Pretty T Girls May 2011 the Magazine for the Most Beautiful Girls in the World 2 in THIS ISSUE

1 Pretty T Girls May 2011 The Magazine for the most beautiful girls in the world 2 IN THIS ISSUE

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Memorial Day 3 Welcome Back Rachel Williston 4 Causes Editorial by Barbara Jean 5 The History of Makeup 6 Look Younger Secrets that Work 7 A Closer Look at Carollyn Olson 12 The Exploits of Barbara Marie 18 David DeAlba The Cuban Legend 23 Humor 27 How Far Have Women Come 28 Three Tips to Reduce Static Cling on Clothes 29 The Adventures of Judy Sometimes 31 Angels in the Centerfold—Covergirl Contestants 33 TG Tips by Mellissa 36 Top Six Hairstyles for Transgendered Women 41 Online Safety 44 Tammy Chapter 3 46 Archaeologist find Gay Caveman 49 Men in Heels March for Anit-Rape Message 50 Sylvia Rivera Proud Out Transwoman 51 The Gossip Fence - Transgendered in the News 52 Shop till you Drop - Advertisers 64 May Calendar 70 3

On Memorial Day, let us remember those who have paid the ultimate price for our Freedom. 4 Welcome Back Rachel Williston

As one scans the yahoo groups for transgendered groups, we can find quite a few. Some of the groups are local groups, some have members from around the world. Some groups are pretty much unregulated and one can find almost any kind of posting. Some of them deal with a specific area of transgenderism such as hormones, or travel. Some are intended for meet up with others and dating.

But there are not all that many that are discussion groups, dealing with the problems that we of the TG community face, giving us a chance to talk to sisters via e-mail, good clean groups that you would not fear if your young son or daughter were to look at the messages.

Rachel Williston saw this problem. She wanted for us to have a group that we of the TG community could be proud of. A group where we could link with one another without dirty talk, without messages seeking one of us for dates. A group where we could discuss our issues in a nice clean manner.

In October of 2003, Rachel Williston started such a group. A group that the TG community could be proud of. Her group grew to over 7000 members, a testament to the quality of the group that she had started.

Over the years there have been monthly photo contest to see who would grace the group home page and Rachel even started a magazine for the group

But of course things like work and family and personal issues get in the way for us from time to time. Rachel found herself in such a situation. Family matters forced her to leave the group that she had started. She enlisted the help of group members that she felt she could trust to take over the day to day operation of the group and to take over the publication of the magazine. As a result her group remains today almost 9 years later. While many have left for one reason or another her group remains strong and dedicated to the principals that Rachel founded her group on.

But problems that caused her to leave have been resolved and once again Rachel Williston has returned to the group she started and loved.

From all of us who are members of Pretty T Girls we say WELCOME BACK RACHEL!

5 The Cause an Editorial by: Barbara Jean

Well once again on another board the subject of Diethylstilbe- strol (DES) has been brought up on another board I belong to. Now for those who are not familiar with this drug, it is one that was given to pregnant mothers back in like the 40’s and 50’s, I believer to help relieve morning sickness. Well a lot of baby boom TG girls seem to think this is what caused them to become transgendered.

A lot of us seem to try and seek out what caused us to be transgendered, and we pretty much all conclude that we are born this way. Now for us to point to one certain drug fails to account for the fact that we have been around long before this drug, and there are many of us who were born long after this drug was taken off the market.

Now I am not a doctor and I cannot say that my medical knowledge is even enough to be dangerous, but as I understand it, we are all really sexless during the first 6 weeks of our mothers pregnancy. It is about the sixth week that the sex determinator kicks in. Many of seem to want to put the blame on a hormone wash or imbalance of hormones in our mothers womb during that first six weeks. OK, this could explain why we have been around long before any particular drug or after the same drug was removed from the market, but now what caused the hormone imbalance? Could the mother have been under some sort of stress during that time? OK, stress is just an example. OK, yeah the body releases things like adrenaline when we need more energy or serotonin when we are happy or sad, so could something cause a mother to release more of one hormone or other while she is pregnant?

But let’s now say that someone did find the exact cause, this would really worry me because now someone might try and find some way to prevent transgenderism.

Yeah... Cloning I found this gene that causes someone to be black so now I can make everybody white. I found the gene that gives people brown eyes so now I can make everybody have blue eyes. Oh I guess you get what I am getting at.. Is this not beginning to sound a bit like Hitler and the Nazi’s attempting to create the perfect race?

And then what about the public, will they stop discriminating against us, will they suddenly accept us? I don’t think so. There are many children and adults who have been born with birth defects, proven to be born that way, and yet people still shun them, they like us face discrimination in one form or other every day.

And then too WHAT is wrong with being transgendered? It is only societies failure to accept that causes us pain. We are not dangerous, we are not perverts of any sort, we do not breed a whole generation of transgendered children, we have not had some doctor tell us that we will 6 die in x number of months because we are transgendered. We are simply people who dress different that most males or better associate ourselves as members of the opposite sex.

Maybe it is best that the cause of transgenderism remains a mystery.

The History of Makeup from WebMD

From the copper and lead ore that the ancient Egyptians used to create the world's first cosmetics to the scientifically advanced products of today that can do everything from hide pores, smooth complexions, and turn the pale green of your eyes a vivid shade of emerald, makeup has been an integral part of humankind for thousands of years. Over the centuries, women used burnt matches to darken their eyes, berries to stain their lips and young boys' urine to fade their freck- les. They even swallowed ox blood in some misguided attempt to improve their complexions.

Women throughout history put their health at risk with many of their homemade cosmetics. In some cultures, for example, women used arsenic, lead, mercury, and even leeches to give themselves the pale appearance deemed beautiful in the old days. Thankfully, we've come a long way from the days of using toxic and deadly mixtures to enhance our looks.

Today's multibillion dollar cosmetic industry must meet strict government regulations about what it can and cannot include in products and must follow safe manufacturing guidelines. To- day, the most serious injury you're likely to receive from your cosmetics is an irritation or a rash from using a product that's too harsh for your skin. Yet, despite decades of safety testing and a safety record unparalleled in many industries, there are many myths circulating about the dan- gers of cosmetic ingredients.

7 Look Younger Secrets that Work From WebMD

Start With Primer If you're old enough for laugh lines, a skin care makeover can give you a fresher, younger look. Our skin dries and thins with age, so products used five years ago may look quite matronly today. A better routine calls for skin primer, according to Robin Rylant, a celeb- rity makeup artist who's worked with Celine Dion. A high-quality primer fills in small wrinkles, making them less visible

Forego Thick Foundation If you still slather foundation directly over aging skin, you're likely adding years to your look. That thick top coat tends to break into deep cracks, which look far worse than the fine lines you're tried to hide. Instead, apply moisturizer, primer, then a light liquid foundation for additional skin-plumping moisture. Ryland suggests tapping it in gently with a sponge, rather than rubbing it in.

Avoid Clown Eyes Applying flattering eye makeup requires precision. Unfortunately, eyesight tends to decline with age. "If you don't see as well, you may not get the makeup on correctly," Ryant says. The results can include clownish amounts of eye shadow or crooked eyeliner. The solution: "Get yourself a good magnifying mirror."

Enhance the Shape of the Eye As we age, the eyelids tend to droop, so the goal is to draw attention away from the lid and toward the actual eye. Eyeliner is the key. Apply it in a thin streak along the line where the lashes begin, top and bottom. This will enhance the shape of your eye and create the illusion of thicker lashes. Use soft shades and a light touch when applying eye shadow.

Put Eyebrows Back On "Eyebrows are extremely important because they frame the face," Ryant says. But the brows tend to grow thinner and grayer with age. To "put eyebrows back on," Ryant recommends using eye- brow pencil that complements your hair color. Placing powder over the pencil will help it stay put. Some people choose to have eyebrows permanently tattooed, but the FDA and Consumer Re- ports has raised safety concerns about this practice. 8 Don't Let the Lips "Bleed" Few things draw attention to wrinkles like bleeding lip color. This happens because lipstick is a cream, and it tends to slip into any low spaces -- including the lines around your lips. To keep color from traveling, use moisturizer, then coat the lips with foundation before applying lipstick

Plump Up the Lips Ryant offers three steps for creating plumper, younger-looking lips. Begin by coating the lips with foundation. Next, line the lips and fill them in completely with pencil. Finally, use a lipstick brush to apply a lip-plumping lipstick. Ryant sees good results, though Consumer Reports suggests the plumping may be modest. Choose a color with enough pigment to enhance the lips without being over-the-top bright.

Keep Lips Moist Even the best quality makeup will have a tough time concealing dry, flaky lips. For this reason, it's essential to moisturize often. Lip balms with shea butter, petroleum jelly, or vitamin E work well, says Ryant. Look for a product with sunscreen to protect against the sun's drying effect. If you use extended-wear lipstick, be sure to let the stain dry completely before applying lip balm.

Whiten Stained Teeth Whitening toothpastes can help remove surface stains so your teeth look about one shade lighter. To go deeper, try peroxide- based whitening gels or strips. These products bleach the enamel of your teeth to change your natural tooth color. For the most dramatic results, an in-office treatment with your dentist can make the teeth visibly whiter in less than an hour. Several treatments may be needed to get the desired shade.

Rejuvenate Tired Eyes If your eyes look tired, the most obvious solution may be to get more rest. Sleep triggers the release of hormones that help the skin remain thicker and more elastic. To reduce eye puffiness, cut back on salt and stay well hydrated. You can also try soothing swollen eyes with cool cucumber slices or moist tea bags.

Reduce Dark Circles Getting enough sleep can also minimize dark circles under the eyes. But in some people, the discoloration comes from too much pigmentation in the skin. In that case, creams containing lightening agents such as retinol, hydroquinone, green tea, or vitamin C may help. To camou- flage dark circles, use a concealer one shade lighter than your skin and yellowish in tone 9 Wear Sunglasses Sunglasses do triple-duty in the quest to look younger. A good pair will protect the delicate skin around the eyes from sun damage. It will also keep you from squinting, a motion that can create additional wrinkles over time. Finally, sunglasses may help delay cataracts, cloudy areas on the eyes' lenses that can diminish your vision. Long-term exposure to the sun's UV rays can increase the risk for cataracts.

