. ~naissance ~ws Jl' Volume 6. No. 5 Vision - Integrity - Quality May. 1992 Remember 1987? Renaissance was highpoint of troubled year by Paula Jordan Sinclair sance. long-tressed blondes who made it Remember 1987? That was when How about Jim and Tammy Faye into the headlines in 1987. Donna Renaissance was founded. The 9 Bakker? Their PTL television min Rice's affair with Colorado Sen. Gary transvestites, 1 transsexual and 3 istry had soared during the decade, Hart undid his presidential cam partners who gathered at The Woods based on their declared premise of paign, while secretary Fawn Hall's on that evening in May knew they "Praise the Lord." But when loyalty to her boss, Lt. Col. North, were starting something big. Within Bakker's sexual fling with church made her the cover girl of the Iran just seven months, attendance at secretary Jessica Hahn was revealed contra proceedings. She even the meetings had ballooned to 50, to the public, the empire quickly bumped off Vanna White in one of and it has been growing every since. crumbled amid jokes about PTL those year-end in/out lists. But the But as hard as it is to believe, actually standingfor"Pass the Loot" Marines took a hit when Sgt. Clay other things happened that year as and most of the millions the couple ton J. Lonetree was sentenced to 30 well. Yes, it was five years ago that took in being used to pay Tammy years in prison for selling secrets to Renaissance burst onto the scene in Faye's makeup bills. T-shirts carry the Soviet KGB back when there the company of people like Judge ing her smudged image and the cap was a Soviet Union and a Cold War. Robert H. Bork, Donna Rice, Lt. tion "I ran into Tammy Faye at the Secrets of another sort were un Col. Oliver North, and Gary Heid mall" were hot items for awhile. covered by police in North Philadel nik. Hahn formed part of a triad of (continued on page 15) Actually, 1987 wasn't all that bad a year. Sure, the stock market A modest proposal crashed in October, but we had cele brated the bicentennial of the U.S. The story behind the Mona Lisa Constitution a month before. Presi dent Reagan struck out twice with logo;"is it timefor a change? Supreme Court nominees Bork and Five years ago, when the Renais ing of the artist and said that the Judge Douglas H. Ginsburg, but sance Education Association was painting was an exact mirror image Mike Schmidt of the Phillies got his just beginning, the board reached of the drawing. She strengthened 500th home run and Julius Erving back to the other Renaissance for a her claim by saying that da Vinci of the 76ers scored his 30,000th symbol for the organization, adopt was known to use a mirror-image point. ing Mona Lisa as its emblem. script in his journals and so painted There is a lot to remember 1987 This famous painting by Le the portrait in the same reversed for besides the creation of Renais- onardo da Vinci fit the bill for a manner to reveal that he was gay, number of reasons: The image is something that scholars had long readily identified with the Renais suspected. sance, her enigmatic smile suggests Several years later, Schwartz's she has a secret - as do many theory was disproved when docu transgendered persons, and it is a ments identifying the actual Mona feminine image. Or is it? Lisa were found in Italy. But by :~:tt:::::=:=::::::. :::;:;:;:;:;:;:;: :::::::::::·:·:;:;:;:::;:::;:;:;:;:;:: ...... ·:·:·.·:·:·:·: ..::::::::;: ?tf :;:::;:: In 1986, computer artist Lillian then it was too late for Renaissance. Schwartz made headlines with the We picked our logo and were stuck - suggestion that Mona Lisa was ac with it. UIPlllB1lli tually a self-portrait of da Vinci in But maybe not. Schwartz has drag. She compared the famous been playing with her computer ·.·.•·.·.•.•.•.•.•·.:.• m.··.• • •. ·.•· •... •.•..•·.•.•.· .. . .•.·.·.·. a..·...• · ..· ... ·· ..- .··.•·. e.•.:..• .. •.· ..:.m.·.·.· .· .• ·.·. :.:·.e .·..· ... ··.· .. ·.n .·.·.·.·.• •.••• • . ·.: .•.••a .:.:.•• ••.• · •• · .• •• §.aq!·*::·::·:t i:::::::. <• :::::::::::: :::::::::;:::::::::::::::::;::::::;::::::;:;:-:-:-:-:-:···. painting with a contemporary draw- (continued on page 15) 'l{tnaissance 7'/j,ws 'J/o{ 6, 7'/p. 5 Announcements... Events to note... Background Papers ... May are available for $1 each plus $.25 postage for each pair 2nd South Jersey Chapter meeting: Mary ordered. Eight papers are available: 1-Myths & Misconcep Kay makeup demo tions About Crossdressing, 2-Reasons for Male to Female Crossdressing, 3-PARTNERS: Spouses & Significant Others, 2nd Lower Susquehanna Valley Chapter 4-The Matter of Children, 5-An Annotated Bibliography, 6- meeting: Herb Merchant with Telling the Children: A Transsexual's Point of View, 7- fragrance ideas Uderstanding Transsexualism, and 8-AIDS & HN Safety and • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Ethics. • 9th Renaissance 5th anniversary gala! • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 16th Greater Philadelphia Chapter Pen Pal Project meeting: History of local TVtrS If you are willing to write letters to pen pals, please inform groups - Emily Sheldon Maryann Kirkland or write to the main office, c/o Dept. PP. June 6th South Jersey Chapter meeting: Group Prisoner Project rap on relationships led by A gift of only $8 gives a transgendered inmate 12 issues of Frances Bilker the Renaissance News. Please help provide this needed sup port to our sisters in prison. 6th Lower Susquehanna Valley Chapter meeting in York, Pa.: video Our chapters... presentation - What Sex Am I? 20th Greater Philadelphia Chapter Greater Philadelphia meeting: Crossdressing and religion Meets third Saturday of the month in King of Prussia, Pa. - William Stayton, D.D. Meetings start at 8:00 p.m. year round.For information, call July (215) 946-TVTS, or write Renaissance PHL, Box 530, Bensalem, 4th Scheduled date for South Jersey PA 19020. Michelle Lynn, chapter leader. Chapter meeting Lower Susquehanna Valley 18th Greater Philadelphia Chapter meeting Meets the first Saturday of the month at Cameron Cut Rate, Cameron and Market Streets, Harrisburg. Call (71 7) 780- No Lower Susquehanna Valley Chapter 1 LSV for latest information, or write Renaissance LSV, Box meeting this month 2122, Harrisburg,PAl 7105. Brenda Davidson, chapter leader. South Jersey 2\.f,naissance 9V§ws Meets on the first Saturday of the month at the Atlantic © 1992 RENAISSANCE EDUCATION AssooATION, INC.' Mental Health Center, Inc., 2002 Black Horse Pike, McKee, P.O. Box 60552, K1NGCF PRusslA, PA 19406 N.J. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. Call (609) 641-3782, or write Renaissance SJ, clo Box 189, Mays Landing, NJ 08330. Kara SENIOR EDITOR Foreward, chapter leader. Paula Jordan Sinclair CONTRIBUTING EDITOR JoAnn Roberts Our affiliates... POETRY EDITOR Groups wishing to become a Renaissance affiliate must pay Gloria Lee Mundy a small annual fee for services normally afforded to chapters ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS for free. Affiliates have no legal connection to Renaissance and Rachel and Beth Marshall remain autonomous. Services include unlimited access to $2/copy; $16/year (12 issues). No reproduction reference publications and newsletter copy. of any articles without the written permission of the Write for details to Alison Laing, Co-Director of Outreach, editor. The NewsOueen and The Iconoclast are Box 60552, King of Prussia, PA 19406. trademarks of Renaissance. Our affiliated organizations are: Artticles must be submitted for publication one • Monmouth/Ocean Group, Box 8243, Red Bank, NJ month in advance. Renaissance is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organi73. 07701 tion providing education and support to the gender •AEGIS, Box 33724, Decatur, GA 30033 (404) 987-8312 community and the general public.
