Tuesday, October 15, 2013

How a Trans-girl lost 40lbs of Trans-fat in weeks

By Sabrina Samone
 
I have a dear gay friend who once enjoyed the benefits of being a twink when we were younger. Flash forward ten years and he found himself swell to nearly three hundred pounds. Part genetics, part bad habits that encircled our entire group, I could never understand why this once vibrant social, bar hopping friend would find only comfort at home watching a black and white film.
In high school, I stood 5’9, 140 lbs with a 27 in waist and 34 hips. I was told often by Cis-gender female friends that all I needed was breast and I’d be complete. I wanted to drop to my knees and beg them to tell me the secret location of my missing breast. As I began hrt, estrogen was a dear friend as I watched my body soften my already natural curves and skin, but she became my best friend when I fed her as much as she demanded. My first dress at 22 was a size 8, flash forward several years later and I had peaked at a size 16. I also had begun to feel the pains of my fellow lgbt friend, he may have been the G and I the T, but F for fat is not a letter in LGBT that is allowed. So I too, stopped appearing at LGBT social gatherings and Sunday nights with ABC’s ‘Once upon A Time’, became my new ironic drinking buddy.
After seeing pictures of myself in Charleston’s Gay Pride, where I broke down and cried, I knew I had to do something. Luckily a reader of Transmuseplanet had recently contacted me and we had begun discussing weight loss. He was far but offered me online personal training through his personal training business, Olympian bodies. Slowly I began appreciating taking the time to eat breakfast, something I hadn’t done in years. Eating more protein, fewer carbohydrates and most importantly began to not fear that as a trans-woman that weight lighting does not have to be my worst enemy to my femininity. Over the summer, the weight loss was slow but steady, I am still half way to my goal of my size eight I enjoyed once upon a time, but the results are impressive. My curves are back, my bottom again desired everywhere I go, breast firm and those bat wings that started to appear have disappeared. I’ve lost nearly 40 lbs in two months, dropped three inches off my waist and now feel a rebirth is possible.
What I appreciated the most about the staff at Olympian bodies was that they understood what hormones do and have done. They knew how to address these new problem areas of fat I had not been concerned about in my previous life. Most importantly to me, they calmed my fears that any type of weight lifting would undo years of softness the estrogen had acquired. They understood because a couple of the staff themselves are Trans.
Olympian Bodies are the perfect solution for me, as a transperson personally. They believe that everyone has the potential to achieve the level of fitness they desire. They supported me and continue to guide me to my fitness goals. It was easy to talk to someone online and rates were reasonable for my transgender budget. There slogan was what caught my attention“One step at a time, we are here to get you there!” Also knowing I was dealing with other transgender people, I felt comfortable discussing all my health concerns and fears.
I know everyone knows of a personal trainer, and half the LGBT community is probably one themselves, but for those like me that had fears and apprehension getting help, having people so understanding to who I was meant the world and help Mrs. Sabrina Samone get her self confidence back, and that’s one thing you can’t get a prescription for, lol.
To learn more about them or contact them or just follow their health tips on twitter until you feel comfortable check out these ways of staying in touch.
OLYMPIANBODIES ON TWITTER: GET DAILY WORKOUT TIPS FOR CIS-GENDER AND TRANS SPECIFIC TIPS
 
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Monday, October 14, 2013

Trans Faces #4 A Step into Teko's World

By Sabrina Samone, TMP

If you think your day is full, try being Teko Davis.  An androgynous actor/actress bringing gender queer to the big screen. A model with a message, a motivational speaker and mentor to inner city youth. As well as one of the new Radio personalities on the hit blogtalkradio network Back2us Radio, co-hosting hir own talked about show, Teko's Corner: With Texas Director of Black Transmen Inc. and Transmuseplanet Face book Admin, Tye West.


As an androgynous actor/actress and model, Teko has had much success but will tell you, she's just getting started.Teko began hir career in commercial modeling with Xstudcee modeling and was recently featured as the June 2013 Centerfold stud of the month.

Teko's versatility as an androgynous actor and model has allowed hir to transition seamlessly from print photography to theater where she recently starred as Mickey (the pimp), Talitha and Katrice in the play 'Walk Like A Man'

Teko, is not your typical actor/model, she holds a bachelors in Psychology and works with inner city youth. Showing them that positive role models exist in the gender queer community. She lives by the motto "When obstacles arise, you change your direction to reach your goal. You do knot change your decision to get there." Great advice indeed.

