From the LA Times:
Transsexual loses bid to be Sarasota manager
From the Associated Press
May 31, 2007
SARASOTA, FLA. — Steve Stanton was fired as city manager in Largo two months ago after announcing his plans to become Susan Stanton. On Wednesday, Stanton, wearing a white skirt, pumps and makeup, vied for the top job in this cosmopolitan tourist town, and was turned down.
The Sarasota city commissioners instead picked another one of the five candidates. Stanton was their third choice.
"It's just too soon. It's too soon for a transgendered city manager…. I just don't think the world is ready just yet," the 48-year-old Stanton said as she made a hasty exit from City Hall.
Commissioner Ken Shelin disagreed. Shelin said the determining factor was the winning candidate's "quiet leadership."
Stanton "made it into the top three," Shelin said. "She got serious consideration. She made, clearly, a very strong impression on all of us. There were favorable comments from all the commissioners."
Earlier this year, the Largo City Commission voted 5-2 to fire Stanton from the $140,000-a-year job after 14 years of generally excellent evaluations. Hundreds of people for and against transsexual rights packed the chambers, and dozens of police officers were posted to keep the peace. In the end, commissioners said it was Stanton's judgment and honesty, not his impending sex change, that prompted their decision.
Things were much calmer in Sarasota, about 50 miles south of Largo on Florida's southwestern coast.
Largo, with a population of 76,000, is a working-class community in the Tampa Bay area. Sarasota's 54,000 residents are generally more affluent, and it has a thriving arts scene.
Sarasota is also where Stanton spent much of her secret life as Susan before going public, spending several weekends a year there dressed in women's clothing.
"We need to put a little pepper in the atmosphere," said Sarasota resident Gwen Calloway, 70, who supported Stanton. "She has the background. She can start running instead of walking. She has proved she's accomplished."
The five candidates for city manager were interviewed separately at an open meeting, during which no one spoke against Stanton. A few police officers watched over the few citizens who sat through the job interviews.
The commissioners hesitated to bring up the one topic on nearly everyone's mind: Stanton's plans to undergo sex-change surgery.
So Stanton brought it up.
She said that the recuperation time for a sex-change operation was minimal and that, if hired, she would step back from the national spotlight.
The five commissioners ultimately voted to hire Robert Bartolotta, 59, who resigned as city manager of Jupiter in 2004 to care for his terminally ill wife. She has since died.
Unquote.
Hugs
Danielle Marie
City Manager of Largo Florida
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Danielle La Belle
- Account Deactivated at Member's Request
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Danielle La Belle
- Account Deactivated at Member's Request
- Posts: 994
- Joined: Sat Aug 09, 2003 9:49 am
- Location: SC
SPTimes - May 30..
SARASOTA - For much of Tuesday it wasn't hard to find Susan Stanton.
Wherever she appeared, up to 10 television cameras and reporters swarmed.
But Tuesday evening, it was the public's turn, as Stanton and four other applicants for Sarasota city manager mingled with about 400 people at a posh social.
After more interviews today, city commissioners plan to choose a top pick and a runnerup. Commissioners wouldn't say if they had any favorites, but Stanton said she felt good after her first day of one-on-one interviews.
"I'm optimistic that I will be given a fair and equal opportunity to show what I can do as city manager," she said.
Stanton, 48, who served as Largo's city manager for 14 years, was fired a month after revealing plans to become a woman.
Before the interviews, Stanton said she felt she was prepared, maybe too prepared. Last week she met with about 15 community and neighborhood leaders to gauge the city's needs. From those talks she knew what commissioners wanted to hear, but she didn't want her answers to sound canned and predictable.
One of the top candidates, Sunrise City Manager Patrick Salerno, said the barrage of media didn't bother him.
"I don't think it affected the process at all," he said.
Stanton disagreed, saying it especially affected her.
"This is damaging the process," she said. "A good city manager sits in the shadows."
After lunch, candidates jumped in a city van and toured Sarasota's neighborhoods and downtown. The evening wrapped up with a meet-the-candidates social at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
Over cocktails and heavy hors d'oeuvres, about 400 residents mingled with all five candidates, but Stanton always had someone waiting to be next.
"Of all the candidates we have, you know the one who should be selected: It's Susan," said Gwen E. Calloway, who sits on the city's board of adjustment. "She's smart, and she's not pretentious."
Calloway, who is African-American, said she could relate to the discrimination Stanton has faced.
Van Wezel Foundation co-chairwoman Dottie Baer Garner said she feels Stanton will be a boon to the arts.
But Michael Saunders, who runs a real estate company, said the selection process for the manager is rushed, with just two days of interviews.
"How can you, at a cocktail party, determine suitability," Saunders said.
Some asked Stanton tough questions, like the meaning of leadership or how she would help disaffected residents connect with City Hall.
Others just hugged and kissed her.
"People were fun. They were engaged. They were excited and sincere," she said. "To have people who will come up and embrace you as you are, it's an E-ticket (ride) at Disney World."
[Last modified May 30, 2007, 00:31:23]
Comments:
Comments on this article
by Pat 05/31/07 11:50 AM
Louise: Looks like Largo's loss isn't Sarasota's gain afterall. Why did everybody think he would automatically get the job over other highly qualified candidates?
by Carol 05/31/07 07:51 AM
He looks like a guy dressed in girl's clothing. The "she" reference is silly. My one cat thinks she is a dog, trying to act like a dog, but the fact is - she is a cat. Sorry Steve, you're still a boy to me. I'm not a prude, I'm just a realist.
by Susan 05/30/07 09:24 PM
I have an open mind, having enjoyed theater at the Suncoast Resort and transvestive shows in the Carribean. However, the City Manager job is not entertainment and I find it extremely distressing that under Susan Stanton's skirts is fully male.
by Marty S. 05/30/07 08:22 PM
Disney hasn't used tickets for rides in over 20 years. Maybe this shows how out of touch Stanton really is. Stanton doesn't want to sit in the shadows - he wants the limelight, the 15 minutes. All at the expense of his wife and son. Pathetic.
by Louise 05/30/07 07:56 PM
I believe Ms. Stanton should NEVER have been dismissed from Largo in the first place. She is more than qualified for the position in Sarasota, their gain is Largo's loss. Best of luck to Susan, show them what you're made of!!
by Cindy 05/30/07 01:07 PM
Yeh, he knows so well the City of Largo that he thought the people would accept his sex change.Really! He knows what is useful and self serving and worse of all he knows how to let the City Commissioners Know whatever he feels like.
by Patty 05/30/07 12:48 PM
The media is breaking every rule of journalism by calling he a she. It isn't factually correct and it is a political statement to do it. Media is supposed to be neutral!
by Shannon 05/30/07 12:45 PM
Yes, I agree with Laurie, Stanton has male DNA, he will always be a man. No amount of dress up wil change it.
by Don 05/30/07 12:31 PM
Stanton is a man pretending to be a women. If he has surgery he will be a mutilated man pretending to be a women. I feel sorry for this confused man but saying you are does not make it so.
by Gilbert 05/30/07 12:05 PM
If the process is fair and profess. run, then by all means if she is selected, let her have the job! I just wonder about the ongoing media circus and the inevitable distractions for the citizens of Sarasota! Also, her leadership was ? in Largo!
by Laurie 05/30/07 11:50 AM
Why is there reference to Steve Stanton as a she? I never read where he had a sex change operation. Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't someone with male 'organs' a He or Him? I'm confused, I can only imagine how Mr. Stanton feels.
by Frank 05/30/07 08:42 AM
They just selected a transsexual for the lord mayor of Cambridge, England. The times they are a changin.
by Jil 05/30/07 07:30 AM
Funny the media "bothers" Stanton, but he creates it and uses it to his advantage. They will find out what he is really like soon enough
end of entry.......................................
