Does Laser Electrolysis Work?

AEGIS NEW Does Laser Electrolysis Work?

Is it possible for coherent (laser) light to kill hair? Certainly. Has anyone yet devised a laser treatment system which kills hair permanently and safely? Perhaps. Has anyone demonstrated permanent hair loss with laser electrolysis. Not yet, at least not to our knowledge.

air. For so many of us, we Electrolysis is a proven way to hot tub right after treatment, and have it where we don't kill hair. It is the only proven way my skin felt so smooth!" "It's H want it, and want it where to kill hair. Even so, it is slow, been three weeks, and I have only we don't have it. We are deluged expensive, and worst of all, a light regrowth." "I still shave with promises of products and pro- painful. Improperly done, it can every day, but the hair is lighter cedures to grow, condition, color, damage the skin. And it is not than before." The problem, of and remove hair. Some of them 100% effective. Each hair requires course, is that however opti- work; some of them don't. The multiple treatments, depending mistic those treated may be trick: find the right product. Find on the skill of the operator. An about the permanency of their the right procedure. inexperienced or inefficient elec- hair loss, it's too soon to tell Humans are famous for fran- trologist may not even kill any how much hair will come back. tic and unproductive searches for, hairs at all. Yet for all its limita- To date, no study has conclusively among other things, the perfect tions, electrolysis works. Hair is (or even inconclusively) shown aphrodisiac, a tonic to grow hair removed, and it does not grow that hair loss from laser treatment on bald pates, the "gay gene." The back (or rather, it does grow back, is permanent or safe. more desperate we are, the more but as the downy vellus hairs that Laser light certainly has the readily we will accept charlatans, women and children have on their potential for killing hair; the prob- frauds, and quacks — and the faces). lem is the delivery system. The more so if they themselves believe Is it possible for coherent light must be directed to the hair in their particular brand of snake (laser) light to kill hair? Cer- root, where it will zap the root. oil. tainly. Has anyone yet devised a There are a number of recently- Getting rid of facial hair is laser treatment system which kills developed techniques for reaching of crucial importance to transexu- hair permanently and safely? the root, including Thermolase's al and transgendered women. And Perhaps. Has anyone demonstrated technique of coating the skin with it's easy to do. We can shave it, permanent hair loss with laser carbon powder. One or more of wax it, pluck it, cover it with Pan electrolysis? Not yet, at least not these techniques may even work. Stik, or pluck it with tweezer — to our knowledge. But that's still to be seen. and now we can have it zapped The newsletters of the trans- Certainly, someone will with a laser. The problem with gender community have been eventually develop an effective these methods is that they are all full of late with accounts of pos- and safe delivery system for temporary. Eventually, the hair itive experiences with laser elec- laser light. Until then, we coun- comes back. trolysis. "I was able to get in the sel: think electrolysis.

AEGIS News 8/97 Page 1 Hair Removal Choices: Laser or Electrolysis Originally published in Rosebuds (News- letter of the Tiffany Club of New England), Vol. 8, No. 10, November, 1996 by Linda DeFruscio, R.E, R.I., PM.E.

