Left/right analysis will wait. No one is changing their allegiance to their dominant hand in the next day or two, so I'll tackle something else.
Sunday evening, I finally got a look at the movie Rent. I saw the stage version about five or so years ago, and I can honestly say it was the best time I've ever had watching a Broadway show. Very dynamic, great music, socially aware. Plus, a transgendered character, Angel. I've seen my share of musicals on stage: Oliver, Damn Yankees, even Kiss of the Spider Woman, which has an overt transsexual story. Only Rent ever spoke to me down deep.
The reviews of the film weren't glowing, and I'm no fan of the director, Chris Columbus (a hack). But my daughter, almost 15, was looking for a piece of music to perform in her drama class, so...maybe something from Rent. Mrs. Leslie and I know that our daughter will inevitably know of my TG nature one day, so seeing this with her was important to me. Angel's character is much more over the top than me, with some outlandishly garish costumes. (A slightly better singer and dancer, as well.) Yet, my daughter has the same open mind about this that we've come to expect. When the day comes, I'm confident she'll be fine with it.
What I liked most about the film, what made me feel fuzzy inside, was the way that Angel was treated by her friends. They all looked at her with warmth, without judgement. Just a person being herself. It's not the principal message of the show, but it's one that stands out for me.
Musings: It's All About Community
5 hours ago
I think it is great, that your daughter responded with an open minded attitude. Learning that a parent is transgender is probably going to be a complex adjustment for any child, but it would have to be easier for someone who is able to accept the concept in more general terms.
ReplyDeleteBesides that, you have managed to shock me!
"Mrs. Leslie and I know that our daughter will inevitably know of my TG nature one day[.]"
I had assumed that this was probably considered more a possibility than an inevitability. Communication must be a lot more open than it once was. It is hard to imagine the Leslie of 2009 broaching that topic.