Everyone has an opinion of course. Never does a day go by that I do not consider what others say. Observation and consideration go a long way in obtaining an informal education on the thoughts of others. While we may be quick to reject anything that is not to our liking, these are the people that we live and breath with everyday. Yes they are! Everyday!
Denial is the road to ignorance. If you want to win an organized argument, you do it by arming yourself with the best observations that you can expose yourself too. Then, you know what you are up against and can perhaps, on a good day, win someone over to your way of thinking.
I can put on a different "uniform," and my Mom might have been accepting of "her", all the while, she would not forget the "son," that she came to know and love. There are limits. We cannot be too blind to see them.
Hugs
Danielle Marie
(Always be willing to look at another point of view).
SARASOTA - For much of Tuesday it wasn't hard to find Susan Stanton.
Wherever she appeared, up to 10 television cameras and reporters swarmed.
But Tuesday evening, it was the public's turn, as Stanton and four other applicants for Sarasota city manager mingled with about 400 people at a posh social.
After more interviews today, city commissioners plan to choose a top pick and a runnerup. Commissioners wouldn't say if they had any favorites, but Stanton said she felt good after her first day of one-on-one interviews.
"I'm optimistic that I will be given a fair and equal opportunity to show what I can do as city manager," she said.
Stanton, 48, who served as Largo's city manager for 14 years, was fired a month after revealing plans to become a woman.
Before the interviews, Stanton said she felt she was prepared, maybe too prepared. Last week she met with about 15 community and neighborhood leaders to gauge the city's needs. From those talks she knew what commissioners wanted to hear, but she didn't want her answers to sound canned and predictable.
One of the top candidates, Sunrise City Manager Patrick Salerno, said the barrage of media didn't bother him.
"I don't think it affected the process at all," he said.
Stanton disagreed, saying it especially affected her.
"This is damaging the process," she said. "A good city manager sits in the shadows."
After lunch, candidates jumped in a city van and toured Sarasota's neighborhoods and downtown. The evening wrapped up with a meet-the-candidates social at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
Over cocktails and heavy hors d'oeuvres, about 400 residents mingled with all five candidates, but Stanton always had someone waiting to be next.
"Of all the candidates we have, you know the one who should be selected: It's Susan," said Gwen E. Calloway, who sits on the city's board of adjustment. "She's smart, and she's not pretentious."
Calloway, who is African-American, said she could relate to the discrimination Stanton has faced.
Van Wezel Foundation co-chairwoman Dottie Baer Garner said she feels Stanton will be a boon to the arts.
But Michael Saunders, who runs a real estate company, said the selection process for the manager is rushed, with just two days of interviews.
"How can you, at a cocktail party, determine suitability," Saunders said.
Some asked Stanton tough questions, like the meaning of leadership or how she would help disaffected residents connect with City Hall.
Others just hugged and kissed her.
"People were fun. They were engaged. They were excited and sincere," she said. "To have people who will come up and embrace you as you are, it's an E-ticket (ride) at Disney World."
[Last modified May 30, 2007, 00:31:23]
Comments:
Comments on this article
by Pat 05/31/07 11:50 AM
Louise: Looks like Largo's loss isn't Sarasota's gain afterall. Why did everybody think he would automatically get the job over other highly qualified candidates?
by Carol 05/31/07 07:51 AM
He looks like a guy dressed in girl's clothing. The "she" reference is silly. My one cat thinks she is a dog, trying to act like a dog, but the fact is - she is a cat. Sorry Steve, you're still a boy to me. I'm not a prude, I'm just a realist.
by Susan 05/30/07 09:24 PM
I have an open mind, having enjoyed theater at the Suncoast Resort and transvestive shows in the Carribean. However, the City Manager job is not entertainment and I find it extremely distressing that under Susan Stanton's skirts is fully male.
by Marty S. 05/30/07 08:22 PM
Disney hasn't used tickets for rides in over 20 years. Maybe this shows how out of touch Stanton really is. Stanton doesn't want to sit in the shadows - he wants the limelight, the 15 minutes. All at the expense of his wife and son. Pathetic.
by Louise 05/30/07 07:56 PM
I believe Ms. Stanton should NEVER have been dismissed from Largo in the first place. She is more than qualified for the position in Sarasota, their gain is Largo's loss. Best of luck to Susan, show them what you're made of!!
by Cindy 05/30/07 01:07 PM
Yeh, he knows so well the City of Largo that he thought the people would accept his sex change.Really! He knows what is useful and self serving and worse of all he knows how to let the City Commissioners Know whatever he feels like.
by Patty 05/30/07 12:48 PM
The media is breaking every rule of journalism by calling he a she. It isn't factually correct and it is a political statement to do it. Media is supposed to be neutral!
by Shannon 05/30/07 12:45 PM
Yes, I agree with Laurie, Stanton has male DNA, he will always be a man. No amount of dress up wil change it.
by Don 05/30/07 12:31 PM
Stanton is a man pretending to be a women. If he has surgery he will be a mutilated man pretending to be a women. I feel sorry for this confused man but saying you are does not make it so.
by Gilbert 05/30/07 12:05 PM
If the process is fair and profess. run, then by all means if she is selected, let her have the job! I just wonder about the ongoing media circus and the inevitable distractions for the citizens of Sarasota! Also, her leadership was ? in Largo!
by Laurie 05/30/07 11:50 AM
Why is there reference to Steve Stanton as a she? I never read where he had a sex change operation. Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't someone with male 'organs' a He or Him? I'm confused, I can only imagine how Mr. Stanton feels.
by Frank 05/30/07 08:42 AM
They just selected a transsexual for the lord mayor of Cambridge, England. The times they are a changin.
by Jil 05/30/07 07:30 AM
Funny the media "bothers" Stanton, but he creates it and uses it to his advantage. They will find out what he is really like soon enough
end of entry.......................................
Everyone has an opinion of course. Never does a day go by that I do not consider what others say. Observation and consideration go a long way in obtaining an informal education on the thoughts of others. While we may be quick to reject anything that is not to our liking, these are the people that we live and breath with everyday. Yes they are! Everyday!
Denial is the road to ignorance. If you want to win an organized argument, you do it by arming yourself with the best observations that you can expose yourself too. Then, you know what you are up against and can perhaps, on a good day, win someone over to your way of thinking.
I can put on a different "uniform," and my Mom might have been accepting of "her", all the while, she would not forget the "son," that she came to know and love. There are limits. We cannot be too blind to see them.
Hugs
Danielle Marie
(Always be willing to look at another point of view).
Make the most of every day!
-
Danielle La Belle
- Account Deactivated at Member's Request
- Posts: 994
- Joined: Sat Aug 09, 2003 9:49 am
- Location: SC
Hi Girls:
In the respected blog, "Pushing Rope," Susan is quoted as saying she is now looking at "Education" or even running for Congress (she is a registered Republican), and if she wins the primary, she would be facing another woman (GG) (Democrat) for the Congressional seat.
You see gals, there is power in the right support. Had Susan just been a run-of-the-mill, hardware clerk or "Publix" (grocery store chain) bagger, well, then that would be a different story. Perhaps like the many stories that we hear about that entail just an every day gal making the change, Susan perhaps will be more successful in her political career.
Many that do make the change just want to fade into the distance and lead a normal life if that is possible. That's fine of course. I would like to see more positive change, but then, sitting here behind the glass wall of my monitor, I am rather safe from exposure and worse. We know what "worse" can bring as we have seen all to often in the past.
