NOT THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BUT: I’ve just finished work; blooming parents evening, so I’m just heading home now. Some days I think it would be easier to sleep under my desk to save the hassle of going home. The plus side is that I have a sandwich and some treats to make me feel less resentful that my life and probably my soul have been sold to my employer!! Maybe I will watch a film on my iPod. I downloaded BOYS DON’T CRY – has anyone seen it?
Boys Don’t Cry is a 1999 American independent romantic drama film directed by Kimberly Peirce and co-written by Andy Bienen. The film is a dramatization of the real-life story of Brandon Teena, a trans man played in the film by Hilary Swank, who is beaten, raped and murdered by his male acquaintances after they discover he is anatomically female. The picture explores the themes of freedom, courage, identity and empowerment. The film was distributed by Fox Searchlight Pictures and was released theatrically in October 1999.
The T in LGBT was NEVER silent – do I even have to mention Stonewall? Come on people!!! If we are united, we will not fail. #giveemhope
INVITATION TO “GIVE ‘EM HOPE”: Hi there. I’m hoping that you’ll share your inspiring and positive energy with the world through my Give ‘em Hope Campaign. The Give ‘em Hope Campaign is an inspirational online video initiative to inspire and uplift those who feel marginalised or isolated. We exist to bring hope to those who need it most.
The campaign was founded by David E Watters in early 2011 and has grown, with the support of numerous international cheerleaders and proactive participants. Stage Two of the campaign has included written stories of HOPE from those who have freed themselves from limiting labels and who can now celebrate their individuality.
Write your story or make and send your video to: DavidWatters@nbiassociates.co.uk
The purpose of this campaign is to encourage the benefits of living authentically. My view is that we should not be limited by labels that are imposed by others, if these labels are negative and wrong; especially when it comes to stereotyping and when the result may be lowered self-esteem and a possible impact upon an individuals ability to fulfil their personal potential.
Make us a video or write about this or something along these lines. Your story or your video can have such an impact and would be a welcomed addition to this campaign. Respect to you for all that you do. David E Watters
Valued and inspirational NEVER BLEND IN contributor, David E. Weekley is an ordained United Methodist clergy. He received his BA in Psychology from Cleveland State University in 1976 and entered seminary at Boston University School of Theology, where he earned an MDiv in 1982. He has served churches in the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference for twenty-eight years.
He has just published an incredibly valuable book of his own, IN FROM THE WILDERNESS.
The Rev. David Weekley: “I am very positive about sharing my story, because I believe it is the best way to help educate our society about transgender persons; there is so much misinformation out there, and fear, that it seems imperative to become active. Because some segments of the Church are responsible for a portion of this misinformation and fear, it seems even more critical for others to hear a positive and personal faith story from a transgender person.”
ISBN#978-1-60899-544-8 WIPF and STOCK Publishers, 199 W. 8th Ave, Suite 3, Eugene, OR 97401
The Book is available now (February 24th at 2:30pm)!!!!!
By phone, email or fax….the cost is $18.00,
In another week it will on their web site, and in 6-8 weeks through Amazon, Barnes & Noble etc.
In From The Wilderness (She-R-Man), by, David E. Weekley/United Methodist Clergy
The stories of transgender people reach back to the beginnings of recorded history. At this particular point in time the psychiatric, medical, and secular worlds are beginning to appreciate the authenticity of Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, Bisexual, and Queer people. Sadly many Christian churches and denominations continue to oppress and vilify the LGTBQ community.. This is the story of a transgender man who has been an ordained elder in The United Methodist Church since 1984 and has quietly served his congregations for twenty-eight years before sharing his story and spiritual journey with his congregation, denomination, and the world. This is the story of a Transgender man, a Christian, an ordained minister, a loving husband and father~a human being. It is his challenge to his denomination and to all Christians and spiritual seekers to consider the truth of gender identity and sexual orientation as God given gifts.to be celebrated and embraced among all other gifts.
ISBN#978-1-60899-544-8
WIPF and STOCK Publishers, 199 W. 8th Ave, Suite 3, Eugene, OR 97401
Phone: (541)344-1528
FAX: (541)344-1506
Orders@wipfandstock.com
“Questions about whether a transgender pastor can have a successful ministry have been resoundingly answered in the affirmative in this story of three decades of effective and inspiring pastoral ministry, while keeping secret from the church and society his gender reassignment surgery.
Remarkable~courageous~encouraging!”
BISHOP CALVIN D. McCONNELL, Retired, Portland,OR
“From the time David was appointed my pastor in the 1980’s, to the compelling revelation of his challenging circumstances, he has sustained his integrity, his courageous, creative, inclusive ministry and hope-filled spirit. His personal story offers liberation to others trapped, either in their bodies or in gender roles defined by society.”
VELMA DUELL McCONNELL, Lay Pastoral Care, Portland, Oregon
“David Weekley shares his wilderness journey in this warm and honest autobiography. In the wilderness(both past and present), David has encountered deep loneliness, powerful mentoring and friendship, unbearable pain, and profound joy. Through it all, he has journeyed with a courage that will inspire courage in his readers. As a teenager, David could not speak of himself as “I” but only as “i.” He gradually learned to honor himself and to form deep and honest relationships, which have shaped his powerful and compassionate ministry with others. Thank you, David!”
MARY ELIZABETH MOORE, Boston University
THANK YOU TO DAVID AND TO HIS DEVOTED AND EQUALLY INSPIRATIONAL WIFE DEBORAH FOR ENHANCING MY LIFE, FOR LIVING AUTHENTICALLY AND WITH COURAGE.
A PRO-EQUALITY BLOG, written by Diversity Specialist, writer and motivational speaker David E Watters (NBI ASSOCIATES).
Articles on Equality & Diversity, Personal & Professional Development, Education & Management; his book, NEVER BLEND IN (http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk/Never-Blend-In.html), and the Give 'em Hope Campaign http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk/Give--em-Hope-Campaign.html)
