The Transgender Day of Remembrance memorializes those killed due to their actual or perceived gender identity and expression.  The first memorial was a candlelight vigil held in Boston in November 1999 to honor Rita Hester, murdered in 1998.  Since then, annual memorials have been observed around the world on November 20th.

Join us as we remember those that have gone before us.

TGDOR events will be held in Ferndale Michigan, and Grand Rapids Michigan, at the following locations...

Both locations events will begin at 7:00PM EST...

This event does not require an RSVP...

Transgender Day of Remebrance - Ferndale
Metropolitan Community Church of Detroit
2441 Pinecrest, Ferndale, MI (off of 9 Mile Rd)
Drayton Ave Presbyterian Church’s Chapel
Speakers: Charles Pugh, Rev. Rick Beetie, Terry Gonda, Kristi Reeve



Transgender Day of Remebrance - Grand Rapids
East UCC Church
1005 Giddings SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan

 
Come join us for time of remembering, but more importantly for time of celebrating ALL that we contribute to the world.


I will be attending the 9th annual Ferndale event, so I hope to see you there!!!!

This year we will be honoring 118 people who have been lost due to anti-transgender bias (murder, suicide, lack of access to medical care).

Go to http://www.transgendermichigan.org/ if you would like to review the events calendar.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkHh8R78Vlg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqnO62io2qY

Best viewed in HQ on youtube... Click on (more info) in the sidebar... This is my response to Aiden's "I Fear" Challenge... These are my fears... What are yours?

I wanted to remind everyone (for those that don't know really) that you can use the "older" button on the left side of any opened blog to view older Blog pages. My blogs go back to some time in 2006, and they cover many trans as well as non trans issues, and it also documents the progression of the reproductive organ issues that I had been having. (Hysterectomy finally on 04/20/09!)

I have also begun a Vlog on YouTube...






I have recently added some myspace photo albums following HRT, Top surgery, and my Hysto... Feel free to check those out at well...

I have also uploaded some "growth" pix showing the different stages of clitoral growth (into a neo-phallus) over time, and before and after pix of top surgery, the pumping process, and a demonstration of how to wear the feeldoe on my xtube account. Message me if you don't know how to find me there. Keep in mind that this site is adult in nature, and should not be viewed at work or in front of children. While my photo's are more education based... There will be porn on the site in general so don't go there if porn offends you. (see comments for direct link - copy/paste) (and no I do not and will not post porn myself so don't ask)

ALSO: Don't forget to join my Trans-Family group, and my Michigan focused Trans group, if either is relevant to you...

I can also be found on just about every social network site, though I am most active here on myspace. My user name for pretty much everything is either Aaron_FTM or aaronftm. Feel free to add me wherever you happen to find me. =)

FTM Book Vol. 1 = OUT NOW!!!!!

About FTM Book Vol. 1
FTM Book Vol 1: A Basic Introduction to Transman Life is an easy-to-understand, yet comprehensive primer on FTM issues such as:

What is an FTM?
How do FTMs see themselves?
Appearance
Stages in Transition
Surgeries Available
Common Personal Histories
Violence
Discrimination
Health Issues
Counseling
Relationships
Common Legal Issues

We've worked hard to help create definitions that will help you talk about trans issues with others, including terms for body parts unique to the FTM and by naming the stages of transitioning. This book is great for anyone who who is having trouble understanding the lifestyle or choices of a transperson.

Best of all, when you order FTM Book Vol. 1: A Basic Introduction to Transman Life you can feel good knowing that sales of the book are being used to fund more research to help FTMs and their partners get through the challenges of their lives. This is a great book for yourself and for anyone you know who could use a little more understanding. Also, you can help teach others about trans issues by donating copies to your local high schools, colleges, LGBT centers and libraries.


Get your copy here: http://www.cafepress.com/muskegon115

NEW VIDEO PROMOS!!!!

(from http://www.bilerico.com/2006/10/the_nontrans_pr.php)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxbFP5qzBdg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0zOZv2uWMs

Stylus 1050 SW Features:

10.1-megapixel effective CCD
Shock Proof (MIL-STD-810F) up to 5ft (1.5m)
Waterproof (equivalent to IEC6059 IPX8/JISC0920) up to 10ft. (3m)
Freezeproof (-10°C/14°F) and Dustproof
3x internal optical zoom lens (35mm equivalent of 38-114mm)
27 shooting modes - 23 are preprogrammed Scene modes
2.7-inch HyperCrystal II LCD with 230,000 pixel resolution and 5 steps of brightness adjustment
Olympus' Shadow Adjustment, Face Detection and Digital Image Stabilization technologies
AVI format movies 640x480/320x240 at either 30 or 15fps with audio
Record 640x480 (30fps) video up to 2GB when using a Type M+ or H xD cards with Firmware v1.1
Add voice memos to still pictures
ISO sensitivity; Auto, 80 - 1600
Built-in all-weather speaker and microphone
41.6MB of internal memory
Card slot supports xD-Picture Cards up to 2GB as well as microSD (MASD-1 adapter is required)
Auto-Connect USB for easy image transfer to computer
Direct printing to any PictBridge compatible printer
LI-42B Lithium rechargeable battery and charger included

Well my job finally fell under, as is happening to so many in Michigan these days...

I have a good severance package, and I should definitely be able to get unemployment. So there's at least that I can fairly well depend on... Just a matter of getting it all started. I need to go talk to a couple of people and figure out my options.

I think I am going to use this opportunity to do things I've been wanting to do for some time...

Like become more active in the community in person... Not that I don't love doing all this stuff online, but it's nice to see real live faces once in a while lol!

And I really really want to go back to school. I just need to figure out exactly what for. (I'm listening if you have suggestions.) It's something I haven't had time or money for, and I am very hopeful that with Michigan's "No Worker Left Behind" program, I will finally be able to do that...

I dunno... I am a bit bummed, and of course scared for the future... But I think I've been needing to make a career change for some time, and will be much happier in the long run for it.

I just need a little help right now in figuring out a new path for myself...


**Update** July 8th 2009

I have gotten myself signed up for the "No workers left behind" program. I will have a bunch of Orientations and such to attend, but I should be able to get 5000 a year for 2 years for school.

I am pretty well decided on the general field I want to get into. I am going to try to get into a 1 or 2 year Radiology program. That is something that I can do pretty much anywhere, and I can later move on to specialize in MRI, CAT, or UltraSound.

So, for the summer I am just hanging out at home and with friends and taking a breather. I've worked really hard over the last 10 years. This time off has been incredible. I've been able to do so much that before I have missed out on because I was always working.

Things are going to be somewhat tight for a while, but it's a good feeling just to know that I am working on a plan, and that I have a couple of months to myself to simply enjoy life and the people around me.

Its been around a month since my Hysto and Oopho. I am feeling more energetic. I haven't really begun my work out regimen yet, but I am already noticing a difference in my musculature. I think it is safe to say that my body is metabolizing the Testosterone much more effectively than before. At some point I may need to reduce my dosage.

My body feels harder; a feeling I distinctly remember from my 1st month on HRT. My arms have become very defined, and larger. My legs feel stronger as well. I believe I may even be about to get another round of growth downstairs, as that familiar annoying tingling feeling has returned lol!

Emotionally I am definitely feeling more centered. Without estrogen mucking up my system, my range of emotions seem to be incredibly simplified. Not quite as complex or overwhelming. I may be experiencing some increase in aggression as well, but as my body is still adjusting, it is difficult to tell.

In my life there has been some ups and downs lately...

My job is not going well due to the economic crisis, and I may end up going on unemployment. Jobs are hard to find and I am stressed by the thought, but I actually think in the long run this may be for the best. I am not happy, and I am not doing something that I feel makes a difference, and both are important to me. Top that off with the hostile environment and the repeated problems with being paid for the work I show up to do every day... And well I am beginning to run out of reason as to why I should continue to go there at all.

I would really like to go back to school. It is something I haven't been able to do primarily due to financial reasons, and the fact that I am not getting any loans of my own, and I have no cosigner/familial help. It's been frustrating me for quite some time. I am hoping that if I am on unemployment, I might qualify for Michigan's "No Worker Left Behind" act... Then I may be able to have at least SOME schooling paid for by the state.

I am not entirely sure as to what I REALLY want to do with my life though...

I am a natural advocate and counselor, and do much of both online voluntarily in my free time. But to do either professionally is not likely to be lucrative. And unfortunately, I will need an adequate amount of money to support myself...

I am somewhat worried that if I turn my creative design energies towards something like advertising or professional graphics work, that it will no longer be enjoyable, and it will no longer be something I would turn to as a hobby. I am a decent enough writer, but I don't think its something I would want to try to make a living out of either...

So what to do with my life? THAT is the question!?!

I am also recently single... Which I am not exactly happy about, but it is very much for the best. I am content enough by myself, or hanging out with my close friends. But I am a very tender and compassionate person by nature, and I very much crave the level of companionship that pretty much no one but a lover can provide.