2 'l{enai.ssance 'J{f.ws 'Vo{ 6, 'J{p. 5 Mayor revives sexual minorities commission with some changes by Paula Jordan Sinclair survival. City officials, however, see the operation of the various Four months into his administra repeated the mayor's campaign mayor's commissions and provide tion, Philadelphia Mayor Edward promise that the commission would clerical and computer support. G. Rendell has revived the Mayor's be reauthorized. At the present time, there is no Commission for Sexual Minorities "The mayor is moving slower than MCSM phone, but inquiries and (MCSM) and has reappointed a we hoped in reauthorizing the vari complaints may be directed to transgendered person to the panel. ous commissions," AssistantDeputy Vaughn or Ramos at 686-1776. Whitney Brown will represent Mayor John Herzin said at the time. Serving on the renewed commis the transgendered community. The Finally last month, the mayor sion with Brown are Co-Chairs transsexual first served as a com acted. Herzin telephoned prospec RebeccaAlpertandJesse Milan and missioner under former Mayor W. tive commissioners to ascertain if members Norman Baker, Irene Wilson Goode. Another transgen they would serve under Rendell, Beneditti, Jim Dane, Angela dered commissioner, Kelly Harris, and within a week the city an Figueroa, Donna Gallagher, Oscar was not reappointed. Both women nounced the composition of the re Garcia-Vega, Jerry Gregory, Victor are affiliated with Renaissance. newed MC SM. Jones, Robert Landus, Rich Liu, "I am very glad that the mayor There are, however, several ad Rick Lombardo, Marge McCann, h as finally reestablished the com ministrative changes common to the Samantha Morse, Connie Ratliff mission," Brown said. "It is impor other mayoral commissions. Be Carnpbell, Ronnie Rodriguez, Peter tant for lesbians and gays, but it is cause of the city's dire financial Sanchez, and Valerie West. even more important for transgen straits, no replacement will be The commission also has repre dered persons. Lesbians and gays named for former Executive Direc sentatives from the city police, could always take complaints to the tor Peg Conway who resigned in health, personnel, and human rela Human Relations Commission un November. Instead, Kevin Vaughn, tions departments as well as the der the anti-discrimination law. But the openly gay executive director of School District of Philadelphia. transvestites and transsexuals have the Commission on Human Rela Those members have not been no other representation." tions, will serve in that function named. Rendell called the commission under the title Mayor's Staff Direc At press time, the commission ers "a talented group with extensive tor. MCSM will have no office space had not yet met, and no decision experience in their designated fields - at least until the beginning of the had been made on renewing the of expertise." He said he will use the new fiscal year; it will meet and Transgendered Issues Work Group commission "in the formation of conduct business in the mayor's re or establishing some other advisory policy recommendations" which will ception room in City Hall. In addi body on transgendered matters. be sent "directly to me." tion, Deputy Mayor Ben Ramos, who Brown said she would make this a Goode's 1984 executive order es handles community relations for the high priority item. tablishing the commission said that Rendell administration, will over- the panel would continue only while he was in office; his successor would have to renew it ifhe chose. During Speakers bureau spins off from MCSM la st year's mayoral campaign, Late last year, the Mayor's Com porate and apply for tax-exempt sta Rendell pledged that he would do mission for Sexual Minorities tus. At this time, the bureau's steer just that. But action was slow in (MCSM) formed a speakers bureau ing committee is looking for candi corning, causing worries that the that included transgendered repre dates to serve on the bureau's first commission would languish for sentatives. BothJoAnnRobertsand board of directors and, in particu many months or even become ex Beth Marshall, members of the Re lar, is looking for more people of tinct. naissance national board, are part color to participate. In March, the commission office, of the bureau. Meanwhile, Voices of Diversity in a building leased by the city on Early this year, while the continues to provide speakers for Sansom Street, was locked, and of MCSM's future was unclear, the groups, schools, colleges, churches, fi ce equipment and file s were moved speakers bureau established itself and community organizations. To out. This prompted some members as a separate entity and renamed contact the speakers bureau write of the community to predict that the itself Voices of Diversity. P.O. Box 32081, Philadelphia, PA commission h ad a "50-50" chance of The bureau is planning to incor- 19146, or call (215) 848-2297.
3 'l{?naissance 'Jl&,ws 'J/o{ 6, 'J{p. 5 Canadian sex researchers say birth trauina inay cause transsexualisnt
by Paula Jordan Sinclair looking at another physical trait, were left-handed and how many What causes gender dysphoria, left-handedness. were right-handed. This sample specifically transsexualism? Drs. Diane B. Watson and Stanley group was compared to a control For years, that questioned has Coren of the University of British group of225 genetic males randomly intrigued not only scientists and Columbia presented their theory in selected by a computer from a pool transsexuals themselves but also a letter published in the March 11 of 10,000 men. The only restriction the general public. There are issue of the Journal ofthe American on selection for the control group generally three choices ... Medical Associo.tion. was that those men must be the • Can transsexualism be traced They cite a decade of research same ages as the transsexuals. to the genetic code, written at the that shows being left-handed may Both groups were tested for left point of conception? be related to one of two events: or right-handedness in the same • Did hormones in the womb elevated testosterone levels in the way. Watson and Coren found that cause the embryo to develop the womb before birth or prenatal stress, 11.6 percent were left handed, which body of one sex and the mind of such as low birth weight, prolonged they say is close to the accepted another: reduced testosterone levels labor, multiple births, Rh rate. But among the transsexuals, resulting in a feminized brain in a incompatibilities, the severe lack of 35.6 percent were left-handed, more male body and higher levels oxygen during birth, breech births, than three times the expected rate. resulting in a masculinized brain in and premature births. "If increased feminization of the a female body? Watson and Coren tested 45 male male-to-female transsexuals was • Or is environment the cause? to-female transsexuals enrolled in due to reduced testosterone levels, While the real answer still isn't the treatment program at the we would have expected fewer left known, two Canadian researchers Vancouver General Hospital Gender handed subjects in this sample," have come up with an hypothesis by Dysphoria Clinic to see how many (continued on page 18)
-COUNSELING- ANDROGYNY -EDUCATION- CREATIVE PSYCHOTHERAPY ASSOCIATES UNLIMITED BOARD CERTIFIED SEXOLOGIST Individual, Family, Marital, Divorce & Sexual Counseling Roger E. Peo, Ph.D. BOARD CERTIFIED SEXOLOGIST Judith D. Dean Ed. D., M. Div., M.S.