So who is Teko really and why should you want to hear what she has to say on Teko's Corner? Because she is the voice of a proud out gender queer African-American giving back to the community and needs our support.

As gender queer, I wanted to respect Teko's self identity. She informed me that she identifies as a very butch lesbian and is OK with the pronoun, she. I also enjoyed getting to know this new exciting and determined friend. Now is your chance to step into Teko's World.

1.   TMP: TeKo, you are so busy. Of your many talents; acting, writing, modeling and speaking, which is your greatest passion?

 Teko: My passions are all of them because it’s a way to touch someone and change their life. My passion and purpose is to help a person grow in a positive way. Each opportunity places me in the presents of people. Where I can mentor, uplift and motivate someone.

 2. TMP: You are also an At-risk youth mentor. What inspired you to make a difference in the lives of so many youth?

 Teko: Today our youth are at place where they need positive role models. I lost my mother at the age of 19. She passed away from complications from the pregnancy of my brother. I had to then go into parent mood at the age of 19 to take care of my three younger brothers. I did not turn to drugs etc. I keep pushing through my struggle and made something positive of myself. Yes it took me longer than 4 years to get my Psychology degree but I did it. So I always let the kids that I mentor if I can make it you can to. No matter what your life situation is.

 3.   TMP: What is the climate of the acceptance of the Transgender and gender queer community in the Detroit area compared to where you are now in Austin Texas?

 Teko: There is such a difference.  Austin there are more support groups and acceptance. There are more hate crimes in Detroit against the Transgender community. The mindset is not as open there. Austin you can be who you are and people don’t care. Austin Motto is keeping Austin weird.

 4. TMP: Tell us about your lead role in the Movie, ‘A Better Life’, and what are your goals as an androgynous actor?

 Teko: My Role is an aggressive lesbian that has a girlfriend. I sell drugs to take care of her and our 4 kids. My character wants to give them a better life and get out the hood. That never happens because some trouble happens; you have to watch the movie to find out…… lol. I want to make it to a major movie role in Hollywood. My goals as an androgynous actor; I want to be an androgynous actor in all communities not just the gay community and I will be one day.

 5. TMP: How has your immediate circle been in accepting who you are and what are some of your positive experiences?

 Teko: My circle is with people who are only positive and uplifting. I only keep people around me that are positive.

       6.  TMP: In your opinion what are some of the greatest obstacles you feel needs to be addressed within the African-American community to make the lives of their Trans family and friends better?

 Teko: MORE support!  We need to stick together more. SUPPORT! Stops being so close minded. The African-American community needs to think how it feels to be called the N” word and the struggle we face each day with racism. So why take someone else through this type of pain?

 7. TMP: You’ve recently launched your blog talk radio show, Teko’s Corner on Back2US radio. What are your goals with the show to enhance Trans and gender queer visibility?

 Teko: Resource, educate and a platform for a person to have to share any type of life experience and talk about topics that no one else will.

 8.TMP: Could you tell us more about the Back2us radio network and why the Trans/gender queer community should support it in your opinion.

 Teko: Back2Us radio network HOSTS are a platform of many different people from all walks of life. We are family within our network and support each other and support the community. We support our Trans community; we just launch Transgender Thursday on Back2us Radio network to give our Transgender Community a place to be heard.

 9. TMP: What are some things we can look forward to that will be coming out of Teko’s world in the coming year?

 Teko: My Book, the start of my Nonprofit, more acting roles, modeling and changing more lives by uplifting the community.

 10. TMP: If you had one chance to tell the world and knew everyone would hear you at once, what would you like them to know about Teko Davis?

 Teko: I am here on earth for one purpose and that is to be the change in the World. I am here to uplift and help those in need. I may be only be one person but my heart is as those of 1000’s. I have my own T-shirt that I am selling for $20 called I AM TEKO to help homeless kids in my community. Half of the proceeds go to the things they need. UNTIL I STOP BREATHING “I WILL BE THAT CHANGE IN THE WORLD”. I AM TEKO” THE BRAND OF POSTIVE CHANGE FOR THE COMMUITY!
 
