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Premieres Sunday, March 16, 2003
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Posts:
1
Registered:
11/3/07
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(168 of 168)
Nov 3, 2007 1:58 AM
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Wow!!! Well, I wrote to say I love Jane Anderson. And I do. She has told the truth in such a loving way. I don't know why I didn't see this movie sooner. Perhaps it was that I don't subscribe to HBO, or perhaps it is the fact that I was in Iraq when the movie debuted. Either way, I'm glad that a good friend encouraged me to watch "Normal". I can so relate to the issues described in the film.
I really don't have to put my history here, you can read anamarialisle's, and even though no 2 people are alike, her story so parallels mine. It's almost scary. My wife and I are separated. She declared that she was not willing to be married to a woman. And how can I argue, when all I want is her to be happy. And that she is. Her new boyfriend seems to be the best thing for her. I wish them the best, and hope that someday I'll find my happiness as well. My mom thinks I'll find the right person someday, but as I told here, "I already found her, and we have grown apart."
I'm finding more and more that people accept me for being my true self, than they ever did when I just tried to "fit in". My thanks and gratitude to Jane Anderson for conveying that premise on film.
-Melissa Anderson
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Posts:
4
Registered:
2/7/04
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(167 of 168)
Re: Normal Transsexual Running for State Rep. in 2006
Mar 12, 2006 9:25 AM
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Melissa Sue Robinson announces candidacy for State Representative
LANSING - Transgender candidate Melissa Sue Robinson will appear on the Aug. 8 Democratic Primary ballot for Rep. of Lansing's 68th District.
Running on a platform of civil and human rights, Robinson said she will introduce or aggressively pursue legislation that introduces a Universal Health Insurance plan which is designed to cover all uninsured citizens of Michigan; eliminates the Michigan Single Business Tax; and discourages disparity between the sexes in wages, with emphasis on penalizing businesses that pay the male sex more for equal work done by both sexes. She will also fight against eliminating affirmative action and fight for educational funding through a plan similar to one that is presently working in Kalmazoo called "The Kalamazoo Promise".
In a press release Robinson said, "I promise that if elected, my whole term or terms in office will be focused on 'you' the voters, and I will do everything to earn your trust and my salary as your State Representative. As the entire 68th District is in Lansing, I will take a special interest in our City and insure that you 'the voters' are properly represented."
Robinson also encouraged voters to keep an open mind and see her gender change as a strength. She said, "Please don't let the idea that I am a person that changed my gender interfere with your choice at the polls in August and November. If anything, that fact will insure that I'll fight for your rights."
Robinson is the President of the National Association for the Advancement of Transgendered People.
For more information on Robinson's campaign contact The Committee to Elect Melissa Sue Robinson For State Representative 68th District at 517-371-1103 or email melisrob@tds.net. website www.melissasuerobinson.homestead.com
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Posts:
58
Registered:
10/3/05
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(166 of 168)
Feb 14, 2006 8:58 PM
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Just saw this film and I thought it was great. I could not imagine what it is like to be married to a transsexual. Personally, I would leave in a heartbeat if I was in this situation. But I respect other people's decision if anyone decided to stay.
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Posts:
3
Registered:
6/1/05
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(165 of 168)
Re: Who played "young" Max
Jun 1, 2005 5:55 PM
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Does anyone know who played the "younger" Max in the kitchen?
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Posts:
57
Registered:
8/19/04
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(164 of 168)
Sep 29, 2004 10:25 PM
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i have watched this movie many times...when i first saw the previews i thought it would not be one i would like...but one day it was just starting when i was going to lay down on the couch..
well i never took a nap like i wanted to and watched the whole movie...it sucked me right in and i loved it!
--
Canadian Girl
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Posts:
2
Registered:
8/18/04
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(163 of 168)
Aug 18, 2004 11:36 AM
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Part Two
For the next year I re-established myself as the "man" in my community. I had just come from a very strange adventure and everyone was interested in my story. I had to stop and tell my story over and over at the supermarket and post office and hardware store. The man was back.
