1 00:00:01,320 --> 00:00:05,640 Speaker 1: It's night Side, Dan Ray on w b Z, Boston's 2 00:00:05,680 --> 00:00:06,320 Speaker 1: news radio. 3 00:00:06,800 --> 00:00:10,160 Speaker 2: Welcome back every one nine o'clock hour here on Wednesday night, 4 00:00:10,320 --> 00:00:13,960 Speaker 2: as we moved through this very cold, blustering night out there, 5 00:00:14,000 --> 00:00:16,880 Speaker 2: Please stay warm if you're out and about, and we're 6 00:00:16,880 --> 00:00:20,439 Speaker 2: going to talk with my guest this hour and also 7 00:00:20,600 --> 00:00:23,600 Speaker 2: invite you to call and chat with her as well. 8 00:00:24,640 --> 00:00:28,440 Speaker 2: She's a trans woman. Her name is Giselle Bird. She 9 00:00:28,600 --> 00:00:32,199 Speaker 2: is the first African American trans woman to serve on 10 00:00:32,280 --> 00:00:36,600 Speaker 2: the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women. Her appointment 11 00:00:37,120 --> 00:00:46,400 Speaker 2: by Governor Healey drew some controversy and some unnecessary comments 12 00:00:46,440 --> 00:00:53,600 Speaker 2: in threats on various social media posts. And I've invited 13 00:00:54,120 --> 00:00:59,280 Speaker 2: Giselle to come on. There was some people who reached 14 00:00:59,320 --> 00:01:03,200 Speaker 2: out on her behalf. So Giselle, welcome to Nightside, and 15 00:01:03,320 --> 00:01:06,480 Speaker 2: thank you very much for being willing to join us 16 00:01:06,520 --> 00:01:08,319 Speaker 2: tonight on Nightside. How are you this evening? 17 00:01:09,240 --> 00:01:12,720 Speaker 3: No, thank you so so much for having me Dan. 18 00:01:12,959 --> 00:01:16,480 Speaker 3: I am doing well all things considered. Thank you. How 19 00:01:16,520 --> 00:01:18,000 Speaker 3: are you well. 20 00:01:18,120 --> 00:01:19,800 Speaker 2: Let's just what I want to do is I want 21 00:01:19,840 --> 00:01:21,560 Speaker 2: to sort of get to some of the facts of 22 00:01:21,600 --> 00:01:25,520 Speaker 2: this case and then we can talk about why the 23 00:01:25,640 --> 00:01:32,360 Speaker 2: controversy seems to have intensified. You were actually appointed by 24 00:01:32,400 --> 00:01:35,640 Speaker 2: the governor to the Commission, the Massachusetts Commission on the 25 00:01:35,680 --> 00:01:39,039 Speaker 2: Status of Women, on in April of this year, so 26 00:01:39,200 --> 00:01:42,960 Speaker 2: over six months ago, April of twenty twenty five. You 27 00:01:43,160 --> 00:01:47,520 Speaker 2: are one of the state wide commission members. There were 28 00:01:47,560 --> 00:01:53,240 Speaker 2: only nineteen. They're also regional commissioners. But explain to me 29 00:01:53,480 --> 00:01:56,840 Speaker 2: and to my audience, because I knew that there was 30 00:01:56,880 --> 00:01:59,400 Speaker 2: a Commission on the Status of Women, but it's a 31 00:01:59,520 --> 00:02:03,200 Speaker 2: volunteer organization. You're not getting some big paycheck for doing this. 32 00:02:03,720 --> 00:02:07,320 Speaker 2: Tell us what the Massachusetts Commission or the status of 33 00:02:07,360 --> 00:02:10,880 Speaker 2: women here in massachu here in the state. What do 34 00:02:11,000 --> 00:02:13,680 Speaker 2: they what did they do? Do you have meetings? You 35 00:02:14,040 --> 00:02:16,880 Speaker 2: do you offer recommendations to the governor? Tell us about 36 00:02:16,880 --> 00:02:17,240 Speaker 2: the group. 37 00:02:17,280 --> 00:02:23,600 Speaker 3: First of all, Now, absolutely, it is such any time 38 00:02:23,600 --> 00:02:27,399 Speaker 3: to speak for the Commission, is such a great opportunity 39 00:02:27,520 --> 00:02:30,240 Speaker 3: to discuss how we should advance the rights for all 40 00:02:30,320 --> 00:02:35,400 Speaker 3: women and girls of the Commonwealth. So the Commission, the 41 00:02:35,440 --> 00:02:40,280 Speaker 3: State Commission specifically, is made up of nineteen commissioners, and 42 00:02:40,600 --> 00:02:44,600 Speaker 3: it is an independent state agency that is charged with 43 00:02:44,720 --> 00:02:48,120 Speaker 3: reviewing the status of women and girls in Massachusetts. We 44 00:02:48,240 --> 00:02:52,640 Speaker 3: offer policy recommendations that would improve access to opportunities and 45 00:02:52,720 --> 00:02:56,680 Speaker 3: equality for all, because let's keep it really in, women 46 00:02:56,760 --> 00:03:00,160 Speaker 3: and girls throughout not only the Commonwealth, but throughout this 47 00:03:00,360 --> 00:03:05,200 Speaker 3: country deserve the right to lead thriving and abundant lives. 48 00:03:05,840 --> 00:03:08,880 Speaker 3: And so here in the Commonwealth, where it is often 49 00:03:08,919 --> 00:03:12,160 Speaker 3: said that we are a pioneer and the first and 50 00:03:12,240 --> 00:03:17,480 Speaker 3: the best at taking care of our constituents, the Mass 51 00:03:17,480 --> 00:03:19,840 Speaker 3: Commission on the Status of Women, which you'll hear me 52 00:03:19,960 --> 00:03:25,520 Speaker 3: referred to as MCSW, stands in solidarity and in that 53 00:03:25,720 --> 00:03:29,280 Speaker 3: place to ensure that these things happen. So we are 54 00:03:29,800 --> 00:03:34,359 Speaker 3: trying and working to create legislation. We are conducting listening 55 00:03:34,400 --> 00:03:38,000 Speaker 3: sessions with women and girls all throughout the Commonwealth. We're 56 00:03:38,000 --> 00:03:44,280 Speaker 3: hosting summits to help young girls aspire to their different careers, 57 00:03:44,920 --> 00:03:49,800 Speaker 3: and we're also giving opportunities for them to learn from us, 58 00:03:50,200 --> 00:03:54,040 Speaker 3: learn what we learn from the access that we had, 59 00:03:54,480 --> 00:03:56,960 Speaker 3: and learn about the things that they have access to 60 00:03:57,120 --> 00:04:00,040 Speaker 3: that we may not be aware of. You know, so 61 00:04:00,120 --> 00:04:06,320 Speaker 3: inspired by this young generation of people because they they 62 00:04:06,360 --> 00:04:10,760 Speaker 3: have no tolerance for inequity in any form of their lives. 63 00:04:11,400 --> 00:04:14,080 Speaker 3: And you know, just the other evening, we had a 64 00:04:14,160 --> 00:04:18,800 Speaker 3: listening session for women and girls throughout the Commonwealth, and 65 00:04:19,320 --> 00:04:23,320 Speaker 3: we have discussed so many issues that are affecting them 66 00:04:23,400 --> 00:04:26,039 Speaker 3: and they brought so much to light for us to 67 00:04:26,120 --> 00:04:28,640 Speaker 3: know what we need to be fighting for when we're 68 00:04:28,680 --> 00:04:32,120 Speaker 3: at the State House and when we're throughout the Commonwealth 69 00:04:32,680 --> 00:04:36,640 Speaker 3: meeting with our constituents and getting to know what we 70 00:04:36,760 --> 00:04:41,320 Speaker 3: can do as commissioners. So there are meetings that happen 71 00:04:42,960 --> 00:04:46,960 Speaker 3: throughout the month. I'm vice Chair of Programming and Planning. 