, met Simpson at YWCA leadership conferences and planning committees. "She is very professional. She's certainly committed to the mission of the YWCA," Breck said. "She's very reliable and has great ideas. But she's really being recognized for her activism in the community and for taking a leadership role."
Kent Burbank, executive director of Wingspan, the local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community resource center, said he gives the YWCA credit for issuing the award. It came on the heels of the "moral values" debate launched following the national elections, when voters in 11 states banned gay marriage at the polls.
Simpson's award, he said, makes a larger statement. "It's a wonderful achievement for her personally, but it's also an important thing for the transgender community that a transgendered woman be recognized as a woman," Burbank said.
But, as Simpson can attest, while she went public to help erase the stigma that can follow gender transitions, it isn't always easy having an adjective following her everywhere - something this very story is perpetuating.
"To some extent, yes, I wish when someone mentioned that I was the first transgendered person to win a (state) primary in the United States, I wish that wasn't true. I wish I didn't have to be the trailblazer. Someday, I won't have to be, because it will be completely accepted, but until then, I can't let harassment and biases continue unchallenged.
"Why should I not do things that I'm interested in?" Simpson continued. "Should I not get involved in politics or not work with nonprofits because of my past? And the answer to that is 'No' - I'm going to pursue things that interest me."
Simpson said she is noticing more tolerance. She won a similar award from Raytheon three years ago, and there was some grumbling then, she said, since it came so soon after her transition. But with the exception of some news accounts during her legislative campaign, Simpson said, the focus of the race was on important issues - health care, education, the economy - and not her transgenderism.
Ultimately, even though she had limited funding as a Democrat running against two popular incumbents in a district with a Republican advantage, she still collected 21 percent of the vote - a respectable showing since she trailed the second-place winner, an incumbent, by only seven percentage points.
"I'm not in people's faces. I'm challenging discrimination by saying, 'This is who I am and this is what I do.' All I ask is to be accepted for my qualities and judged on that basis."
Who?
And the Democrats wonder why there their office holders seem to be shrinking.
That is why I am happy you are not working at that missile company.
Do we have any proof that Reno and Thomas are women?
Transgengered democrat candidates who work on national defense projects. What could be better than that? I know I feel better now.
Let's see Young Womens Christian Association and Patricia Ireland is the CEO. Should have a name change to at least take out the Christian part. Hey Patricia since we are on the topic what would Jesus do when it comes to abortion of a live fetus?
In this case not just shrinking but getting cut off...
It's only an unsubstantiated rumor that they both competed for the East German track team.
Since you left out a sarcasm tag, I am going to have to think you are happy about the situation.
Take a woman with no pecker, strap one on her or build her one, and shes still a woman with an attitude problem..
Yup. Certain men have hair follicles that are genetically sensitive to DHT, a derivative of the male hormone testosterone. Chop off the balls and 90% of the testosterone is gone, leaving your hair intact (but nothing else).
How would you ever know that they were "born female"?? There's nothing obvious that I can see...
SFS
Here's the thing. If someone wants to mutilate themselves and change their (apparent) gender, so be it. I don't want it flaunted, however, and nobody should be able to make other people recognize them as a particular gender. I also won't perceive it as normal.
This is true...
It is sorta like the YMCA. Nowadays it is a yuppie health club but it is not "young" "man's" "Christian" "association".
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