Nothing will ever change if there are not those that "dam the torpedoes" and go straight ahead into the mouth of the lion! We cannot expect someone else to hold our hand and take the heat for us too long. Eventually, our time will come when we must get off the fence and take a public position that is more forceful and supportive of our community.
Charge!
Hugs
Danielle Marie
(Gee! Did I say that?)
In the respected blog, "Pushing Rope," Susan is quoted as saying she is now looking at "Education" or even running for Congress (she is a registered Republican), and if she wins the primary, she would be facing another woman (GG) (Democrat) for the Congressional seat.
You see gals, there is power in the right support. Had Susan just been a run-of-the-mill, hardware clerk or "Publix" (grocery store chain) bagger, well, then that would be a different story. Perhaps like the many stories that we hear about that entail just an every day gal making the change, Susan perhaps will be more successful in her political career.
Many that do make the change just want to fade into the distance and lead a normal life if that is possible. That's fine of course. I would like to see more positive change, but then, sitting here behind the glass wall of my monitor, I am rather safe from exposure and worse. We know what "worse" can bring as we have seen all to often in the past.
Nothing will ever change if there are not those that "dam the torpedoes" and go straight ahead into the mouth of the lion! We cannot expect someone else to hold our hand and take the heat for us too long. Eventually, our time will come when we must get off the fence and take a public position that is more forceful and supportive of our community.
Charge!
Hugs
Danielle Marie
(Gee! Did I say that?)
Make the most of every day!
-
Danielle La Belle
- Account Deactivated at Member's Request
- Posts: 994
- Joined: Sat Aug 09, 2003 9:49 am
- Location: SC
Take Note Girls:
Susan Ashley Stanton came close to becoming the new city manager in Sarasota, Florida. She made the final three but the job was given to a man instead. The five commissioners hired Robert Bartolotta, 59, former city manager in the South Florida city of Jupiter.
But don't feel sorry. Susan has much to do and much to say in defense of the transgendered.
Coming up first: She will be the special keynote guest speaker for Saturday lunch on June 2nd at Be-All 2007, one of the largest transgender conferences in the world.
As the conference website says: "After years of personal frustrations over her gender identity she decided to advise her employers of her decision to change from Steve to Susan Stanton. Her employers then decided how sinful and untrustworthy she was and relieved Susan of her position with the city after 14 years of service. This story has been making news all over the country and we are honored to have Susan as our special guest this year. Please join us for this wonderful opportunity to meet Susan and make her feel comfortable, as this will be her very first transgender conference. Once again, we are very fortunate to have this brave person in our midst."
Later, Susan plans to move to Sarasota, where she spent much of her secret life as Susan before going public, spending several weekends a year there dressed in women's clothing and passing successfully. Susan said she plans to move to Sarasota even though she didn't get the job. To prepare for the interviews, she spent eight days there and said she made many friends in the community. "I'm a little disappointed, but this was such a great experience," she said. "Sarasota is going to be part of my future no matter what."
We are also thrilled that Susan will be speaking at our church, Unitarian Universalist of St. Petersburg next winter. We hosted a special service a few months back to support her.
Subscribe to Rational Thought..
end of Blog Quote..............
Hugs
Danielle Marie
Susan Ashley Stanton came close to becoming the new city manager in Sarasota, Florida. She made the final three but the job was given to a man instead. The five commissioners hired Robert Bartolotta, 59, former city manager in the South Florida city of Jupiter.
But don't feel sorry. Susan has much to do and much to say in defense of the transgendered.
Coming up first: She will be the special keynote guest speaker for Saturday lunch on June 2nd at Be-All 2007, one of the largest transgender conferences in the world.
As the conference website says: "After years of personal frustrations over her gender identity she decided to advise her employers of her decision to change from Steve to Susan Stanton. Her employers then decided how sinful and untrustworthy she was and relieved Susan of her position with the city after 14 years of service. This story has been making news all over the country and we are honored to have Susan as our special guest this year. Please join us for this wonderful opportunity to meet Susan and make her feel comfortable, as this will be her very first transgender conference. Once again, we are very fortunate to have this brave person in our midst."
Later, Susan plans to move to Sarasota, where she spent much of her secret life as Susan before going public, spending several weekends a year there dressed in women's clothing and passing successfully. Susan said she plans to move to Sarasota even though she didn't get the job. To prepare for the interviews, she spent eight days there and said she made many friends in the community. "I'm a little disappointed, but this was such a great experience," she said. "Sarasota is going to be part of my future no matter what."
We are also thrilled that Susan will be speaking at our church, Unitarian Universalist of St. Petersburg next winter. We hosted a special service a few months back to support her.
Subscribe to Rational Thought..
end of Blog Quote..............
Hugs
Danielle Marie
Make the most of every day!
-
Virginia
- Goddess of the Universe
- Posts: 5543
- Joined: Tue Feb 24, 2004 4:06 pm
- Location: Strange Magic Hill
I would love to see Susan run for political office. I don't know if all Republicans are as staid as some would believe and this would be a unique opportunity for that "label" to be negated!
She really has done more for "us" than she may realize!
Virginia
She really has done more for "us" than she may realize!
Virginia
First star to the right, then straight on 'till mornin!
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Danielle La Belle
- Account Deactivated at Member's Request
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- Joined: Sat Aug 09, 2003 9:49 am
- Location: SC
Report from: WMNF 88.5 FM NEWS
Sarasota postpones vote on manager
By Mitch E. Perry
06/05/07 WMNF Evening News Tuesday
Last week the big news in Sarasota was how Susan Stanton did NOT get the job as City Manager. But the man who did, Robert Bartolotta, has NOT been approved by the Sarasota City Commission. Instead the Commission voted last night to continue investigating his background. That’s because Commissioners learned last Friday about accusations that Bartolotta in 2003 slapped his wife while she was hospitalized. But 2 earlier investigations, one by the state Department of Children & Families and another by law enforcement, found nothing to corroborate the allegations. However, the Commission opted last night not to approve Bartolotta’s new $170,000 contract, but instead decided to further investigate his background when he was City Manager in Jupiter, Florida. Kelly Kirschner is the Vice Mayor of Sarasota. He says in retrospect, the City Commmission went too quickly in hiring Bartolotta last week (roll tape#1 o.q.”does too”) Robert Bartolotta told Tuesday’s Sarasota Herald Tribune that he supports the Commission’s decision to further investigate the matter, saying if it increases their comfort level, then it’s important that I have their trust. Bartolotta said he considered disclosing the allegations to commissioners when he interviewed for the city manager job, but decided against it because they were never substantiated. The sole vote opposing that motion was by City Commissioner Dick Clapp (roll tape#2 o.q.”what she heard”) After the allegations surfaced in Jupiter and were found to have been unsubstantiated, The Jupiter City Council supported Bartolotta at the time and gave him a 7 percent raise the following January.
End of Quote....
No Comment....Girls.
