Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Reacting to Newtown Connecticut Shooting

Well, I have been trying to figure out what I was going to say about this story, and I still can't come up with anything. Even more ironic, were the spin-off threats that hit several Newfoundland schools in the days afterwards.  The topic came up on CBC news this past week and one of my tweets was quoted.  It just totally blows my mind that this type of violence could happen in what is supposedly a safe and civilized society. It has been a rough month for violence, as we had an NFL football player shoot his wife then himself, and now this Connecticut situation where someone shot his parents dead, and several students and staff at an elementary school.  While I have no idea of the circumstances, I find it interesting that the main stream media has not caught on to the additional fact that this guy not only opened fire in a school, but he did kill his parents, apparently. It's bad enough to murder anyone, but from where I sit, the fact that he killed his parents, points to what may be the true cause and story here.

Bottom line, we need to find a balance between taking precautions necessary to ensure safety vs not being afraid to live our lives.  What I will speak out about, and what makes me sick, is that certain niche entities are trying to utilize this tragedy to score political brownie points - specifically, the gun rights vs gun control folks, and the religious right. To think that a prominent person (can't remember who now), stated that this should be blamed on the gay community??  Gimme a break!

Also, I don't want to get too deep into the gun control debate, as I have not done sufficient research into the matter. But I will state that this crime would have been less likely to have happened, should the perpetrator not had access to firearms. Sure, a gun alone can't kill someone. It takes a person to use the gun. But at the same time, I think society needs to take a really close look at gun accessibility - because far too often, we see stories in the news about crimes being committed by the use of guns.

I don't have all the answers. In fact, I probably have very few. But I wanted to blog about this and express my outrage and disbelief that this event happened in Connecticut, and that spin-off threats occurred here in Newfoundland.


Sunday, December 23, 2012

McCreath promotes Animal rights in Newfoundland

With the recent string of animal abuse stories here in Newfoundland, and around the rest of Canada, I have decided to pull up my socks and take on a more active roll in animal rights activism work. I have recently gotten involved, donated money, filed membership paperwork, and/or engaged and/or plan to engage, each of these 5 organizations. I will encourage everyone reading this to click on all of their websites and learn more about how you can help.

http://www.BeaglePaws.com
http://www.HeavenlyCreatures.ca
http://www.SPCAstjohns.org
http://www.BirdAndSmallAnimalRescue.com
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/NF01.html

(photo credit to Beagle Paws)

Saturday, December 22, 2012

4 new Vlogs today! 12/22/2012

hope you enjoy!

Muskrat Falls Review
Keith Russell's Sexist Comments
Meeting Justin Trudeau
Ontario Stonewalling Trans ID Changers

Bowl Game Picks














A little late, but here are my Bowl pics:

Straight up winners:

Arizona over Nevada
Utah State over Toledo
San Diego State over Brigham Young
Lafayette over East Carolina
Boise State over Washington
Fresno State over Southern Methodist
Western Kentucky over Central Michigan
San Jose State over Bowling Green
Cincinnati over Duke
Baylor to upset UCLA
Louisiana Munroe over Ohio
Rutgers to upset Virginia Tech
Texas Tech over Minnesota
Air Force over Rice
Arizona State over Navy
West Virginia over Syracuse
Texas to upset Oregon State
Texas Christian over Michigan State
Vanderbilt over North Carolina State
Southern California over Georgia Tech
Tulsa to upset Iowa State
Louisiana State over Clemson
Northwestern to upset Mississippi State
Oklahoma State over Purdue
Georgia over Nebraska
South Carolina over Michigan
Stanford over Wisconsin
Northern Illinois to upset Florida State
Florida over Louisville
Oregon over Kansas State
Oklahoma to upset Texas A&M
Pittsburgh to upset Ole Miss
Kent State to upset Arkansas State
Alabama over Notre Dame

Spread:

I predict that all of my winners will cover except:

East Carolina covers against Lafayette
Washington covers against Boise State
Ohio covers against Munroe
Nebraska covers against Georgia
North Carolina State covers against Vanderbilt

McCreath decorates Office Christmas Tree! 12/22/2012

After word spread at work about my infamous temper tantrum in which I took my frustrations out on my Christmas tree at home, I managed to redeem myself by decorating a tree at the office, using the clever strategy of printing out Christmas-themed images of well-known cartoon characters, including Scooby Doo, Bert & Ernie, Winnie the Pooh, Mickey Mouse, and Donald Duck. In addition, I made sure that several pictures of cats got on the tree!

The office, which is often very business-like, has shown a strong internal demonstration of Christmas spirit.  Although I skipped the official office Christmas party, I attended the support-staff Christmas lunch, participated in the mystery gift-exchange, and will be bringing my infamous Tofurky Sausages to the office Christmas breakfast on Monday.


Talking trans with Justin Trudeau and Federal Liberals

On December 17, 2012, I had the opportunity to meet and chat with Justin Trudeau, Siobhan Coady, and Scott Andrews - all prominent members of the Liberal Party of Canada. This meeting took place at a public engagement social event which was booked to raise education and awareness towards Justin's quest to become the leader of the party, and his quest to revitalize and re-brand the Liberal Party.

Having stood up in the House of Commons and questioning Conservative Government's Minister of Transport, Denis Lebel, regarding a controversial regulation that bans air travel for gender-variant citizens, I knew trans issues were not only on Justin's radar, but ones he took to heart.  Meeting Justin and others gave me a great opportunity to demonstrate and remind everyone, that there are indeed trans people in Newfoundland who have concerns, as well as those who are keenly interested in having access to the eyes and ears of the Liberal Party.

Not only was this a chance for me to make a personal impression on these individuals, but it was a chance for them to demonstrate support to the trans community, which they did, by virtue of their willingness and gratitude to participate in a photo op with me and a transgender flag.

Another goal of mine was to ask them to gently pressure members of the Provincial Liberal party to get off the fence and take a positive stance in terms of supporting trans people and trans issues provincially.

This also serves as a wake up call to the NDP and all other political parties, that trans issues are not a political partisan matter, but something that is recognized and supported across party lines.





#nlpoli
#c279
#trans
#Liberal

Friday, December 21, 2012

My Open Letter to NL Womens' Policy Office re Keith Russell 12/21/2012

Dear Women's Policy Office,

I am writing to express extreme concern over the comments made last night in the House of Assembly by Keith Russell.

While i'd love to think that Minister Charlene Johnson and/or Premier Dunderdale would make a public statement denouncing his comments, due to political reasons, I can understand why they might feel compelled
to bite their tongue on this one.

