An open letter by Jazmine James regarding

the anti-transgender climate within the ICRME

 

From the files of an investigative report by Lynn Conway

March 13, 2008

[V 3-16-08]

 

Background:

 

Columnist Benjamin Paige, a member of the Board of Directors of the Board of the Imperial Court of the Rocky Mountain Empire (ICRME), recently published one of the most hideously transphobic screeds we've ever seen in the GayZette Denver.

 

In response to escalating criticism of Paige's column, Tom Japhet the President of the Board of ICRME e-mailed me on March 9th, expressing mere "disappointment" with that article and saying that he'd be "discussing it" with Paige.

 

In his e-mail, Japhet mentioned the names of several past transgender members of ICRME, using those names to support his claim that ICRME is a transfriendly organization. I'd wondered about this at the time. It seemed that Japhet was tossing out and exploiting those names, rather than letting the women speak for themselves.

 

On March 13, 2008,  Jazmine James, a former member of the ICRME, courageously sent us an open letter giving a very different perspective on the ICRME. Jazmine is the 29th elected Empress of the Imperial Court of the Rocky Mountain Empire.  She also served as the 27th appointed Princess Royale of the RMCS and held the office of Board President for the 31st reign. With her permission, we've posted Jazmine's letter below. In it she says, among other things, that:

"In the past few years the ICRME has had to start to figure out how to adjust with the changes made by me and others who have transitioned.  This adjustment has not been easy.  It has been one that is filled with spite and hate.  Although I firmly believe that 90% of the members of the ICRME are not the hate mongers the problem is the 10% that cause problems a 100% of the time, and the leaders of the ICRME can not seem to figure out a way to put a stop to it." - Jazmine James

The ICRME now faces quite a dilemma:  They're experiencing severe difficulties in sanctioning Paige, because many of their members are similarly and openly transphobic - and actually support the kind of hideous statements made by Paige. On the other hand, if they do not remove him as a member of the Board, they'll face long-term public ridicule as a haven for transphobic bigots.

 

No matter what the ICRME decides to do, we feel it's important to gain insights into the nature of the organization at this point in time. Jazmine's letter is of great assistance in this.

 

Lynn Conway

 

 

See also Jazmine's update of March 16,2008, in which she reports on her reception at the Imperial Courts King of Hearts Function on Saturday, March 15, 2008.
 

 

 
From: Jazmine James
To: Lynn
Sent: Thursday, March 13, 2008 3:27 PM
Subject: Paige's Article/Response from a former Empress of the ICRME

 

Hello Lynn, my name is 'Jazmine James'. I am the 29th elected Empress of the Imperial Court of the Rocky Mountain Empire.  I also served as the 27th appointed Princess Royale of the RMCS and held the office of Board President for the 31st reign.  I have been reading all of the different blogs, posts and emails associated with Mr. Paige's article in the local gayzette in Denver.
 
During my years as Princess Royale and as Empress I was not out as a transwoman.  I performed as a female impersonator under the name of Jazmine James.  I completed my reign in April of 2003 and begun my transition.  While I served as the President of the Board in 2004/2005 I had identified as a transwoman.  This was not a pracitce that was openly supported by about 10% of the ICRME. 
 
I finished my year as President despite all of the verbal threats I received from a select few in the ICRME that called me a freak and told me that I needed mental help.  Although these attacks were from a small select few the overall effect was painful.  Once my year as President was completed I stepped away.  Mainly to allow myself the time to find out who I was and what I wanted to do as a woman.  Even though I stepped away the threats of outing me had not stopped so I eventually asked the Board of Directors to please remove my photos from the website as I could not risk my career.  Eventually my request was met but it was after a long hard battle. 
 
In the past few years the ICRME has had to start to figure out how to adjust with the changes made by me and others who have transitioned.  This adjustment has not been easy.  It has been one that is filled with spite and hate.  Although I firmly believe that 90% of the members of the ICRME are not the hate mongers the problem is the 10% that cause problems a 100% of the time, and the leaders of the ICRME can not seem to figure out a way to put a stop to it. 
 
When I was President I worked to create a non-discrimination policy for court.  It passed but a policy is only effective when the leaders follow and enforce it.
 
As for Mr. Paige I know him and have spent time with him.  I was shocked by his comments as he never came across as a person that would ever cast such harsh judgment on a CHILD!!!!!
 
I am gravely sadden by this entire event and am sadden that the ICRME has not taken quicker action on such an important issue considering the fact that the ICRME is heading into Campaign and will be having two major events between now and mid April. 
 
I commend you for keeping this issue in-front of the T community and please let me know if I can be a resource of assistance
 
Regards,
 
Jazmine James
Empress XXIX
ICRME

 

 

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