News Ii views Vision • Integrity • Quality Vol. 9, No. 9 •September 1995 TG Accident Victim Denied Treatment Dies from injuries Washington, D.C. ported to D.C. General Hospital where she was pro A male-to-female transgendered person was fa nounced dead. tally injured in a traffic accident in Washington, In response to questions raised by eyewitnesses, D.C., on Monday, August 7, 1995. The Washington Hunter's family, friends, and the Washington, D.C. Post identified Tyrone Michael Hunter as 24 years activist group CLOY (Gays and Lesbians Opposing old and a "transvestite." Hunter's friends stated she Violence), Chief Otis Latin of the D.C. Fire Depart liked to be called Tyra, and had lived full-time as a ment held a meeting in his office on August 11, which \VOman since she was 14. Hunter worked as a hair resulted in no immediate action. CLOY issued a dresser and was well-liked in her neighborhood. press release demanding an independent investiga Tyra Hunter was a passenger in a car when it was tion, suspension of the D.C. Fire Department per hit broadside in the middle of an intersection in sonnel involved, and diversity and sensitivity training Southeast Washington by another car at a four-way for the D.C. Fire Department. stop. Tyra and the car's driver were both pulled from The D.C. Fire Department announced it is con the demolished car by neighborhood residents. Ten tinuing its investigation while refusing further com minutes later, D.C. Fire Department personnel ar ment. A gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender task rived on the scene. As a crowd of people gathered force, Together In Tyra's Memonj, formed to take around the scene, a male fire-fighter began treating additional action. The group is composed of: CLOY; Hunter for her injuries, until he cut open her pant the D.C. Coalition of Black Gay Men, Lesbians and leg and saw male genitalia. Bisexuals; the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against At that point, according to eyewitnesses quoted in Defamation of the National Capital Area (GLAAD both The Washington Post and Th e Washington NCA); Capital City National Organization for Blade, the firefighter stood up and backed away from Women (CapCity NOW), Log Cabin Club Republi the victim. One witness quoted him as saying, 'This cans - DC Chapter; the Gay and Lesbian Activists Al ain't no bitch," as he began joking with the other fire liance (GLAA), Queer Nation; and Transgender Na department personnel at the scene. Another \.vitness tion of Washington, DC; with the assistance of the at the scene heard one of the firefighters say, "Look, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, National it's got a cock and balls." Other \.vitnesses also re NOW, Todd Moseley of ANC-1C(06) and GLAAD's ported that as Hunter lay injured, bleeding and gasp National Field Director, Donna Red Wing. Addi ing for breath, her treatment was temporarily discon tional transgendered groups endorsing the Together tinued while the firefighters made jokes about her. In Tyra's Memon; coalition include the Washington After people at the scene began complaining about Baltimore Alliance, Tran°Quility, the Transgender the cessation of her treatment, the other firefighters Support Group of Baltimore, and It's Time, Mary resumed treatment of Hunter. She was later trans- land! A meeting is planned with Chief Latin. continued on 71age 18
Cal I For Scholarly Papers are no set criteria concerning topics but the papers If you are a scholar whose area of expertise is should examine the transgender movement or trans transgenderism, you may be interested in submit genderism at a societal level. Papers must be origi ting a paper for a session that will be held at the nal pieces of scholarly work and must be submitted North Central Sociological Associations' annual before October 30, 1995. You can contact Emilio L. meeting April 12 through 14th, 1996 in Cincinnati, Lombardi at the Department of Sociology, U niver Ohio. Emilio L. Lombardi of the Department of sity of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325-1905. His phone Sociology at the University of Akron is the man to number is 216-972-5358 and he can be reached by contact if you would like to present a paper. There email at
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Clrnph.•n Atlanta: Atlanta Gender Explora © 1995, Renaissance Education Asso tions (A.G.E.), PO Box 77562, Atlanta, ciation, Inc., 987 Old Eagle School Delaware GA 30357, 404-939-2128. Rd., Suite 719, \l'layne, Pa. 19087. Phone: 610-915-9119 Wilmington, Delaware: meets Louisiana second Saturday of each month. Write New Orleans; The Gulf Gender $2 per issue, $16 per year (12 issues). for info to: PO Box 5656, Wilmington, Alliance, PO Box 870213, New Or Back issues are available for $2 per DE 19808 or call 302-995-1396. leans, LA 70187-1300. copy plus $0.52 postage and handling. Send check or M.O. to the above ad New Jersey Maryland dress, attention: Beth Marshall. South Jersey/Shore Area: Write An affiliate is forming in the Editor-in-Chief Renaissance South Jersey, Box 189, Baltimore area. Write Tran°Quility, Angela Gardner Mays Landing, NJ, 08330. Meets first clo Colleen N. Harper, 3044 Abell Contributing Editors Saturday of the month at the Atlantic Ave., Baltimore, MD, 21218-3912. Dina Amberle Mental Health Center, 2002 Black JoAnn Roberts Horse Pike, McKee City. Doors open New Jersey Layout 7PM. Call 609-641-3782 for details. N. Central Jersey: Monmouth/ Creative Design Services Pennsylvania Ocean Trans Gender, (MOTG), write Distribution PO Box 8243, Red Bank, NJ 07701 or Rachel & Beth Marshall Greater Philadelphia: Write Re call 908-219-9094. Business Manager naissance GPC, 987 Old Eagle School Barbara Schwarz Rd., Suite 719, Wayne, Pa. 19087. New York Meets third Saturday of the month in Manhattan: Metropolitan Gender Articles, opinion pieces, and letters to the King of Prussia. Doors open 8 p.m. all Network (MGN), write 561 Hudson editor are always welcome. Ideas for ar ticles and opinion piec?es should be sent to year 'round. Call 610-975-9119 for in St., Box 45, New York, NY 10014, or our editorial office care of Renaissance, formation. call 201-794-1665, Ext. 332. PO Box 530, Bensalem, Pa. 19020-0530. Lower Susquehanna Valley: Long Island: New York GIRL & Or use email to
Attack Of The Drag Cowgirls A while ago I mentioned the Cow boy LaCage Club in Nashville. Marisa Richmond, the lovely leader of th e Tennessee Vais, has fil ed a repo1t on how the club is doing. According to her, their March opening was delayed till June, but despite the late stait they're packing th em in. The place is located in downtown ashville at the corner of 4th and Broadway and it's ca tering to the tourist trade. The hefty $15.75 cover charge keeps the locals out till Sunday nights when they have a "Local Yokel" special that gets you in at two-for-one with a Tennessee ID. September already? Where'd the in the last issue. Miss Bamvil was talk overly humid, hurricane plagued, long ing about her gown made of "slipper" The club does three shows nightly; hot summer go? I didn't stop dressing satin. I thought she had mistyped and I at 7PM it's Country Legends, 9 PM brings Hot Rock 'n Country and at for the summer but I really started to changed it to "slippery." Oops, sorry. It get annoyed at all the extra planning really is "slipper" satin. It's a heavier llPM it's a Celebration. Not all of the "Ok, tonight I'm wearing loose silk grade of our favorite fabric and prob acts are musical, even though you'll be pants, not shaving legs and shaving the ably got its name since it was used to treated to the usual country suspects - Dolly, Loretta and Winona, they also arms up to the shoulder so I can wear make slippers first and sexy gowns sec include drag comedy acts. Doctor the short sleeved top. Then tomorrow ond. It isn't thin like lingerie satin. I'll shave my legs and wear the short Stella was kind enough to assume I Ruth puts in an appearance, and while shorts. I can shave my arms all the way had made a mistake in typing. Actually I don't know for sure, they might have up and do my chest so I can wear the it was a mistake in assuming. Sorry a Minnie Pearl around somewhere. Spandex tank top. Then, the day after Stella. I stand corrected. Marisa says, "All of the local media, that I'll electric razor the burgeoning gay & straight, have been glowing in stubble off my legs and wear the dress Ho Ho Ho their reviews, and a few weeks ago, I \vith the elbow length sleeves and only While I'm correcting things let me even saw some tourists sitting at a table next to me in a restaurant with have to shave my lower arms. Summer correct a misconception. It has been sheer stockings and I'm all set." Boy, bruited about that the GPC Holiday the club's ad. So it is getting a lot of women think they've got it tough. Party might not come off this year. positive attention and does seem to be When my female friends grouse about Well, I don't know what Grinch started doing quite well." having to shave their legs twice a week these rumors but it just ain't so. The Now I've seen it all. A C&W female I have to bite back the laughter. Holiday Party tradition continues in impersonator club in the heart of Thankfully, fall is here and the won 1995 with a gala holiday buffet dinner, Nashville (the buckle on the Bible derful world of tights, opaque hose, cocktails and dancing to a transgen Belt). All I can say is, ya' all go girls! jeans and leggings has returned. I'll be dered DJ on the third Saturday of De "SEX-OP-COP" able to save the close shaves for those cember. It all happens at the Unitarian special, intimate moments. Right, like Universalist Church on the Mainline. That was the beginning of the I have any of those. Oh well- here's The Unitarians have welcomed us with screaming headline in the New York the rest of this month's whirling whip open arms and they are looking for Post's July 27th issue. Sometime be of words ... ward to having us on December 16th. fore I saw that stunning bit of journal Dinner wi ll be served in a lovely room ism, I had already been roused from Oops! complete with fireplace and holiday my beauty rest by an early morning It's hard being a know-it-all. Life decorations. Then those who wish to call (that same day) from a producer of keeps teaching you something new and cut a rug may do so in a room set aside The Lionel Show. No\.v I always you have to say, "Oh, sure, I knew for our DJ, Miranda. Conversations thought Lionel was Weesey and that." Of course you didn't know that and other social intercourse may be George's son but no, it appears he is a or you wouldn't have made an ass of carried on in the palatial lobby area as morning radio personality in New York yo urself in your previous misstate well as in the dining room. City on W ABC. He doesn't have quite ment. Look for a flyer soon with all the the profile of Howard Stern but he As a know-it-all editor I changed details like price, directions, menu, et does a show on a major radio station so Stella Bamvil's Letter-To-The-Editor cetera. And don't forget, free parking. continued next 7Jage
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get. 'Nay to go NY Post. Bet you get a long distance phone call s? Well, Phon Pulitzer for that one. Not. Lynx, a company based in Northeast News Beat ... Philly has started issuing glossy, col First Sonny Bono, Now... lectible phone cards featuring pies of when I was asked to comment on the Meanwhile, on the Left Coast, an some of the "biggest names" in drag. gender reassignment of Hoboken Po other change has been set in motion. Featured queens include New York lice Lt. John Aiello, I quickly gargled Oddly enough it involves another TG girls Walt Paper, Candice Cane, the morning from my throat and put who wants to be a public servant. In Sophia Lamore, Richie Rich and on my transgender expert hat. (A this case it is the desire of Miss Kitty Adora. Well , I have heard of Richie lovely little straw number with a Cole to become the Mayor of Palm Rich (more club kid than DQ) and turned up brim and floral applique.) Springs. Miss Cole, a stunning plati Walt Paper, but who the hell are those Several days after the 27th, Jessica num blonde, went down to register her other girls? I'm only goin' to buy these Brandon gave me a copy of the Post ar intention with the Board of Elections cards if they get some big names like ticle. It seems Ms. Aiello (now Janet) dressed in a very, very short white satin Lypsinka, Linda Simpson or.. . Miss had adopted an aggressive attitude to (could it be slipper satin?) thing that Charles. The company's owner said ward possible blockage of a promised may have been a dress, or a short set that RuPaul had been approached but promotion, and any other negative im with very short shorts. As they say in was waiting to see how well the con pact to her career, by telling the Chief some of the seedier hangouts, "Her cept does. of Police that she'd sue Hoboken to legs go all the way up." Interestingly enough, the company within an inch of its treasury if they The seven foot (in heels) queen said also produces phone cards with pic said anything about him becoming a that she wants the job as a way to boost tures of Philadelphia's best known drag her. Now this is not the best way to tourism. Now, some towns have built queens, the Mummers . I