72 00:04:47,440 --> 00:04:51,839 Speaker 2: Okay, Well, that's a great description and explanation of what 73 00:04:52,520 --> 00:04:54,520 Speaker 2: the Commission is charged to do. 74 00:04:54,600 --> 00:04:54,680 Speaker 1: It. 75 00:04:54,720 --> 00:04:57,360 Speaker 2: I think the Commission has only been around for about 76 00:04:57,360 --> 00:04:59,440 Speaker 2: twenty years, if I'm not mistaken. I think it was 77 00:04:59,480 --> 00:05:03,680 Speaker 2: formed some time early in this the twenty first century. 78 00:05:03,960 --> 00:05:08,000 Speaker 3: Now ninety eight was when we started year I'm sorry, 79 00:05:09,160 --> 00:05:10,320 Speaker 3: nineteen ninety. 80 00:05:10,000 --> 00:05:13,320 Speaker 2: Eight, okay, so yeah, a little a little older than 81 00:05:13,360 --> 00:05:15,920 Speaker 2: twenty years. It's coming up on thirty years. Okay. So 82 00:05:17,040 --> 00:05:22,000 Speaker 2: you are a trans woman, and I think a lot 83 00:05:22,160 --> 00:05:27,320 Speaker 2: of the problems that exist I'm in the communication business 84 00:05:27,960 --> 00:05:34,200 Speaker 2: is a lot of people don't quite understand what your 85 00:05:34,279 --> 00:05:38,000 Speaker 2: status is. And since you are now a member of 86 00:05:38,040 --> 00:05:43,039 Speaker 2: the Commission of the Status of Women, let's we all 87 00:05:43,040 --> 00:05:46,200 Speaker 2: can get hung up on language, and I'm hoping that 88 00:05:46,279 --> 00:05:51,480 Speaker 2: you can help us understand the language a little bit better. 89 00:05:52,240 --> 00:05:57,040 Speaker 2: In our conversation today, you explained to me that your 90 00:05:57,960 --> 00:06:02,080 Speaker 2: birth agenda was male, but ever since you were around 91 00:06:02,120 --> 00:06:07,040 Speaker 2: five years old that you felt differently and you were 92 00:06:07,080 --> 00:06:13,400 Speaker 2: now a trans woman. So tell my audience, and it's 93 00:06:13,440 --> 00:06:17,919 Speaker 2: a wide audience in terms of age and viewpoints and 94 00:06:18,000 --> 00:06:22,120 Speaker 2: all of that. Explain to them so that there's clear 95 00:06:22,279 --> 00:06:28,359 Speaker 2: understanding for them in your status and what you represent 96 00:06:28,720 --> 00:06:29,880 Speaker 2: and whom you represent. 97 00:06:31,720 --> 00:06:36,760 Speaker 3: Absolutely. So I want to take a few steps back then, 98 00:06:37,080 --> 00:06:43,039 Speaker 3: because I think in twenty twenty five we have seen 99 00:06:44,560 --> 00:06:50,440 Speaker 3: a huge wave of trans representation and media and politics 100 00:06:50,680 --> 00:06:56,120 Speaker 3: and education and healthcare, and so I want to just 101 00:06:56,760 --> 00:07:01,039 Speaker 3: start there. You know, transgender people have always been here, 102 00:07:01,800 --> 00:07:05,440 Speaker 3: and so we have often been at the forefront of 103 00:07:05,480 --> 00:07:08,960 Speaker 3: a lot of civil rights issues throughout this country and 104 00:07:09,080 --> 00:07:11,440 Speaker 3: been on the backbone of them and been the backbone 105 00:07:11,520 --> 00:07:15,280 Speaker 3: of them, I should say, thinking about the Stonewall riots, 106 00:07:15,400 --> 00:07:19,680 Speaker 3: thinking about civil rights. Even there were some in these 107 00:07:19,680 --> 00:07:24,360 Speaker 3: suffaratist movements. So we have to recognize that transgender people 108 00:07:24,480 --> 00:07:27,360 Speaker 3: did not appear from anywhere. And also we are not 109 00:07:27,400 --> 00:07:33,880 Speaker 3: a monolith. So for me, I was raised by strong 110 00:07:34,120 --> 00:07:39,000 Speaker 3: black women from the American South. My granny survived the 111 00:07:39,080 --> 00:07:43,360 Speaker 3: Jim Crow era. My mother went to segregated schools up 112 00:07:43,440 --> 00:07:48,600 Speaker 3: until her middle school years, and they taught me very 113 00:07:48,640 --> 00:07:56,960 Speaker 3: clearly how to lead with love, compassion, acceptance, and those 114 00:07:57,520 --> 00:08:04,000 Speaker 3: key qualities helped me growing up understanding who I was 115 00:08:04,720 --> 00:08:09,000 Speaker 3: and ultimately allowed me to embrace the truth of my womanhood. 116 00:08:09,840 --> 00:08:13,440 Speaker 3: You know, it is really hard, I think, you know, 117 00:08:13,680 --> 00:08:17,560 Speaker 3: when you're growing up finding who you really want to 118 00:08:17,600 --> 00:08:23,080 Speaker 3: be and who you will be in this world. And 119 00:08:23,160 --> 00:08:27,320 Speaker 3: so for me, I wanted to be like my mother, 120 00:08:27,680 --> 00:08:32,720 Speaker 3: like my grandmother, and like my educators, who were these strong, bold, 121 00:08:32,840 --> 00:08:36,640 Speaker 3: dynamic women who helped create change in my life and 122 00:08:36,760 --> 00:08:38,280 Speaker 3: the lives of my friends. 123 00:08:39,160 --> 00:08:40,560 Speaker 2: And so. 124 00:08:42,400 --> 00:08:47,120 Speaker 3: When I realized that it was my truth, it was scary. 125 00:08:47,440 --> 00:08:53,240 Speaker 3: I'm a sebment because history has been harmful to trans women, 126 00:08:54,040 --> 00:09:00,400 Speaker 3: especially trans women of color. They're facing misogyny from nation 127 00:09:01,440 --> 00:09:12,160 Speaker 3: violence at unprecedented levels, and so coming into my womanhood, 128 00:09:12,280 --> 00:09:17,840 Speaker 3: I recognize that I would be tackling some of those 129 00:09:17,840 --> 00:09:24,160 Speaker 3: same things that my ancestors had as well. And when 130 00:09:24,200 --> 00:09:27,680 Speaker 3: we talk about my status as a trans woman, trans 131 00:09:27,720 --> 00:09:31,760 Speaker 3: women walk in this world very much like everyone else. 132 00:09:31,880 --> 00:09:37,640 Speaker 3: We simply want to lead a thriving and an abundant life. 133 00:09:38,320 --> 00:09:42,480 Speaker 3: And so when I was approached to be on the Commission, 134 00:09:44,600 --> 00:09:47,400 Speaker 3: it was almost a no brainer to go through the 135 00:09:47,480 --> 00:09:52,600 Speaker 3: process to be approved to join. You know, I've known 136 00:09:52,960 --> 00:09:58,040 Speaker 3: housing and food insecurity, I've understood many different systems of 137 00:09:58,080 --> 00:10:04,679 Speaker 3: oppression that a lot of my CIS gender sisters have experienced. 138 00:10:04,840 --> 00:10:06,840 Speaker 3: And so if I can help be a beacon and 139 00:10:06,880 --> 00:10:10,440 Speaker 3: a voice and advocate for their basic human rights, why not. 140 00:10:11,760 --> 00:10:16,480 Speaker 3: And so it's you know, womanhood of different experience, and 141 00:10:16,520 --> 00:10:19,359 Speaker 3: I think this is what makes our humanity so beautiful. 