well, we finally got some nice sunny summery weather on saturday. i slept in til noon but spent the entire afternoon outdoors, visiting and swimming in 2 ponds.. i also ran 6k and walked about 8k.
sunday was not a very energetic day. after a few errands, i spent most of the day catching up on e-mails and contacting several people in attempt to organize an LGBT conference, which will take place in St. John's on July 24.
getting involved with pride has given me something exciting and challenging to do, which is something that has been lacking for a while, now that my running 'career' is on hold.
my mood has generally been up and down. some more meds adjustments have started, and i can only hope they will help.
Jenn
Monday, June 28, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
June 24, 2010 - PRIDE (and education) in St. John's
Although exhausted, i spent 2 hours this evening attending a St. John's PRIDE planning meeting, and then spent 4 hours doing some planning work for what we hope will be an amazing LGBTQ conference event, that will feature a variety of interesting speakers and topics..
although the official St. John's PRIDE schedule will be finalized and published in a few days, it's 99% that i will be invited to speak at City Hall for both their flag-raising event, and their opening reception events. It's also 99% that i will be asked to speak at the finale event (which includes a medley of a pride parade, a BBQ, and Drag performance from the infamous Doris Anita Douch).
although my relationship with St. John's PRIDE committee executives was rocky in 2009, and although better this year, is still rocky, i am optimistic that 2010 St. John's PRIDE will be the best one yet in terms of not only celebrating, but in providing education and awarness to mainstream society regarding LGB, and yes, T issues.
i am generally supportive of much of what this amazing group of people have planned, and i am pleased to have been a part-time member of the steering committee, who was given a chance to play a role at the decision-making table, at least in most cases, when i bothered to show up to their meetings.
Although there are a few things that i don't like, i will plan to suck it up and be a team player, as i think it's critically important for our city's LGBT community at this time, that we all stand together showing solidarity. and likewise, important for the St. John's T community to come together and celebrate ourselves, as well as blend in with the rest of the LGBs. (yes, there's even a chance that we will see transsexuals, transgenders, transvestites, and drag performers, all together sharing our unique stories and sharing a laugh and a drink!)
Meanwhile, i can't help but feel no PRIDE for our Newfoundland Human Rights Commission. Not only did our Minister of Attorney General and Justice refuse to repackage this entity as a crown corporation, they took advise that apparently came from them, that transgender people should not be granted recognized-protection under the new Human Rights Act. Having met with Carey Majid, their executive director, on numerous occasions, and having had gained great respect for her as a person and as a professional, i take personal offense and hurt over this. Carey, you have betrayed me and you have betrayed the entire transgender community, if this really was indeed your idea.
rather than express exclusion, you should have taken the lead from the Ontario Human Rights folks. CBC radio noon interviewed an Ontario Provincial Politician today regarding what they have done, and what their reactions were to these backward steps Newfoundland has taken. Cheri Dinovo's interview is here as is a link to my interview from a few days ago.
Jenn
although the official St. John's PRIDE schedule will be finalized and published in a few days, it's 99% that i will be invited to speak at City Hall for both their flag-raising event, and their opening reception events. It's also 99% that i will be asked to speak at the finale event (which includes a medley of a pride parade, a BBQ, and Drag performance from the infamous Doris Anita Douch).
although my relationship with St. John's PRIDE committee executives was rocky in 2009, and although better this year, is still rocky, i am optimistic that 2010 St. John's PRIDE will be the best one yet in terms of not only celebrating, but in providing education and awarness to mainstream society regarding LGB, and yes, T issues.
i am generally supportive of much of what this amazing group of people have planned, and i am pleased to have been a part-time member of the steering committee, who was given a chance to play a role at the decision-making table, at least in most cases, when i bothered to show up to their meetings.
Although there are a few things that i don't like, i will plan to suck it up and be a team player, as i think it's critically important for our city's LGBT community at this time, that we all stand together showing solidarity. and likewise, important for the St. John's T community to come together and celebrate ourselves, as well as blend in with the rest of the LGBs. (yes, there's even a chance that we will see transsexuals, transgenders, transvestites, and drag performers, all together sharing our unique stories and sharing a laugh and a drink!)
Meanwhile, i can't help but feel no PRIDE for our Newfoundland Human Rights Commission. Not only did our Minister of Attorney General and Justice refuse to repackage this entity as a crown corporation, they took advise that apparently came from them, that transgender people should not be granted recognized-protection under the new Human Rights Act. Having met with Carey Majid, their executive director, on numerous occasions, and having had gained great respect for her as a person and as a professional, i take personal offense and hurt over this. Carey, you have betrayed me and you have betrayed the entire transgender community, if this really was indeed your idea.
rather than express exclusion, you should have taken the lead from the Ontario Human Rights folks. CBC radio noon interviewed an Ontario Provincial Politician today regarding what they have done, and what their reactions were to these backward steps Newfoundland has taken. Cheri Dinovo's interview is here as is a link to my interview from a few days ago.
