Pretty Tgirls Magazine December 2007
Featuring An Interview with Leigh Smythe One Of Our Current Miss 2007’s
Pretty TGirls Magazine is a production of the Pretty TGirls Group and is intended as a free resource for the Transgendered community. Articles and advertisements may be submitted for consideration to the editor, Rachel Pastel, at [email protected] . It Prettyis our hope TGirls that our Magazine magazine will – increaseDecember the understanding 2007 of the TGpage world and1 better acceptance of TGirls in our society. To that end, any articles and notices are appreciated and welcomed for review ! Pretty TGirls Magazine Welcome to the DecemberDecember 202007 07Edition … Take pride and joy with being a TGirl ! Table of contents:
Our Miss 2007 Cover Girls ! Our Miss September, October , November & December 2007 Cover Girls Cover Girl Feature – Leigh Smythe Guest Editor’s Corner – Sweet filling in for Rachel Learning To Enjoy Your Decisions In Life.... – Shari Williams Spaghetti With Clam Sauce – Mary Bell A Sharing My Changes– Stephanie Thomas Dear Vivien and Kathy – Vivien and Kathy Movie Reviews – The MC Word Search and Crossword Puzzle Then and Now Photo’s Christmas Pictures Of PTG Members I think Santa Claus Is A Woman On T.V TG-Friendly Places To Go TG Conferences and Getaways Advertisements and newsy items Our December2007 Calendar Crossword and Word Search Answers
Magazine courtesy of the Pretty TGirls Group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/prettytgirls
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 2 Our Miss 2007 Cover Girls !
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 3 Our Miss December 2007 Cover Girls !
How about joining us? Just go to … We’re a tasteful, fun http://groups.yahoo.co group of girls and we m/group/prettytgirls love new friends!
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 4 Our Miss November 2007 Cover Girls !
How about joining us? Just go to … We’re a tasteful, fun http://groups.yahoo.co group of girls and we m/group/prettytgirls love new friends!
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 5 Our Miss October 2007 Cover Girls !
How about joining us? Just go to … We’re a tasteful, fun http://groups.yahoo.co group of girls and we m/group/prettytgirls love new friends!
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 6 Our Miss September’ 2007 Cover Girls !
How about joining us? Just go to … We’re a tasteful, fun http://groups.yahoo.co group of girls and we m/group/prettytgirls love new friends!
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 7 An Interview With Leigh Smythe
Question: When did you first start crossdressing?
Answer: I had the experience at about 6 years old of getting caught by each parent, separately, and told I was "a boy". My father, when he caught me, told me that I would have to live as a boy, and that I should just "act" like a boy, cause I would have to be one of them all my life. This began my acting career. So, I knew I had to keep my crossdressing a secret. At 8 or 9, I sneaked a nylon slip of my mom's, followed, within days, by a girdle and some delicious seemed stockings, cinnamon in color. But, always in secret.
Question: Describe your early experiences dressing as a girl.
Answer: I was very thin, found a garment bag hanging in the attic that had the most delicious dresses, see-through blouses, skirts, etc. Mom must've been a real looker, of course, I didn't care, I knew I was, in those clothes!!
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 8 An Interview With Leigh … continued
Question: At what age did you start using make-up and wearing wigs? How did you learn how to apply make up? Any tips for other TGirls? Brand of make up you use?
Answer: My first wig was 3 years ago. It went with a complete outfit, 5" spikes, etc. I was in hiding for 50 plus years. 45 of those in a denial, binge and purge situation. Many years of struggle, huh? First full make up, that I did, was, oh, so, nice, but kind of gawdy. Learned more on make up on the internet and practice. I have many excerpts I've stored from various sites on the net. I would be happy to share. One, in particular, is really great - explains everything. I've bought some make up at Walgreen's and on Ebay, but, recent-leigh, have gotten my make up wherever it seems to be, even the grocery store or department store cosmetic counters.
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 9 An Interview With Leigh … continued
Question: If you had your choice, what do like wearing the most when being a girl?
Answer: I try to dress appropriately for where I'm going, but always in a classy way. Love the feel of a good corset, but seldom use one! Long false nails - bright red! Long dang-leigh earrings! I have bought clothes at thrift stores, Wallmart, Dots, but the most stylish clothes I have found are from Lane Bryant. I go shopping in male guise or female attire whichever happens to be what I'm in at the time. Tasteful make up, bright red lipstick! But, a little drag queen-ish. I especially accent my eyes. I go out in public two or three times a week, and always try to be someone who gets attention. I wear pants, skirts, or dresses depending on my mood and the weather (in Minnesota, brrrrr!)
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 10 An Interview With Leigh … continued
Question: Now a bit of personal information ... What is your marital status? A sensitive area for some girls, but ... how old are you now? Does anyone know you are a TGirl? What country do you live in?
Answer: I live in the United States, Minnesota. I'm 60, perhaps 61, by the time you read this. Divorced for the 2nd, and final, time. After my wife moved out I had 'the sit down' with her and explained about my true self. Sure, it was too late, but she and I have always been friends and still are. Just before Halloween, 2005, I told my daughter and son (one, each, giggles). I never told my dad or mom. I'm sure each of those listed above have told a close friend, but I don't care. I, often, leave from my house in the burbs dressed and sometimes come back in daylight. If the neighbours know they haven't said anything. Although, I don't know how they could have missed me. I have been to plays, restaurants clubs, the University of Minnesota, where I'm on the Transgender Commission, and shopped malls, and been to both The Be All and the Southern Comfort Conference for the last two years. I am "out", although my former in-laws do not know. Its a fine line that has to be negotiated, because of people's sensibilities. After all, we are still not a lot more than one percent of the population. Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 11 An Interview With Leigh … continued
Question: Do you have a website of your own you'd like to share with our readers? Do you want to receive email from our readers? If so, what is your email address?