However, given that the WPO is a non-partisan public service, i'm writing to encourage you to release a position statement that discusses the impact towards society, of public displays of misogyny among male politicians.

As a member and perceived leader of the transwomen community of the province, I have a personal and moral interest in women's issues, and have an interesting rapport with many women's rights and women's
issues organizations and movements.

I respectfully, would like to call upon your office to take a leadership role in taking steps to denounce Mr. Russell's actions in the House, to demonstrate to the public how and why these types of actions are harmful, and to take steps to proactively engage all politicians to educate them on how they can best conduct their
business without having to launch these types of sexist attacks against female politicians.

Sincerely,

Jennifer McCreath


 #nlpoli

Saturday, December 15, 2012

A Dozen Live Memories of the Rolling Stones!

Well, tonight may be the last time the Rolling Stones ever play a live concert. The event is going to be broadcast tonight live on Pay Per View all over the world. The concert takes place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, USA at 9.00 pm EST, on December 15, 2012.

The Stones are wrapping up a mini tour in commemoration of their 50th anniversary in the music business!  The tour started with two 'warm up' shows in small clubs in Paris, France (making this the first time in decades that their warm up shows did not take place in Toronto, Canada, interestingly enough). The official shows took place shortly thereafter, including two concerts at London England's O2 Arena, one show in Brooklyn New York, and now two shows in Newark.

While there are rumours that the tour will eventually continue into 2013, nothing has been formalized as of yet, and there is still a chance there may not be any more shows. I briefly contemplated a trip to Newark to see the show on Dec 13, but the cost of ticket and travel would have amounted to $2500, so I decided to take a pass.  I am certainly hopeful that there will be more shows booked, and shows for which the ticket do not run $800 each!  Quite frankly, I would be totally shocked if they didn't book at least one concert in Toronto - their unofficial home away from home. It would also seem ridiculous for them to not book at least one show in Los Angeles - perhaps tied with New York as the entertainment mecca of the world.

I was first introduced to the Rolling Stones music by a friend back in 1998, who suggested we attend their Bridges to Babylon concert at Toronto's Skydome.  After growing up in the 80s and ignoring music, it was during the late 90s where I started to take an interest in 70s rock. I had recently been introduced to the Eagles, Aerosmith, and KISS, and had seen them all live, and was highly impressed with the spectacle of a live concert event.

Seats in the nosebleed level of Toronto's infamous baseball stadium, the Skydome, were reasonable, so without even knowing any of their music, I had tickets in hand.  I hit my local used music store and grabbed a cassette of Hot Rocks - the Rolling Stones Greatest Hits album featuring tunes from their 1964-1971 era.  Come showtime on April 26, 1998, I had not only familiarized myself with most of their greatest hits, but had also bought a copy of their newest album, Bridges to Babylon.

Well, the show turned out to be what i consider to be the greatest concert I have ever seen in my entire life, at the point, and it had secured the Stones a spot in my list of all time favourites. Over the next 8 years, the Stones would undertake 3 more major tours, allowing me the chance to see them live, a total of 12 times.

Cashing in on the success of their 1997-98 tour, the Stones released a live album entitled No Security, which featured a selection of rare tunes that were played live on the tour. They also hit the road immediate again in 1999 to tour in support of this album.  At this point, I had become a major fan, and took steps to get myself a ticket in the 6th row on the floor for their Feb 25, 1999 concert in Toronto, this time, at the smaller arena, the newly-opened Air Canada Centre. This marked the Stones first Arena tour in almost 20 years, after playing giant football stadiums.  I attended this show with a much younger cousin, who at 17, was still old enough to be a Stones fan.  Seeing the Stones from the front of the floor was a tremendous experience. At the end of the show, we were both in a state of shock.  I looked at him and said "I don't think you'll ever see a better concert in your life". He agreed.

Fast forward to 2002, the Stones launched a tour in commemoration of their 40th anniversary, and released a box set entitled 40 Licks, which included 4 new tunes. This tour would be one of the most unique ever, as it featured three totally different sets and structures, as the tour contained shows played in giant stadiums, arenas, and small clubs. As was customary, the Stones traveled to Toronto,where they would spend a few weeks in a studio doing tour rehearsals.  All fans anticipated an infamous 'secret gig' to take place at some point.  It was August 16, 2002. I was about 5 weeks into a new job I had just started with the Ontario Government's Ministry of Citizenship. Word had just broken that a gig would take place that night at Palais Royale.  Access to the show would require a wrist band situation on a first come first serve basis.  As early as it was, I had been advised that there was already a huge line up outside of the club. Tickets would be sold for a mere $10 a piece!  So, the quest was on: find a wrist band for sale!  Using my crafty networking skills, I had found what appeared to be one wrist band for sale via black market for $500. Quite the mark up, but still would have been worth it. Unfortunately, when I followed up, the wrist band was gone. Oh well, I'd have to wait for the official tour to launch.

The first leg of the tour featured a stadium show and arena show in Toronto, and a stadium show in Detroit, Michigan, which was about a three hour drive from my home. So i grabbed tickets to all three gigs. I had a seat on the floor in Detroit about 15-20 rows back. For the arena gig in Toronto, I had to settle for a seat behind the stage, and for the Skydome,  I was on the floor about 40 rows back.  The Stones delivered sound performances each gig, mixing up the set list quite a bit.

When they announced an additional batch of Arena shows in winter 2003, I was determined to pick one gig and get myself the best seat possible. This lead me to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where I spent a personal high $500 for a ticket to sit 5th row floor.  I made a weekend event out of it, attending a Pittsburgh Penguins hockey game the night before, ironically against the Toronto Maple Leafs.  I also bought tickets in the nose bleed seats for one show in Montreal and two in Chicago.

What will likely go down as the most amazing musical festival I will ever attend, The Stones interrupted their summer European tour to return to Toronto for a special concert to help the city stimulate its economy following a massive outbreak of infectious disease SARS.  A day-long festival was booked at the Downsview Air Base in the northern part of the city. The event would feature 12 bands, including several international superstars, as well as some of Canada's best musicians.  Tickets would be a mere $25 and the entire floor would be general admission standing room (ugh).