There is little or no data yet avail- ments, and skin resurfacing, which is the 1r Dermatologists able on laser hair removal showing the machine's main purpose. Palomar's laser MDs result of permanent hair removal. work is based on research at Wellman Electrologists As you may or may not know, I am a Laboratories of Photomedicine Laser or Cosmetologists board member of the Massachusetts Center at Boston's Massachusetts General ar Other medical professionals Association of Electrologists. I try hard Hospital, led by Dr. R. Rox Anderson, to get first-hand information to share Dermatologist and Director. A four-year question the validity of these with you. study, which began in 1959, is being con- risky experiments and convention come- We are looking for that "miracle ducted by Anderson. ons, especially since it has been made laser" to permanently remove all our clear by the FDA or the manufacturers unwanted hairs. When laser light hits 3) ALA: A third technique of laser hair into whose hands these devices should be human tissue, it produces heat, similar to removal is with ALA cream and red light. delivered and whether the long-term our own thermolysis method of electrol- Not much is known about this technique, safety issues have been appropriately ysis. Where a laser produces heat depends except that the pharmaceutical company addressed. solely on which tissue absorbs its particu- that makes the ALA cream is DUSA. In comparing electrolysis to lasers, lar light. each electrolysis treatment removes about There are three techniques for Laser treatments performed on a 2" one-third of the treated hairs permanent- light-induced hair removal: x 4" area of a man's back takes approxi- ly. The remaining two-thirds of hair, mately five minutes, as Anderson report- which could be undergrowth, may return 1) Thermolase: Hairs are waxed, then car- ed at the last MAE meeting in finer and softer approximately four to bon-based lotion is massaged into the hair September, 1996 in Boston. A whole six weeks later. follicle and the lotion is preferentially back could take up to one-and-one-half There are three states of hair absorbed by the hair follicle and the laser hours. The laser company's information growth: anagen (growing stage), catagen light is absorbed by the lotion, thus pre- cites that laser hair removal of mustache (transitional stage), and telogen (resting sumably killing the hair follicle. This hair on a woman could take 10 minutes, stage). All the hairs on the body are in year, Thermolase, Inc. began laser hair whole legs could be done in 60-90 min- three stages of growth. If we properly removal services at Spa Thira in La Jolla, utes, and the area will be hair-free in six treat an anagen hair, that hair is 80-100 California. This salon represents the first months. percent permanently gone. Lithe hair is of a series of company-owned and operated About three months after a single in the catagen or telogen state it is 50-60 day spas which offer hair removal and oth- treatment, 10-20 percent of the man's percent permanently gone. The lower er beauty services. Thermolase is the only back had permanent hair loss. After two percentage is due to another hair that laser device with the U.S. Food and Drug treatments, the figure rose to only 40 per- could be growing beneath the hair root. Administration's permission to market cent. So there appears to be a one-in-six As the new hair rises to the skin surface, and therefore may be used on the public. chance of getting permanent hair loss in by continuing treatments, the electrolo- Thermolase is presently contracting only one treatment. No single laser hair gists has a higher success rate of perma- medical doctors. removal treatment, it seems, is yet avail- nent hair removal. able for permanent removal. As the research still continues, this 2) Epilaser: Epilaser was developed by There are several side effects of is what we have so far: With laser hair Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc., laser hair removal: removal, only 20 percent of treated hair which is setting up sites around the U.S. will be permanently removed on the first and Canada. It consists of a normal mode 411- Occasional blisters treatment. Subsequent treatment will ruby laser with a special handpiece deliv- Hypopigmentation (skin lightening) remove only another 20 percent. ery system. Epilaser doesn't require prior fa- Permanent freckle removal Needle electrolysis is here to stay waxing or application of a lotion. ar Swelling and will always have a place. On the other Shaving is preferred before the laser or Moderate pain hand, lasers are not the ideal solution for treatment. Recently, the FDA denied Hyperpigmentation (skin darkening) every problem. Devices and hair removal Palomar's Epilaser permission to market Folliculitis (ingrown hairs) systems have to be carefully designed for the device as a hair-removal system. 4r Redness specific applications. Laser epilation However, the FDA approved the compa- will likely evolve as another modality ny's new laser for fixing skin discol- So, who will do hair removal with the for both permanent and temporary hair oration, tattoo removal, spider vein treat- Softlight system? removal.

Page 2 AEGIS News 8/97 This article originally appeared in Elec- Laser: The Horror Stories Begin trology World, November/December, 1996 by Teresa E. Petricca, CPE