Answer: http://whisperleighsmythe.blogspot.c om/ Anyone can send an email through this site. Also, a spot on UR not Alone http://profiles.urnotalone.com/4655 8
Question: . Have you ever gone out as a girl? If so, tell us what the first time is like and how you feel being out in the world as a girl.
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 12 An Interview With Leigh … continued
Answer: I went to see friends in Chicago, for Halloween. Had my first makeover. I had to go get the car that we had to park two blocks away. Only, now, I was dressed for the night. I walked the two blocks in this storefront neighborhood, no coat, in heels, my long blond hair (wig) fluttering in the breeze. I was digging in my clutch, when IT happened! From across the street, I heard a very loud male voice shout, "Hey, babe!!" I've never heard anything so loud and touch my "soul" with such delight.
Needless to say, I continued my remaining 1 block walk with the "slightest" more wiggle, and a bit of a strut in my clacking heels!! I knew I was something to behold. The picture shown here is just after the makeover for this event! Rachel, there is nothing like this feeling!! Now, I am out often and have no self confidence issues. I joined Pinkessence, a national group, to help others get out in the "real world". I am the Social Coordinator of the Pinkessence of Minnesota group, with over 125 members, locally. There are about 25 girls there who are out in public often, and the rest of the membership is in various stages from hiding, to trying to deal with wives and families, to learning to get out. Our population needs so much extra work cause we never get the teen-aged training that genetic women get. We, mostly, have to learn it in secret, and from others of us who may not know everything that is socialized into genetic women by their moms and friends, and lots of practice
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 13 An Interview With Leigh … continued
Question: Have you ever gone through a purge of your female clothing? If so, can you tell us why? How did it make you feel? How long before you went back to being a girl?
Answer: Dear, for over 40 years I did this many times. I always went back to acquiring more. I tried, so hard to 'be a man'. I raised a wonderful family with a, truly, loving wife. I had everything a husband, father, man, should have, but slowly slipped into greater and greater depression over the years. Just a few short years ago, I had picked out the method of my death, but couldn't do it. Love for my wife and kids stopped me!! When the kids moved out to begin their lives, my wife and I quickly grew apart. The stress of being me was too much for us. After my love left, I started dressing, and the cloud of depression began to evaporate. I will never love another, but, at last, my inner girl can be free. And that's a wonderful thing!
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 14 An Interview With Leigh … continued Question: What percentage of time do you spend as a girl? Answer: Oh, about 10 - 15 %, if I could guess. I still make my living cleaning carpet as a guy. But, I will never willing-leigh, purge again, or not dress some of my time. My closet is half guy and half girl clothes. Giggles, if you looked into my closet, you'd think there is a husband and a wife! I, now, plan and look forward to events, holidays! I am trying to look into different lines of work. Question: Have you ever considered moving towards becoming more of a girl physically with options like hormones, feminization surgery, breast enhancements, or SRS? Answer: If I could find a way to live as a woman, I think I would consider it. I will never have the operations, other than, maybe some facial cosmetic things. I have never considered hormones, mostly because of my age - I should be post menopausal anyway! I have naturally occurring size "D" cup breasts(or as you may call it "man boobs", although I have many admirers who look at my cleavage and do not see the difference. In all my pictures, that is the real me. I use no breast forms at all. All I do is buy bras that support quite well. That's enough. Question: Do you feel more like a boy or a girl now and why? Answer: I'm both. I live as a guy, but my girl is always there, behind my eyes, looking out! I, now, am dealing with being so happy when I'm a girl that i want it all the time. I realize that this is what I have always been and being a guy is so boring, anyway. I am working on finding more and more ways to spend my time as a girl, but that involves quite a change in direction after 60 years of living. Just remember that during my lifetime, I thought I was alone and some kind of a 'freak'. There was no way for us to connect and know of anyone else. Society thought of us as defective mentally, and serious mental stigma followed anyone who dared to be their true selves. It is very hard to shake off all of that stigma, but its glorious when one can!!
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 15 An Interview With Leigh … continued
Question: Have you ever dated or wanted to date another TGirl or a man? Answer: No, thanks. It might be interesting, but I could never be a tease. It could go no where. I still love my ex-wife and always will. I am attracted to females, not males. Guess, I'm a dyed in the wool lesbian!! But, I have many friends all over the nation and internationally that are very important to me. If an opportunity with someone I was attracted to were to happen, I would have a difficult time dealing with it. I think I'm just too monogamous. Friends are a wonderful thing, though!!!
Question: Do you have any advice for other TGirls, especially ones that have yet to venture out as a girl? Answer: Ohhhhhhh...... You can never feel complete or happy until you have been seen by the public en femme!!! It is important to be who you are. If you are a fetishist, be that. If you are a woman, be that. If you need to get out more and develop more friends and are evolving to a place and identity that you are still forming, come find us. We can help. I have evolved in my understanding and now understand that I have always been a female brained individual. I am working so hard to help others identify what is good for them. But, I will never go back! You tru-leigh, cannot put the tooth paste back in the tube!! Or the baby back in the...... well, never mind!
Question: How is your life now as a TGirl? What's gone well and not so well?