Suite 110 P.0.Box 4887 55 Princeton-Hightsown Rd. POUGHKEEPSIE, NY 12602 (914) 452-8405 Princeton Junction, NJ 08550 (609) 275•6556 r Theseus Counseling AB COUNSELING Services Murray D. Gegner, Ph.D. ARI KANE, M.ED. BOARD CERTIFIED SEX THERAPIST • GENDER SPECIALIST • CERTIFIED ALCOHOLISM THERAPIST LICENSED MARITAL - FAMILY THERAPIST EQB NQRTHEBN EQB~ 6QfilI2tJ ilBEd INDIVIDUALS • CHILDREN • FAMILIES HB:Y~ 126 WESTERN AVE. 233 HARVARD ST. SUITE 222 SUITE 302 HOURS 210 N. RUMSON AVENUE AUGUSTA, ME 04330 BROOKLINE, MA 02146 BY APPOINTMENT MARGATE, NJ 08402 207-623-2327 617-277-4360 609-822-6571 ..I 4 ']\?naissance ~ws 'J/o{ 6, ?{p. 5 Congress of Reps defeats IFGE annexation bid, elects officers The Congress of Representatives During the scheduled meeting of unanimous motions in rapid to the International Foundation for the congress during the 6th Annual succession, that reestablished its Gender Education (IFGE) last IFGE convention in Houston last autonomy; elected Laing as chair, month asserted its autonomy and month, Lynn read her proposal that Linda Phillips (Bolton & Park) as successfully avoided a take-over the Congress of Representatives be vice-chair, and Victoria Mansfield orchestrated by IFGE Executive made a standing committee of the (Indiana Crossdressers Society) as Director Merissa Sherrill Lynn. In IFGE board with a chair appointed recording secretary; and established doing so, the congress made it clear by the IFGE board. Her proposal a working group to draft a new to IFGE that the member organ also contained a preamble that statement of purpose. The izations comprising the congress implied no one in IFGE knew what representatives also voted enjoyed and cherished their the congress was supposed to be unanimously to meet a second time independence. doing and that it had not during the convention The Congress of Representatives accomplished anything since its unprecedented in the history of the was an idea proposed four years ago inception. It was perhaps that IFGE convention - to ratify the by Alison Laing andJoAnn Roberts, statement that set off the fire storm statement of purpose. both of Renaissance. The problem, ofreaction that followed. Lynn left the congress meeting as they saw it, was that the IFGE during a short recess and did not board was limited in its repre It's politics as usual at return. Later, however, at the sentation, and many support groups annual meeting of the IFGE board, around the country had no way of the annual IFGE con Lynn proposed a definition of providing input to it. The con vention in Houston until membership in IFGE that would gressional concept would permit have permitted nonprofit organi individual organizations to desig the spirit of idepen zations to become members ofIFGE nate their own representatives who by becoming members of the would reflect the needs of the parent dence moves the Con Congress of Representatives. The organizations. The congress as a gress of Representa board tabled the proposal. Lynn then whole would present its recom withdrew her Congress of mendations to the IFGE board of tives. Representatives proposal without directors. discussion. The two-pronged At first, Lynn was opposed to the Laing, Roberts, and others approach to bring the congress congress. She later changed her pointed out that Lynn's proposal under the wing of the board had mind when it was explained that was directed to the IFGE board and failed. the proposed body could be a two not the congress itself. They also As the board meeting neared way conduit for communication noted that the IFGE board could closing, Nancy Cole, Vice-Chair of between IFGE and the member take any action it liked with respect the board, invited Laing to make a groups. Thus, IFGE also agreed to to the congress, but that any such brief statement on behalf of the publish a quarterly newsletter for action would be non-binding since congress. However, before Laing the congress containing news from the IFGE board had no authority could speak, Lynn said, "I want this the community; the IFGE Update over the congress. Laingthen read a on the record. The Congress of was born. prepared statement that reasserted Representatives has no status with The first several years of the autonomy of the congress and IFGE." Other members ofthe board, congressional existence were recommended the group elect its including Cole, disagreed, and the unremarkable. A chair was elected own chair, vice-chair, and recording congressional statement was read at each meeting during the IFGE secretary. This proposal also made into the record. annual convention, but the chair it clear that the congress was not a Laing recommended that IFGE always seemed to be vacant by the committee nor any other part of the appoint a board member as liaison time the next meeting rolled around. IFGE board. to the congress to insure com Lynn apparently meant to correct Inspired by the Laing-Roberts munication. A motion was made and this problem with a resolution that statement and led by Naomi Owen passed with only one "nay." The would have made the congress an of Chi Chapter, Tri-Ess, the chair of the board will select the annex of the IFGE board ofdirectors. assembled group passed a series of liaison at a later date.
5 ·~naissance 'llf!,ws 'J/o{ 6, ?{p. 5
THE N EWSQUEEN ™
Maybe it's her celebrity status; strands of respectable pearls. transgendered persons who are maybe it's jitters over her impending She led an ad hoc lesbian and gay seeking augmentation. nuptials; maybe she was misquoted. contingent that marched down Implants now can be used by But whatever the reason, a recent Dearborn Street in the Loop without cancer patients and others who need statement from Tula has us incident, unlike what happened in reconstructive surgery, such as scratching our head. Boston and New York when lesbians those with "serious congenital defor "A lot of people confuse trans and gays joined the parades in those mities." But the operation can only sexuals and transvestites," she was cities. be performed ifdoctors are convinced quoted as saying by The Times of "I can't believe we did it and none the procedure is necessary for their London. "I had a letter from a of us got hurt," she said at the patient's well-being. Augmentation transvestite, but I don't know what parade's conclusion. "We made it! on demand is a thing of the past. to say to him because it's totally We're here, we're queer, and we But there may be some hope for different. I mean I'd be horrified ifl didn't get any bottles in the head! those who are determined. So far, was married to someone and came And people knew who we were! the FDA has not defined "serious home and found him in women's People were yelling 'Joan Jett congenital deformities." clothes - and I'm quite broad Blakk!'" +++ minded." Earlier, she had said she wouldn't Speaking of serious congenital A lot of people confuse celebrities march in the parade unless she got problems, that seems to be what is with experts, too. enough security. "I'm not going out ailing Pete Brown, a retired +++ there dressed in a green skirt and businessman from Taunton, Good thing Tula wasn't called on red bow alone, surrounded by people England. He claims to have invented to model at the fall fashion shows in who have been drinking green beer a bra fi tted with water-filled bags Paris recently; she would have had all day," she said. that will do away with the need for kittens. One remarkable event was Earlier in the month, Blakk breast augmentation surgery. Susanne Bartsch' s party, held twice crashed a $150-a-plate Democratic Brown said he came up with the a year to coincide with the biannual fundraiser that featured Geraldine idea several years ago when he had shows. This year's event featured Ferraro as keynote speaker. She to dress as a woman for a play in the drag queens and was described as said Ferraro made it a point to meet village. "I got a big bra and some "scandalous." her afterward. "She was actually plastic freezer bags and filled 'em One fashion writer said the event very sweet," Blakk said. up with water" he said. ''The bags was "so outrageous and lewd that it +++ kept trying to fall out of my bra, but made the shady even ts in last year's Blakk isn't the only trans they looked awful realistic under hit documentary about gay balls, gendered political candidate this my dress, and all in all, I think I Paris Is Burning, look like a Camp year . Transsexual Christina Hay looked pretty good as a girl." Fire Girls party." But it appears worth is an official independent The man is obviously a loony. that the drag queens were not to candidate for mayor of San Juan, E verybody knows that JoAnn blame. Bartsch's "girls" paraded Puerto Rico. Roberts invented the water-filled, about La Palace in serious lingerie, Hayworth has made AIDS her plastic bag breast form (complete 1940s Hollywood glamour en top campaign issue. ''The AIDS/HIV with internal shock absorber) as a sembles, and ball gowns encrusted population will increase fourfold in spin-off from a NASA contract. with jewels. Pretty tame stuff until the next year," she said, "but the +++ the main entertainment began: government is refusing to give out We can add Brown to a growing Hennessy Brown, star of New York condoms. It's time to look for list of British eccentrics which now sex clubs, who performed lewd and someone who has been a fighter and includes: unmentionable acts on stage. Later, organizer." • an aristocrat named Lucinda couples from the audience did the To assist her campaign, call (809) who has volunteered to be sacrificed same. 723-8233. in a volcano. She awaits her fate by +++ +++ taking her pet lobster for walks on a Drag queen Joan Jett Blakk was While on the subject of health, leash; parading about Chicago on St the federal Food and Drug • a modem-day Robin Hood who Patrick's Day. The always Administration (FDA) last month stalks London parks in green tights outrageous but ever-tasteful relaxed its restriction on new use of and a peaked hat. He doesn't steal; presidential candidate was smartly silicone gel breast implants. But he just stalks; and attired in a faux leopard coat and the news is not good for • a man who rappels down the