Jenn
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Wednesday June 23, 2010 - A dream advocacy meeting
Well, tonight, i was fortunate enough to be watching the 6 o'clock news, and took notice of a Public Forum this evening on Mental Health. Our Minister of Health had just announced funding for a variety of issues, and the forum was intended to gauge the public's opinions on how some of these programs should proceed.
Well, our Minister got up to the mike and gave us a lovely speech about how Newfoundland wants to be seen as leaders in terms of progressing with mental health - specifically, the fact that we are apparently getting away from old out of date policies and practices and that we are taking steps to eliminate discrimination and stigma faced by mentally ill people.
Well, interestingly enough, Justice Minister Felix Collins was in the front row of the audience, so when question period began, i gave a 2 minute heated speech that lead to a huge ovation from the room full of 200 people, mostly mental health professional and advocates..
this isn't word for word, but here's essentially what i said:
"I am Jennifer McCreath, a former government senior policy analyst. I like lots of what i have heard tonight and strongly agree with the concept of communication and outreach, but I really don't want to be here tonight! However, since Gender Identity Disorder is still being classified in the DSM as a mental illness, i went to my psychiatrist, who has spent 2 years 'assessing and diagnosing me' with this 'illness'
Doc wrote me a lovely letter suggesting recommended treatments, so i filed an application with our province's public health care insurance plan, but i was told that an out of date legislation prevented me from getting funding unless i jump through several addition, unnecessary, and extremely challenging hoops.
well, rather than start jumping, i called my laywer; who advised me to file a Human Rights complaint, which i did! and that resolved absolutely nothing!
(opening today's paper) then here i read that the new Human Rights Act still does not include protection for transgender or transsexual people.
you wanna talk about stigma? well Republic of Doyle (which had been mentioned earlier in the night) portrayed only 1 trans character in their popular tv series, and this transperson was a prostitite! this is ridiculous. I am not a prostitute and neither are most transpeople. this is unacceptable.
you wanna talk about discrimination? i lost my job as a senior analyst shortly after being 'diagnosed with this condition' and have since had 30 job interviews at the analyst or senior analyst level and not one job offer! this is unacceptable.
bottom line, i need care and i have not been getting it for 3 year. Stats indicate that 40% of transsexuals are at risk of suicide if not treated (or in your case, as you said earlier, will be reported as having 'died suddenly'), and i certainly don't want that to happen.
Minister Kennedy, i've got three questions for you:
1 - can i ask you to do the right thing and override your jurassic policies and sign off on this doctors note so i can get funding for the care that i need?
2 - can you please twist the arm of your colleague, Minister of Justice, Felix Collins, who i see is still sitting there in the front row, and ask him to amend the Human Rights Act to align with our theme tonight and take steps to ensure that trans people won't have to face any more discrimination?
and 3 - could both of you please talk to the premier and tell him to give me back my job as a senior analyst? because i am a darn good one!"
...that speech only took 2 minutes, but it was probably the most important 2 minutes of advocacy work i have ever done. the room erupted into a huge ovation. Then Minister Kennedy responded and tried to deflect the issue, play dumb, and cover up his crap. Then he actually asked Minister Collins to leave the audience to join the podium, where he regurgitated the exact same stuff he told to the media yesterday - stating that as trans issues are 'evolving,' he did not feel comfortable creating a definition to put into an Act. he also reiterated that the Human Rights Commission recommended against this. (so guess what Carey Majid? you're next in line for the Jennifer McCreath hot seat! hope you are ready!).
i followed up by suggesting that all the experts were in the room here tonight and if he needs an explanation, then all he has to do is ask!
neither responded to my question about getting back my job.
the night continued as citizen after citizen raised concern about mental health issues that had some sort of personal connection.. most were beefs, while a few offered compliments..
after the meeting had ended, refreshments were served. and i spent over an hour mingling with anyone who wanted to meet and chat. after things had died down, i made sure to follow up with both Ministers, and we actually had a really good chat. I made it clear that there is nothing personal and that i really would have preferred to be at home tonight playing with my cats, (instead of bashing politicians) but when my health care and human rights needs are not being met, i felt compelled to take action. I think they both genuinely understood and respected me for what i did tonight. will anything change? will anything get done? it's hard to say.. but at least these two folks can't say that they aren't aware of me or the issues, any more.
the only disappointment of the night was that no media felt this forum worthy of coverage, so the only way to read about my infamous tirade, is right here, at jennifermccreath.blogspot.com !
for more information on this matter, check my latest youtube vlog! and please also listen to my archived interview which i did yesterday for CBC.
