i came across a series of photos by portrait photographer charlie white via my news feed. from the article in the l.a. times:

Charlie White’s photographic series “Teen and Transgender Comparative Study” uses the stark format of a scientific study to raise pointed questions about femininity and self-image. Each photo depicts a teenage girl and a pre-op transgender woman side by side, from the shoulders up, against a light blue grid. “The subjects are both going through a form of puberty…”

the series can be viewed here.

h/t

i took a couple of coworkers to the shooting range with me last sunday. i overheard them talking about going to the range, as neither had ever been shooting before, and i offered to take them. i had a couple of free range passes, and some “extra” ammo, so i took them, my s&w 2206 (.22 cal) and 5906 (9 mm), and off we went.

they had a great time, very much enjoying the 9 mm especially. so much so, that one friend actually bought another 50 rounds to put downrange. both actually did quite well, considering it was their first time.

when i got back home, i noticed that a bit of gunk had accumulated under and around the grip of my s&w 5906. since i had never cleaned under the grip since i’ve own the pistol (early 1990′s), i figured it was time. a quick google search for s&w 5906 grip removal yielded a post on the high road, a comprehensive gun forum.

i struggled with the grip removal after knocking out the pin in the lower right hand corner of the grip (in the picture above) with an 1/8″ punch. apparently, the lower part of the grip must be pulled straight back, away from the frame first, then down, and then spreading the front “wings” of the grip to allow the inside tabs to slide past the frame of the pistol.

the main spring falls out, as the grip holds it in place, but it was pretty easy to figure out how it goes back together. one would be surprised how much gunk can collect inside a pistol in 15 years. a thorough cleaning fixed that right up, and the pistol goes back together easily.

so we had a department meeting today at work with one of the executives who flew in from hq. at the end, we had a q & a during which i asked a question. apparently, a couple of women took issue with me, which i found out about later from a friend who was sitting close to them. there was some talk that they’d better not see me in the women’s restroom…

so yeah, apparently i’m out at work. at least to some. fortunately, we have a strict policy on diversity, and i’m fortunate to work for a company that is quite progressive on glbt rights. i’m not worried.

it’s funny, i’m so over being trans. it’s ancient history. so i was a bit surprised to hear that it was still an issue for these two women. frankly, i’d be interested to see how they handle seeing me in the restroom. it’s bound to happen sooner or later. so yeah, panty check? i.d.? whatever.