6 ~naissanu 9{J.ws 'J/ol 6, 9\[p. 5
THE N EWSQUEEN ™ sides of skyscrapers dressed as a An Oakland, Calif., transsexual she had information available to pink elephant. is hoping to be just as successful in help executive editor Gary Tulacz And some think Phaedra Kelly is Alameda County Superior Court. with his research on transsexuals odd! Barbara Morehead claims that she in the workplace. She was equally +++ was fired from her job as a book glad that he didn't ask if Bruce We know Miss Kelly can take a keeper because she is undergoing Jenner is having a sex change or if joke. But her work on behalf of sex reassignment therapy. Lady Colin Campbell is a her transgendered people around the Morehead said that her maphrodite, for she would hate to worldisnojokingmatter. Recently, supervisor, Anna Pellegrino, became admit that she isn't sure on either she was on an outreach mission to hostile and remote toward her after score. Here's the background... Turkey, partially funded by Morehead confided that she is a A tidbit in a newspaper celebrity Renaissance. It may not be a coin transsexual. Only days later, column recently reported that cidence that Amnesty International Morehead was fired for incom Jenner, "the former Olympic athlete, has just accepted the case of petence. is apparently going for a 'softer' look Ramazam "Demet" Demir, a trans Because, she said, she was never and is taking female hormones that gendered and gay activist who was previously told her work was are 'giving him boobs,'reports the arrested last August during a raid unsatisfactory, she believes she was April 7 Globe." on the Cihangir area of Istanbul's fired because ofher transsexualism. Another similar column in a Beyoglu district. +++ different publication quotes thusly Police had vowed to cleanse the Morehead's suit charges sex from a USA Today report on Lady area of transvestites, although discrimination. But other trans Campbell, author of the tell-all Amnesty said police told him he was sexuals have had success in their biography of Princess Diana - being arrested because he is gay. anti-discrimination lawsuits by Diana in Private: The Princess According to Amnesty, "Demir is claiming disability status, most Nobody Knows."TheJamaican-bom a prisoner of conscience. Amnesty recently in Florida and Washington author was in a nasty mood at a International is appealing for his (RN, April, '92). Renaissance press conference, possibly because immediate and unconditional recently helped a publication for she faced questions as to whether release." personnel managers spread the she was a hermaphrodite .... " Demir is protected under the new word about these cases and educate We wish these writers would stop Amnesty International mandate employers about the law. dropping hints and dish all the dirt. that covers transgendered people Human Resources: Guide to If any of the NewsQueen's readers who are assumed to be homosexual. Employment Law and Regulation have the complete story on either of +++ reported on those cases and then these celebrities, she would welcome There have been many reports of advised employers "that these aren't the details. mistreatment of transsexuals in necessarily isolated cases.... While +++ American prisons. At least one claims by transsexuals aren't Finally, here's a brain teaser: data transgendered inmate has received common, there are as many as compiled by The Gillette Company fairness at the hands of a federal 20,000personsin the U.S. who have -and reported inAdweek magazine jury in Detroit. had gender reassignment surgery, - shows that when men cut After a four-day civil trial, the and the number of individuals who themselves while shaving their jury decided that state prison guard have initiated transsexual therapy faces, they blame the razor, but when Gerald Worley coerced Tracy Lynn could run over 100,000, according to women nick their legs or underarms, Johnson to perform oral sex in the Renaissance Education Asso they blame themselves. exchange for providing protection ciation, Inc., a transsexual support So who or what gets the blame from other inmates. Johnson, 44, is and advocacy group. So employers when a transvestite cuts his legs or serving a life sentences at the state should be aware that employees underarms? prison in Jackson for kidnapping undergoing gender dysphoria and armed robbery. She continues treatment may have accommodation While you puzzle over the answer, gentle to take female hormones in prison rights under state law and should readers, continue to send clippings about crossdressing to Miss Sinclair at the but has not had surgery. be treated as individuals with Renaissance office. Please note the name A separate trial was to be held to handicaps." and date of publication. Thanks this month determine the amount of damages That's telling them! to two Michigan girls from Spartan country, to be awarded to Johnson, +++ Becky and Lisa. +++ The N ewsQueen was pleased that
7 ~naissance 9{Jws 'J/o{ 6, 9{sJ. 5 Sex change at age 18 was involuntary; counseling helps her cope at age 35
By Jeffrey Zaalow because I trusted my mother. I lost to terms with herself. She probably DEAR ZAZZ: . my virginity during senior prom can't remain with her boyfriend You recently wrote about a weekend. because of his role in her life. homosexual who, in an effort to At age 20, I became a secretary. However, she may be able to please his manipulative boyfriend, It was then - on my own - that I comfortably remain as a woman in had a sex change operation he/she began to wonder about the an environment more of her own now regrets (RN, Nov. '91). masculinity that was somewhere choosing. I hope she finds peace. "Sharon's" situation is similar to inside me. For the next eight years, - ENJOYS BEING A WOMAN my own. I went through varying degrees of DEAR ENJOYS: For me, it was my mother who depression, doubt, and frustration. Your mother's actions were sick wanted me to be a girl, and I had problems on my job because and criminal, and I question any eventually, she got her way. my appearance became bizarre as I doctor who'd perform such surgery My parents were divorced before tried to look less feminine and more on an 18-year-old. It's lucky you I was born, and I was an only child. masculine. found your way to sanity. From the moment I was born, my Finally, I found a good therapist Even those who decide to change motherwasdisappointedthatiwas who helped me understand that I sexes on their own have great a boy. She gave me a unisex name did not really want to be a male troubles adjusting. For information and did all she could to establish my because I knew nothing about what on transsexual self-help groups, identity as female. She'd shame me that was like. I was, however, very readers can contact the Interna out of having male interests. angry at my mother for taking tional Foundation for Gender Before I entered junior high control of my life in such an Education, (617) 899-2212, or the school, we moved to another state, irreversible way. My anger was Renaissance Education Association, and Mom decided that I was going compounded because of the sexism (215) 630-1437. to become a girl once and for all. She I experienced. I was angry at men Readers interested in a state-by worked in a medical field and got for the way they treated us as state listing of self-help groups can hormones fairly easily. She began women, while I also felt cheated send a self-addressed, stamped togivemedosesoffemalehormones, because I was not one of them. envelope to: Transsexual Informa and because I hadn't started In the end, I came to realize that tion c/oZazz, P.O. Box3455, Chicago, puberty, they had a dramatic effect I could be happy as a woman. At age IL 60654. on my body. By the time school 35, I am confident in my status as a ©Chicago Sun-Times. Used with started, I had curls, used makeup, woman and can maintain stable permission. Reprints or copies may and needed a training bra. friendships with both men and not be made without the express per During high school, my voice did women and romantic relationships mission of the copyright holder. not get lower and I developed a with men. 4El> Mr. Zaslow succeeded Ann feminine figure, including a large As for Sharon, she needs to accept Landers as the Chicago Sun-Times bust. The final step was an operation that physically, it's impossible to advice columnist. His column is just after I turned 18. At that point, become a man again. But if she syndicated in more than 50 I had no doubts about doing this findsagoodcounselor,shecancome newspapers around the nation. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ OPEN 24 HOURS Informal Brunch Relaxed With A LEE'S MARDI GRAS Dining View BOUTIQUE
LEE G. BREWSTER, PRESIDENT
3rd Floor 400 W. 14th St. (9th Ave.) (212) 645-1888 New York, NY 10014 = 260 South 12th Street Philadelphia, PA =
8 consrance ~nterprises, Ltd P.O. Box 43079 Upper Montclair NJ 07043 FASH I 0 NS-JEWELRY-MAG AZ INES Phone 201-746-4200 Fax 201-746-4722
GALA
Dressing For Pleasure 1992 will be held at the Radisson Hotel at Newark Airport from October 16th - 18th. To take full advantage of all workshops and activities we recommend checking in the evening of October 15th.