142 00:10:20,320 --> 00:10:24,760 Speaker 3: We all come into this world. We're born differently, we 143 00:10:24,840 --> 00:10:29,079 Speaker 3: live differently, and we all experience various ways of being 144 00:10:29,679 --> 00:10:32,840 Speaker 3: and I think what we have to start reminding ourselves 145 00:10:32,960 --> 00:10:36,320 Speaker 3: is that that is what has helped make this country 146 00:10:36,360 --> 00:10:39,439 Speaker 3: what it is. And when we look at the Mass 147 00:10:39,440 --> 00:10:43,400 Speaker 3: Commission on the Status of Women, they have always led 148 00:10:43,960 --> 00:10:47,480 Speaker 3: the charge. You know, I'm not the first trans woman 149 00:10:47,559 --> 00:10:52,200 Speaker 3: to serve on this commission. Sarah Schnor preceded me as 150 00:10:52,320 --> 00:10:57,200 Speaker 3: the first. And so the only difference between us is 151 00:10:57,200 --> 00:10:57,760 Speaker 3: our race. 152 00:11:00,080 --> 00:11:03,160 Speaker 2: For some and for some reason, not interrupted Giselle, But 153 00:11:03,200 --> 00:11:09,600 Speaker 2: for some reason there was no h criticism or or 154 00:11:10,080 --> 00:11:13,240 Speaker 2: she served and I was unaware, I mean not that 155 00:11:13,480 --> 00:11:16,320 Speaker 2: I would need to be, but there was never any 156 00:11:16,360 --> 00:11:20,880 Speaker 2: sort of a public ruckus whatever word I'm trying to 157 00:11:21,559 --> 00:11:27,599 Speaker 2: you know, there was there There was no publicity or 158 00:11:27,640 --> 00:11:33,079 Speaker 2: about that, which again I was surprised. I follow things 159 00:11:33,080 --> 00:11:36,680 Speaker 2: in Massachusetts fairly closely, and I was surprised that you 160 00:11:36,720 --> 00:11:44,360 Speaker 2: were not the first trends woman to serve on the 161 00:11:44,440 --> 00:11:47,199 Speaker 2: Mass Commission on the Status of Women. We got to 162 00:11:47,240 --> 00:11:50,160 Speaker 2: take a quick commercial break here. My guest is Giselle Bird. 163 00:11:51,280 --> 00:11:54,080 Speaker 2: She is a first. She is on the Mass Commission 164 00:11:54,120 --> 00:11:58,280 Speaker 2: on the Status of Women. I do have some questions 165 00:11:58,320 --> 00:12:01,000 Speaker 2: for Chazelle uh, and I hope that some of you 166 00:12:01,080 --> 00:12:04,559 Speaker 2: might as well. I would remind you that any guest 167 00:12:04,720 --> 00:12:06,800 Speaker 2: on my program is like a guest in my home, 168 00:12:07,679 --> 00:12:15,880 Speaker 2: and there's no question that's inappropriate. There are comments that 169 00:12:15,960 --> 00:12:19,160 Speaker 2: are inappropriate, and I would remind you that if you 170 00:12:19,200 --> 00:12:23,360 Speaker 2: do call, whether you agree and support Gizelle one thousand percent, 171 00:12:23,880 --> 00:12:28,679 Speaker 2: or you have some questions or reservations or whatever, please 172 00:12:28,720 --> 00:12:32,280 Speaker 2: be polite and ask your questions directly or make your 173 00:12:32,280 --> 00:12:35,199 Speaker 2: comments directly, and we will have a conversation here on 174 00:12:35,280 --> 00:12:38,920 Speaker 2: knight said, as we do so often, Gizelle Bird will 175 00:12:38,960 --> 00:12:42,160 Speaker 2: be with us. I suspect for the balance of the hour. 176 00:12:42,280 --> 00:12:44,200 Speaker 2: I would hope and I would hope that some of 177 00:12:44,200 --> 00:12:48,400 Speaker 2: you might want to speak with her. And again, if 178 00:12:48,440 --> 00:12:52,280 Speaker 2: you want to support her in what she's doing, that's fine. 179 00:12:52,280 --> 00:12:55,320 Speaker 2: If you want to ask a question clarification, that's fine too. 180 00:12:55,760 --> 00:12:59,400 Speaker 2: Just I ask always be respectful to my guests as 181 00:12:59,440 --> 00:13:03,920 Speaker 2: I as I also expect my call callers for me 182 00:13:04,040 --> 00:13:05,960 Speaker 2: to be respectful to you. We'll take a quick break 183 00:13:05,960 --> 00:13:08,600 Speaker 2: if you'd like to join the conversation six one seven, 184 00:13:09,120 --> 00:13:12,040 Speaker 2: four ten thirty or six one seven nine three one 185 00:13:12,120 --> 00:13:14,440 Speaker 2: ten thirty. This is Nightside. My name's Dan Ray. Be 186 00:13:14,520 --> 00:13:16,199 Speaker 2: back right after these messages. 187 00:13:17,240 --> 00:13:20,559 Speaker 1: You're on night Side with Dan Ray. I'm w b Z, 188 00:13:20,960 --> 00:13:22,200 Speaker 1: Boston's news radio. 189 00:13:23,160 --> 00:13:27,760 Speaker 2: Joselle Byrd. She is a trans woman, a member of 190 00:13:27,840 --> 00:13:30,560 Speaker 2: the a new member of the Massachusetts Commission on the 191 00:13:30,600 --> 00:13:35,960 Speaker 2: Status of Women. Her appointment did draw some critical comments, 192 00:13:36,400 --> 00:13:41,160 Speaker 2: uh and unfortunately, beyond that, there was some pretty nasty comments, 193 00:13:41,160 --> 00:13:48,960 Speaker 2: including threats that were posted on social media out uh platforms. 194 00:13:48,960 --> 00:13:51,400 Speaker 2: I guess we would we would call them Giselle. How 195 00:13:53,360 --> 00:13:57,120 Speaker 2: how upsetting? What was it for you to read and 196 00:13:57,200 --> 00:13:59,720 Speaker 2: be aware of some of these out and out threats 197 00:13:59,760 --> 00:14:03,600 Speaker 2: but also some of these outrageous comments that were directed 198 00:14:03,600 --> 00:14:07,080 Speaker 2: at you simply because you were appointed by Governor Haley 199 00:14:07,120 --> 00:14:10,679 Speaker 2: to the Commission on the Status of Women here in Massachusetts. 200 00:14:12,480 --> 00:14:16,880 Speaker 3: You know, I have to be I am a bit 201 00:14:16,960 --> 00:14:19,920 Speaker 3: fragile in this moment, but I have to be honest, Dan. 202 00:14:20,280 --> 00:14:23,520 Speaker 3: It is traumatizing and heartbreaking. 203 00:14:24,360 --> 00:14:24,600 Speaker 1: You know. 204 00:14:25,200 --> 00:14:30,640 Speaker 3: The one comment that really sticks in my mind is 205 00:14:31,640 --> 00:14:35,920 Speaker 3: nothing a rope and a tree can't fix. 206 00:14:37,040 --> 00:14:38,600 Speaker 2: Yeah, that's pretty disgusting. 207 00:14:39,880 --> 00:14:46,800 Speaker 3: That was one of the comments in response, and it, 208 00:14:47,200 --> 00:14:50,640 Speaker 3: you know, hates speech in and of itself is a 209 00:14:51,120 --> 00:14:55,040 Speaker 3: threat to my safety and the safety of my entire community. 210 00:14:56,160 --> 00:14:58,840 Speaker 2: And so did you get Was there some I hopefully 211 00:14:59,040 --> 00:15:02,960 Speaker 2: hopefully there was some support some reaction to those posts. 