guess it was a transition on the job, but since she expensive aquariums to attract tourists. natural progression to go from march works in a macho police department Kitty figures tourists will flock to Palm ing bands who wear feathers and glit maybe the warm fuzzy approach of Springs to see the drag queen mayor ter to drag queens who wear sequins taking it slow and going through a long and .. . who's to say she's wrong? I and lace. If you'd like more info on education and sensitivity training pro mean, if Nashville can have a success Drag Queen Phone Cards you can call cess won't cut it (so to speak). ful Country Western drag club •vhy Phon-Lynx at 800-698-9950. Go on Since I didn't know anything about can't Kitty be mayor? If she gets girl, give 'em some attitude. the case I told Lionel and the listening elected maybe it will start a trend. All audience the difference between a 1V over the country towns looking to cash Tula, Traitor? and a TS and answered his questions in big on tourist dollars will stop build The darling of the transgender com about gender issues. He seemed a ing aquariums, which cost millions of munity, the lovely Tula (aka Caroline pleasant chap who didn't make any dollars to build and maintain, and start Cossey) has stirred up a controversy, at cheap jokes about Ms. Aiello and we electing drag queens to top govern least on The Internet. Ms. Cossey talked for about twenty minutes. It's a ment posts. Makeup and couture can posed for a magazine ad for Sauza Te pity I didn't see the article before the run into a few bucks but heck, even if quila. She wears a brief, little black interview. If I had I would have they dress their glamorous new mayors outfit with white letters across her blasted the Post on the air for consis in designer duds that's still cheaper chest that spell out, "She's a he." Un tently referring to Ms . Aiello as "he." than building giant fish tanks. der her photo it says, "Life Is Harsh. They also played the whole thing for Your tequila shouldn't be." the most sensational effect they could Speaking Of Drag Queens Well , from the reaction in the trans Local transgendered blues gender newsgroups you'd think Tula ------woman Terri had committed a mortal sin. (One " ... Electrolysis. I've been through it. Arnaldi sent a piece tasteful poster actually called her a whore.) The gist of it all is, she got a lot I can help you through it. " from Philadelphia's City Paper about a of negative reaction from the transgen local entrepenuer der community for appearing in an ad who has come up that (seemingly) puts down tra nssexu with an idea that als. Let's get a grip girls. Tula has to Jenell A. Ashlie taps into the recent make a living somehow, and I'm sure Professional Electrolysis popularity of men she was approached since she's one of in dresses. Drag the most beautiful, and visible, trans queen phone cards. sexuals in the country. (Heck, maybe You know those the world.) Because of her celebrity prepaid cards yo u status, I'm sure she was offered a large Chester, Pa. 19013 610•872•2091 can buy to make amount of money to look beautiful. It's
4 Renaissance News & Views, Vol. 9, No. 9
not anybody's job to make a moral major studios were interested in his knock-off with the guys who didn't cut judgment about what Tula has done drag queen tale, settled for $500,000. the mustard for parts in Wong Foo . but if someone feels like they should, He signed with Amblin Entertain Anyhow, more on this as details come let them imagine themselves in her ment, got the check and quickly quit available. Film at eleven. place turning down a hefty fee. babysitting to pay the rent. Of the One guy who knows decadence As one voice of reason (Dallas amount they paid he said, "They easily when he sees it is good old Don Denny of AEGIS) pointed out, Tula could've gone to a million, but at those Johnson. Donny has been trying to get has done an enormous amount of good prices, things get ugly. The studio another cop show on CBS to bring him for the transgender community. Let's wants to fire you and get a name for back to the heights of popularity he not tear her down for one action that rewrites. I didn't want this to turn into enjoyed with Miami Vice. Well, it's not more than a few of us would do given Waterproof-Makeup World." so rosy in Johnson-land. The show, the opportunity. Besides, I'm sure that The picture was screened in the called Off Duty was supposed to fea since she is so beautiful most of the heart of conservative country, Orange ture Melanie Griffith and Antonio people who saw the ad either had no County, California, and the audience Banderas. Why would a guy on the rise idea what it meant or just couldn't be loved it. Making projections from the like Banderas want to hook up with a lieve it. Besides, it's all showbiz. What screening audience's reaction, Amblin has-been like Don? ·well, he wouldn't. a clever segue to ... suits are expecting the picture to be Antonio and Melanie jumped ship and big box office through the holidays. all Johnson could come up with as a pi Show Biz Bits I have been writing about another lot for the show was a "rambling, bab What's up with Wong Foo ... you picture that has taken its time getting bling promo tape" on which he assures ask? \Veil , girls get ready. It's coming into theaters, Dr. Jekyl and Ms. Hyde. the 'Tiffany Network's" executives that this fall . Entertainment Weekly gives It seems that the release date was his show will be "racy." To prove it's us all the dish in a recent issue and for pushed back to August 25th. Since I'm gonna be titillating, Don told the execs those who haven't heard, I pass along writing this before that date, so we can there would be a transvestite in the some of the behind the scenes info. get the newsletter into your hands with script. While it's nice to know he's For one thing, it seems many of all possible haste, I have no clue caught onto the media buzz about girls Hollywood's manly men were anxious whether they actually got Tim Daly like us , it's unfortunate that we have to to audition in full drag for a chance to turning into Sean Young onto the silver be the "racy" component. I mean, why be in this flick. Among the hopefuls screen as planned. I'll have more info can't we just be the downstairs neigh were James Spader, Robert Sean next month. bor or Johnson's character's therapist? Leonard, Stephen Dorff (who got his Kym Richards at Cross-Talk maga Ya know, we're just plain folks . I don't chance at glamour in I Shot Andy zine told me those dragged up deni think we'll have to worry about unfair Warhol, which should be around zens of the Great \Nhite North, The portrayals, though. It sounds like Off sometime next year) John Cusack and Kids In The Hall are supposed to be Duty won't be on-duty in the Fall. Robin Williams. Robin threw in the working on a KITH movie. Production And that cats and kittens brings us towel and admitted he just didn't have is underway in Toronto, according to to the end of another racy column of the glamour thing happening. It does Kym, but I haven't been able to ferret TC talk. See you again next month. seem as if he has developed a real taste out anything on the project. It's pos for acting in a dress. He makes do with sible that it never, as they say in the a male cameo in this flick. biz, "got it's legs" but on the other A The screenwriter, (a young man hand it may just be operating in secret named Beane) who was amazed that so no one steals the plot and makes a
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5 Renaissance News & Views, Vol. 9, No. 9
by Debra W. Hafner, M. P. H. , Execu tive Director, Sexuality Information Talk Show Chaos And Education Council of the U.S. (SIECUS) I was not particularly surprised Sexuality issues are a major fare of were virgins. The virgin turned out to when I read about the murder of Scott these programs. During just one week be a beauty pageant winner from Texas Amedure. Amedure was the guest on in April, talk shows covered such topics whose performance for the talent con the Jenny Jones show taped in early as "sex maniacs, teenage prostitutes, test of the beauty pageant had con March (but never aired) who told a women abused by their daughters, sisted of delivering a speech on virgin neighbor that he had a crush on him. matchmaking, jilted lovers, man-steal ity; the sexually active teenagers were The studio audience presumably re ing friends, marriage versus cohabita six young men from Chicago who be acted with shock. Jonathan Schmitz, tion, mismatched couples, and bigamy. long to the We Like to Freak Club, an the neighbor, reportedly said on the On April 12, one could have organization of boys who have had program that he was flattered but was watched "Nice Guys versus Bad Boys" more than a hundred sexual partners. heterosexual. Three days later, after on Leeza, "Sex Ruins Friendships" on On that show, a young woman re receiving a note from Amedure, Jerry Springer, "Men Jealous of Lov vealed to her mother that she thought Schmitz allegedly went to his home ers' Friends" on Maury Povich, she was pregnant and that the produc and killed him with a shotgun. Schmitz "Cheating Newlyweds" on Sally Jessy , ers had taken her for a pregnancy test. surrendered to the police, saying that "Domestic Violence" on Rolanda, and My latest adventure was on the late he could not live with the embarrass "Doctors \vith AIDS" on Oprah. night program Last Call. The subject ment the show had caused him. The Talk show treatment of these issues was the teenage chastity movement. story received substantial attention in is often lurid and exploitive. For ex Before agreeing to appear, I had spo the press, but regrettably, the ho ample, a recent Jerry Springer Show ken with the producer about the other mophobia surrounding the murder was called 'Tm Proud to Be a Virgin" had a guests and the format of the show. She barely mentioned. What is it about our young teenager interviewing young had said I would be participating in a culture that made this man feel so women, who were hidden behind a serious discussion with a representa threatened by homosexuality that he screen, about becoming his first lover. tive from the True Love Waits cam would murder another man who pub The questions and answers increased paign. The other guest and I were in licly expressed sexual interest? steadily in lasciviousness. For an addi for quite a shock when Stuttering The murder has focused attention tional humiliating twist, the young John, Howard Stern's sidekick, came on the excesses of the talk shows. Even man's best friend had accompanied bounding onto the set-unannounced 1V Guide ran a cover story entitled him on the show, unaware that one of to us-to question us about our per "Are Talk Shows Out of Control?" the young women behind the screen sonal sexual experiences. The show The daytime talk shows have sur was his eighteen-year-old virgin sister. concluded without us after the second passed the soap operas in the amount "Experts" are routinely brought in segment, when we refused to respond of sexuality information (and misinfor toward the end of these broadcasts, in to John's outrageous tirades. After I mation) they bring into American order for these shows to appear "re left the set, I angrily asked the pro homes on a daily basis, and they seem sponsible." Sometimes, these experts ducer why she had not told me about to become ever more sensational and are highly qualified professionals; Stuttering John. She answered, "Be exploitive. In the past year, I have wit other times, I've been appalled by the cause you wouldn't have come. " nessed several "surprises" related to advice I've heard these people give. I have decided to stop appearing on sexuality issues, designed to embarrass During my years at SIECUS, I have television talk shows. SIECUS staff the guests and titillate the audience. I appeared regularly on daytime talk will appear only on news programs have wondered about the emotional shows. And sometimes I have felt ex where we are assured that the cover damage these shows might do to the ploited and misused by the producers. age \viii be balanced and thorough. people who volunteer the most inti On the Mantel Williams Show, after I would like to ask you to consider mate parts of their lives in front of a being told that I was coming on to talk to do the same. The presence of ex studio audience. about safer sex in the 1990's, I was perts on entertainment talk shows le More than twenty talk shows air asked to provide advice to two young gitimizes the sensationalism and ex daily, and the number seemingly grows adults who have thousands of partners ploitation. Inevitably, the experts are by the month; two cable stations now each year but refuse to use condoms. given less than five minutes to clean up offer talk shows all day. These pro On this same program, the host told the emotional damage or the chronic grams have become so familiar to us people to avoid dentists so as to pre misinformation. that their hosts are known by their first vent becoming infected with HIV! For Now, I know some of you are think names. Who has not heard of Phil, a Rolanda show, I was told I would be ing, But if we don t go on, who \vill? I Oprah, Geraldo, Sally, Rolonda, Ricki, speaking with some young people who and Jenny? had had intercourse and some who continued 011 page 16
