Week One, Stop Two -San Diego, Hillcrest

I’m still buzzing from last night’s affair. I don’t think, no, I know I didn’t really think this all the way thru when we first conceived of this tour thingy… it’s far and away better than I ever dreamed. Over 50 odd people (okay some of them , not so odd, but the others...?) came – some we were meeting for the very first time (word is spreading!) and most were old friends who represented the three pillars (or tribes) on which our life is built. All came to support us and have their copies of “Getting Back To Me” signed. Chad at the Uptown Tavern and his staff we’re super welcoming and warm. And under the barrage of the videos screens that lined the walls, guests entered to highlights of “Dude, You’re Screwed!” the show Scottie produced for the Discovery channel, which set the stage for Scottie’s journey.
Many hadn’t seen or heard from the prodigal daughter since… well, since the Madden’s flew north for the bright lights of Hollywood. This is the city of Scottie’s birth, she went to SDSU and started her career, fell in love with Marcy and began their 26 and going marriage & love affair. So…

” it seems an understatement to say that this was an epic reunion of souls under the guise of a simple book signing party. The highlights were many, including the joyful hug when Scottie’s high school mate Mark Vidano shared that he came to say thank you to Scottie for a simple kind act of strength & support done 35 years ago in the school halls of their youth. All of this was captured by the photographer extraordinaire, TJ Devadatta Best. (Truly, Scottie has never looked like this!) TJ has been a long-time friend and creative colleague and we have always been in awe of his “light inspired art.” We were so blessed to have his lens capturing the moments. Note to self – never travel anywhere without your own magnificent make-up artist, and photographer! Also Scottie’s big brothers Derek & Mitch made sure she didn’t have shout over the din by providing sound amplification – Thanks brothers dear!
Several “rockstars” mentioned in Scottie’s book came to show their love – her big brothers, Biglsy, Shredder, Brendo and KR who had been beside her since college, and the tears and hugs flowed at concert hall pitch! (As do most things that the infamous Tag-Team does… we’re not a … quite riot.) Also, Scottie’s Guardian Angel Cat and her wonderful hubby, Craig generously hosted the Madden’s and made sure they got to the Tavern on time, and Kalika McClure helped canvass the neighborhoods with old school flyers to spread the word.
The formal evening once again concluded with a Q&A which is becoming Scottie’s favorite segment of the party – and issues of gender discrimination, shifting roles and hope on the horizon are discussed in a support, tho’ raucus air. And many who commented later said it was an inspiring and heart opening event, that they were grateful to have been able to participate in.
To all of Scottie & Marcy’s friends who came last night – we cherish you all and are deeply grateful for your love, your light and your laughter. 
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CLICK HERE FOR THEIR SIDE OF THE STORY... CAT STEWART

If was wonderful to see such a great turnout.  It spoke of love and respect, encouragement and acceptance and the greatness of the human heart.  I felt a renewed sense of hope for humanity witnessing how many terrific people Scottie has drawn into and from all areas of her life - past and present, spiritual and worldly - each one caring enough to be there and visibly demonstrate their support.  It extended Scottie's story from herself, to her couple, to her family and outwards to friends and then strangers.  This evening was a tribute to the power of love to create revolutionary, meaningful change in this world. 

For me, Scottie's journey, and this event in particular, highlighted the area of my life - and I believe, everyone's life - where I unwittingly conceal certain parts of myself, not only from those around me, but even to myself.  I refer to this as 'the Unspoken Conversation'.  It comes first as a revelation or awakening to something I haven't been able to admit or even be aware of, and then what follows is a conversation with myself about who I believe I am and how that effects my value or even my right to live or love.

This evening with Scottie started a whole new series of these kinds of conversations.  It illumined dark corners of my sense of self-worth and how others might view me.  It insighted a riot of feelings, internal arguments, fueling an inferno of inspiration and yearning to somehow break free of my own internal constraints. Voices of dissension and fear were faced, embraced and released - and continue to be.  All I can say is that having Scottie as a friend and watching her throughout the years become more and more of who she truly is, has given me permission to do the same.  As Scottie has struggled and owned her right to be true to herself and shine in all her brilliance, I have felt it mirrored in myself.  I believe this is an integral component of being human and as we all step into the light of our own brilliance, this world will reflect a greater sense of unity and mutual respect.  Scottie's courage and vitality has ignited the same in me and for that, dear one, I am tremendously grateful. 
Catherine Nitya (aka 'Cat')

click here for biglsy's side of the story...

The world is complicated. How can we expect our children to navigate this chaos without telling them the truth? How can we enlighten ignorant, narrow-minded adults? Honesty. Humility. Knowing Scottie since college made it awkward to learn of her true gender. Knowing Scottie made it easy to accept the truth. Reading her book made it easier to explain - and I find myself doing so on a regular basis. Some just don't get it (or refuse to), so there is confusion about who is confused. I am certain it is not Scottie. This woman is breaking down walls and her story will help countless people. I am thrilled for you my friend; that is why I cried the last time I hugged you.