We will be taking over most of the Radisson Hotel for the event, so early reservations are essential, as there are only 300 rooms available to us!
If you are planning to attend, or even thinking about attending this unique event you should reserve your spot and your hotel room NOW!
In or~er to be guaranteed your attendance at this event we are requesting a $25.00 deposit per person (refundable, up to 90 days prior to the event).
I certify that I am 21 years of age and fully understand the content and intent of the "Dressing for Pleasure" Gala.
I WISH TO PAY BY 0 CHECK 0 MIO 0 CREDIT CARD CVISNMConly) CARD#~~~~~~~~~~~~~~_EXP.DATE~~~~~ Name------Address City ______------.,---S tate Zip____ _ Phone/Home Phone/Office------
I wish to pay for the event in monthly payments of: ______and be fully paid by August 15th, 1992.
DON'T MISS OUT! RESERVE EARLY!!! 1992's EVENT WILL BE A SELLOUT!!! What suggestions do you have for workshop subjects? Please tell us.
DRESSING FOR PLEASURE™ BOUTIQUE 201-746-5466 590 VALLEY ROAD, UPPER MONTCLAIR, NJ 07043 Dressing For Pleasure TM Boutique An Alphabet of Cornucopia The One And Only Emporium Of Its Kind
ACCESSORIES ART BELTS BOOTS BONDAGE GEAR CANES CHASTITY BELTS COLLARS CORSETS CRINOLINES DRESSING DRESSES EROTIC EARRINGS FOR EXCITING APPAREL FEATHER BOAS & FANS PLEASURE G-STRINGS TM GLOVES HATS HIGH HEELS, 4", 5", 6" An Elite Boutique INTIMATE APPAREL-LINGERIE JACKETS Strictly For The KINKY KEY CHAINS Erotic Shopper LATEX LEATHER Leather & Latex MASKS MAIDS OUTFITS Clothing NAUGHTY NICETIES OPERA LENGTH GLOVES Victorian PANTIES & PANTS Corsets PLASTIC & PVC CLOTHING POCKETBOOKS QUALITY MERCHANDISE 5-6" Heels RAINWEAR RUBBER Thigh-hi Boots SEXY SWIMWEAR SKIRTS STOCKINGS Leather & Latex TSHIRTS Lingerie THIGH-HI BOOTS UNBELIEVABLE UMBRELLAS VARGAS BOXES Dressing For Pleasure Boutique VELVET CAPES 590 Valley Road, Upper Montclair, N.J. 07043 WET LOOK Tue-Sat 12-6PM 201-746-5466 MC & VC Accpt. WHIPS XTRAORDINARY BUYS Y-NOT SHOP HERE ZOOM INTO YOUR FANTASIES 1{Jnaissance 'J{Jws o/o{ 6, 'J{p. 5
The FORUM Is this why wolllen hate crossdressers? by Christine Beatty One of the main reasons we draw they can relate to me as a woman at Why do many women fear and/or fire from women - especially all. They know that I have suffered despise transvestites, transsexuals, feminists-is the often unqualified because of my gender, although and other transgendered persons? assertions that we are women, that differently than they have, and that Six years ago, during my first we feel like women, or that we wasn't something I chose. Similarly, attempt at transsexual transition, I otherwise know what it means to be transvestites also experience pain couldn't understand why some women. Very few crossgendered when they keep this part of women just hated what I was doing. folks - except possibly a handful of themselves locked away. By I thought that women - especially primary transsexuals who were communicating their feelings to outspoken feminists - should raised as females - have any idea women, they may also find empathy welcome me with open arms. After of what it is like to be born and grow instead of fear and hostility. all, I was a former male oppressor up as a woman. Furthermore, many It is important that I qualify my who renounced his male privilege of us have or had male privilege femaleness to women who don't fully and joined the sisterhood. Why whether we enjoyed it or not. That understand my gender dilemma. couldn't these women see that I was is something no woman can say. Rather than making a presump on their side? Likewise, other On the other hand, there are some tuous statement about feeling like a transgendered people might also things we can never know: the pains woman, I say that I feel the way I wonder why some women have a and difficulties of monthly mens imagine many women do. By doing problem with their behavior. truation, pregnancy and childbirth this, I am speaking from my In the last few years, I have gotten or the lifelongtreatment as a second experiences and perceptions, and I some insight into women's attitudes class citizen. Putyourselfin a genetic keep myself grounded in reality. In toward this subject. By and large, woman's shoes for just one minute. this way I have managed to gain women have the same objections to Given all of the trials you have acceptance even among my more the perpetual crossgenderism of experienced over a lifetime of being radically feminist friends. By transsexuals as to the periodic forays female, might you not be slightly explaining myself to them and by into womanhood of transvestites. vexed to see a genetic male climb not trying to take anything away Being a transsexual female who was into a dress, maybe take a few from their experiences, I have made born and raised male and who lived hormones, and declare himself a it possible for them to feel okay as a male most of her life, I can't say woman without any qualifications? about calling me "she." I wouldn't I know exactly what genetic women Calm down, I know how much have such acceptance if I had think. Yet, through my close crossgendered people suffer. My pre insisted on their use ofthat pronoun. associations with born females of and mid-transitional life has been Another way "transies" incur the many orientations and politics, and painful, and I don't expect life to be wrath of women is by acting as through an earnest attempt at a bowl of cherries after my surgery though our stereotypical view of projection into their shoes, I have either. Many of my friends who are womanhood is the last word on the come to a few conclusions as to why genetic females acknowledge that subject. Feminists, in particular, get we bother some women. fact. and that is one of the reasons (continued on page 13)
SUBURBAN BUCKS COUNTY Learn to apply your makeup with
Support group forming. We need each other. Call 249-3210 and leave Con message or write: that you look your best. Lynette Aster POBox2137 Paula Jordan Sinclair Doylestown, PA 18901 215 • 9 8 5 • 4 8 1 2 In Center City Philadelphia. Not affiliated with a cosmetics company
9 ~naissance 'll&ws 'J/o{ 6, 'J{p. 5 TheF~Ji~M Birthday greetings froin across the pond To the Editor: to whom Renaissance has become a challenge hypocrisy, inspire, explore I regret that I am unable to join working lifeline and an indispens and expand ideas, and be as true to your celebration this month, but able aid. yourself, Renaissance, as you have the International Gender Transit The road to hell, it has been said, been these past five years - and for Affinity, myself, and my family send is paved with good intentions, but a many more to come. warmest congratulations on willingness to back those intentions Happy Birthday! Renaissance's fifth anniversary. We with actions has proven to be the -Phaedra Kelly also convey the same from the wor Id route to heaven. Please continue to Isle of Wight, U.K community in our shared network publish news, raise consciousness, And thanks froin a sister in Maryland
To the Editor: comprehensible. most interesting and enjoyable Thank you all for allowing me to March 21 was the first time I've evening. come to the Renaissance meeting been to a transgendered meeting in -Stella Bamvil on March 21. many years. Since I was not Silver Spring, Md. Thanks to Paula for providing crossdressed, I felt a little un fEI> WearesurethatMichelleLynn, me with a ride from downtown comfortable about mixing and Greater Philadelphia Chapter Philadelphia to the meetingin spite talking despite your broad leader, and C.J. Gallente, national of her last-minute problem pre mindedness. In the past - when treasurer, appreciate these kind venting her attendance. crossdressed - I did not have this words. Our investigations have Thanks to Michelle and C.J. for problem. Perhaps on the next visit I failed to discover the identity ofMs. looking for a ride for me back to will come better prepared. X. Won't she come forward to receive town, and for C.J.'s offer to provide Again, thanks to everyone for a her due recognition? it. Thanks to Miss X who actually drove me back to town. I am em Quote/unquote ... barrassed to admit that in spite of a long, non-stop conversation while "You gain strength, courage, and confidence by traveling, I forgot Ms. X's name. I was truly impressed with the every experience in which you really stop to look turnout at the meeting. I was more fear in the face." impressed with Dr. Kirk's pre sentation. It was an extremely - Eleanor Roosevelt difficult subject made quite Barbara A. Susinno R.N. C.P.E. Hair Professionally Removed --~•~(908) 341-7524 Var&v& / " . ~~-· Main Street Electrology Large Selection Steam Autoclave Rene of Paris, Henry Margu. Eva Gabor Sterilization Multi-pin galvanic Short wave and more. Callfor appointment ------..•~ The Blend (215) 446-0799 802 Main St, #4-A, Toms River, N.J. 08753