A bit of a monkey wrench was in my way though, as i had previously booked a vacation to Nova Scotia that week. Determined not to miss the gig, I booked a plane ticket for the morning of the show and flew in to Toronto.  it was one of those early morning flights that got me into Toronto around 8 am. I jumped onto a bus and went directly to the venue. being their by myself, I was able to weave my way thru the various groups of people and blankets and towels that had been laid on the grass to denote territorial claims.  I managed to get right up to the front, where there was already a wall of people lined against the steel baracade. I stood right behind them as part of the second row of a massive mosh pit.

5 hours later, the first opening act hit the stage and the event was on. for the next 6 hours, the crowd was entertained with 15-30 minute sets by Dan Akroyd, Jim Beluchi, Sam Roberts, Kathleen Edwards, Sass Jordan, the Isley Brothers, the Flaming Lips, french canadian band La Chicanne, Justin Timberlake (who was pelted with debris throughout his set), Blue Rodeo, The Guess Who and Rush.

Then it was time for the featured opening act, Australian heavy metal legends, AC/DC who are one of my top 10 favourite bands. To have them on the card as the primary opening act, made another great reason to attend the gig. They hit the stage about 7.30 pm and launched into 70s hit Hell Ain't A Bad Place to Be. Although the crowd had been standing for 10 hours, it became its most wild, as heavy metal fans began moshing and body surfing.  5 songs into their set, I had to take a few steps back and free myself from what was becoming an increasingly rough mosh.  AC/DC played a total of 12 songs over 70 minutes, including many of their greatest hits and live crowd favourites.  This had already been the greatest concert of my life, and the Stones still hadn't even hit the stage!

After a stage set change, the Stones were out and ran through an 85 minute set, featuring 16 tunes that had been customary tunes on this tour. Being about 15-20 rows deep now in the mosh pit, I was still very very close to the stage and could literally see the wrinkles on Keith Richards' face! The announced attendance was 450000, making it the largest single day ticketed concert event in Canadian history, and among the top 5 in USA history. Somehow, I made it back to their airport and back to Nova Scotia, a mere 24 hours after I had left, to resume my vacation.

Two years later, the Stones were back at it again, with a full studio album of new tunes, and a world tour of stadiums that would span three years. I took in their 2005 show in Toronto, and their 2006 show at Wichita, Kansas, which was part of one of the most incredible short driving trips I had ever taken in my life.

Friday night Sept 29, 2006, I drove to Ann Arbour, Michigan, where legendary country/folk/rocker Chris Hillman, of Byrds fame, had a solo gig. I then followed Hillman to Chicago the next day, where he played two gigs at the infamous Chicago School of Blues, where I got the amazing chance of a lifetime to meet him briefly for a chat and, got my acoustic guitar autographed.

This trip also featured a Saturday afternoon football game in South Bend, Indiana, at the legendary Notre Dame Stadium, where I saw Brady Quinn and the Irish defeat arch rivals Purdue.  The Sunday featured what has now been my last visit to Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, to see my beloved KC Chiefs play a football game - a game they won 41-3 over San Francisco, in what featured the debut of recent Alabama graduate, Quarterback, Brody Croyle.  The evening was topped off with the Stones in Wichita, a city they had never played. Mick Jagger joked that they were 'virgins of Wichita' and then launched into a bar of local tune Wichita Linemen. While my seat at this show was way up in the bowl, about 70-80 rows, it was perhaps the best show in terms of sound quality - making this the first outdoor stadium gig I had seen them play. The show also highlighted live versions of two songs from their new album which I really enjoyed, Rough Justice and Streets of Love.

After seeing the Stones play 12 concerts in a span of eight and a half years, it has now been more than six years since that last gig, on October 1, 2006, in Wichita.  I seems like a lifetime ago, and for many reasons, it was!  In 6 years, I have relocated to Newfoundland, run 30 marathons, and undergone a complete gender and sex transition.

As I sit here typing away, preparing to click into my digital television terminal to order tonight's concert on pay per view television, just a few weeks shy of my 39th birthday, an age once considered old for rock stars, I look forward to seeing 69 year old Mick and Keith, and 71 year old Charlie, bring down the house with what is sure to be a 5 star show. I can only hope that there will be at least a few more chances to see them live, in 2013, before they pack it in for good.

Recap:

04/28/1998 - Toronto, Skydome
02/25/1999 - Toronto, Air Canada Centre
10/12/2002 - Detroit, Ford Field
10/16/2002 - Toronto, Air Canada Centre
10/18/2002 - Toronto, Skydome
01/08/2003 - Montreal, Bell Centre
01/10/2003 - Pittsburgh, Mellon Arena
01/21/2003 - Chicago, United Center
01/22/2003 - Chicago, United Center
07/30/2003 - Toronto, Downsview Air Base
09/26/2005 - Toronto, Skydome
10/01/2006 - Wichita, Cessna Stadium

Setlists and concert reviews for all 12 gigs can be found at fan site Iorr.org

Thursday, December 13, 2012

#121212concert Who i've seen live!

Wow, quite the list of performers tonight at NewYork City's Madison Square Garden to raise money for Hurricane Sandy clean-up and relief.

I have been fortunately enough to have seen most of these acts live!


Bruce Springsteen: 2002 Toronto, 2003 Toronto, 2005 Cleveland

Roger Waters: none

Bon Jovi: 2001 Toronto, 2003 Toronto twice (had 3rd row seat both 2003 gigs)

Clapton: 2004 Los Angeles - sat top row at Hollywood Bowl

Rolling Stones: Toronto 98, Toronto 99, Detroit 2002, Toronto 2002 x2, Montreal 2003, Pittsburgh 2003, Chicago 2003 x2, Toronto 2003, Toronto 2005, Wichita 2006

Billy Joel: Toronto 2006

The Who: Toronto 2002

Foo Fighters: 2006

Pearl Jam 1998 Toronto, 2000 Toronto

Coldplay 2001 Toronto

REM 2001, Toronto

Duff McKagan (w/ GNR) 1992 Toronto

Paul McCartney 2002 Toronto, 2005 Toronto

Diana Krall 1998 Toronto

Alicia Keys: none
Kanya West: none

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

ESPN transphobic announcers unleash assault!

A transwoman college basketball player was recently the subject of a vicious verbal assault by two ESPN broadcasters, Steve Czaban and Andy Pollin. Not only did they show their ignorance regarding the medical transition of trans athletes, they went so far as to say that we shouldn't be allowed in sports. They also referred to trans people as 'it' and suggested this was a politically correct term.

Needless to say, I am disgusted and plan to do something about this!  Meanwhile, check out Lexie Cannes Blog about this for more information.