212 00:15:05,240 --> 00:15:09,600 Speaker 3: You know, I wish I could say there was. I mean, 213 00:15:09,640 --> 00:15:14,080 Speaker 3: there have been many messages of support, which I have 214 00:15:14,200 --> 00:15:20,200 Speaker 3: been really blessed and fortunate to receive, especially those who 215 00:15:20,240 --> 00:15:23,800 Speaker 3: support my leadership not only at the mass Commission on 216 00:15:23,800 --> 00:15:26,800 Speaker 3: the Status of Women, but also in my role as 217 00:15:26,920 --> 00:15:31,560 Speaker 3: executive and artistic director of the theater. Offensive You know, 218 00:15:31,680 --> 00:15:35,040 Speaker 3: we've seen folks want to donate because they say, you've 219 00:15:35,040 --> 00:15:37,520 Speaker 3: got to continue this work, Gazelle. There are so many 220 00:15:37,600 --> 00:15:42,000 Speaker 3: young people looking up to you who need these safe 221 00:15:42,000 --> 00:15:45,520 Speaker 3: and sacred spaces for expression. But you know, these threats 222 00:15:45,560 --> 00:15:49,600 Speaker 3: happen in the middle of a very important week. It 223 00:15:49,720 --> 00:15:54,680 Speaker 3: is Trans Awareness Week. We're also in trans Awareness you know, 224 00:15:55,320 --> 00:16:00,200 Speaker 3: months as a whole, and that culminates in Trans Day 225 00:16:00,200 --> 00:16:03,720 Speaker 3: of Remembrance, which is tomorrow, where we honor the lives 226 00:16:03,760 --> 00:16:08,240 Speaker 3: of those we have loss due to anti trans violence 227 00:16:08,280 --> 00:16:14,680 Speaker 3: and also allies who have been lost in defending trans people. 228 00:16:15,800 --> 00:16:19,760 Speaker 3: And so we have culminated I, along with our planning 229 00:16:19,840 --> 00:16:25,360 Speaker 3: committee and my incredible coachare several days of events to 230 00:16:25,480 --> 00:16:28,960 Speaker 3: take action so that we don't have to live in 231 00:16:29,040 --> 00:16:33,440 Speaker 3: fear for our safety and that we can live and 232 00:16:33,520 --> 00:16:36,760 Speaker 3: walk outside of our homes with our heads held high 233 00:16:37,080 --> 00:16:40,880 Speaker 3: without having to look over our shoulder in the event 234 00:16:40,960 --> 00:16:43,480 Speaker 3: that someone wants to cause harm to us. 235 00:16:44,080 --> 00:16:47,840 Speaker 2: By the way, you mentioned the Theater Offensive, I'm not 236 00:16:47,960 --> 00:16:51,000 Speaker 2: familiar with the theater, but you have served as the 237 00:16:51,120 --> 00:16:54,200 Speaker 2: executive director of the Theater Offensive in Boston, and you're 238 00:16:54,240 --> 00:16:58,200 Speaker 2: the first black transgender woman to lead a national theater 239 00:16:58,320 --> 00:17:01,840 Speaker 2: according to your biography, Gizelle, let me take a break. 240 00:17:01,880 --> 00:17:03,440 Speaker 2: We have it. We have news at the bottom of 241 00:17:03,440 --> 00:17:06,160 Speaker 2: the hour. I think that you have done a great 242 00:17:06,200 --> 00:17:10,080 Speaker 2: job introducing yourself, and I hope that some of our 243 00:17:10,119 --> 00:17:15,120 Speaker 2: callers will be kind and and call in and they 244 00:17:15,119 --> 00:17:17,800 Speaker 2: can ask questions. I have a few questions that I 245 00:17:17,880 --> 00:17:21,159 Speaker 2: want to ask, policy questions, and I'm sure you'll be 246 00:17:21,200 --> 00:17:23,400 Speaker 2: able to handle them. We got to take a break 247 00:17:23,440 --> 00:17:24,960 Speaker 2: at the bottom of the hour here for some news. 248 00:17:24,960 --> 00:17:27,120 Speaker 2: We get up. It's about a four minute break, so 249 00:17:27,240 --> 00:17:30,399 Speaker 2: you can stretch your legs, you can get a glass 250 00:17:30,440 --> 00:17:33,440 Speaker 2: of water, and we'll be back with you on air 251 00:17:34,160 --> 00:17:36,040 Speaker 2: for the balance of the hour in about three or 252 00:17:36,040 --> 00:17:38,520 Speaker 2: four minutes. Thanks for being here tonight six one seven, 253 00:17:38,560 --> 00:17:42,439 Speaker 2: two five four thirty six one seven nine. We'll be 254 00:17:42,480 --> 00:17:43,880 Speaker 2: back on night Side right after this. 255 00:17:45,040 --> 00:17:49,920 Speaker 1: You're on night Side with Dan Ray. I'm Boston's news Radio. 256 00:17:50,640 --> 00:17:53,200 Speaker 2: I want to go to some phone calls for you, Giselle, 257 00:17:53,960 --> 00:17:57,200 Speaker 2: and I will see what what folks have to say. 258 00:17:57,560 --> 00:18:01,840 Speaker 2: We're going to start off with Karen in North Andover. Karen, 259 00:18:01,920 --> 00:18:05,800 Speaker 2: you were first this hour on night Side with Gizelle bird. 260 00:18:06,480 --> 00:18:09,000 Speaker 4: Well, that is wonderful I'm so glad I was in 261 00:18:09,040 --> 00:18:12,679 Speaker 4: the car tonight, Dan, because I had the radio one. 262 00:18:13,160 --> 00:18:14,879 Speaker 4: I know that they weren't. 263 00:18:15,080 --> 00:18:17,080 Speaker 2: By the way, they had this new invention. It's called 264 00:18:17,080 --> 00:18:19,440 Speaker 2: a portable radio. You could put it in your kitchen, 265 00:18:19,440 --> 00:18:21,560 Speaker 2: in your bedroom, anywhere you want. 266 00:18:21,680 --> 00:18:26,360 Speaker 4: Go ahead, Yes, you're right. It is a new invention. 267 00:18:26,600 --> 00:18:28,960 Speaker 2: You don't have to drive your car into the house 268 00:18:29,200 --> 00:18:30,600 Speaker 2: in order to listen to side. 269 00:18:30,960 --> 00:18:33,680 Speaker 4: It would not be a good thing. Missus Bird, thank 270 00:18:33,720 --> 00:18:37,919 Speaker 4: you so much for being such a brave person coming 271 00:18:37,960 --> 00:18:41,040 Speaker 4: on the air, but all the other things you're doing 272 00:18:41,200 --> 00:18:46,440 Speaker 4: for women and for really, if you're helping women, Giselle, 273 00:18:46,520 --> 00:18:48,240 Speaker 4: you're helping everyone. 274 00:18:49,400 --> 00:18:51,840 Speaker 3: Thank you, Thank you so much. 275 00:18:51,960 --> 00:18:55,880 Speaker 4: Karen, you're welcome. And I would have a question for you. 276 00:18:56,480 --> 00:19:01,399 Speaker 4: I live in North Andover and this area, this area 277 00:19:01,400 --> 00:19:05,760 Speaker 4: of Massachusetts is called by some of us the Valley 278 00:19:05,800 --> 00:19:09,679 Speaker 4: of the Poets, and there's the main reason for that 279 00:19:09,880 --> 00:19:16,359 Speaker 4: because of the four concentric towns that are all with 280 00:19:16,920 --> 00:19:21,439 Speaker 4: amazing poets who lived right here in our living right here. 281 00:19:21,840 --> 00:19:25,919 Speaker 4: I just came from a moon in Harol. But I 282 00:19:25,960 --> 00:19:30,760 Speaker 4: would really like to invite your committee to come up 283 00:19:30,880 --> 00:19:35,360 Speaker 4: and see what we're doing here in North Andover. Harol 284 00:19:35,880 --> 00:19:43,159 Speaker 4: and Over and Lawrence for poetry for health. Poetry gives 285 00:19:43,200 --> 00:19:45,960 Speaker 4: people peace. That's why we do it. 286 00:19:47,160 --> 00:19:51,600 Speaker 2: So how can gazelle et most easily get in touch 287 00:19:51,640 --> 00:19:55,959 Speaker 2: with you? Karen or Gazelle? Conversely? Can you give Karen 288 00:19:56,000 --> 00:19:59,720 Speaker 2: a website of some sort where she could contact the 289 00:20:00,119 --> 00:20:03,600 Speaker 2: Mission on the Status of Women? Which which would work easier? 