My wife and I bought a house and land together and spent a great deal of time upgrading and painting the house and planting gardens and yard work. The children went to school, and yes, they faced the cruelty and criticism of their schoolmates.
The reprieve was temporary. The man once again faded away and the woman demanded to be freed from the chrysalis. The accusations of selfishness, the guilt of yet again leading someone you love down the primrose path. The long all night conversations, the tears, the laughter, yes laughter.
The woman established herself. This time there was no move away from town, no leaving the job. Now it was plain for everyone to see that whatever was going to happen was going to be. I decided to get a place of my own and what was supposed to be a temporary move to the guest house on the property until I found a place in town, became a very long term solution.
A few years passed in transition. I was now living full time and very "out" in the community. Friends who had wanted to "beat me up," or take me to "Mexico to get laid," as a solution now began to treat me with curiosity and civility.
I was still pre-op and began to experiment with my new sexuality. I discovered that not everything appears to be what it is on the surface and I had affairs with friends who were perhaps bi-sexual in nature. I found it very strange to be sexually active with that "thing" still between my legs although it had atrophied somewhat from the hormones.
My financial situation was difficult. I knew that I wanted to complete the journey but I didn't have the money. I approached friends for help. Some offered their help and support but no one was willing to lend me money.
Who do you turn too when no one else will help? Family.
Yes, it was my parents, my mom and dad, who loved me and wanted my happiness. Even though they didn't fully understand what had happened to their son they adapted to their new daughter. My mom's sense of humor kept us all going. She asked me once why I had made her wait so long for her daughter. I want to establish that neither of my parents ever did anything to establish my identity crises or treat me in any other way than as a normal growing boy.
My brothers gave me some sh*it just because, but they were fully supportive and never withheld their love for me.
The appointments with psychologists and psychiatrists and the Minnesota Multi-phasic Personality Inventory testing, and the personal physicians and screening physicians was over. All systems were go. The date was set.
In late February of 1982 the woman fully emerged from the chrysalis.
My wife and I still maintained an amicable relationship. We shared parental duties and expenses. I still lived next door and it became apparent as to the convenience of this arrangement as she and I began leading separate lives. She began dating and eventually married again and moved away for awhile. The children went with her and I stayed behind to hold down the homestead. I moved back into the main house. Eventually I met a man who knew me "back when" and then "now" and even though he was completely heterosexual we began living together. My boss moved the business away and invited me to move with him but I declined as I had established myself very well in my home. One of my old friends who had threatened to beat me up came up to me one day and told me that he hated me as a dude and he really liked me now.
I took another job in my career field which I held for the next 20 years.
My first relationship lasted 7 years and ended tragically with the death of my mate. It took me several years to begin dating again.
My current relationship began in 1994 and we have recently moved to a different state to be closer to his family. I have my own business and enjoy my life immensely. I have a new set of in-laws. As far as I know they don't know anything about my past. It is not that I am hiding it, it just doesn't seem to be a necessary topic of conversation. My mate and I have discussed outing myself to them but it just doesn't seem necessary.
I have never regretted my decision and the inevitability for the woman to establish herself. It wasn't a matter of choice but of survival.
My children are grown and establishing lives and families of their own. I am treated with respect and love by my immediate family. It is as if the "man" never existed. At the least he has become a faded memory.
My wife has remarried a second time. She and I and her new husband are very good friends. She is my best friend on the planet and perhaps the only one who truly knows who I am, what I have gone through, the necessity of it all. I am the one she calls when her marriage is not going so well. We have supported each other through triumph and tragedy and celebrated landmarks of our lives together. 50 year old birthday parties. Bon Voyage and welcome home. Marriages and funerals. We look forward to our holidays together, she and I, our mates and our children and their mates and families, our thanksgivings and christmases are joyful occasions.
Looking back at the past 30 years since the day I first shared my secret with another human being there is nothing I would change.
The movie "Normal" very accurately portrays the drama and triumph of love of the heart over convention.
