Healthcare Access Survey
Trans Suicide Prevention
Gender Marker 
MTPC to Launch National Media Project: I AM: Trans People Speak COMMUNITY
MTPC to unveil “I AM: Trans People Speak COMMUNITY”
at Saturday, Feb. 18th launch party!
Download the COMMUNITY Launch Party_Flyer
The Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) will be launching the new “I AM: Trans People Speak COMMUNITY” campaign on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012 at the Midway Café, 3496 Washington Street in Jamaica Plain, MA and the on the new website, http://www.community.transpeople.org, on the same day. The purpose of this multi-media campaign to create an empowering space on the web for transgender people and their allies from around the country in which they can share their experiences through their own stories in order to educate the public and give hope to transgender youth and adults just starting to come out.
“The everyday experiences and community contributions of transgender people are too often overlooked in the mainstream media and in popular culture,” said Gunner Scott, executive director of MTPC. “Providing a place for transgender people, family members, friends, and allies to share their stories we hope to empower people to advocate for transgender equality and change the culture towards one of acceptance of transgender youth and adults. Through showing the diversity of experiences that exist within transgender communities, this forum will provide a place for others to learn about, connect with, and find support through the stories of other community members. This project will also educate the public about the reality of transgender peoples lives and the unique challenges they face due to pervasive bias, stereotypes, and misunderstanding.”
In 2010, MTPC launched the original “I AM: Trans People Speak” project (http://www.transpeoplespeak.org) to educate Massachusetts residents and it has now grown to include the voices and experiences of over 40 transgender people, their families, and allies from Massachusetts. Building off that success and the demand for videos from people from around the country, I AM: Trans People Speak COMMUNITY was developed to fill that need.
As with this first phase of the project, I AM: Trans People Speak COMMUNITY will contain video and written stories discussing the joys and challenges of being transgender or being an ally to the transgender community. Folks highlight their contributions to their communities, workplaces, families, and their hobbies and interests. Each story is prefaced with a series of declarative “I AM” statements from participants that reveal diverse, yet common, aspects of their lives in addition to being transgender.
MTPC will celebrate this project with a launch event, which will include brand new videos, performances, and dance party. Among the videos, we will be sharing hip-hop artist Micah Domingo’s video as well as having a live performance from him at the event. As a rapper hailing from Boston, Micah attempts to capture raw emotions through lyrics that cut the skin and peel back all the layers, to reveal the blood and guts of what it means to be human. As he introduces himself in his video: “Hey, my name is Micah and I AM a rapper, I AM a hip-hop producer, I AM a son, and I AM ALSO a trans man.”
The “I AM: Trans People Speak COMMUNITY” project kickoff party takes place on Saturday February 18th at at the Midway Café at 3496 Washington Street in Jamaica Plain, MA, doors open at 8:00pm. New videos will be shown throughout the night and the program will begin around 9:30pm with a performance to follow. This event is 21+ and there is a $5-$10 sliding scale charge at the door, and no one will be turned away due to lack of funds. This event is open to the public and the media.
To submit videos or learn more about the project visit http://www.community.transpeople.org or email transpeoplespeak@gmail.com and for more information about MTPC please visit www.masstpc.org or call 617-778-0519.
Massachusetts Transgender Mental Health Access Study Launched
The Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) is collaborating with a team of Master of Social Work students from Salem State University to conduct a research study to determine if transgender adults have access to culturally competent mental health clinicians and services in Massachusetts. Led by Laurie Auffant, a long time transgender activist and now social work student, the research team includes Sarah Grandmaison, Kristine Lassiter, and Rachel Sherwin.
The survey is open to any adult eighteen years old and above, residing in Massachusetts, who identifies as transgender or gender variant. The survey can be accessed online: www.surveymonkey.com/s/masstransmentalhealthsurvey
The survey was first launched on January 20th in Peabody, Massachusetts at the First Event conference, organized by Tiffany Club of New England. Tiffany Club of New England agreed to collaborate in the project by promoting data collection at the event.
Gunner Scott, Executive Director of MTPC, affirmed his support of the study stating, “Transgender people need access to mental health providers close to home; we often hear that our community members who live outside the Boston area often need to travel an hour or more to find a compassionate clinician who understands the community and can provide treatment. This study will document what is working well and where the gaps are in mental health services in Massachusetts. We need everyone to participate to get an accurate measure to determine the service gaps.”
Some of the goals of the survey outlined by Auffant outlines the goals include documenting whether transgender adults have access to culturally competent mental health clinicians and services in Massachusetts; documenting geographic differences of mental health clinicians and services by county; documenting differences in service delivery by type of mental health clinician; documenting differences based on gender identity, racial identity, economic resources, transportation, and age of participant; and documenting if transgender adults are treated respectfully or have ever experienced hostility or been denied access to mental health services during mental health appointments.
“We know that barriers to accessing mental health services exist for transgender adults and we hope to use the results of this survey to advocate for additional education for students planning to work in the field of mental health, so that they will be prepared to be culturally competent and sensitive mental health clinicians in relationship to the transgender community,” stated Laurie Auffant.
