I don't know if you gals caught that Colin's wife, Melissa, made this. It's so like her. Very direct and loving. Makes me want to squeeze her right now.
It made me cry, too, when I saw it for the first time. The love that Melissa put into it was crystal-clear-obvious. I smiled and laughed and cried and then repeated the whole sequence. It was quite the emotional ride.
Yes, I am fortunate to have such a fabulous wife! And, yes, the pain that one might be able to feel when viewing the movie is a pain that trans youth (and adults) are feeling right now. I hope this makes a drop in the bucket of changing views and giving trans people hope.
You know, Colin, I've always felt sympathy for trans people, but never had one as a personal friend before, and it really does make a difference, I'm a bit ashamed to say. Why it takes that sort of personal involvement to really let the deep compassion kick in is a feature of my non-realized enlightenment, I guess. All the more reason to broaden one's horizons all the time, ever widening…
Dude, it is so obvious in all those photos that you've always had a masculine core, regardless of what sex you were born as. I can only imagine, no I can't imagine really, all the strength needed to go through the transformation you have, and the prejudices you've faced along the way. My brother is gay, and even that is enough to make half the world hostile towards him. Apparently there's still plenty of prejudice to go around…
You seem to have an amazing wife though, if the video is anything to go by! Thanks for sharing it here.
Dear Colin and Melissa… watching the movie again, I feel this is something everyone should see. Is there a chance of getting it shown in certain schools, colleges, on TV? I certainly hope so! This kind of story-telling is so effective because it doesn't proselytize. Thus people tend to be defenseless and touched before they know what's hitting them.
Envisioning a much broader audience for this, your sista in spirit
Pelle, thanks for checking it out and giving your perspective. Masculine core: absolutely! I'm glad it came through to you. And in terms of prejudice, I have felt the sting of it in the past (I actually used to get asked on a regular basis 'Are you a boy or a girl?' from as early I can remember until I started putting on a convincing feminine mask around the age of 19); howevever, like the movie stated, I am one of the “lucky” ones. Too many don't have support of family or friends and that is (sometimes fatally) devastating to the ego.
And, yes, my wife is amazing!
Mascha, I agree. That's the reason we decided to post the movie on YouTube (it's had 500 hits in 4 days). We figured that if it really is that effective, it will get picked up by someone with the potential to distribute it more widely (television, etc). Melissa's classmates were transfixed while watching it, and several were crying by the end when the lights went back on. That certainly supports your claim. The intention was to paint a picture of the “All American” family and then imbed the trans issue within it. The captions written by my mother (20 years ago) add to that effect.
In our excitement (and her exhaustion), though, we did not request permission from family members, mostly because we don't see it as about “us”. It's a story with a broader brush. And, all of the pics of my family of origin are from more than 20 years ago, so I doubt they're recognizable by anyone who might know them now. I've had to deal with some (mild) consternation from my parents, though, and we realized that they had a point. Oops! They now understand, too.
It is a moving video. I am so happy for you that all worked out so well. And it is great that, starting from there, you take a stand to inform people about. At the end of the day it is all about being happy with who you really are. Thanks for sharing
I'm glad that you [and those around you] have found your hidden voices. Being gay and technically intersex helps me relate to this, though I understand that trans-concerns are much different from those of the gay, lesbian and bisexual community. It is unfortunate that people are pushed to suicide or other self-destructive behaviors because of their sexual orientation or gender identity – but this should give us cause to do something about it! Let's educate ourselves, and then share what we learn with others. Let's make sexual orientation and gender identity [and their diversity] something that is OK and meaningful to talk about. Making the world a better place starts with us! Thanks, Colin and Melissa.
Yes! Yes! Yes! Colin, both you and Melissa are beautiful beings! In raising my daughters, I have always told them that race nor gender has NO signifigance in choosing a life partner. What DOES matter, is that your life partner respects you and loves you for who you are. Colin, I think that respect and love shines through this video that your wife made for you. What a wonderful supportive family you have too. Your masculinity projected throughout this video. What do you recommend to youth that does not have a supportive family and are afraid of coming out of the closet?
This video SHOULD be viewed in schools through out…I applaud your courage to be who you truly are!
I also want to comment on Duguam's post ~Bless you for opening your eyes and heart. Spread the word!
Wow. Thank you for living such a courageous life and choosing to share it with the world this way.
I'm going to show this to my teen and ask him to share it with his friends. I'm interested to see their reactions. it's such a well made video with such an important message.
Thank you for your honesty and transparency on this subject! I am sure that this movie will be a help for a lot of people. If I could give you all my 119 seeds I own at the moment I would! Namaste, Diana
Hurray for supportive families! My family was great when I came out as a lesbian (and then as a bisexual) and I know what a blessing that is having seen my queer and trans friends have horrible rejections and hostility from family and friends. Like many others I hope that this video gets lots of views and moves lots of folks to recognize the diversity of humans and our innate dignity however different we are from them.
