I'm Still Fucking Here; TMP Reviews Charlotte's LGBT Film Festival 2016

By
Sabrina Samone

Maybe it was the tension that needed to be released from the recent North Carolina laws passed against our community, or hopefully, it was a realization that we must come together to support each other. Either way, this past weekend's Charlotte LGBT Film Festival was a huge success, with an obvious increase in attendance from previous years. I'd like to thank my new found sis, Isley Whitfield and the rest of the team behind Charlotte's LGBT Film Festival, and Charlotte Pride, for their warm invite, reception, and the fabulous experience.

The atmosphere, obviously due to the bigoted law of HB2, was full of discussions, the talk of several protest planned, and the work yet to be done. One topic that was special to me; was the talk of building unity within Charlotte's LGBT community, especially within the fragmented trans community. Words of more structured organization, comradeship, and building an actual hands on support system among and for all our brothers and sisters was refreshing to hear, in local trans culture.

Those sentiments were heightened and represented in the films shown. Due in part, I'm sure, to the  transgender bathroom law;  this year was the most diverse movie selection yet.  Films like 'No Difference',  which focused on the masculine/feminine labeling of African American Lesbians, 'Major', the highly anticipated documentary about the life and times of Stonewall veteran and trans heroic,  advocate, Miss  Major Griffin-Gracy, and 'Those People', a film that began as a typical Gay male film, but went further with a focus on mental issues, and a interracial relationship.

The final night ended with a table discussion on the HB2 law, and everyone was welcome to voice their opinion, and talk about plans of action. The entire weekend event was  planned and orchestrated well, and the atmosphere was very welcoming to all of the Rainbow tribe. All the films were worth seeing but here is just those that stood out to me as exceptional, not only for their content, direction, acting, and cinematography, but also for those within the LGBT community rarely represented.

THE SAME DIFFERENCE

Without a doubt, for me, the most educational film was 'No Difference'. Director Nneka Onuorah, highlighted the often unheard voices of queer and lesbian women of color, and the stigma that has been imposed upon them by the years of oppression inflicted upon African American culture. It portrays the strict masculine, and homophobic ideas that drive African American lesbian culture to differentiate women as either masculine (a stud), or feminine (femmes), along with other labels that even the community itself forces all to adhere too.

One of the most moving moments, is of a stud that decides  to carry a child for her partner that is unable to carry herself. A woman, who identifies as such, but yet must explain her choices for having a child within the lesbian community.

This film, and it's subject matter is a topic that is long overdo.

THOSE PEOPLE

As a transgender person, I'm sure I'm not alone when I say we are often disappointed with the same themed gay male oriented films. Yet, 'Those People' will pleasantly surprise you. Not only is it well written, directed and acted, but the plot is not full of shirtless gay white only men. Thankfully, the film had a plot also that did not center around just sex. If you are a gay male, you also will not be disappointed in the lack of flesh, there's just the right amount of it. This is an excellent film that centers around a group of New York Upper East side LG brat packs, with their share of co-dependency issues, addiction and love triangles. You will also be treated to some ethnicity, that's often missed in Gay films. The main character, a ditsy but loving Jewish character that comes off as a die hard bottom, and the heart throb Arabian he falls for.

All the characters face real life moments of personal, and career highs and lows. A fun film about friendship, sacrifices and romantic love. 

MAJOR

The highlight of the weekend was the highly anticipated film, 'Major'. A documentary about the life and times of one of the last remaining Stonewall girls, Miss Major Griffin Gracy.  Laverne Cox said, "Loving a trans person is revolutionary", and this story is full of love and inspiration. It is even more revolutionary to see a trans community together, and united. I came of age, and began transition in this atmosphere and it's so good to see it still exist. It's so disappointing to hear 'all trans people are different' to explain people's reasoning to not be united, or get to know other trans people outside of their comfort zone. This film shows that is possible and more.

Charlotte was home to the first showing in the South East of this film. Several cities fought for that prestige, but fortunately for us and me, Charlotte's team won.

Miss Major started her activism in 1969 as one of the original Stonewall girls who are often unrecognized for igniting the LGBT revolution we now witness today. She has spent 45 plus years advocating for the rights of transgender people, and those incarcerated. She has advocated for those with HIV, trans and gay, yet has had to fight for recognition in the greater rainbow community. Finally, she along with us, are able to witness with the release of this film, the amazing story of Mama Major.

