Canadian Transsexual donates to Oklahoma Tornado Relief 5/22/2013

Well, it's no secret that the mid-west states are among the most homophobic and transphobic of them all. Their lack of human rights protection, combined with social attitudes (often influenced by religion) have meant that gay and trans people in the state of Oklahoma are among the most vulnerable in the USA.

When the tornado struck last week, killing several dozen people, many of whom were elementary school children, three thoughts immediately crossed my mind: 1) oh my goodness, people have lost loved ones, been injured and or lost their homes. 2) wow, Oklahoma is among the most transphobic states of them all, and 3) wouldn't it be ironic if a trans person, such as myself, made a small cash donation that would ultimately help some of these folks, transphobic or not.

Those of you who know me, will recognize that I rarely do things quietly. You will also be well aware that I like to parlay multiple issues into single opportunities. So, queue this issue. First of all, I raised eye brows when I decided that it was a good time to remind folks of Oklahoma's terrible record of treating gay and trans people. But then I followed up with a $40 donation to the Red Cross disaster relief fund.

Yes folks, trans people can be among those who are fortunate enough to help others too, it's not just us complaining that we don't have rights or don't have enough money!

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Unfortunate McCreath-Sanders on-air incident turns into positive donation for Gender Rights Maryland!

On Sunday night, I called into a sports radio talk show, the RCRW Show, to discuss the pro wrestling event that had just taken place, and I found myself being hung up on by the host, Lee Sanders, because he was under the false impression that he was receiving a prank call. Seems the male-sounding voice of a female caller was enough to spook him.  I was taken aback because I have had a lovely tweeting relationship with Lee, CEO of Enfinity 1 Productions, for the past two years, and understood him to be knowledgeable and respectful towards trans issues and members of the trans community.  But it seems he was caught off guard, as my call was unexpected.

Anyway, the good news is that he apologized to me, both off air and on air, and has offered to make it up with a donation to a trans advocacy organization of my choice.

Ultimately, much good has come out of this ordeal as it can be chalked up as a lessons-learned for everyone. The best part of this for me, was to have the host openly discuss trans issues, and express tolerance and acceptance of trans people, in an environment not known for trans acceptance, the sporting world, and specifically, the pro wrestling world.

In a world that stills seems to have a hard time coming to accept the fact that there is at least one gay man in the National Basketball Association, to have a talk show host of a pro wrestling show express open acceptance towards trans people, and to speak highly of my specifically, is an awesome feather in our cap.

Furthermore, given that this talk show originates from the Washington, DC area, and given the fact that I had been a victim of transphobic attacks by Maryland 'rad feminists', I decided to direct this donation to Gender Rights Maryland Foundation, an organization that has worked hard to combat transphobia, and fight for the inclusion of human rights protection for trans people.

You can view a video of the initial incident, as well as my reaction, here,

and you can view a subsequent video of the host's on-air appology, and my reaction, here.

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Proof I am Sane! - McCreath rests injury! LOL

5/11/2013 sat - OFF sore knees, exhausted
5/12/2013 sun - OFF sore knees
5/13/2013 mon - OFF rest knees
5/14/2013 tues - OFF rest knees
5/15/2013 wed - 1.50k right knee buckled
5/16/2013 thur - OFF exhausted
5/17/2013 fri - 3.00
5/18/2013 sat - off exhausted
5/19/2013 sun - 3.30
5/20/2013 mon - off exhausted

Well, it's definitely been a rough 10 days for me. But at the very least, I can feel proud to know when I need to take a break. 2 years ago, I ran 3 marathons in 14 days, when i should have run none, and i paid the ultimate price with chronic knee problems that continue to plague me today. I'm sure those runs also played a role in the eventual collapse of my right calcaneofibular ankle ligament. Oh well, 7.8k over 10 days looks funny in the training log, but it is a necessity at this point. I can only hope that I will feel better next week. But this is a good sign that I am starting to figure out my limits, and learn when I have to take a break!
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After 14000 km, McCreath ditches Asics for Saucony Oasis!

Well, I have officially given up on Asics 2100 series shoes. After running  14000 km on Asics 2120 and 2130 series shoes, I learned the hard way that 2140 and beyond contained a modified inner sole that causes blisters to anyone with wide feet. I also had the same problem with their new GT-2000 shoe.

After 4 months on an old 2007 model of K-Swiss tennis court shoes, to provide extra stability to my torn ankle ligament, I discovered Saucony by chance, in a bargain bin at Winners the other day. Turns out that I really like this shoe so far and will look forward to giving it a go. due to injury, I have not had a long run on these shoes yet, but so far, the short runs have felt great.   Even more exciting, seems one of my cats approve of these shoes too! hehe.

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The Commercialization of Anti Homophobia Day - Ethical? 5/16/2013

Ok, as I look around my facebook and twitter feed, I see several events being created, for which you must buy a ticket to attend - all supposedly to 'celebrate' international day of anti- homophobia.  Not really sure that this is the right type of day to be raising money folks.  This should be a day to do education and awarenss work so we can overcome homophobia. anyone else agree with me that we all should perhaps stick to the core focus of the issue?
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Complacent Electorate in Canada? The Duffy Scandal 5/16/2013

What was meant to be a snarky joke, ended up getting posted on 6 o'clock news, due to it's originality. While many keen political junkies are all over the story of Senator Mike Duffy's $90000 gift received from the Prime Ministers' Office head, due to a financial audit finding, I suspect that the majority of Canadians are not keenly interested in matters of this nature. I state this based on the historic fact that 50% of voters do not vote at all.  Anyway, I hope my little comment serves as a wake up call that we all do need to pay attention to what our elected and appointed political officials are doing, and hold them accountable! Follow @Jenn_McCreath Tweet

Poking fun at my old team! Go Leafs Go! LOL

Just having a little fun at the expense of the team I grew up idolizing in the 1980s, when they were the worst team in the NHL! Nice to see Toronto finally back in the playoffs, after a lengthy absence!  Game 7 tonight vs Boston should be a good one! For the record though, I have considered the Pittsburgh Penguins my favourite team since they drafted Sidney Crosby, back in 2004.

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