Wow, thanks to everyone for the supportive comments!
Snow Moon, I missed your question before: What do you recommend to youth that does not have a supportive family and are afraid of coming out of the closet?
I would recommend that they seek out someone who is likely to be supportive. Many schools now have gay-straight alliances. Schools in more urban areas most likely have staff with rainbow stickers in their classrooms (it's a universal gay symbol). If the youth is in a rural area, it can be tough. The internet is a great resource, but without that, some youth may find it difficult to find support, especially if it's a conservative Christian community. I pray for anyone in those circumstances and hope that they will survive until they can move away as young adults.
Colin, I've got the chills and I'm choking back tears… beautifully presented from start to finish. I'm glad that you found your place… Yes, I have room for diversity in my life. As a teacher, I try to instill the fact that underneath our skin, we are all the same… same blood, same bones… same organs (basically). It is who we are as people that makes us different and special. We should celebrate each other's differences… for it is in our differences that the world is a wonderful place.
Susan, I read your fantastic comment during the holidays and haven't remembered to get back here. Thanks for sharing your experience; it touches me that it touched you. Yes, same blood, organs…and same origin, whatever that might be! Same fabric of life. Hugs back!
Hey, bri, thanks for stopping by and spreading some love. Glad it had a positive impact. We need to get as many people expressing strength and courage as possible, and the only way that's gonna happen is if people find themselves; I'm just over here doing my thang in this aspect of the matrix of love. We also need more of us seeing and feeling the love instead of judgment and delusion. We're movin' there: you and me and Zaadzsters galore. Thanks for all you do as you express you. Peace and love, brother.
You have to be a Gaia member to post comments. Login or Join now!
Wow, Colin, beautiful! Thank you for making it and sharing it here. You made me cry, dammit!
Who knew that little boy would get such a wonderful wife someday, eh?
Oh man, oman oman, I'm feeling you, my dear bro. This is moving because there's so much pain presented simply and lightly.
Wow.
I don't know if you gals caught that Colin's wife, Melissa, made this. It's so like her. Very direct and loving. Makes me want to squeeze her right now.
Hello, ladies! Thanks for the wonderful comments!
It made me cry, too, when I saw it for the first time. The love that Melissa put into it was crystal-clear-obvious. I smiled and laughed and cried and then repeated the whole sequence. It was quite the emotional ride.
Yes, I am fortunate to have such a fabulous wife! And, yes, the pain that one might be able to feel when viewing the movie is a pain that trans youth (and adults) are feeling right now. I hope this makes a drop in the bucket of changing views and giving trans people hope.
You know, Colin, I've always felt sympathy for trans people, but never had one as a personal friend before, and it really does make a difference, I'm a bit ashamed to say. Why it takes that sort of personal involvement to really let the deep compassion kick in is a feature of my non-realized enlightenment, I guess. All the more reason to broaden one's horizons all the time, ever widening…
Dude, it is so obvious in all those photos that you've always had a masculine core, regardless of what sex you were born as. I can only imagine, no I can't imagine really, all the strength needed to go through the transformation you have, and the prejudices you've faced along the way. My brother is gay, and even that is enough to make half the world hostile towards him. Apparently there's still plenty of prejudice to go around…
You seem to have an amazing wife though, if the video is anything to go by!
Thanks for sharing it here.
Warmly,
Pelle
Dear Colin and Melissa… watching the movie again, I feel this is something everyone should see. Is there a chance of getting it shown in certain schools, colleges, on TV? I certainly hope so! This kind of story-telling is so effective because it doesn't proselytize. Thus people tend to be defenseless and touched before they know what's hitting them.
Envisioning a much broader audience for this,
your sista in spirit
Pelle, thanks for checking it out and giving your perspective. Masculine core: absolutely! I'm glad it came through to you. And in terms of prejudice, I have felt the sting of it in the past (I actually used to get asked on a regular basis 'Are you a boy or a girl?' from as early I can remember until I started putting on a convincing feminine mask around the age of 19); howevever, like the movie stated, I am one of the “lucky” ones. Too many don't have support of family or friends and that is (sometimes fatally) devastating to the ego.
And, yes, my wife is amazing!
Mascha, I agree. That's the reason we decided to post the movie on YouTube (it's had 500 hits in 4 days). We figured that if it really is that effective, it will get picked up by someone with the potential to distribute it more widely (television, etc). Melissa's classmates were transfixed while watching it, and several were crying by the end when the lights went back on. That certainly supports your claim. The intention was to paint a picture of the “All American” family and then imbed the trans issue within it. The captions written by my mother (20 years ago) add to that effect.
In our excitement (and her exhaustion), though, we did not request permission from family members, mostly because we don't see it as about “us”. It's a story with a broader brush. And, all of the pics of my family of origin are from more than 20 years ago, so I doubt they're recognizable by anyone who might know them now. I've had to deal with some (mild) consternation from my parents, though, and we realized that they had a point. Oops! They now understand, too.