Boost Thinning Hair You can give thinning hair the illusion of more body with some simple styling tricks. Use a large round brush to lift the hair and add volume. To set the style, use the cool button on your hairdryer. Styling with hot rollers is another good option. If you're looking for a low- maintenance way to add body, Ryant suggests a perm.

Don't Fret Over Grays There's currently a trend toward embracing gray hair. To make the most of this look, Ryant recommends using a good conditioner and shine enhancer to keep the gray rich. If your skin is very pale, light gray or white hair could make you look washed out. In that case, you might want to punch up your hair color. There are effective over-the-counter dyes for covering gray. Just remember that they should never be used on the eyebrows or lashes.

Exfoliate Exfoliation gets rid of dead, dry skin cells to reveal the fresher skin underneath. You can use a washcloth, along with an exfoliating cleanser, to gently scrub your face and body. Exfoliating regularly will help remove dull, flaky skin. But be careful not to scrub too hard or you could leave the skin raw and irritated.

Target Wrinkles With Retinoids These chemical relatives of vitamin A can reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles for a more youthful look. Creams that require a prescription have the best track record, including tretinoin, tarazotene, and their brand-name versions. A less potent, OTC form is available too, called retinol. The best results come from regular use over several weeks or months. All can cause redness, irritation, peeling, and can make your skin more

Fight Crow's Feet With AHAs Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are found in fruits, sugar cane, milk, and other foods. When applied topically, they exfoliate and remove the outer layer of dead skin cells, which may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The results may be most apparent in the thin skin around the eyes. Mild skin irritation and redness can occur, and your skin may be extra sensitive to the sun while using AHAs. 10 Fade Age Spots With Hydroquinone Hydroquinone is the active ingredient in popular bleaching creams. It interferes with the skin's production of melanin, the pigment that gives age spots their color. Hydroquinone is available over the counter or in stronger concentrations by prescription. Kojic acid is another skin light- ener available in OTC products or by prescription.

Fight Damage With Antioxidants Antioxidants are vitamins and minerals that can counter the damage caused in your body and skin by free radicals. You can eat foods rich in antioxidants or apply antioxidant creams directly to the skin. Studies suggest that topical vitamin C maybe especially helpful to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Check with a dermatologist for products that contain enough vitamin C to be effective.

Eat Salmon for Smoother Skin Salmon offers a treasure trove of nutrients for the skin. It's packed with protein, a critical build- ing block of healthy skin. And, along with other fatty fish, it's rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s may help fight wrinkles by keeping the skin plump.

Pamper Your Hands The skin on the hands has very little fatty tissue underneath and can easily become crinkled when dry. Applying moisturizer throughout the day can draw water into the skin to help hands look plumper and more youthful. Look for a moisturizer that con- tains glycerin, shea butter, or safflower seed oil. You can also use lightening creams to fade age spots on the hands.

Strengthen Your Nails Prevent brittle nails by avoiding harsh soaps and moisturizing with thick creams or petroleum jelly. Vitamin B7 supplements, also called biotin, may help soften brittle, breakable nails. Ask your health care professional what amount is right for you. To avoid unsightly hangnails and ingrown nails, be sure to trim your nails correctly. Look for nippers that are shaped to follow the natural curve of the nail.

Soften Your Heels After decades of walking, most people develop thick layers of skin on the heels and balls of the feet. While you're unlikely to regain the soft soles of your youth, you can take steps to shrink the calluses. Begin by soaking your feet in hot water. Once the dead skin is moist, you may be able to remove some of it by scrubbing with a pumice stone. 11 Don't Smoke One of the surest ways to protect against skin damage is to avoid cigarettes. Studies of twins suggest smokers have skin that is more wrinkled and up to 40% thinner than nonsmokers. Re- searchers believe tobacco smoke releases an enzyme that breaks down collagen and elastin, compounds that are vital to the skin's structure and elasticity.

Use a Broad Spectrum Sunscreen You probably know that sunscreen can ward off wrinkles by blocking the sun's harmful rays. But did you know that SPF refers only to protection against ultraviolet B rays? It turns out that ultraviolet A rays may play a larger role in causing wrinkles. To block both UVA and UVB rays, look for a broad-spectrum or multi-spectrum sunscreen.

For More Dramatic Results ... If your home-care regimen doesn't give you the look you want, cosmetic procedures can yield more dramatic results. A dermatologist can plump up laugh lines with injectable fillers. Those derived from the botulinum toxin are popular for the brow area, and are not toxic, despite the name. Chemical peels and dermabrasion can soften fine lines and age spots. And laser resurfac- ing is effective for reducing wrinkles and discoloration.

Carollyn Olson has been a busy-bee this past 12 months culminat- ing in the recent release of her new book "Tricks of the Trade -- A Beginners Guide to Cross Dressing." Earlier this year she released a novel "Breaking Point," which is also available. Tricks of the Trade is the fourth book penned by Carollyn, a married, straight, conservative, 50 year old cross dresser from California.

Ms. Olson has been an ambi-gendered cross dresser for over 30 years and is very active in the community. She's a proud member and the Post Mistress of the Vanity Club and the co-founder of the Mature Woman "My desire is to create an illusion which is a compliment to all women," said Ms. Olson. "Cross dressing is not meant to demean women, but to uphold their presence and beauty. I try to accomplish that goal every chance I get."

"Reaching your goal as a woman is the reason I wrote this book. I hope I have given you the information you need in the following pages to help you gain insight and confidence in every aspect of your feminine life." Whether you cross dress full-time, frequently, rarely, or even just in your thoughts, Carollyn Olson will get you on your way with this new guide full of prac- tical tips and advice.

The book is $12, including shipping, and can be purchased by contacting Carollyn (PO Box /RRPLV &$ RUF DUROO\QROVRQ # \DKRR FRP RU0 DUN - - D0W DJV,QF PDJVLQF# SDFEHOO QHW 12 A Closer Look At Carollyn Olson

My life as Carollyn Olson during the last two years has been quite a satisfying ride.

During that time, Carollyn has figuratively flourished and matured, and developed so many great friends. I would not change a thing.

My story is a little different than many of yours. I did not start dressing until 25 years ago and it was very accidental. To make a long story short, I can blame it on the cat. I was home working on my wife's dresser when she was out of town. Our cat decided to jump into a drawer and damaged two pair of nylons. I was going to throw them away, but for some reason I put them on. Before I knew it, I was dressed in her clothes, wig and shoes. Oh, what a feeling! By the next weekend, when she was also away from home, I had bought heels which fit, a dress, my own pantyhose, and had studied how she applied makeup. I completely dressed and went out for the first time.

Since then, I have had to be careful with my dressing (my wife is unware of my hobby even though she has dressed me twice for Halloween parties), but it has not stopped me from dressing 2-3 times a month.

Skipping to October 2004...

My real life as Carollyn started on the 17th of that month. My wife and family went to Disney- land while I had to stay at home. For six days, it was femme bliss. At that time I settled on my name, my style. Other than work, that week I lived as a woman. It was wonderful. I went to movies, dinner, shopping, the casino and did many other "girl" things. I was never harassed, and always accepted as a woman.

I had been using my wife's short wig, as mine was "big hair" and I wanted a change for myself. I visited Wigs R You in Citrus Heights, CA., where I had purchased my first wig. They were so helpful, especially Linda. She took my "big hair" and trimmed it into something more stylish. I had gone to the shop in male persona, but they insisted I come back dressed when I picked up the new hair. Unfortunately, the day we set for my returen, my wife had to cancel her plans, so I would not have an opportunity to dress. The ladies at the shop said I could dress there, so I did and spent 4 hours with the ladies with my new hair and learning ettiquate from one of the ladies who was a former model. I felt I was all set until a few months later...

The following May, I had the privilege of making a trip to I Love It Girl in Fremont, CA. ILIG 13 is a TG paradise, with tons of clothes, wigs, shoes, etc., and a lovely and helpful owner in JoAnn. I was on a business trip to the SF Bay Area and decided to visit on a non-social night. (ILIG has Wednesday night socials every week). JoAnn was busy but greeted me with open arms. I was dressed in a red outfit and heels and she gave me so many complements. After a small wait, she sat me down and chatted about dressing and then started to pull out different dresses for me to wear for pictures. For 3 hours I played dress-up with her help and we shot numerous pictures. After we were done, I went back to my motel dressed as I had left it, but with a new hair style and a new attitude...and total confidence - I was a woman. I even went to dinner that evening to a fancy restaurant/hotel as Carollyn.

During the next few months I met a friend, Linda Marie Holmes, who moved to the area from Maine. We got together many times to dress and go out on the town during the day for lunch, shopping and lots of pictures. Linda is transitioning from M-2-F and is about 2 years into her transition. She is a sweetheart and the co-founder of Mature Women. I also changed my hair style to what it is now. I've been told that it makes me look 10-15 years younger.

In November, I received the first "shock" of my life. I had been a member of URNA and Vicki Rene, but my good friend, Lauren Phillips, nominated me for the prestigious Vanity Club. I applied with some reservation that I would be accepted, but I received enough votes to become a member. My second "shock" occurred in March 2006 when KC Tyler selected me to be a member of KC's Top 10. KC's was the first TG site I found on the Internet. I never thought that I would become a friend and a member of her equally prestigious site. (I have always wondered what happened to "Cindy From Indy" the first TG I admired).

Now, we must jump back to Christmas and New Years...

I decided to be daring! I had never worn a formal dress except at ILIG, so I paid a visit to my local JC Penney's (I also shop Macy's) and "borrowed" a red formal and a black party dress. I wanted to take pictures and send e-mail Christmas cards to my friends. So, in male persona I made the purchases and one evening prior to Christmas, I dressed in a long red strapless formal and took my pictures. A week before New Years, I wore a black strapless party dress. Both dresses were so great to wear. You can see the results on my website.