 
If you'd like to follow and learn more about Teko, check out these sites to stay in the know of Teko's World.
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Sunday, October 13, 2013

Many Voices: God is love and love is for everyone

By Sabrina Samone, TMP
 
Filmmaker Katina Parker created a recent series of six videos for the many voices organization; a black church movement for gay and transgender justice. The series covers personal stories of African American lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people who came of age and came out in Black churches.

Many Voices is a non-profit whose mission is to foster a Black Church movement for gay and transgender justice and its new media campaign was created to engage church leaders and LGBTQ people about fostering a movement for gay and transgender justice in Black churches. It also offers training, resources, and relationship-building opportunities for interested church leaders and Black LGBTQ people.

United Methodist Bishop Melvin G. Talbert, who is involved with Many Voices says, “The time is now for the Black Church to fully embrace our tradition of calling for freedom, liberation and justice for all of God’s children, especially for our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender family and friends.” Rev. Cedric Harmon, who is co-director of many voices, added that “The truths of the personal testimonies represented in the Many Voices Video Campaign are hard to deny. I pray we hear the message and eagerly engage in efforts to eliminate the inequalities and injustices affecting the lives and aspirations of so many.”

It is true that the church itself over many years has pushed a large portion of the LGBTQ people from knowing the love of God. Personal bigotries preached at pulpits across this country have lead to the persecution of countless people based on race, sexual orientation and gender identity. It is very unfortunate because this is not the message of God. The Black Church along with all types of denominations and cultures has to address or answer for the day that they cause so many to turn away from Christ instead of allowing them to be embraced by his love.

The time is past due to correct the rhetoric of hate found in churches across this country and others and allows the true gospel of Christ to be heard. For more information of Many Voices, visit ManyVoices.org






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TAKING OUR CROWN


 By Sabrina Samone, TMP

In the fifties or before, you may be hard pressed to find a Transgender person working in your local grocery store or dare to even step out of the house. In the sixties and seventies, with the sexual revolution well underway, the first great Trans-leaders like Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P.Johnson dared to open that envelop. We watched in the eighties and nineties as countless films and T.V. Shows made us a joke, while Cis-gendered people made billions off the Transgender Community by fetishizing us in endless degrading porn titled films. By the turn of the new century we had to sit and watch as the LGB pondered over whether or not we, the T, was worth their time. Finally in an unlikely sign of the times in 2013, we are receiving our crowns, literally.  

Over the past decade, the plight of Trans-kids has been gaining recognition and the idea of changing ones gender is becoming more understood as something not just decided upon overnight at age 40, but began as far back as in the womb. With acceptance of Transgender students has come a long dream of millions of Transgender people reliving childhood dreams vicariously through the next trans-genderation of our future brothers and sisters. Many have achieved what was once impossible to many of us, to not only be accepted but applauded by our peers and community and crowned homecoming kings and queens.
 

One of the biggest stories may be of Cassidy Lynn Campbell, who was one of five students nominated for homecoming queen at Marina High School. Campbell who said of her wins, “If it can just make them look a little bit differently at myself or anyone else in this world and judge just a little less harshly than it was all worth it.” The school’s principal said he’s proud of Campbell’s victory. “We’re proud of the message from the home of the Vikings has been one of equity, acceptance, tolerance and respect.” Could any of us have imagined our school being that supportive in 2000 or before? I remember specifically being told by a science teacher and assistant principal that if I only tried making an appearance as a boy and date girls, I would be treated better. It’s great we are able to see the times make a turn for a better future for all of us.

Where there are Queens there is bound to be a few Kings, like Ray Ramsey of New Hampshire who was not only just simply voted recently as homecoming King but won with a landslide victory at Concord High School. He is the first transgender student to ever receive the honor and took the crown to the sound of a thunderous applause and cheers. According to the Concord Monitor, Ramsey’s father greeted him after he accepted the crown, taking Ramsey by the shoulders and looking him in the eye, saying, “I am so proud of you.”

Most recently, Steven Sanchez made history in Des Moines, Iowa being the first gender queer person to win homecoming queen at the University of Northern Iowa. Sanchez, 21, was born male and identifies as both male and female. After years of relentless bullying, Sanchez received a standing ovation at the campus’s packed auditorium. Sanchez said, “I never would have thought years ago that I’d be standing on a stage, people cheering for me because they voted me homecoming queen. It’s unbelievable."