#transphobia in sports

Transwoman Removed from Texas Airplane! 12/10/2012


This from Seattle resident, Rebecca Heineman:

Around 6PM Dallas time on Monday, December 10th, 2012, my good friend Tegan Marie Smith was at Love Field in Dallas TX on board her flight to Atlanta GA when the police boarded the aircraft, handcuffed and arrested her. They held her for a few hours telling her she had no rights and demanded why she was "Transgender". In the process she lost her phone and several other personal items and missed her flight. She is currently in a hotel in Dallas awaiting the next flight home..

This is a total outrage!! She didn't deserve this treatment. She only was in Dallas to see her family and was on her way home.

This is the text from Tegan's facebook page:

"Arrested in Dallas, detained for two hours in handcuffs, released. Most of my stuff, including phones, missing. I still had one credit card and my drivers license, so I got a nearby hotel and will try to fly home to Atlanta tomorrow. I had to give life story about being transsexual to officers. My earlier flight was cancelled, and I had a few drinks at the bar, no more than the others I was with. I was boarded, then removed, placed in handcuffs, not read any rights, was told I didn't have any. They demanded to know why I was transgender. I was finally released, my wrists are bruised, the handcuffs hurt like hell but I sure as hell wasn't going to let them see me cry. I feel pretty bad right now, I was singled out of six people from the bar near the gate, I am certain because of my height and size. I don"t have any phone numbers but one. my phone is gone, and she is not answering. A wonderful weekend in Dallas gone bad for no reason. I was told to stay away from the airport tonight, to fly out tomorrow. Likely I will have to buy another ticket, and I have no idea where my carry on bag, hormones, etc are.

No one is going to see me cry. Yey though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for I am the toughest Bitch in the valley."





#transphobia

Animal Abuse! The Legalized Canadian Pig Torture in Manitoba! 12/10/2012


CTV Television News program W5 recently uncovered a shocking animal torture and abuse program that has been taking place at a Pig Farm, run by mega company Puritone, in Arborg, Manitoba, Canada.

An undercover worked for Mercyforanimals.ca shot hours of footage that show staff smashing  baby piglets against metal poles and the floor, staff kicking and slapping already wounded animals, and even degrading animals, both dead and alive.  They also showed footage of them severing body parts on live baby animals, including tails and testicles.  They also depicted the living conditions of pigs stuffed in metal jail cells so small they can't sit or move, and even worse, their face and nose snouts get stuck in the bars, causing infected cuts and even death by strangulation.

The report is making international news today. The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies was so concerned that they have launched a petition to raise awareness (see above image).

I was so outraged that not only did I make this Vlog, but i have actively signed up for membership with Mercy For Animal - offering my free services to launch a Newfoundland branch and/or act as their eastern region spokes person.

In 2013, one my my biggest goals, is to not only enter the year 100% vegan, but to promote both animal rights and the healthy benefits from a vegan diet and lifestyle. I will also venture into the dangerous world of advocating for the banning of the Newfoundland Seal Hunt.

Friday, December 7, 2012

Another attack from the cis-sexist community

Wow, yet another cis sexist female, who refers to self as 'female bodied' - has launched an assault against me on her blog. I'm not quite sure what the spark was, but I was on the receiving end of about 5 negative tweets, before I clicked on her profile to see what she was all about and wrote back.

Funny how these cis-sexists often use the term 'misogynist' to attack transwomen. (This is a term that is generally applied or implied to males who put down women and/or denounce feminism).  In actuality, transwomen are generally the last people in the world who either consider themselves male nor want to be seen as male.

Once again, this person seems upset that I called out former USA Presidential candidate and actor Roseanne Barr, on her transphobic comments made last month, regarding trans people and washroom safety. This person also referenced my infamous blogs and vlogs discussing my concern over LGBT organizations in Newfoundland not remaining neutral on controversial issues such as political party alliances and abortion rights debate.  There's also a chance my recent tweets about 'Motion 408' may have played a roll, so I will address this all here and now...

Quite frankly, as someone who cannot biologically ever get impregnated, I don't feel it adds any value to the world for me to engage in any pro-life vs pro-choice debate, let alone openly reveal and discuss my personal stances.  However, I will speak out against any organization or person who attempts to suggest that trans rights and abortion rights are one in the same. I will also speak up whenever someone insists that all LGBT people must be, or should be, on one particular side of this argument, or the other.

Much like sexual orientation and gender identity is a dichotomy, so is trans issues and abortion issues.

Bottom line, I respect both sides to the abortion debate and I respect anyone who stands up and advocates for something they believe in.. But folks, please do not try to shove your values into my face, and definitely please do not try to guilt me into this debate, much less, entice me to take up your stance on it.

Quite frankly, I am really sick and tired of seeing so much time and resources, supposedly devoted to trans rights, being devoted to pro-life vs pro-choice matters.  Apples and oranges folks!

Frustrating Day!


As a reaction to the Conservative Government's filibustering of the C279 committee meeting yesterday, as well as frustrations from having to deal with a Human Resource Management Director from Department of IBDR, who refused to hire me to a job recently, even though I won the competion; well, it was all too much to take, so I snapped and took out my frustrations on my poor innocent Christmas Tree with a chair! Pro Wrestling Style! 

This infamous photo, which I tweeted out last night, became the butt of an inside joke between me and the radio personalities at Coast 101.1, who this morning, noted how great it was to see so many people in this city getting into the Christmas Spirit, 'especially Jenn McCreath'  

Anyway, I will have more to say on both of these matters later this weekend..

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

NPATH is back!

NPATH.NET was supposed to be a non-profit organization that was to have been launched in May 2012, but was shelved for 6 months. I have been in consultation with several trans Newfoundlanders, as well as some key allies. The spark that got this thing back in business was an excellent series of discussions regarding the pending launch of TCAC279.org, a national trans human rights activism .

NPATH is currently recruiting members, as well as considering business partner recruitment work, so that a suitable Board of Directors can be launched within the next few weeks.

Meanwhile, as registration of Business name owner, I technically have a quasi-organization under my custody and control, yet for which i must put personal liability into, at least until it gets incorporated.


Our first piece of work today was to draft and send invitations to ministers of justice and health, to follow up on trans health care and human rights matters.

NPATH has also secured two registration seats for an interesting upcoming Government-sponsored conference event, Ovations NL, an event that will pay tribute to women business owners.  This should be a great chance for networking, and to demonstrate that the business community of women contains transwomen.

exciting month ahead!

