Mentoring in the FtM Community
The concept of mentorship is ancient and mentoring has been utilized across every nation. I believe the single most important ingredient that positively influenced the early stages of my transition, development, and progress was directly related to the outpouring of support, guidance, instruction, patience, and friendship I received from my mentor Jamison Green. I had the good fortune of living in San Francisco, CA (USA), where I was able to interact on a regular basis with Jamison.
Jamison's position in our community, as a true pioneer, made him an ideal mentor. He was able to provide me with sources of information about the FtM transition process, insight into FtM community history, access to FtM community resources, and he introduced me to transmen in places like France, Japan, South Africa, Canada, Britain, and beyond. Through Jamison's kindness, encouragement and connections, I was inspired to build a global network of trans brothers, present workshops at trans conferences, publish an FtM anthology, Letters for my Brothers: Transitional Wisdom in Retrospect, and offer my service to the FtM community as a mentor through two organizations: Trans Youth Family Advocates (TYFA) & FTM Mentors with FtM teens and young adults. As a direct result of my work in/for the FtM community, I was recognized as a Successful Transman.
The benefits I have gained through being both a mentor and a "mentee" are: a) a stronger sense of self as a man; b) more confidence to strike out into the world and make a difference; c) a well-rounded understanding of various trans identities; d) a wide network of trans brothers, access to developing friendships with transmen like Max Valerio author of The Testosterone Files, Dhillon Khosla author of Both Sides Now:One Man's Journey Through Womanhood, trans therapist Reid Vanderburgh, and Aidan Key the producer of Gender Odyssey; e) and the ability to partner with transmen to publish books: I am co-owner of Vir Potens, a BRAND NEW publishing company focused on topics related to transsexual men.
Hung Jury: Testimonies of Genital Surgery by Transsexual Men, our first book, due out in fall 2011, will feature stories and photographs of transmen who have successfully completed the phalloplasty or metoidioplasty surgical process in the last 10 years. Below is an excerpt from our "Call for Papers":
Surgical genital modification, commonly known as “bottom surgery,” is a memorable experience of gender transitioning for many transsexual men. It is a momentous process involving incredible sacrifice, fortitude, and most importantly, love - the love of self and of others supporting us through the process. For many transsexual men, it is this final step that provides a feeling of completeness and wholeness in our bodies and a feeling of greater security in the world. Yet, we rarely write about our experiences of bottom surgery or share our stories with others, except on a few websites and private listservs designed for sharing information on FTM surgeries. When we do share our experiences, we are often met with harsh criticism, negative assumptions, and outright contempt.
I want you to experience your own success and receive positive benefits, on your journey from female-to-male, and encourage you to find a mentor and/or offer your services to another brother as a mentor!!
Check out the two opportunities below:
Mentor Opportunities
"Lifeworks" Seeks Trans Mentors! Are you a caring, successful LGBTQ adult who is interested in helping youth? LifeWorks Mentoring is a non-profit organization that connects youth and adults in the LGBTQ community through our innovative One-on-One Mentoring Program. The focus of our program is supporting older youth and young adults, ages 16-24, in setting and achieving life goals in our five achievement areas: wellness, education, career, home, and personal development. We train each Mentor in the skills necessary to really be there for their youth. We do not train mentors to be like parents or authority figures, but rather people whose focus is to help and support those who need their help in achieving their goals and dreams. To get started with your Mentor Application, or for just for more information, visit the website at www.lifeworksmentoring.org.
Here is the second opportunity:
TransMentors International is a non-profit organization which provides aid, support and assistance to Trans-identified individuals. We are committed to the health and well-being of all members of our diverse community. Accordingly, we dedicate ourselves to providing an array of information services, educational materials, advocacy training, as well as personal assistance with safe housing, health, faith, resource referrals, emergency assistance and more. We pledge compassionate support and passionate advocacy on behalf of Trans-identified persons in their journeys toward health of body and mind and in their pursuit of personal freedom, including the freedom to alter their bodies and change their gender roles.
To get started and fill out your Mentor Registration, or for more information, visit the website at http://transmentors.org or http://ftmmentors.org.
I hope you you will consider joining me in becoming a mentor.
Zander Keig, MS, MTS
Member, Board of Directors
TransMentors International, Inc.http://www.transmentors.org
TransMentors International, Inc.http://www.transmentors.org