6 Renaissan ce News & Views, Vol. 9, No. 9 We're waiting for your order!
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7 Renaissance News & Views, Vol. 9, No. 9
success of Ru Paul. In fact, we'll prob ably be treated to RuPaul imperson ators, so popular has she become. And les t anyone think that a skinny, young, out-of-work actor can now slip on a dress and camp it up to become the toast of Broadway, better think again. It's interesting to read how this new breed of drag artists use refe r ences to classical works such as Carmen. and \Vagnerian operas; or blend serious popular works by Ten nessee Williams with melodramatic I hate to kick a guy when he's down The article by Mr. Busch, who is most drag theatrics; or use a silly story about but I must report that I have recalled a famous for his crossdressed roles in his killing a cat as an allegory on over long-repressed memory: yes, I was own plays like "Vampire Lesbians of blown media coverage of celebrity sexually harassed by Senator Robert Sodom," was titled "Every Man A wrongdoers. There's more to their acts Packwood. Queen: The New Feminine Mystique." than just a guy in a dress. And to the It was a long time ago and there I The thrust of the piece was that question of whether overexposure in was - an eager young staffer on a drag is being picked up and used by the media wi ll dull the shock value of work-study internship from Mistress the mass media to such a degree that drag, sometime drag performance art Dominique's Obedience and Secre one can wonder if it will cease to shock ist John Kelly answers, "To question tarial School. As my recently cleared audiences any longer. While no one ex that belittles it. Can drag surprise any memory recalls the incident, I was pects to see it become a popular move more? Can an actor surprise anymore? bent over and fishing in a bottom file ment, drag is 'hot' right now in the There are no limits, if one is willing to cabinet for some important legislation trendy circles of fashion, entertain go beyond the obvious." on funding for S·wiss Cheese research ment and club culture. Its death knell If there is one touch of bittersweet (the Senator was a member of the For wi ll probably come as soon as it starts irony in the article, it is in regard to es eign Relations Committee) when I fe lt to show up on 'What's Hot Lists' for tablishment Hollywood's approach to a presence behind me. A small pres 1996. By then, the tragically hip will the "new drag." Despite the scores of ence - but a presence nonetheless. have found a new 'thing' to glom onto. established drag performers in New He offered me a letter of recom Busch interviews a lot of the 'new' York City alone, when it came time to mendation and said he had a lot of stars of drag such as Lypsinka, Sherry cast the multimillion dollar film To friends in powerful positions - like Vine, Lady Bunny and Mistress Wong Foo ... they chose established Clarence Thomas - if I would just play Formika. An icon such as RuPaul is non-drag performers Wesley Snipes, ball v.rith him. When I resisted his ad probably too big now to even approach Patrick Swayze and John Leg ui:z~1 mo. vances he exasperatedly asked me, for an interview. She's gotta work, girl. [Ed. note: Actually, Leguizamo has ''What kind of a girl are you, anyway?" But from these interviews we begin to drag in his bag of characters .] Some of I began to respond by saying, "Funny learn why these performers have cap the drag artists have bit parts in the you should put it that way, Senator. .. " tured the attention of the talent scouts. film, but as RuPaul's own manager but I never got a chance to finish my Unlike other drag performers such says, "\~h en a movie about drag is fi thought and when he started to chase as Jim Bailey, Jimmie James, or any of nally made, the real drag performers me around the desk I put those five the dozens of stars of 'La Cage', these become dispensable ... they never in inch spikes into high gear and ran out gi rl s have created their own personas vite the queens who inspire them to to the next office down the hall. rather than impersonating established the party." Thankfully, Senator Kennedy was stars. Author Busch has several well One can hope that this populariza very kind to me in my distressed state. received productions behind him and tion of drag will help open the public's After a few drinks he pointed to a well more to come; Lypsinka became a cult mind about crossdressing - at least in dressed young man who had joined us hit in her live stage act "As I Lay Lip sofar as more people will have seen it and asked me, "Have yo u ever met my Synching" which toured nationally and in legitimate venues. But doing drag is nephew, William Kennedy Smith?" in Europe. a separate thing from crossdressing as Sherry Vi ne starred in "Eyes of a we know it. The public may accept Ho-Hum, Just Another Drag Queen Supermodel Psychic" and other pro guys in drag as entertainment, but guys Playwright and actor Charles Busch ductions in New York City. People in dresses who really want to be ac wrote a lengthy and excell ent article come to see them do their thing - not cepted as women may remain a threat about the current fascination with drag recreate Barbra Streisand or Che r. ening idea to many peopl e - even if in New York Maga::in e's July 17 issue. The same dynamic is at work in the \Vo ng Foo out grosses Bat 111011.
8 Renaissance News & Views, Vol. 9, No. 9
work and - as Shelley found out - a whole lot more. And through all this OK, It's Not As Easy As I Thought there;s more to crossdressing on either stupidity, I was struggling with my own The Born Free newsletter from side of the gender line than the unini guilt about being a crossdresser at all," Southern California published an ar tiated care to imagine. the author tells us. And here is another ticle by a crossdresser' s significant insight that most of us can identify other named Shelley. I didn't see the You Give Us An Inch... with: "After all, I didn't really want to original but caught a reprint of it in An unidentified author wrote an ar blame me for what was happening." Gende r Euphoria from San Antonio's ticle called "Walking Away" that ap Crossdressing in a committed rela Boulton & Park Society. peared in La Femme Silhouette news tionship is akin to having a permanent Shelley relates a story of going to a letter of Alpha Omega sorority in house guest sharing your living quar local theater in San Diego where cross Cleveland OH. The essay dealt \vith ters. The crossdresser can think that dressed patrons are admitted free to spousal relations and crossdressing and the 'house guest' can do no wrong midnight showings of Priscilla, Queen the often times selfish and self-de while the partner sees 'her' as an intru of the Desert. Since her crossdressing structive manner in which we seek "ac sive - possibly ill-mannered - nuisance. male companion was going en femme, ceptance" from those we love. Acceptance cannot be demanded. It Shelley would attend as an F-to-M This was a very personal "confes must be earned. And both partners crossdresser to see if the free admis sion" by the anonymous author, but must work at defining a balance on sion policy works both ways. she tells a tale that we have either lived which each can agree. The theater did smilingly let her in through ourselves or heard others tell. for free, but Shelley also found out It is a tale of selfishness that masquer Of White Satin Gowns & T-Shirts that crossdressing and assuming a dif ades behind 'self-expression' and any In the July issue, I requested feed ferent gender identity requires more of us who have or had relationships back from young crossdressers - and than the surface change of clothing if it where crossdressing is out in the open old queens - as to what fashions fasci is to be attempted successfully. Al can relate to the theme of the piece - nate their crossdressing desires. though she was the "masculine" half of even if the details or the degree of the Rachel Rudnick of our Oklahoma the couple, she instinctively waited for offenses are different. City affiliate, Sooner Diversity, re the doors to be opened for her, fol As the author states at the outset, "I sponded in a letter that was published lowed rather than led the way into the didn't want to hurt anybody. But I sure in the August issue. [Ed. note: See theater, and took the seat before her did. I'd take a little understanding and Rachel's article this issue.] Rachel is a "ladyfriend" was seated. acceptance and steamroll right ahead Generation X-dresser and put forth a In Shelley's own words, ''What as though I'd been given the world on well-formed case for the fashions of to started out as merely a lark took on a a silver platter." And here's a comment day. She said that naturalness and deeper meaning .. . to discover just how that is true completely aside from the comfort in fashion is as sexy for the difficult it can be to attempt to assume relationship angle of the piece. ''When young crossdressers as the fancier and the role of your opposite gender ... is it came to my crossdressing, I had more restrictive fashions are for the not the easy job I admit I thought it blinders on." And how many of us can older crossdressers. In short, she sees would be." identify with that insight? attractiveness in today's fashions that I Sometimes females complain that The author tells the usual tale of find decidedly anti-glamorous. male crossdressers are just "guys in wearing the spouse's clotl1ing- even I also received two responses from dresses" - that they make no effort to when asked not to do so with certain older crossdressers who professed achieve any feminine sensibility to items. And when she wore the forbid their love for the fashions of their match their clothing. Shelley found out den item(s), she didn't take great pains youth. Stella Bamvil of Silver Spring that changing one's gender attitudes to hide the fact - almost daring the Md., said she has a soft spot for the and conditioning can be rather diffi other party to make an issue of it. And form-fitting satin gowns seen in musi cult. She might admit that she was just if things came to a head and the cross cal films of the '30s. Reader Susan S. "a girl in a pair of trousers" not be dressing partner purged her femme of Philadelphia also mentioned the cause she wanted to behave incorrectly possessions, she made sure to lay a '30s as a fashion inspiration. Susan re for her crossdressed role, but rather heavy guilt trip on the other party. called that the stories of J. Edgar because it requires one to think about Sure, it all sounds so easy to analyze Hoover's crossdressing antics reported so many details of behavior, gesture, as an outsider to the relationship. his appearance in a "flapper" outfit - speech, etc., that it is easy to slip up "Take it easy," "Don't push it," we just what one might expect of a CD and remain rooted to the "natural" in might tell this person. But the irony is who grew up in the Roaring 20s. stincts of our born genders. that many of us have a tendency to My own favorite period is the Crossdressed men often stick with keep pushing to the tension point. If "Mod" '60s look of teased hairdos, their masculine sensibilities while we have some level of acceptance, we tight dresses and stiletto heels. dressed. It isn't that we don't want to need to take it to a higher level. "If try to be women. It's just that it's hard they gave me an inch, I took a mile and continued 011 71age 18