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Introducing: TRANS* CANADIANS AGAINST BILL C279

TCAC279.org 'draft' Fact Sheet

Introducing: TRANS* CANADIANS AGAINST BILL C279

Org Type: grass roots / non-profit / national / human rights activism / politically-neutral / alliance

Purpose: to raise education and awareness to the concerns and potential harmful impacts of excluding "Gender Expression" from the proposed additions to the list of explicit grounds of Human Rights Protection in federal Canadian laws, as per the proposed revision of the Canada Human Rights Act, via Bill C279.

Goal: to take steps to ensure that Gender Expression and Gender Identity get added to the Canadian Human Rights protections, together.

Lifecycle: this organization will exist until the Goal cited above is met.

Key Points to the Argument against Bill C279:

- Precedent: Bill C389 passed the House with 'expression' included. proof it can pass a Federal House!

- Best-Practice: Ontario, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, City of Toronto, Vancouver have all included gender expression - hence, acknowledging that it is needed, and acknowledging that implied coverage under gender identity, sex, or disability, is not sufficient.

- Difference and Dichotomy: between identity and expression strongly exists. It is much tougher to prove discrimination based on identity alone. identity is private and personal information, that may not be known.

- Medical: before gender identity issues can be treated medically, it is often required of patients to 'express' their desired gender, via Real Life Test, before gaining access to hormones and surgeries. trans people face extreme discrimination during the early stages of transition, including stages where they are pre-hormone and pre-op. protection during these time frames is even more important than others.

- Definitions: without 'expression' it would be easy for the anti trans rights activists to argue that a formal medical diagnosis of Gender Dysphoria be obtained before anyone can site discrimination upon the basis of 'identity'

- Historical lack of Definition: Government of Canada has used the term 'gender' in many policies for years, without it ever being defined. hence, the argument that lack of definition or confusion, is moot.

- Politics: it's sad to think that explicit human rights protection could be considered a political issue, and that members of the trans community, could be considered political pawns. this is NOT acceptable. our rights must not be compromised or offered as political favours. Toby's Bill in Ontario was inclusive of gender expression, and was met with unanimous support across all political party lines.

- Inclusive History: has demonstrated that gender expression is most likely to be accepted into Human Rights laws, when concurrently entered with Gender Identity.

- Exclusive History: has NOT demonstrated that it is easy or easier to add gender expression after gender identity had previously been added on its own.

- Non-Medical Trans*: not all members of the trans* umbrella have been diagnosed with Gender Identity Disorder. not all require medical treatment either. yet many, for whatever reason, feel the want and/or need to express a gender presentation that is not congruent with presentations expected based on societal myths and norms.

- Cis Individuals: outside of the trans identity could also face risk of discrimination due to presenting gender roles or gender expressions, either part time or full time, that are perceived to be outside of societal norms or myths. These folks may not realize human rights protection under gender identity, given that their identity is not congruent with their public gender presentation.

- Regression: What sort of message, precedent or trend would be set by a Federal Government excluding 'expression' shortly after several provinces included it? Would this message make it tougher for the remaining provinces to sell the need for it to be included?

- Damage reversal: Experts say it would be much easier to do it right the first time, rather than have to undo damage, then redo it correctly

- Quality over Quantity: as more provinces pass human rights bills that include gender expression, the more pressure there will be to ensure that any modification to the federal act would also be inclusive. while the Cons may not be ready to accept gender expression as an explicit human right in 2012, with 3 existing provinces and territories on board, they may be more pressured to do so in 2014, should the count be up to 6 or 7 provinces.

- Manitoba: is the only province who has passed gender identity without gender expression. it would be important to analyze and assess the impact of this. no Manitoba trans people have been asked to testify at the Bill C279 committee meetings. this is a mistake.

- Limitations of Bill Sponsors and Supporters: it should be noted that the bill is being lead by gay activists and gay organizations, not trans activists. They have gone out of their way to exclude input and feedback from members of the trans community. One might question their true intentions of creating and pushing a flawed Bill. - Geography of Sponsors and Supporters: the bill-processing has been managed almost exclusively by Toronto-based entities, including reps of two Toronto-based organizations who have not demonstrated historical positive rapport with prominent Canadian trans activists outside of Toronto. Out of site, out of touch!

- Inside the Box: trans people in Toronto already enjoy protection at the city and provincial levels under 'expression' being explicit in their legislation. why then, are these folks so anxious to pass a bill federally without it? are they remotely aware of the impact currently faced by trans people who do not have same protections at said levels?

- Our Bill? Our Community?: do trans Canadians really feel comfortable with cis gay Torontonians speaking for them, making decisions for them, and potentially taking donations away from them? Seeking and realizing societal awareness is the best way to sell change: Trans* people across Canada need to be the key leaders and sellers of this movement. Bill C279 was written without consultation with many key individuals who will be affected by its impending implementation. It does NOT have explicit support from many of these said individuals either.

- Bathroom: the Criminal Code of Canada clearly states that harassment, assault, sexual harassment and sexual assault, are criminal activities. No current or past human rights acts have justified any of these activities. Arguing that including 'expression' will legalize such activities, is not only false, but to give in to this perceived myth might make it easier for Cons to justify the argument that trans* people are, in fact, sexual predators. Furthermore, there is absolutely no evidence in any jurisdiction around the world, that have demonstrated that adding 'expression' to human rights codes have facilitated or increased instances of sexual harassment in public places.

- Moral Message: it's ok to have gender identity issues but not ok to e expressive of gender or expressive of these matters. This is NOT appropriate!

- Partial rights are not rights: Look at Rosa Parks. It was ok for her to ride on the bus as long as she sits in the 'blacks only' section at the back? This was NOT equality!

- Equivalence: it's ok to get married to same sex partner but illegal to life together and/or engage in romantic activities together. NOT right there. Why is it right here?

Website: www.tcac279.org

Email info@jennifermccreath.com for now

Facilitators: Jennifer McCreath

Monday, December 3, 2012

20 years of a suffering KC Chiefs fan. Toughest day this week!

Well, after growing up on hockey and baseball in Toronto in the 80s and early 90s, it was an 8 month visit to London, Ontario, and Western University, where I met some friends who introduced me to NFL football.  Determined to not conform with any norms, I refused to cheer for Buffalo and Dallas, the two greatest teams in the league in 1993, and the two most popular teams among Ontarians.