A week after New Years, I was back in the Bay Area and another trip to ILIG. I took the black dress with me and JoAnn flipped when she saw the new "complete" product. After a little touch up of my makeup and a few accessories, we took tons of pictures. I wore a couple of other dresses she had selected. I stayed for 4 hours, but could have stayed all day and night. I also drove home dressed and stopped at Penney's to return the black dress, as I had no place to wear it again. Sigh!!!

Life as Carollyn has been fabulous. I love dressing as often as possible and enjoying life as a lady. When I dress, I want to create an illusion of a classy, perky and joyful conservative woman. When out, I want to honor women and blend in with others, without drawing attention to myself.

I strongly want to help other girls and that was one of the reason for starting the Mature Woman 14 group 6 months ago. I don't consider myself an expert and laugh when others consider me an icon in the community. All I want to do is assist other girls and walk hand-in-hand with them on the wonderful journey I'm taking.

Update (2010)

This Fall I will celebrate 30-years as an "ambi-gendered" woman. Yes, not just a cross dresser, but an "ambi-gendered" female.

Thirty years. My goodness, where has the time gone? And what a wonderful ride this has been!

After founding the Mature Woman Group, a little over four years ago, with my good friend, Linda Holmes and being one of the first Closer Look subjects, I thank Teri Lynn for asking me to update my story. (You can still read my old bio in the MWG files. You might find my old story interesting). I guess it's about time.

The last four years have been the most fem-tastic of my life! My life has definitely improved, expanded and evolved.

To be "ambi-gendered" is much more than being a cross dresser. Many of you may be "ambi- gendered" and not realize it. It is the ultimate experience to "turn on a switch" and change ones thoughts, words and actions from male to female.

Ambi-gendered -- from the Latin, ambo = both + gender = masculine and feminine -- having two genders - one masculine and one feminine; being able to use both well and comfortably. Able to think, talk, feel and act in both genders, independently of each other. Double-gendered.

I realized I was "ambi-gendered" about two years ago. I had always wondered why my female side took over every time I dressed. It was like a switch going on in my head and body - a switch I didn't want to turn off. The male in me just disappears and Carollyn takes over. It was an amazing change, similar to going from AC to DC current, but instead, going from MC (male current) to FC (female current). Fortunately, a good friend was able to break down my feelings and explain everything to me in simple terms. I have never been happier.

The last four years have been a whirlwind. Besides watching the Mature Woman Group grow to almost 750 members, I have been fortunate to be featured in a number of transgender magazines. I have been selected as Post Mistress for the Vanity Club. I write a monthly "Tricks of the Trade" column for the River City Gems magazine. I have attended three consecutive Sacramento Sparkle galas and have authored three books, of which the most recent, "Breaking Point", will be published next month.

What I do as a woman may not fit into your routine, but I hope I can answer a few questions that are usually posed to me. So, here goes...

Does Your Wife Approve? -- My wife does not know about my "second life" and would not approve of Carollyn, but despite the obstacle, I still try to get out-and-about at least twice a 15 month for lunch or shopping with a friend or two, usually during the day. Do I worry about my wife coming home early? You bet, but, I always take everything with me. So, if the car is in the garage, I continue on and will change back to male-mode in the car.

Do You Go Out During The Day? -- Yes, and why not? I have found it is better to go out during the day than after dark. Being a day-timer is safer because the malls are not as crowded, my clothes can be more casual and it's easier to blend in. Two or three ladies having lunch together, or shopping, are more natural during the day. If you haven't gone out during the day, try it...you'll like it.

Was It Hard To Go Out In Public? -- From the start of my little "hobby," I have never been afraid to go out. The first time I was fully dressed, I went to the grocery store. It was really pretty easy. I just took a deep breath and hopped in the car. I never hesitated going into the store. The clerk loved my dress. I know many girls have a problem stepping out the door for the first time, but I never had a doubt what I wanted to do. "A girl's just gotta have fun." Right?

How Do You Get Out Without Your Wife Knowing? -- I keep all my girlish things in a local storage locker, and usually dress at home when the wife is out of town, rent a motel room, or dress at the home of a friend. I don't enjoy deceiving my spouse, but it's something a girl ‘has’ to do. If she did find out, she would probably kill me, then file for divorce.

I usually go to malls and restaurants, just like any other red-blooded woman. I love to mingle with the sales associates, waiters or waitresses. The sales associates have never questioned me. Money talks, so even if I am "clocked" -- I hate that word -- my money is just as good as any genetic woman’s.

Where Do You Usually Go? -- I have shopped at the Folsom and Vacaville outlet stores, the Yuba City Mall and our local malls. I make an annual trip to I Love It Girl, in Fremont, to meet friends for lunch and shopping. I have no fear of using the ladies’ rest room or trying on clothes in the ladies’ dressing room. I look like a woman, so I'd better act like one. When I'm in the Bay Area or away from home, I keep in contact with my spouse via the cell phone. That way she knows I'm OK and where I am, even if I'm wearing a dress and heels. Yes, she trusts me.

Do You Worry About Being Spotted By Friends? -- Never!!! Carollyn's appearance and style is the complete opposite of my "evil twin brother" and I'm confident I will not be recognized. Re- cently, I walked right past a neighbor lady at Nordstrom’s Rack. And, about two years ago, I sat across from a lady from my church in a local department store. We were both trying on shoes. She smiled and so did I.

Where Do You Buy Your Clothes & Makeup? -- At the same places any other woman does. I'm a very frugal shopper. I love JC Penney, Nordstrom's Rack, Macy's, Kohl's and Ross. I also skim the racks at the Goodwill and Salvation Army. You would be shocked at the bargains. I buy my shoes at Payless, DSW and Nordstrom's Rack. I usually use Almay, Maybelline and L’Oreal makeup. I use Kiss nails. Most of my clothes are very conservative, although I wore a long, low-cut, burgundy backless dress to the 2009 Sparkle gala. It was the first time I had worn something so daring. About 60% of the time I shop for Carollyn in male-mode. 16

You're Very active In The Community. Aren't You Worried You Will Be Caught? - As I said before, Carollyn is such an opposite of her male counterpart. If a friend saw my picture on Flicker, or the Vanity Club site, they would never recognize me...and I would question why they are looking at these sites in the first place? Recently, I had one of my pictures up on my business computer. A partner came in my office and saw the picture and commented about the pretty lady on my screen. If he only knew!!! I have had many men and women comment on my Flickr pictures, not knowing that “she” is a man. That's the ultimate complement.

Do I Have A Contingency If I Were To Become Seriously Ill Or Die? -- Yes. I have two GG friends who are listed as my contacts for my storage locker. If they do not hear from me every 90 days, or are contacted by the storage people, they’ve been told to try to reach me and if im- possible, they are to clear out my locker and give all my items to charity.

How Do You Blend Your Christianity Into Your Life? -- I have a very strong faith in God. I believe all sins are viewed equally by God and always pray for His forgiveness. Only society determines what sins or crimes are punishable. I do not feel that cross dressing is wrong. How- ever, deceiving a loved one, while cross dressing, is a sin.

Is There a Sexual Component To Your Dressing? -- No, and there never has been. I have no interest in having sex with a man or another woman.

Have You Ever Dated A Man? -- Yes. See below.

A few of the highlights from the last 12 months have been three photo-shoots with professional photographer Kelly Swafford. I also had my first "date" with my Seattle-based friend - "Marvin."

I had always wanted to do a pro photo shoot and after meeting Kelly at the Gems gala, it was a must. I signed up for an hour session, which stretched into three hours. It was a marvelous, but exhausting, experience, especially in the boudoir setting. The second shoot was two hours and included six wardrobe changes, while the third was a shorty, as a birthday gift to a friend. If you want information on Kelly, please let me know.

My "date" with "Marvin" was a dream-come-true. "Marvin" is an older gentleman who met me on the Net about two years ago. He is a "retired" TG and has a wonderful "female" acquaint- ance, who has also become my friend. I was in Seattle on a business trip and made arrangements to meet him for dinner.

We met at my motel and "Marvin" was dressed to the "nines" in a gorgeous silk suit. I wore a black strapless dress, with heels and bolero jacket. He had made reservations, on my recom- mendation, at a sensational waterfront restaurant. He was the ultimate gentleman. We had a great dinner and talked so much, we closed down the restaurant. Back at the motel we talked, while holding hands, until after midnight and finished the evening with a "goodnight" kiss. The "date" was all I could have asked for.

17 The night before the "date," I had had a lovely dinner with MWG moderator Cheryl Cristello, who had SRS more than a year ago. She is an absolute joy and should you get to the Seattle area, please let her know.

A year earlier, on another visit to Seattle, on my first night in town, I met three other TG friends for a great dinner and conversation. Across from the four of us was an office party. At the end of the evening, my friend, Gina, asked one of the ladies whether she could take our picture. She complied, then asked Gina to do the same of their group. After taking the picture, Gina said "I bet you've never had your picture taken by a cross dresser?" The ladies and their male bosses could not believe we were CDs. They were amazed. We ended up talking, answering their questions and taking group-pictures, for another hour.

The dinner experience was matched the next night when I accompanied my friends for drinks at the top of the Hyatt Hotel in Bellevue. The view of Seattle and the Puget Sound was spectacu- lar! The girls were once again top-notch company and the restaurant/bar was packed with young business men and women, who were so sweet to talk with.

I have had so many wonderful experiences out-and-about, but these are a few I wished to share.

As I have evolved, I have found it easier and easier to be Carollyn. The female (FC) side of me has grown to a confident, "get out there" individual, who loves every second of her life and all of her dear friends. (You know who you are).