9 Renaissance News & Views, Vol. 9, No. 9 Men In Skirts: Fashion Statement? by Angel.a Gardner For many years the territory for The guys posting fashion statements The other day I came across an In skirts, dresses, high heeled shoes and about the desirability of skirts on men ternet newsgroup called alt.fashion. all the other pretty clothes, has been are trying to sneak the concept of men When I started scanning through the female territory. Since men stopped in pretty clothes into our culture postings I was surprised to find a num wearing elaborate lace front shirts and through a back door. Guys, it won't ber of guys making fashion notes. fancy wigs a few centuries back, people work. People will still have a question Some were writing about the standard have not been accustomed to seeing in their mind about why you really male attire that they enjoyed but there men dressed in a frilly manner. There want to wear a skirt. They will assume was one thread (apt name for a discus was a brief resurgence of frilly male at you are gay or bisexual and they \vill sion in a fashion group) that addressed tire in the Swingin' Sixties when the wonder how your wife or girlfriend the issue of men in skirts. The debate British Invasion brought rockers who puts up with it. They can't help them was over why a man shouldn't wear a wore lacy Carnaby Street styles. Girls selves, they're just curious human be skirt if he felt like it, and then it ex in micro minis and white go go boots ings. If you are comfortable wearing panded into what kind of skirt was ap found those guys attractive but for the "pretty" clothes and your friends, propriate. From there it was a short most part women were, and still are, neighbors and associates are tolerant step to some guy posting a message programmed for attraction to men in then go ahead and make your fashion about how, if you are going to wear a certain "masculine" styles. They can't statement. Don't be upset though if skirt, you should get rid of the ugly relate to the man in a dress as a sex ob people have ideas about you that they hair on your legs. Another guy sug ject. He's not wearing what a man is keep to themselves and please, just ad gested that it should be okay for a man "supposed" to wear and he doesn't mit wearing women's clothes make you to wear not only skirts, but stockings, push the right psychological "buttons" fe el good. ' dresses and heels. in his flouncy skirt and pumps. Now all of this is very interesting. I People need to find a reason for a suspect some (if not all) of the skirt ad man to wear clothing usually associ vocates were transvestites who prob ated \vith females. Since the clothing ably post in the transgendered women wear is seen as having sexual newsgroups under their femme names power in our culture, they decide the CLASSIFIEDS and show up in alt.fashion as "dedi man in the dress must be trying to at Classified Ads are $3.00 for 3 lines for 3 months. cated followers of." The guy who sug tract sexual attention. V.'hose sexual at Private, professional counseling for drug, alcohol, tention? It can't be the attention of gested shaving your legs was definitely gambling, sex & food addictions. Insurance accepted. into the sensual aspects of that pastime heterosexual women since they don't M~ ~DOV, CAC 215-744-4m. but rather than admit he was a TV he find the man in the designer dress at Furniture, Appliances, Household goods, Records, said he'd probably only do it full time tractive, so it must be that these fellas Antiques, Toy trains and other goodies - Bought and if women found it attractive. Therein in women's clothes are after men. Af Sold -Beth Marshall: 610-259-4945 -Leave a messa_£ lies the crux of the matter. ter all, everyone knows that a man will Crossdressing blues band forming in the Phila~ia area. Need drummer with a nice frock. For information Clothing in our society and in most run his car off the road if a good pair of call Terri at 215-763-3240 .. legs in a short skirt goes by. cultures throughout time and space, Ladiesgarmentsandlingerieforsale. Reasonable prices. has been closely linked to sex and gen Of course, these assumptions on the Call Terri for details. 215-763-3240 .. der roles. Clothing has been used to part of the uneducated masses are Need a place to dress or store clothing? Call Marilyn, attract the opposite sex, or for that wrong. The men who adopt women's 610-446-0799. matter, the same sex for centuries. clothing IO Renaissance News & Views, Vol. 9, No . 9 world. There is no true or false for you to allows us to best serve the transgender Letters delineate other than that concerning community: dialog. your own sense of identity, and certainly not within the confines of your capacity Dear Angela, to the as editor of our community's voice. This is in response to the article by Sincerely, Kelly Harris concerning hormones (Vol. 9, Michelle A. O'Leary #8 ). Although talking people into not Editor rushing into hormones is one of the Dear Michell e, most frequent tasks I perform in advis Dear Angela, I am sorry anything I have wri tten ing T-people I don't at all agree with the I just received my first issue of News offended you. You are correct, it isn't extent of her restrictions. & Views and was impressed by the extent my job to make true or false statements My question is, if hormones are not of coverage as well as the activity within about individuals. I do, from time to meant to help one grow breasts and the gender community. Nice job! Keep up time, make sweeping general state feminize the body, what are they for? the good world Of course I wouldn't have ments about segments of the transgen Where pray tell do people get off 98ying if bothered to write if that was all I had to der community. I make these state a person is not planning to undergo sur say. Even a members-only type of news ments based on observations obtained gery they shouldn't be taking hormones. letter such as ours will find its way out through my, admittedly fallibl e, senses. This attitude implies the complete deni into the mainstream and be rightfully Again, apologies for any unintended of gration of the person who wishes to be a considered representative of our com fe nse. I did not mean to imply anyone she/male and retain their male organs. munity's views. To this end, I feel your was a "false transsexual. " It's not up to Ms. Harris, the Standards comments regarding the sex lives of The transgender community is full of Care or anyone else, I think, to draw a "true transsexuals" under the headline: of all kinds of people who self identify line between complete commitment to "Italian Tastes Turn TS," as well as your in many ways. Many of them are trying SRS and casual crossdressing and at need to delineate (the diversity) within to eliminate "harmful and needless tempt to discourage anyone who feels our own community, were out of line with gender lines" and many of them are try most comfortable in between. Every our cause and journalistically unprofes ing desperately to conform to a specific, transgendered person is unique. This sional as well. definable gender. By the definitions simple truth is continually missed by the Under all the satin and lace, our cause found in medical texts and works such medical community who sees us as suf is freedom, plain and simple, and I feel as the Benjamin Sta11dards of Carn, fering from a common disorder with a that it's counter productive to draw "transsexual" is a term which applies to common treatment. such lines anywhere. We should be aware people meeting certain criteria. People Each individual is ultimately respon of this more than anyone, and should who don't meet those criteria are not sible for their own lives and their own make a conscious effort to avoid judg officially transsexual. How they self happiness. We should advise people of mental attitudes and statements such identify is up to them and I accept any the consequences of actions they may as yours: "I suspect the girls getting the one on their terms. We don't need a take in attempting to achieve their hap men are mostly transgenderists. True blurring of gender lines, we need mu piness. To help people explore their feel MtF transsexuals wouldn't be caught tual respect for each other as human ings and give accurate information is ap dead using the male equipment they were beings, no matter what our gender. propriate. What we should not try to do born with for sexual activity." I made my sweeping generalization is channel them into some narrow pro To propose that all transsexuals are with the input of several transsexuals I gram with and end goal defined by our celibate until they've undergone surgery have known who had told me they selves or by others. is preposterous. If I have sex, does that avoided sexual relations( before sur Very Truly Yours, make me a "false transsexual?" ... HOG gery) because they would not feel Tracy Ahn WASH! To find such an attitude coming "ri ght" to be using the "wrong" equip President HTGO from the editor of our community's ment. I have met people who have cho Honolulu newsletter scares me, regardless of the sen to maintain their male genitalia and levity of the context. Please consider live full time in the female role and I co ntinued on page 14 what you're saying. You're drawing indi respect their choice. Are they trans vidually repressive lines just like all the I sexual ? I don't know. am more com Ple.1se Note: harmful and needless gender lines we're fortable calling such an individual a The contents of this newsletter are trying to eliminate. As is the case with transgenderist. copyrighted. If you want to reprint an every individual's concept of gender, no I didn't mean to "scare" yo u and I .utide you see here, please contact two transsexuals are the same. No two am happy that you took the time to the editor for permission. Most likel y, we'll say "Yes" hut you clo have to .1sk ever share the same self image. No two write and express your opinion. I hope us first. have had the same past that makes that you will write any time yo u see them unique to themselves and the something that moves you. That's what 11 Renaissance Nerus & Vie1us, Vol. 9, Ao. 9 ------..JoAnn Roberts CyberQueen any of th e 3 peopl e menti-oned above for o [ call s from milita1y sites and U.S . Gov detail s. You better be there! Okay, okay, ernment sites, too. The CyberQueen is so some of you can't be there. l3ut yo u watching you! can still do so mething to help. Write or call yo ur Senators and Representatives J have to toot---- my own horn here. (It's and tell them you support transgender one of the perks of writing your own col inclusion in the ENDA bill. Barring that, umn). The CDS Transgender Resource you can send a tax deductible donation Guide 12 Renaissance News & Views, Vol. 9, No. 9 Miracle Bra isn't resting on their cleav cil straight in just about any length , so age. The company is running a promo take your pick. The hot color for Fall is HOT•BUZZ tion where the public gets to pick the Fire Engine Red and any other red that next Miracle Bra model. Ads are running comes close. Also hot for Fall is the www.cyber-dyne.com/-tprebble/rupauV that show three models in their Miracle jacket dress. This is a wonderful combi index.html>. Bras. You go to a local department store nation piece that usually consists of a and cast your vote. Personally, I like jacket over a tank dress, although some It's Fall and th----e weather is cooling off. Morgan, the model on the far right. times the jacket is actually part of the (At least I hope so. I'm writing this in dress. A jacke t dress makes getting August.) Cool weather allows a lot more Locally, the King---- of Prussia Mall is on dressed really simple. One selection and latitude in what we wear. The Hot Buzz its way to becoming the largest mall in you're ready to go