Answer: It has its pain. I mean, the pain of when I can't present female. I'm, also, 6'2" and 230 pounds, so I can't pass. But, who cares? The world is just going to have to put up with me!! Like I said above, the depression is virtual-leigh gone, now. That is such a blessing!!! And to be able to dress, however often, is such a tremendous feeling. The ability to appear in public and feel normal and hear the clack, clack of heels, and know that that is you walking, is intoxicating. I can finally, say that I "own" who I am when I am a girl. It comes from being out in public often and developing the skills to present in an acceptable way in our culture.
Question: Anything else you'd like to say?
Answer: Rachel, dear, you have created something that is truly helpful. Although, I don't like the beauty contests as much, but as long as people who enter, do it for the reason of showing off their selves as a woman and what they have accomplished toward that end, and not as a competition per se, it is good. (This from your current 'Girl of the Year', which told me that I had made progress and helped me to get out more and more, until, like I say, I "own my space" when I'm 'my girl' in public!) It gives us a chance to tell them they have succeeded in some way toward their goals. I am heavily involved in helping others every day. I am considering going back to school, and looking for opportunities to expand my knowledge and contacts nationally to help "our cause". I know of and participate in every trans oriented group in the Twin Cities and am known by hundreds of trans people of both M2F and F2M, and all points in between. If I can be of help to anyone I will do it, if I can. I think this group is a contributor to all of this and helping so many to see that they have a rightful place in the world. Now, that is important, and you and those who work with you should be congratulated for it!!
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 17 Guest Editor’s Corner ~Sweet~ Personal Website: http://sweetexplosion.com
Hi Everyone!
I will be filling in for Rachel while she is away. If you have any articles for me to put into the next magazine please send them to [email protected]
It's so hard to believe that another year has come and gone. Both the Ptg Group and the Ptg Magazine have come a long way in the past year. The group now has more then 7000 members. I hope that in the coming year more members become active in the group and post a little more and that more members vote and enter our contests.
I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season no matter what you celebrate and even if you don't celebrate anything. May it be a time for peace, joy, friendship, love and happiness. Please drive safely if you are traveling this holiday season.
I hope that everyone has a chance to spend a little extra time with those who they love this holiday season and if not, try to spend more time with your parents and family's and loved ones and never forget to let them know how much you love them because you never know when it might be your last chance to tell them. Many Hugs……..~Sweet~ Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 18 Learning To Enjoy Your Decisions In Life
By ..Shari Williams
I started counselling a couple months back and to date it has been simply amazing. I highly recommend it if you are lucky enough to find a gifted counselor who will do more then just listen. Mine is a one who continually challenges me and I find that refreshing as well as being quite helpful. I decided to go to counseling to straighten out my feelings about how I am living my life while being TG. In the past, many of my blogs have focused on how to incorporate (read deal with) being TG in a otherwise great relationship where the wife is not accepting of the idea that her husband is TG. It is not that she totally rejects it; she just does not want to be around it in any way shape or form. Over the years we have both worked hard to forge certain compromises that allow us to maintain a healthy balance that works for both of us. The problem I was having was not with the compromises we worked out, but how to live within them and be happy about it. Like may TG folks seem to do, I had times where I would mope around the house unhappy and feeling down that I was not getting all I wanted or that I had to make compromises on what I feel is so important to me.
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 19 Learning To Enjoy Your Decisions In Life … continued
All the while not realizing the fact that my wife was essentially doing the same thing in the opposite direction. Not a recipe for a happy and well adjusted household. As I have discussed before I am happy to make the compromises, but I needed to learn how to be happy within our compromises. The two are vastly different and spell the difference between being happy within your life and being unhappy. That is where the counseling comes in.
Over the past few session, and yes I am sure I have many more to go, I have learned a lot about me, that is to say the real me, the me with out a name, not Chris or Shari, but just me, what really resides deep inside me, my core.. I have learned what makes me happy and fulfilled and how to find and embrace that in every day I live. I have also learned that it is not an “either/or” or a “masculine or feminine” issue. It is about being yourself which for me is a blend of the masculine and the feminine, a fluid “personality:” for lack of a better word that changes and shifts on a daily basis. I have learned that there are no absolutes……no hyper feminine or hyper masculine extremes, but a comfortable place in between. I have also learned to stop putting on a front to hide who I really am, that also had been the subject of many sessions. Now I am just me to all I meet.
Having learned to enjoy and accept my life as it is has been very liberating. Gone are the fits of anger, moodiness and self-doubts that often accompany not being happy in ones life. Truth be told the hardest part has been the amazingly difficult work and trust required between my wife and I to establish the compromises we have settled on. Learning to enjoy myself and enjoy living within those compromises was relatively easy once I opened up my eyes and my heart.
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 20 Learning To Enjoy Your Decisions In Life … continued
All it took was someone to remind me how good I really have it. Despite being TG (or maybe because of my therapist says), I have 3 other amazing people in my life (my family) that mean more to me then anything on this planet including myself. I am blessed with a loving and awesome extended family, a great job and amazing friends. It became very clear to me that I should be enjoying, even celebrating my life and not sulking about it. Life is just too short to be unhappy. I hope everyone has the resources available to get counseling. Even if you don’t think you need it (I did not think I did, but I am SO glad I am going) it is worth trying. I hope and pray that everyone is blessed with the positive results I have achieved to date.
Good luck to one and all!
Peace Shari
Read more Of Sherri’s Articles
http://360.yahoo.com/sharon_williams_ms
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 21 SPAGHETTI WITH WHITE CLAM SAUCE
Based on a very simple recipe from Snow’s, our family finds this to be an easy holiday meal or even an alternative to clam chowder or oyster stew for a traditional Christmas Eve supper.