There are so many films, those of us who have been fortunate enough to be mentored by older trans girls or trans showgirls have come to know. This is one to add to the books. A must see for every trans person, both female and male. Not only is it an honor to see her story, to see the work she has done on all our behalf, but what was not expected was the level of comradery the film demonstrated.  An uplifting film of courage, hardship, survival and the bond that links all who carry the flag of being trans.

This film moved me beyond words, and inspired me to continue my part in fighting with my community. Without a doubt, the best film of the weekend. It will inspire you, bring you tears, and have you laughing your pants off.

This year's films also featured the Danish Girl, and a short "Elise", a look into the day of a transgender woman of color in the sex industry. Kudos to Charlotte LGBT Film Festival for their inclusiveness this year to transgender people in film.

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Help Me Escape and Be Safe: A Cry For Help

By Sabrina Anna Samone

Relationships don't come easy. Often as a trans person, we long for that one person that we can connect with, understand us with out question, and that soul mate that will never leave us as so many may have throughout our transition. This can often make the trans person just a little more susceptible to abusive relationships. We often crave, and worry that no one will love us for who we are. This more than often leads us to find ourselves in unhealthy situations.

Often our community is plagued with drug addiction, mental issues, and other baggage that we bring into promising relationships. Domestic violence is more than physical. Abuse comes in many many forms. Verbal and  hurtful words, are not only able to hurt anyone, but can be detrimental to a trans
person. Words that cut at our self worth can easily damage an already unhealthy self image of ourselves. Whether the abuser is male, female, trans or both trans, both are damaged, and remain so for years to come. Abuse, be it verbal, mental or physical, is a growing concern in the often stigmatized TBGL community. It's even a more a growing issue in the trans world, be it from a Cis partner or a Trans partner.

Nearly on a daily basis, I'm asked, through TMP to help someone. Sometimes locally here in Charleston, SC as in the case of the local creator of our area's first transgender support group, or globally. In, Dear Trans Family...Will You Still Love Me When I'm No Longer Young and Beautiful?, I asked our TMP community to support a local legend in the trans community, and the response was overwhelming. We far exceeded our goal, and I'm happy to say Olivia is doing well now and in a safe place.

This year, I'm asking our community for  your continued support for a trans male friend I've known for nearly a year now. After assuming he found the soul mate of his life, he encountered major neglect, a partner with major drug addiction, and who left him near homeless and broke, only to fall in the arms of her drug pusher.

Will you please read his story, and find it in your hearts to help, or share this post so someone else can help .

Thank you with all my heart on behalf of Ira (safe name),
Sabrina Anna Samone

To help our Brother, click the picture link to his Go Fund Me Page

Ira's Go Fund Me

HIS STORY

From the beginning of our relationship with my ex, who is also trans, had always convinced me that we were soul mates. She proposed to me and said that she wanted to spend the rest of our lives through good times and bad. Promises to have babies with me and that she will take care of us, and build a home together, so I moved in. She told me to trust her, and I did. One day, that began to change everything, she came to me crying that she was behind on a car bill, and that she will have to go back to prostituting again to get the money. She was crying and describing how horrible that is,and how she would do anything to avoid that. She said that if I loaned her the money she will pay me back within two pay checks. So to save who I believed was the love of my life, I gave her all of my savings. She knew that by taking my money that I was left completely vulnerable, and broke. One night, I found out that she was still having a relationship with her ex behind my back, and upon further investigation I later discovered that he was never really an ex because since they had never broken up. At first I thought that she was talking to him out of fear because he was extremely abusive to her; a drug addict that had gotten her addicted too. He often threatened to physically harm her, me, and our baby. He had ALREADY abused and beaten her for being with me. My first thought was to try and talk to him. Convince him to back off, stop calling her, and to stop showing up at our place. I knew that he would get angry, and do what he did last time; show up and try to beat her and me up. I was not going to risk that because I was pregnant and I would never do anything that would risk hurting or losing the baby. So instead of confronting him, I confronted her. The next thing I know she kicks me out of the apartment, blocks my number and blocks me from all other social media and then runs away to be with her ex so I won’t be able to find or reach her. Her ex is a guy who knows how to hide. He’s an ex gang member, and spent 10 years in jail for attempted murder, so he knows how to hide, and stalk someone. Without hesitation, she never checked up on me, deleted all the evidences of us ever being together, and without even an ounce of caring about our baby, her own flesh and blood. She abandoned me and our baby. I was devastated, and hurt. I felt cheated, used, alone, and betrayed. And all of that stress, devastation, and the emotional strain that I had to suffer took a huge toll on me. She threw me out without her paying me back, knowing that I had no money. That I had to find somewhere else to live, and that I don’t even have enough money to feed myself. She did not care if I had enough food for nutrition for her own baby, her own flesh and blood. Since she is now back with her ex, both using drugs and needing money, I am scared for my life that they will come after me, especially after her ex graphically described how he wants to hurt me. She knows where I am currently staying at and has showed up here before. I believe that I am in danger and must move to a new location. I’m asking for donations to help me move ASAP and for food. I need to find a new safe place where I can sleep and not worry about every sound that I hear outside my window. Also, I’m asking for donations so I can feed myself, because until recently, I had friends sending me food packages but to do to their finical situation they are no longer able to help me. Thank you for all of your support, every dollar will make a huge difference.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO GO TO IRA'S GO FUND ME AND HELP

