What is in Kelvin's Head?

  • Statement on Transgender Day of Remembrance 2019

    Earlier this year, someone was convicted in Glasgow Sheriff Court of sending me threatening and abusive messages. The offence was found to be aggravated by prejudice related to both sexual orientation and transgender identity. Someone had threatened my life, and my own association and support for trans people was one of the reasons for the prejudice and one of the reasons that the court and the police took the offence as seriously as they did.

    Whilst it was unpleasant having to deal with that incident, I’m well aware that it was the one time in my life when I’ve seriously suffered myself from prejudice against people with a trans identity. Those who are trans have to deal with this prejudice every day as they make their way through life. Such prejudice seems to have become more vocal and confident recently.

    My own limited and partial experience of dealing with this is one factor in why I am prepared to stand alongside those who mark today as the Transgender Day of Remembrance. Violence and prejudice against people is wrong. Trans people are simply people. Prejudice and violence against trans people is simply wrong.

    However, in stating that I stand alongside trans people in remembering that they suffer from violence and prejudice, I also am reminded that as I stand alongside trans people I stand alongside people whom I’ve known to be creative, brave, funny, interesting and whole. I know and have worked with trans priests and admire them. My own congregation includes trans people with all kinds of diverse experience who are not simply defined by their trans identity. When I think of them, I think of people who make the world a better place.

    The world will be a better place when violence against anyone because of their identity is eliminated.

    Remembering trans people whose lives have been taken from them, I lament their loss and pray that they may rest in peace and rise to make heaven more glorious.

    Remembering trans people who are alive, I thank God for them and pray that their lives may be filled with joy.

    [Comments on this post will be moderated]

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One response to “Review: Orfeo ed Euridice, Scottish Opera”

  1. Alison Clark Avatar
    Alison Clark

    I agree about the orchestra – competent enough but too large I thought. But I loved Caitlin Hulcup’s Orfeo. I saw the production at the Sunday matinee and passion there was a-plenty. ‘Che faro’ delivered from lying to kneeling to standing was just wonderful. So much so that I struggled with the swift transition from tragedy to happy ending, made more acute by Amor – if Grace Kelly, then a rather louche version!
    I did enjoy it but your review made me realise what was unsatisfying for me. The ‘Mad Men’ 50s theme (seems to be a current choice for designers) was at odds with what is quite a profound myth. It was fun but that’s not what I go to Orfeo for. Maybe i need to lighten up!
    As to the ‘steampunk party’, it was the underworld surely – but if Hades is that camp, then it might be quite fun. Loved your description of the lime green nuns!

    Reply

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