While there are still too many places where the lives of Transgender people are harsh and cruel, we are all as a society able to take a deep breath, raise our chest with a little more pride at a world growing more accepting of one another. I especially think these stories are an inspiration, not just to those that will follow their footsteps but many who have began to lose hope, lost in their despair of the daily hardship that many transgender people continue to endure.

  Times are a changing, just last year the Miss Universe pageant system announced all pageants are to be opened to post-op transgender women.

2013 may still go down in history as the year of the T.
 
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FROM THE PARENT COMPANY OF TMP, SOUL MANIFEST INC. A NEW ONLINE
PERSONAL TRAINING SERVICE TAILORED FOR TRANSGENDER BODIES. FOR MORE

INFO CLICK PICTURE FOR LINK.
 

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Why are third world countries making greater progress in personal freedom than USA?

BY SABRINA SAMONE, TMP








While I'm happy to hear positive stories concerning Transgender people from around the world like; last year's Argentina's Landmark Gender Identity Law. It enabled a six year old to be listed as she identifies, eliminating a life full of questions, discrimination and fourth rate citizenship. Sadly with each news report I'm always left feeling more that I am in the worst country in the world for freedom, equality and justice for all.

I live in a country called America, it was founded on personal freedoms and pursuit of happiness for all mankind, but that was on paper. Ever since the Constitution has been written to grant these rights, millions have had to  suffer, die, or endure incarceration for requesting these rights. Now it seems the trans people are the last group to be granted what a nearly 275 year old paper claimed to have granted for all, but what are you going to do...but continue to fight.

Many countries who never made such false promises to their people are doing great things by granting every citizen equality and the pursuit of happiness, like Argentina.

The six year old, self-identified female, will never be denied work due to her I.D., therefore having greater options in life than being a prostitute like most Americans. She will grow up feeling less ashamed of herself and not becoming one of the million of Trans-kids in America that will commit suicide this year alone. She will grow up to feel confident and proud of who she is, achieving in school with higher education and more opportunities for a full life unlike the majority of Transgender people in the states that suffer from one mental illness or another due to the stigma and the constant battle to just be themselves most of their lives.

Places like Argentina are fast becoming true democracies that I wish I had the good fortune of being a part of but...I continue the fight here.  The Trans community and all Americans should be inspired by this wonderful story

EXCERPT from care 2 make a difference:

Last year, Care2′s Steve Williams reported on Argentina’s landmark Gender Identity Law, which allows the country’s citizens to easily legally change the gender listed on their state ID cards. Now, in another victory for LGBT rights, the Argentinian government has decided to grant a new ID for Lulu, a six-year-old transgender girl who has identified as female since she began speaking as a toddler.
It’s hard to overstate what a big deal this is. In many countries (including parts of the United States), trans citizens must go through a lengthy legal and medical process in order to change their identification. Many jurisdictions won’t allow a change at all, even if a person has changed their name and lives full-time as the gender they identify with.
This has far-reaching effects for the trans community — it essentially forces poor trans people to be officially “out,” whether they want to be or not. It opens them up to harassment from law enforcement, difficulty verifying their identity when flying, and can easily open trans people up to employment discrimination. It can even prevent trans people from participating in the political process in states with strict voter ID laws.
While it’s a little early for Lulu to worry too much about these particular problems, she does face other challenges, particularly as she enters school. The Argentinian Children, Youth, and Family Secretary decided that she wasn’t too young to decide the name and gender she’d like to be listed on her identification.
There’s plenty of evidence to suggest that LGBT children are fully capable of recognizing their gender identity and sexual orientation early in life, and that the sooner they’re able to come out, the better-adjusted they are as teens and adults. That’s no small matter for the transgender community, which studies have shown is at a 41% risk of attempted suicide due to the extreme discrimination and misunderstanding they face in daily life.
While some may worry that Lulu is too young to decide how she identifies, the beauty of this law is that people can change their ID relatively easily. So if at any point a transgender child decides they don’t really want to live as the sex they’ve previously identified as, it will be easy to change the paperwork back. Trans children are typically not given any irreversible surgery or hormone treatments until they are well into their teens, when they are able to make fully informed decisions about their medical care.
It’s great to see Argentina taking proactive steps to respect and protect trans youth. Hopefully, other countries like the United States will follow their lead.

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