A lot of pressure is being exerted on Dr. Brian Hoff stated that "physi- cannot imagine the "horror stories" that the electrology profession: pressure from cians are seeing more and more compli- could result from the use of laser by hair the laser manufacturers and by those who cations as more and more procedures are removal by electrologists — especially are disregarding the basic tenants of our being performed. There is a minor epi- when doctors with more than basic medi- profession because of vested interests. The demic of this result where the lower lids cal training are producing plenty of American Electrology Association is get turned out. Laser is a very powerful their own. committed to the science of permanent technology. I'm just concerned it may not Long-term effects must be consid- hair removal. Our bylaws state this fact be better, safer, faster in all instances. ered. Laser resurfacing has been practiced succinctly. There may be just a little too much mar- for three years and the horror stories are On October 3, 1996, CBS featured a keting pressure coming from the laser just beginning. We are beginning to hear segment on "48 Hours" on laser cosmetic companies themselves." The Florida of complications from spas that have been surgery. The program featured several patient felt that "if it's the latest . thing, performing laser hair removal. Given disastrous results of the CO 2 UltraPulse it's got to be good." Dr. Hoff warns, "If more time, I'm sure there will be docu- Laser Resurfacing procedures. it's the latest thing, you've got to be care- mentation of the unexpected ramifica- Dr. Michael D. Rabkin, a ful." He further stated, "The popular tions of these procedures. California physician, has been using perception is that it is a magic bullet. It The following is an excerpt from a laser for cosmetic surgery for two years. is real surgery with real risks just like July 10, 1996 ruling by the New Jersey He offers a one-day course to physicians any other surgery that uses a scalpel State Board of Medical Examiners: on laser techniques which is representa- instead of a laser." tive of the extent of the training being Another woman was diagnosed with ThermoLase Laser Based Hair offered in the field. The course features "penetrating laser burns" on the cornea of Removal Process practice with the actual laser device on one eye. "My cornea had been completely "vegetable" patients. Mostly tomatoes and obliterated by the laser... thirteen holes." In the Fall of 1995, the Board was eggplants. Insurance is a problem as well. "If you approached by a representative of the "48 Hours" reporter Roberta have an accidental complication related above-referenced corporation seeking Baskin noted "Advertisements and head- to a plastics procedure of any type, you are approval for a duly licensed nurse to lines promise seemingly magical solu- not covered," she told the reporter. be delegated the administration of tions to age-old problems. Choosing the One gentleman, following laser this laser based hair removal process. right doctor might be a challenge. resurfacing, found himself home and suf- The company is also seeking an inter- Anyone can get a certificate of training." fering bouts of nausea which resulted in pretation of the term "electromag- Physicians, at desk registration prior to some rather violent vomiting. This netic rays" as used in N.J.S.A. 45-9- Dr. Rabkin's course, automatically apparently resulted in the rupturing of a 22.1 to include lasers. The Executive received a certificate of attendance, suit- blood vessel behind the eye, ultimately Committee has interpreted this pro- able for framing. "Just how much train- resulting in blindness. His case is in liti- cedure to be invasive and thus requiring is needed is left up to the [individu- gation, so all of the circumstances sur- ing the services of a licensed physician. al] doctor. No medical board is monitor- rounding the case are not known. The Following the Executive Committee's ing the practice of cosmetic laser surgery, common theme in all of the cases show- initial review of the matter, Dr. so any doctor can become a laser special- cased in the "48 Hours" program was the Co/burn was assigned to meet with ist. Eye surgeons, plastic surgeons, derma- compromising of the patients' eyes. representatives of the corporation tologists can all count on a booming Viewing this program only rein- and their attorneys and consultants to market." forced my very strong concerns regarding review the literature concerning the A woman in Florida who had the the use of the laser for hair removal. I am equipment used, the procedure, and laser resurfacing done on her entire face extremely disturbed by the pressure being its safety. Dr. Colburn has also done reported, "My face is so taut and so sore exerted on electrologists to embrace this extensive research on this matter and and I sometimes just have to cry..." Aside unproven technology. I shudder to think it has also been given to Board mem- from very slow and questionable healing of the same category of complications bers Perry and Rothenberg for their of the treated skin, the process caused her that could arise from the use of the laser review. A significant portion of the lower eyelids to curl outward and droop. for hair removal. It is too powerful and material was received reviewed by This is requiring ongoing treatment and I00 risky. the Board for its consideration. The will ultimately result in complete The AEA is seeking regulation of Executive Committee again reviewed reconstruction of the lids. electrologists in 19 unlicensed states. I this matter on June 26 and interpret-

