Hi Pammie!

It's always interesting to learn how our words can be interpreted when we write. My intent was to focus on our core strength as transgender people and then use that strength to push out.

The sad setbacks we have dealt with globally are just lost battles, not the war. This article was meant to be a morale booster, not a surrender.

As you know, the transgender population is small and dispersed. It is difficult to force change but that doesn't mean we have to 'herd" up. Our strength starts internally and we can then build out from there.

The world does create horrible realities. It always will, whether a transgender child is denied medical care, an African child is denied food or an Afghan girl is denied equal rights. As a transgender community, we are not alone in our tragedies.

We cannot be passive but it is a question of how can we effectively protect who and what we are. As society evolves it is critical that we continue to help it to evolve with us as equal participants.

You and I are not the herding type, are we?

Warmly, as always,

Emma