Saturday, October 26, 2013

Jennifer visits CBC St. John's Open House

Had a chance to drop by CBC today for their open house. It was fun attending this building without the pressure of having to do an interview.  Pictures in order: 1) me with cat mascot, 2) with Anthony Germain - CBC radio morning show host, 3) with Debbie Cooper and Jonathan Crowe - the 6 o'clock TV news anchors, 4) with David Cochrane, provincial affairs reporter, and Carolyn Stokes, Late Night TV anchor. 










Thursday, October 24, 2013

Jennifer McCreath chronicles her NDP experiences!

People have often asked me to explain why I quit the NDP. Well, I thought now would be a good time to discuss this complex question. I also give me reaction towards the latest leadership crisis that has been playing out in a very nasty and public manner.

Jennifer McCreath chronicles her NDP experiences! Part One

Jennifer McCreath chronicles her NDP experiences! Part Two

 #nlpoli

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

McCreath no where near Shooting Incident

Just letting everyone on the mainland know that I am safe and at home relaxing tonight. I was no where near the area of the reported shooting incident(s) that took place this evening in near by town of Conception Bay South.

Sunday, October 6, 2013

McCreath reviews History of St. John's Pride Inc

this too posted on Facebook in response to me being vilified by folks that just can't let go of old wounds and move on....

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I think people deserve to know the facts about the history of this organization.......

St. John's Pride Inc was NOT taken over by anyone - it was, in fact, conceptualized in Sept 2010. Prior to this date, no registered organization existed. Prior to this, pride was merely a grass roots movement that was often organized by people outside of the LGBT community, who kept a very tight secret on their finances, which to this day, remain a mystery.

It should also be noted that while some did not approve of the registration of a legally registered non-profit corporate entity, the founders DID INDEED seek significant input from key LGBT community stakeholders. Furthermore, it should be noted that in 2012 and 2013, the new elected Boards opted to keep the non-profit registration in tact - a sign that the incorporation process was an important step in the growth process.

The incorporation of a non-profit, by a group entirely made up of LGBT community members, acted as the first step in creating an accountability model for an entity that had no previous direction or legal obligations.

LBGT-MUN has done pride events dating back over a decade. In some years, their pride events were the only ones organized in the city, in other years, there were other pride movements.

In Sept 2010, there were concerns that the pride week movement in the city from the 2008-10 era, had focused too much on university population and had ignored those of other demographics. Also, i personally had some concerns about the entities' lack of respect and knowledge about trans issues, as well as concerns about a significant lack of transparency and accountability (hence my reason for getting involved).

In Sept 2010, creating an organization that truly reflected the entire community, that was run by and for the community, with transparent policies and procedures, was the goal.

You can't build a house if you don't have a foundation. It was certainly a rocky procedure to get that foundation built, but the good news, is that i think we have seen significant progress as each year has past, since the creation of Pride Inc. I do not think anyone associated with the org in 2010-2011, deserves to be vilified. Pride would not be what it is today, if it wasn't for the steps taken by these brave folks.

McCreath makes St. John's Pride Inc. Board Election Endorsements 10/5/13

Here is a message I posted tonight on the "Facebook Event" page for tomorrow's St. John's Pride Inc., public Board of Directors meeting.
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Hey Folks, just introducing myself. I was part of a small team of people who formally registered St. John's Pride Inc., as a provincial non-profit organization, back in Sept 2010.

This move proved to be quite polarizing as some were strongly in favour, and some were strongly against it. some cited concerns specifically about me, as i am apparently not well liked for my stances on certain political issues that may have differed from the majority of LGBT people.

Bottom line, it is also fairly common knowledge that i left Pride in March 2012, under rather hostile terms. I felt that this 'community' that we keep referencing, was not giving fair recognition and attention to trans issues, so that was a key reason for my departure.

Upon departure, I feel responsible for bringing heightened awareness to Pride as a 24/7/365 entity, and not just as a one week party in the summer. With the help of Pam Sheaves, Brandon Jenkins, and Vanny Woodford - all of whom you all may know, Pride moved into it's first election in March 2012 - with my resignation acting as a catalyst for increased heightened attention and an excuse to expand the board. This ploy was successful as all major media outlets covered the story, and a group of over 40 community members, attended a meeting - in March! to put together a new Board for Pride.

Since leaving, I have not only kept a close eye on Pride, but have attended some events in 2012 and 2013, and have developed good working relationships with some of the various board members, on a variety of projects both in and out of the LGBT context.

Some say i am a very difficult person to work with, and if that is true, then i think the ultimate compliment should go to those on 2012-13 boards who have still managed to work with me, despite concerns and cries from others to 'shut me out'. Nobody should be shut out!

Sadly, i was a recent victim of transphobic cyber-bullying, by members of the cis-LGB community, during last month's Municipal election. It saddened me that all current Board members, turned a blind eye and offered no outcry (unlike the intense outcry they had when another community member, Pat Blackburn, was a victim of homophobia). this double-standard speaks volumes to me. It also leads me to believe that the transphobia within the LGB community that we say back in March 2012, may still exist. With this in mind, i have significant concerns with several of the incumbent board.

With this in mind, i think it is very important to elect a new board that contains people who have demonstrated that they won't throw people under the bus, just because they are trans, or just because they don't like the particular person.