Hugs
Danielle Marie
Sarasota postpones vote on manager
By Mitch E. Perry
06/05/07 WMNF Evening News Tuesday
Last week the big news in Sarasota was how Susan Stanton did NOT get the job as City Manager. But the man who did, Robert Bartolotta, has NOT been approved by the Sarasota City Commission. Instead the Commission voted last night to continue investigating his background. That’s because Commissioners learned last Friday about accusations that Bartolotta in 2003 slapped his wife while she was hospitalized. But 2 earlier investigations, one by the state Department of Children & Families and another by law enforcement, found nothing to corroborate the allegations. However, the Commission opted last night not to approve Bartolotta’s new $170,000 contract, but instead decided to further investigate his background when he was City Manager in Jupiter, Florida. Kelly Kirschner is the Vice Mayor of Sarasota. He says in retrospect, the City Commmission went too quickly in hiring Bartolotta last week (roll tape#1 o.q.”does too”) Robert Bartolotta told Tuesday’s Sarasota Herald Tribune that he supports the Commission’s decision to further investigate the matter, saying if it increases their comfort level, then it’s important that I have their trust. Bartolotta said he considered disclosing the allegations to commissioners when he interviewed for the city manager job, but decided against it because they were never substantiated. The sole vote opposing that motion was by City Commissioner Dick Clapp (roll tape#2 o.q.”what she heard”) After the allegations surfaced in Jupiter and were found to have been unsubstantiated, The Jupiter City Council supported Bartolotta at the time and gave him a 7 percent raise the following January.
End of Quote....
No Comment....Girls.
Hugs
Danielle Marie
Make the most of every day!
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Danielle La Belle
- Account Deactivated at Member's Request
- Posts: 994
- Joined: Sat Aug 09, 2003 9:49 am
- Location: SC
Law Against Discrimination expands this Sunday -- New Jersey continues its national leadership in LGBTI civil rights
By Steven Goldstein - June 14, 2007 - 8:15am
Tags: Garden State Equality,
Release Date: June 14, 2007
This Sunday, June 17, 2007, the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination will expand to outlaw discrimination based on “gender identity or expression,” thereby providing protection to transgender people. Since Garden State Equality’s founding in 2004, New Jersey has enacted 153 laws at the state, county and municipal levels advancing the civil rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community.
That's more LGBTI civil rights laws in less time than in any other state, ever in American history -- by far.
Governor Corzine signed the transgender equality bill into law on December 19, 2006. According to the text of the law, it takes effect 180 days after enactment, this Sunday, June 17th.
This Monday, June 18th at 7:00 pm, at the Unitarian Church of Montclair, 67 Church Street, Montclair, Garden State Equality and the Gender Rights Advocacy Association of New Jersey will present a program to celebrate the new law. The guest speaker will be Susan Stanton, the former city manager of Largo, Florida who made headlines across the world when she told city officials she would be transitioning from Steve to Susan Stanton.
New Jersey is now the third most populous state in the country to have a statute outlawing discrimination against transgender people. Thirteen states including New Jersey, as well as the District of Columbia, have such statutes.
In order of enactment, the states are: Minnesota, Rhode Island, New Mexico, California, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Hawaii, New Jersey, Washington State (enacted in December 2006 just after New Jersey), Iowa, Oregon, Vermont and Colorado (these four most recent states in 2007).
Massachusetts, the only state that allows same-sex couples to marry, does not yet have a statute outlawing discrimination against transgender people.
Contact: Steven Goldstein, chair of Garden State Equality, cell (917) 449-8918, Goldstein@GardenStateEquality.org
end of quote......
Just so we all know the factual record......
Hugs
Danielle Marie
(Star Reporter with or without booties)....
By Steven Goldstein - June 14, 2007 - 8:15am
Tags: Garden State Equality,
Release Date: June 14, 2007
This Sunday, June 17, 2007, the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination will expand to outlaw discrimination based on “gender identity or expression,” thereby providing protection to transgender people. Since Garden State Equality’s founding in 2004, New Jersey has enacted 153 laws at the state, county and municipal levels advancing the civil rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community.
That's more LGBTI civil rights laws in less time than in any other state, ever in American history -- by far.
Governor Corzine signed the transgender equality bill into law on December 19, 2006. According to the text of the law, it takes effect 180 days after enactment, this Sunday, June 17th.
This Monday, June 18th at 7:00 pm, at the Unitarian Church of Montclair, 67 Church Street, Montclair, Garden State Equality and the Gender Rights Advocacy Association of New Jersey will present a program to celebrate the new law. The guest speaker will be Susan Stanton, the former city manager of Largo, Florida who made headlines across the world when she told city officials she would be transitioning from Steve to Susan Stanton.
New Jersey is now the third most populous state in the country to have a statute outlawing discrimination against transgender people. Thirteen states including New Jersey, as well as the District of Columbia, have such statutes.
In order of enactment, the states are: Minnesota, Rhode Island, New Mexico, California, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Hawaii, New Jersey, Washington State (enacted in December 2006 just after New Jersey), Iowa, Oregon, Vermont and Colorado (these four most recent states in 2007).
Massachusetts, the only state that allows same-sex couples to marry, does not yet have a statute outlawing discrimination against transgender people.
Contact: Steven Goldstein, chair of Garden State Equality, cell (917) 449-8918, Goldstein@GardenStateEquality.org
end of quote......
Just so we all know the factual record......
Hugs
Danielle Marie
(Star Reporter with or without booties)....
Make the most of every day!
-
Danielle La Belle
- Account Deactivated at Member's Request
- Posts: 994
- Joined: Sat Aug 09, 2003 9:49 am
- Location: SC
Hi Girls:
For those that follow this thread, Susan Stanton appeared on the Larry King Show, Aug. 10, 2007. She was in good company with others as well and then likes of the popular Jessica Lam; the "Catherine Zeta Jones" styled musician/actor from the Miami, Fla area.
Since I did not get to watch the show but I did see the CNN short video, I have ordered the video DVD and should have that by Aug. 27th. I will post here my thoughts after watching the video...hmm, oh yes, I am sure you are holding your breath...
That's all from CFN (Crossdressers Forum Network)...stay tuned!
Hugs
Danielle Marie
For those that follow this thread, Susan Stanton appeared on the Larry King Show, Aug. 10, 2007. She was in good company with others as well and then likes of the popular Jessica Lam; the "Catherine Zeta Jones" styled musician/actor from the Miami, Fla area.
Since I did not get to watch the show but I did see the CNN short video, I have ordered the video DVD and should have that by Aug. 27th. I will post here my thoughts after watching the video...hmm, oh yes, I am sure you are holding your breath...
That's all from CFN (Crossdressers Forum Network)...stay tuned!
Hugs
Danielle Marie
Make the most of every day!
-
Danielle La Belle
- Account Deactivated at Member's Request
- Posts: 994
- Joined: Sat Aug 09, 2003 9:49 am
- Location: SC
September 18, 2007
Susan Stanton to appear on Montel Florida - 09-20-07....Thursday Past
Susan Stanton is heading back to television.
The former Largo city manager is scheduled to appear on Montel Williams on Thursday.
In a prerecorded episode titled "Transgendered: Trapped in the Wrong Body," Williams strove to put a human face on transgenderism and asked Stanton about the circumstances surrounding her termination, Stanton said today.
Stanton, who was fired a month after she revealed plans to become a woman, said Largo officials made the wrong decision, but she doesn't blame them.
"I had the responsibility to ensure that my personal life didn't become an issue. It did," said Stanton, who also will celebrate her 49th birthday Thursday.
Stanton said a crew from the Montel Williams' show came to Largo to shoot scenes at Largo Public Library and Largo Central Park.
Stanton said she told Williams that she lost virtually every personal and professional relationship she had after people learned she planned to become a woman.
"Especially those who were the closest walked away the quickest and have not been back," she said.
Stanton has moved to Sarasota and applied for several city management and educational jobs in Florida, California and Arizona. Recently, she applied for the city manager's job in Tempe, Ariz., but was not a finalist. She is writing a book and plans to have gender reassignment surgery in May.
end quote
I would like to note that Susan "lost every immediate professional friend and personal local friend over this matter. One must be prepared for the consequences before taking on such a heavy burden. And, there will be consequences, you can count on that.
