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This project started in late 1994/early 1995. I wanted to put together an anthology of transgendered experience -- poetry and prose drawn from what transgendered people go through in order to be themselves.
It seemed to me that in general, one of the causes of discrimination against transgendered persons is a lack of understanding. This lack exists because as a whole, transgendered persons are a secretive bunch, mostly willing to discuss their lives and issues with other transgendered persons. While this is ok as far as it goes, it results in a "closed and cliquey" mindset.
There are always issues of security (and paranoia) vs openness (and honesty). I make my own statement "about being open" elsewhere. By being transgendered I (and others like me) did not opt out of our rights and become monsters. We remain human beings with all the same sets of problems and concerns as other people have, and a few more to boot.
But how do other people know this. By not being visible, assumptions are made about our character and behaviour. And when people who know nothing about a situation make assumptions about it, they can get things really out of perspective. The answer then, seemed to be presenting anecdotes of our experience, which others can read and appreciate.
I originally solicited for contributions via posters and advertisements in specialist newsletters and magazines. There was a slight response. Then I advertised on the net, and received a reasonable influx of contributions. I was just about ready to go ahead and publish, when my life turned upside down (again).
I found that I could no longer work as a public servant. I'd been one for 18 years and I could no longer hide in a government department. But I didn't know what I would do, and it took me a year and a half to sort that issue out. The result was that I moved from one side of the continent to the other, I left my gazetted position and started studies at university. In the meantime Transcendence was put on hold, in limbo until my life became much more stable.
About a week ago i realised that all the material was here, just waiting to be published. I'd ceased producing paper fanzines and publishing one on the net seemed a good (and cheap) option. Also, it promised more exposure and hopefully more impact.
So here it is -- Transcendence. Enjoy.