1/2 cup olive oil 2 to 6 cloves finely chopped garlic 2 or 4 teaspoons chopped parsley (or ½ to 1 tsp of the dry variety) 2 cans minced clams (6.5 oz each by weight) 1 cup water salt and pepper to taste Pour oil in a sauce pan. Taking care not to scorch the oil, saute the garlic in the heated oil. Being very careful to slowly add the water to the hot oil, combine all ingredients and simmer with an occasional stir for 5 minutes. Prepare 8 to 12 ounces of spaghetti. Pour sauce over freshly cooked spaghetti. Makes four to six servings. Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 22 The following is a publication found on Gender Evolve. My thanks to Michele Angelique for her permission to use valuable TG information found on Gender Evolve. Please check Gender Evolve out at www.genderevolve.com
Sharing My Changes 9/29/05 (by Steffanie Thomas) ~~~~~~ So much has been happening in my life lately that I have decided to stop for a moment and try to put some things into print, and perspective. Some of you are aware that I'm entering the final stages of transition, if there is such a thing. At least this is the time where a lot of things are crashing together. Funny, I was just saying last night that, at my age I never thought I'd be in a hurry for time to pass. I know that things will be very different in a year, in 6 months, and by Christmas. Big things Have already happened in the last month, and I keep telling myself that The details haven't formed sufficiently for me to write a blog on the subject. If I don't do this now, I'm going to loose the perspective, Final details or no.
In order to cover some ground without flitting aimlessly, I am going to describe things in terms of categories. First, physical changes. As of last week, I have been on HRT a year and a half. I was very disappointed for quite a while in my progress. I am taking Bi-weekly shots of Delestrogen, suspended in oil, in the thigh. Also, until about a month ago, there was also 1.25 mg daily of premarin tabs (to keep the "swings" down). At about three months, I started on Spironolactone, 100 mg. daily(50 x2). This was delayed because I was very apprehensive of loosing my ability to perform sexually.
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 23 Sharing My Changes ….Continued (by Steffanie Thomas)
At about 4 months I did see big changes in this area. At first, my penis seemed to fight back and I had stronger drive and erections than ever. All of the sudden, things reversed. I shrunk quite a bit and erections became painful and crooked, which was very alarming. my doctor told me to take vitamin E, 400 iu, daily, as this was a sign that scar tissue was forming. I had my doubts, but The vitamin E works wonders and today I still have "useable" erections, without pain or "abnormalities", however smaller. I need to say here that, in the beginning I was overdosing, or so I thought, on the Delestrogen. My first level check, at about 3 months, showed me in the 450 unit range when my doctor was trying to keep me in the range of a post menopausal woman, around 150. Since I have always been fearful of stroke risks, I heeded his advise and severely cut my doses. my results (mainly breast growth), which had been encouraging at first, began to slow dramatically.
At about a year, I discovered that my doctor, which had been treating the majority of trans people in Indiana, had left the state without any notice to his patients. As I had a good supply of meds left, I continued the reduced dosages until I could locate another doctor experienced in transgendered medicine. His approach is slightly different and is once again producing encouraging results. He has removed me from the Premarin completely and had me resume the 450 unit level (about .4cc), using only the Delestrogen bi-weekly. He also switched me to 100mg of Spiro, once daily. I was fearful of mood swings but my sudden, crashing depressions actually seemed to subside quite a bit. Today, My breasts are a small B. I am just as excited about my other "results".
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 24 Sharing My Changes ….Continued (by Steffanie Thomas)
I have always heard that the meds will do nothing for the voice. Mine has gained almost an octave and my female voice is now somewhere between barely and extremely passable, even on the phone. so much of this, however, is due to study and attempts at genuine inflection and content. another happy effect has been the great reduction in body hair growth. I was afraid of spending huge amounts on hair removal in places like my back and shoulders. The hair there slowed so much that I hardly ever need to even shave anymore!. The skin in places actually did gain "translucence" and I once feared my legs would never pass but was recently complimented on them by a GG who may have not even known about me. Other changes include some slimming of my waist and growth in the hips and rear. We all have to remember that changes will be different for each of us. Perhaps my favourite changes have been in emotional, Psychosexual areas. This brings me to my next subject.
I won't spend as much time on the spiritual and mental aspects of all this but there are some important points. When I began to transition in earnest, I was warned by some more advanced sisters that if I didn't HAVE to transition, I had better turn around and run. Maybe I'll make some enemies here but, for me personally, all I have to do is die and pay taxes. I do not have to cut off my penis, although the thought has occurred to me. I was born a man. Sorry, but it's true. Born and raised one. But all my life, something was not right. I never fit in to a man's world or way of thinking. One way I explained it to myself is that I liked women so much, I always wanted to be one. My early transvestism always had as it's end result, that one day I would be a woman. By choice. By force. This force has now led me to cause the inevitable destruction of my 25 year marriage. A lot of the details are quite complicated, but my wife has said that she doesn't want a wife, and that's ok by me. I had a real hard time being the husband she wanted. Never quite was, actually.
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 25 Sharing My Changes ….Continued (by Steffanie Thomas)
I am also walking out of my lively hood, a 25 year career in manufacturing. There has been much examination and soul searching, but There is no way that I can be a happy woman in the factories. I recognize that a lot of this feeling is due to the fact that I have never been happy there anyway. It's more than that. I want rid of all things Male. no dirt, no grime, no Cussing like a sailor and walking like John Wayne, and as little harassment as possible. I may still fish, I still like cars (hate working on them though) and action flicks. A lot of women do.