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TMP Endorsment: It's About More Than an Election, It's About a Movement

Sabrina Samone, TMP

I knew the time had come two weeks ago, as I came home one evening, turned on the Tele to catch my  favorite show, and realized that during the entire episode I hadn't actually seen a normal commercial. It was South Carolina's turn in the primaries, and the heat was on. In '08, there was no doubt by this time who I'd be voting for...Barack. Here now in 2016 to this very day, to the dismay of several friends, I remained on the fence. Week after week  I answered the questions, "So I know you are supporting this one or that one.", from family, co-workers, and friends. I really admired several things about all the candidates for my  party, but admit I enjoyed having family and friends try to sell me on whom they were supporting.

When the eyes, this past week, turned on S.C., and I knew that the time was now. It was decision time. Thanks to my parents who were active locally, and apart of the civil rights movement in their home states, voting or not voting once you turned 18 in our household was not an option. Too many died to have this right, so I proudly say I've never missed one, and I wasn't going to miss this one. But who? By now, looking at the pictures, you, my readers know now that I am endorsing Bernie Sanders for President, but why? Let me answer that with three questions.

1.  WHY NOT A REPUBLICAN?

Besides it being physically impossible for me to vote republican, just kidding, I simply can't vote against myself. I prefer to say voting against myself than the popular, my self interest, because I am also interested in better immigration, that a government should spend money responsibly, that we should have a strong foreign policy, and that we should take care of American Veterans. Seriously who doesn't? I really  loath the way many Republican politicians and voters would say that as if they are the only ones that care about the country, or safety and our livelihood.  To me, implying that no other party cares about that is too insulting in itself for me to vote for them.

I choose not to vote for someone who would want to hurt me, deny my rights, limit my potential in life, who does not see me as an equal, and pass legislation to show me they don't. As a trans southern, multi-racial woman of color, whose a Kabbalistic hippie, I see zero of any  of that represented, treated with respect, granted rights or even the pursuit of happiness by anyone who wears the name Republican. So it's a big fat zero vote ever while I have a breath in my body from me, BUT what the heck is up with them actually contemplating voting for 'The Donald'. I'm still waiting to exhale from this nightmare to be told it was some brilliant political ploy to through the election for the Dems. They really can't be contemplating having him run this country, our military and remain respected in this world do they?







2.  HOW DO A DIE HARD CLINTON GROW TO FEEL THE BERN?

Over the past several months, I have been teased for my love and admiration of the Clinton's. I still, and will always say that Bill Clinton had to be the best POTUS, minus Barack, that we've had since Abraham Lincoln (I know Republican, but different era). Then there's Hillary, and there is so much I will let you say in my presence about this woman. Say what you will, but Hillary Clinton has more cajones than any man in politics. She deserves way more respect in this country than she gets. What woman or MAN, has gone from first lady of Arkansas, the White House, the Senate, Secretary of State, and to being a constant major rival for the Presidency of the United States, all while being attacked ruthlessly every step of the way and yet succeeding time and time again.

When I honestly think of what politician can stand against anything , and anyone in politics and thrive, I can't help think of anyone but Hilary.

3.  SO THEN, WHY BERNIE SANDERS?

Bernie Sanders first peeked my interest as a Representative, when his Socialist ideas were compared to a Socialist govt. I admire, France. Socialism, I believe, if it is equally distributed socially, and democratically with balanced representation of the people and corporations, is a good thing. I've often been baffled at the Republican propaganda machine about Obama, for instance, being a socialist or promoting socialism, when this country has been more socialist than democratic since Roosevelt. The only true Democracy in history, in my opinion, was the Greek empire, but that's a whole other story.