Politically I am not a transgender activist although I keep up with the news. I am very private about my past and don't share it with new friends and acquaintances that do not know and have no need to know of my past life, and that is just exactly what it is "A Past Life."
You may have seen me on the street, at the grocery store, in the post office, church, in government meetings, as a police officer, a judge, a lawyer, a doctor, a CEO, a leader, a hard worker, a mother, a caregiver. I have opinions about the war, the president, the economy. I vote. I take part in my community. I believe in God. I pay my taxes. I help my neighbors. I contribute to charities. I play golf. I fish. I fly airplanes. I sail. I go to the beach and sun myself (bikinis don't suit my frame.) I belong to a committee that meets in Washington DC to discuss important national issues concerning public safety. I volunteer my time to help others.
You may have seen me or someone like me do all of these things. My hands may just be a little bit larger, my voice just a tad husky. Some of us are rather easy to spot, many others of us you never even suspect.
It is not that we are hiding we are simply leading our lives the way that they are meant to be lead as happy, productive members of society.
I could wear a big scarlet letter "T" on my back so you will know me when you see me but that would be the only clue you have.
I might be married to your brother, your father, your best friend and you would never know unless I (we) choose to tell you.
My priest knows, as well as my doctors (of course), the government knows,(I have a passport and pilots license,) some associations and agencies know.
The next time someone criticizes us to you think twice before you judge us based on the sensationalist media portrayal of Transexuals like "Cops" and other degrading portrayals on so called reality TV talk shows. We might just be the paramedic that rescues you after a car wreck or the Search and Rescue volunteer that helps find your lost child and returns them to you safely.
This story is true, every word of it.
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Posts:
2
Registered:
8/18/04
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(162 of 168)
Aug 18, 2004 9:39 AM
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I've just seen the movie "Normal."
Part One
I am post-op since 1982.
Identity? - Most "normal" males and females never question their gender identity at all. They just are what they are. They may have other identity issues but not one of gender.
My gender identity issue began with my first memory of consciousness. I was about 5 years old. I remember having a sense that "something" was wrong. I didn't understand what it was but I knew, even at that young age that I had to keep it to myself.
I was 9 when my mom gave birth to my second brother. She had been hoping and expecting a girl and friends and relatives were already giving her hand-me-downs in expectations of a daughter. I discovered a treasure trove of skirts and dresses in my size and secretly, (hard to do when you're 9) had my own fashion shows. I was very good at keeping my feminine nature secret even though I didn't understand the necessity of it. I just knew that it was unacceptable for a boy.
That began my dichotomy of existence. In secret I addressed the needs of my feminine nature. Outwardly I played football and baseball and Army. Once in awhile, the girl would come out when I would volunteer to play the "nurse" instead of the "sargeant." I took it back after my "boy" friends looked at me weirdly.
Adolescense was a betrayal to my femininity. A sexual aspect took part in my cross-dressing but it was more of a distraction then a motivation. I masturbated just to get it over with so I could enjoy being a girl without that "thing" in the way.
Then began the "march" through life.
I expected that the "girl" would leave me when I became 13, then 16, then 18, when I graduated high-school, then 21, when I joined the Navy, when I "married," when I became a "father,".....The girl never left and became a "woman."
The woman began to demand more and more of my consciousness. My wife thought it was strange that I liked to shop for clothes with her. Then one day, the day I knew would someday arrive, that I would speak my secret to another another human being, my wife.
That was the first crack of the chysalis. The butterfly now had to fully emerge. The drama portrayed in the movie almost verbatim paralleled the conversations between us.
The accusations of selfishness. The guilt of knowingly leading someone you love into a life that was based on a lie. Or what it a lie? No, an attempt to defeat the girl, to banish the girl forever. Maybe it was "male" ego believing that the man could accomplish anything. Whatever, the girl could not be defeated, or banished and in time demanded, as a woman demands, to be seen, respected, cherished, and loved.
Next followed the transistion. The overcompensations of manifesting femininity.