..funny, a wise man once told me that if i criticized the government, my chances of getting a good job wouldn't be very good.. well, when you are 0 for 30 in analyst job interviews, you really do have nothing to lose! ultimately, i think everyone realized the importance and sense of desperation . i certainly hope this forum tonight will lead to positive change in a very timely manner, regarding these issues..
Jenn
Well, our Minister got up to the mike and gave us a lovely speech about how Newfoundland wants to be seen as leaders in terms of progressing with mental health - specifically, the fact that we are apparently getting away from old out of date policies and practices and that we are taking steps to eliminate discrimination and stigma faced by mentally ill people.
Well, interestingly enough, Justice Minister Felix Collins was in the front row of the audience, so when question period began, i gave a 2 minute heated speech that lead to a huge ovation from the room full of 200 people, mostly mental health professional and advocates..
this isn't word for word, but here's essentially what i said:
"I am Jennifer McCreath, a former government senior policy analyst. I like lots of what i have heard tonight and strongly agree with the concept of communication and outreach, but I really don't want to be here tonight! However, since Gender Identity Disorder is still being classified in the DSM as a mental illness, i went to my psychiatrist, who has spent 2 years 'assessing and diagnosing me' with this 'illness'
Doc wrote me a lovely letter suggesting recommended treatments, so i filed an application with our province's public health care insurance plan, but i was told that an out of date legislation prevented me from getting funding unless i jump through several addition, unnecessary, and extremely challenging hoops.
well, rather than start jumping, i called my laywer; who advised me to file a Human Rights complaint, which i did! and that resolved absolutely nothing!
(opening today's paper) then here i read that the new Human Rights Act still does not include protection for transgender or transsexual people.
you wanna talk about stigma? well Republic of Doyle (which had been mentioned earlier in the night) portrayed only 1 trans character in their popular tv series, and this transperson was a prostitite! this is ridiculous. I am not a prostitute and neither are most transpeople. this is unacceptable.
you wanna talk about discrimination? i lost my job as a senior analyst shortly after being 'diagnosed with this condition' and have since had 30 job interviews at the analyst or senior analyst level and not one job offer! this is unacceptable.
bottom line, i need care and i have not been getting it for 3 year. Stats indicate that 40% of transsexuals are at risk of suicide if not treated (or in your case, as you said earlier, will be reported as having 'died suddenly'), and i certainly don't want that to happen.
Minister Kennedy, i've got three questions for you:
1 - can i ask you to do the right thing and override your jurassic policies and sign off on this doctors note so i can get funding for the care that i need?
2 - can you please twist the arm of your colleague, Minister of Justice, Felix Collins, who i see is still sitting there in the front row, and ask him to amend the Human Rights Act to align with our theme tonight and take steps to ensure that trans people won't have to face any more discrimination?
and 3 - could both of you please talk to the premier and tell him to give me back my job as a senior analyst? because i am a darn good one!"
...that speech only took 2 minutes, but it was probably the most important 2 minutes of advocacy work i have ever done. the room erupted into a huge ovation. Then Minister Kennedy responded and tried to deflect the issue, play dumb, and cover up his crap. Then he actually asked Minister Collins to leave the audience to join the podium, where he regurgitated the exact same stuff he told to the media yesterday - stating that as trans issues are 'evolving,' he did not feel comfortable creating a definition to put into an Act. he also reiterated that the Human Rights Commission recommended against this. (so guess what Carey Majid? you're next in line for the Jennifer McCreath hot seat! hope you are ready!).
i followed up by suggesting that all the experts were in the room here tonight and if he needs an explanation, then all he has to do is ask!
neither responded to my question about getting back my job.
the night continued as citizen after citizen raised concern about mental health issues that had some sort of personal connection.. most were beefs, while a few offered compliments..
after the meeting had ended, refreshments were served. and i spent over an hour mingling with anyone who wanted to meet and chat. after things had died down, i made sure to follow up with both Ministers, and we actually had a really good chat. I made it clear that there is nothing personal and that i really would have preferred to be at home tonight playing with my cats, (instead of bashing politicians) but when my health care and human rights needs are not being met, i felt compelled to take action. I think they both genuinely understood and respected me for what i did tonight. will anything change? will anything get done? it's hard to say.. but at least these two folks can't say that they aren't aware of me or the issues, any more.
the only disappointment of the night was that no media felt this forum worthy of coverage, so the only way to read about my infamous tirade, is right here, at jennifermccreath.blogspot.com !
for more information on this matter, check my latest youtube vlog! and please also listen to my archived interview which i did yesterday for CBC.
