[offog]

I just got home from celebrating my birthday and decided to check my e-mail before going to bed. Lo and behold I find birthday greetings from Soulforce. That topped off an already terrific day. I want to send my thanks to all the great folks over there.

I haven't been here much in the last few years. I've been busy with my political stuff, including three election campaigns. So I thought I'd let you in on what I've been up to.

2009 has been the biggest year of my life so far. I had my 50th birthday, it was the 30th anniversary of my being active in politics, and I worked in my 20th election campaign.

In addition to working with the New Democratic Party (NDP) and it's GLBT wing (Rainbow Pride Committee), I've also become involved with a transgender group. About a year ago, I went to a Transgender Day of Rembrance event and was very impressed with one of the leaders, Mikayla Schultz. Shortly after that, TransSask Support Services had its founding meeting. Mikayla was the driving force behind that.

I went to the meeting to show my support, and absolutely nobody wanted to take minutes. So finally I volunteered and became the Secretary. Secretary is one of those jobs that nobody wants to do, but I actually enjoy the work. How nerdy is that, eh?

TransSask just had its second AGM at the end of March, and I'm the Secretary again. It's been a real honor working with these folks and I've learned a lot. For one thing, in addition to all the harassment and hostility they face from society at large, transgender people don't always get treated too well by the GLB community either.

At a meeting a few weeks ago, someone told us an appalling story. You know how gays aren't allowed to donate blood, eh? Well, it gets worse than that. Recently, a person who had transitioned from a woman to a man was told he couldn't donate blood. According to the bureaucrats at Canadian Blood Services, all those relationships he had with men when he was a woman now count as same-sex. Pretty f***ing stupid, eh?

Well, I'm going to have to start visiting Soulforce regularly again. This site has helped me get through a couple of things. Thanks to everyone for providing a friendly and safe space.

Hugs and Kisses!