Politics has always been my spectator sport. Much like armchair coaching during a game, I’ve spent years offering political commentary from the sidelines. This perspective was shaped by my early years in Ottawa – Canada’s political fishbowl that, much like DC, often misses the broader national picture through its tendency for navel-gazing.
My political journey has been anything but linear. From my early days as a young Progressive Conservative (yes, I was young and naive) to becoming apolitical after personal tragedy, and finally emerging as a more nuanced observer, each phase has added layers to my understanding. Those early PC years, despite my later ideological shifts, taught me valuable lessons about organizing, strategic thinking, and the importance of fact-based debate.
Life had other plans for me. A career in tech training opened doors to international travel and eventually brought me to the United States during Obama’s presidency – a time of hope and possibility that had me seriously considering US citizenship. But my perspective was about to broaden significantly. Through my wife’s social work studies and our discussions about American history, capitalism, and systemic inequalities, I began seeing beyond my initial impressions.
Being a transman has made politics personal in ways I never expected. While I face less discrimination than many in the trans community, particularly BIPOC transwomen, my transition later in life gave me a unique lens on gender dynamics and privilege. I’ve witnessed both sides of the coin – experiencing what women face and understanding what men can do as allies.
The post-2016 political climate in the US eventually drove me back to Canada. The constant election cycle tension, personal safety concerns, and exhausting political atmosphere became too much. Returning during the pandemic in 2020 gave me a fresh perspective on both countries’ political landscapes.
Now, unemployed but unburdened by corporate constraints, I’m starting this blog to share these accumulated insights. While social media platforms like Twitter (yes, I’m refusing to call it X) have become less conducive to genuine discussion, I believe there’s still value in thoughtful political dialogue. This space will be separate from my tech/business writing – a place to explore politics, culture, and social issues through the lens of someone who’s lived these contrasts firsthand.
So hopefully, you’ll join me on this journey and we find the path back to hope, progress and positive action.
Sorry, Eh? 