"Becoming Chaz"

[Corkey]

I come from a different generation I guess where questioning anyones finances is just not done. He's an author, he works with youth, those are both fine professions. How much he makes and from where, none of my business.
As for folks leaving the thread, stay and participate.

[theoddz]

Originally Posted by Corkey

I come from a different generation I guess where questioning anyones finances is just not done. He's an author, he works with youth, those are both fine professions. How much he makes and from where, none of my business.
As for folks leaving the thread, stay and participate.

Ya, Bro, I so see your point, too, and I agree that one's finances are generally regarded as being a very personal issue and not up for public scrutiny. I certainly don't want prying eyes on my money, either. I totally get that and agree with you!!!

Chaz chose to go public with this process, however, and I certainly applaud his personal strength and inner resolve. It also takes money and the money part of it is so huge for so many. The struggle to become who we are is very difficult, but the money end of it is equally as daunting and sometimes presents an insurmountable obstacle for so many, many people. That's why I think it's so important to be just as transparent with that part of it.

Chaz did say that he had to borrow the money for his top surgery, and that's enough information for me, at least. I did, however, notice his nice home, furnishings, clothes, etc., and wonder how he supported himself, moneywise. His girlfriend is a student, as it was said, but I didn't see why Chaz didn't bring up what he'd been doing for a living (income), prior to his transition process. I was wondering if he had to deal with the employment issues that transition involves, because that's a big deal, too, especially in these days and times when transpeople commonly have fewer protections against discrimination in the workplace than GLB's do, in a lot of places. Outing yourself to an employer is a big thing in the process of transition.

This is why I still have questions about Chaz's transition and I'm wondering if the book he's just published will contain any more details of his transition. I guess I'll have to read the book.

I, too, wish others would stay and participate in the discussion.

~Theo~

[Mister Bent]

The only mention of paying for his top surgery that I recall was when he introduced his friends and said they paid for his surgery. Did he actually talk about needing the money, being unable to afford it otherwise, or borrowing it from them? Maybe I just missed that part.

This is one person's story, not a research guide. We can be as judgy as we want to be about how his surgery and other aspects of his life are financed, but I don't believe we have a right to know, nor is it something he should have to disclose.

[Thinker]

Originally Posted by Mister Bent

The only mention of paying for his top surgery that I recall was when he introduced his friends and said they paid for his surgery. Did he actually talk about needing the money, being unable to afford it otherwise, or borrowing it from them? Maybe I just missed that part.

This is one person's story, not a research guide. We can be as judgy as we want to be about how his surgery and other aspects of his life are financed, but I don't believe we have a right to know, nor is it something he should have to disclose.

If I remember correctly, it was written under the names of the friends that he borrowed the money from them.

[Mister Bent]

Originally Posted by Thinker

If I remember correctly, it was written under the names of the friends that he borrowed the money from them.

I remember thinking at the time, that's a hell of a gift!

[citybutch]

Just as an FYI... (and this is something I can attest to)... one may have very nice things (home, car, etc)... even these days, one may be asset rich but cash poor... It ALL depends on how one's estate is set up. Chaz may have access to some cash flow through a trust... and assets may be given... but no real intense cash flow to go above and beyond. I am not saying this is Chaz's situation... I am just saying it could be a reality...

With something like a Family Charitable Foundation, one may have amazing cash flow... but that cash flow has to be spent in the name of the charitable guidelines of the foundation (which is strict rules established by the IRS)... so even with nice cash flow one may be limited on how that cash flow is utilized.

That being said... My points were just that with whatever resources Chaz may have, I would have loved to have seen a little bit of something on his privilege (WHATEVER that may be)... I think a lot of the questions may be coming from those types of confusion... and not out of any disrespect to Chaz.

[Thinker]

Originally Posted by citybutch

and not out of any disrespect to Chaz.

Indeed.

I don't think anyone in here has intended *any* disrespect to Chaz. At all.

I just chalk it up to curiousity.

[citybutch]

I think there are class issues which can raise some of these questions ... and to me they can be valid questions depending how they are framed. I don't think there was judgment in the questions posed at all... but that is me....

Perhaps what the dialogue that is happening here is reflecting is a desire to know more... that the documentary asked so many questions that were left unanswered... or perhaps, depending on the viewers perspective there were a lot of unanswered issues...

I know it must have been hard for Chaz to fit this all into a 90 minute (did I get the time wrong?) docu... and it is refreshing (for me anyway) to start his book and have come key phrases already made:

"My books were heartfelt attempts to give something back" (page 2)

"I can remember going to Washington, DC while my father was still alive.... I remember thinking at that moment how cool it would be to run for office one day... to serve my country... But then it occurred to me that I have to be called a "congresswoman"- and that one word just stopped me short" (page 3)

I will post more... but what I can say is... Run Chaz... I bet you could do some great things... You have courage that not many politicians exhibit these days...I just got back from a Victory Fund strategizing session. Now there is an organization that you could get involved in (if you already aren't).

(BTW, I am only on page 18)

[Leigh]

I can see both sides as well, being curious about where he got the money from for his top surgery but unless he chooses to divulge that information it doesnt matter to Me where he got it from ............ it just makes Me happy to know he was able to get it done :-)

[~Bo]

I thought it said that the friends "loaned" him the money.