William F. Leitch, Esq.
LA Times sportswriter Mike Penner wrote a column today that, most likely, shocked a few people. Penner announced that he will undergo a sex change and soon after he's all ...hmm, stitched up, he'll then be known as Christine Daniels. Here's his jaw-dropping admission in the column:
I am a transsexual sportswriter. It has taken more than 40 years, a million tears and hundreds of hours of soul-wrenching therapy for me to work up the courage to type those words. I realize many readers and colleagues and friends will be shocked to read them.That's OK. I understand that I am not the only one in transition as I move from Mike to Christine. Everyone who knows me and my work will be transitioning as well. That will take time. And that's all right. To borrow a piece of well-worn sports parlance, we will take it one day at a time.
Penner goes on to say that this has been a problem that's dogged him for so long in many aspects of his life -- especially his writing profession:
All I can say at this point is that I am now happier, more focused and more energized when I sit behind a keyboard. The wicked writer's block that used to reach up and torture me at some of the worst possible times imaginable has disappeared.My therapist says this is what happens when a transsexual finally "integrates" and the ever-present white noise in the background dissipates. That should come as good news to my editors: far fewer blown deadlines.
So take that to heart those of you out there who are also constant deadline-blowers: maybe that procrastination and lack of focus actually isn't your fault -- it could be a cruel genetic joke played on you by God.
Old Mike, New Christine [LA Times]
Staff Announcements At the LA Times Are More Interesting Than Where You Work [Deadspin]