10 ~naissance 'l{Jws 'llo{ 6, 'J{p. 5
The FORUM Boulton & Park's 19th Century mentality
by Paula Jordan Sinclair reunion? " ... perhaps the most famous case Before you read any further in Sadly, jokes fall flat when faced of transvestism in the nineteenth this column, please turn to page 16 with the cold reality that the century is that of Boulton and Park. and look for JoAnn Robert's item on organizers of the event haven't a With them we leave the restless and the Texas 'T' Party. It's in the center clue as to what civil rights and the disturbed world of heterosexual column, about half way down the freedom of expression is all about. crossdressing and return to the page. See it? Come back when you've They don't seem to understand that garish and often unconvincing finished reading it. there isn't a dime's worth of dif theatre ofhomosexual transvestites. Did that business about a dress ference between their dress code Ernest Boulton and Frederick Park code for the 1993 'T' Party seem and laws - still on the books in - known popularly as 'Stella' and surrealistic to you? Did you think it some localities - that prohibit men 'Fanny' - were arrested outside was a delayed April Fool joke? After from going out in public dressed as the Strand Theatreon28April 1870. all, here is an organization, women. They were both dressed entirely in presumably dedicated to cham The saddest irony of all is that women's clothes, and it was in that pioning the rights of individuals to the Boulton & Park Society takes state that they were brought before wear the clothing ofthe other gender its name from two British cross the Bow Street magistrates for as they see fit, in fact, imposing dressers who were arrested because 'conspiracy to commit a felony.'" standards on what people may wear? they dressed the way they desired The "outrageous and exhibition No fishnet stocking, no miniskirts, in public. In his landmark history of istic" gay transvestites, Ackroyd no spike heel shoes or you will be transvestism and drag, Dressing notes, were eventually acquitted of expelled. Is this a gathering of Up, British author Peter Ackroyd the charges against them. transvestites or a Catholic school tells the story... (continued on page 13) Moil Order: Fontosylond Products, Box 682, Owen Sound, Ontario, CANADA N4K-5R4 Store address: 274 81h St. E., Owen Sound. Store Hours: 8-5:30, Fri. til 8:30, Closed Sun. Phone orders: 519•371•l2 l 5 w/mojor er. cord FAX (24hrs/doy) 519•371 •2975 w/cr. cord HOME OF: Fantasia Fashions (manufacturing with the TV in mind). Sugar 'n Spice Creations (little girl) DEALER ENQUIRIES WELCOME.
$80 =FULL DELUXE SET OF CATALOGS 16 CATALOGS =800 PAGES: Containing Wigs (2), Shoes & Boots (3), Clothing (2), lingerie (3), Silicone Breasts, 'Femme' (3) Publications: "How To Books" with VALUABLE HINTSI, Corsetry, Maids Wear, Little Girl Fashions, PVC Custom CUT-ALL SIZES AVAILABLE! WE CROSSERSIZEI - REAL FEMALES WELCOME!
TV'S LOOK NO FURTHER BEGINNERS MOST WELCOME BEST SELECTION IN CANADA
• UNDERSTANDING •DISCRETE/QUICK •EFFICIENT
INTERNATIONAL MAIL ORDER: Shipping- Canadian: COD; U.S. and International: odd $6.50 post. Payable in Canadian Funds. International Money Orders con be purchased at your Post Office.
TRANSFORMATIONS, PRIVATE SESSIONS, PHOTO SESSIONS, BOOKS & PUBLICATIONS FOUR PUBLIC ROOMS (A BONA FIDE RETAIL OUTLET) FOUR PRIVATE ROOMS (SO ASK)
11 ~naissance 1{/,ws 'J/o{ 6, 7{p. 5
Phaedra takes on the British government, again
@ Nearly two years ago, in complained of the fact that under surgery may be borne by the arguing before the European Court English law she cannot claim full National Health Service. A flexible in Strasbourg, France, the British recognition of her changed status. approach is also adopted in other government claimed that Carolyn She alleged violations of Articles 8 matters as the allocation of Cossey (Tula) was not a female and 12 of the European Convention prisoners. despite her sexual reassignment on Human Rights. Article 8 (the The Government has no present surgery 18 years ago and so could right to respect for private life) was plans to undertake a review of the not have her birth certificate changed alleged to have been violated on the legal position of transsexuals or and could not marry a man. The grounds of the refusal of the United others who may be gender transient. court upheld that argument, at least Kingdom to allow the birth register But we recognize the experience in as far as British transsexuals are to be amended to record her female this area is still being developed, concerned. Never one to let such sex and to recognize her female sex and we shall continue to pay close matters lie, transgender activist for other legal purposes. Article 12 attention to the implications for our Phaedra Kelly, shares her recent (the right to marry and found a future policy and practice. government correspondence with RN family) was alleged to have been -Digby Griffith readers, providing an insight into violated because under United Assistant Private Secretary the Conservative government's Kingdom law she was unable to @ Miss Kelly responds ... rationale for standing alone among contract a valid marriage with a Dear Mr. Griffith, European nations by limiting the person of the male sex. Since we have communicated civil rights of transsexuals. The United Kingdom Govern before, you ought by now to know ment's case at Strasbourg was based that it's "Miss" not "Ms." It ought HOME OFFICE QUEEN ANNE's GATE on the fact that an operation on the also to be clear that after this length l.oNDON anatomy cannot alter the gender of time I am not amused that my Dear Ms. Kelly, indicated by cell-typing, which does mail to the Prime Minister is still Thank you for your letter of 6 not change. The United Kingdom being obstructed and diverted to January to the Prime Minister about argued that the biological sexual your offices by minions. transsexuals and others. I am sorry constitution of an individual is fixed If (Prime Minister John) Major that the acknowledgement you at birth at the latest and cannot be now also wishes to insist that he received was incorrectly addressed. changed by medical or surgical doesn't care, and has no time for our Your letter has been passed to the means. Gender reassignment community, 'then let him be man Home Office for reply, because, as surgery cannot therefore alter the enough to convey that message in you know from our previous biological sex of a person, as person or sign it himself. We would correspondence, we share, with determined by the three recognized better respect him for honesty and some other departments, a close biological criteria, namely straightforwardness. Indeed, he interest in this subject. I understand chromosomal, gonadal, and genital; would be rewarded only with our that you have been informed by No. nor can it change someone who is patience and further modest and 10 Downing Street that it will not be biologically a man into someone who peaceful attempts to prove our case possible to fulfill your request to is biologically a woman. The Court in writing to him. What has he to meet the Prime Minister. accepted in its judgment that the lose? Given the broad areas of concern United Kingdom Government was Nothing-bar the obstruction of set out in your letter, I will confine entitled to take this view and found minions and your offices-prevents my comments to the main issues. that there had been no violation of Major from meeting us and learning We are aware of the difficulties Articles 8and12 of the Convention. first hand what our needs are. He experienced by transsexuals Nevertheless, the Government found it possible to meet a leading particularly, and these were among has made various arrangements to homosexual about their problems; the matters to which the Gov base the situation of transsexuals he can and should do as much for ernment, in its consideration of the in daily life. For example, a passport, our community. recent case of Caroline Cossey before which may in many circumstances My request was not solely to do the European Court, gave careful be used as a validating document, with transsexual's marriage rights. thought. may be made out in the new name That is Miss Cossey's concern. My As you well know, Miss Cossey and the costs ofgender reassignment (continued on page 14)