AEGIS News 8/97 Page 3 ed this process as an invasive proce- This infomercial approach encour- not necessarily so. dure that would not permit delega- ages the uninformed to become involved Laser manufacturers will continue tion to another health care profession- in an unproven, risk-laden venture into to seek FDA clearance for their hair al holding a limited license such as a temporary hair removal — and, at great removal devices. Some may be cleared nurse. Dr. Co/burn gave an explana- financial and professional cost. (ThermoLase) and some may be specifi- tion of the process. To have the "laser people them- cally denied (Palomar). This jockeying The Board, upon motion made and selves" demonstrating their equipment is for a piece of the $1 billion hair seconded, voted that based upon the equal to an Association endorsement of removal market will be part of our pro- definitions of electromagnetic waves their product. What has happened to their fessional existence from now on. The and lasers as found in Dorland's profession? Has everyone lost sight of important thing to keep in mind is that Illustrated Medical Dictionary, the reality? What happened to our commit- regardless of the rarefied atmosphere Board interprets the term "electro- ment to permanent hair removal, profes- through which lasers are publicly magnetic rays," as used in J.S.S.A. 45- sional education and safety practices? We viewed, needle electrology is still singu- 9-22.1 as electromagnetic waves to are professionals, not speculators on "the larly unique in its permanency. not include lasers. latest and greatest" just because someone Aside from the issue of permanent The Board discussed adding a proclaims this new professional duty to versus temporary hair removal, I am per- statement to Board regulations in check out everything. But, we must sonally counting on the FDA to protect J.J.A.C. 13.35.6.14(c) to the effect embrace only those new ideas which have the public safety by recognizing the enor- that the use of any type of laser may merit beyond question and results which mous potential danger to the public of not be performed by health care have been proven and cleared by the FDA the continued and, in my opinion, providers other than licensed physi- for safety and efficacy. frivolous, implementation of laser cians, as it would constitute the Dr. Robert Richards, Canada, and devices for hair removal. It is my hope practice of medicine. This matter Dr. James Schuster, WI, via a phone call to that the FDA will continue to recognize will be discussed by the executive me, are in agreement that scanning laser this through their clearance denials for committee to draft a revision to the light has incredible potential for devas- laser hair removal devices. regulation. tating surrounding tissue. Every doctor with whom I have spoken who is not Conclusion My compliments to the New Jersey financially involved with a laser manu- Board. I believe that more and more leg- facturer all share their and Dr. Hoff s Unless and until there are defini- islatively-based action like the above concerns. They also all agree: lasers do not tive studies determining that safe, perma- will begin to surface, disabusing elec- perform permanent hair removal. I don't nent hair removal results are achieved trologists of the notion that utilizing look forward to seeing laser hair removal through the use of laser devices, we must laser equipment may be in their future. horror stories featured in some future TV not respond to scare tactics insisting that And, appropriately so! Not only is the use news magazine show. eleccrology as we know it is a thing of the of laser equipment proving dangerous In many medical fields, in the past and that if we don't jump on board (even in the hands of the supposedly edu- hands of well-trained professionals with that beam of light, we are out of business. cated) but electrologists, by definition, extremely precise skills, laser devices Reacting to premedicated fear tac- practice permanent hair removal. At this have proven to perform in an exemplary tics causes one to move too quickly and time, laser-based hair removal is not per- fashion. Public response to anything with less than appropriate care. Our reac- manent. To my mind, the story begins and laser, therefore, is one of great respect. I tion to "laser fear" must be one of deliber- ends right there. am very concerned that the interpretation ate caution. Stand firm in the often quoted I am chagrined at the behavior of by the public and by some electrology statement, "Electrology is the only method those who seek to feed on the fears of professionals is that laser used for any- of permanent hair removal." It still is. the electrology community because of thing must be, by definition, a major step Even after all the fanfare, slight-of-hand, vested interests. In my opinion, assist- forward. I must strongly say that this is and proclamations, it still is. ing the laser hair removal manufacturers by extolling laser in electrology Dr. Robert Richards, Canada, and Dr. James Schuster, WI, via a association promotional literatures: "It really Works! Protect your income! phone call to me, are in agreement that scanning laser light has Laser for hair removal are here! How incredible potential for devastating surrounding tissue. Every doc- will they impact on your practice? Can tor with whom I have spoken who is not financially involved with you use the Laser? Join with us to find out, to learn some of the answers, to see a laser manufacturer all share their and Dr. Hoff's concerns. where you can participate in this situa- They also all agree: Lasers do not perform permanent hair tion, from the laser people themselves" removal. I don't look forward to seeing laser hair removal horror is contrary to our professional posi- tion. stories featured in some future TV news magazine show.