Yet, there is something more important than a party at stake here, and that was the one thing that kept me on the fence about Bernie for so long. It is obvious, with the arrival of Ted Cruz, and Donald Trump, that our MTV, 'Fifteen Minutes of Fame' generation has hit an all time low. The very creation of the T Party a decade ago, by mega billionaires, to protect their own pharmaceutical, and insurance industries from the Affordable Care Act, by selling the most outrageous propaganda to a gullible mass, and lead them to believe it was possible for Barack Obama to be a Socialist, Marxist, Communists who was also Muslim simultaneously, was proof of that. How that machine would stand against Bernie Sanders, an open socialist would make for a formidable opponent, and could be Sander's Achilles heel.

Nevertheless, there's something TMP feels is more valuable, and important to our trans society than even an election, and that is unity in the birth of the trans vote. Throughout the history of American politics, there have been voting groups, and politicians to cater to them. In the early 1900's it was newly legalized Irish, Italian and Jewish citizen's votes.  By the sixties the Catholic vote had placed J.F.K in  office, and later would come the vote of women that was sought after election after election. After the Civil Rights Act of 1968, which I was also pleased to see that Bernie Sanders had lead a campus integration at the University of Chicago in 1962; these events would mark the beginning of the African American vote. A vote that grew each decade until finally, the long overdo arrival of our first African American President, Barack Obama. In our lifetime we have also seen the growth of the Latino vote, and during the '08 campaigns, politicians were no longer ignoring the growing influence of the Gay and Lesbian votes. It may have been noted then, and now as the LGBT vote, but as most of us in trans culture feel, that rarely represented us.

One thing that has fascinated me about Bernie Sanders is his openness to court what he, and a few in media are now calling the trans vote, and in that, is power in the future for trans society. Why is that single acknowledgment powerful you may ask? Politicians careers depend on a vote, and when there is a collective voice using the muscle of that vote, those same politicians can no longer pass or introduce laws based on their reason's for not knowing anyone in that group. They begin to tread lightly on the rights of that voting block. It is true that our community is as diverse as any, and therefore there are fragments of supporters for other candidates naturally as well. I have never witness such a large group within our community, unite, be represented, and acknowledged by a Presidential Candidate like we have seen thus far with Sanders.

Bernie Sanders Stands Alone in Tweeting Support for Trans Housing Rights

Over the past few decades, what our community has worked the hardest for was representation and visibility. To be acknowledged, and respected openly. To have our issues, and burdens not only addressed but given a plan of correction. Because this has been found genuine in Sanders, our community has united in large numbers that are visible to the entire country, behind a candidate. In this act alone, we arrive at the door of legitimacy. We also show not only to the world, our country, our neighbors, but even our sisters and brothers amongst us, that we indeed can unite with a majority behind a candidate that we are visible too.

For that reason, among all others, I endorse, and encourage the continued, uniting support from our community for Presidential Candidate Senator Bernie Sanders.






There are issues in both candidates that have been acknowledge in our community, but I am pleased to see the willingness of both candidates to address those issues. Hilary Clinton now taking on wall street more, and Bernie Sanders making more of an effort to reach, and address the African American vote. I was actually disappointed to have seen O'Malley drop out so soon, as he was one of the first Governors, of one of the First states, M.D., to address and stand with the transgender community. As I said in the beginning, this was hard because they are all Democrat and stand for what I believe, and each have strengths I'd admire in a President. Anyone who votes Dem is a friend of mine regardless lol. Ultimately, I have my fingers crossed for a Sanders/Clinton or Sanders/O'Malley ticket. Now that's a force I'd love to see crush 'The Donald'.

  VOLUNTEER 

How to help a candidate that wants to help you? Support Bernie Sanders, and his campaign that would increase the rights of transgender Americans. Go to BernieSanders.com , pledge your support by donating to a campaign free of super pacs, share with friends, volunteer, and encourage regardless of what Democratic candidate, that your members of your local chapters of transgender support groups are registered to vote, and have a way to go cast that vote.

SPREAD THE WORD!

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TMPlanet.net 
TransMusePlanet's New Social Network For The Trans Community.
Let's Change The World Together.

JOIN IN ON THIS DISCUSSION  & MORE TOPICS ON TMP
 @

THE TMP FORUM