290 00:20:04,920 --> 00:20:10,119 Speaker 4: I think even if you reach Michael Bobbitt in mass 291 00:20:10,119 --> 00:20:14,879 Speaker 4: poetry culture, I'm sorry, mass friend of mine, always a 292 00:20:14,920 --> 00:20:17,320 Speaker 4: wonderful man. Oh my gosh, we could go for an 293 00:20:17,359 --> 00:20:22,560 Speaker 4: hour about Michael. He knows really, yes, he knows me. 294 00:20:22,880 --> 00:20:25,399 Speaker 4: I last I saw if him was last month in 295 00:20:26,600 --> 00:20:29,600 Speaker 4: uh in a meeting in Oh shoot, I can't think 296 00:20:29,640 --> 00:20:34,160 Speaker 4: of the name of the town cumber Cumberton, come. 297 00:20:35,640 --> 00:20:40,400 Speaker 2: There, could Rhode Island. That's the only Cumberland, not Cumberland, 298 00:20:40,640 --> 00:20:44,760 Speaker 2: Cummington in western Massachusetts. 299 00:20:45,119 --> 00:20:47,760 Speaker 4: It is, it is, it's not too far from Greenfield. 300 00:20:47,840 --> 00:20:51,679 Speaker 2: Well, since you haven't, since you have a mutual friend 301 00:20:52,240 --> 00:20:54,959 Speaker 2: who you both know, I'm sure that one of you 302 00:20:55,000 --> 00:20:57,520 Speaker 2: can contact and set and set that up. And I'm 303 00:20:57,520 --> 00:20:58,040 Speaker 2: glad that. 304 00:21:00,080 --> 00:21:03,400 Speaker 4: People and asked him. He'll catch my information. 305 00:21:04,440 --> 00:21:07,960 Speaker 3: I will shoot him a note once we are done here. 306 00:21:08,320 --> 00:21:11,200 Speaker 3: I would love love love to you. There has been 307 00:21:11,240 --> 00:21:15,159 Speaker 3: a great, great resurgence of poetry. You know, some of 308 00:21:15,200 --> 00:21:20,040 Speaker 3: our young people at theater Offensive Yes have become amazing, 309 00:21:20,160 --> 00:21:21,120 Speaker 3: brilliant poets. 310 00:21:21,240 --> 00:21:24,560 Speaker 4: And and then we have our brand new poet Laureate 311 00:21:24,560 --> 00:21:30,000 Speaker 4: of Massage finally exactly Reggie Gibson. Do you know Reggie? 312 00:21:30,880 --> 00:21:35,960 Speaker 3: I met Reggie briefly at Okay, it was at Advocacy 313 00:21:36,040 --> 00:21:43,560 Speaker 3: Day mass Creative. So his work is so brilliant and fascinating. 314 00:21:43,680 --> 00:21:47,640 Speaker 3: Also been you know, as an arts leader, I've been 315 00:21:47,640 --> 00:21:51,679 Speaker 3: going around the Commonwealth. And so there's another there's a 316 00:21:51,720 --> 00:21:54,879 Speaker 3: new pop up series that happens monthly called free Verse 317 00:21:55,359 --> 00:22:01,600 Speaker 3: that is like, yes, is the lovely girl. 318 00:22:01,359 --> 00:22:04,880 Speaker 4: Who is doing so much on w z TV with 319 00:22:04,960 --> 00:22:09,439 Speaker 4: all of the poetry? 320 00:22:09,640 --> 00:22:11,880 Speaker 2: All right, well, how do you become a poet? Lawry? 321 00:22:11,960 --> 00:22:14,720 Speaker 2: Who who appoints the poet laureate or is there. 322 00:22:14,560 --> 00:22:19,520 Speaker 4: A the town decides on the poet laureate, But we 323 00:22:19,640 --> 00:22:20,560 Speaker 4: have a committee. 324 00:22:21,680 --> 00:22:23,840 Speaker 2: Each town has a poet Laureate in Massache. 325 00:22:24,080 --> 00:22:28,159 Speaker 4: Well, we hope to hope every city, town and village 326 00:22:28,160 --> 00:22:32,320 Speaker 4: and in America will eventually have a poet Laureate. The 327 00:22:32,520 --> 00:22:34,160 Speaker 4: value is inestimable. 328 00:22:34,560 --> 00:22:35,000 Speaker 2: All right. 329 00:22:35,280 --> 00:22:37,640 Speaker 4: You cannot you cannot measure it, Karen. 330 00:22:37,800 --> 00:22:40,119 Speaker 2: Some night we should do something more on poetry. But 331 00:22:40,200 --> 00:22:42,800 Speaker 2: for now, I'm going to get back to Giselle. 332 00:22:42,359 --> 00:22:43,480 Speaker 4: And I'm going to thank you. 333 00:22:43,640 --> 00:22:46,120 Speaker 2: I hope you guys get together and and finally get 334 00:22:46,119 --> 00:22:46,720 Speaker 2: a chance to meet. 335 00:22:46,720 --> 00:22:48,760 Speaker 3: Thank you, Karen, appreciate you well much. 336 00:22:48,800 --> 00:22:51,879 Speaker 2: Goods in the house. You never know what you're missing. 337 00:22:53,119 --> 00:22:53,680 Speaker 4: I will do that. 338 00:22:55,280 --> 00:22:59,560 Speaker 2: Good night. Let me go next to Mary Ann in Westford, Massachusetts, 339 00:23:00,320 --> 00:23:04,440 Speaker 2: and you're on with Ghoselle Bird. She's a trans woman 340 00:23:04,560 --> 00:23:07,800 Speaker 2: the well. I don't know if she's the latest member 341 00:23:07,960 --> 00:23:10,760 Speaker 2: of the but a recent member to the Massachusetts Commission 342 00:23:10,800 --> 00:23:11,800 Speaker 2: on the Status of Women. 343 00:23:15,040 --> 00:23:16,359 Speaker 5: Yes, hello, can you hear me? 344 00:23:16,720 --> 00:23:18,480 Speaker 2: We can hear you. Find you go right ahead. You're 345 00:23:18,480 --> 00:23:20,320 Speaker 2: on with Chaselle. Go right ahead, Marianne. 346 00:23:21,320 --> 00:23:22,800 Speaker 3: Oh great, thank you so much. 347 00:23:23,480 --> 00:23:26,560 Speaker 5: I just want to make the comment is that I 348 00:23:26,720 --> 00:23:30,240 Speaker 5: was a mass Commission on the Status of Women commissioner 349 00:23:30,320 --> 00:23:37,000 Speaker 5: for twenty five years and appointed by Governor Salucci and 350 00:23:37,160 --> 00:23:41,240 Speaker 5: sworn in by Governor Swift, and Giselle you summarized the 351 00:23:41,320 --> 00:23:45,840 Speaker 5: Commission's mission perfectly. Is you are the air for the 352 00:23:46,440 --> 00:23:50,760 Speaker 5: advancement and the advocacy of women and girls across Massachusetts, 353 00:23:51,200 --> 00:23:54,199 Speaker 5: and you are going to do an awesome job. And 354 00:23:54,320 --> 00:23:58,879 Speaker 5: thank you because Dan, you are right, the commissioners do 355 00:23:58,960 --> 00:24:02,840 Speaker 5: not get paid. It is a volunteer position. You put 356 00:24:02,960 --> 00:24:06,600 Speaker 5: ours and a lot of effort into the job. And 357 00:24:06,760 --> 00:24:10,440 Speaker 5: thank you so much, Giselle. We really really appreciate it. 358 00:24:10,520 --> 00:24:11,239 Speaker 4: And that's it. 359 00:24:11,320 --> 00:24:14,399 Speaker 3: I just wanted to call in and say thank you, no, 360 00:24:14,600 --> 00:24:17,760 Speaker 3: thank you so much, and I thank you for your service. 