12 ~naissance 'l{f,ws 'llo{ 6, 'J{p. 5 Phaedra takes on the British government (co ntinued from page 12) complementary equality. international transgender commu interest is in the general, daily civil Since you have taken over from nity and its own media?They await rights of the transgendered. Major as prime minister, how do your reply with interest. What amusing Home Office you propose to rationalize that? It is -Miss Phaedra Kelly diplomatic doubletalk describes the fair to advise you that all this mail International Gender Transit reason why the transgendered, even is now being shared with the Affinity non-surgically altered, are not equally protected under the Equal The Closet Opportunities Act in work as well For as many years as I can remember as in all areas of ordinary life? I have remained a captive of solitude. Why, for example, is a court of As often as I have longed civil law allowed to discriminate against me, claiming that there is to share with someone my essential being "background" for a crime, based on have the shuffling of feet and muffled voices my "wearing lady's clothes?" There torn at my heart are, these days, no such things as from behind this wall of solitude: "lady's clothes" and women's my unique isolation clothing, is as often that of men. My personal sartorial rights and choices ought not to have any bearing on Once, one time only, any legal cases I may be involved was I able to discern a distinct voice with, unless I have been using those from the muddle of unacceptance. clothes to otherwise transgress the My ear pressed to the wall, law, which I have not, nor ever will breathless, I. breathless is anticipation that someone might accept me. The law allows that I may, if I choose, elect to be known for periods of my life by any name, male or I heard a whisper that I alone have the key female, providing I do not attempt to release me from my solitude. to deceive for fraudulent purposes. In that isolation, I can reflect endlessly The law allows that so long as my on those few poignant words. genitalia is covered decently and I am not engaged in any illegal acts, I may wear what I like, regardless But in this darkened closet of my genital status. Now there is I can't seem to find it. an equality law that apparently So I am left to reflect: allows a woman more leverage on to whom belonged that one-time whisper of kindness those scores simply because she is a and the course of my unique isolation? woman, but which discriminates -Susan London against me for what is merely the
(609) 795-9095 Bruce Petricca, C.P.E. Board Certified Electrologist BARBARA ANDERSON, M.S.W., PH.D. LICENSED MARRIAGE COUNSELOR Medically-Approved CERTIFIED SEX THERAIST Permanent Hair Removal INDIVIDUALS, COUPLE, GROUPS 30 E. 60th St. , #306 New York, NY 10022 By Appointment (718) 361-1268 315 HAWTHORNE AVE. HADDONFIELD, NJ 08033
14 ~naissance 'J.,/jws '!lo[ 6, 7{p. 5 The story behind the Mona Lisa logo
(co ntinued from page 1) like adding a moustache and beard. "DRessed As a Girl." again and has come up with a new But because Schwartz does not claim Maybe Shakespeare isn't called theory about two other Renaissance that the queen was Shakespeare in the Bard of Avon for nothing. figures. She says that the popular male drag,neither Shakespeare nor - Before you Mona Lisa fans take image ofWilliam Shakespeare found Elizabeth is a candidate for a new pen in hand and argue against the on the first edition of his collected Renaissance mascot. proposal, we suggest you read an works is an altered portrait of Queen But then again ... other modest proposal, this one by Elizabeth I. Two of Shakespeare's plays, A John Bunyan Schwartz, who has won both an Midsummer Night's Dream and As Oscar and an Emmy for her com You Like It revolve around cross puter artwork and who is a consult dressing. And don't forget that cast Remember ant for AT&T Bell Labs, claims that ing boys in the female roles in all of the engraver of the Shakespeare Shakespeare's plays is thought to 1987? portrait just changed a few things be the origin of the word "drag," i.e., (continued from page 1) on a 1588 painting of Elizabeth- an abbreviated script note for phia. In the basement of a house belonging to Gary Heidnik, police found two half-naked women in chains but alive. The body parts of a IMAGE CONSULTANT third woman were found in a cook ing pot, and the body of a fourth was "
THE lcoNocLAsTTM
PHILADELPHIA - Happy' happy contestants in these categories: and phobias of the 'T' Party birthday baby ... • Best Man As a Dyke committee have been turned into My congratulations to Renais • BestWomanAsaManlnDrag rules for attendance, but even I sance on five years of service to the • Fabulous Over 50 would not have predicted the transgender community. • Most Glamorous couples-only ploy...... • Best Death Drag ...... NEW YORK CITY - Just what kind of • Perfect Androgyny HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. - At least she's man are you? ... Sounds like they had a lot offun .honest about stealing ... The ad reads, "Are you a man with this one. Bytheway, thebenefit The illegal use of copyrighted who reads Glamour?" The editors of was for The LAB, a center for the material, primarily cartoons, is the monthly fashion magazine want development and presentation of rampant within this community, but to know about the kind of man who visual, performing, literary and Vicki Stone, atL.I.F.E. has taken reads their magazine, so I told 'em, media arts. it almost to a new art-form. about me at least. Hopefully, a lot ...... Stone frequently alters more crossdressers will rP ;y to the SAN ANTONIO, TEX. - 'T' for two and syndicated cartoons by substituting request and they'll publish the to heck with you ... her own dialogue. She's even gone results of their survey. Since last month, I've had several so far as to add her name below that Ifyol,l'd like to tell Glamour what phone calls from people who of the original artist on occasion. kind of man you are, write to Men attended the Texas 'T' Party in What is really mind-boggling, Who Read Glamour, 350 Madison February. "Yes," one said, "there though, is the fact that Stone is an Ave., New York, NY 10017. were over 300 people there, but attorney who should know better...... nobody seemed to be having much By the way Vick, there is no such PALO ALTO, CALIF. - The opposite fun." Maybe there were just too organization as the Renaissance sex is ... damn many rules to remember. Educational Society ofPhiladelphia. Renaissance alumna Kate Next year, according to the April That's one cut 'n' paste you got Bornstein was in town in March issue of Gender Euphoria, (Bolton wrong. appearing in her latest play The & Park Society, sponsors of the ...... Opposite Sex Is ... Neither as seven 'T'), there will be a change in the ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - If you think different transgendered characters. attendance rules - couples only. If Stone's got cajones, check this ... We didn't get a lot of advance notice, you're single, according to the 'T' The misguided soul who produces and only a few folks got to see Kate committee, " ... you've got a year to Fiesta! (Fiesta Tri-Ess) thinks that and the play. find yourselfa partner and talk them the following statement absolves her That wasn't the case, however, into attending the 'T' with you!" from any wrongdoing: for the attendees of the Western Yeah, right! "NOTICE: All use of cartoons, Region meeting of the Society for Also clarified is the '93 dress code. quotes, and articles will not be the Scientific Study of Sex. Kate's No minis, no fishnets, no spikes, considered an infringement of the play was included as part of the and the 'T' committee reserves the Federal Copyright Law, as under convention registration fee. right to require anyone to change Section 107: Education and Fair ...... their attire. Those who refuse will Use. All misuses of cartoons falls SAN FRANCISCO - Getting bent for be barred from further 'T' activities. into the strange and murky depths a good cause ... It's also been rumored that only of artistic license." Our gal Billie Jean Jones was local or "approved" vendors will be ...... one of the celebrity judges for invited for 1993. There were some INDIANAPOLIS - Maybe the Genderbent!, a drag extravaganza vendor problems this year. One was Japanese are really ahead of us ... benefit held in late March. Jones, told to put away a publication that I know I've seen this mentioned you may recall, is the reigning Miss the 'T' committee thought was somewhere else, but the April issue ETVC 1992. obscene and another was told they of the IXE News (no this is not an The event included performances couldn't sell breast forms. April Fool story) carried a story from by The Pleshettes, Pussy The Feb./Mar. issue of TV Guise the March 20 issue of the Comics Tourette, Rodney O'NeilAustin, has Billie Jean Jones' report of Buyer Guide that tells ofaJapanese Elvis Herselvis, Justin "Glam" the 'T', and she called the Hospitality comic book called Ranma 1 /2 . Bond, and Cliff Hengst. Suite the Hostility Suite. It does What makes the book so in Special prizes were awarded to seem like all the private hang-ups teresting is the main character, a 16 ']\fnaissance 'l{f,ws 'J/o{ 6, 'J{p. 5