Page 4 AEGIS News 8/9 7 How Not to Get Rid of Unwanted Hair Some Precautions In some of the Scandinavian coun- on the skin in hopes that the powder will tries, the irradiation method of hair reach the hair root. However, by all Electrolysis removal is still practiced. The affected accounts, the hair root is tightly sheathed, area is bombarded with ionizing radia- so the powder cannot reach it. tion (you know, the same sort of emissions Lasers selectively heat dark objects, so Be sure the electrologist uses given off by radium). After a period, there especially for individuals with light skin presterilized, disposable probes is no more embarrassing hair problem. and dark hair, there is potential for perma- and wears new disposable latex Everyone who hasn't been hiding nent hair removal by laser. As of this writ- gloves. Use a reputable practition- under a rock since 1945 knows that there ing, it remains just that: a possibility. are serious and often fatal short- and long- Hair loss by existing laser techniques is er, since bad technique can result term consequences of exposure to radia- likely to be temporary, and the number of in hair regrowth or scarring. tion. Most of us would not think of using unskilled and under-trained practitioners Currently, 31 states license elec- radiation to remove unwanted hair. (many of whom are physicians) make it a trologists. The International Guild Whatever could those (usually sensible) dangerous gamble. Scandinavians be thinking? Plucking and waxing remove hair by of Electrologists, Inc. (800-830- In 1990, two surgeons from The pulling out the roots. The hair then grows 3247) can provide referrals. Avoid Netherlands published a paper in the med- back, often with distorted roots which make home-electrolysis devices:, their ical journal Plastic and Reconstructive later treatment by electrolysis very diffi- improper use can cause burning, Surgery, describing the results in 40 cult. There is anecdotal evidence that after patients of facial hair removal by surgical repeated plucking hairs grow in finer and infections, or scarring. means. Incisions were made and hair roots lighter. No one has conclusively demon- were scraped off with a scalpel from strated this, and electrologists warn against Laser underneath. The scars and lumpy skin left it. It does stand to reason that repeated trau- by this procedure were clearly visible in ma to the hair root would eventually weak- the photos which accompanied the article. en it. Persons on low or fixed incomes Choose a practitioner who is Their faces looked horrible. should consider waxing or plucking over either a doctor, a registered If some "permanent" hair removal methods, like needleless systems, which are nurse, or a medical technician techniques are dangerous or disfiguring, oth- proven to be effective. We don't recommend working under a physician's ers simply don't work. Throughout the waiting in hopes that someone will come twentieth century, various "needleless elec- up with a safe and inexpensive method of supervision, because lasers can trolysis" systems have been hawked by the permanent hair removal. burn or scar when used incorrect- unscrupulous to the impressionable. This A problem with electrolysis is that ly. Eye protection is also essen- will probably continue for as long as people many operators just don't seem to have the tial. Other cautions: "If you've had continue to be gullible - that is, forever. skill to permanently kill hair. Some Needleless techniques generally transwomen have spent tens of thousands of a recent chemical peel or have come with tweezers which are used to grasp dollars on electrolysis, yet can still grow a taken the acne drug Accutane, the hair. Radio waves or other mysterious full beard. The problem is not with the wait several months," says Jeffrey electrical signals are supposed to travel method, but with the practitioner. Some J. Colton, M.D., a facial plastic and down the hair shaft to the root and kill it. electrologists are very effective, as can be The problem is that the hair does not con- attested to by the many transsexual women cosmetic surgeon in Bingham duct the electricity to the root. who have thrown away their razors. It Farms, Ml. Also, avoid Retin-A or Needleless electrolysis has been mar- behooves the individual who is serious alpha-hydroxy acids for a few keted under a variety of names, in salons about transition to locate and patronize an weeks before the procedure. and in kits for the home. Many people effective electrologist - preferably, one swear by it, but the FDA is not fooled, and who has treated and finished a number of Finally, be aware that some laser will not let companies claim the tech- transwomen. techniques can lighten dark skin. nique causes permanent hair loss; slick ads One day, no doubt, some ingenious "Ask about this," advises Colton. nevertheless imply that it does. soul will figure out a safe, fast, painless, And make sure the system being Laser and "softlight" (an intense, but and inexpensive method of permanent hair non-laser light source) can certainly vapor- removal. When that happens, those who used is FDA approved for hair ize hair, but there's a problem: this light have had electrolysis will of course be removal— not all are. must selectively reach and zap the hair miffed because newcomers will not have root, and so far, no one has figured out a to go through the same pain and expense Adapted from "The Curse of way to do it. Thermolase, Inc. reportedly they did. But until that day, it is only those Unwanted Hair" by Stacey Colino, smears carbon powder (which is much like who have had electrolysis who have thrown McCall's, August, 1997 powdered charcoal or photocopier toner) away their razors. AEGIS News 8197 Page 5 Whither the Transgender Community? Whither AEGIS? by Dallas Denny