I promised I'd be brief on this subject but I have to address the thought that got me here, the effects of the meds. in the beginning, I was determinedly Non- Op and hetero. I think this was an attempt to deny any bi-sexual tendencies, but I have noticed extreme changes in my libido and my desires. I won't say that the hormones have turned me "queer". Maybe they have given me clarity as to my true self, and changed the way my body reacts to thoughts. Thoughts I wouldn't have allowed before. I always saw sex with a man, as a woman, as the ultimate in feminization. still do! However, there is also a very special woman in my life, cheering me on, calling me by my name and telling me that she can't wait until I can say goodbye to my boy life forever. her love and support is valued way beyond words. I also welcomed the drop in Testosterone (normal male 250 to 650, mine 17, LOL) and the peaceful departure from aggression and conflict. I know that the chemical makeup of a man does not "cause" these things, but part of the allure of feminity for me is seeking the beauty and harmony of life, and I struggled with this as a man. Already, I'm feeling much more balanced and complete. I think that, as I approach full time womanhood, The entire experience is making this happen, not just the meds.
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 26 Sharing My Changes ….Continued (by Steffanie Thomas)
The whole reason for writing this began from a need to cover recent "logistical" events. Last month I applied for my legal name, which will be official in November. Last week I used that name to check into a hotel and enroll and complete a class in decorative painting, my new career. I spent a week in a room with 11 other women, en femme and with some degree of stealth. I walked in the first morning and was told to find A notebook with my name on it. MY NAME! How cool! The instructor said that we could sit anywhere, and I had considered things like hiding in the back of the room, but when I saw that my place was at the front center, I decided to play it like it was dealt. Always was a front of the room type anyway. I think the key to enjoying something like this is not to expect too much, in the way of acceptance. I was, however, treated very well, Never felt embarrassed, and learned a ton about painting and even more about interacting as a woman. I spent 9 days without being a boy, the longest stretch yet, and came home elated. just when I thought I couldn't be any happier, Emails started pouring in from a secret admirer that I met on the trip. Even if that goes nowhere, he's already made me feel like a million bucks. Atlanta? where's that? I probably haven't covered half of what I wanted to talk about, but I wanted to show you all some of my world. I hope you can use some of this information in your journey. I'll try to do this again soon, and I'm sure to find all kinds of other changes to describe. I have always admired and valued the TransWomen who have gone before, and stopped to reach back to the rest of us. No matter how deep into stealth I go, I hope to be one of them someday. Hold me to this. God bless.
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 27 Dear Vivien and Kathy TG Talk
[email protected] Vivien Kathy
Hey gang, Would you like to have answers to the things TGirls think about: makeup, dressing, relationships, hormones, etc.? Send us an email, and we’ll post our answer to you in the next issue of the PTG magazine. (Alias signatures are welcome, and all email addys will remain confidential)
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 28 Dear Vivien and Kathy TG Talk Continued… Dear Vivien and Kathy,
Will bars let me in if I am not passable? Signed, Wanna Dance
First off, it greatly depends on what kind of bars you are thinking of going into, where they are, and what the general consensus in that area is toward TG individuals. If you are not passable and you want to go into a TG bar, then you will not have trouble at all there; however, doing so alone can be very dangerous outside of the bar if one is not passable. If one is not passable and walks into a redneck bar talking like a man or acting like a man, then honey, you are probably in real trouble! Now if you were to take makeup lessons, voice lessons, and lessons on how to act like a lady, then I am sure others would notice the woman inside of you waiting to come out and you could very well go anywhere. Being passable is not just appearance, it's also mental; confidence and attitude. Anyone can pass...it just takes practice, practice, and more practice!
How do I get an I.D. in my femme name? Signed, Mystery Gyrl
This can only be accomplished by legally changing your name, hon'. In the United States, the states all have individual requirements for legal name changing, so you should consult a lawyer or an online legal service to find out the requirements where you live.
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 29 Dear Vivien and Kathy TG Talk Continued… What's the best way to tell my family that I am like this? Signed, Unsure
Whether you are TG, gay, lesbian, or bisexual, this is something that you are going to have to work out mostly yourself. Not knowing you or your family makes this question very tough to say the least! Being TG is one of the toughest things to confess to any family, as TG individuals are the least accepted and the least understood! Also, let's just say that your family is the most understanding and caring people you know anywhere. If this is the case, then you are one of the luckiest people in the world, but also understand that they might still blow a gasket, so to speak, as TG individuals are the least understood and the least accepted. In my mind, the most logical route is to seek out a therapist if at all possible. Seeking a therapist is the safest route to take. A good therapist on your side can be the best way to get your family to accept or at least understand you. If they do not accept a diagnosis from your therapist and they demand that you seek another one, a second opinion with the same answer could cause a silver lining to open up for you.
Where can I find shoes that will fit my large feet? Wal-Mart and most stores do not carry my size. Signed, Shoeless
The one place I highly recommend is The Glamour Boutique. They cater to the larger sizes of TG individuals. Shoes start at a women's 9 and go up from there, and there are three physical locations: Auburn, MA (just outside Worcester),Las Vegas, NV, and Los Angeles, CA. Don't fret, however, if you do not live near any of these stores. The Glamour Boutique has a wonderful online store at www.glamourboutique.com ! HUGZ, Vivien and Kathy Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 30 Movie Reviews by The MC
This months movie reviews are Meet the Robinsons and Disturbia. Now before you dismiss these movies as being for children only, let me just say three words, The Incredibles and Transformers. No longer are cartoons or movies that star children intended just for children and their parents. With that being said, lets get to the movie reviews.