out. Just match shoes for this Fall is leather, at least to the fash America based on retail space. In the and accessories. ion conscious, but every self-respecting process of expanding, mall management crossdresser has al1vays had leather in has added a Nordstroms and a Neiman The hot color for nail polish is Chanel's her closet, including the latest fashion Marcus. So, I'm getting mail order cata Vamp which is almost black. Demand ably high, high-heeled boots. logs from both stores and the prices give for the polish has been so great that one me a nose bleed. Their merchandise is woman offered $100 for a tester bottle. Eyeliner comes---- on strong this season 13 Renaissance News & Views, Vol. 9, No. 9 and their female identity, who titrate have to be that anymore, and I enjoy my their hormone dose to obtain the best of life these days. Estrogen therapy will Letters ... both worlds, breasts and marriage, one gratify the transsexual, and the trans might say. Have to plan to have sex reas vestite may find the experience unre Dear Kelly, signment? That's what's wrong with warding, as stated in the SoC. It is a The HBIGDA Standards of Care are a some of those gender clinics - change good diagnostic tool. "Going on hor pretty good rule book, but not all of us jobs, get feminine to match the MCP mones" is the beginning of a lifetime are playing that game. Specifically, not psychiatrist's image, then get cut, oth habit - not as bad as cigarettes, but everyone intends to have genital surgery, erwise no hormones! about as expensive. I feel that anyone not everyone intends to live as a woman Back to the electrologist's bad advice. who does the requisite electrolysis and 1007. of the time or to change identity to (1) Hormones make face tender. (2) If shows sufficient dedication; let them try female. (1 don't, but as a visible woman I one's beard grows more slowly, that's estrogen a month and see if it helps bet I log more hours in public than most two days one has to walk around un them, but after moat of the electrolysis. hundred per centers do.) shaven till the ha irs are long enough for Marion Kelley Some people do what they must, electrolysis. That sounds like a good rea some do what they can, some wait until son for waiting with the hormones till the Editor's reply, they have discharged certain obliga the beard's gone. What is good about low Mari on and Tracy, tions ... until the old man dies, until the doses of female hormones is that there Hormones have certainly proven to kids are through college, etc. It would be is a tranquilizing effect, and it's prefer- be strong for invoking a response to nice if they could have counseling before able to liquor in some situations. If one is Kelly's column. Certainly, everyone is starting hormones, but if it's a million an over--the-top crossdresser, the hor responsible fo r themselves and their ac dollars, security is important. Electroly mones will tone down the urge and the tions, as both of you pointed out, how sis and hormones are what can be done risk taking; TVs are hormone driven, male ever, as an information source for the without making a public disclosure. hormones. transgendered community it behooves The Standards of Care didn't exist In my experience, (1 am on hormones us to provide the best information we when Virginia Prince or Phyllis Frye and am essentially postoperative) can on all issues related to gender. started, but I know many TGs who are crossdreasing was a lot more fun, Tracy asked what hormones were fo r also happy to have their male genitalia (riskier too) when I was male. But I don't co11tin 11 ed next 7Jage 'Romania's~ Transgraph Enterprises ~ ; ~· t • • .Tilte l!na/i/IJ /!lntje'l,le Wigs & Wig Care Products c "l Boutlque VISA Lingerie from Small to Queen 4X Bras: 32 to 52H 137 MacDade Boulevard Folsom, PA 19033 610.532.4372 (COHTlNENTAL U.S. ONLY) 14 Rl'nnissance Nl'rvs & Views, Vol. 9, No. 9 i r not to grow breasts and fem ini ze the on e who said, "What al:iout Lola l:iy the n11mber of crossdrcssing tunes, I do1i"t boclv. Tl1at is their fun cti on. Th(' prob Kinks, and Laid l:iy James?" know. OoC's n't she have a runny spC' ak IPm is deciding why a perso n wants to Here are a few more for the list. On ing voice? She dresses kind of wi ld , too. reach that goal. l s their attraction to the wishful side, True Colors l:iy Cyndi Kind of li ke a ... well , I won't say it . hormones due to their transvestite fu Lauper (my girlhood idol). Also, Girls eled desires to be more and more per Just Wanna have Fun, (Ed Note: The re Hi Angela, fect as a female so they wi ll be able to make video is full of drag queens.) mayl:ie I know it has l:ieen a while since you "pass?" Is the need to have breasts an that one isn't so wishful after all! heard from me l:iut I just came from the outgrowth of their need to bring their While on the sul:iject of crossdressers Jim Bailey concert at Valley Forge music body into line with their already femi in music videos, I would l:ie remiss if I Fair and I thought you might like a re nine mind? Taking hormones wi ll put didn't point out that California Girls l:iy port. I thought there would l:ie lots of TVs yo ur body through irreversible changes David Lee Roth is loaded with cross there l:iut I seemed to l:ie the only one. and just as smoking cigarettes can in dressers. (It is? Ed.) Anyway, the concert was fal:iulous! crease your risk of getting cancer, hor Now, for the serious additions, that Jim Bailey did Judy Garland and sang mones increase yo ur risk of li ver dam you overlooked. How al:iout Walk On The song after song. The concert lasted age and possibly breast cance r. If you Wild Side l:iy Lou Reed? The lyrics of the al:iout two hours and was worth every l:iit keep your male genitalia your body is a first verse are: of the $20 admieeion. He got three battle ground between testosterone Holly came from Miami, F.L.A. standing ovations. The crowd really loved and the estrogens. There are psycho Hitchhiked her way across the U.S.A. him. People in the front rows asked him logical changes that also need to be Plucked her eyebrows on the way, to remove hie wig, which he sometimes considered. shaved her legs, then he was a she, does, l:iut he declined. (Good for him!) It vVhile it's up to each person to de she said, Hey babe, was a classy act. cide, it's also up to them to be as in take a walk on the wildside. If you use this, would you please send formed as possible and to make a deci Hey honey, me a reprint? I have let my sul:iscription sion based on a well considered analysis take a walk on the wildside. to RN&V lapse l:iecause I got tired of all of their motives. Female hormones Also, another serious addition to this the political stuff. should not be taken to get rid of your list is When You Were Mine l:iy (Gueee Best Regards, beard so you can pass better when you who) Cyndi Lauper (I love her!). A part of Ellen Bueh dress up for a trip to the mall and, they the eong goee: "When you were mine I should never be taken without medical ueed to let you wear all of my clothee." Editor's reply, supervision. Anyway, those are my contril:iutione I'm glad you enjoyed Jim Bailey and to the liet of eonge. In my mind, Cyndi I hope you're happy in your new job as Dear Angela, Lauper takee top honore! (You go girl!)) his publicist. I'm sorry you let your sub First, thanks for the compliment that Keep up the good work Angela! I love the scription lapse because of our political all Angelas are sweet women. name, tool See ya, girlfriend! coverage. It's our job to bring the com I had to write you regarding songs Angle Fox munity all the news that may have an with crossdressing themes. I was glad to impact on them and politics, as odious see that you picked out, as I did, those Angie, as they can be, usually have an impact songs on the list sul:imitted that were ei Thanks for the additional tunes. I on us all . Get another subscription and ther se"1:;/ feminine images, or wishful didn't mention the Lou Reed classic I promise we'll put all the political ar- thinking on crossdreselng themes. I was since it goes without saying it's number ticles in blue ink so you don't S\.. also glad to see that I wasn't the only one on the list. As for Ms. Lauper's read one by accident. 4!1 TELEPHONE (215) 547-9417 Theseus Counseling Services ARI KANE, M.ED. RONALD GOLDSTEIN, PH.D. GENDER SPECIALIST LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST DIPLOMATE, AM. BO. SEXOLOGY EQB NORTHERN EQB~ f:iE'N EtKiJ..AfY.Q IK1.S.IQtJ AfIE.'. 126 WESTERN AVE. 233 HARVARO ST. SUITE 222 SUITE 302 BUCKS MEDICAL CENTER AUGUSTA, ME 04330 BROOKLINE, MA 02146 SUITE 12 207-623-2327 617·277-4360 OFFICE HOURS 1723 WOODBOURNE ROAD BY APPOINTMENT LEVITIOWN, PA 19057 MC/VISA ACCEPTED 15 Renaissance News & Views, Vol. 9, No. 9 to talk about their experi ences with in policy issues surrounding sexuality, fidelity, fetishes, betrayal, celibate such as welfare reform, health care re Talk Show ... marriages (a frequent request last form, gay men and lesbians in the mi li year), and other such issues. Staff al tary, HIV prevention, and sexuality used to think that, too, until I realized ways respond that we can't help them. education. The shows could make a that in one or two segments, no matter I feel strongly that such shows have the commitment to include information how good educators are, we do not potential to harm individuals, and that about and hotline numbers for places have the time or opportunity to get our it is not appropriate or ethical to help that can provide additional informa message across; we are not given a the producers find guests to exploit. tion. They could highlight stories about chance to correct the vast amount of On the other hand, I think it is in adolescents who are making contribu misinformation that has been put cumbent upon us to try to educate the tions to their communities or the forth. Similarly, counselors and thera producers of these shows, who have a larger society. Producers and hosts pists do not have time to address the tremendous opportunity to educate could make a commitment to educat emotional issues that have been raised the American public responsibly about ing themselves about the sexual health and exploited. Five or ten minutes on a sexual issues. They have the skills , re needs and problems of their vi ewers. talk show is not therapy, nor is it ample sources, and talents to help create an Guests could be helped to develop the time to educate the viewing audience improved climate for sexual health. skills needed to engage in consensual, on the issues. \Vhat would happen to To that end, I suggest that the talk nonexploitive, honest, pleasurable, and the shows formats if all sexuality pro shows reevaluate their role in promot responsible relationships. fessionals refused to participate- at ing sexual health and sexuality educa One of our most important rol es as least unless certain conditions were tion in America. I hope that they will sexuality professionals is to assure that met. At minimum, I hope you will as make a commitment to providing in people have the information and ski lls sess whether the topic is important, formation on the many sexuality-re to make responsible sexual choices. whether the coverage will be balanced, lated topics that Americans need and The media arc uniquely situated to as and whether the guests will be ad want to know about: safer sex; HIV sist us in that goal. Let us hope we can equately briefed on the content and prevention; talking with children about help them to do it better. their role on the show. sexuality; maintaining romance and in Reproduced with permission fmm I would also like to ask