Enter the 1993 KC Chiefs, who had just acquired legendary 4 time Superbowl winner, and the greatest football player in world history - Joe Montana. A perfect band wagon for me to jump on! well, Joe lead us to the playoffs twice, but no Superbowls. He retired after the 1994 season but he was at least able to help bring a winning attitude back to the team and city.

the next 20 years would feature nothing but heartbreak, as teams finished first overall in the conference in 1995, 98, 2003 and 2nd in conference in 2010, only to lose every play off game. but the worst heartbreak had to be the news yesterday, when a player, Jovan Belcher, killed himself and his girlfriend in a murder/suicide. He shot himself right in front of his coach! and leaves behind a 3 month old daughter.

After starting the season 1-10, chief fans had turned to a variety of public demonstrations of frustration, including flying an airplane with a banner over the stadium asking for the removal of coach and manager. Fans have worn black to the games, worn paper bags over their heads, and many have no-showed despite holding season tickets.  from 3000 miles away, on this small island in the north Atlantic, we call Newfoundland, I have been leading the charge on twitter..

But everything change yesterday. the team, the fans, and the city, have all come together to mourn and console each other over this horrible event. the team decided not to cancel the game, even though knowing it would be played under significant emotional duress.  a spirited speech by the coach lead to an awesome display of team work, bringing KC an amazing 27-21 win over Carolina today, to move to 2-10 on the season..

I have had the fortune to travel to the USA many times to see football games. I have seen KC play live 6 times. 3 at home and 3 on the road.

How ironic that my last trip to Arrowhead Stadium was a game Oct 1, 2006, to see the then 0-2 Chiefs upset the San Francisco 49ers in a 41-3 blowout win! Damon Huard and Larry Johnson lead the Chiefs to victory.  How ironic was it though, that 24 hours earlier, I was sitting in Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend Indiana, watching future KC Chiefs QB Brady Quinn lead his Irish to victory over Purdue.

Brady was a highly touted prospect on draft day, but fell down a few spots, before getting picked by woeful Cleveland, where he had three uneventful years. a trade to Denver saw him sit on the bench for two years and not even get to see any game action, while watching the saga of Tim Tebow. When Denver signed Peyton Manning, Quinn and Tebow were let go, and KC grabbed Quinn for the roster, ironically enough, after losing another former Denver QB, Kyle Orton, to free agency.

I went deep into my storage closet and dug out my collection of KC jerseys' including Tony Gonzalez, Steve Bono, and Elvis Grbac. I was too upset to watch the game on TV live, so I set the VCR and went outside for a walk over to the pond to visit and feed the ducks and get some sun. It was nice to return to see that they had won the game.

Here's me at the KC Chiefs game at Arrowhead Stadium, from Oct, 1 2006. Not very often I dig out any pre-Jennifer pic. but my support for this team continues, and I never want to forget the awesome memories of seeing them live 6 times.  For a deeper reaction from me about yesterday's murder/suicide, I have vlogged here.


Sunday, December 2, 2012

phone unplugged again

will not be accepting phone calls for the rest of the day. i need the weekends to rest. sorry folks.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

My reaction to trans issues in NL House 11/20/2012

For the third year in a row, members of the Newfoundland NDP party asked the governing Conservatives to add Gender Identity and Gender Expression to the Human Rights Code. This year, not only did they ask via Question Period, but did so via signed petition - that contained over 400 signatures of NL citizens.  In addition, a speech was read to commemorate transgender day of remembrance - which included a thank you to the various organizations working on behalf of trans rights in NL. the presenter, Gerry Rogers - the first openly-lesbian elected to NL provincial public office, mentioned me specifically by name! I was the only person named individually by Gerry. Given that Gerry and I have not seen eye to eye on many things, I take this as a huge and sincere compliment.

While many of the local gay/lesbian organizations, who call themselves LGBT, failed this past year to even recognize that I exist nor engage me in my work(i will specifically reference Egale Canada, Pflag Canada, St. John's Pride Inc, LBGT-MUN, and Planned Parenthood NL), for Gerry to point this out, not only validates my work, but makes all these organizations looks stupid.

The good news, is that unlike most of these orgs, MUNSU and LBGT-MUN elect new boards every September - hence, a chance for a fresh start every year. I am excited to have just recently worked with these two entities on a TDOR event partnership.

Ultimately, the highlight of the day in the house was the answers given by the government to Gerry's two questions. Minister Darin King suggested that any trans person who has not felt justice has been served via Human Rights Commission process, should contact him directly to discuss. This is exactly what I will do, given that I was refused a Human Rights Inquiry hearing by the commission, regarding a complaint in filed against Newfoundland's public health insurance program - re transgender discrimination.

Furthermore, Rogers questioned the Minister of Health, Susan Sullivan, regarding the monopoly still held by Ontario's CAMH - in terms of approving NL funding for SRS. Sullivan essentially indicated that she knows there is work to do, and that she is open to meeting and taking advise from experts.

Now, the challenge for me, is to convince Sullivan that the expert advice needs to come from trans citizens, and not gay/lesbian organizations who are simply looking to build an empire.

Overall, my biggest disappointment was the lack of media attention paid to this. Not only were these historic questions asked in the house, the tabling of a petition for trans rights is also a first, as was a press release I sent out on the same morning, publishing the fact that for the first time, I as a trans person had won a job competition but was refused employment.

Oh well, now comes the continuing dilemma for me - do I continue to get involved? or go back to living my new life as a supposedly post-transitioned woman?

NL Trans Community Commemorate TDOR 11/20/2012

After hosting a very successful TDOR event in 2011, which brought widespread attention to trans issues, I was reluctant to get involved in any TDOR events this year, out of a fear of a let down. However, when I was approached by a volunteer team representing LBGT-MUN and MUNSU (organizations which I didn't get along with last school year), I felt it was important to not only accept and reach out, but to take action to put together the best possible event we could.  Ultimately, we co-hosted a very successful event on  Tuesday night in a large lecture hall in the Science Building.

A statement was read on behalf of Gerry Rogers, the first openly-lesbian person to be voted into provincial public office in Newfoundland - this on the same day she presented a petition to the House asking for trans human rights protection, and the same day she asked the Minister of Health to cancel the CAMH monopoly on funding approval for SRS.

Statements of support were also obtained and read on behalf of Dwight Ball, Leader of the NL Provincial Liberals, Charlene Johnson, NL Minister of Children, Youth and Family Services, Randall Garrison, NDP federal MP who tabled trans rights bill C-279, and Christin Milloy, Ontario Libertarian Candidate in the 2011 Ontario Provincial election - the first openly trans person to seek provincial public office in Canada. An excerpt from a speech delivered at last years event by Noah Davis Power, the youngest person to ever seek provincial political office in NL, was also read.