The day arrived when I sat down with my boss and told him what I was going through. I was very surprised by his reaction as he was a very conservative businessman with a background in engineering and aviation. He supported my decisions and we had many long conversations about alternatives and sublimation. He defended me to my work mates and other professionals who told him to just fire me.
I worked until it was time to begin living as a woman full time. I believed it would be easier on my friends and family if I left town and I did. I took part in the early days of the Stanford University Gender Identity program.
I got a job and had to come out yet again with my new boss, who was not nearly as supportive although he understood that I needed to eat and pay rent. Even so I was let go. I legally changed my name and with a doctor's letter the gender indicator on my drivers license from M to F.
I then used my veterans benefit to help pay for college and attended college as a woman.
The relationship with my wife and children did not go well during this time. I had no money to pay child support and could barely get by.
One day I got a letter from home telling me that the psychiatrist that she had been seeing had informed her that I NEVER be allowed to see my children again.
I abandoned my efforts immediately. Yes, my children were VERY important to me. I couldn't imagine a life without them.
I returned home, a strange combination of male and female, as the female hormones had taken some effect as my skin softened and my pre-pubescent breasts began to emerge. The boy, the man, took control yet again wrestling away the girl to banishment. For the sake of my children.
I stopped taking the hormones. I went back to work at my old job. My wife took me back and gave me another chance.
Part Two follows
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Posts:
4
Registered:
2/7/04
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(161 of 168)
Jun 4, 2004 11:55 PM
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Michigan News
Transgender House candidate faces unique ballot challenge
By AMY F. BAILEY
The Associated Press
6/3/2004, 1:43 p.m. ET
LANSING, Mich. (AP)
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Posts:
4
Registered:
2/7/04
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(160 of 168)
Feb 7, 2004 8:36 PM
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This Story is for Immediate Release:
Robinson seeks seat as state representative
Former mayoral candidate Melissa Sue Robinson filed Monday Dec. 29,
2003
to seek election to the 68th District of the Michigan state House of
Representatives.
Robinson, 53, of Lansing, MI. (USA) works as an SBC maintenance
administrator. She led unsuccessful campaigns this year for mayor and
school board, and in 1997 for City Council. Robinson, a transsexual,
ran
her first campaign as Charles Staelens Jr., her birth name.In all other
races she was forced by Michigan law to use both her legal name now and
her former (birth) name. Michigan law states that if a name was changed
within ten years both names have to appear on the ballot. This time she is taking the issue to court.
The 68th District includes most of Lansing. The seat is held by Michael
Murphy, D- Lansing. Under term limits, Murphy can serve one more
two-year
term. Robinson says that she entered the race in order to fight for gay
marriage, anti discrimination laws, hate crime laws, socialized
medicine,
and other human rights and social legislation.
The Following is My Story:
From: Melissa Robinson
Subject: He's A She Now And His Twin is His Ex-Wife's Lover------But
That's Not All---They're All Living Happily Ever After
Charles Edward Staelens divorced his wife Linda, had a sex change, and
became Melissa Sue Robinson. Now Melissa and Linda are "very best
friends"-----and Linda is living with her former husband's identical
twin
brother, Warren Staelens!
Fortunately, the sex- swap and twin- trade turned out happily for
everyone
involved, according to Melissa, 52 of Lansing, Mich., who has shared
her
bizarre story with several news sources.
" I'm finally the woman I was always meant to be," said Melissa, a
building contractor nicknamed Chuck until he freed his inner femme more
than three years ago.
" I always thought of myself as a woman, even as a youngster.
" When I grew older as a man, I was married four times and failed at
making love to all of my wives. I kept thinking of myself as a woman
and
would pretend my wife was the man. " I could only bring myself to have
sex
with any of my wives about once a month."
Melissa's sex change took place at the University of Michigan in 1999,
after she'd had psychological counseling and hormone therapy to develop
breasts and smooth out her skin.
" The operation lasted just six hours" said Melissa, who now works for
SBC
Communications as a maintainance administrator in Lansing. " I didn't
need
breast implants as the hormone replacement with estrogen did the trick
and
I am almost a 42 B in breast size. With breasts and penile inversion I
have became a woman in every way except that I cannot have children. "
I
went in as a male and came out as a female."