Auffant understands the need to remain accountable to the transgender community as a long time activist. Scott stated, “This study is being conducted by researchers who understand our community. Laurie testified before the Cambridge City Council to get the transgender non-discrimination City ordinance passed; she helped organize the first Transgender Day of Remembrance in Boston and spoke at many of them over the years; she marched with us for LGBT Pride for thirty years; and she lobbied and testified at the State House to get the Transgender Civil Rights bill passed. Laurie is a compassionate educator, activist, social worker, and researcher.”
The research team is pleased with the initial response of the community collecting over 100 surveys at First Event Conference this past weekend. Sarah Grandmaison echoed her team’s enthusiasm for the project stating, “It is my hope that our research study will begin revealing the experiences transgender people have in mental health settings, and hopefully shape the future for these exceptional individuals.”
The research team will be collecting data through March 5, 2012 and will provide a report to Salem State University and the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition in early May 2012. The survey is available online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/masstransmentalhealthsurvey or to receive copies in paper format write to the research team at: TeamawesomeSSU@gmail.com.
Photos from the Signing of Trans Rights Bill With Governor Deval Patrick
Check Out MTPC’s Jan 2012 E-Newsletter
Click Here to Read MTPC’s January E-News Letter
Highlights include:
Photo Open Call! I AM: Trans People Speak COMMUNITY
Signing with Gov. Deval Patrick in the Morning & Celebration that Night for the Transgender Rights Bill
Info on First Event Conference and MTPC’s workshop 4 pm on Saturday – Know Your Rights/The State of Trans Civil Rights
“Transsexuals from Space” Film Premiere
Thurs. Jan 19th, Gov. Deval Patrick to hold a Ceremonial Signing of the Transgender Equal Rights Bill
Thursday, January 19th – Signing with Gov. Deval Patrick in the Morning & Celebration in the Evening for the Transgender Equal Rights Bill
11:00 am – Join MTPC and the Transgender Equal Right Coalition for the Ceremonial Signing at the State House with Governor Deval Patrick.
Location: In the Senate Reading Room at the State House
Senate Reading Room is in the east wing of the 3rd floor – the Senate Chambers, Lobby and Reading Room are all in the same area. Best entrance is the Hooker entrance.
Gov. Deval Patrick will hold a ceremonial signing and celebration of the passage of the Transgender Equal Rights Bill at 11am. Gov. Patrick will offer remarks about the bill as well as the work still left to be done to ensure that transgender residents of the Commonwealth are fully protected under our laws in the area of public accommodations.
This event is free and all members of our community, allies, family, and friends are encouraged to attend. Please arrive by 10:45 am at the State House which is located on Beacon St. in Boston near Park St. and Downtown Crossing T stations. Parking can be found at the garage under the Boston Commons. Exact location of the event in State House is still being determined, check MTPC website for latest information.
Also Thursday, January 19th
7:00 pm – Join MTPC for our Community Celebration & Thank You Event at Club Cafe.
Meet members of MTPC steering committee and the Transgender Equal Rights Coalition. There will be music, food, a short program, and ample time for socializing.
This event is free and all members of our community, allies, family, and friends are encouraged to attend. Doors open at 6:30 pm event ends at 9 pm. Club Cafe is located at 209 Columbus Ave, Boston.
Not ready to stop celebrating?
10:00 pm – Join MTPC at the First Event Conference for the Fabulous First Event Dance Party with DJ Greg at the Boston Marriott Peabody
There is a suggested $10 donation for the dance, but no one turned away for lack of funds. Boston Peabody Marriott is located at 8A Centennial Drive, Peabody, MA
We are excited to celebrate this milestone with our community and we hope to see you at any and all of these events on Thursday, January 19, 2012. Thank you for your support, energy, and dedication to transgender equality. Please RSVP to info@masstpc.org so we know how many people to expect.
Submit Your Photo For I AM: Trans People Speak COMMUNITY
The Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) is excited to announce the next phase of our I AM: Trans People Speak campaign. This new phase, I AM: Trans People Speak COMMUNITY is a user generated multi-media campaign aimed at raising awareness about the diversity of trans individuals, families, and allies.
The launch event has been scheduled for the evening of February 18th, 2012 where we invite the community to share our excitement with an evening of new video stories, celebration, and dancing.
In order to prepare for our launch, we are inviting community members to submit their own photographs, and accepted photographs will be featured on the website for I AM: Trans People Speak COMMUNITY.
All accepted photographs will meet the following guidelines for submission, and by submitting your photograph you are agreeing to the terms and guidelines. Any photographs sent that do not meet the guidelines will be deleted and not considered for the website.
TERMS FOR SUBMISSION:
By sending my photograph to be considered for the website, you are entering into the following Agreement with the MTPC.
1. I grant Producer and its designees the right to use my likeness, image, and appearance, and as embodied in the public education materials. This grant includes without limitation the right to edit, mix or duplicate and to use or re-use the Product in whole or part as Producer may elect. Producer or its designee shall have complete ownership of the Product in which I appear, including copyright interests, and I acknowledge that I have no interest or ownership in the Product or its copyright.