Hugs
Danielle Marie
Susan Stanton to appear on Montel Florida - 09-20-07....Thursday Past
Susan Stanton is heading back to television.
The former Largo city manager is scheduled to appear on Montel Williams on Thursday.
In a prerecorded episode titled "Transgendered: Trapped in the Wrong Body," Williams strove to put a human face on transgenderism and asked Stanton about the circumstances surrounding her termination, Stanton said today.
Stanton, who was fired a month after she revealed plans to become a woman, said Largo officials made the wrong decision, but she doesn't blame them.
"I had the responsibility to ensure that my personal life didn't become an issue. It did," said Stanton, who also will celebrate her 49th birthday Thursday.
Stanton said a crew from the Montel Williams' show came to Largo to shoot scenes at Largo Public Library and Largo Central Park.
Stanton said she told Williams that she lost virtually every personal and professional relationship she had after people learned she planned to become a woman.
"Especially those who were the closest walked away the quickest and have not been back," she said.
Stanton has moved to Sarasota and applied for several city management and educational jobs in Florida, California and Arizona. Recently, she applied for the city manager's job in Tempe, Ariz., but was not a finalist. She is writing a book and plans to have gender reassignment surgery in May.
end quote
I would like to note that Susan "lost every immediate professional friend and personal local friend over this matter. One must be prepared for the consequences before taking on such a heavy burden. And, there will be consequences, you can count on that.
Hugs
Danielle Marie
Make the most of every day!
-
Danielle La Belle
- Account Deactivated at Member's Request
- Posts: 994
- Joined: Sat Aug 09, 2003 9:49 am
- Location: SC
Susan Stanton's lonely transformation
A year after Steve Stanton became Susan, the physical and emotional changes are surprising sources of wonder and pain.
By LANE DeGREGORY, Times Staff Writer
Published December 31, 2007
SARASOTA -- Every morning, Susan Stanton wakes early and takes three pills. They help her suppress who she was and become the person she believes she should be.
At 9 a.m., still in her pajamas, she climbs the stairs in her Sarasota bungalow, clicks on her computer and goes to work. Looking for a job.
"I miss the 16-hour days, working with so many bright people, leading the city. I still love Largo," she says.
"I think I'm suffering from 'Pretty girl syndrome': People assume I'm making tons of money, traveling around speaking. But the truth is: I need help. I'm starting to approach people I know in the area, which I never thought I'd be doing.
"Maybe that's the last part of the transition: Losing my male ego."
* * *
This time last year, Susan was Steve Stanton, husband and father, a 48-year-old conservative man who oversaw 1,000 employees as Largo city manager. He had led the town of 76,000 for 14 years. City commissioners had consistently given him raises and rave reviews.
This time last year, Steve was making plans to tell city leaders that he had always wanted to be a woman.
The truth came out when a St. Petersburg Times reporter heard a rumor and asked if it was true. Steve said yes. A month later, on March 23, commissioners fired him.
So after years of fear and secrecy, Steve became his second self. Susan testified before Congress, appeared on TV with Larry King and Montel Williams and became the somewhat reluctant face of the transgender-equality movement. A CNN documentary crew followed her and still does.
Nine months later, she finds herself waking up alone in a new city, her year's severance pay running out, with no friends -- except the woman who does her electrolysis.
"I was totally unprepared for the reaction and rejection of almost everyone who'd been close to me," Susan says. "People I'd known for 20 years won't even talk to me."
Recently, over a long lunch in Sarasota, Susan opened up about surgery, family, dating -- and her greatest fear.
And for the first time since Susan appeared in public, her wife Donna and 14-year-old son Travis talked in a separate interview about what it has been like to watch their husband and dad turn into a woman.
* * *
The physical transformation is nearly complete.
Susan's ash blond hair has grown into shoulder-length layers. She has thrown out the wig, learned to blow dry with a round brush. Her makeup is subtle. With estrogen, her breasts have swollen to size 38B. Last month, she had her first mammogram.
Electrolysis is almost over -- "Thank God!" Susan says. With the face and chest finished, there's only one place left undone. Susan says, "Transsexuals refer to it as Area 51."
The woman who performs the electrolysis has become Susan's confidant. She takes Susan shopping, shows her how to match outfits, answers questions like: When you go to the bathroom in a skirt, do you slide it down or hike it up?
"I'm still getting used to so many things about my new body," Susan says. "It's intoxicatingly enjoyable and absolutely right." She loves the feel of soft sweaters on her hairless arms, the new curves of her hips, her smooth cheeks and chin. And there's still one leap to make.
In May, Susan flies to Arizona for the $15,000 gender-reassignment surgery.
She asked her wife to be with her, but Donna says that would be too painful. "I'm still having problems having dinner with this woman who used to be my husband," she says.
"I can't be there when the last bit of the man I married is taken away."
* * *
Susan's wife still calls her Steve.
"It's hard for me to call my husband Susan," Donna says.
They've lived apart since early summer, but haven't gotten divorced. Every week they go out to dinner or hang out at the house they used to share in Largo. On Christmas Eve, Susan, Donna and Travis went to church together in Sarasota.
"Susan would like to be my girlfriend. But I'm really not ready for that," Donna says. "I wish Susan had her own girlfriends.
"I think, eventually, Steve and I will be better friends than he and I ever were spouses," Donna says, slipping back into familiar names and pronouns. "But that's going to take some time."
Donna, who had been a stay-at-home mom since Travis was born, is working part-time, as a medical technician.
"Two years ago, when Steve first told me he was going to make this change, I was angry," Donna says. "But now I don't feel anger. I feel like being a transsexual is a disability. And it's hard to be angry with someone because they're disabled."
In some ways, Donna says, her husband's journey actually has improved family relationships.
Finally, she could be honest with people. "I was so on-guard all the time, being his secret-keeper," Donna says.
The person she had worried most about -- her teenage son, Travis -- well, he shocked her.
* * *
Susan's son still calls her Dad.
In the past 10 months, Travis says, he has spent more time than ever with his father. They get together every other weekend, and at least one weeknight.
They fish and scuba dive. Susan takes Travis to concerts and plays; she even comes to Travis' middle school to talk to his teachers and pick up his friends.
"Most of them are okay with it. They haven't been mean. I haven't been sad," says Travis. "Everyone thinks my dad has hurt me and my life is ruined. But that's not how it is at all. I just think I get things more now.
"Like, I used to think gay people were kind of weird. Now I see how they feel," Travis says.
Travis misses having his dad around to help with homework; he misses watching Animal Planet with him before bed.
But he spends more time with Susan, he says, than he ever did with Steve.
"We do stuff together all the time. It's like being with my aunt or something," Travis says.
"Only he's still my dad."
* * *
Susan wishes her mom were still alive, so she could meet her new daughter. Her mom was always asking what was wrong -- and Steve never told her.
Susan's sister, who met her for the first time this summer, exclaimed, "You look just like mom!" Her brother wants to help Susan book speaking engagements.
Her dad, who lives in Florida's Panhandle, doesn't want to meet Susan. "He still calls me Steve," Susan says. "We talk about the weather, his golf game, how his car is running. He doesn't ask about me.
"I guess I'll never see him again."
* * *
Susan has met hundreds of other people like her. She was among the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people lobbying for a law that would make it illegal for others to discriminate against them.
But Susan has said all along that she's not like other transgender people. She feels uncomfortable even looking at some, "like I'm seeing a bunch of men in dresses."
Eventually, she decided it was too early for transgender people to be federally protected. People need more time, more education, she says. "The transgender groups boo me, now, when I speak. Isn't that ironic?
