A Question for Frank Moore

From: "Sophia Shapira"
To: Frank Moore
Sent: Tuesday, March 18, 2008 8:45 AM
Subject: A Question for Frank Moore

Hello.
My name is Sophia Shapira. I am "shopping" among third-party candidates because if Obama wins the Democratic primaries, it will be time (in my opinion) to send a loud-and-clear message to the Democrats that if they want to be taken seriously as the opposition to the Republicans, they need to start doing more than just lord the threat of the Republicans over us.

In reading your platform - I find a lot that I like. However, I have some questions that aren't answered in your platform document that I would like to ask here.

I would like to know what you would do to help alleviate some of the difficulties that transsexual women face.

Transsexual women are people who have the misfortune of being born with female brains, yet male bodies. A few are able to adjust and function in their birth-assigned gender-role -- but many are unable to do so. These women have to transition - to live in the role that their brain is configured to work in. However, society places many obstacles against transsexual women who need to transition.

Many transsexual women require a surgical operation called "vaginoplasty". (Contrary to popular belief, in vaginplasty, the male genitals aren't "cut off", but are re-configured to form prosthetic female genitalia.) However --- it is an expensive operation - and even though this operation is a life-and-death matter for many transsexuals, and for still others a necessity if they are to lead productive lives -- there are too many insurance companies who won't cover it simply because they can get away without covering it. You mentioned that you support universal healthcare. Will vaginoplasty be covered?

If you want to know more about the long and difficult journey transsexual women have to make, I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have (or if I don't have the answer, I can at least direct you to someone who might).

Another thing is -- many states make it difficult for transsexuals to change their gender-markers on various documents. In a reasonable society -- gender-markers would be changed on drivers license and social-security-ID databases upon diagnosis ---- and would be amended on the birth certificate upon completion of surgery. However, there are some states that refuse to amend birth the gender-marker on a birth certificate no matter what --- or which will demand full-surgery before even changing it on the drivers license (and sometimes not even being willing to amend that)! I mean, I have nothing against State Rights -- but the right to torment a minority should not be one of those State Rights. Do you plan to do anything to help us against this obstacle?

Thank you for reading this -- and I wait for your response.
Thanks,
Sophia Shapira


Frank Moore wrote:
hi, sophia! i value your support and your vote....if i measure up! what state do you live in?

yes, the operation...as well as the pre- and post-operation treatment...will be covered. i believe that johns hopkins has a great program. we will make it more accessable.

i believe the individual should decide what gender s/he is, not the government. i'll work to make this so.

In Freedom,
Frank Moore


Sophia Shapira wrote:
I live in East Tennessee.


Frank Moore wrote:
the reason why i was asking is i'm in the process of getting qualified to be a write-in in as many states as i can. some states outright don't allow it or make it practically impossible. other states require me to get signatures. but tenn. just requires me to fill out a form.

but if you decide to vote for me, would you print out my platform and pass it around there?

In Freedom,
Frank Moore