I'll remember and I'll be praying. Looking back at a generation or two ago it's amazing how far we've come and looking at the things you've just mentioned, amongst other things, it's mindboggling how far we still have to go.

Thank you Rita for posting this.

Thank you Rita - I cannot even really begin to fully imagine how challenging life must be for trans people.  Prayers for all. 

Thank you Rita. 

And it is amazing how far we've come. A generation ago the LGBTQ community was not welcomed in my hometown. Today, the mayor raised the Trans flag for the first time with one of our local trans activists, who is a friend of both my kids. AND it was on the front page of the local newspaper, hardly a hotbed of liberalism...

So there is hope. But still we mourn those who didn't make it.

a heartfelt thank you to all of you.....

I am sharing this support with our local group.

Hugs to all

Rita

Bette - that's definitely encouraging to read news of your mayor's action today. 

Bette ..... if I may ask ..... what town?

This is most encouraging!

Thanks

Rita

Barrie. (As a lifetime Barrie resident, it is within my rights to call this Redneckville, although I'd challenge any outsider who tried to label us so...) Check the Examiner. Rae Michelle was right there front and centre in her new black & burgundy "do".

http://www.thebarrieexaminer.com/2013/11/19/transgender-night-of-remembrance-at-diy-arts-collective

thank you Bette!!

Hugs

Rita

A friend moved there in high school. She came back to visit us the next summer and remarked that Barrie and Orillia teens attended family reunions to get dates.

And yes, we've moved so fast in this direction. It's amazing to see.

That joke is old-hat in parts of NB and NS.   And I challange anyone with small village, or rural roots to look too far back in their geneology before they find cousins ----   let's face it, in a farm community with only a half-dozen surnames, in horse & buggy days, the 1st cousin twice removed who lived a mile down the road could look pretty good.    It took a new school teacher from 50 miles away to add to the gene pool.

It may be now, a few generations later, with better communications and mobility, people can be exposed to people different than themselves and learn to appreciate diversity.  I find reason for hope.