If you can get along with me, then you can get along with anyone... and i think this is a good litmus test to take a look at. There are certain people running in tomorrow's election that I would like to point out in a positive manner, and take note that these folks seem willing to give everyone a fair chance, and work towards solutions, rather than keep digging up old wounds. We need to bring this community together - an no folks, we aren't quite there yet! but we are getting close.

Having said all of this, I think it is worth pointing out that i received 5725 votes last month by St. John's residents for the high profile position of Deputy Mayor. While I did not win, I know i earned the trust and respect from many folks from many different backgrounds, in our city. So with in mind, I'd like to hope that some non-bias neutral analysis will add some value as we look to put together the best Board we can have.
With this in mind, i'd like to personally commend and endorse the following people, who I feel have genuinely earned my full trust, respect, and endorsement:

Danny Coombs, Robyn Noseworthy, Jamie Harnum, Sarah Downey, Ky Rees, and Matt Caravan.

This is not to say that their opponents wouldn't make good board members, but these are 6 people i would definitely be voting for, should I have been able to attend the meeting. (and yes, i have serious concerns that the incumbants organized an election for 9 am sunday morning, and won't allow proxy or online voting).

While these people aren't all necessarily friends of mine, they are people i think could do great work and better work, and are the best among the bunch who are running, who can take pride into further growth and expansion into the next level! Most of all, i trust these people when they say they will make pride transparent and accountable - something that is clearly an unresolved issue for many people posting comments on here.

Anyway, hope the meeting goes well. I won't likely be able to make it as i work for the RNC and will be taking 911 calls all morning.. but best of luck to all, and i hope the meeting is well attended! I will anxiously watch as an interested stakeholder, as 2013-14 Pride develops and matures into something that I hope i and other older transwomen, will want to be a part of!

Cheers everyone!

Jennifer McCreath

Thursday, October 3, 2013

My 10 fond memories of Cleveland!

As the world sits down tonight to watch the Cleveland Browns football team play a nationally-televised football game, I bring you my 10 fondest memories of Cleveland! (plus a bonus memory from Akron!)


1) June 16, 2000 - Motorhead concert at the legendary Agora Theatre. Also featuring a very good upstarting metal band Nashville Pussy. I spent the entire show in the front row of the mosh pit and stood right in front of speakers, which gave me permanent hearing loss!

2) February 24-25, 2001 James Gang reunion concerts at Allen Theatre, featuring Joe Walsh. This trip also marked mt first of several visits to Cleveland's Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. Joe left the Gang in 1971 to pursue other ventures. This reunion gig turned out to be their first full gig together in 30 years!

3) October 6, 2001 - Joe Cocker and The Guess Who (featuring Burton Cummings & Randy Bachman), at Gund Arena. My first post- 9/11/01 era concert was marred by extreme security scrutiny, doing full body searches on all patrons.


4) October 7, 2001 - San Diego Chargers vs Cleveland Browns (featuring Doug Flutie). Perhaps the best american player to ever play north of the border, Doug Flutie became a football icon in Canada - playing n8 seasons in the CFL, before returning to the NFL, where he brought the Buffalo Bills into the playoffs. Seeing him as a San Diego Charger was tons of fun.

5) September 8, 2002 - season opener Kansas City Chiefs @ Cleveland Browns - the famous Dwayne Rudd helmet-toss game! Seeing my Chiefs open the season in a hostile environment, made for an interesting afternoon. The game apparently ended when Dwayne Rudd sacked KC QB Trent Green with no time on the clock, to five the browns a 39-38 win; however, Green had actually lateraled the ball to John Tait prior to the sack, and Rudd, thinking he had won the game, threw his helmet in celebration. Turns out he technically threw his helmet during play, as Tait was still running with the ball! The penalty resulted in the game being extended 1 more play, for legendary Morton Andersen to kick KC a game-winning field goal!

Cleveland got the last laugh in the end though, as they made the playoffs with a 9-7 record, while KC just missed out, as they closed their season with an ugly loss in Oakland to fall to 8-8.

6) August 22, 2003 - Kenny Loggins concert - Scene Pavillion - seeing an outdoor concert along the old Cleveland river, was tons of fun! Kenny is a 'distant cousin' of the legendary California Country Rock Family Tree, which produced bands such as Buffalo Springfield, Byrds, Poco, and the Eagles...

7) October 15, 2003 - Eagles farewell tour - Gund Arena - featuring  Joe Walsh at home! Joe was on fire this night!

8) May 15, 2005 - Bruce Springsteen special solo acoustic concert at Cleveland University. Just Bruce, a guitar, and a harmonica. Awesome show!

9) Aug 13, 2006 - Poco, Pure Prairie League, Chris Hillman & Herb Pedersen - Cain Park - a night of country rock legends! To see my favourite band, Poco, in cleveland, with two other awesome acts on the bill, made for an amazing night!

10) May 20, 2007 -  Cleveland Marathon! my second ever marathon. i honoured the Cleveland Browns as i kicked a cup of gatorate (which was full) and sent it flying in the air, as i ran around the stadium!

11) September 27, 2008 - Akron Marathon! Akron is about 20 miles south of Cleveland's downtown and is considered a suburb. This was a special run for me as it was race 1 of 2 on a weekend in which i would run 2 marathons in 2 days in 2 countries!