I'm still a conservative, 50+ year-old Christian who loves God and my family. I consider my dressing a hobby, the same way other men play golf. When out as Carollyn, I always want to blend in with the situation or the location. I never want to stand out and always look to "celebrate" womanhood, not demean it by my actions or appearance. I believe I have done a pretty good job. I have no interest in transitioning, but want to continue to create the female illusion – an illusion my friends and I can be comfortable with.

I believe that my goal is for anybody who sees me to say, "That's a beautiful woman."

Someday, I know this will all come to an end, but meanwhile, I plan to enjoy the ride. 18 The Exploits of Barbara Marie

MY 50th HIGH SCHOOL REUNION

BARBRA MARIE DAVIDSON

Well Ladies, it is hard to believe that 50 years ago (1961) I graduated from high school. Two yeas ago, I attended my first ever reunion since we graduated. It was a “mini” reunion at 48 years. Committees were set up to make plans for the big 50 that will be occurring next month. Savannah High School, class of 1961, will be holding its one half century reunion. 2 years ago, I introduced “Barbara” to those attending the reunion in Savannah. It was an informal “low country Boil”. I wore white caprice with a flowered top and white sandals. Many did not know who I was and asked who was my husband. What could I say? One month later, there was a second, more formal one in Atlanta. It was a cocktail party. For that one I wore a black sheath dress with silver jewelry and black heels. By then the word was out and there were not the same questions that I was asked in Savan- nah. For the past 2 years I was on several of the planning committees to help put this thing together. April 8th and 9th we will see the fruits of our labors come to pass.

Our class graduated somewhere about 565 students. Of that number 80 have passed away; about 50 or 60 cannot be accounted for. Of the rest, there will be about 150 attending the 2-day reunion. There will be at least 5 teachers from that time also attending. Fri- day night will be an informal gathering at the Tybee shrine club. Saturday’s affair will be a buffet dinner at one of the hotels on the riverfront. Only a few of those that attended the 48th reunion will know who I am. The rest will have no clue. It is going to be a lot of fun. As of April 5th the total (classmates and spouses/significant others) attending both nights stands at 250.

As I mentioned in my last month’s article, I wrecked my car and have been waiting on it to be repaired. Friday morning, I got a call from the insurance company (USAA) and they had decided to total my vehicle. Apparently the whole passenger side of the car would have to be replaced/repaired, including the frame. After a few phones calls, I found out that my insurance would pay the blue book price of the car minus my deductible. I did not realize or I forgot that when I bought the car, I added GAP insurance to the loan. I all most kissed the salesman when he told me that. For you ladies that are not aware of what GAP insurance is, it will pay the remaining balance of the loan should something happen to your car. It is well worth the investment, trust me! Thus, I got dressed in a blue 19 and white skirt with a white top and white sandals and went car shopping. Having driven the Lincoln MKX, nothing I looked at really suited my “fancy. So, I wound up back at the Ford dealer here in the Boro. I had found another MKX in Waynesboro that was a 2007, red and had 43,000 miles on it. They wanted $23,500 for it. The dealer ship here found me a 2010 red MKX with only 22,000 miles on it. It was $33,000 and fully loaded with every things but the kitchen sink. With the GAP insurance, and the extended warranty and tax, tag, and title, my car payments went up about $30.00 a month. I pick it up Tuesday morning.

Regressing back again to the Friday night March 18th, I really had a great time with my twin granddaughters in Sa- vannah, being “Grand Ma”. After supper, I took them to a place called The Fun Zone. It was like a Chucky Cheese without Chucky, They had a great time. From there we went to a Frozen Yogurt place for some desert before heading back home. I think I managed to spoil them, but then don’t all grandparents! I just wish that my daughter in Albany Ga. would tell my other 2 granddaughters about “papa” as I have not seen them in over 9 months now. One is the same age as the twins and the other one is 3. She says that they are not ready. But I believe, that she is not ready, as she has not fully accepted my change yet. Alas, that goes with the terri- tory. May be someday she will.

Tuesday, I left the house wearing black jeans and a red top as I headed to the tanning spa. After my 15 minutes under the light, it was off to the dealership. They were still cleaning my car when I got there. They changed the oil, checked the tune up and other routine maintenance and then cleaned and washed it. They also filled it up with gas and set the bluetooth to my phone. I then transferred my lifetime subscription for Sirius to the new radio. While they were finishing my car, we took the rental car back to Enterprise Car Rental. It, the MKX, has been a pleasure to drive these last few days. Wednesday morning, I took one of the ladies from the nail shop to her 2nd OB appointment. She is about 4 months pregnant now. They think she is carrying a boy. One of the other ladies from the shop went with us, as they wanted a translator for this visit. I spent the rest of the day at the nail shop. Thursday was much of the same except I did go to my Thursday night Alanon meeting. Friday Morning at 0005, I completed my registration for SCC 2011, which will be held in Atlanta in September. I was one of the first to register, thus I got my “loyalty” discount. The only thing extra I signed up for the trip to Agatha’s Comedy Mystery Theater. Phoebe Reese, whom I have roomed with the last three years, and I will be rooming together again this year. Sunday Evening, after the Nails shop closed, I took those that were working out to dinner at local Chinese Buffet. All of the ladies including yours truly had a good time.

Tuesday afternoon I had my nails done in preparation for this weekend’s High School Re- union. Thursday I had my hair done (colored). Friday it was off to Savannah for The 20 Reunion. I was wearing jean caprice and a flowered top at the time. I did some “gutsy things” when I got to Savannah. I went to the base and got a temporary pass for my car; then I went to the ID section and got a new ID card with my feminine photo on it. The lady that waited on me remembered me from several years ago. She also told me that she did an ID change about 4 months for a retiree who was transitioning in preparation for SRS from M2F. She was very nice and complimentary through out the process. I then went to the Exchange and bought a pair of ladies “military oxfords” to wear when I perform with the SAMS Color Guard unit I belong to. From there, I went to the hotel and checked in. When I left the hotel, I was wearing white caprice, a light blue top and black sandals. I arrived at the Tybee Shrine club about 1730 (5:30 PM). This time I was out of the car in a flash and did not look back. (Of note, 2 years ago it took me 45 minutes to gather the nerve to get out of the car. Finally, a group of 6 or 7 walked by the car and I joined them.)

By 1830 the banquet room was full. A group photo was taken out side after which dinner was served. This time, many people knew who I was and thus there were not a lot of questions. It was all compli- ments and acknowledgements that I had the “guts” to be my self. There were many that I had not seen in 50 years, but they had already heard about me. There were a few questions wanting to know if I had had my surgery yet. Of course the answer was no! As I was leaving, I happened to mention to one of the ladies that I needed a place to change for the evening party. Without missing a beat, she asked me if I would like to come to her room about 5:30 and change there. I told her I would think about it. One of the fellows that I had known since the first grade told me that he had Metastatic Prostate Cancer and the chemo was not working. I also found out that 2 of our classmates that were planning to come for the reunion had died of heart attacks in the last 3 days. NOT good news for the rest of us. I was back in the motel by 11 pm.

Saturday, since I did not have to check out until noon, I spent a leisurely morning in the motel. At 1130, I checked out and went to Wally World as I decided to get a wash and style for the evening. When I left, I made another decision to have my makeup touched up so it was off to Belks at the mall to visit the Clinique counter. The lady there said that my make up was fine. However, she did touch up my eyes and tried some different lipstick and gloss. I did some window-shopping and decided to take Ann up on her offer. About 4:30, I found a place to park across from her hotel, which was a block from the hotel where the banquet was being held. We had a nice visit catching up on “50 years”. About 5:45 we started getting ready and at 6:45 we met 2 other couples in the lobby and walked to the other hotel. At 7 pm the place was already beginning to fill up. We got drinks and found ourselves a table for the evening. Then it was visiting with every one. As I mentioned, some knew about my “change” in life style, but many did not. Many of the 21 comments were quite complimentary and they included – “At our age who cares”, “at least we are still in a vertical position”, “we compliment you on living your life and being honest with your self”, “You look fantastic or you look better that many of the others ladies here.” Some wanted to know if I have made the change permanent yet.

After the “cocktail hour”, an an- nouncement was made that dinner was being served. It was a buffet with several types of salad, roast beef and/or baked salmon, vegetables, scalloped potatoes and assorted deserts. During the cocktail hour and dinner, everyone got chance to mix and mingle and catch up on 50 years. In my case there were quite a number that I had not seen since 1961. The comments are listed in the previous paragraph. Ann and I sat together and had the best time just talking and visiting with the others. After dinner, there was more visiting to be done. Some of the guys I ran around with 50 years ago were a little surprised, but many already knew. Their wives were very, very nice to me.

There was only one negative comment the entire weekend and that came Saturday night. This one lady stated that if she saw me entering or leaving the ladies room, she would call security (she was serious). However, I had no necessity to use the ladies room that evening. After dinner, when we were lining up for the group photo that was going to be taken in 2 or three segments and combine into one photo, the photographer wanted the ladies in 22 front and the gentlemen in the back. She went out of her way to inform me that I was standing in the wrong place and to move to the rear with the rest of the “Men”. Needless to say I did not move as she asked. Instead “they” had put some chairs in the front for a few of the ladies to sit. I moved to the front and took a seat thus I am/was very visible in my section of the photo. After the photo shoot, there were a number of introductions. They asked the members of the planning committee to stand and I stood along with about 15 others members. They then asked for all of the veterans to stand and again I stood up. The teachers that were there were then introduced. Some awards were given out, and then the dancing began. About 10 pm, Ann was ready to go, so I walked her back to her hotel before heading home to Statesboro. As we were leaving the hotel, a lady wanted to now what was going on in the big room, so we told her. We even showed her our nametags with our senior pictures on them. She did a double take at mine. She could not believe that the 18 yo young man in the photo was this 67 “woman” standing in front of her. Made me feel good.