In the four-part series Vision 2001: Transgender Forum (an internet The growth of the transgender A Gender Odyssey, which appeared in resource) cooperate in keeping a list of community, the changes in the ways we these pages last year, I took a broad look active support groups; this makes for a view ourselves, demand that our organi- at the rapidly evolving transgender com- much more definitive and up-to-date zations evolve to meet today's needs. It's munity, attempting to affix it in time as listing than would any of these groups no longer possible for a volunteer-based it was in early- to mid- 1996. It was an acting by themselves. More ambitious agency to serve the many persons coming ambitious task, and one I have received cooperative endeavors, however, remain out about their transgender issues, or of both accolades and criticisms for in the community's future. persons in transition, or of helping pro- attempting. I made some mistakes of fact, Although it's wonderful there's so fessionals. We need professional organi- and at least one of judgement, as I was much going on, I have to wonder if per- zations with paid staff. overly harsh in my response to a letter haps we have too many organizations. As a community, we are moving from Jane Ellen Fairfax in Issue #6. But The trans community is made of a small away from the images of ourselves we overall, I feel pretty good about what I number of people in comparison to other once held, and exploring new ground. wrote. minarity communities. Perhaps it would We are not just crossdressers and transsex- In researching the article, I was be capable of adequately funding one or uals; we are transgendered. We don't take struck with how very extensive the trans- two national organizations — but not as for granted, as we once did, that there is gender community has become. The many as we currently have. As things something wrong with us. Increasingly, emergence of such a range of services and stand, most of the national organizations we point our collective finger at a organizations would have been very dif- are under-funded and under-staffed. Who screwed-up society. Although the trans ficult to predict — or even to believe knows how long they will be able to last? community was founded on identity pol- passible — ten or so years ago. Certainly not indefinitely. ICTLEP has itics, the wisdom of this has come into I discovered, however, that although announced that due to lack of community question. Perhaps, as Jessica Xavier sug- much is being done, things tend to hap- support, this year's conference may be the gested in her article So You Want to Be in pen haphazardly, with no overriding last; the other organizations continue to Politics, (AEGIS News, #7), we need to plan or strategy, and with considerable look, often unsuccessfully, for funds. play identity politics in the same way as duplication of services at local, state, and In June, at the 2nd International has the gay and lesbian community. national levels. Considering that volun- Congress on Sex and Gender Issues, there Perhaps, as Callan WIlliams has suggest- teers are always in short supply and that occurred what may prove to be a historic ed (Chrysalis, Volume 2, No. 4), we need many of the community's activists — meeting. Over dinner, principals from to avoid identity politics. We do, howev- myself included — are battle-scarred and AEGIS, IFGE, and Renaissance Edu- er, have much to learn from the media- weary, it would behoove the various orga- cation Association agreed that the savvy and relatively wealthy gay and les- nizations to share certain duties and Executive Directors of each of the three bian political machine. In either case, responsibilities among themselves, with will approach their respective Boards for our organizations must reach a level of each group providing certain functions permission to appoint two people to efficiency and professionalism we have on a nationwide basis. For example, form a committee to prepare a plan for hereto not achieved. wouldn't it be nice if there were a single merger of the three organizations into a All of this works around to why I national hotline, staffed with volunteers single, new organization. wrote Vision 2001. Much has changed six days a week, which would direct Although this was but a tiny step, since 1991, the year I founded AEGIS. callers to the most appropriate resource? and may come to naught, it is significant For the past several years, I have been Wouldn't it be great if there were a cen- that the three organizations would con- struggling with how AEGIS should tral source for quality educational liter- sider this. It shows a willingness to put adapt to the many changes in the transgen- ature about crossdressing and transsexual- aside egos and private agendas for the der community, and wondering how ism? Wouldn't it be wonderful for one greater good of the community. AEGIS could grow into an organization organization to take the initiative in And what if the merger were to capable of addressing in an organized providing help to transpersons who face actually happen? Think how much more fashion the needs of increasing numbers discrimination at work — not by just efficiently the community's many needs of transsexual and transgendered persons. writing about job discrimination, but by could be addressed by a new organization Certainly I think AEGIS has done a good standing shoulder-to-shoulder with those with the combined resources and exper- job, but there is so much left undone. discriminated against, helping them in tise of the three organizations! And con- Perhaps the potential merger is just the their individual fights? (Of course, steps sider: there would be but one organiza- thing. In fact, I am quite certain that such are being made in this direction. For tion to join, one membership applica- a merger would be good for the commu- instance, IFGE, AEGIS, Renaissance, and tion L, one fee. nity and for AEGIS.