2. I also grant Producer and its designees the right to broadcast, exhibit, market, and otherwise distribute the Product, either in whole or in parts, and either alone or with other products, for commercial or non-commercial television or theater, closed-circuit exhibition, home video distribution or any other purpose that Producer or its designees in their sole discretion may determine. This grant includes the right to use the Product for promoting or publicizing any of the uses.
3. I confirm that I have the right to enter into this Agreement, that I am not restricted by any commitments to their parties, and that Producer has no financial commitment or obligations to me as a result of this Agreement. I hereby give all clearances, copyright and otherwise, for use of my name (unless other wise stated below), likeness, image, voice, appearance and performance embodied in the Product. I expressly release and indemnify Producer and its officers, employees, agents and designees from any and all claims known and unknown arising out of or in any way connected with the above granted uses and representations. The rights granted Producer herein are perpetual and worldwide.
4. In consideration of all the above, I hereby acknowledge receipt of reasonable and fair consideration from the Producer.
PHOTOGRAPH GUIDELINES:
Please AVOID nudity and sexually explicit content. Please submit one high quality photograph of yourself and do not include other people in the photo. Please send a clear, visible headshot, not a full body photograph.
We are very excited for your submissions! Please send photographs to transpeoplespeak@gmail.com and if you are chosen to be featured on the website we will let you know before the launch party!
MTPC’s Executive Director and Rep. Carl Sciortino Named Bay Windows Heroes of the Year
Thank you to Bay Windows for naming Rep. Carl Sciortino and MTPC’s Executive Director Gunner Scott Heroes of the Year.
Check out the article on the link below!
http://www.baywindows.com/index.php?ch=opinion&sc=editorial&sc2=news&sc3&id=128312
Let 98.5 The Sports Hub/CBS Radio Know that Degrading “Humor” Against Women and Transgender people is Not OK for the Airwaves
This morning on the Toucher and Rich show on 98.5 The Sports Hub excerpts of the “Naughty Massaroti” album were played. The selections chosen were “humor” pieces depicting stalking and the sexual harassment of women and the second selection was mocking transgender women.
“It’s a sad day when some men continue to think it’s acceptable to make light of violence against women and treat people, including transgender people, with disrespect. Through the White Ribbon Campaign, thousands and thousands of men and boys in Massachusetts and around the world have shown that they align themselves with a more positive form of masculinity that values respect and equality as a solution to ending violence and abuse,” said Craig Norberg-Bohm, Coordinator of Jane Doe Inc.’s Men’s Initiative.
“This type of “humor” also contributes to a climate of intolerance to those who are transgender. Using the myths and negative stereotypes about transgender women, and the depictions described in the song to be “humorous,” are actually dehumanizing and degrading to transgender women,” said Gunner Scott, executive director of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition.
We encourage you to send an email to Mike Thompson, Vice President of Programming for CBS RADIO Boston and asking that 98.5 The Sports Hub and the on-air personalities Tony Massarotti, Fred Toucher and Rich Shertenlieb apologize on air for these comments and request the management of 98.5 The Sports Hub receive media training on issues of sexual violence and accurate reporting on transgender communities.
Contact Mike Thompson at mike.thomas@cbsradio.com
Lowell Sun Disparages Transgender People In Their Christmas Column
MTPC has sent their own letter to the editor, but we encourage you to let the Lowell Sun Know What You Think About Using “Humor’ to Degrade Transgender People.
Send Letters to the Editor to:
MARK O’NEIL
President & Publisher
978-970-4807
moneil@mediaonene.com
JAMES CAMPANINI
Editor
978-970-4621
jcampanini@lowellsun.com
DAN PHELPS
Columnist/Copy Editor
978-970-4640
dphelps@lowellsun.com
LETTER TO EDITOR
978-970-4623
978-656-0383
MTPC’s Letter to the Editor with Community Member Ethan St. Pierre
Dear Editor of the Lowell Sun
The references to transgender people, and in particular Chaz Bono’s gender transition, in “Christmas Carols with a Twist” was not funny. It was in fact, dehumanizing and degrading to transgender people. Transgender youth and adults are our neighbors, friends, and family members and more importantly, are human beings.
We are disappointed to see this piece in the Lowell Sun, the same paper that has covered stories of horrific violence and discrimination against transgender people in the Lowell community over the years. This type of “humor” contributes to a climate of intolerance to those who are different from us, in this case transgender people. Unfortunately, for some transgender youth and adults this climate of intolerance leads to violence and discrimination.
In a recent study by the National Gay and Lesbian Taskforce found that in Massachusetts that 76% transgender adults experienced harassment on the job, 31% of transgender youth in K-12 schools had experienced physical assault, and 18% of transgender adults had been physically assaulted in a bias motivated attack.
We hope that in the future the Lowell Sun will carry stories accurately reflecting the experiences of the transgender people and not as this pieces was, the butt of a joke.
Sincerely
Gunner Scott
Executive Director, Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition
Ethan St. Pierre
Haverhill Resident &
Coordinator of the Transgender Day of Remembrance website, which tracks the murders of transgender people due hate violence around the world.