JFTR

To my so-called elder sisters,

So, when my youngest sister went on what I can only call a psychotic tirade and demanded that I leave "her" house, I would offer a few caveats in any defense of her actions.

1) She never once, until that night, mentioned a single thing I might have done or been doing that she found objectionable to _me_.  I understand that she had been berating me to you a lot, for the nigh 2 months I had been there.  Still, she never said two syllables to me about what I could do to change or better the situation.  Even then, she never proferred what was wrong nor how it could possibly be remedied, just threats.  Seem reasonable?

2) No matter what I may or may not have done, _I_ did not threaten my 84-year old mother with eviction/being thrown out of the only address she has known since 1956.  That moronic demon said she believes that I think I am better than her.  Well, with her desire to throw Mama out, I _know_ that I am _infinitely_ better that her.  I have _shit_ things more worthwhile than her.  If you don't agree, then I'm better than you, too. And none of you will be worth the salt in my tears anymore.

3) oh, yes.  I heartily admit to being verbally abusive to her, after she called our mother a "stupid cunt," a "dumbass," a "crazy bitch," and a "fucking asshole," amongst other things.

3a) Yes, I cussed her pussy-pansy-ass out, because she has always been able to "dish it out," but has always been too simplemindedly weak and worthless to take it herself.  Don't believe me?  Not that I care anymore, but just try to prove me wrong.  You will fail, just as she does, daily.

4) You weren't there, but I assure you that her eyes were those of a demon--full of bile, hate, evil.  Again, if you don't believe me, I can no longer care what you believe because you choose to believe a devil's lies.  If you do, I am sorry, but your lack of support nonetheless leads any rational being to believe in your tacit support of a fucking demon.

5) Oh, yeah, I have been talking about her actions and words against out own _mother_.  Did I mention that she threatened to _murder_ me while she was enflamed with that Satanic look in her eyes?  Not good enough for you??  Is the fact that I have 5 years of books (mostly) and other things in a 7.5 X 7.5 foot single room a most mortal sin?  If you believe so, then I would have little use for your insipidness.

6) She recently went ballistic about a coworker who bitched behind her and Ricky's back without having the balls enough to talk to someone to their face.  Guess what?  Hypocrisy can go fuck itself with a railroad spike.

Cover Letter

Dear Search Committee for the Diversity Program Manager/LGBT Specialist at UCSF:

                  I am writing to express to you my great desire to be your next Specialist in LGBT Programs.  It would be my dream to continue my efforts to achieve liberty and justice for all by helping LGBT people and Allies, by reaching out to the community and its partners to bolster dialogue, and by creating safe zones throughout campus.

                  When I returned to Vanderbilt in 2008, I was thrilled to discover that in place of the small GLBT Resource Center, the Dean of Students had established an Office of LGBTQI Life right in the center of main campus. As soon as I could, I went to the newly-founded center to see what resources they had and how I could help their mission of a safe and affirming space for all sexualities and identities at Vanderbilt.

                  I began to volunteer there, answering phones, greeting visitors--even giving tours in three languages. I marveled at how transformative such a center would have been when I was an undergraduate, as well as how imperative it was at an institution of higher learning even now. The students, as well as staff and faculty, invigorated me to dedicate my time, passion, and effort to establishing and maintaining a safe space for LGBTQI and allied people.

                  As time went on, my dedication to the Office of LGBTQI Life led to my volunteer duties becoming a paid position.  I also redoubled my involvement in student organizations that challenged heteronormative constructions on campus. I was events coordinator of HRC Vanderbilt, then president, and then founded Out in the Academy for graduate students seeking social and professional connections. In these positions, I have been able to organize and to execute numerous programs in the furtherance of LGBTQI interests.

                  There are many programs I have piloted at Vanderbilt of which I have a certain pride, but I deem three in particular to be most indicative of my passion, ability, and capability that would make me a competitive candidate for you. I am including links to pages detailing each event: I beg forgiveness if they do not work as I intend.

Perhaps the most salient program that I can name is the GenderBlender Dance Party that I helped organize as coordinator for HRC Vanderbilt. Its objectives still remain articulated on this website: http://tinyurl.com/gndrblndr

                  The event’s rationale was to provide a fun way to interrogate heteronormativy while also providing a safe space to question gender identity and expression, yet have a good time. This event required me to coordinate plant services, housing, catering, as well as a DJ.  It also necessitated that I supervise students in clean-up services as well as campus/building regulations all while balancing our meager budget for the program. Though it was a challenge, it is one indeed that I happily met and fulfilled.

                  Another program that still resonates was one called “The Art of Negotiation:” http://tinyurl.com/c4bteop. I contacted a local African-American lesbian entrepreneur to discuss how she balances her multiple identities in which she may be in a given situation in which she is the only woman in the room, the only African-American in the room, or the only queer-identified person. We secured co-sponsorship with the Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center. Members of Nashville Black Pride’s Board of Directors were in attendance as we listened to our speaker detail the challenges that she faces in being part of under-served communities but still managing to thrive with vigor and pride.

                  The final program that I believe most shows my abilities was a panel discussion that I helped organize about the challenges of being openly LGBT within academia. This was also designed to be an event to introduce the graduate student group Out in the Academy which aimed to provide a social outlet for graduate students that had been lacking for Arts & Sciences, Engineering, and Business. Although much planning and negotiation had preceded the event by months, two of our three panelists unexpectedly withdrew 48 hours before the event! In a paroxysm of intense networking, e-mailing, phoning, and pleading, I managed to secure a full panel for the event. In the face of last-minute challenges, I had pulled through and ensured that the discussion took place http://tinyurl.com/cxl55xc

                  To paraphrase Walt Whitman, “I am many, I contain multitudes.” It is my sincere hope that I may be your next program coordinator. It is a perfect position for me, and I am sure that I can meet all your needs exceedingly well.

Sincerely, and yours in equality,

-Robert Trent]