Since the only other class reunion I attended was the 48th mini reunion, which was used to set up the planning committees, I went (after an email discussion with one of the planners) and became apart of the committee. That was the first time that many knew that Barbara was now in the picture. Thus I had no problems. If any of you are planning to attend a reunion either get involved in the early stages or let those setting up the reunion have a heads up so as not to blind side them on the evening of the function. You will find that it will be easier for all. I basically did the same thing when I started attending some of my Nursing School functions. My school accepted 5 males, 2 dropped out and 3 graduated in the 67 years that the schools was open. I had no problems there either. The average age in my nursing school class is over 62 and I will be 68 next months. I wish all of you a very Happy Easter for 2011.

Yours

Barbara Marie

23 David De Alba - The Cuban Legend by: Barbara Jean

Drag shows, they are something I seldom go to. I view them like a sports program; you see one, you’ve seen them all. In watching a sports game we are looking for that something unusual. The basket made from center court, the goal from the 50 yard line, the home run that went out of the park, or that winning basket or goal made in the final second of the game, the grand slam that sent the losing team to the world series.

And so to me in drag shows it is the same, I would go hoping to see something that I do not normally see in a drag show, a show that is far different from the usual. I hope to see the per- former who does something that other performers do not do. The real professional.

Ever since about the beginning of drag shows, performers have done a lip sync. Now and then 24 we see one that does a dance number, but a real treat is when you can see one that will sing using their own voice.

Up until the late 80’s the place to go to see one of these special shows was Finocchio's in San Francisco. An all male revue with a chorus line and female impersonators that all used their own voice. I recently had the opportunity to meet with David De Alba, one of the impersonators that performed for many years there at Finocchio's. Finocchio Club in San Francisco (now defunct), was considered by most people the “Carnegie Hall” for any female impressionist.

Considering the caliber of people in the audience of Finocchio's you had to be one of the best to perform there. Celebrities and politicians—Marilyn Monroe, Lucille Ball and Richard Cham- berlin among them—came in to see the nightly performances. Some snuck in and out while the houselights were low. That’s the kind of audience Finocchio’s had.

The rules for the performers there at Finocchio’s were very strict. They had to come and go in male mode, they could not be taking hormones, or have things like breast implants, they could not mingle with the customers, and they were always introduced on stage as “Mister”.

Born in Cuba, his parents sent him to the United States when Castro took power. While living in Chicago, he was introduced to the theatrical performing arts. Initially he was being made up for a Halloween Ball, when his mentor who was a prominent make-up artist and hair stylist. In the process of applying his makeup "disguise", he remarked that he resembled Judy Garland, and that he should develop an act around her hobo and clown acts. This was the start for David’s career as an impersonator.

David’s career began in 1965, First Starting at 'El Latino Club' in Old Town, which was a straight club. While he does not remember how he got that first job, he did remember that he was hired to be a Go-Go Boy dancing with an African-American girl during the week in the evening, in the club's basement.

Then on Saturday nights the owner of the club, who was aware of his 'live' female impersonation act a la Judy Garland and let me have a big room upstairs in his club with a large stage for him to perform. David always drew a large appreciative crowd. New to Showbiz, and already he started to develop a following.

While on my way to work he used to 25 stop at a small jazz club on the way There were some African-American musicians who be- friended him and let him get up in front of the band and sing two of Judy's songs and one Latin- American song. Later on he performed at the Chicago South Side Halloween Ball where those same musicians were playing for that affair and they backed me up as I performed my Judy Garland Act.

David also performed as a guest artist every Sunday at The Chesterfield Cub at which place he began to get a loyal following because of his Judy Garland Act. David was branded then (in Chicago) as: "The Male Judy Garland".

David did all kinds of shows in Chicago including a few TV appearances and on one of them he was fortunate enough to meet the great Christine Jorgensen who was a guest on the same show....They had fun talking to each other before it was time for us to be in front of the two TV cameras.

David Left Chicago for San Francisco in 1969.

In his bio David writes “I met the late Judy Garland several times. Being the charming and humble Star that she was; when I told her that I impersonated her on stage, she replied "Do you like me that much?" “ David spent decades impersonating Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli. He also developed his own character Boy-Chic, which allows him to express himself singing in English, French, and Spanish, and the freedom to do material from a number of singing stars without impersonating them.

While at the world famous Finocchio Club in San Francisco, there were three songs associated with David ; a mambo rock, "La Tómbola", the classic version of "La Virgin de la Macarena" from Spain, and his opening and bow music, "I'm Gonna Live Until I Die". David was fortunate that most of his musical charts were superbly created by the late Bill Bullard, pianist and conductor of the Golden Gate Theatre orchestra and the Finocchio Club musicians, among his many impressive credits.

De Alba left Finnochio’s in 1989, when his contract ran out. After floating through several cit- ies, he settled in Southern Nevada.

The late Dr. Tila Garcia (David's mom) was the pillar in David's life; she always stood by him in everything he did, and it was thanks to her that David left Cuba, because she warned her family that Fidel Castro was not a good person and that they all should leave the country as soon as possible, but first she wanted her young son to leave...and he did.

26 David did more than being at Finocchio's...... he was inducted during the 1990's at the TG Forum's 'Gallery of Greats' (LIVE Female Impersonators of the 20th Century)...... then many years later David's name was mentioned on four books published in the USA for his Judy Garland Act. In 2010 Bay Area book author and historian James R. Smith, who wrote about David in the Finocchio Club Chapter in his well-received book: 'San Francisco's Lost Landmarks' gave David an 'Achievement Award' which he received on stage at the Summerlin Theater in Las Vegas, Nevada.

While living in Las Vegas David has performed in several theaters performing his Judy Garland Tribute and last year in June 2010 David performed a tribute to Finocchio's called: 'David de Alba's Finocchio Backstage Memoirs'.

In March 2011 David de Alba and Lavern Cummings were written about in a special article for the Las Vegas Weekly Magazine and also they appeared on Las Vegas KSNV Channel 3 TV.

Today thanks to the internet one can still see David De Alba doing some of his past performances on You Tube. Just type in David De Alba. You can also view his website "http://david-de-alba.com/" and for those who wish to write David you can e-mail him at [email protected]

27 Humor

A mother is driving her little girl to her friend's house for a play date...

' Mommy ,' the little girl asks, 'how old are you?' 'Honey, you are not supposed to ask a lady her age,' the mother replied. 'It's not polite.' 'OK', the little girl says, 'How much do you weigh?' 'Now really,' the mother says, 'those are personal questions and are really none of your business.' Undaunted, the little girl asks, 'Why did you and Daddy get a divorce?' 'That's enough questions, young lady! Honestly!' The exasperated mother walks away as the two friends begin to play.

' My Mom won't tell me anything about her,' the little girl says to her friend.

'Well,' says the friend, 'all you need to do is look at her driver's license. It's like a report card, it has everything on it.'

Later that night the little girl says to her mother, 'I know how old you are. You are 32.' The mother is surprised and asks, 'How did you find that out? 'I also know that you weigh 130 pounds.'

The mother is past surprised and shocked now. 'How in Heaven's name did you find that out?' 'And,' the little girl says triumphantly, 'I know why you and daddy got a divorce.' 'Oh really?' the mother asks. 'Why?' 'Because you got an F in sex.'

28 How far women have come, but how lowly we’re dressing Columnist Jane Haas, El Paso Times

Ruffled petticoats. We wore them under our skirts in the late 1950s. Long bras and panty girdles. We wore them under the petticoats and the white blouses with long sleeves.

Jeans. We went to buy them in the Army-Navy store because they weren’t mainstream fashion yet.

I thought about that last weekend when my daughter and I watched a “fashion show” while sitting in the lobby of a restaurant brewery. Girls in dresses that featured tops with spaghetti straps and ruffle-edged skirts that just covered their thighs. These were the “modest” girls, also sporting wrist corsages and guys in rented tuxes. It was winter formal night. Joanne and I reminisced about winter formals of our generations. They required long skirts.

We also saw girls just on dates wearing denim shorts so tight that God alone knew how they got into them, but fortunately the shorts covered their thongs and their butts. “What will Meghan wear on a date in 10 years from now?” I asked Joanne about my granddaughter. “She’ll probably try to get out of the house in body paint and sequins,” she replied.

Well, that almost fit.

In her seminal book, “When Everything Changed – the Amazing Journey of American Women From 1960 to Present,” author Gail Collins talks about women’s liberation from fashion, from having to shave your legs and wear panty hose. She talks about the 1980s when “women who wanted to succeed in business followed the men’s lead in clothing choices.” We wore suits as one of her sources recalls. We wore blouses and little ties fashioned into a bow at the neck.

We also wore miniskirts – although not a “mini” as today’s.

And Collins also writes about the beginning of our obsession with weight and sculpted bodies, fed by Jane Fonda workout programs and the new chant, “burn, baby, burn”

The author is tracing the women’s movement over 50 years. The tremendous determination to be independent, make our own choices, live and work as we want to without being squeezed into a mold.

We were determined not to be our mothers – the soap opera heroines who wore dresses and pearls to breakfast. Unfettered, unmolded, we would meet the opposite gender on an equal playing field and see who wins in the brain – not brawn – department.

Equality. Did we get it? Maybe in ways we didn’t expect. We may be slow to crack the glass ceiling, for instance, but we’ve managed to reach financial equality in terms of responsibility for debt. No one talks about “taking care of the little woman” anymore. Few of us dress for 29 anything.

We have given our daughters freedom, and many of them don’t wear it it very well. ”They look like a bunch of hookers on a Saturday date,” my daughter says, and I laugh.

Those of us who hoped to make this a different world for women can point to women running for President and sitting as justices on the Supreme Court and almost getting equal pay most of the time.

But, in reality, the decks are always stacked against us in business, martial relations, even serving God on some of the altars.

But I know we won the battle.

I tell myself that every day I put on my slacks and flat shoes, sweater top and jacket. Then add a pair of earrings, a necklace or pin and some bracelets. “Just to “pick up the colors?” No, just to be a woman.

