Squawk!

I have no reason to title my blog post that, except that I think it is a really funny word to say. But only if you actually squawk whilst saying the word "squawk." Give it a try, seriously. HILARIOUS, right?

Okay, so I'm sorry my last post was boring, especially after I'd gone two months. We're going to spice up this blog with some cool video or something. I am more fun in person than I am in my blog, and I find that to be an epic fail. So here's an adorable video of some otters. Don't stop watching-- if you think it's cute, see it through because it just gets cuter.


Also, I've been thinking lately about-- and sorry to have to read about this after talking to you, Tonya-- transexuals and transition drugs/surgery. My friend from abroad is engaged/committed to a woman who is transitioning into a man. First, let me say that I really knew nothing about this area. I feel like coming from my background, I was already at a disadvantage, but even at Wellesley where I know people are transitioning, it's never been on my mind or in my vision. Now knowing someone who is going through this, it's really interesting to delve into a topic so far removed from my everyday interactions.

I should say that I have met Cayes (pronounced Kye) and he is such a great person. Really chill, loves Britney Spears (which we all know is my not-so-secret guilty pleasure), and is down with just about everyone. Understanding on a more personal level the reasons that someone is going through this and making this change has been a lesson to me in knowing myself. For someone to come to the conclusion that they are living in the wrong body sexually speaking not only shows deep awareness of themselves, but to act upon that knowledge in a way to improve your life shows great courage. Especially when considering that, by taking such a big step, you are alienating and sometimes exiling yourself from friends and family. It's amazing how much I've grown to respect Cayes and even (without knowing them personally) FTM transitioners in general from being able to fully understand the reasons for and the reactions to such a life-changing decision.

So anyway, I guess I'm just going to mention that he is reaching out to friends for help getting him to the West Coast, and also to raise money to have top surgery (bust removal, basically). He's asking $10 a person, and while I know money's tight, it's the same amount as a shot of liquor in a bar, and therefore I think it's important to consider the impact this would have on his life. Here's his facebook event page about raising money, his donations page, and videos of him documenting his transition from female to male. (I should also mention that, from a journalistic standpoint, I think it's valuable that he documents this transition for himself; but to put it out there with the intention of showing solidarity to other FTM transitioners and those questioning it for themselves, I find that to be really amazing.) The videos are well done in their own right, but I think it's nice to watch even if you don't really care about Cayes personally, because it documents and raises awareness about an issue that is largely kept at society's periphery.

Also, Cayes in Kreyol means "home, house" which had special meaning to him because he finally feels at home with himself. Very cool.

Alright, that's all for tonight. I have to write a paper tomorrow to turn in late about the Zapatistas, and I already have someone wanting to read it. First late paper EVER, and a drop in my grade, but it's totally worth it. Life's more important than the academic institution.

Quiz? I feel like no one tried to answer my last question. So that makes y'all lame, too. I hope you will get the pop culture reference: NO QUIZ FOR YOU! (There should be some foreign accent when reading that...)



Bed time.