More than an issue of tranparency . . .

I just read an article on the Huffington Post website about a girl scout who has created a campaign boycotting girl scout cookies because of the lack of "honesty" the organization has had with it's members after accepting a transgendered girl in Colorado. It's pretty bold and awesome of the Colorado chapter of the Girl Scouts to accept the transgendered girl. I can understand why people, especially parents, might be concerned simply because it is a major change in a very "American" and "wholesome" type organization that caters to a specific group (girls) and addresses issues that are complex. Besides making people confront their ideas of gender vs. anatomy and sexuality, accepting a transgendered child brings up the issues of sleep overs and overnight trips, same or separate bathrooms, overall safety of the girls with a physically co-ed environment, etc.

I'm not sure if the other parents should or shouldn't know that a transgendered girl is part of the troop. By making it publicly known, the kid is set apart from the rest of her peers. There shouldn't be a need to explain her gender to anyone, but because accepting transgendered kids into the gender-specific organization is new, it might have to be made public in order to prevent any bullying and to facilitate communication, education and acceptance rather than isolation.

Though I can appreciate the boycotting girl scout's desire and initiative to stand up for what she believes in, I don't see the value in her campaign when it functions to exclude individuals from benefiting from an organization that works to build the character of girls by education and acceptance. The video linked to the article seemed to be cut off towards the end, so I'm not sure if the boycotting girl scout offered any suggestions for communication or discussion of accepting transgendered girls into the organization (or creating a group catering for their needs), or if her solution to the issue is to straight-up exclude individuals from joining the girl scouts.

Link to article below:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/11/girl-scout-cookie-boycott-transgender_n_1199260.html

Winter Chill . . .

I'm craving some holiday decorating and merry festivities, good food and even better conversations with people I give a crap about. Hopefully all of us can make the time to step away from our schedules and routines, and spend some of it with each other.

:D

Their music always seems to make me feel better. Love love it.

The Higher road . . .

Sometimes I think life is too short to take the higher road. But then is that a life worth living, where I forgo my values such as respect and consideration in order to satisfy my frustration and anger in the moment? Though awesomely sweet it would be, I would slowly become the type of person I dislike now.I really don't want to be like the few butt-munches that are in my life, so I guess I'll continue my attempt to being a better person than I want to be sometimes. Le sigh.

Can I learn how to try this at home??

This scene still inspires me to include a bit of bad-assery into my life once in a while :) . . . and maybe to exercise too.

O_O . . .

Can I be her when I grow-up?

Still am who I was, but maybe a little bit wiser . . .

"I have learned now that while those who speak about one's miseries usually hurt, those who keep silence hurt more."- C.S. Lewis

It took me many years to figure this out. I also needed the time to come into my own, find strength within myself instead of from others alone. Only then I felt I could share my sadness, burdens, and happiness with the few I felt close to. Also, I couldn't encourage others to confide in me if I chose not to share with them. Sharing my thoughts and feelings definitely opens me up for hurt and betrayal, but the other option is to remain closed off for the fear of being hurt and that is a weakness on its own. Misery is part of life, every life, but what we do with it, what other emotions we allow for ourselves is up to us, right?