On the wake of the very disappointing news from Maine today, I wanted to post a more inspiring story. I first heard about Stu Rasmussen the openly transgender mayor of the small town Silverton in Oregon on the public radio show, RadioLab. The topic of RadioLab episode was actually "Change", and the episode featured stories about the possbility of changing things that we always assumed come natural to humans and other animals such as violence, competition and opression.

The story of Stu Rasmussen is a particularly uplifting and inspiring one. Stu grew up in Silverton, Colorado and lived there for most of his life. He took over the family theatre that was a staple in the community but also provided other services to people such as electronic repairs. He was known throughout every household as an upstanding member of the community. Stu struggled with his gender identity and recounted in the RadioLab episode the two incidents when he found that he was not alone. After watching the Rocky Horror Picture show  and seeing various tabloids about transgendered people he began to understand his transgender identity. He gradually transitioned into attire associated with females, began painting his nails and wearing acrylics. Although people would stare and ask questions as he collected thier tickets at the theatre they eventually came to understand him even when he went through breast augmentation surgery and began dressing in women's clothes full-time even through 20 years in public office and 2 terms as mayor.

What I find so remarkable about this story is how the townspeople of Silverton were able to look past Stu's appearance and judge him on his 20 years of experience as a public official to elect him for Mayor. They even stood by him as protestors stormed Silverton to denounce Stu and the community. Silverton retailated with counter protests and they really did stand up for Stu.

I find this story so incredibly inspiring about the good things that we are capable of. Stu once said that if this could happen in Silverton it could happen anywhere. My question is what are we waiting for America? Why do we have to hold these same prejudices and biases against people in our communities? Instead we should unite together like Silverton and not devalue members of our communities and their contributions simply for the way they look or who they love.

Further Reading:
1. To find out more about Stu Rasmussen, visit his website
2. Read more about Silverton, Oregon, visit the town website
3. Fight for equal rights for all! Fight for the Employment Non Discrimination Act (EDNA)!