First up is Meet the Robinsons, this is a great animated movie put out by Disney that was very well written. You'll recognize the voices of some of your favorite actors from the past like Adam West, Tom Selleck and Angela Bassett. Plus a few newer ones like Jordan Fry, Harland Williams and Tom Kenny (Sponge Bob). The story is about an orphan named Lewis who becomes a great inventor and has a huge positive influence the world around him, but it wasn't always that way. Now that's all I'm going to say about the plot, because I don't want to give it away too much. The feel of the movie reminded me a lot of Robots starring Robin Williams, so if you liked Robots I'm sure you'll like Meet the Robinsons..
Next up is the movie Disturbia, starring Shia Saide LaBeouf, put out by DreamWorks Pictures. If for no other reason than to see Hollywood's next leading man perform one last time as an adolescent, you should watch this movie. This talented young actor has come a long way since his TV days, which wasn't that long ago. Now at the ripe old age of 21 he's the lead in both this summers biggest blockbuster movie Transformers and this suspenseful thriller. Shia plays a troubled teen under house arrest who becomes convinced his neighbour is a murderer. If you enjoy Hitchcock like movies then I'm sure you'll enjoy Disturbia.
The MC
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 31 PTG Crossword Answers at bottom
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 32 PTG Crossword…….Continued
Across Down 2.Founder of the best group on the net 1.sexual interest in an object not 5. Usually refers to a transsexual who is typically viewed as sexual (e.g. born female and transitioning to male shoes) 8. The male sex hormone 3. To go public with a previously secret 10. A procedure that employs surgical identity, condition, or lifestyle. ( and hormonal treatment to obtain two words ) desired physical characteristics of 4. Intends to have, but has not yet had, another gender genital surgery 13. The best yahoo group on the net ( 6. Someone who very flamboyantly two words ) wears women's attire, usually 15. A person born having physical without regard to passing. ( Two attributes of both sexes Words ) 18. This means to be in one's preferred 7. Traits, behaviours, thoughts, dress, gender image, and to be able to do so and other manner viewed by a convincingly culture as typical of females 19. Masculine or Feminine, often used 9. Used either as a synonym of or as a synonym for sex euphemism for passing 20. A close-fitting undergarment used to 12. To successfully appear in public in conceal the male genetalia one's chosen gender role without 21. Having a gender identity that does arousing attention or suspicion not conform to the gender assigned at 14. Reproductive organs birth 16. The female sex hormone 22. Depending on who you talk to, this is an abbreviated version of either transgender or transsexual 24. The life-long process of moving from the gender assigned at birth to another gender 25. The way one self-identifies with respect to gender ( two words ) Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 33 Pretty Tgirls Word Search
1. ACCEPTANCE 16. MAKEUP 2. ADMIRER 17. MIKI 3. ANDREA FORBES 18. NARCISSE 4. ASHLEY 19. NECKLACE 5. BEAUTIFUL 20. PASSING 6. CASSANDRA BENJAMIN 21. PASTEL 7. CLOSET 22. PRETTY 8. CONTESTS 23. RACHEL 9. COVERGIRL 24. SHOES 10. DRESS 25. SISTERS 11. ENFEMME 26. SRS 12. FEMININITY 27. TERRI 13. GENDER 28. TGIRLS 14. HORMONES 29. TRANSGENDER 15. LEIGH SMYTHE 30. TUCKING
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 34 Pretty TGirl Members Then and Now (Photos of how we looked when first dressing as a girl and how we look today) Mindy Then Today
We are always looking for photo’s of our members from when they first started dressing and now. Please post them in the group. We would love to put them in our magazine.
???? ???? Then Today Then Today
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 35 Pretty TGirl Members Christmas Photos
Mindy Mindy Tommie
Mindy Linda Anne Chantal
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 36 I think Santa Claus is a woman ......
I hate to be the one to defy sacred myth, but I believe he's a she. Think about it. Christmas is a big, organized, warm, fuzzy, nurturing social deal, and I have a tough time believing a guy could possibly pull it all off! For starters, the vast majority of men don't even think about selecting gifts until Christmas Eve. It's as if they are all frozen in some kind of Ebenezerian Time Warp until 3 p.m. on Dec. 24th, when they - with amazing calm - call other errant men and plan for a last-minute shopping spree.
Once at the mall, they always seem surprised to find only Ronco products, socket wrench sets and mood rings left on the shelves. (You might think this would send them into a fit of panic and guilt, but my husband tells me it's an enormous relief because it lessens the 11th-hour decision-making burden.) On this count alone, I'm convinced Santa is a woman.