Page 6 AEGIS News 8/97 L!J1]I1;I1;1**III;1i1 GETTHE LOW DOWN ON HIV/AIDS

GIRL, YOU LOOK FABULOUS AND YOU KNOW IT!

LOOK, WE'VE MADE THE CHOICE TO LIVE OUR LIVES OPENLY AS TRANSGENDERED WOMEN. WE'RE PROUD OF WHO WE ARE.

YOU KNOW, YOU'VE GOT TO BE CAREFUL WITH ALL THAT'S GOING ON OUT THERE. BECAUSE EVERY 13 MINUTES SOMEONE IS INFECTED WITH HIV AND JUST ABOUT EVERY 15 MINUTES SOMEONE DIES WITH AIDS.

YOU'RE RIGHT, I USED TO FEEL INVISIBLE, BUT NOW I'M SPEAKING OUT TO LET THE GIRLS KNOW THAT HIV/AIDS IS REAL. BE A REAL DIVA!

PROTECT YOURSELF. PROTECT YOUR PARTNER. USE A LATEX CONDOM EVERY TIME This project was financially supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, AIDS 0 S Project of the East Bays private donors, and the Alameda County Office of AIDS Administration. AIDS Project of the East Bay 0 IV 651 20th Street, Oakland, California 94612 510-834.8181 \'t he Models appearing In this poster series are volunteers; their sexual orientation, gender identity or HIV status can not be assumed by their participation.

