Group gets positive reception

Michigan State University TGs Come Out

By Kristina Latham
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Transgenderism has recently come out of the closet at Michigan State University. Enormous progress has been made in a short space of time, largely as a result of Lisa Lees and Kristina Latham. Because of extensive lobbying, Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual organizations on campus now include Transgender in their official titles. Because of their requests and suggestions, the Michigan State University library is acquiring many new titles on transgenderism for its collection.

There has been the formation of The Michigan State University Transgender support group, a service open to anyone with a transgender concern, regardless of university affiliation. As part of the Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender pride week events, there was a transgender panel discussion. This was a successful and highly attended event in which five transgendered panel members answered questions from the audience. The speakers had perfect chemistry, telling anecdotal stories, and making everyone aware of the problems transgendered people face in our society. The panel included both female to male and male to female speakers.

The transgendered have also begun speaking to classes at Michigan State University. Their most recent presentation was on April 22nd with Dr. Gallin's Sociology class entitled Sex and Gender. This was an undergraduate class of about 40 students. The speakers were Lisa Lees, a university staff member, and Milesa Phar, outreach coordinator for Crossroads. Kristina Latham, organizer of the event, sat among the class. Students were very responsive and asked many good questions. The presentation lasted for almost two hours and a large round of applause ended the event. Milesa gave an interesting analogy, the similarities between Crossdressing subculture and motorcycle subculture. Lisa cited her experiences of being a transsexual in a same sex marriage and raising children. Lisa also explained how the state cannot absolve her same sex marriage.

These developments have been swift in an area predominantly homophobic and unaccustomed to diversity. Because of good attendance, the MSU transgender support group will meet all summer long. For more information please view Lisa Lees' home page.


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