361 00:24:17,800 --> 00:24:19,760 Speaker 3: And I hope that we get to meet through the 362 00:24:19,800 --> 00:24:25,200 Speaker 3: Commissions events over the next year. Thank you absolutely. I 363 00:24:25,240 --> 00:24:26,679 Speaker 3: would love to thank you. 364 00:24:26,720 --> 00:24:29,439 Speaker 2: Marian. We'll talk soon. Thank you very much. Appreciate your 365 00:24:29,440 --> 00:24:32,439 Speaker 2: call again. Six one seven, two, five, four ten thirty 366 00:24:32,520 --> 00:24:35,720 Speaker 2: or six one seven, nine three one ten thirty. Gezelle, 367 00:24:36,040 --> 00:24:38,200 Speaker 2: let me ask you a couple of questions that I'm 368 00:24:38,240 --> 00:24:40,320 Speaker 2: sure some people have in their minds and I have 369 00:24:40,440 --> 00:24:44,560 Speaker 2: in my mind in all honesty, okays, as a member 370 00:24:45,000 --> 00:24:48,360 Speaker 2: of the Commission on the Status of Women, there are 371 00:24:49,080 --> 00:24:55,119 Speaker 2: several issues that are vexing people, and we can go 372 00:24:55,200 --> 00:24:58,640 Speaker 2: through some of them, but I want to get your 373 00:24:58,720 --> 00:25:02,240 Speaker 2: thoughts from your perspective. Uh, And I don't know if 374 00:25:02,280 --> 00:25:05,199 Speaker 2: your thoughts are predictable or unpredictable. So and I have 375 00:25:05,359 --> 00:25:08,600 Speaker 2: no idea, so let me let me start off with yeh, 376 00:25:09,760 --> 00:25:16,000 Speaker 2: there is a healthy debate, particularly amongst women, but also 377 00:25:16,040 --> 00:25:22,960 Speaker 2: amongst men and women about boys participating in some high 378 00:25:23,000 --> 00:25:29,800 Speaker 2: school sports on girls teams. Now, uh, each situation is 379 00:25:29,920 --> 00:25:35,200 Speaker 2: probably somewhat different, but there have been some girls teams 380 00:25:35,240 --> 00:25:38,960 Speaker 2: that have said they would not compete against a team 381 00:25:39,040 --> 00:25:44,160 Speaker 2: that was populated by boys. There have been some girls 382 00:25:44,200 --> 00:25:46,320 Speaker 2: who in some of these I think it was in 383 00:25:46,359 --> 00:25:49,480 Speaker 2: a field hockey team, in a field hockey game, who 384 00:25:49,520 --> 00:25:55,640 Speaker 2: was injured. Boys do have more physical strength than young 385 00:25:55,800 --> 00:26:00,879 Speaker 2: than women or than than girls. As someone who is 386 00:26:00,960 --> 00:26:03,919 Speaker 2: on the commission, you know, dealing with the status of 387 00:26:03,960 --> 00:26:07,720 Speaker 2: women in Massachusetts, on what side of the fence on 388 00:26:07,800 --> 00:26:11,760 Speaker 2: those those issues do you do you fall or do 389 00:26:11,800 --> 00:26:15,320 Speaker 2: you think these status of women should boys be allowed 390 00:26:15,359 --> 00:26:18,960 Speaker 2: to compete in high school sports. I can see when 391 00:26:19,080 --> 00:26:23,639 Speaker 2: kids are young, when they're doing oh T ball and 392 00:26:23,640 --> 00:26:27,280 Speaker 2: and kindy and soccer in the elementary school, you know, 393 00:26:27,359 --> 00:26:29,520 Speaker 2: through like the third grade. But there comes a point 394 00:26:29,520 --> 00:26:34,480 Speaker 2: in time where boys are a little stronger and and 395 00:26:34,480 --> 00:26:37,520 Speaker 2: and and and can cause uh, can cause injuries. Then 396 00:26:37,560 --> 00:26:39,040 Speaker 2: there's a lot of parents as a matter of fact, 397 00:26:39,640 --> 00:26:43,480 Speaker 2: UH Congressman Seth Moulton UH commented on that a couple 398 00:26:43,480 --> 00:26:45,399 Speaker 2: of months ago. It was criticized by a lot of 399 00:26:45,440 --> 00:26:47,960 Speaker 2: people for his comments, and he was supported by other people. 400 00:26:48,160 --> 00:26:49,200 Speaker 2: What's your thought on that? 401 00:26:51,000 --> 00:26:54,679 Speaker 3: So I want to take a few again. I'm going 402 00:26:54,800 --> 00:26:59,080 Speaker 3: to take a few steps back then, because you quite 403 00:26:59,119 --> 00:27:02,760 Speaker 3: frankly confuse me by saying that there are boys who 404 00:27:02,840 --> 00:27:06,680 Speaker 3: want to play high school sports. And so I'm going, well, yeah, 405 00:27:06,880 --> 00:27:13,959 Speaker 3: a lot of boys play high school sports. On what 406 00:27:14,040 --> 00:27:19,960 Speaker 3: you're saying, trans girls, it's trans girls, it's young trans 407 00:27:20,080 --> 00:27:23,160 Speaker 3: girls who are wanting to play sports. 408 00:27:23,640 --> 00:27:28,480 Speaker 2: I'm sure. I'm not sure that the boys on some 409 00:27:28,560 --> 00:27:32,119 Speaker 2: of these schools there's no boys girls hote a girl's 410 00:27:32,200 --> 00:27:35,359 Speaker 2: field hockey team, as they say, the situations can be 411 00:27:35,440 --> 00:27:39,880 Speaker 2: somewhat different. And I'm talking about a boy, you know, 412 00:27:39,960 --> 00:27:44,040 Speaker 2: not a trans a trans girl, but a boy who, 413 00:27:44,240 --> 00:27:47,400 Speaker 2: let us say, you know, is not going to play 414 00:27:47,400 --> 00:27:50,639 Speaker 2: football or baseball. That's not his his interest. His interests 415 00:27:50,680 --> 00:27:53,600 Speaker 2: might be in in a sport that is predominantly a 416 00:27:53,640 --> 00:27:56,639 Speaker 2: girl sport, which would be let us say, field hockey. 417 00:27:56,640 --> 00:27:59,159 Speaker 2: There might be a girls field hockey team, but not 418 00:27:59,240 --> 00:28:01,399 Speaker 2: a boys field hockey team. That's that's what I was 419 00:28:01,440 --> 00:28:02,040 Speaker 2: talking about. 420 00:28:05,560 --> 00:28:09,639 Speaker 3: Well, you brought up Seth Multon. Seth Maulton's commentary was 421 00:28:09,720 --> 00:28:15,800 Speaker 3: around trans girls in distort. So I want to just 422 00:28:15,920 --> 00:28:19,399 Speaker 3: make sure that we're clear. Are we talking about trans 423 00:28:19,440 --> 00:28:21,080 Speaker 3: girls or boy or boys? 424 00:28:21,320 --> 00:28:24,240 Speaker 2: Well, let's talk about both if there's if there is 425 00:28:24,600 --> 00:28:29,080 Speaker 2: a significant difference. I'm I'm speaking from the from the 426 00:28:29,359 --> 00:28:32,320 Speaker 2: asking the question, which some people in my audience I'm 427 00:28:32,320 --> 00:28:34,280 Speaker 2: sure are thinking about the question, and if they don't 428 00:28:34,320 --> 00:28:36,480 Speaker 2: want to call it, ask the question, I'm going to ask. 429 00:28:36,600 --> 00:28:39,040 Speaker 2: I'll ask the question so you could take it from 430 00:28:39,040 --> 00:28:42,040 Speaker 2: whichever perspective you would like or deal with both of them. 431 00:28:43,040 --> 00:28:47,880 Speaker 3: No, absolutely, So I it's really first and foremost coming 432 00:28:47,920 --> 00:28:52,640 Speaker 3: down to respect. So we have to think about you know, 433 00:28:52,840 --> 00:28:56,760 Speaker 3: as I serve on the Commission protecting and advancing the 434 00:28:56,840 --> 00:29:01,040 Speaker 3: rights of all young women and girls, there is respect 435 00:29:01,120 --> 00:29:03,560 Speaker 3: that has to come into play