Also present and delivering speeches included a representative from a local high school Gay/Straight Alliance, a rep from the upcoming national university queer services conference, and a rep from a local grass roots anti-bullying program. 

Most of my time on the microphone featured me reading speeches on behalf of many of these others already mentioned, and I joked that the only person who's speech I did not have, was one for myself. I did go on to state that I would be taking up Minister of Justice Darin King's offer to meet with anyone from the trans community who has gone through the provincial Human Rights process and felt hard done by. I also spoke briefly about concerns that we are now seeing victims of trans death right here in Canada. I also highlighted injustices being done to Ce Ce McDonald in Minnesota, a transwoman who was jailed in a male prison after what many have reported was self-defence, against an attack of three transphobic men.

The event concluded with a candle light vigil, which included a video tribute to the victims.  Amazingly enough, I did not capture any audio, video, or still photos of the event, so this makes it extra important for me to document this event here in my blog.  As historians look back, I think it is very important for documentation to exist, of the hard work done by trans advocates in Newfoundland (even if 99% of that documentation will be about my work).

I was quite pleased to not only see a larger crowd at this last-minute, informal event, than the one I hosted last year, but to see more trans people in attendance, and to even see folks in attendance of whom I have not gotten along with in the past.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Trans Issues In Newfoundland House 11/20/2012


Gerry Rogers, NDP reads Petition re Trans Human Rights

Gerry Rogers, NDP, Question Period - Trans Health CAMH Monopoly

Gerry Rogers, NDP, Question Period - Trans Human Rights

Gerry Rogers, NDP, Members Statement - Transgender Day of Remembrance

my name is specifically mentioned during the 4th video. how cool!  thanks Gerry for all your hard work.

i will blog in greater detail later today


McCreath to collaboration with MUNSU's LBGT Resource Centre for TDOR Event!


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE!

LGBT-MUN (MUNSU's LGBT Resource Centre) and NPATH present:

Candle-Light Vigil
International Transgender Day of Remembrance
Tuesday, Nov 20, 2012, 7 pm
MUN, Science Lecture Hall, Room 2109


Transgender day of Remembrance is an annual event that has been recognized around the globe by transgender communities since 1998 to memorialize the members of our community who have died in the past year as a result of transphobic and other gender-motivated hatred, violence and discrimination. In addition to paying respect and recognition to the victims, we express love and respect for transgender members of our community who live in the face of widespread discrimination. We encourage allies to join us in memorializing and celebrating those we have lost and to be reminded that transgender people are your sons, daughters, parents, friends and neighbors.

Newfoundland Patients Association for Transgender Health (NPATH.net) & Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador's Lesbian Bisexual Gay and Transgender resource centre will present an event that will pay tribute to our fallen peers, and raise education and awareness to current transgender issues, through speeches from prominent members of the local Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community.

NPATH is a soon-to-be launched non-profit society that will undertake a mandate of undertaking educational and legal activism work to ensure transsexuals and other members of the trans* community of Newfoundland and Labrador can gain fair and equal access to health care products, services, and funding. 

Questions, comments, or media inquiries:

Jennifer McCreath


Monday, November 19, 2012

NL Government Refuses to Hire Transgender! Excuses kept Secret!

NL Government Refuses to Hire Transgender! Excuses kept Secret!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov 20, 2012

Jennifer McCreath became a public figure in Newfoundland when she made mainstream news, first, for being a transsexual government senior policy analyst in 2008, and then, for suddenly losing what was supposedly a safe and secure job, in early 2009. After a year of unemployment, three years as a temporary file clerk, and several 'runner up' job competitions, McCreath finally ranked #1 in a permanent job competition, last month, for a role that would have seen her oversee the Records Centre for the Department of Information, Business and Rural Development. However, McCreath was advised days later that Deputy Minister, Brent Meade, was not going to sign off on the competition committee's recommendation and that she would not be offered the job. When asked to see the paper work of why, she was told it was 'confidential'. She was told, however, that a secondary evaluation had been conducted (something that is only done for unionized jobs; however, this job was posted as non-bargaining). When asked why a secondary evaluation was conducted on this job, she was advised it was a coincident mistake. She was then told the competition would be cancelled outright.

McCreath is not new to 'coincidental' job competition controversies. Shortly after her position was phased out in 2009, a new job was posted that was very similar. McCreath applied but was not even offered an interview. Five years ago, McCreath was employed by the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), where she co-wrote policies, procedures, and guidelines for how Government bodies should protect their information resources. She also managed and delivered a privacy review program that insured that all OCIO projects were compliant with the newly-proclaimed privacy provisions of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy (ATIPP) Act, through collaborative work with Department of Justice's ATIPP Coordinator's Office and the House of Assembly's Information Management Branch.

Coincidentally enough, McCreath has interviewed for work twice over at the Department of Justice's ATIPP office, and once at the HoA's Information Management Branch, and was not offered work on any of those three occasions. She has also unsuccessfully interviewed for analyst or senior analyst level information management and/or information privacy work with the NL Centre for Health Information, Western Health, and Central Health, as well as for not less than ten other different provincial Government departments.

McCreath feels extremely frustrated that despite a Bachelor Degree and a College Diploma, as well as what is now seven years of experience in the field of information management and protection, that she has been unable to secure employment beyond a clerical level. McCreath is further frustrated that with recent amendments to the province's ATIPP Act, through the controversial Bill 29, Government now has a legal right to refuse to disclose information pertaining to her job competitions; hence, McCreath may never know for sure, whether she loses these competitions due to merit, or discrimination.

"While I may not have any concrete proof of discrimination, it seems very strange that there always seems to be a rare exception or loop hole that keeps me from finding work at the analyst or senior analyst level," McCreath said. "Not only is it tough to go from a $60000/yr job to a $30,000/yr job, but to find myself stuck paying for much of my own health care, compounds the problem, not to mention, student-debt that still remains from over a decade ago. Explicit Human Rights protection, much like the protection recently added to Ontario and Manitoba's Human Rights Acts, would send a strong message to everyone that trans people are people, and deserve respect and equality that clearly does not yet exist here, both legally or morally, in society. It is perhaps needed here, even more so than in the big cities on the mainland. Heck, most trans people in Newfoundland are chronically underemployed, live in poverty, have insufficient access to health care funding, and even fear for their own physical safety. This is not right!"

