Monday,
June 28th, 2004Monday,
June 28th, 2004
Wednesday,
July 7, 2004Dear Carol,Thank you for your strength. I am a 57 year old transsexual unable to face who I am for many years.
I finally told all in my family. Acceptance was at different levels.Hope you find your journey to be safe and successful
JoAnna Michaels
This is a nicely done informative article. Except for the misquote. You handled yourself professionally. Good job.Thanks for the article.
Shirley
Very brave, Francie. I'm proud of you. You know you wouldn't have been able to keep things private and remain in place, so this is the best and most straightforward way to lay the rumors to rest.The reporters need a lesson on the AP-approved use of pronouns, but otherwise it's favorable.
Becky
Dear Francie,...The value of the article is two-fold. First It shows one method of transitioning in the workplace which is a gradual one. Secondly, ...I believe there are far more than the estimated 20 or so [physicians who are or have transitioned] I know of in the United States. I feel that as more of us are known the rest will also come forward. I believe that physicians are the best educators of the public for transsexuals.
When we teach our patients that we are like all other people in most respects, it safeguards all of us. It is through our patients that the US population has a chance to learn about the transgendered firsthand.
I sincerely respect your privacy and will respect your wishes
I suspect however, as Anne Lawrence once said you are "now trying to micromanage a hurricane."
Best wishes
Sara
Dear Francie and friends,The article seemed to balance general information regarding a specific and "high profile" individual with sexual identity issues [Dr. Milazzo] together with the responses of the Dr.'s patients and co-workers. Including both positive and less than completely positive responses was important because the rest of the community who read this type of story are interested in hearing more of the debate that surrounds not just the issues that an individual processes who is with sexual identity conflict, but also the controversy that engulfs such a person when their transition directly effects those in their personal or professional circles.
I am assuming that after realizing that her position [being highly visible] would inevitably drag her together with her issues and those issues of a judging society into the media circle, Dr. Milazzo decided to direct rather than react to the flow of discussions. This is both an indicator of her professional strengths and her determination to succeed. One criticism levied against Dr. Milazzo's method of transition was that some of her patients might like to have been informed or allowed more of a choice about their physician prior to a "Discovery" on their own, as pieces of the puzzle fell into place.
I can certainly empathize with the concerned mother's comments in the article and would hope that the example of Dr. Milazzo's transition would inspire other professionals in similar high profile positions to take the initiative she has shown and take it to perhaps the next level. We must remember however, that the initiative that we are allowed to take in our communities is somewhat influenced by the receptivity of that community. Just a short time ago, even the level of initiative taken by Dr. Milazzo in her own transition might have been thought of as not just risky, but perhaps foolish by those others who participate in her profession.
I found a particularly meaningful message within a message when I read of the youngster who, prompted by her mother, found the courage to approach Dr. Milazzo about the changes the patient family had been noticing. Contained in this model are some important points for everyone to consider:
Professional Boundaries
It might be thought more of a test of ethical boundaries if a Dr. such as Milazzo, approached her patients or their families with her controversial personal issues than if she had allowed her patients to inquire and then followed with an appropriate response in a professional and ethical manner. Some patients or their family members might even consider a decision by Dr. Milazzo to disclose her condition or discuss it without having been asked to do so to be a violation of ethics or professional boundaries. The ethical issues surrounding Dr. Milazzo's practice are mostly uncharted, yet they have been traversed before. As society progresses and becomes more accurately informed, they will surely respond in the appropriate ways and without the fire of unnecessary fears stirred up by myth or poor example.If in Doubt, Ask
I would like to point to the example offered by this young family in which an education has been present and the members have benefit from a basic understanding if sexual identity issues prior to encountering an affected individual in the community. I thought that this testimonial was key in finding some direction or ethical guideline in the future. I applaud this family for having the strength and character to approach Dr. Milazzo. If in doubt, [and you are concerned] ask. Many people with sexual identity issues who feel that they are adequately supported would appreciate an opportunity to be more open about their sex / sex role transformation. Not all persons with sexual identity issues elects to undergo a transformation. Those who do, should be prepared to have a strategy in place to explain to others who are earnestly and respectfully inquiring about the many changes that are underway.Thank you Francie for sharing with us about your journey. I wish to congratulate you for your bravery and for the fine example you are setting for anyone who is in a position of having to face a difficult and challenging personal issue. Your example is particularly poignant being that you are fulfilling a key position of great importance in our society.
Best Wishes!
Respectfully,
jaime ray
Gwen Araujo Memorial
http://www.jaimesite.homestead.com/gwenaraujo.html
I understand what you are saying Jaime, but I transitioned on the job in a highly public position as a instructor at a small town community college. And basically, it was a ho-hum experience. We handled it professionally and quietly. We sent out a memo to the faculty of the English Dept. I taught at a sister college for a year which gave many of my students time to graduate. But I still had a few in later classes. I think in the past 12 years I’ve had a grand total of 5 students mention my situation and only two were negative and one of those was in a class I was subbing for another teacher.I think it all depends on where you live. I think small towns tend to be more courteous about everything and thus you get better environment for transition. They may be in your business, but they actually know you and not just your label. When they see you at the grocery store and in the classroom you are a human being and not just a TS. At least that’s my theory. Besides, if any kids cause trouble I can look at them and say, “Hey, knock it off. I know your mother.”
I do think that most people can get used to anything eventually. It just takes time (3-5 years I’ve discovered) and patience.
Anyway, I thought the article was well done. It does help to have real people portrayed doing real jobs. Many people don’t realize there are professionals who happen to be TS.
Speaking of which. I ‘ve got to get back to school. I’ve got to deliver a final to a student who clains he turned it in, but lost it.
Oh well,
Terri
Response from family, friends, employees and the hospital staff has been positive... some nurses complained that the news reporter didn't quote their supportive statements. One relative expects that I will receive book, TV and movie offers. Yesterday we received a card in the mail from a transsexual thanking me for the strength I showed in the article...that it was an encouragement to her who has been struggling with accepting her identity for many years. One sweet and obviously worried former employee, wife of an evangelical pastor, mailed me and asked me to listen to a taped sermon by Dr. Mark Rutland of Global Servants on the Biblical story of Sodom and Gomorrah titled "Be careful where you pitch your tent." I so appreciate this opportunity to help educate those who are confused about us.
God bless you, and thank you all for your kindness and encouragement.
Francie
(Carol Frances Milazzo, MD)
Thursday,
July 15, 2004