"But I don't blame the human rights groups from separating the transgender people from the protected groups. Most Americans aren't ready for us yet," Susan says. Transgender people need to be able to prove they're still viable workers -- especially in the mainstream.
"The biggest issue against the federal legislation is that politicians think the ladies' rooms will be invaded by guys in drag," Susan says, "instead of someone like me."
* * *
Loneliness consumes her. Even when she gets up the courage to go out, she is almost always alone: in the theater, in church and at women's group meetings.
A few times she has taken herself out to hear bands. Men have asked her to dance, she says, but she hasn't "been brave enough to accept." Part of her wants to.
"Six months ago, I would have said, 'No. Never. I'm not gay.' Now it feels nice, natural, when a man buys me a drink," Susan says. "It's nice to have someone order dinner for you, choose the wine."
The only guy Susan has gone out to dinner with, she says, is a gay CNN producer filming a documentary about her. "He knows how to treat a lady," Susan says.
She says she doesn't want to get divorced, but understands why Donna does.
The other day, she told her son, "Mom needs a man in her life now. And I may need the same thing."
* * *
First, she needs a job. She has applied for more than 100 positions in city management, but has interviewed in only four cities -- Sarasota, Naples, Tempe, Ariz., and Berkeley, Calif.
Though she's officially Susan, Steve still has to surface every time Susan needs a reference. Without Steve, she doesn't have a resume.
"I'd rather die than go back to being Steve," Susan says. But she says losing her professional standing "hurts in ways I never could have imagined."
Steve spent most of his life hiding who he believes he really is, building a successful career. Susan has no professional reputation. Just people's biases and fears.
Most of the leads she gets from Monster.com have been for jobs as a secretary, administrative assistant or receptionist. Does being a woman mean she has to start over, do something with less responsibility?
"I was a good city manager. I know I was. I had high expectations and held people responsible for achieving results," Susan says. "I could've made it work. I'm not some drag queen in a pink miniskirt with 6-inch heels. And I'm not Aunt Bee.
"I don't expect to be making $200,000 at my next job. I just want the opportunity to show I can still do what I've spent my professional life doing."
Ask her if she's happier now and she says, "That's an unfair question."
Her body finally matches her mind, she says. But she believes she cannot be complete without meaningful work.
"If I have no more professional existence," Susan says, "I will end it. I couldn't live like that."
* * *
Around noon each day, she pads downstairs into her bedroom and swaps her pajamas for running clothes. Susan wears a jogging bra now. But she still wears Steve's shoes.
She used to run 2 miles at lunch. Now, she can barely make it through a half-mile. The change in her strength and stamina, she says, has been profound.
After her run, Susan comes home to shower. It used to take Steve three hours to become Susan. Now, Susan can get ready in 40 minutes, including accessorizing.
She stands in front of the mirror, checking the jewelry she borrowed from her wife. She's satisfied with her image, if not with her life.
"I've never been a man. What man would want to cut off his balls?" Susan asks. "And I wasn't born a woman, so I can never be a real one.
"I just want to be authentic, to be who I really am ...
"Whoever that is."
Lane DeGregory can be reached at degregory@sptimes.com or (727) 893-8825.
Susan Stanton's only son, Travis, is 14. This fall, his middle school teacher asked the class to write about tolerance. With his parents' permission, and Travis' consent, here is the essay he wrote, edited for spelling and space.
Throughout my whole life, I thought my dad was a really tough guy. He went out with the cops and busted bad guys. He shot guns, fought fires. He was an aggressive driver. He liked football and lots of sports.
Then one day my thoughts changed about him when we had a family meeting and he told me how he felt about himself. He said he felt like a woman on the inside and was going to change into one. He said he tried his best to be a manly guy, but he couldn't stop his feelings to become a girl.
At first, I thought I was in a dream. I thought he was 100 percent manly man, more manly than most guys.
After a few days, I thought about it. I knew he was making the right choice to become a girl. Although I can't relate to his feelings, it must be really hard to hide something like that. It would be like having $1-million and not being able to spend it. After just so long, your feelings would take over and you would spend it. ...
I think that everyone should be who they are and not try to be the same as other people. If you ask me, this has got to be the most manliest thing he has done in his whole life. It takes a real man to come out of his shell and say, "Hey, I am who I am."
Now he is who he is meant to be. He is himself.
end quote
SPECIAL LINK BELOW FOR ADDITIONAL COVERAGE...!!!!!
http://www.sptimes.com/2007/webspecials ... s/stanton/
Hugs
Danielle Marie
I am that I am.....
A year after Steve Stanton became Susan, the physical and emotional changes are surprising sources of wonder and pain.
By LANE DeGREGORY, Times Staff Writer
Published December 31, 2007
SARASOTA -- Every morning, Susan Stanton wakes early and takes three pills. They help her suppress who she was and become the person she believes she should be.
At 9 a.m., still in her pajamas, she climbs the stairs in her Sarasota bungalow, clicks on her computer and goes to work. Looking for a job.
"I miss the 16-hour days, working with so many bright people, leading the city. I still love Largo," she says.
"I think I'm suffering from 'Pretty girl syndrome': People assume I'm making tons of money, traveling around speaking. But the truth is: I need help. I'm starting to approach people I know in the area, which I never thought I'd be doing.
"Maybe that's the last part of the transition: Losing my male ego."
* * *
This time last year, Susan was Steve Stanton, husband and father, a 48-year-old conservative man who oversaw 1,000 employees as Largo city manager. He had led the town of 76,000 for 14 years. City commissioners had consistently given him raises and rave reviews.
This time last year, Steve was making plans to tell city leaders that he had always wanted to be a woman.
The truth came out when a St. Petersburg Times reporter heard a rumor and asked if it was true. Steve said yes. A month later, on March 23, commissioners fired him.
So after years of fear and secrecy, Steve became his second self. Susan testified before Congress, appeared on TV with Larry King and Montel Williams and became the somewhat reluctant face of the transgender-equality movement. A CNN documentary crew followed her and still does.
Nine months later, she finds herself waking up alone in a new city, her year's severance pay running out, with no friends -- except the woman who does her electrolysis.
"I was totally unprepared for the reaction and rejection of almost everyone who'd been close to me," Susan says. "People I'd known for 20 years won't even talk to me."
Recently, over a long lunch in Sarasota, Susan opened up about surgery, family, dating -- and her greatest fear.
And for the first time since Susan appeared in public, her wife Donna and 14-year-old son Travis talked in a separate interview about what it has been like to watch their husband and dad turn into a woman.
* * *
The physical transformation is nearly complete.
Susan's ash blond hair has grown into shoulder-length layers. She has thrown out the wig, learned to blow dry with a round brush. Her makeup is subtle. With estrogen, her breasts have swollen to size 38B. Last month, she had her first mammogram.
Electrolysis is almost over -- "Thank God!" Susan says. With the face and chest finished, there's only one place left undone. Susan says, "Transsexuals refer to it as Area 51."
The woman who performs the electrolysis has become Susan's confidant. She takes Susan shopping, shows her how to match outfits, answers questions like: When you go to the bathroom in a skirt, do you slide it down or hike it up?
"I'm still getting used to so many things about my new body," Susan says. "It's intoxicatingly enjoyable and absolutely right." She loves the feel of soft sweaters on her hairless arms, the new curves of her hips, her smooth cheeks and chin. And there's still one leap to make.
In May, Susan flies to Arizona for the $15,000 gender-reassignment surgery.
She asked her wife to be with her, but Donna says that would be too painful. "I'm still having problems having dinner with this woman who used to be my husband," she says.
"I can't be there when the last bit of the man I married is taken away."