As a former ATIPP professional, McCreath was alarmed when she first read Bill 29 earlier this year, and immediately took note of clause 22.1.a. "One of the ten international principles of access and privacy, is ensuring individuals have access to information about them that is under the custody and control of Government. To say now, that job competition screening and job interview notes are 'confidential', not only violates a fundamental principle, but it opens the door for discrimination and/or corruption to be hidden under a blanket of secrecy. Sadly enough, my friends have dubbed 22.1.a, the McCreath Clause," said Jennifer.

Since starting her transition from male to female, McCreath has lost family, friends, employment, and housing. She has been refused leases by landlords, been detained at airport customs and missed flights, been denied health care, been denied health care funding, has had complaints rejected by the Human Rights Commission of NL, and has even been ask not to use public washrooms.

McCreath is one of Canada's best-known and most-respected transgender rights activists. A portfolio of her work and her media appearances is posted here: http://jennifermccreath.blogspot.ca/2012/09/jennifer-mccreaths-media-portfolio.html and a full bio of her is posted here:http://jennifermccreath.blogspot.ca/2012/11/updated-bio-11012012.html.

The global trans community is commemorating International Transgender Awareness Week, including Transgender Day of Remembrance on Nov 20. McCreath will be co-hosting and delivering a keynote address at an event Tuesday night, Nov 20, 2012, 7 pm, at MUN University in Science Building room 2109. McCreath also plans to be in attendance in the Gallery of the HoA on Tuesday afternoon during Question Period, when it is anticipated that members of the NDP will recognize Transgender Day of Remembrance, and will ask the Government questions about trans issues.

inquiries or interviews:

Jennifer McCreath,
info@jennifermccreath.com
709-753-9529

or in person after Question Period and after MUN event.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

It Gets Worse! My response to Vancouver RCMP gay video 11/14/2012

While many members of the gay adult world have come out with videos suggesting to the gay youth of this world, that 'it gets better,' when it was brought to my attention that gay RCMP officers formerly from Newfoundland and currently working in Vancouver, had not only put together a video, but were doing a live phone in show, I couldn't resist the opportunity to call in and remind everyone that life in Newfoundland for members of the trans community, of all ages, is still very tough.

While the goal should be to take steps to make the world better for LGB and T people of all ages, it isn't going to magically happen. It takes a significant amount of work - including major sacrifices from altruistic activists. far too often, the issues facing trans people are overlooked. How coincident that a friend pointed out that the word 'trans' was only mentioned once within this near 10 minute video.

I felt it was important to remind everyone that those public figures who come out publicly and do advocacy and activism work, generally do not benefit personally. In fact, while their efforts help to educate society, their life often becomes even more challenging. Cue my life story over the past 5 years.

To hear my clip on the radio, as well as a brief assessment, check out my vlog here!


Monday, November 12, 2012

on a roll with my NFL pics! 11/12/2012

Wow, 93-52 so far this year for me with my game picks!  this has got to be the best first half of an NFL season that i have ever had - in this my 20th year of following the sport. Sure, some of it fluke, but lots of these pics include some well-thought upsets.  Even against the spread, i find myself at 75-68, which is not to bad either.  Funny how my pics are better than almost all major television analysts who also pic the games each week - including the likes of Dan Marino, Boomer Esiason, Bill Cowher and Shannon Sharpe from CBS; Terry Bradshaw, Michael Strahan, Howie Long and Jimmy Johnson from Fox, and Cris Carter, Keyshawn Johnson, Tom Jackson and Mike Ditka from ESPN.  Only Chris Berman from ESPN has better picks than i do, so far this seasons, out of all these guys!

what does all this really mean? well, nothing really. there's no way i would ever put money on these games. as i still have no confidence in my pics. but sure, it's fun to have the bragging rights to say i am better than  the guys who get paid to make these pics!


Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Newfoundland ATIPP Act 22.1.a facilitates discrimination!

One of the ten international principles of Privacy states that individuals have a right to know what personal information about themselves, is under the custody and control of Government. This includes opinions about the individual.

Well, in June 2012, Government of Newfoundland amended their privacy act, which had previously been based on these principles, to allow a major exception to this situation. Government has given themselves permission to deny access to these records, if the records pertain to employment evaluations.

Basically, government can refuse to hire you now, and they don't have to tell you why. all because telling you might make government look bad. Duh, ya think? This opens the door for abuse, discrimination, and corruption.  Government can now refuse to hire someone like, say, a transsexual - simply because they are transphobic, and the individual will never know why.

As all this falls into place, i can't help but wonder why it seems that I am always finishing runner-up in most job competitions i apply for.  Even worse, i am now in the process of working on a case where an individual won a job competition, yet was refused the job for reasons that are being kept private.

Bottom line, this new clause is extremely dangerous! it must be exposed, demonstrated, challenged, and changed.

I will report details of this case I am working on, as i become in a position to reveal them. Meanwhile, you can hear more about what I have to say on this clause at this vlog.

Government rejects Citizen's Rep recommendation to remove doctor

I am quite disgusted at what appears to be a sad case of the Newfoundland Government health care system, trying to save face, at the expense of patients.  Say what you want about inmates, but they are human beings and they deserve equal health care as everyone else - as per the principles of our health care system.

Well, turns out a Dr Craig has been taking inmates off antidepressants that had previously been prescribed to them.  this lead the patients to suffer undue hardship to the point where the Office of the Citizens' Representative accepted and investigated their complaints to the point that they recommended that this doctor be removed!

Well, Government has fired back with a 'peer review' on this doctor, which assessed his work and determined that he had followed protocol.  Well, that's fine, but it doesn't solve the problem. If this doctor is ceasing depression meds, is the government saying that the initial doctors erred in prescribing the meds in the first place? and what about the policies? yes, maybe Doctor Craig followed the policies, but what if these policies are the problem??

Bottom line, we have documented evidence that Craig's actions have lead patients into violent and suicidal tenancies; yet the Government is saying this is ok?

So, why am i interested? well, sometimes old policies need to be challenged. In my case as a trans person, i found myself treating a medical condition that is globally recognized, yet was not recognized by my medical system due to their out of date policies.

what bugs me even more, is that mental health patients are now being used as political pawns, much like I and other trans people are, in terms of the political issue of human rights.  It also disgusts me to see folks who supposedly care about the patients, stepping up and taking action or making statements that cover their own ass, rather than solve the core problem.

What is really sad, is that this Citizen's Rep has no true power. they do not have Order power - only recommendation power. The Government can, and essentially has, laughed at their report and pissed on it. I say shame to that!

For more of my thoughts on this issue, see my vlog here!