PRODUCTION, DESIGN AND LAYOUT: VALERIE PAPAYA MANN & EARNEST HITE PHOTOGRAPHY: HOPETON STEWART AEGIS Debuts Automated Help Line is a valuable communication tool. And Transgender Treatment Bulletin it's not grumpy at three in the morning." In June, AEGIS quietly began beta- The help line [770-939-0244] is AEGIS is pleased to announce the testing a computer-automated help line. available 24 hours a day. It will be publication of the premiere issue of The automated system allows callers to answered live on Tuesday and Thursday Transgender Treatment Bulletin, a choose from and listen to more than 100 evenings from 6-9 pm Eastern time. newsletter by and for professionals who pre-recorded messages about transexual- work with transpeople. The contents ism, transgenderism, and crossdressing. AEGIS Mailing Lists include an article by Dr. Anne Lawrence The system is quite flexible; among oth- on preserving reproductive options of er things, it can be configured to: For the past eighteen months, post-operative transexual people, a medi- AEGIS has operated a daily transgender cal advisory bulletin about Polycystic • Take orders for specific documents news service on the internet. Subscribers Ovary Syndrome (a condition which and FAX or e-mail them to the to AEGISNWS receive news, press affects the majority of even pre-transi- caller releases, conference announcements, and tion FTMS), an editorial by James • Transfer callers to other phone other trans-related material. Posts are Green (also about PCOS), a brief article lines (for instance, to the homes of received in the e-mail inboxes of sub- by Dallas Denny about office procedures volunteers) scribers in digest form (meaning that when dealing with trans patients, and an • Assign box numbers to individuals there is generally only one message per article, also by Dallas, entitled "What is or organizations who can call in day rather than several shorter messages). the Role of the Helping Professional?" from remote locations to retrieve Breaking news stories and other messages Frequency of the Transgender messages; boxholders can record and which need timely delivery are sent Treatment Bulletin has not been set, but later change introductory messages without delay. Recent messages have we plan to publish at least two issues and set passwords so that others can- included the announcement of the death yearly. The newsletter will be distribut- not access their boxes. sentence for transexual Leslie Nelson, ed to professional members of AEGIS. • Allow the caller to page a live the dates of the 1998 Be-All conference, The initial issue will have much wider operator and an article about the outing of a tran- distribution, so that the community will • Allow the caller to record a request sexual college professor by Germaine be aware of the Bulletin. for information or referrals Greer. The news list also receives medi- AEGIS is searching for advertisers, The system runs on an IBM-com- cal advisories and lists of resources articles, and an editor for the Bulletin; patible computer which is dedicated to from AEGIS headquarters. anyone who would like to place an ad, this single use. Staff can review and save Only AEGIS staff and authorized who has an article, or would like to serve messages and pick up a remote phone to "stringers" may post to the list; however, as editor should contact us at P.O. Box talk to callers. those with news or press releases can send 33724, Decatur, GA 30033-0724 [770- The pre-recorded messages can be mail to us [news @gender.org ]. 939-2128; [email protected] ]. easily changed, and new messages added. We tend to post news items without A printed system guide is included comment or editorializing, so the Outcome Study in Progress in this issue of AEGIS News, and will be digests will not clog your mailbox. distributed to transgender and gay/les- Our other list, GENDHELP, is a AEGIS Director Dallas Denny is bian/bisexual organizations and includ- social list, a forum for discussion of issues studying the outcome of more than 70 ed with AEGIS' general information related to change, growth, and/or transi- individuals who transitioned gender packet. Those who don't have a printed tion. It is open for postings from all sub- roles in the transgender community. She guide can "jump in" and browse through scribers. Its tone is quite different from presented initial results of this study at the pre-recorded messages. the news list, as it's chatty and supportive. the recent 2nd International Congress on AEGIS developed the automated Dr. Erin Swenson is the moderator. Sex and Gender Issues in King of Prussia, system to cope with the increasing num- Needless to say, some items posted PA, and will present further results at the ber of calls for information and refer- on AEGISNWS just beg for a responses! Harry Benjamin Conference in Vanc- rals. Director Dallas Denny said, "The We welcome discussion of AEGISNWS ouver this September. Dallas' study is automated system is tireless. It never items on GENDHELP. important in that it is one of the first sleeps. It draws no salary. It will never For info on subscribing to these e- outcome studies done outside the confines replace the sympathetic human ear, but it lists, send e-mail to [email protected] . of a formal gender program.

Page 8 AEGIS News 8197