Three tips to reduce static cling on clothes By Linda Merrill, Networx

Static cling has been known to be mildly embarrassing (think pants legs riding up) to downright mortifying (think clingy skirts or dresses riding up to indecent heights). To understand how to get rid of this annoying situation, it’s important to first understand it.

Human beings continually generate static electricity on our bodies which is periodically grounded out, meaning we touch another static object producing that “zap” we’re all familiar with.

As we all know, opposites attract and the positive energy conducted from our bodies will be very attracted to the negative energy that can be present in very dry clothing -- especially that which is made of synthetic materials. When clothes are dried in the dryer, they pass electrons back and forth increasing the positive and negative energies between objects, which causes them to cling to one another. When worn, they in turn can keep clinging to one another as in the case of a dress clinging to pantyhose or when slacks cling to socks.

1. Avoid over-drying clothes It is also well-known that over-drying clothes will increase the static charge, so it’s recommended that clothes be about 95% dry when removed and stored.

30 Tricia LeVangie, of California Closets in Massachusetts suggests the use of a humidifier to keep the air moist. She said, “This is a real challenge during our cold New England winters. I can remember my mom putting a pan of water on the register in her bedroom to help with moisture.”

Moist air is highly conductive, which reduces the ability of static to build up in clothing. A handy spray bottle of distilled water can be lightly spritzed on clothes and body when getting dressed will be helpful as well.

LeVangie also recommends storing synthetic and natural fiber clothing separately as “synthetic fibers are really the culprits.”

2. Remove plastic from dry-cleaning Professional organizer Ann Marie Williams of Atmosphere Consulting offers this tip: Don’t hang newly dry-cleaned clothes back up without removing the plastic bags.

“When it comes to static, if the elements are right, static is created while taking the bag off and before you even put it on the garment is already full of static.”

Allowing the items to “breathe and ground” a bit may reduce the chance of overly charged clothing becoming clingy nuisances.

3. Try an alternative to dryer sheets An interesting trick picked up from Apartment Therapy via Lifehacker is to throw a couple balls of tightly rolled up tin foil into the dryer. There seemed to be lots of debate as to why this would work as the metal of the dryers drum should work as well as the tin foil itself, but the prevailing view is that the ball itself is grounded by hitting the drum wall throughout the cycle, then jumps back into the fray to collect excess static as it’s forming between the clothes.

The debate was lively, but there were enough commenters who have tried it and feel it works, so it’s worth giving it a try.

31 The Adventures of Judy Sometimes

Wonderful Weekend by: Judy Daniels

I can't believe how much my life has changed in the last few years. If you would have told me 5 years ago I would be expierencing what I am now I would have said you were crazy.

Early in the week I received an invitation to participate in a ladies only birthday celebration of my friend Sonja. I have only known this women for a little over a year and she has accepted my dressing from the very beginning, in fact, thats the way she meet me. The plan was to meet for sushi at a place called Wasabi at 6:30, but 4 of us decided to meet about an hour early for a pre-party cocktail at one of our hotel bars called the Hodo.

When we arrived at Wasabi imagine my surprise to find that there were 5 more ladies already seated waiting for the birthday bash to begin. I knew 3 of them and introduced myself to the other two. Neither seemed to even bat an eye to me, perhaps they were prewarned that there would be an imposter among them tonight, lol. Our guest of honor was running a little late as her co workers had unexpectedly thrown a little party of their own after work, so we went ahead and ordered drinks to sip while waiting. Some had beers while others ordered Saketinis.

Around 7 the birthday girl arrived and we all broke out singing Happy Birthday to her simulta- neously, then we all received a big hug and a squeeze for joining in on her special day. After everyone was through ordering food it was decided we should all do Sake Bombs, basically a shot of sake balanced on two chopsticks sitting on top of a glass of beer. The idea is to yell sake bomb 3 times and pound on the table while saying it the third time which should result in the shot falling into the beer and then guzzling the whole thing. For most of us this worked. Who says ladies are all prim and proper, lol. After dinner Sonja wanted to go to the Hodo and luckily we were able to find enough seating for the 8 of us that were still ready to party.

Anyone that tells you women don't drink much hasn't hung around this group. I was thinking most would order wine, but the Long Island Teas and Martinis were soon flowing. To say we were puddles by the end of the evening would be an understatement.

Saturday brought a few more ladies only events; shopping, dinner and an art opening. I think the four of us must have hit at least half of the places in town before returning home to freshing up for dinner. I was quite successful as was everyone else. We're all anxiously waiting for spring to arrive and get Sundress Thursday going once again. 32 Tonights dinner would be at a place called the Taste of Italy. The cuisine is largely made up of the former owners grandmothers receipes and believe me, its one of Fargo's best kept secrets. I chose the Raviolli, which is nothing like the what comes out of a Chef Boyardee can. Its served with meatballs on the side, which are out of this world.

Up next for our crew was an art opening at another friends gallery and frame shop. Since opening at this location we have attended at least a dozen or so of these events. Tonights featured artist is a former NDSU football player who I would have never guessed to be an artist. He's work is largely abstract using acrylics.

Our next stop was the bar many of us call home. A little neighborhood pub called Duffys. You might say this is the bar I first come out in as its always had the reputation of being a place that is very accepting. It was built back in 1967 and is known for its St.Patricks Day celebration and of course a good strong drink, lol. The present owners took it over a little more than four years ago and have kept an open door policy to anyone who wishes to drink there. It did take the owners son a while to accept that I use both bathrooms depending on how I present, but he has actually become one of my biggest supporters. He wisely knows where his bread is buttered and knows full and well that many of his customers were brought in by me, including a very large group of lesbians, which by the way filled half the bar on Saturday night.

Sunday brought an unexpected suprise, two of my lady friends had planned on going to church and have been after my wife and I to join their church. This morning they called and asked if I would join them since my wife was out of town. Being a little hungover I sadly declined their invite. They then asked if I'd be up for lunch after, which I figured I could handle as it would give me a couple hours to get ready. They said they were in heels and hose so if I wanted to "match" I should dress accordingly. You'd think being a crossdresser I would jump at the opportunity to wear a dress and heels, but to be honest I'm much more comfortable going casual. I rarely wear hose anymore as I tend to lean towards a bare leg or tights. I decided to go all out and really jazz things up by wearing a deep v wrap blouse, knee length skirt and 2 1/2" heeled pumps with bows on the tip. I also did something else I haven't done in a while, I blew the dust off of my hot rollers. I used to be pretty good with a curling iron, but with a wife who likes to play with hair, I've gotten out of practice, especially trying to do the back of my head. I have two sets of hot rollers so I have a variety of sizes to work with. Having shoulder length hair sometimes means trouble, but I apparently got lucky today and managed a lovely fluff of curls.

We ended up having lunch at one of my favorite spots. A long time staple of this area, a place called the Speak Easy, complete with a replica of the car Bonnie and Clyde were killed in, bul- let holes and all. During lunch we discussed filling the rest of the day with an afternoon movie and ended up seeing Cedar Rapids, starring Ed Helms, John C. Riley and Anne Heche, cute, worth the watch.

Well, tomorrow its back to reality for a couple days, then its time to once again don the frilly wear.

Judy sometimes

Bobbie Vance Chantel Leah Delannoire

Jeinnifer 34 Connie

Denise DeMann

Ginger 35

Lacie lee

Tamara Ann

Leslie Rose

Sarah Hall 36 Mellissalynn’s Tips & Tricks

Hello, ladies! Welcome to May, the month of flowers and sunshine and sundresses and sandals! I’ve already started going through my wardrobe, putting away the sweaters and coats and making room for the halter tops and shorts.

I have another month’s worth of fun and interesting tips and tricks for you, gathered from the far corners of the Earth and ready to be put to good use. If there’s one in your corner of the Earth that I haven’t seen and you want to share, please e-mail me! The address is, as always, [email protected] .

On to the good stuff!

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To blow-out your hair to get good volume, body, and smoothness, use a large, round brush. Move the brush and the dryer together down the hair shafts from the roots to the ends. Remember to keep the airflow angled toward the ends.

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Oftentimes I put my hair up in a bun when I’m working; in fact, I’m sporting a bun as I type this. This is a good way to give a bun a little more piz- zazz. Gather your hair into a low ponytail secured behind one ear, then twist it until it coils around itself. Fasten it into place with hairpins. If you want to dress it up a little more for evening wear, try adding a pretty barrette or two.

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As anyone who’s been reading my tips and tricks over the last few years knows, I like trying the homemade beauty masks and routines. This one I really like; it’s a great foot bath using lemons. Take three quarts of warm water, three table- spoons of course salt, and four to six slices of fresh lemon, and place them all in a large bowl or 37 tub. Stir the water until the salt dissolves and stick your feet in. Use your toes to squeeze the lemons slices. You’ll find yourself getting a nice tingle from working your feet, and the juices will help soften your skin at the same time. And it smells good too! Remember to rinse your feet well afterward.

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According to the editors of All You magazine, there is a red lipstick color for us all. They say that ‘the undertones of the color’ is the trick. Fairer skin looks best with cherry reds. Olive skin will handle more fiery red tones. Darker complexions will benefit best from darker reds with a hint of brown.

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This is a great trick to create a double bun with your hair. Brush your hair into two ponytails, one at the crown and one at the nape. Twist up each ponytail and pin it into place.

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When you wash and dry your hair, you should remember that, when you’re using a hair dryer, you should start at the roots. The roots take longer to dry than the ends. Additionally, it’s better if possible to let the ends air dry; the heat from a dryer can cause split ends to form.

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I found this tip in an old beauty book at the library recently and tried it. It really works! After applying your makeup, try taking a drop of facial moisturizer in your hands and cup your hands over your face. The moisturizer will warm in your hands and on your face, giving you a glow and helping to set your makeup.

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As your makeup tips and tricks girl, I try a lot of products. One thing I recently learned was the hazard of over-applying a cream blush. I tried to rub it in to even it out; big mistake! I ended up having to completely remove and restart my makeup. I was SO frustrated! I did a little research and discovered a way to fix this problem. Take a makeup sponge and apply a drop or two of foundation. Apply this to your cheeks with small upward strokes. This will soften the color of the blush.