The operation changed Melissa from a slightly built man with a mustache
to
what she describes as " an attractive blue eyed blonde woman." Since
then
she's had one lover and the relationship was a complete success she
says.
" Unfortunately he died of cancer," said wistful Melissa.
" I am now looking for another man in my life." Until he comes along ,
Melissa intends to devote herself to the cause of transsexuals around
the
world. " I would like to become a spokeperson for transgender persons
such
as myself," she said. "We are born with the wrong mix of genes. we are
usually not gay. It is about how we mentally feel about ourselves, not
about clothes, makeup, or sex.
"Discrimanation is a major problem that sometimes leads to hate crimes.
"
Those that don't understand prefer to laugh, mock us, or take their
anger
out on us. Whenever I see someone from my past, I don't dare say hello
or
acknowledge them for fear of what their reaction may be."
Despite the fact that Melissa dressed in her wife's clothing and
negligees
at home, her marriage to Linda lasted 17 years. And Linda admits that
she
was reluctant to let her he-she husband go. " I was devestated, " Linda
said. " But after a couple of months I accepted it and moved on with my
life. We are still friends, and go somewhere about once a week."
Incredibly Melissa's twin brother Warren now dates and lives with her
in
the house she used to share with Melissa.
" After Chuck became Melissa, I waited 22 months before dating her
twin,"
Linda said. "He was interested in me, so we started going out together.
"
But I'm not trying to replace Chuck with Warren. Warren is nothing like
Chuck was. They are totally different. The only way that they are alike
is
in their looks."
Melissa says she's delighted her twin has moved in with her ex- wife.
"It's a lovely two bedroom ranch house," said Melissa. " But I've moved
out and am living my life anew. I expect that Linda and Warren will
marry
soon, but I'm not sure I'll be invited to the wedding. Linda is still
my
very best friend , but my brother Warren does not approve of my sex
change. He calls me a queer.
Update Written By Melissa Sue Robinson Nov. 29, 2003
In December of 2002 Melissa started the NAATP (National Association for
the Advancement of Transgender People) and the PNN (Political News
Network). In August of 2003 Melissa ran for Mayor of Lansing finishing
third out of six candidates. The Two top contenders were Lansing Mayor
"
Tony Benevides" and Michigan State Senator " Virgil Bernero," After
losing
that race Melissa turned around and ran for the Lansing School Board.
She
was one of eleven candidates. Although she didn't win in the Nov. 4th
general election she managed to pull over 3200 votes and is on her way
to
becomming notworthy in the political world. This has not only gained
her
much media attention which includes: The National Enquirer, The Detroit
Free Press, several ABC, NBC, and Fox news stations in Michigan,
Sirrius
Sattelite Radio, NPR, German Television in Germany (Their version of
Dateline), and several other newspapers and radio programs.
In 1992 Melissa then Charles was in a US Government twin Study
conducted
by renowned Psychologist, researcher, and author, E. Fuller Torrey. The
study is included in Dr. Torrey's book on Manic Depression. Although
Melissa isn't manic depressive, Warren is so she was the control
subject.
The study was done for the National Institute for Mental Health in
Bethesda, MD.
In Michigan Melissa was forced to use her old male name along side her
female name on the ballot. This was because of an obscure 1950's law
that
states if you changed your name within ten years, you are required to
use
both names. The law doesn't apply to women that changed names because
of
marriage. Melissa intends to continue helping Transsexuals by her
persuit
of a political career. She has also became an ordained minister last
November in order to perform Gay/Lesbian Marriages as the laws permit.