THE IcoNocLAsTTM teenaged boy who sometimes and check during a $100-a-plate dinner. Ordinance Colorado). without warning turns into a Now that's impressive and very ...... teenaged girl. That should send a deserving of recognition. Brava! HOUSTON - Can Texas stand all shiver up some spines...... this transgender activity? ... According to the article, Ranma ELYRIA, omo - And then her voice First the 'T,' then the IFGE 1I2 is the number one best selling went up two octaves and she shrank convention, now the first Inter comic in Japan and has spawned a three inches ... national Conference on Trans hit television series. Ranma 1I2 From March issue of la femme gender Law and Employment will be available here in the U.S. (in SILHOUETTE, (Alpha-Omega, Policy. Phew! That's a mouthful. English) sometime in May. Tri-Ess) comes this story about an The conference, brainchild of ...... interview with a transsexual that transgenderist attorney Phyllis DELAWARE VALLEY - Lookin' for a appeared in the Cleveland Plain Frye, is for all legal, employment, good time? Call ... Dealer. The interview contained personnel, and human resources I get a lot of phone calls from some very serious disinformation. professionals who have an interest people who want to know where to It was claimed that this in the current status of and in meet TVs and TSs socially. I'm transsexual began hormones and strategies for progressive changes always careful to explain that our then, "the full mustache she'd had in law or employment policies. meetings are for peer support but since she was 12 fell out, as well as Co-sponsors of the conference are that anyone is welcomed to attend. the rest of her facial hair and the Gulf Coast Transgender Com More often than not, they decline to hair on her legs.... She was amazed munity, Bar Association for come to a meeting. when herfeet started shrinking from Human Rights, Association of However, I hate to send people a men's size 11 to a size 8 .... " Women in Law, and Mandamus. away empty-handed, so I mention Plenty of misinformation is being The conference will be held at the three of the favorite hang-outs for published about our community; Hilton Southwest, August 26 to 30. our sisters in the area. So, if you're stories like this certainly don't help. Write to Frye at 5707 Firenza St., one of those people looking for a But, I'm baffied that there was no Houston, TX 77035-5515 for more partner or a date, try: mention in the newsletter of any details and a brochure. Sunday Night - The WSC in attempt by members of Alpha ...... Norristown on 624 W. Main Street. Omega to write to the author or SAN ANTONIO, TEX. - Flash! This Monday Night -The Cartwheel editor and straighten them out so news just in ... on Route 202 outside New Hope.· that this won't happen again. According to Linda and Cynthia Tuesday Night - Gatsby's in ...... Phillips, the 1993 Texas 'T' is not Cherry Hill on Cuthbert Blvd. COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. - for couples only. The Phillipses said ...... Growing nicely, she says ... that newly appointed 'T' honcho, MINNEAPOLIS - If only there were I reported not long ago that the Tere Frederickson jumped the more sisters who felt this way... Gender Identity Center here had gun in announcing a "couples only" It is not with out good reason that expanded into the southern part of event and put it into the B&P Minneapolis has one of the most the state with a "chapter" started by newsletter before anyone knew it. respected gender clinics in the Jacquelyn Saint Gregory. Meanwhile, other sources say country. The people here seem to be Gregory reports in the March GIC that the Phillipses and Frederickson very loving, open and giving. Journal that 25 people have were blasted by B&P locals on Witness the participation of expressed interest in the group and learning of the 'T' -for-two plan. ladies from the City of Lakes they've been averaging 10 to 12 There is also a rumor of a new Crossgender Community in a people per meeting, held on the event planned by a new group charityeventcalledHealingofthe second and fourth Tuesdays of the forming from the core of the origi Hearts. According to the March month. nal B&P gals. Maybe a little CLCC News, the group was Anyone interested should contact competition there wouldn't hurt. responsible for raising some $2,000 GIC of Southern Colorado at P.O...... out of over $100,000 counted to date. Box 5553, Colorado Spring, CO NOTA BENE - The opinions In addition to donating items for 80931-5553. expressed here are mine and mine an auction, between six and nine Gregory also noted that the alone. If you have a comment, members worked the auction itself chapter voted unanimously to positive or negative, write me at and four members staffed the coat- supportEPOC (Equal Protection Box 61263, KofP, PA 19406-1263. 17 ~naissance 'J{f,ws 'J/o{ 6, 'J{p. 5 Renaissance affiliates with Southeastern Pa. United Way Renaissance has become an offi time was not affiliated with the check and donated to Renaissance, cial "Specific Care/Donor Choice" United Way. The process was com tell your payroll deductions man agency with the United Way of pleted in March and a check has ager that you want to designate a Southeastern Pennsylvania. The already been received from United "Specific Care" choice for your process was begun last fall when at Way representing payment against United Way contribution and use least two members requested that these 1992 contributions. our new ID number of7677. That's their United Way contribution be Ifyou wish to have money taken all it takes; there is no need to use sent to Renaissance, which at the directly from your company pay- our name. Are birth trauma, transsexualism linked? (continued from page 4) They caution that their research thought. they said. "The fact that increased can only be applied to male-to One footnote to the Watson and left-handedness was observed in the female transsexuals ("feminized Coren research that they said had transsexualgroupisconsistentwith males"). They further warn that no bearing on their findings, but is the suggestion that disturbances in their research does not rule out interesting nonetheless. Of the 45 gender identity are due to stress, "fluctuations in testosterone levels, transsexuals studied, 37 percent perhaps associated with pregnancy such as early excesses followed by were heterosexual, 28 percent were or birth complications, such as those later deficiencies." homosexual, 19 percent were bisex that have been shown to produce Perhaps those transsexuals who ual, and 16 percent were asexual. elevated levels of left-handedness" compared their condition to a ''birth However, they did not define any of in the general population. defect" were more correct than they those terms. r.======~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ PERMANENT llAm REMOVAL WILD SIDE TRANSFORMATIONS BOUTIQUE AND TV HOTEL The ultimate in (AS SEEN ON TIIE femininity a DONAHUE SHOW) smoother, softer face and body. Home of the Toronto CrossDressers Club
JAYNE DOYLE Call or write for LICENSED ELECTROLOGIST free brochures • ExPERIENCED WITH TVs & TSs Catalogue $10.00 • CLIENT CONFIDENTIALITY ASSURED plus $3.50 P&H • INDIVIDUAL STERILE PROBES We accept Cdn. • AMPLE FREE PARKING or U.S. Funds • EA.SY ACCESS VIA 1-95 OR TRAIN • ALSO - SloPPING/CLOTHING .Ass1sTANCE 429C Dundas St East Toronto, Ontario Greenwich, CT Derby, CT CANADA M5A 2A9 Route 1 or Route84 (416) 864-0420 24 Hrs 203•869•2323 203•734•5408
18