I have a fundraiser set up right now, which seems to have ruffled some feathers. I can understand that, but only if people arent aware of the whole story behind it, so here it is: I received an invitation to a big celebrity-filled gala because the organizers knew of my connection to Ricky Martin (his tweet of my speech) and hes the host. I joked about a fundraiser to go because its so far out of the realm of my familys budget. The idea to ask for donations started as a joke, but other people believed it was worthwhile. They believe it could be a good opportunity to benefit the trans community by generating awareness and getting support. I am passionate about getting people to understand transgender people and the serious issues facing the trans community. I gave a speech. It got (a lot of) attention. More than I ever imagined it would. That gave me a voice...a platform. I thought about running and trying to hide from the sudden and intense exposure. I actually spent time looking for real estate on tiny islands where my family could go hide from the world! But then my husband and I talked about trying to make an even bigger difference for kids who arent supported by their families. And I had people on six continents asking me to continue to speak out to give a voice to their kids stories or their own past experiences. But Im one person with a full-time job, who also homeschools my kids (which is a full-time job!). Im now a PFLAG chapter president, I do interviews, I write guest blogs and articles, occasionally travel to give other speeches, and Im trying to run a website I created as a resource for other parents with trans kids. My advocacy work has become yet another full-time job! But I still want to do more. I want to raise money to support families with gender non-confirming youth. There are very few non-profits specific to work on behalf of trans kids. I want my Trans-parenting website to become an organization that will fill that void. Im also working on a fundraising effort with another mom to support all LGBTQ youth through a project called the Pride & Joy Campaign. Im building the website right now for a launch at the end of the month. (Such a fast deadline! No, I wont panic!!!) As one person, Im limited in what I can do. But I can tell my daughters story and get a response. People listen. Eyes are opened, hearts become receptive, minds get changed. Ive heard the stories and have seen the responses. But again, its been to limited audiences. My story has only made it this far because of the huge boost from that infamous tweet. It went out to *millions* of people when it had only been seen by a couple of thousand previously. The power of celebrity influence is HUGE. I dont have a voice that can reach millions. But celebrities do. And wealthy philanthropists who like to fund charities can also help stories get out through big financial donations. Thats what the gala would mean...getting the chance for powerful people to hear my story and get moved into taking action. Thats what the fundraiser is for. Not a candlelit dinner date, but a chance to spend several hours with influential people who are there to support women and kids. What better place to explain the trans experience (not to exclude trans men, mind you!) and the incredible marginalization of the community? What better chance to put a human face on an issue so few people have personal experience with? I understand it can be seen as a personal wish being fulfilled. But the dream now is to make a difference for my daughter and kids like her. Ill do anything to make an impact. But this is a chance I could never make a reality on my own. I had to ask for help. Im not asking in trans or LGBT groups. I know the financial strain is already there. I only asked on my personal page where many of my connections are NOT LGBT, but who are allies. Any money raised will go towards starting one of the two non-profits we are trying to launch (I can only do one at a time or Ill snap from the stress) or will be returned to the people who donated if enough isnt raised for the trip. I dont know how to be more transparent about the intentions. If you still dont like the idea, I understand. Everyone has causes they believe in and ones they dont. Send me a private message and tell me you dont like what Im doing and why. Im ok with that. Trust me, Ive heard so much negativity in the last few months that I wont take offense. But if you do see the value in getting in front of a group of rich, powerful, influential people to try to get their support, Id appreciate your help in getting there. The fundraiser only goes through Friday. Im limiting it to a time when I could purchase airfare as cheaply as possible so that I dont need to ask for more. (Even in requesting money from people, Im trying to pinch pennies!) Thanks for reading. Debi
Posted on: Mon, 27 Oct 2014 21:17:11 +0000
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