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 37 I think Santa Claus is a woman ...... Continued
Surely, if he were a man, everyone in the universe would wake up Christmas morning to find a rotating musical Chia Pet under the tree, still in the bag. Another problem for a he-Santa would be getting there. First of all, there would be no reindeer because they would all be dead, gutted, and strapped on to the rear bumper of the sleigh, amid wide-eyed, desperate claims that buck season had been extended. Blitzen's rack would already be on the way to the taxidermist. Even if the male Santa did have reindeer, he'd still have transportation problems because he would inevitably get lost in the snow and clouds, and then refuse to stop and ask for directions. Add to this the fact that there would be unavoidable delays in the chimney, where the Bob Vila-like Santa would stop to inspect and repoint bricks in the flue. He would also need to check for carbon monoxide fumes in every gas fireplace, and get under every Christmas tree that is crooked to straighten it to a perfectly upright 90-degree angle. Other reasons why Santa can't possibly be a man: - Men can't pack a bag. - Men would rather be dead than caught wearing red velvet. - Men would feel their masculinity is threatened, having to be seen with all those elves. - Men don't answer their mail. - Men would refuse to allow their physique to be described, even in jest, as anything remotely resembling a "bowlful of jelly." - Finally, being responsible for Christmas would require a commitment. I can buy the fact that other mythical holiday characters are men. Father Time shows up once a year unshaven and looking ominous. Definite guy. Cupid flies around carrying weapons. Uncle Sam is a politician who likes to point fingers. Any one of these individuals could pass the testosterone screening test. But not St. Nick. Not a chance. Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 38 On T.V
Guy Turned Girl Seeks Love on Reality TV http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/Story?id=3933443&page=2 'Transamerican Love Story' Stars a Transgender Woman Picking From a Pool of Men By SHEILA MARIKAR Nov. 30, 2007 — In the hormone-loaded, rejection-ridden world of reality dating shows, there are many variations on the old boy-meets-girl/ girl-meets- boy scenario: Dashing boy meets lots of girls -- "The Bachelor." Scorned girl meets lots of boys -- "I Love New York." Bisexual girl meets 10 boys and 10 girls -- "A Shot at Love With Tila Tequila.“ And now, transgender girl meets eight boys who know, from the get-go, that their would-be lover was not always a lady -- "Transamerican Love Story."
The show stars Calpernia Addams, a 36-year-old transgender woman who was born male but transitioned to female -- surgery, hormone treatments and all -- in her early 20s. The Tennessee native served in the Navy during the first Gulf war, where her relationship with an Army private led to a brutal gay bashing that killed him, drove her to become a transgender activist and inspired the 2003 film "Soldier Girl."
After moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting, Addams quickly soured on the singles scene. So when Logo, MTV's cable network targeted at lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender viewers, came to her with the idea for "Transamerican Love Story," she jumped. Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 39 On T.V continued…..
"I get attention from men but a lot of times I won't let a relationship start because I know how complicated it's going to be," Addams said. "Usually on a third date or so, if it seems like it's going to be serious, I tell him about my history. Unfortunately, they usually leave."
Addams gets to decide who leaves in "Transamerican Love Story." The show's format doesn't stray far from the reality dating series norm: Eight bachelors in their 20s and 30s attempt to coexist under the same roof as Addams whittles them down through a series of challenges -- in one, the California boys compete to see who can best cater to her Southern tastes. (None of the bachelors were available for comment because the show is still in production).
What is different is that Addams is honest. While the lotharios and ladies who star in other dating shows may hide everything from their income (remember "Joe Millionaire? ") to their sexual preference (the contestants of Tila Tequila's show didn't know they'd be competing with the opposite sex when they signed on), Addams is upfront about her transgender status from the beginning.
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 40 On T.V continued…..
"One of the most important things to me about this project was that the guys knew everything upfront," she said. "I never want to feel like I'm deceiving someone about my past. My history does carry a lot of weight for a lot of people."
That honesty is part of the reason Logo pegged Addams to star in her own series. "Calpernia Addams proves that steely optimism and a genuine spirit are the universal keys to finding love," Brian Graden, the network's president, said in a statement.
Of course, a house full of doting bachelors can speed up that search. The hour-long show premieres in February 2008. Addams expects it to be more fun and free- wheeling than the typical reality dating show, and hopes it will help people see that the transgender dating scene isn't all that out there. "People come to the idea of transsexual person with a lot of preconceptions. They're going to be carrying a lot of baggage from shows like Jerry Springer," she said. "When they actually see the show, they're going to be surprised. They're going to see a girl next door from the south living in L.A. and trying to date."
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 41 Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 42 T ransgender A merican V eterans A ssociation
Who We Are The Transgender American Veterans Association (TAVA) was formed to address the growing concerns of fair and equal treatment of transgender veterans and active duty service members. As the population of gender- different people increases, then so does the population of veterans and active duty service members who identify as such. TAVA serves as an educational organization that will help the Veterans Administration and the Department of Defense to better understand the individuals they encounter who identify as being gender-different. As veterans, we have also served proudly, and will continue to do so. TAVA is here to help where we can.
We still need magazine contributors. Would you like your very own monthly column? Have a story about your experiences as a TGirl? Are you a member of a TG group and would like to tell us about it? Can you put together a TG-related crossword puzzle each month? Really, we will consider anything TG-related that is tasteful, so if you can contribute, please email me at [email protected] . I would especially love to have a GG or two to have a column and write about their feelings on Transgenderism.
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 43 Transgendered Conferences and Getaways Ok, you’re a TGirl and you want to go out as a girl and be part of the community. Here is a listing of some of the conferences and getaways available that are designed for TGirls! We take no responsibility regarding the places listed, but they are or have been known to be designed for and accepting of TGirls.
This is in process with more conferences to be listed in future editions. If you know of conferences/getaways that are TG- friendly, please let me know at [email protected] Thanks!
