That’s a full sentence for me, maybe the title of a book, not an opening to a note, or a letter. I don’t comment often, and I don’t even always read your posts in a timely manner, I so often feel flooded with Substack input, not to mention all the other…things.
But each time I do read, my first response is always, Mariah, my dear friend. We have been friends since we were eleven years old, when I moved to that very town that you mention in this post, Blue Bell Pennsylvania, and Barb and Gernie, also in today’s post, and both in my class then, became my first friends. Later, you and Bruce W., both in another class, and I, became “blood friends.” We used a nickel to scratch the inside of our wrists until we bled, and then we mixed our blood in Mr. Bender’s math class. I wonder where Bruce is now, I don’t know. I know where you are though, because we have remained friends ever since.
We’re 68 now and have witnessed one another in this changing world for over 57 years. The level of our reflection to one other continues to be as deep, real, and inclusive of all our differences and similarities as it was in those days of the innocence and curiosity that led to so many things, including awareness and eventually, at times like now, to outrage. And at times, exhaustion as well.
But we are, like our friendship, as you said, resilient. So rest as long as, and however you need to my friend. You deserve it. You are an athlete and a writer, an artist and an activist, outspoken, passionate, compassionate, and a good friend to many. The opportunities for creation and resistance, hilarity and determination surround us, as ever. Maybe more than ever. Within that, we remain two young girls who became strong women, crones now, and still blood sisters. I am so grateful.💫👏🏻
If you are a trans woman there are a few things that you need to understand. First of all is that you are still a man because you can't change your biological sex. It's okay to dress any way you wish and to adopt any superficial, stereotypical attributes of women that you desire. Live your life. No one should care, I certainly don't. However, because women are entitled to be treated fairly and to enjoy privacy from men there are certain things that are prohibited to you and me because we are men. You can't compete against women in most sports because it would be unfair. You can't go into women's private places like restrooms and locker rooms because that would make them feel unsafe. Finally, if you are a criminal you certainly can't be imprisoned with women.
I am so glad to have found you (courtesy The Lesbian Podcast, from a comment you wrote there). Your reasonable words and composure as evinced here and in the interview clips you linked are a model for us all. Goodness knows, it’s hard to do, over and over again, making the same what-should-be-obvious points. Re the Senate bill, and also the histrionic display on the House side on the sports bill, if helpful to anyone in writing their electeds, DIAG has easy-to-use action buttons aimed at both here: https://www.di-ag.org/action-female-sports Thank you for all you do. It is much appreciated!
Hi Susan, Yes, I love DIAG and its website is downright beautiful in its simplicity and design. Thanks for that link. And valuing not only my work but how I do it. Much appreciated.
Thank you, Mariah, for your rational words and sensible arguments. Alas, reason and sense have gone out the window for many people -- the loudest, most irrational, most obnoxious, most ILliberal people.
There are millions of us out here who support you and your stance against the unquestioning, misogynistic trans ideology that has taken over the country. I call it a national psychosis. Sooner or later, it will break, probably when thousands of lawsuits start rolling in (yes, I know some have already started) against irresponsible physicians who have mutilated children.
I also understand that taking a break from the fight is sometimes necessary. God knows you've earned it. So let me just say again, thank you, thank you, thank you.
It makes me feel so sad 😞
We’ll reclaim this space.
Mariah, my dear friend.
That’s a full sentence for me, maybe the title of a book, not an opening to a note, or a letter. I don’t comment often, and I don’t even always read your posts in a timely manner, I so often feel flooded with Substack input, not to mention all the other…things.
But each time I do read, my first response is always, Mariah, my dear friend. We have been friends since we were eleven years old, when I moved to that very town that you mention in this post, Blue Bell Pennsylvania, and Barb and Gernie, also in today’s post, and both in my class then, became my first friends. Later, you and Bruce W., both in another class, and I, became “blood friends.” We used a nickel to scratch the inside of our wrists until we bled, and then we mixed our blood in Mr. Bender’s math class. I wonder where Bruce is now, I don’t know. I know where you are though, because we have remained friends ever since.
We’re 68 now and have witnessed one another in this changing world for over 57 years. The level of our reflection to one other continues to be as deep, real, and inclusive of all our differences and similarities as it was in those days of the innocence and curiosity that led to so many things, including awareness and eventually, at times like now, to outrage. And at times, exhaustion as well.
But we are, like our friendship, as you said, resilient. So rest as long as, and however you need to my friend. You deserve it. You are an athlete and a writer, an artist and an activist, outspoken, passionate, compassionate, and a good friend to many. The opportunities for creation and resistance, hilarity and determination surround us, as ever. Maybe more than ever. Within that, we remain two young girls who became strong women, crones now, and still blood sisters. I am so grateful.💫👏🏻
💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
If you are a trans woman there are a few things that you need to understand. First of all is that you are still a man because you can't change your biological sex. It's okay to dress any way you wish and to adopt any superficial, stereotypical attributes of women that you desire. Live your life. No one should care, I certainly don't. However, because women are entitled to be treated fairly and to enjoy privacy from men there are certain things that are prohibited to you and me because we are men. You can't compete against women in most sports because it would be unfair. You can't go into women's private places like restrooms and locker rooms because that would make them feel unsafe. Finally, if you are a criminal you certainly can't be imprisoned with women.
That's it, just like me.
Exactly. Thank you, Dave!
I am so glad to have found you (courtesy The Lesbian Podcast, from a comment you wrote there). Your reasonable words and composure as evinced here and in the interview clips you linked are a model for us all. Goodness knows, it’s hard to do, over and over again, making the same what-should-be-obvious points. Re the Senate bill, and also the histrionic display on the House side on the sports bill, if helpful to anyone in writing their electeds, DIAG has easy-to-use action buttons aimed at both here: https://www.di-ag.org/action-female-sports Thank you for all you do. It is much appreciated!
Hi Susan, Yes, I love DIAG and its website is downright beautiful in its simplicity and design. Thanks for that link. And valuing not only my work but how I do it. Much appreciated.
This is beautiful, Mariah.
Thanks, Donna!
Thank you, Mariah, for your rational words and sensible arguments. Alas, reason and sense have gone out the window for many people -- the loudest, most irrational, most obnoxious, most ILliberal people.
There are millions of us out here who support you and your stance against the unquestioning, misogynistic trans ideology that has taken over the country. I call it a national psychosis. Sooner or later, it will break, probably when thousands of lawsuits start rolling in (yes, I know some have already started) against irresponsible physicians who have mutilated children.
I also understand that taking a break from the fight is sometimes necessary. God knows you've earned it. So let me just say again, thank you, thank you, thank you.
Thank you, Lisa. Yes, it's like a dance: stepping forward, stepping back, feeling renewed, stepping forward again. So glad you're on this team.