you to con timacy in long-term relationships; The SIECUS Report, Volume 23, No . sider developing a policy not to refer growing up gay, lesbian, or bisexual; 5, Ju11 e!]uly 1995. © 1995 SIECUS, clients or students to appear as guests sexual abuse; sexuality and aging; the 130 West 42nd St., Suite 350, New on these shows. The STEC US Man1 S. sexuality needs of people with disabili York, NY 10036. Calderone Libran1 regularly receives ties; and so on. They could also pro calls from producers looking for guests vide a forum for debate on the public Transgender Community Should Follow SIECUS Example by ]oAmi Roberts and transsexuals don't create the rat these reasons, we must decline to be I am calling on the transgender ings they want. They're not interested further exploited by tabloid television. community and the professionals who in our issues either. I once suggested The producers of these television serve the transgender community to to a producer of the Maury Pavich shows are cagy. They call not one orga heed Ms. Hafner's request not to refer Show that we do a show on the Gen nization, but several at a time. I can al members of the community to these der Bill of Rights. She never called ways tell when a Ratings Month is ap talk shows. In the late 1980's, it was back. The risk/benefit analys is does not proaching. I get calls from several worth the risk of discovery to go on weigh in our favor anymore. But, per sources all requesting the same catego these shows and let people know there haps even more importantly, we don't ri es of people for the same shows. is a community out here. \ Ve kne\.v the need the talk shows to get our message Therefore, we must make a commu talk shows were exploiting us and we out. In the last fi ve or so years, the nity-wide effort to reject these re exploited them back by insisting on transgender community has made its quests unless the show and the pro having the names and addresses of our presence known through a va ri ety of ducer is willing to seriously discuss the organizations broadcast at the breaks. media. \.Ve get local newspaper cover iss ues of interest to our community, \Ve did a good job back then and lots age in a positive light. Our not their audience. of people found us. community's publications, like Cross It is in our own best interest to fol ow producers want more and Talk and nr-rs Tapestry, are available low the SIECUS example. more bizarre examples of transgender in mainstream bookstores. \Ve're a ma behavior. "Plain vanilla" crossdressers jor presence on the Internet. For all of 16 Renaissance News & Vi ews, Vol. 9, No. 9 co11ti11ued on next page tism and transsexualism are just as rel prophetic, in that he foresaw many of evant and helpful today as they were the current surgical developments and when he first collected his thoughts on possibilities. He also deals meaning BOOK these matters. And thanks to the coop fully with legal issues, issues that still erative efforts of Human Outreach and plague us . Renaissance, we have the opportunity The transsexual autobiographies to read what has been out of print for which are included in the book add NOOK quite a while. significantly to the overall presenta The Transsexual Phenomenon by In an overall sense, Dr. Benjamin tion. Dr. Benjamin discusses and pre Harry Benjamin (paperback 300 captures the fundamental struggle of sents both male to female and female pgs.) New York: The Julian Press, the gender dysphoric, a struggle which to male cases. Several photographs ac Inc., 1966. (Reprinted through the is still relevant, when he company the text. cooperative efforts of The Human says:"Unfortunately, our conventions I highly recommend this book as a Outreach and Achievement Institute and our laws have no understanding, serious, and sympathetic discussion, of of Boston, MA and The Renaissance no tolerance for those in whom nature the major issues and aspects of trans Education Association of King of or life (nature or nurture) have created gendered behavior. Out of this work Prussia, PA). By Lee Etscovitz, Ed.D., a dissonance in their sexuality. Such in and other contributions by Dr. Ben Renaissance National Librarian dividuals are frequently condemned jamin came tl1e establishment of I just finished reading Harry and ostracized. Among them we find guidelines for tl1e treatment of trans Benjamin's The Transsexual Phenom transsexuals (and) transvestites .... " sexualism. The significance of Dr. enon, but I wish I had read it twenty Dr. Benjamin was ass uredly ahead Benjamin's contribution to the field of nine years ago when it was first pub of his time with the publication of this gender dysphoria and its treatment is lished, when I was puzzled and ground-breaking book. He discusses reflected in the gender organization troubled by my own transgendered transsexualism, transvestism, and ho founded in his name, The Harry Ben feelings and behavior.The intervening mosexuality and presents his now fa jamin International Gender Dysphoria years have not dimmed the findings mous classification table sho>ving de Association. and insights of Dr.Benjamin. On the grees of intensity of transgendered A contrary, his descriptions of transves- feeling. The discussion of surgery is (j Ova a decadc;;Qtit?~;:~ ~ oosmeUcs from America Online "In life there are no guarantees, but without trying there are only regrets. " "Let this gg take you from debutante to goddess and beyond." SERVICES Consulting Fhotograpby Wardrobe Specialist Salon a la carte Glamour Application - lllanlcuring. sculpUng. wraps. kapplng tit gels - Pedicure. therapeutic foot ma55age Feminine Comportment - Featuring the 3 minute nail drying system Wig Selection and Maintenance - Full Epllatlon, organic tit conventional Lynda K. Krupa Transformation Expert Phone/Fax 609-384-6269 X6 l 00 [email protected] Call now for your free initial consultation. All inquiries strictly confidential. Supporting Member of Renaissance ~ Tri - E~s ~J~ i ';.:\\ r,~ . • / l®l R • _ "·' ~1.,·c1•euon ,.,,,.• rur<'« t ~ __ --=~ 17 Renaissance News & Views, Vol. 9, No. 9 lated criteria" is incorrect. The ques surg ical phase prior to transsexual surgery. More Bad Blood tions asked pertain to sexual orienta Neither admits sex with another man since tion, not gender. Also, note how the 1977. Last month we printed a letter two terms are used. It is clear the Since several donor medical history from Sarah DePalma about two good doctor does not understand the questions are gender related, we seek guid transsexuals who were turned down difference behveen the hvo terms ance on correct medical history questioning as blood donors because of their (sexual orientation and gender) and your view as related to advisability of transsexuality. Here is another which may explain how this mess these individuals for current and future do report from Sarah on that situation. arose in the first place. nations. During the transition period prior I urge you to contact the FDA and to surgery, which gender related criteria Two transsexuals in Houston, ask some pointed questions. Remem should be chosen (male vs. female) and fol Wendy Allen and Denise Kopp, were ber, doctors are often called to testify lowing transition should the recognition of told they could not donate blood be on all sorts of issues. Would you want the change of sexual orientation then pre cause they were on a "do not accept" the FDA involved in a case related to clude the necessity of the previous gender list. The reasons given for this were: transgenders if they are as ignorant as rela ted questions? 1) Transsexuals were a high risk, this doctor clearly is? The additional questions that arises 2) Transsexuals are homosexual July6, 1995 from this particular event is potential de (Yes, that's what the doctor said!), Food and Drug Administration ferral of persons in the process of or having 3) Transsexuals sleep with same sex Blood Bank Practices Laboratory completed sexual transformation as blood partners and therefore are in the same 1401 Rockville Pike donors. Should some predetermined time be category as gay males. Suite 200 North, HFS 370 assessed prior to eligibility of these donors? One of the people involved in this Rockville, Maryland 20852-1448 If so, what time frame should be assessed? saga has faxed me the letter which I Fax: (301) 594-6431 We seek your guidance and advice from a will provide to you in a moment. The Dear Sir: regulatory perspective. Your help on this is letter is from the Medical Director of I am writing to seek your guidance per sue will be much appreciated. Blood and Transfusion Services for St. taining to donor eligibility. We have been ap Sincerely, Lukes Hospital in Houston. Please proached by two individuals that are very in [Name Withheld]. MD. note where his letter was sent. Anyone terested in donating but give a rather Medical Director wishing to make their feelings known unusual donor history. Both donors are cur Please do contact the FDA at the should contact that address. Also pay rently involved in the process of sexual address listed at the beginning of the close attention to his second para transformation. They are both anatomic letter. That's where the work S\.. graph. His reference to "gender re- males on estrogen therapy who are in a pre- needs to be done. efl ,, l ,,. but the styles we select are probably stretch and wrinkle it as we get older. IS .1. IS ... our personal reflections of those ele We're all familiar with the stereo ments that first attracted us to wo typed image of today's middle-aged ' The obvious theme running through men's clothing. And now I can begin to crossdresser in too-tight, too-short these four viewpoints is that we all appreciate why crossdressers may mini-dresses. But will we also see the have a fondness for the fashions that age ... but their fashions remain fairly middle-aged crossdressers of 2015 were current during our formative consistent throughout their lives. 'Ve're sporting the casual grunge look of years. We may all make concessions to trying to capture the youth and beauty t-shirts and Birkenst~cks? If ':"'e do, S\.. the present day in our fashion choices we grew up admiring - even if we remember you read 1t here first. c!A P K Consulting Associates Patricia Klein, M.S. GENDER ISSUES Sexuality Issue Orientation • Gender Identity with Dr. Lee Etscovitz Partners • Families Individual and Small Group Sessions Reasonable Rates 1013 Brookside Rd Box3624 Allentown, PA 18106 610-821-2955 PO Box 471 •Willow Grove, PA• 19090 Leave A Private Message: (215) 657-1560 18 Renaissance News & Vi ews, Vol. 9, No . 