* * *
Susan's wife still calls her Steve.
"It's hard for me to call my husband Susan," Donna says.
They've lived apart since early summer, but haven't gotten divorced. Every week they go out to dinner or hang out at the house they used to share in Largo. On Christmas Eve, Susan, Donna and Travis went to church together in Sarasota.
"Susan would like to be my girlfriend. But I'm really not ready for that," Donna says. "I wish Susan had her own girlfriends.
"I think, eventually, Steve and I will be better friends than he and I ever were spouses," Donna says, slipping back into familiar names and pronouns. "But that's going to take some time."
Donna, who had been a stay-at-home mom since Travis was born, is working part-time, as a medical technician.
"Two years ago, when Steve first told me he was going to make this change, I was angry," Donna says. "But now I don't feel anger. I feel like being a transsexual is a disability. And it's hard to be angry with someone because they're disabled."
In some ways, Donna says, her husband's journey actually has improved family relationships.
Finally, she could be honest with people. "I was so on-guard all the time, being his secret-keeper," Donna says.
The person she had worried most about -- her teenage son, Travis -- well, he shocked her.
* * *
Susan's son still calls her Dad.
In the past 10 months, Travis says, he has spent more time than ever with his father. They get together every other weekend, and at least one weeknight.
They fish and scuba dive. Susan takes Travis to concerts and plays; she even comes to Travis' middle school to talk to his teachers and pick up his friends.
"Most of them are okay with it. They haven't been mean. I haven't been sad," says Travis. "Everyone thinks my dad has hurt me and my life is ruined. But that's not how it is at all. I just think I get things more now.
"Like, I used to think gay people were kind of weird. Now I see how they feel," Travis says.
Travis misses having his dad around to help with homework; he misses watching Animal Planet with him before bed.
But he spends more time with Susan, he says, than he ever did with Steve.
"We do stuff together all the time. It's like being with my aunt or something," Travis says.
"Only he's still my dad."
* * *
Susan wishes her mom were still alive, so she could meet her new daughter. Her mom was always asking what was wrong -- and Steve never told her.
Susan's sister, who met her for the first time this summer, exclaimed, "You look just like mom!" Her brother wants to help Susan book speaking engagements.
Her dad, who lives in Florida's Panhandle, doesn't want to meet Susan. "He still calls me Steve," Susan says. "We talk about the weather, his golf game, how his car is running. He doesn't ask about me.
"I guess I'll never see him again."
* * *
Susan has met hundreds of other people like her. She was among the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people lobbying for a law that would make it illegal for others to discriminate against them.
But Susan has said all along that she's not like other transgender people. She feels uncomfortable even looking at some, "like I'm seeing a bunch of men in dresses."
Eventually, she decided it was too early for transgender people to be federally protected. People need more time, more education, she says. "The transgender groups boo me, now, when I speak. Isn't that ironic?
"But I don't blame the human rights groups from separating the transgender people from the protected groups. Most Americans aren't ready for us yet," Susan says. Transgender people need to be able to prove they're still viable workers -- especially in the mainstream.
"The biggest issue against the federal legislation is that politicians think the ladies' rooms will be invaded by guys in drag," Susan says, "instead of someone like me."
* * *
Loneliness consumes her. Even when she gets up the courage to go out, she is almost always alone: in the theater, in church and at women's group meetings.
A few times she has taken herself out to hear bands. Men have asked her to dance, she says, but she hasn't "been brave enough to accept." Part of her wants to.
"Six months ago, I would have said, 'No. Never. I'm not gay.' Now it feels nice, natural, when a man buys me a drink," Susan says. "It's nice to have someone order dinner for you, choose the wine."
The only guy Susan has gone out to dinner with, she says, is a gay CNN producer filming a documentary about her. "He knows how to treat a lady," Susan says.
She says she doesn't want to get divorced, but understands why Donna does.
The other day, she told her son, "Mom needs a man in her life now. And I may need the same thing."
* * *
First, she needs a job. She has applied for more than 100 positions in city management, but has interviewed in only four cities -- Sarasota, Naples, Tempe, Ariz., and Berkeley, Calif.
Though she's officially Susan, Steve still has to surface every time Susan needs a reference. Without Steve, she doesn't have a resume.
"I'd rather die than go back to being Steve," Susan says. But she says losing her professional standing "hurts in ways I never could have imagined."
Steve spent most of his life hiding who he believes he really is, building a successful career. Susan has no professional reputation. Just people's biases and fears.
Most of the leads she gets from Monster.com have been for jobs as a secretary, administrative assistant or receptionist. Does being a woman mean she has to start over, do something with less responsibility?
"I was a good city manager. I know I was. I had high expectations and held people responsible for achieving results," Susan says. "I could've made it work. I'm not some drag queen in a pink miniskirt with 6-inch heels. And I'm not Aunt Bee.
"I don't expect to be making $200,000 at my next job. I just want the opportunity to show I can still do what I've spent my professional life doing."
Ask her if she's happier now and she says, "That's an unfair question."
Her body finally matches her mind, she says. But she believes she cannot be complete without meaningful work.
"If I have no more professional existence," Susan says, "I will end it. I couldn't live like that."
* * *
Around noon each day, she pads downstairs into her bedroom and swaps her pajamas for running clothes. Susan wears a jogging bra now. But she still wears Steve's shoes.
She used to run 2 miles at lunch. Now, she can barely make it through a half-mile. The change in her strength and stamina, she says, has been profound.
After her run, Susan comes home to shower. It used to take Steve three hours to become Susan. Now, Susan can get ready in 40 minutes, including accessorizing.
She stands in front of the mirror, checking the jewelry she borrowed from her wife. She's satisfied with her image, if not with her life.
"I've never been a man. What man would want to cut off his balls?" Susan asks. "And I wasn't born a woman, so I can never be a real one.
"I just want to be authentic, to be who I really am ...
"Whoever that is."
Lane DeGregory can be reached at degregory@sptimes.com or (727) 893-8825.
Susan Stanton's only son, Travis, is 14. This fall, his middle school teacher asked the class to write about tolerance. With his parents' permission, and Travis' consent, here is the essay he wrote, edited for spelling and space.
Throughout my whole life, I thought my dad was a really tough guy. He went out with the cops and busted bad guys. He shot guns, fought fires. He was an aggressive driver. He liked football and lots of sports.
Then one day my thoughts changed about him when we had a family meeting and he told me how he felt about himself. He said he felt like a woman on the inside and was going to change into one. He said he tried his best to be a manly guy, but he couldn't stop his feelings to become a girl.
At first, I thought I was in a dream. I thought he was 100 percent manly man, more manly than most guys.
After a few days, I thought about it. I knew he was making the right choice to become a girl. Although I can't relate to his feelings, it must be really hard to hide something like that. It would be like having $1-million and not being able to spend it. After just so long, your feelings would take over and you would spend it. ...
I think that everyone should be who they are and not try to be the same as other people. If you ask me, this has got to be the most manliest thing he has done in his whole life. It takes a real man to come out of his shell and say, "Hey, I am who I am."
Now he is who he is meant to be. He is himself.
end quote
SPECIAL LINK BELOW FOR ADDITIONAL COVERAGE...!!!!!
http://www.sptimes.com/2007/webspecials ... s/stanton/
Hugs
Danielle Marie
I am that I am.....
Make the most of every day!