here when addressing them. 436 00:29:03,640 --> 00:29:08,280 Speaker 3: And so I would address these young people as trans 437 00:29:08,360 --> 00:29:12,520 Speaker 3: girls who are wanting to play in on a women's team. 438 00:29:13,160 --> 00:29:16,280 Speaker 3: So you say that is where Seth Malton's commentary came 439 00:29:16,880 --> 00:29:20,920 Speaker 3: into play, I won't go through go ahead. So that 440 00:29:21,040 --> 00:29:24,440 Speaker 3: is and that is also the debate that has spread 441 00:29:24,600 --> 00:29:28,280 Speaker 3: quite frankly widely across this country. I think we have 442 00:29:28,400 --> 00:29:34,280 Speaker 3: to look to medicine, which has done studies on any 443 00:29:34,320 --> 00:29:36,640 Speaker 3: type of advantage, which it was proven that there is 444 00:29:36,680 --> 00:29:43,479 Speaker 3: no advantage, which for France girls playing in sports, it 445 00:29:43,560 --> 00:29:46,800 Speaker 3: was proven very clearly. And so this has often come 446 00:29:46,880 --> 00:29:55,640 Speaker 3: up to bates, did we lose you there, Zelle, I'm here. 447 00:29:56,920 --> 00:29:59,360 Speaker 2: We just we dropped the audio dropped out, go ahead. 448 00:29:59,360 --> 00:29:59,880 Speaker 2: I was afraid. 449 00:30:02,600 --> 00:30:09,400 Speaker 3: What I was getting to was we are starting to 450 00:30:09,480 --> 00:30:15,440 Speaker 3: lose the big picture here. As a young person having 451 00:30:15,480 --> 00:30:20,640 Speaker 3: access to recreational sports that are affirming and that alignment 452 00:30:20,800 --> 00:30:25,160 Speaker 3: gender identity are pivotal, we have to recognize that they 453 00:30:25,160 --> 00:30:30,200 Speaker 3: are a part of building community, building fellowship with folks 454 00:30:30,240 --> 00:30:34,080 Speaker 3: who may share the same identity, or folks who are 455 00:30:34,120 --> 00:30:39,920 Speaker 3: of and seeing, you know, adolescence and a very unprecedented moment. 456 00:30:40,720 --> 00:30:43,000 Speaker 3: And so we have to also think about this on 457 00:30:43,040 --> 00:30:47,920 Speaker 3: a larger scale. Is these you know you think about 458 00:30:48,000 --> 00:30:50,960 Speaker 3: being in the drama club at your school, or your 459 00:30:51,000 --> 00:30:53,760 Speaker 3: friends who are all on the football team together, Those 460 00:30:53,840 --> 00:30:59,640 Speaker 3: connections and that camaraderie really helps navigate you through your 461 00:30:59,640 --> 00:31:02,440 Speaker 3: at a lie lessons. It makes you feel less alone. 462 00:31:02,520 --> 00:31:06,360 Speaker 3: It makes you feel supported, and we have to start 463 00:31:06,400 --> 00:31:09,240 Speaker 3: thinking about our young people who are living in a 464 00:31:09,360 --> 00:31:12,000 Speaker 3: very volatile time. Then you should be able to have 465 00:31:12,080 --> 00:31:17,200 Speaker 3: access to any type of affirming space that they need. 466 00:31:18,000 --> 00:31:20,560 Speaker 3: And it is important why we also have to be 467 00:31:21,600 --> 00:31:30,600 Speaker 3: rather clear and very very sensitive around the fact that 468 00:31:30,680 --> 00:31:36,360 Speaker 3: everyone deserves the right to turn affirming care bodily autonomy. 469 00:31:37,080 --> 00:31:39,040 Speaker 3: And so yeah, that's fine, let. 470 00:31:39,000 --> 00:31:40,480 Speaker 2: Me do this. I got to take a quick break. 471 00:31:40,520 --> 00:31:42,360 Speaker 2: We come back. I got a couple more questions. I 472 00:31:42,360 --> 00:31:45,040 Speaker 2: think you gave a good, clear answer. I understand your answer, 473 00:31:45,080 --> 00:31:48,320 Speaker 2: and hopefully my audience understands your answer as well. But well, 474 00:31:48,400 --> 00:31:50,520 Speaker 2: take a quick break. This is a quick one. We'll 475 00:31:50,520 --> 00:31:55,280 Speaker 2: be back with a final comment from Giselle. And if 476 00:31:55,280 --> 00:31:57,040 Speaker 2: you'd like to call, I've got a couple of lines 477 00:31:57,040 --> 00:31:59,440 Speaker 2: that are opening. I'll try to get you in six one, seven. 478 00:32:00,040 --> 00:32:02,560 Speaker 2: We're ten thirty back on night Side. Right after this. 479 00:32:04,080 --> 00:32:09,560 Speaker 1: Night Side with Dan Ray on Boston's news Radio. 480 00:32:09,920 --> 00:32:13,640 Speaker 2: Back with Giselle Byrd, a recent appointee to the Massachusetts 481 00:32:13,640 --> 00:32:16,520 Speaker 2: Commission of the Status of Women. Giselle, I'm going to 482 00:32:16,560 --> 00:32:19,440 Speaker 2: try to get another call in, but just to clarify 483 00:32:19,480 --> 00:32:21,480 Speaker 2: what I was at where I was getting at is 484 00:32:21,520 --> 00:32:25,920 Speaker 2: that the Olympic Committee, the IOC, the International Olympic Committee, 485 00:32:26,000 --> 00:32:29,720 Speaker 2: according to the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times, 486 00:32:30,320 --> 00:32:37,000 Speaker 2: is moving toward restricting transgender athletes from participating in the Olympics. 487 00:32:37,040 --> 00:32:40,800 Speaker 2: As you know, what is your thought, and again I 488 00:32:41,720 --> 00:32:44,160 Speaker 2: think I can figure it out here, But what is 489 00:32:44,200 --> 00:32:52,640 Speaker 2: your thought on trans women in athletic clubs where there 490 00:32:52,640 --> 00:32:57,040 Speaker 2: were men and women's locker rooms. I don't want to anticipate, 491 00:32:57,120 --> 00:33:01,160 Speaker 2: but if you can give me a quick response on that, 492 00:33:01,240 --> 00:33:03,160 Speaker 2: we'll try to get a couple of more callers in 493 00:33:03,200 --> 00:33:03,840 Speaker 2: here as well. 494 00:33:06,200 --> 00:33:13,080 Speaker 3: So, okay, this one comes back to respect, but also 495 00:33:13,240 --> 00:33:18,200 Speaker 3: it comes back to gender identity in how you express yourself. 496 00:33:18,680 --> 00:33:24,800 Speaker 3: So trans women are women. They have a very different 497 00:33:24,840 --> 00:33:27,600 Speaker 3: experience of womanhood, but at the end of the day, 498 00:33:27,640 --> 00:33:32,000 Speaker 3: we are women. So therefore, you know, I think this 499 00:33:32,160 --> 00:33:35,960 Speaker 3: is going beyond locker rooms, to be honest, and we're 500 00:33:36,000 --> 00:33:41,480 Speaker 3: now getting into bathrooms in general. We should be allowed 501 00:33:42,120 --> 00:33:45,480 Speaker 3: to go to the bathroom of our gender identity, or 502 00:33:45,840 --> 00:33:48,400 Speaker 3: there should be gender neutral restrooms. 