Colin & Mellisa,
Thank you so much for reminding me that what we are is so much bigger that what we see. You have enlarged my vision & my heart.
Cheers,
Doug
Colin,
any chance I can call you Lovebug now?
I'm coming to Portland en route to Hawaii, beginning of Feb… want to have lunch?
i can relate to this .. as i am a male to female transgender.. very moving
Doug, thank you! It's wonderful to know that the movie helped open your mind and heart.
Lauren, dear, Melissa says No! Hee, hee. Between you and me, though, “Lovebug” sent me off laughing. I would love to meet you for lunch.
Cyryna, thanks for your comment. We're making a difference by being honest.
Hi Colin,
It is a moving video. I am so happy for you that all worked out so well. And it is great that, starting from there, you take a stand to inform people about.
At the end of the day it is all about being happy with who you really are.
Thanks for sharing
Wow.
I'm glad that you [and those around you] have found your hidden voices. Being gay and technically intersex helps me relate to this, though I understand that trans-concerns are much different from those of the gay, lesbian and bisexual community.
It is unfortunate that people are pushed to suicide or other self-destructive behaviors because of their sexual orientation or gender identity – but this should give us cause to do something about it!
Let's educate ourselves, and then share what we learn with others. Let's make sexual orientation and gender identity [and their diversity] something that is OK and meaningful to talk about.
Making the world a better place starts with us!
Thanks, Colin and Melissa.
Yes! Yes! Yes! Colin, both you and Melissa are beautiful beings! In raising my daughters, I have always told them that race nor gender has NO signifigance in choosing a life partner. What DOES matter, is that your life partner respects you and loves you for who you are. Colin, I think that respect and love shines through this video that your wife made for you. What a wonderful supportive family you have too. Your masculinity projected throughout this video. What do you recommend to youth that does not have a supportive family and are afraid of coming out of the closet?
This video SHOULD be viewed in schools through out…I applaud your courage to be who you truly are!
I also want to comment on Duguam's post ~Bless you for opening your eyes and heart. Spread the word!
Thank you for sharing your life!
Elke, Xander and Snow Moon: Thanks for your comments!
Wow. Thank you for living such a courageous life and choosing to share it with the world this way.
I'm going to show this to my teen and ask him to share it with his friends. I'm interested to see their reactions. it's such a well made video with such an important message.
Beautiful and eye-opening. Thank you.
Thank you for your honesty and transparency on this subject! I am sure that this movie will be a help for a lot of people. If I could give you all my 119 seeds I own at the moment I would!
Namaste,
Diana
Hurray for supportive families! My family was great when I came out as a lesbian (and then as a bisexual) and I know what a blessing that is having seen my queer and trans friends have horrible rejections and hostility from family and friends. Like many others I hope that this video gets lots of views and moves lots of folks to recognize the diversity of humans and our innate dignity however different we are from them.
Wow, thanks to everyone for the supportive comments!
Snow Moon, I missed your question before: What do you recommend to youth that does not have a supportive family and are afraid of coming out of the closet?
I would recommend that they seek out someone who is likely to be supportive. Many schools now have gay-straight alliances. Schools in more urban areas most likely have staff with rainbow stickers in their classrooms (it's a universal gay symbol). If the youth is in a rural area, it can be tough. The internet is a great resource, but without that, some youth may find it difficult to find support, especially if it's a conservative Christian community. I pray for anyone in those circumstances and hope that they will survive until they can move away as young adults.
I was curious more than anything, how you would respond.
I know about what you are saying and just put the question “out there.”
Thank you again for your beautiful video.
Colin,
I've got the chills and I'm choking back tears… beautifully presented from start to finish. I'm glad that you found your place… Yes, I have room for diversity in my life. As a teacher, I try to instill the fact that underneath our skin, we are all the same… same blood, same bones… same organs (basically). It is who we are as people that makes us different and special. We should celebrate each other's differences… for it is in our differences that the world is a wonderful place.
Bravo!
Hugs!
-Susan
what a *powerful* video!!
i echo the admiration of your strength and courage and the beautiful love of your wife. :)
-bri
Susan, I read your fantastic comment during the holidays and haven't remembered to get back here. Thanks for sharing your experience; it touches me that it touched you. Yes, same blood, organs…and same origin, whatever that might be! Same fabric of life. Hugs back!
Hey, bri, thanks for stopping by and spreading some love. Glad it had a positive impact. We need to get as many people expressing strength and courage as possible, and the only way that's gonna happen is if people find themselves; I'm just over here doing my thang in this aspect of the matrix of love. We also need more of us seeing and feeling the love instead of judgment and delusion. We're movin' there: you and me and Zaadzsters galore. Thanks for all you do as you express you. Peace and love, brother.