An update from Jazmine James regarding the climate within the ICRME

From the files of an investigative report by Lynn Conway

March 16, 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.

The ICRME now faces a serious dilemma:  They've been experiencing severe difficulties in sanctioning Paige, because some 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.

In an open letter on March 13, 2008, Jazmine James reported on the long simmering anti-transgender climate within the ICRME:

"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

In a new letter below, Jazmine James reports on her experience at a major ICRME event last night (March 15, 2008), which she and her husband courageously attended. Perhaps to the surprise of Paige's strident supporters, Jazmine and her husband were received with deafening applause - in a powerful response to the stance Jazmine has taken these past few days:

"I walked as the 29th elected empress but not in my full high empress drag but as myself, a strong hard working, tax paying wife who happens to be a transwoman.  I was amazed at the out pour of support I received.  As I walked the runway in my Blue Jeans, tennis shoes and white blouse the roar of crowd was deafening.  The reason I mention this is because despite the pain the Paige article caused the reception I got tonight proved to me that the over all membership of the ICRME is far from what the article lead people to believe. This article has done something more than any of us expected. It has started a movement with in the ICRME for awareness, support and understanding." - Jazmine James

Could it be that Paige's supporters are merely a small but vocal anti-transgender minority in ICRME?  If so, will the Board of Directors step up to this challenge and do the right thing today?  We await their decision and will post an update as soon as it is announced.

Lynn Conway