Being homeless in Austin is proving to be more than a full time job. There are so many appointments to make and buses to catch that there doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day sometimes. I am not complaining about all I have to get done but the hurry up and wait system seems to wear on me more and more each day. It has not helped that I had acute bronchitis and now have some weird neurological disorder that they cannot diagnose.
crosspsoted @ Daily Kos and Texas Kaos
I spent this past Monday morning in the emergency room after waking with 60-85% of my left side numb. They did a CAT scan and x-rays. They have ruled out a stroke, heart attack, or aneurism but still have no idea what is wrong. The doctor from the emergency room referred me to the neurology clinic but I have to wait and see my Primary Care Clinic before the referral will be approved. I will see them this Monday at 4pm and mean while the symptoms keep getting worse. The numbness is spreading and I am starting to lose some mobility and balance. Don’t think this has slowed me down much. I have still been attending meetings and went to my first counseling session for depression.
Many people have asked about Transgender Homeless in Austin after the death of Jennifer Gale. Transgender are accepted in both the ARCH and the Salvation Army but must reside in the dorms for the sex they are biologically. It is not a perfect situation but it is better than nothing at this time. This means the GLBT Community and their Allies need to step forward here and in other cities across the country and provide safe shelter and opportunities for the GLBT homeless. The current shelters are stretched to the max with what they do. More services are needed for all areas but recognizing the special needs of the Gay, Lesbian and Transgender community is something the community leaders themselves need to address. I can survive in the system as a gay male since I am not flamboyant. That is not saying anything negative about the many different aspects of the community it is just a fact.
The amount of racism and bigotry present in the shelters would overwhelm many of the people who donate and try to make a difference. The homeless are from so many different backgrounds, education levels and cultures that racism and bigotry are almost expected. People are down on their luck, feeling bad about their situation and very frustrated and taking it all out on someone else is a very common reaction. I cannot even count the times I have been called a faggot in the last month just because someone was mad because I wouldn’t give them a smoke or let them break in line.
On a happier note, I have started attending church again. I gave up on organized religion about 22 years ago. I walked by a church in the area downtown and heard the choir singing and decided to attend the next week. I have attended Central Presbyterian Church 3 times and I’m loving it. I have yet to make it through a service without crying like a baby but the release as well as the warm and love are helping me to rediscover a part of my life I had lost. Never fear, I will not become a bible thumper. LOL My religion is my own and the peace and strength I am finding through attending church and prayer is not something to scream from the roof tops. This as many of the other areas I am working on is a work in progress and will take some time. I would like to share part of one sermon with you as I think it describes caring and loving liberals in a great way.
This past Sunday there was a guest pastor from the Presbyterian Seminary who spoke of his reasons for chasing Central as his church home when he moved back to Austin. He told the story of the Molly Dancers and how the members of Central are very like the Molly Dancers as they refuse to accept the status quo or sit quietly even within their own denomination. Central is an all inclusive church and refuse to discriminate against anyone. While dancing the dance, the church, it members and most liberals I know, strive to understand, help and reach out to all. This is a lofty goal and one that I personally believe reflects the true message from the New Testament and the spiritual world (never said I was a strict Christian). Enlightenment comes in many forms but striving to always learn, share and care makes the world a better place for us all. Standing up for our beliefs, protecting others and striving to make the world a better place for all People is something we can all do in our own little way.
Okay, I am off my soapbox. I will keep you informed as further developments occur. Their have been a few other exciting things happening but I will share those next time. This is my story as a homeless person in Austin. For every homeless person there is a different story and I can only tell mine. Remember to help where you can and donate to shelters in your area. I will respond to comments as I can but computer time is very limited.