9 Together In Tyra~s illemory C:oalition Press Release Local Activists Come Together In dents should not be neglected, humili Coalition members wi ll meet with Tyra Hunter's Memory. Coalition To ated, degraded or denied prompt emer fire chief Latin on Friday, August 18th. Meet With Fire Chief gency treatment by Emergency Medi The group will discuss the above de Tyrone Michael Hunter, known to cal Services. mands, as well as other issues pertinent fiiends and family as Tyra, was critically The community has come together, to Tyra's alleged mistreatment, an 19 Renaissance News & Vi ews, Vol. 9, No. 9 Kelly's Komer: Thoughts On The TS Hotline By Kelly Marie Harris asked/volunteered to write a monthly Ms. Harris is not a therapist. The column based on the questions and Bow To Find a Mental Health Professional views expressed in her column are concerns that are discussed on the TS her's and not necessarily those of Hotline. I will write every month (or, It would be great if we could go to Renaissance or the South Jersey until burnout sets in again) on some the phone book and look for a special Chapter of Renaissance. thing that you want to see addressed. ist under "gender dysphoria. " We I have been a member of Renais Write me a note c/o the newsletter or can't, so now what? If you don't know sance for a number of years. As with call me on the hotline at 609-641-3782. someone to ask for a referral, you most of you, when my newsletter ar Again, I am not a mental health could call a local support group. Or, rived I would read it from cover to professional. I am not an expert. I am a you could do like I did, sit down with cover. After some months, I became person who has been through the "tun the phone book and start making cold disillusioned because most of the ar nel" and I care! My "job" is to give you calls. Since the possibility of talking ticles were on transvestite concerns some kind of direction to follow. I be with the doctor are slim, you'll have to and TS issues were left out in the cold. lieve in the Standards of Care and I go through the receptionist. most of Now, I'm not the only person that feels believe in following them. I have to the time the receptionist will ask, this way because others had told me laugh when somebody tells me, "Oh, I "\ 11/hy do you want to see the doctor?" the same thing. This has also been know what I want, I don't have to fol At this stage in your tra nsition you are used as an excuse not to join Renais low the Standards." First thing I won most likely too paranoid to say the sance. At the May National Board der about is what is this person trying words out loud, much less to a total meeting I opened my big mouth and to hide? Remember, if you don't suffer stranger. vVhat I suggest is to ask, made mention of this lack of coverage. from gender dysphoria before yo u "Does the doctor work with the gender It was agreed that a transsexual col have a "sex change," yo u will after! dysphoric?" Now, if the person on the umn was needed and I was appointed/ co11ti1wed 011 page 22 Debra's Closet CREATIVE Fashionable Consignments •Also• PSYCHOTHERAPY New Designer Fashions ASSOCIATES Layaways VISA• MasterCard• Discover Card BOARD CERTIFIED SEXOLOGIST & AMEX Accepted Individual, Family, Marital, Divorce & Sexual Counseling 609 Judith D. Dean Ed. D., M. Div., M.S. 486-9636 Suite 110 55 Princeton-Hightsown Rd. Hargrove Plaza Princeton Junction, NJ 08550 2673 Haddonfield Road Pennsuaken, NJ 08110 (609) 275•6556 20 Renaissance News & Vi ews, Vol. 9, No. 9 shave your armpits. Still want to wear a when people look at you carefull y, they nice fe minine dress? Oh, there are all will notice the detail s and that is where Gen-X ... kinds out there. you "pass or fail. " I hope I've given Retro is really in right now. If it some of you younger girls advice on know your limitations. Wander around looks like it's from the Sixties or it getting hip in the 90's. Mind you, for the clothing store; read the catalogs. makes you look vaguely pregnant, it's the older girls, most of this advice is And by that, I mean the catalogs that hot. Georgettes, rompers, sun dresses still valid. It doesn't matter what age show people around your age. Work in or jumpers with Ts (Ts in general are you are. Above all, observe and learn , a customer service fi eld like I do? in right now), and denim. Denim is al wear what is natural for you, and try Look at the people you deal with. No ways cool, and there's a lot to choose and be yourselfl tice the details! For example, see the from . Just be careful about the length Rachel can be reached via Email at sleeveless blouse, matte lipstick, hair and cut if you're above 5'6". Most rr'ranso/amp Pub[ications Eileen Shields Pudleiner proufiy presents 'J(a{ina Isato s Free Consultation • Free Brochure o Tales of A Sexy Vampire, Second Edition Dermatologist Recommended @ The Sexy Vampire Cookbook Each volume is $20 and chock full of makeup A.B.E. Electrolysis and image advice on how to look, act, and fe el your sexy best. Send $2 for more information 40°/o off your first visit about these books and new wig brochure. Discretion assured. Bethlehem, Pa. 610-867-9446 Allentown, Pa. 610-434-1420 Mary Lerario, 2300 Walnut St. #405, Hazleton, Pa. 717-455-4595 Philadelphia, PA 19103 Kunkletown, Pa. 610-381-4758 21 Renaissance News & Views, Vol. 9, No. 9 Coming Events Calendar September October October 14-17 CDS Paradise In The Poconos. 15-22 21st Annual Fantasia Fair (the 31 Henri David's Hallowe'en Ball 4 days/3 night getaway weekend oldest continuous running t in Philadelphia. The largest for crossdressers and partners . event in the world) sponsored Hall owe' en party on the East Call 610-640-9449 for info or by the Outreach Institute for Coast, Call : 215-732-7711 email as I went through the transition and it during yo ur cold call phone search, worked out very well. don't try to get free advice. Just make TS Hotline ... One thing to remember is you prob the appointment and wait until yo u're ably wi ll have other issues to be dealt in the office. The Standards of Care other end of the phone says, "\Vhat's with. Some of these issues may take state it will take between three and six that?" you know this office has no idea precedence over the gender issues! So, months to get a recommendation for how to handle your case. At this point , don't get upset if yo ur doctor doesn't the next step. Don't be in a hurry! unless you want to pay the doctor start talking about you r reassignment What ever you do, don't give up. while you educate him, say "Thanks, in the very beginning. Have faith , they [Ed. 11ote: Renaissance News ran Smvival Guide, the only regularly but no thanks." I found a doctor who haven't forgotten why you're there. f eatured column by a tra11ssexual, had not worked with any gender dys Don't go running off looking for some from mid-1989 to late 1991.] phoric patients and admitted as much. one else that wi ll only talk gender is He was willing to work \.vith me though sues. If you do get to talk to the doctor You haV( hrnrd PERMANENT Are You A PROFESSIONAL or thE ~ing or Transsexual But llluEs and thE HAIR Quern or thE REMOVAL Don't Know OluEs. Now you must ... because this Where To Find hrnr Tmi, thE unwanted problem Information? Drag QuEm or could unnecessarily thE Olues. last forever Available for bookings in your arm. JOAN BENCAN Call Latest CO, "Mamma Don't 'low.' ELECTROLYSIS (all Z1S-763-3Z40, or write 609-641-3782 Tmi Arnaldi, ZS3Q W. (ECil 0. Moore 408 New Rd . (Rt. 9), Northfield AV(., Philaddphia, PA 1Q1Z1 609-645-8618 TS Hotline FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION 22 Renaissance News & Views, Vol. 9, No. 9 TS MmAOl! Menaces NOW Convention 13Y ft1Kl W 1lCH1NS was Ms . Ellie Smeal, past-president of National's Membership Committee A horde (a pride, a covey?) of NOW! Out of about 700 attendees, wrote us a note saying she considered gendertrash activists and friends de your GenderGang signed up almost this an important issue and requesting scended upon the unsuspecting NOW half, giving up only when it was clear an info packet to be mailed to all 50 National Conference (July 21-23) to that introduction was inevitable. They state NO\V chapters for discussion and be visible, educate, run around in then concentrated on collecting signa education. And Ms. Smeal, accompa black Menace t-shirts, make friendly tures for a resolution introduced by the nied by the current president's noises & friendly faces, and ask the Lesbian Rights Task Force, which righthand, stopped by the NJ-NOW National Conference to pass the NJ called for depathologizing Gender fo lks to promise to shepherd the reso NOW State Conference resolution Identity Disorder and the right to lution through the September board recognizing the rights and needs of medical care on-demand for all people meeting. transgender and transexual people (re to achieve and maintain their own ex On the last day, a march was held printed below). Present were folks as pression of gendered identity. from the conference center to the sociated with ICTLEP, IFGE, da' Expecting controversy, NOW staff Ohio State Capital Building. In the Menace and organizations from over 8 ers scheduled the NJ transgender reso parade, near the front, was the trans cities across the US. Included were lo lution last. It never materialized. The gender contingent. They entered the cal Ohio gender activists from Akron resolution would have passed without square early and mounted the steps and Columbus who showed up to sup dissent by conference acclimation, ex facing the Capital Building, so as port the action and work their attrac cept for 2 delegates (that's not a mis marchers entered they saw 12 trans tively cross-dressed rear-ends off1 print: only 2!) who demanded debate. gender activists and friends, most in 250 signatures (later amended to Unfortunately, the Conference never black Menace t-shirts, standing in line 150) needed to be collected for the got beyond debating the first few reso behind a 3-foot long "Transgendered resolution to be introduced on the lutions before ending Sunday after and Proud and We Vote" banner with Conference floor. It is worth noting noon: the remainder were tabled to their right fists in the air. You could that one of the earliest signatories (col the National Board for a vote when have heard the cheers all the way to lected by M-to-M Tonye Hawk who they meet in session in September. Cincinnati. arrived a full day early to do set-up) In addition, the head of Now TransActions In Action by Jessica Brandon the gay and lesbian community, the the chance to interface and share opin On the afternoon of Wednesday, overall meaning of the term "transgen ions with other members of this won July 19th, I had an opportunity to at der," gender expression, and the lack derful collective of human beings who tend a meeting ofTransActions, a new of laws that would help trans gendered make up the transgendered commu group whose goal is to address the is people. nity. These were people who fight,and sues of the transgendered community There was one other topic covered fight hard for the sort of rights "nor in the Philadelphia area. The organi which stirred a great deal of interest - mal" people take for granted and it was zation is led by Maggie Heineman of a local event to recognize and cel an honor to have been among them. The Fight The Right Network and ebrate the transgendered community. If you are interested in attending a Mecale Little of ActionAIDS. The Ideas were bandied about regarding meeting ofTransActions contact group included representatives from this event, though it's still in its in Mecale Little at 215-981-3351. Meet every segment of the community, in fancy. One possibilty was to hold the ing are held at the Action AIDS office cluding yours truly representing Re event during the Labor Day weekend 1216 Arch Street, 4th floor, Philadel naissance. in a public venue, even though, as one phia. Or send Email to Ben Singer at Topics discussed at the meeting in attendee pointed out, Labor Day < bensinge@gandalf. rutgers. edu >. cluded the controversy surrounding weekend is when Wigstock happens in Postscr-ipt the Human Ri ghts Campaign Fund, New York City, thus posing a possibl e TransActions held a picnic on Labor the importance of unity among all scheduling problem. Day at Judy Garland Park in Philadel transgendered people in order to I found the meeting to be an ex phia. Attendees listened to several ~ avoid the sort of divisions that exist in tremely educational experience as I got transgender speakers e 23 Renaissance News & Views, Vol. 9, No. 9 and tnmsgenders around the country Another HRCF Protest Planned are utterly committed to this struggle. We understand that gays