-
DonnaT
- Miss Great Goddess
- Posts: 8222
- Joined: Fri Sep 17, 2004 11:04 am
- Location: No. Virginia
-
DeeDee
- Miss Golden Goddess
- Posts: 591
- Joined: Sun Nov 21, 2004 4:45 pm
- Location: South Florida
- Contact:
Susan has also applied int Islamorada, Fla.....the result will be announced later in February. http://www.wltx.com/mobile/story.aspx?storyid=57057
BTW HGTV's dream house this year is also in Islamorada.......you can enter the contest until Feb 19 at http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/dream_home/
One can dream, sigh.
DeeDee
BTW HGTV's dream house this year is also in Islamorada.......you can enter the contest until Feb 19 at http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/dream_home/
One can dream, sigh.
DeeDee
-
Virginia
- Goddess of the Universe
- Posts: 5543
- Joined: Tue Feb 24, 2004 4:06 pm
- Location: Strange Magic Hill
I can only wish that to quote from her son's essay, ....."although I can not relate to his feelings...." If only those that don't would at least give us the benefit of the doubt 
Guess it ain't gonna happen, and she is really not helping us when she says she has problems with "US" and sees us as "men in dresses." Yes, I think she is in somewhat of a tumult. I am sure that once she has surgery she will become like most other TS and assume a "stealth" mode!
Virginia
Guess it ain't gonna happen, and she is really not helping us when she says she has problems with "US" and sees us as "men in dresses." Yes, I think she is in somewhat of a tumult. I am sure that once she has surgery she will become like most other TS and assume a "stealth" mode!Virginia
First star to the right, then straight on 'till mornin!
-
Danielle La Belle
- Account Deactivated at Member's Request
- Posts: 994
- Joined: Sat Aug 09, 2003 9:49 am
- Location: SC
I want to try to communicate here something that we may miss about this thread’s observations and hidden perhaps, counter-story.
I observed my neighbor this morning retrieving his morning newspaper. He was in a bath robe and slippers. At first thought, I waved and said good morning, (we have to yell as we are almost 200 yards from each others view). It occurred to me that I assumed something here. I assumed that as I, he was just getting up from a good nights sleep. I really do not know if he slept well, I have no way of really knowing this. For that matter, he may have worked the late night shift and after arriving home, he changed into his “night” ensemble and was back out retrieving the newspaper he forgot about when first getting home. This too I have no real proof of, it is just a thought.
So, all I really know for sure is that I saw him outside, in his bath robe and slippers/flip-flops, retrieving his newspaper. I am not sure what date is on that newspaper. It could be an older one that he left out, or of course the latest edition. How can I possible tell without actually going and asking him. You see, often we must really “talk to the horse” to get the relevant answer that we are looking for.
I do read a great deal and visit with some scheduling this forum. It seems at times that I and others are “guilty” of presuming a great deal without any real evidence as such. We just express an opinion as I am doing here without any real supporting evidence. I think that this happens a great deal day-to-day for most people as we conduct business and our daily lives. A great deal of unsubstantiated talk goes on everywhere which is by and large the main reason for so much strife and perceived difficulty among the general populace. Note: Cell phones exacerbate the issue further, ha ha LOL....yak yak yak...squawk squawk..!
Susan Stanton, if she gets another “City Manager” position will be anything but stealth. A CNN crew is following her around 24/7, and will present a completed documentary in the Fall of 2008 I think. No supporting evidence of that, some will remember this statement and be asking at that time, where is the documentary on Susan Stanton, ha ha LOL.
It is not possible to only speak of things that we can fully document for others around us or readers on this forum. Supposedly, newspapers and news magazines do that for us. They are supposed to research their stories and provide an unbiased, documented view of the subject. Ha Ha LOL! Unbiased I am laughing at as most “rags” have a political slant to them according to the editor/owner’s personal point of view.
So Ms. Stanton could be an even more obvious voice if she gets a political job even when at the city level of government. I might note that I have not heard of such a thing even in California, et al, the city of San Francisco, let alone Iowa etc. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. We may be watching history in the making, day-by-day. In real-time it can be rather slow to appear as being historic. First it has to be “yesterday” before we can call it history, Ha HA LOL.
Susan expressed her dismay in attending a meeting where others, not as fortunate, perhaps looked like men in dresses. I have been told that I am lucky to look reasonably okay. I never take that for granted. I could have been 6’ 5”, 350 lbs. Depending on my skill set with makeup, I might just look larger than life.” At 6’, 148 lbs and thin framed, I can get by to some extent. I had very little to do with this (DNA), except that I take care not to add on any major weight, 36-28-35.
Susan is indeed fortunate to some degree as I have seen others that look just as good as she and even better without hormones. We have several members that surpass Susan with ease. They might really be (GG) posing as (TG)? Ha ha ha ha ha LOL!
So I wander as usual here, nothing new girls!
Hugs
Danielle Marie
I observed my neighbor this morning retrieving his morning newspaper. He was in a bath robe and slippers. At first thought, I waved and said good morning, (we have to yell as we are almost 200 yards from each others view). It occurred to me that I assumed something here. I assumed that as I, he was just getting up from a good nights sleep. I really do not know if he slept well, I have no way of really knowing this. For that matter, he may have worked the late night shift and after arriving home, he changed into his “night” ensemble and was back out retrieving the newspaper he forgot about when first getting home. This too I have no real proof of, it is just a thought.
So, all I really know for sure is that I saw him outside, in his bath robe and slippers/flip-flops, retrieving his newspaper. I am not sure what date is on that newspaper. It could be an older one that he left out, or of course the latest edition. How can I possible tell without actually going and asking him. You see, often we must really “talk to the horse” to get the relevant answer that we are looking for.
I do read a great deal and visit with some scheduling this forum. It seems at times that I and others are “guilty” of presuming a great deal without any real evidence as such. We just express an opinion as I am doing here without any real supporting evidence. I think that this happens a great deal day-to-day for most people as we conduct business and our daily lives. A great deal of unsubstantiated talk goes on everywhere which is by and large the main reason for so much strife and perceived difficulty among the general populace. Note: Cell phones exacerbate the issue further, ha ha LOL....yak yak yak...squawk squawk..!
Susan Stanton, if she gets another “City Manager” position will be anything but stealth. A CNN crew is following her around 24/7, and will present a completed documentary in the Fall of 2008 I think. No supporting evidence of that, some will remember this statement and be asking at that time, where is the documentary on Susan Stanton, ha ha LOL.
It is not possible to only speak of things that we can fully document for others around us or readers on this forum. Supposedly, newspapers and news magazines do that for us. They are supposed to research their stories and provide an unbiased, documented view of the subject. Ha Ha LOL! Unbiased I am laughing at as most “rags” have a political slant to them according to the editor/owner’s personal point of view.
So Ms. Stanton could be an even more obvious voice if she gets a political job even when at the city level of government. I might note that I have not heard of such a thing even in California, et al, the city of San Francisco, let alone Iowa etc. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. We may be watching history in the making, day-by-day. In real-time it can be rather slow to appear as being historic. First it has to be “yesterday” before we can call it history, Ha HA LOL.
Susan expressed her dismay in attending a meeting where others, not as fortunate, perhaps looked like men in dresses. I have been told that I am lucky to look reasonably okay. I never take that for granted. I could have been 6’ 5”, 350 lbs. Depending on my skill set with makeup, I might just look larger than life.” At 6’, 148 lbs and thin framed, I can get by to some extent. I had very little to do with this (DNA), except that I take care not to add on any major weight, 36-28-35.
Susan is indeed fortunate to some degree as I have seen others that look just as good as she and even better without hormones. We have several members that surpass Susan with ease. They might really be (GG) posing as (TG)? Ha ha ha ha ha LOL!
So I wander as usual here, nothing new girls!
Hugs
Danielle Marie
Make the most of every day!
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DeeDee
- Miss Golden Goddess
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