..funny, a wise man once told me that if i criticized the government, my chances of getting a good job wouldn't be very good.. well, when you are 0 for 30 in analyst job interviews, you really do have nothing to lose! ultimately, i think everyone realized the importance and sense of desperation . i certainly hope this forum tonight will lead to positive change in a very timely manner, regarding these issues..
Jenn
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
June 22, 2010 - CBC Interviews me regarding Newfoundland Human Rights Act
A big thanks to CBC radio noon here in St. John's for allowing me the opportunity to speak publicly about my concerns regarding the exclusion of 'gender identity' and 'gender expression' from the new Newfoundland Human Rights Act. An mp3 file of the interview can be found at one of the two following links:
http://www.cbc.ca/radionoonnl/
http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/nlradionoon_20100622_34302.mp3
They edited a 15 minute conversation down to about 7 minutes, but i think they did a great job presenting the issue. I definitely think the story does justice to the issue, and furthermore, i think it makes me come across as articulate, knowledgeable and reasonable.
Jenn
http://www.cbc.ca/radionoonnl/
http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/nlradionoon_20100622_34302.mp3
They edited a 15 minute conversation down to about 7 minutes, but i think they did a great job presenting the issue. I definitely think the story does justice to the issue, and furthermore, i think it makes me come across as articulate, knowledgeable and reasonable.
Jenn
Monday, June 21, 2010
June 21 2020 - Video Blog Updated
well, i seem to have informally started a montly series of random ramblings from me on youtube.
here's link's to my most recent posts:
June 21, 2010 - reaction to the new Human Rights Act of Newfoundland
June 21, 2010 - general life update
May 22, 2010 - report on Halifax Marathon prep, meeting LGBT kids, and dealing with family issues
May 16, 2010 - Mississauga Marathon post game report
here's link's to my most recent posts:
June 21, 2010 - reaction to the new Human Rights Act of Newfoundland
June 21, 2010 - general life update
May 22, 2010 - report on Halifax Marathon prep, meeting LGBT kids, and dealing with family issues
May 16, 2010 - Mississauga Marathon post game report
June 21, 2010 - CBC radio interview to come!
Jennifer McCreath will interview for St John's CBC Radio Noon News show that will air Tuesday June 22, 2010 at noon local time. Jennifer will discuss concerns about the Government of Newfoundland's failure to provide direct protection for members of the transgender and transsexual community. Jennifer will also discuss specific examples of why protection is desperately needed. Examples will include access to health care funding, employment, and housing.
the interview will likely be archived on CBC's website, so if you are out of town, don't worry!
Jennifer
the interview will likely be archived on CBC's website, so if you are out of town, don't worry!
Jennifer
Sunday, June 20, 2010
June 20, 2010 - difficult week(end)
well, an adjustment to my meds on thursday afternoon lead me to suffer some major side affects (dizziness and drowsiness). this actually cost me what was my 4th sick day in 21 years, as i wasn't fit to attend work on Friday. oh, the challenges of dealing with depression and insomnia! i have since dropped down to half the dose and things seem to be better. i will be following up with the doc again this upcoming week.
i felt good on Saturday, and managed to do three awesome sets of running.. 12, 12, and 10k respectively, over the course of the day. the second set was probably my best middle-distance run of the year, as i covered the 12k in 61.30, which is well ahead of BQ pace.
today has been rather lazy. we didn't get the summery weather that we were supposed to. it has been a warm 22 degrees, but very cloudy and windy. i went outside nonetheless, for a lovely walk to 3 ponds, where i saw ducks, baby duckies, squirrels, and even swans!
i've also been busy trying to rally the troops within the transgender community of Newfoundland, to raise concern towards our Government's decision to exclude us from their new Human Rights Act.
Well, it is Discovery Day in Newfoundland tomorrow, so i will look forward to a holiday, where i will hopefully get in another decent middle-distanced run.
Jenn
i felt good on Saturday, and managed to do three awesome sets of running.. 12, 12, and 10k respectively, over the course of the day. the second set was probably my best middle-distance run of the year, as i covered the 12k in 61.30, which is well ahead of BQ pace.
today has been rather lazy. we didn't get the summery weather that we were supposed to. it has been a warm 22 degrees, but very cloudy and windy. i went outside nonetheless, for a lovely walk to 3 ponds, where i saw ducks, baby duckies, squirrels, and even swans!
i've also been busy trying to rally the troops within the transgender community of Newfoundland, to raise concern towards our Government's decision to exclude us from their new Human Rights Act.
Well, it is Discovery Day in Newfoundland tomorrow, so i will look forward to a holiday, where i will hopefully get in another decent middle-distanced run.
Jenn
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