Date Name Location Website 1/16/08 First Event Burlington, MA http://www.tcne.org/FE2007.html
January 12, TGSF Cotillion/Annual San Francisco, http://www.tgsf.org/events/cotillio 2008 Debutante Ball CA n.html
2/21-24/08 Colorado Gold Rush Denver, CO http://www.gicofcolo.org/cgr/
4/11/07 Transgender 2007 Philadelphia, PA http:://www.transeventsusa.org/ifge /index.shtml
April 17–20, California Dreamin San Jose, CA http://www.california-dreamin.org/ 2008
April 21- Diva Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV http://www.geekbabe.com/dlv/ Saturday, April 26/08 4/25/07 Eureka En-Femme Eureka Springs, http://www.femmegetaway.com/in Getaway AK dex.html
May 11-18 Esprit Port Angeles, WA http://www.espritconf.com/index.p 2008 hp
5/27/08 Be-All Chicago, IL http://www.be-all.org/
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 44 Transgendered Conferences and Getaways … continued Ok, you’re a TGirl and you want to go out as a girl and be part of the community. Here is a listing of some of the conferences and getaways available that are designed for TGirls! We take no responsibility regarding the places listed, but they are or have been known to be designed for and accepting of TGirls.
This is in process with more conferences to be listed in future editions. If you know of conferences/getaways that are TG- friendly, please let me know at [email protected] Thanks!
Date Name Location Website 6/22/07 Sparkle Manchester, UK http://www.sparkle.org.uk/sparkle_ 2007.htm
9/11/07 Southern Comfort Atlanta. GA http://www.sccatl.org/ Conference
October Defying Gravity Louisville, KY http://www.transfamilydefyinggrav Conference ity.net/programming.htm
October 19 Fantasia Fair Provincetown, http://www.fantasiafair.org through MA October 26, 2008 October GLBTIQ Conference Worcester, MA http://www.transcendingboundaries .org/
November Tri Ess Holiday En- Varies http://www.geocities.com/tri_ess_n Femme e/
November Lake Erie Gala Erie, PA http://www.eriesisters.org/
November Fall Harvest Omaha, NE http://www.fallharvest.net/
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 45 Upcoming TG Events
http://www.transeventsusa.org/ifge/index.shtml
IFGE 2008, the 22nd conference of the International Foundation for Gender Education will be held at the Doubletree Hotel in Tucson, Arizona from April 1-5, 2008.
This year the conference is being co-hosted by the Southern Arizona Gender Alliance. There will be numerous seminars and workshops on various trans subjects, free time for networking, fun events, and a gala banquet on Saturday night. (Learn more at the Schedule At-A-Glance page.)
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 46 Upcoming TG Events
http://www.masquerade.ca/
Located in "Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada", we are a Social Club for Crossdressers, the Transgendered, and their Wives/Girlfriends! Where... - BOYS have FUN being GIRLS!! -
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 47 Upcoming TG Events
http://www.trans-mission.org
LATEST UPDATE - AUGUST 2007 ::
The TX crew is continuing to search for a new venue for our monthly events. It is proving exceptionally difficult to identify a place which has all the right ingredients including location, quality, size, availability and price. We continue to hope that Trans-MISSION will return to London at a new venue that will blow your socks (or stockings) off and will announce the location of our new parties as soon as we can!
Until then, keep checking our web-site for the latest news. We very much want to thank you for your continued patience and patronage, and we look forward to welcoming you back to a super new venue very soon!
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 48 Advertisements and Opportunities Want to advertise your TG-friendly store, service, club, group, or your own personal items here? There is NO charge for this … just email the editor [email protected] .
http://Glamourboutique.com http://Glamourboutiquewest.com
The Glamour Boutique is a terrific TG store. The original retail location is in Auburn, MA and now has a Las Vegas retail locations! You can also order online. Can’t say enough about this lovely store! A discount is available to Pretty TGirls members and to visitors of my personal website!
http://Crazy4clipons.com
Crazy 4 Clipons is a terrific online place to discreetly buy clip on earrings at a very reasonable price. They have a large variety to choose from and love to have TG customers! A discount is available to Pretty TGirls members and to visitors of my personal website!
http://www.FemmeFever.com
FemmeFever : Karen has developed a wonderful site and TG resource! Along with coordinating many TG events in the lower NY area, she has a store full of shopping opportunities online.
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 49 Advertisements and Opportunities Want to advertise your TG-friendly store, service, club, group, or your own personal items here? There is NO charge for this … just email the editor [email protected] .
Austin’s Angels … by Jamie Austin
I can’t say enough really terrific things about Jamie. Simply put, he works wonders. Careful though, he has done such a wonderful job that several girls have seen how wonderfully beautiful they can be that they have become full time girls! Jamie offers several different makeover packages … well worth every penny girls ! http://www.austinsangels.com
http://www. countessascloset.com
This is a fabulous place for GG’s and TGirls alike. Countessa is a GG, former model, and a terrific supporter of the Transgendered Community ! There is an online store and a physical location in Studio City, California. More to follow about this great Lady and her offerings.
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 50 Advertisements and Opportunities Want to advertise your TG-friendly store, service, club, group, or your own personal items here? There is NO charge for this … just email the editor [email protected] .
http://www.weaveofdreams.com Weave of Dreams is a terrific is a very new online TG store carrying many items for us Tgirls.It is run by Carol Deanna. It is worth the visit !
AngelWings Designs by Mary Beth You really should checkout Mary Beth’s products. She hand sews everything and has lovely lingerie items and dresses, plus she is a doll and very supportive of us TGirls !
http://www.angelwingsdesigns.com
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 51 Advertisements and Opportunities Want to advertise your TG-friendly store, service, club, group, or your own personal items here? There is NO charge for this … just email the editor [email protected] .
http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/hide.sleek/hs_menu.htm
Hide and Sleek is a wonderful online shop with 2 physical store locations in Scotland as well. Owned and run by Loraine (a gg) and also sponsors the Miss TV Scotland pageant every year.
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 52 Crossword Puzzle Answers
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 53 Word Search Answers
Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 54 Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 55 Pretty TGirls Magazine – December 2007 page 56