503 00:33:48,640 --> 00:33:51,560 Speaker 2: But I think, as you know, there are a lot 504 00:33:51,600 --> 00:33:56,120 Speaker 2: of restaurants now that have gender neutral bathrooms exactly, and 505 00:33:56,480 --> 00:34:01,640 Speaker 2: those tend to be smaller. You know, bathrooms that one 506 00:34:01,680 --> 00:34:06,680 Speaker 2: person might use. I think we're very comfortable with that. Okay, 507 00:34:06,840 --> 00:34:09,120 Speaker 2: that's great. I just wanted to again give you a 508 00:34:09,200 --> 00:34:12,239 Speaker 2: chance to express. Let me grab another caller or two 509 00:34:12,760 --> 00:34:15,640 Speaker 2: for you here. We are a little tight on time, 510 00:34:15,719 --> 00:34:17,279 Speaker 2: so I'm going to ask the callers to get right 511 00:34:17,360 --> 00:34:21,800 Speaker 2: to it. Jeff and Abington. Jeff, you're on with Giselle Bird. 512 00:34:22,640 --> 00:34:25,560 Speaker 2: You've called late. If you have a quick comment or a. 513 00:34:25,640 --> 00:34:27,160 Speaker 4: Question, you'd be quiet. 514 00:34:27,280 --> 00:34:27,920 Speaker 3: I could talk. 515 00:34:28,480 --> 00:34:30,160 Speaker 2: Well, you know what, Jeff, that's not going to help 516 00:34:30,160 --> 00:34:33,280 Speaker 2: you here. If if you want to ask a question, fine, 517 00:34:33,320 --> 00:34:35,359 Speaker 2: if you want to be a wise guy, we can 518 00:34:35,440 --> 00:34:36,520 Speaker 2: move on your choice. 519 00:34:36,640 --> 00:34:40,200 Speaker 4: I want to ask a question. Did you guess say 520 00:34:40,320 --> 00:34:42,960 Speaker 4: that boys don't have an ad advantage? 521 00:34:44,680 --> 00:34:45,560 Speaker 3: Yes? I want to leave that. 522 00:34:45,719 --> 00:34:47,719 Speaker 2: I believe that's what she said, Jeff. 523 00:34:47,640 --> 00:34:51,200 Speaker 4: Because boys don't have an advantage of sports, she said, 524 00:34:51,800 --> 00:34:52,960 Speaker 4: disqualify her. 525 00:34:53,560 --> 00:34:57,640 Speaker 2: Well, okay, does not disqualify for her opinion. Jeff, appreciate 526 00:34:57,680 --> 00:35:01,800 Speaker 2: your call. Let me go to Iris Irish. You're next 527 00:35:01,800 --> 00:35:02,960 Speaker 2: on Nightsick, go right ahead. 528 00:35:03,480 --> 00:35:09,360 Speaker 6: Yes, I feel that transcend the I think the girls 529 00:35:09,400 --> 00:35:12,560 Speaker 6: shouldn't the boys shouldn't play with the girls. Because even 530 00:35:12,600 --> 00:35:15,200 Speaker 6: though they called they want to be a woman, they're not. 531 00:35:15,600 --> 00:35:18,600 Speaker 6: They're still stronger than the regular girls. 532 00:35:18,680 --> 00:35:21,000 Speaker 2: Okay, let me get let me get you Zelle to 533 00:35:21,160 --> 00:35:25,320 Speaker 2: comment on your on your comment. Thank you for you. 534 00:35:25,640 --> 00:35:27,880 Speaker 2: Don't go away, stay right there and thank you for 535 00:35:27,880 --> 00:35:30,839 Speaker 2: your comment. Yourselle. Please feel free to comment on what 536 00:35:30,880 --> 00:35:33,480 Speaker 2: Iris has to say. You don't need to comment on 537 00:35:33,520 --> 00:35:38,160 Speaker 2: what Jeff had to say. Trust me. Okay, go ahead, Well. 538 00:35:38,000 --> 00:35:41,759 Speaker 3: Iris, I appreciate your opinion. That's the beauty of our humanity. 539 00:35:41,800 --> 00:35:46,880 Speaker 3: We all have difference of opinion. And again, I think 540 00:35:47,040 --> 00:35:51,160 Speaker 3: science has proven that there is not always an advantage here. 541 00:35:52,440 --> 00:35:56,880 Speaker 3: And again, as I said earlier, it's around respect, which 542 00:35:57,000 --> 00:36:01,400 Speaker 3: I was talking to Dan about earlier. The conversations that 543 00:36:01,440 --> 00:36:04,480 Speaker 3: have been had have been about trans girls wanting to 544 00:36:04,560 --> 00:36:11,080 Speaker 3: play sports, not boys wanting to play women's in girls' sports. 545 00:36:11,640 --> 00:36:14,520 Speaker 3: So we just need to make sure we understand that clarity. 546 00:36:14,600 --> 00:36:17,759 Speaker 3: Because I heard you where you said, I understand that 547 00:36:17,800 --> 00:36:23,960 Speaker 3: people want to transition, and that you know that that's okay, 548 00:36:24,080 --> 00:36:25,279 Speaker 3: which is a goodful thing. 549 00:36:25,560 --> 00:36:28,400 Speaker 6: They're still stronger, They're still stronger than the average girl. 550 00:36:30,760 --> 00:36:32,440 Speaker 6: How do you think they should go? I don't think 551 00:36:32,480 --> 00:36:35,279 Speaker 6: they should go in the same locker rooms with the girls. 552 00:36:35,600 --> 00:36:38,839 Speaker 2: Okay, Irish, I think you've made your your points very 553 00:36:39,160 --> 00:36:42,319 Speaker 2: very clearly. You've done it respectfully, and I thank you 554 00:36:42,360 --> 00:36:44,560 Speaker 2: for calling. But I wish you so much. 555 00:36:44,600 --> 00:36:50,120 Speaker 3: I thanks Iris, and you can do anything for you 556 00:36:50,280 --> 00:36:51,239 Speaker 3: please let us know. 557 00:36:51,840 --> 00:36:56,160 Speaker 2: Okay, thank you, Irish. Yeah, just for clarification yourself. There 558 00:36:56,280 --> 00:37:02,840 Speaker 2: are some boys in Massachusetts who are playing on girls 559 00:37:02,920 --> 00:37:07,279 Speaker 2: teams because if the sport is not offered as a 560 00:37:07,360 --> 00:37:11,000 Speaker 2: boys sport. That I was talking not only about some 561 00:37:11,120 --> 00:37:14,520 Speaker 2: actual you know, boys who I still identify as boys 562 00:37:14,560 --> 00:37:19,520 Speaker 2: playing on girls field hockey teams for example, And then 563 00:37:19,560 --> 00:37:25,200 Speaker 2: there are other questions of again trans girls who who 564 00:37:25,320 --> 00:37:29,840 Speaker 2: at birth might be male, but they want to play 565 00:37:30,040 --> 00:37:34,000 Speaker 2: on a girls team that competing the girls team. Giselle, 566 00:37:34,080 --> 00:37:37,000 Speaker 2: thank you so much for your time tonight. I hope 567 00:37:37,040 --> 00:37:40,840 Speaker 2: you feel that you had a good opportunity to express yourself. 568 00:37:41,600 --> 00:37:46,000 Speaker 2: I appreciate you coming on here. I think our callers 569 00:37:46,040 --> 00:37:48,680 Speaker 2: were very respectful, and I hope you feel that we 570 00:37:48,719 --> 00:37:50,760 Speaker 2: had a good experience and we can do this again. 571 00:37:52,360 --> 00:37:56,000 Speaker 3: No, absolutely, I'm love that all right, have. 572 00:37:56,080 --> 00:37:59,440 Speaker 2: A great night and best of luck, and hopefully people 573 00:37:59,480 --> 00:38:04,040 Speaker 2: will underst stand that it takes no courage. It takes 574 00:38:04,080 --> 00:38:05,680 Speaker 2: a lot of courage for what you do, but it 575 00:38:05,719 --> 00:38:09,760 Speaker 2: takes no courage for someone to sit behind a computer 576 00:38:09,840 --> 00:38:14,759 Speaker 2: screen and issue a vile comment or a threat. So, uh, 577 00:38:15,760 --> 00:38:18,320 Speaker 2: stay stay safe and stay well. Okay, thank you yourself. 578 00:38:19,840 --> 00:38:22,399 Speaker 2: All right, goodnight. Here comes the news at the top 579 00:38:22,440 --> 00:38:22,919 Speaker 2: of the arrow.