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This is only obliquely a beauty tip, but you will feel better for it in the morning. Leave yourself a glass of water on the nightstand before you go to sleep and consume it when you wake up. Your body dehydrates slightly when you sleep, roughly one to two percent. This is enough to leave you feeling tired and fuzzy-headed when you wake up. An eight-ounce glass of water is 38 enough to replenish your hydration level. As a side note, a glass of water in the morning will help to flush impurities in your body that build up in your sleep.

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Have you ever opened a lipstick and found little beads of moisture inside? Toss that one, no matter if it is your favorite color. It’s gone bad, and can cause you serious problems.

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We’re heading into the warm months, girls, and this is when your makeup will get soft. Re- member to freeze your eyeliner for about fifteen minutes or so before sharpening it. This will make it easier to get a point, and thus a better line.

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If you use an eyelash curler, check the pad of the curler before doing so, to see if the pad is soft and clean. A hard pad can break your lashes, and we all know how fast mascara can go bad and cause problems. Also, be sure that you haven’t applied your mascara before using your curler; not only do you contaminate the pad, but mascara is sticky and can stick to the curler, yanking out your lashes.

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I have to share a recent horror story that, thankfully, I was able to help with. It’s a little bit makeup related…

A friend of mine has a beautiful four-year-old daughter. Well, this angel saw her mommy putting makeup on and decided she wanted some too. Fortunately, her mother’s makeup was safely put up where she couldn’t get it. Unfortunately, her ten-year-old brother had been using some markers to draw and color with, and she found these left out. Even MORE unfortunately, some of the markers were Sharpies. The goodness here is that our girl didn’t try to make up her eyes with anything. Still, she had bright pink cheeks and lips when she was found (read: caught).

I was over visiting when this happened and suggested trying the same trick I use on CDs and DVDs to remove Sharpie ink. I applied a yellow Sharpie over the pink cheeks and, while it was still damp, spritzed on some isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. The still-wet ink lifted the majority of the old ink with it. The little girl is still a bit rosy-cheeked, but not horribly so. Thankfully, she used a non-Sharpie to do her lips!

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39 I want to wish you all a great Memorial Day weekend. Have a good time, and I hope you all get a chance to be the beautiful women that live inside each of you. @@@@@

I recently tried an eyelid primer. I tried it in a pale yellow. I found that it really smoothed out the skin colors around my eyes and really helped with applying my liner and shadow.

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Here’s a new item to try to get rid of spots on your skin. East Indian women are using carrot oil on their skin and seeing spots lighten in an average time of eight weeks. Age spots form from overproduction of color-producing cells in the skin; the beta-carotene in carrot juice saturates these cells and prevents spots from forming. The creation of new skin underneath will cause the spots to fade away.

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Have you ever had a day or night where your hair was just right, your makeup perfect, and your whole look just screamed perfection? Make sure you get a picture! A recent study shows that women who take pictures of themselves on their best days tend to strive more to repeat what they saw. For us, that sentiment is even more important; on those days when things just don’t come out as well as you’d like, having the reminder that you can and have been uber- glamourous is a great confidence booster.

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SMILE! Women do this a lot. I read a recent report on a T-group online that says that a transwoman who doesn’t smile is more easily read than one who does. I pondered this a bit and then went to look at my own photos, of which I have many. I had to agree; invariably, my best shots are the ones where I have at least a small smile on my face. A smile is free and a great look to sport, so try it!

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Here’s a quick tip regarding photography. If you’re planning to be in pictures, try using shades 40 of peach, berry, or pink in your lip colors and blushes. These colors tend to pop more in photos.

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The best time to apply lotion to your hands is after washing and before drying them. Apply the lotion and wait a few seconds, then pat dry. The dampness of your skin soaks up the lotion quickly, and any excess is removed when you dry your hands. No greasy or sticky feeling!

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All right, I can’t write anymore, it’s too beautiful outside! I have a nice cold drink and a good book to read. I’m off to get some sun and work on my tan.

Tell me about your holiday, or share any other news or tips or tricks you might want to pass along! Just in case you missed it at the beginning of my column, my e-mail address is [email protected] . I recently got a Blackberry Curve, so now I can check my mail even faster. I hope to hear from you!

41 Top Six Hairstyles for Transgender Women

By Lucille Sorella

Want to look younger, prettier, and more feminine? Try changing your HAIRSTYLE! I can’t think of a faster way to improve your appearance. The trick is to chose a hairstyle that not only looks great, but flatters your facial features and overall body shape. Classically beautiful female faces tend to have small features, large eyes, and full lips. That means you need a hairstyle that plays down your nose, brow bone, chin, and jawline – while playing up your eyes and lips. Your hair should also be in proportion with your body. Here are my top 6 hairstyles for transgender women: (Note: these rules apply whether you wear a wig or style your own natural hair.) 1. Side swept bangs Bangs are a great option for transgender women since they draw attention to your eyes while hiding a prominent brow ridge. Bangs also have a youthening effect. Straight bangs highlight a large nose and strong facial features, so go for soft, side swept bangs instead. 2. Layers Layered hairstyles are much more flattering than hair that is all one length. Face fram- ing layers soften your features and add texture and volume to your hair.

3. Soft waves Soft waves are super sexy and feminine. Waves also add volume to your hair, making thin hair appear fuller. Most transgender women look great with full, wavy hair that bal- ances out strong facial features and a larger body frame. 42

Side swept bangs Layers Soft waves

4. Shoulder length hair Shoulder length hair is the best option for most women, including transgender women. Hair that’s too long drags down your face and looks “old Barbie” after a certain age, while hair that’s too short looks masculine. Shoulder length hair looks feminine and conceals a strong jaw and thick neck. P.S.: I realize that you may need to keep your hair short. A lot of girls have asked me to recommend short feminine hairstyles, so I promise to talk about this in next week’s blog post! 5. Side parts Middle parts are an absolute DON’T for most TG women since they make your face look longer and highlight a big nose and chin. Side parts are much softer and can be worn by anybody with any face shape. 6. Highlights Finally, don’t forget about color! Highlights brighten your face and look softer than a single block of color. There are lots of options besides blonde highlights – women with dark hair look fantastic with light brunette or auburn highlights.

Shoulder length hair Side part Highlights

You’re probably sensing a theme here, right? The idea is to think SOFT – soft cuts, soft texture, soft color – to balance masculine features. Remember, just because a hairstyle is cute doesn’t mean it is appropriate for you.

Now let’s look at some DON’Ts:

Straight bangs Too long, too blonde! Center part

OK, my dears,.what about YOUR hairstyle? Are you happy with it or is it time for a change?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lucille Sorella is a GG (genetic girl) who teaches crossdressers, transsexuals, and transgender females how to look, act, and feel like real women. Her goal is to help T-women express their inner and outer femininity and increase their confidence as women. She has a professional background in fashion, beauty, dance, and natural healing and has been working with the transgender community for the past 12 years. Her website is loaded with useful information and is located at http://www.flat2fem.com/index1.html .

44 Online Safety

Girls, I received the below message on another board that I belong to. It is some good advice to help keep us from being hacked/ spammed, or whatever other name you want to give to those e-mails that seem to infiltrate our computers and cause us so much trouble.

Ladies, Recently we've seen an increase in the activity of spammers and hackers. I don't know why.

It is important though to remember some simple rules. *****If you see an email with "no subject" or "Re: " in the subject line, DON'T OPEN IT. Frequently these contain no message, just a link , usually to some "image" file. *****If you do open such a message and see nothing but a link, FOR GOD'S SAKE DON'T CLICK ON IT. These are almost always trojans. Accessing these links will give the sender access to your address book and they will then send everyone on your list the same kind of message. This could be nothing more than e-mail farming, but it could be much worse. It could in- stall a virus which you would then be giving them addresses to spread it to. *****Don't be fooled if the "sender" appears to be someone you know or even a trusted friend. That only means that your friend's computer has been hacked already. Your friend probably doesn't even know that a message was sent under their name.

Lastly, try to be very cautious about joining any social network sites without thoroughly check- ing them out. Some, like Grouply, are proven phishing sites and will hijack your address book and spam everyone on it saying that you are inviting them to join you on Grouply even if you haven't joined yourself. Just visiting the Grouply site gives them access. It's scary.

I know this all seems like common sense and you've all heard it before, but it never hurts to re- mind ourselves of internet safety. Remember it's not just you. If your computer gets compro- mised, it puts this entire group in jeopardy.

Thanks for your patience and understanding, and as they used to say on Hill Street, "Be careful out there" Peace Lisa Harris Moderator, MTG Lisa Gayle Harris Proud to be a Vanity Club Sister - VC480

45 In addition to what Lisa says, I cannot stress strongly enough that you have you a good anti- virus program installed. You should not only have one installed on your computer, but insure that it is UP TO DATE! In today world of high speed internet, if we are connected via cable or DSL, it means we are on the net all the time our computer is turned on. I personally use AVG for my anti-virus program, it is updated every day and I have a scan of my computer done daily. But even with that I recall a virus that came in on me. I got a message saying I had a virus and I needed to get a certain program to rid myself of it. It was an attempt to get my credit card information. The only way I could get rid of the whole thing was to backdate my computer to a point before I come on A friend had the same thing happen to her. I guess this is proof that while an anti-virus program will catch perhaps 99% of any virus, now and then some will get through.

Perhaps the worst of viruses that we can get is something called “keystroking”. This is a virus that will record every key you press on your keyboard. The hacker will now have your credit card number, and anything else you happen to type in to your computer.

In the end YOU and you alone are responsible for protecting your computer. If you are hacked, first immediately change all your passwords. ALL OF THEM! That we would hope would keep the hacker from being able to keep sending from your accounts. Worst comes to worst, you will have to abandon your e-mail account and open a new e-mail account.

