Transitioning Twice & the Suicide of Mike Penner

In 2007 LA Times Sportswriter Mike Penner stunned his collegues when he came out as transgender and began living his life as Christine Daniels. The story gained international attention and turned Christine into a bit of a celebrity. But less than a year later Daniels' byline was quietly replaced by Penner's. Penner never spoke publically about his decision to go back to living as a man, and after his apparent suicide last month, we'll never truly know why his story ended so tragically, but tonight Gender Blenderhopes to shed light on his experience by speaking with others who transitioned to one gender and then transitioned to another, starting with Donna Rose, the trans activist who made national news when she walked off of HRC's board to protest their support of a non-trans inclusive ENDA.

 

A recent Nip/Tuck storyline followed a transwoman who decided to transition "back" to male because he had decided he was really a gay man.  Then the man asked the doctor to give him breast implants--because he realized the men he was attracted too were more attracted to feminine appearances. The Nip/Tuck episodes starred real life trans actress Candis [Dirty Sexy Money] Cayne, but how true to life was the storyline? Tuesday, December 15th, Gender Blender co-hosts Jacob Anderson-Minshall and Laura Calvo will address that question and talk to several individuals who have transitioned more than once--including internet radio host Robin Diane Goldstein  and editor of the forthcoming anthology, Kicked Out, Sassyfras Lowrey.  They will share their personal experiences and talk about why they made the choices they did.  Also joining the conversation is Joanne Herman, author of Transgender Explained For Those Who Are Not who recently posted a piece on Huffington Post addressing these issues and the idea of "transgender regret."

Tune in as well to hear music by Lipstick Conspiracy and Felecia and the Dinosaur, and learn about Friday's Fundraiser for Portland's Gender Free For All Featuring: Nicole Sangsuree, Walking Home, Felecia and the Dinosaur, and Lindsey Walker.  The Gender Free For All will be Friday December 18th, 2009 at 6:00 PM At The Red and BlackCafe, 400 SE 12th Ave., Portland (Map)

 

Another event in Portland that folks might have interest in is Homo For the Holidays with the Collective of Geniuses December 19th 6-10 Pm at the Switchard Studios at 109 SE Salmon.

 

Next OutLoud will feature audio from Portland's Transgender Day of Remembrence.

 

Useful links embedded above and:

Donna Rose http://www.donnarose.com/

Lipstick Conspiracy http://lipstickconspiracy.com/

Robin Diane Goldstein  http://schnauzerlogic.tblog.com/

Joanne Herman  http://www.joanneherman.com/

Gender Free For All  http://gffapdx.com/

Collective of Geniuses  http://www.collectiveofgeniuses.org