and lesbians It's Time, Texas! (ITI), in associa the nation. Protests have already taken generally are not aware of what their tion with Transsexual Menace, an place in New York City, Atlanta, Hous political organizations are doing. Our nounced today that it has begun plan ton, and Philadelphia. mai l, and personal comments made to ning for a protest to be held at th e The goal of the Dall as protest, ac us, bear this out. Our goal is to make Dallas/Ft. Worth black ti e event on cording to Ms . DePalma, is to show the the HRCF understand that if they con Nov. 4, 1995 by the Human Rights HRCF everything is bigger in Texas, in tinue on their current course they \\·ill Campaign Fund (HRCF). "Not only do cluding the ability to organize and stage become generals without an army." we plan to participate in this nation effective protests . "\Ve staged an effec This Just In: wide protest against the HRCF, but we tive protest in Austin when the Lesbian As we neared press time an email plan to hold the largest protest the Gay Rights Lobby excluded us frorn dispatch from Ms. DePalma in formed HRCF has encountered,"said Sarah hate crimes legislation. I expect this will us that she, Phyllis Frye, Karen Kerin, DePalma, chair of It's Time, Texas! be many times larger and much more Jessica Xavier, Tere Fredrickson, and This protest stems from actions organi1.ed," she said. "We are making Elizabeth Birch of the HRCF partici taken by the HRCF to exclude arrangements for car caravans from pated in a conference call. As a result of transgenders from the Employment Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Fort that conversation, the HRCF has of Non Discrimination Act (ENDA). Af Worth. Add this to our numbers in Dal fered to fly all of the above (plus Riki ter a year long effort by transgender po las and our presence should be consid vVilchins) to Washington, D .C., on the litical organizations to produce a trans erable." weekend of September 16 in prepara gender inclusive bill, the HRCF Transgenders point out their exclu tion for a second meeting with trans succeeded in having transgenders re sion by the HRCF: gender rights leaders, the HRCF, and moved from the legislation. 1. Violates the spirit of the 1969 re Senator Jefford of Vermont, who is the The actions of the HRCF follow the bellion at Stonewall where transgen sponsor of the transgender inclusive same pattern seen a year earlier when dered individuals fu lly participated in version of ENDA. The purpose of the Chai Feldblum, the drafter of ENDA, the beginning of the inclusive gay/les second meeting is to discuss transgen acknowledged that transgenders were bian/bisexual rights movement. der inclusion in ENDA 1996 and the purposely omitted because the HRCF 2. Violates the first demand of the best strategies for accomplishing that felt inclusion might cost them twenty Platform of the 1993 March on Wash goal. This meeting is expected to take votes. Transgender groups retaliated by ington which specifically demands pas place October 2 and 3 during National securing twenty votes from legislators sage of a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Lobby Days. who agreed not to vote for ENDA un Transgender civil rights bill. This does not mean planned protests less transgenders were included. 3. Violates the unanimously passed have been called off. On the contrary, In this most recent incident, the resolution of the Board of Directors of the future success of these talks may HRCF knew transgender inclusive lan the National Lesbian and Gay Law As well hinge on maintaining the pressure guage had been drafted in the autumn sociation (NLGLA) in January of 1995 on the HRCF. Transgender activists of 1994 in response to a request from which, "strongly urges members of caution local protest planners to be the ranking Republican Senator on the congress to include the transgendered wary of local HRCF representatives Senate Labor and Human Resources in the ENDA and any successor or who may not be aware the national Committee, Jim Jeffords. amended bills." (NLGLA is the only HRCF is talking with us. According to Reg Jones, "The gay legal association affiliated with the National Transgender Lobby Days HRCF approached me in my capacity American Bar Association.) now become even more vital. The as an aide to Senator Jeffords to intro The three transgender political orga HRCF has offered to provide training duce ENDA in the same format as last nizations issued three demands to the on how to lobby a legislator. They may year's bill that did not address transgen HRCF. well form an opinion of the political der concerns, and the HRCF rejected 1. The HRCF must immediately strength of the transgender community any amendment to include cease their opposition to transgender by the actual number of people we can transgenders." The HRCF later asked inclusion in ENDA. turn out for an event of this type. If Reg Jones to recant his statement 2. The HRCF issue a press release there is any way possible for you to par which he refused to do. stating they would immediately be ticipate in lobby days, please know that In response to this blatant discrimi come transgender inclusive. you are needed and welcome. Contact nation, It's Time, America!, Trans 3. The HRCF issue a statement rec Sarah DePalma, Phyllis Frye or Riki sexual Menace, and Transgender Na ognizing transgender inclusion in the Anne Wilchins if you would like to lend tion agreed to join forces and stage Queer rights movement. your support. informational protests and pickets at Ms. DePalma went out of her way to HRCF fund raising events throughout make this point clear, "It's Time, Texas, 24 Renaissance News & Views, Vo l. 9, No. 9 Barbara A. Susinno R.N. CPE. Jessica Lynn Porter CPE. Main Street Electrology Members and Supporters of Renaissance Gold Disposable Probes Open Tues thru Sunday (908)341 7524 Day & Eves appointments - a....----.1 Multi-Pin Galvanic and the Blend 802 Main St# 4/A Toms River, N.J. Mon. -Thur. - Fri.: 9:00 to 9:00 •Tue. - Wed. - Sat.: 9:00 to 5:30 215-788-2857 Headquarters for Extra Wide Widths and Hard to Fit Sizes Private Fitting If Desired Morty & Marlene Silverstein 308 Mill Street Neil & Cheryl Gervon Bristol, PA 19007 For that one of a kind dress, for the once in a while woman ... Sewing by The Occasional Woman Large Selection custom creationsecostumesealterations Rene of Paris, Henry Margu, Eva Gabor and more. Call for appointment LoRRAINE ANDERSON 610•352•0248 (610) 446-0799 25 Renaissance News & Views, Vol. 9, No. 9 Send your questions to "Ask The Dermatologist" c/o Ask The Dermatologist Renaissance Newl- Views. Dear Dermatologist, stead of up through the course of the Hair is indeed dead, but it need not I have lots and lots of ugly body hair. hair follicle. The body treats an ingrown be li fe less! Hair is made of the protein , If I want to go out in the summer months hair as it would any other foreign mate keratin, just as are the top layer of the I have to shave everything in order to rial - such as a splinter. Bacteria get in epidermis and the nails. A hair may wear cute, and cool summer fashions. volved, and the body mounts an inflam look like a single entity, but it is really Sometimes, like for a convention, when I matory response. If you can see the hair composed of parallel strands of keratin am going to dress for a few days in a row close to the surface, you can sterilize a linked together by Sulfur-Sulfur (disul I will pluck my chest hair so that I don't needle and tease it out, much as you fide) bonds. "Permanent waves" work have to shave and my chest looks fine would a splinter. An antibiotic liquid or by breaking some of those bonds, pro without having to uee beard cover gel can be had on prescription from ducing a wave. A second solution, makeup. Problem ie, every time I pluck my your dermatologist. The best two are which restores some of the bonds, locks cheat I get at least one ingrown hair. It Erythromycin and Cleocin. I prefer in the wave. Straighteners work by mas caueee a red, raieed thing that I think these to ointments, because ointments sively destroying the bonds under high you doctors call a leeion. I don't want to tend to block pores. If you cannot see pH. Similarly, adjusting the pH with a dig into it so I usually let it stay there the hair, I would simply apply the anti shampoo can add body to hair. So can and try to dreee around it if it ie visible. biotic. Some hairs will grow out on their conditioners, which again work very How can I, 1: Stop them from becoming m.vn. If they do not, a dermatologist will lightly on the disulfide bonds. In choos ingrown? 2. Get the hair out without have to remove them. ing a shampoo, it is important to avoid damaging myeelf and causing a ecar? those with a high concentration of de Angry Red in Austin Dear Dermatologist, tergents, which can make the hair I have heard that all of the shampoo brittle and lead to split ends. One of the Dear Red, advertising that talke about healthy, better conditioners, vvhich can be used If you are plucking a luxuriant ehiny hair ie a lie. I keep my own hair long with almost any shampoo, is Loni! con growth of hair on the chest, and getting and in the paet I have ueed all of the spe ditioner. If you choose a gentle, condi only a few ingrown hairs, your tech cial ehampooe and conditioners that tioning shampoo, and follow it with a nique is pretty good! If you pluck the coat eo much. I recently eaw a talk ehow conditioner, you should have every hair straight out in the direction of the where 'an expert hair pereon said that girl's dream of luxuriant hair. While hair follicle, you should not get many hair ie dead! le thie true? If it ie dead, hair is biologically dead, it is chemically ingrown hairs. Twisting motions may does anything you put on it help? quite alive. With care, you can enjoy damage the shaft, and cause the new Confused Coiffure better beauty through chemistry. ' growing hair to grow into the skin in- Proposed Anti-Discrimination Bill Includes TGs Baltimore, MD - Free State J us resulting in an agreement to work to discrimination suffered by transgen tice Campaign (Maryland's state..... ride gether on a common bill. Both groups dered individuals at the same time," gay and lesbian civil rights organiza recognize the importance of working commented Bob Healy of FSJC. tion) and It's Time Maryland in harmony with each other toward a Acts of discrimination committed (Maryland's first transgendered politi common goal; passage of the Anti-Dis against gay males, lesbians, transgen cal action group) have agreed to work crimination Bill of 1996. dered persons and bisexuals are similar together for the passage of a single bill 'We have an agreement that af in nature and are often perpetrated by that would amend the Maryland State fords an opportunity to effectively pro the same persons. Inclusion of protec Human Rights Code to prohibit dis tect the transgendered citizens of tion for transgendered persons in crimination based on sexual orienta Maryland against discrimination. It's FSJC's bill has been endorsed by sev tion and gender identity. been a rocky road, and now the real eral organizations, including the Mary For the past nine months, both work begins," said Jessica Xavier of It's land Lesbian and Gay Law Association groups have been discussing ways to Time Maryland. and the Interfaith Justice Coalition. work together. Heated discussions at 'With this agreement, FSJC can FSJC meetings were followed by edu concentrate on furthering its goal to cational and private lobbying efforts, eliminate discrimination based on which led to a round of negotiations, sexual orientation and help eliminate 26