Crystal and I have realized that we were heading into separate directions in life, and want different things. It just happens some times. We intend to remain good friends, and after a brief hiatus, continue the very important work on our various projects.

And I also have a new addition to my household...

My roommate found a little kitten about a week ago. Turns out the old drunk next door literally threw her out of the house. This little girl couldn't be more than 6 weeks old. Too young to fend for herself. My sister is probably going to take him when he gets big enough. She has 2 big dogs, so right now he would just be snack food lol!

She is a grayish silver blue, and you can really see the blue. Her eyes are still turning color but I think they will be amber. She will probably have a long coat and it looks like she will have stripes on his legs and tail. I will post pics as soon as I am able. She is going to be beautiful. The other cats are kinda just looking at her like WTF, but I think they don't really mind. They seem to know its a baby. We're going to call her Kali.

**UPDATE**    KITTY PIX

04/20/09 6 am

I am about to leave my house to have my hysto surgery. I've been waiting for this for a long time. I feel a good mixture of relief and fear at the moment, but I know that everything will turn out fine...

That said, I just wanted to let my friends know that I love you all. Whether we speak or hang out often, or whether we see each other rarely or not at all... I still think about you... I still care about you... I always love you, and wish you well in life.

See you all when I get back!


**Update** 05/01/09 5 pm

Surgery went well. I have been recovering nicely. Very little pain or bleeding. I feel like I will be feeling much better than before the surgery once the soreness is gone. I have an almost invisible scar. I will be posting pics as soon as I can.

Surgery TODAY!!!


My FULL ABDOMINAL HYSTERECTOMY will be performed by Dr. Jay Berman on Monday April 20th at:
Harper Hutzel Hospital, located on John R between Mack & Warren in Detroit, Michigan.

Harper-Hutzel Hospital
3990 John R St.
Detroit, MI 48201-2018
MI Tel. 313-745-8040
Fax 313-745-1520


I will be checking in at 7am, and surgery will be at 9am. I will be in admitted for 2 or 3 days. I will not know my room number until after the surgery. But should anyone feel like visiting you can probably check with the information desk in the lobby, or try to call me if you have my phone number.

This week my office is moving to a new location, so when I come back to work it will be to a whole new place. Kind of like a new start. We've really needed to re-organize for a long time and this will give us a much needed chance to do that. The only down side is we will be losing our single stall unisex bathroom since the new building has gendered multi-stalled bathrooms. Not thrilled about that... but no one will know me from before my transition there, so I don't really expect any problems.

One question I have for anyone who has had a hysto before...

Did you have General Anesthetic, or did you have an Epidural/Spinal Block?

They have asked me to decide which method I would prefer, and while I am leaning towards the general, I would like to hear about others experiences with either (or with the hysto itself & recovery) before I make a final decision...


 

Update - book release soon, submissions needed ..

Well, finally we have an update.

Aaron and I have been researching a sex and relationship guide for FTMs and their partners for the past two years.  We have learned a lot - most notably that writing a book is much more work than expected.

Also we learned that there is not only a need for relationship help, there aren't any good reference books that even give a general overview of FTM life.  When someone completely unfamiliar with the LGBT community meets an FTM it can bring up a lot of questions.  And we deserve a simple, easy-to-use but well-rounded guide to explain to friends, family, and potential partners what it means to be trans.

So we are preparing to release FTM Book Vol. 1 - A Basic Introduction to FTM Life, hopefully by the end of February.  This book answers the basic questions someone would have upon meeting a transman or learning that someone they loved was transitioning.

For those of you that submitted pictures, they won't be used in this edition.  We hope that by releasing this first book we can raise enough money to continue with our research, and be able to afford to pay for things like pictures,contributions and more professional illustrations.

HOWEVER, we are adding a section in the back of the book where we are giving transmen an opportunity to share their view about what it means to be trans. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO TELL THE WORLD what you think they should know about you or about your life, please submit an essay of between100-500 words with the title:  What Being an FTM Means to me.  You can also include a picture.

You can also submit a visual or poetic interpretation of that topic.  Book will be in black and white, with8x5 pages.  Artwork must be in .jpg format.  Submissions become property of Muskegon 115 Services.  Each person whose essay/poem/art is selected will receive 1 free copy of the book.  NOTE:  due to financial limitations we reserve the right to ship the book up to six months from the book's final release date (though of course we will send them out as we can afford to).  

Please include your full legal name and an address where we can mail your copy if selected.  Send submission and picture (if desired) to editor@muskegon115.com.

Deadline is Feb. 2, 2009.

Thank you. 

www.myspace.com/ftmbook