Women's Independent Forum and Partners with Ethical Care in Texas

IWF event on April 19th, a screening of my video and Jeanette's. PEC event on April 20th, the following day, at the Austin, Texas capital.

There were a lot of twists and turns on this trip, but it was an overall success. I also met some lovely people for the first time, and some old friends as well.

The Cancellation

I traveled a day early before the events to stay with someone in Chicago before flying to Texas. I was with this person when we received the news that the host for the IWF event had pulled the rug out from under us.

We had a venue where we were going to screen my video filmed by Independent Women’s Forum as well as Jeanette’s, and do a Q&A after with Chloe Cole and Soren.

Due to threats from trans rights activists, the venue cancelled on us, leaving us with dozens of guests and no place to put them.

You can read more about trans activists’ attacks on our venue as written by Kelsey Bolar, here.

“A flood of phone calls, voice messages, and emails with direct threats against the business led the owners to cancel the event out of fear for the safety of themselves, their employees, and their business.”

Despite this, we were able to secure a new venue in four hours, and everything was back on!

The event went well. My video was played, as well as that of Jeanette Cooper. Jeanette’s video always makes me cry.

After the screenings, the mothers and detransitioners, including myself, Chloe, and Soren, did a question and answer time. We told our stories, and answered important questions, and addressed thoughtful ideas and observations.

IWF event

I also had personal time to talk with friends.

It was wonderful to see Soren again.

Soren is currently having her own experience recorded by IWF.

That night, I arrived at my Air Bnb where I met Laura for the first time! Laura is an inspirational woman and a detransitioner who suffered from testosterone over-prescription and a devastating double mastectomy. She was prescribed testosterone despite having PCOS, and her dose was incredibly high.

We had a wonderful time talking and eating food.

Laura and I with green tea in wine glasses.

The next day, all of the events were cancelled again, and once again, new venues were found!

At the Capital, April 20

Midday, myself, Chloe Cole, Abel Garcia, and Laura Becker spoke at the capital along with Texas lawmakers, Protect Texas Kids, and people who helped work on and support anti-child-mutilation bills.

Detransitioner stories at the Texas capital

The detransitioners spoke last after being mentioned as special guests, and we shared pieces of our stories.

Kevin Whitt spoke first, sharing vulnerable trauma, and taking a stand to protect others.

You can watch Abel Garcia’s speech here.

Laura did an amazing and funky job. You can watch Laura’s speech here.

I did not find video of my speech, or Chloe Cole’s.

At the Capital, April 21

The next say, another PEC event was held at the capital! Jeanette Cooper did a great job introducing everyone and giving a speech of her own.

We were invited on stage with other supporters and parents to hold signs before we spoke. Everyone was alive with passion. The weather was beautiful, too.

Laura gave an empowered speech, mentioning her divine femininity, and the loss of part of it in the loss of her breasts.

You can watch Laura’s speech here.

I gave a speech about the dangers of online self harm communities and my time in the anorexia community. I was told by trans-identifying adults that I couldn’t eat because I was a boy.

You can watch my speech here.

Jeanette Cooper also spoke, sharing numbers and information, and teaching others how to empower themselves.

Chloe Cole also spoke. She also invited any state to be the first to truly help.

"The first state that can figure out how to care for those of us that have been harmed by this, can be a model to other states and a hero to a growing demographic of victims."

You can watch Chloe’s speech here.

Sources:

Kelsey Bolar:

https://www.iwf.org/2023/04/18/activists-harassment-and-threats-force-venue-to-cancel-austin-texas-identity-crisis-film-screening-about-the-harrowing-stories-of-detransitioners/

Laura:

https://twitter.com/funkgodartist

https://www.funkgod.com

Soren:

https://twitter.com/sorenaldaco