Her
next move is to run for the Michigan State Legislature in the August
2004
Primary Election as a Democrat. She has filed the necessary papers with
the Ingham County Clerk on Wed. Dec 31, 2003 To Contact Melissa Sue
Robinson: (517) 371-7191 USA Phone# melisrob@ameritech.net
www.melissarobinsonco.com
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Posts:
1
Registered:
1/23/04
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(159 of 168)
Jan 23, 2004 12:48 AM
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I am the wife of a transsexual man and I can tell you from experience that Jessica Lange's portrayal in this movie is right on target. Whether it is believeable to you or not, women (myself being one of many) HAVE made the kind of sacrifice that she did in the movie in order to stay with the person that we love. True, my husband is gone but the wonderful person who made up who he was is still there and I will always love that person dearly and can't imagine my life without him/her.
In order to say the things you did in your post, you simply have no conception of what it means to be transsexual or to be in love with one. I hope you never have to go through the pain I have, but it has been a learning experience for both of us and we are better, stronger people for it.
I could completely relate to everything that the wife in this movie went through and I cried along with her. I also understood what the husband was going through because I have watched my own husband go through many of the same things. I used to be like you and thought that it was selfishness for him to be willing to give up everything to be able to live as a woman. But I have come to realize that it isn't selfish at all; it is something he has to do in order to be a complete whole person and be happy and have peace in his life and mind for a change. What if you woke up in the morning and felt exactly the same as you do now in your mind, but suddenly had the physical body of the oposite sex? How awful that would be! And yet, that is what transsexuals live with all their lives, which is why so many commit suicide.
Don't be so quick to judge until you have been in their shoes.
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Posts:
1
Registered:
12/25/03
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(158 of 168)
Dec 25, 2003 10:55 PM
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I agree with you. As the wife of a cross dresser, I know that I would NOT accept my man becoming a woman. I have a hard enough time with the dressing. No one understands it including the CDers. If mine decided to become a woman, I would be gone. I love him but I cannot live that way. I agree that you do not have to accept or embrace all behaviors. You might have to find a way to adapt but true acceptance is very difficult. So far it appears he is happy to just dress in the privacy of our home without my seeing (my request). This is THE biggest fear all wives of CDer's have. The fear is always in the back of your mind and it's a difficult thing to deal with.
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Posts:
1
Registered:
10/22/03
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(157 of 168)
Oct 22, 2003 2:32 AM
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AH-HEM....
WHO DIED AND LEFT YOU THE JUDGE OF LOVE?
OUR UNDERSTANDING OF LOVE IS SO LIMITED.
WHEN IT COMES TO THIS STORY, ONLY THE BRAVE NEED APPLY FOR THE MESSAGE THIS STORY BRINGS TO THE WORLD.
THE MESSAGE IS NOT LIMITED TO THE SEX CHANGE.
WHATS IT LIKE BEING A GENIUS?
YOU'RE WITH A WOMAN FOR 25 YEARS AND SHE LOSES HER BREASTS TO CANCER, ARE YOU GOING TO LEAVE HER? OR HER LIMBS?
THATS THE CHALLENGE THAT SOMETIMES LIFE BRINGS TO LOVE.
AH-HHHH JUST THINK ABOUT IT SOME MORE YOU'LL GET IT.
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Posts:
1
Registered:
9/23/03
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(156 of 168)
Sep 23, 2003 9:55 AM
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Dear transducr,
I completely agree with your assessment of this movie. I thank you for putting the time and effort into putting together your thoughts. They were clear and expressed well.
This IS a story of a Normal marriage. A story about what a marriage should look like. A marriage born between two souls. A story of devotion. A story of how life throws a curve ball now and again. The story could have been about anything. But what better way to make us all pay attention? This subject still has the social impact of a bomb threat. Would we have paid attention to this love story had it been about adultery? I think not. We have become so immune about some subject matters, this movie would never have gotten the audience it did. It deserved an audience, it was wonderful. This movie had the courage to say: To keep this marriage, To continue loving each other, we will hold hands and we will both change! What a novel idea!
This was a story of importance that comes from having someone else's happiness in mind.
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Posts:
3
Registered:
3/17/03
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(155 of 168)
Jun 12, 2003 12:06 PM
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Couldn't have stated it better myself!!!
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Posts:
13
Registered:
7/4/02
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(154 of 168)
Apr 23, 2003 9:08 PM
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