If you are hacked and a spam message is sent to the group, you will be put on moderated status. (we will inform you so you know that you have been hacked.) If the spam keeps coming, then we will have no choice but to remove you from the group. You would then have to reapply under a new e-mail address.

Finally we should all know the difference between http:// and https:// If you are ordering something online, BEFORE you enter ANY information be sure you see that https:// in your browser address. This indicates you have a secure encrypted connection.

Barbara Jean co-moderator PTG Yahoo Group 46 Tammy by: Barbara Jean Chapter 3 Developing Tammy

Mary sort of knew from what Dr. Thompson told her that raising Tommy as a girl was not going to be easy, it was not something that was considered to be socially acceptable, and that she would find many battles to fight along the way. But Mary also knew she had to do what was best for Tommy/Tammy. She would face the challenge no matter how great.

Mary looked at her new daughter Tammy and recognized that she had some work as a mother to do. Perhaps some catching up so to speak. Even though Tammy was more like a girl than a boy, there was much she needed to teach her little girl.

Mary started by teaching Tammy how to fix her hair. As she did, Mary wondered, were boys and girls naturally different, or were they simply raised different. How much of being a girl was natural and how much was in what they were taught.

The challenges were beginning for Mary too. While she remained good friends with the Netley's, and Tammy still played a lot with Nelly, other neighbors started to sort of shun her. When she went to the store she often would see other women, out of ear shot whispering to each other as they looked at her. She knew they were talking about her and her new daughter Tammy. It did bother Mary as to how people could be so indifferent to things.

Mary also noticed a change in her little sewing business. All most all of her old customers stopped coming to her. One day though, Mary had a man call on her for some sewing. He wanted her to make a dress for him. He was asking for dress that was more like for a little girl. He said that he was an adult little girl, a man who liked to dress as a little girl. He told Mary that there were a number of men who liked to crossdress, and some like him liked dressing as a little girl, while others wanted things like a school girl outfit, and some wanted maids outfits. He told her she could get her quite a little business if she would make those dresses for the crossdressers. On his second visit he brought her a copy of a magazine for crossdressers and told her she might want to inquire about putting an ad in it. Mary did take the magazine and later she did write to the publisher to see about placing an ad in it for her sewing business. A couple of months later she did start to receive letters from men asking for some of these special outfits. Mary got some sewing patterns and then modified them not just for the fit, but for the style of outfit that these men were asking for.

Mary went to the library and got Tammy a book on modeling. While she never envisioned Tammy being a model it did teach her things like how to walk and sit like a lady. Tammy was often seen walking around the house with a book on her head.

Mary went up to Tammy’s room one day and gathered up all of Tommy’s clothes and took them to the thrift store. She knew he would never need them anymore. She then took Tammy 47 to a shoe store in Milwaukee where she got her some more shoes. One pair had some low heels on them so Tammy could start learning how to walk in heels.

While Mary's parents were quite accepting of Mary's decision to go ahead and raise Tommy as Tammy, Ned's parents were quite the opposite. They kept blaming it all on Mary telling her she was a bad parent, that if their Son Ned was still alive he would have put his foot down and never allowed such a thing. They totally disowned Mary and Tammy. Mary was disheartened by their attitude and decision, but decided that it would be their loss and not hers or Tammy's.

Another problem occurred for Mary when it came to the reports that she had to send to the state concerning Tammy's home schooling, her name. She still had to list it as Tom. She wondered how she could get that name changed to Tammy. She would have to find an understanding lawyer to answer that question. She knew that her customers came from all different walks of life, so maybe one of them would know the answer.

Many of the challenges that Mary faced was due to a society that did not understand or accept the idea of raising a boy as a girl. She also knew too that someday Tammy herself would have to face those same challenges. She would have to teach Tammy how to deal with them.

Tammy herself was coming along fine and was becoming more and more of a girl everyday. She was starting to walk and sit more like a lady and had even pretty much mastered walking in those heels. Mary noticed when she bought the shoes for Tammy that they were almost the same size as hers. Pretty soon Mary thought she might find herself losing some of her shoes to Tammy. Tammy’s hair was getting longer and Mary began teaching Tammy how to fix and curl her hair like the other girls.

Mary took out the old photo that she had taken of Tommy dressed as a girl and looked at it. She decided that it was time for a new picture, one of her daughter, so she got her camera and began taking some new photos of Tammy. After she had them printed she looked at them along with Tammy and decided on one that she wanted to blow up and frame. Someday she thought she would take Tammy to a photo studio for a mother daughter portrait.

And there was the problem of what if Tammy got sick, what doctor could she take her to? How would the doctor react to a girl with a boy’s body? She talked to Dr. Thompson about her concerns, but at the time he really did not have answers. While he did hear of a boy in Canada that was being raised as a girl, the case was also unusual as the boy’s penis was damaged when he was being circumcised.

Seems that the word had gotten around quite a bit of Mary doing sewing for the crossdressing community and soon Mary was becoming quite friendly with her crossdressing customers. They more than anyone were willing to discuss the problems that Mary was facing in raising Tammy. Yes there were some doctors who were also crossdressers, but none of them knew any in the area. As she was measuring one of her customers up for a dress she noticed that he had real breast. She asked him about them and he told her that he was taking some herbs to develop them. He did tell her that the herbs did not work for everyone, but that you could get them at health food stores and even some drug stores did carry them in the vitamin section. He told 48 Mary of the herbs that he was taking and she wrote them down.

Christmas time was coming near and Mary went shopping for something for Tammy. While Tammy’s ears were not pierced, she did buy a set of pierced earrings for Tammy along with a gold necklace with a little heart locket on it and a ladies watch. She made arrangements for both her and her daughter to come in after Christmas to have their ears pierced.

Mary told Tammy to dress up really pretty. She put some lipstick on her and did her nails and then told her they were going to go see a photographer for a portrait of the two together. The photographer took several shots of them and had proofs ready a few days later. Mary went to look at them and then selected a couple that she wanted. She got a couple of 8x10’s, one for her and one for her parents, and she gave the photographer the locket that she got for Tammy for him to make one to put in it. The photographer told her that he would have them all ready in time for Christmas.

Christmas time came and on Christmas day Mary handed her gifts to her daughter. Tammy’s eyes really lit up when she seen the earrings and the locket. Mary put the locket around Tammy’s neck and fastened the clip, and after setting the time, Tammy put the watch on. She was a little down that she could not put the earrings on quite yet. Mary told her they would be going to the store in Milwaukee to get their ears pierced together.

It was February when Mary got a call from her mother. Mrs. Russel was crying. Mary’s father had a heart attack and had died. Mary talked with her mother for awhile, finding out when the service was going to be and if there was anything she needed. When Mary hung up the phone she called for Tammy She held her daughter and then told her that her grandfather had died. Tammy began crying also and the two just stood there hugging and holding one another and crying together.

Later that day they went to the Netley's to let Will and Nancy know what happened. Nancy just held the two and cried with them. Later Nelly came and held Tammy. Mary told Nancy that they would be leaving the next day for Spring Hill for the funeral.

Mary and Tammy went home and started packing their bags. Even though they figured they would only be there for maybe a week, they did pack extra just in case the weather turned bad. John and Susan Russel lived on a farm just North of Spring Hill and Mary remembered from her childhood days how they would get snowed in at times. In the Morning they would make that drive to Spring Hill.

The next morning Mary and Tammy left about eight in the morning for Spring Hill. The drive was expected to take them four hours if the roads were good, but could be a bit longer if they ran into trouble with some. While the state routes were kept pretty clear, county roads could be a problem as they did not get cleared as quickly as the state roads, and the road to John & Susan’s farm was a small road that was one of the last to be plowed. Fortunately the weather was predicted to be good and the roads were all clear during the drive.

Mary thought it was nice to once again be going home to her mother, but wished the circum- 49 stances were different. It has been quite awhile too since she had seen her sister Karen. Karen would be coming down the next day from Rhinelander where she lived with her partner Alice.

Archaeologists Find “Gay” Caveman... By Advocate.com Editors

Archaeologists in the Czech Republic found the 5,000-year-old skeleton of what they believe to be the oldest known gay or perhaps transgender caveman.

According to The Telegraph the male remains, which date between 2900 and 2500 B.C., were discovered in a way normally reserved for women from the Corded Ware culture in the Copper Age.

“The skeleton was found in a Prague suburb in the Czech Republic with its head pointing east- wards and surrounded by domestic jugs, rituals only previously seen in female graves,” reports The Telegraph.

Archaeologist Kamila Remisova Vesinova said the positioning was unlikely to be a mistake, and that the man was likely someone “with a different sexual orientation, homosexual or transsexual.”

Her colleague Katerina Semradova said at a Tuesday press conference that archaeologists previously had uncovered a case from the Mesolithic period where a female warrior was buried in the manner reserved for men.

Semradova called the new discovery a case of “transsexual” or “third gender grave.”

50 Men in heels march for anti-rape message By RACHEL D'ORO, Associated Press

A few dozen men seeking to raise awareness for sexual assault violence against women tried to walk a mile in their shoes Fri- day — literally.

Among the participants — some burly and others bearded — in the fourth annual "Walk a Mile in her Shoes" event at the University of Alaska Anchorage was the head of Alaska State Troopers, Col. Keith Mallard, who slipped out of one of his red suede peep-toe shoes during the walk.

"I had a blowout," Mallard said sheepishly. "It didn't hinder my progress any. I just had to pull to the side and get a tire change."

The men teetered precariously along the mile-long route, trying to raise money for a local non- profit that supports sexual assault victims. Donations to Standing Together Against Rape will go toward banishing sexual assaults and other acts of violence against women. The men were game, even if it meant nearly tripping over their own stilettos.

Vashon Hilliard, whose work involves helping the disabled, stuffed his feet into a colleague's black patent leather pumps. The shoes were a snug fit, but Hilliard didn't let that stop him. "I just decided it's for a great cause, and why not?" he said.

"Men want to make a public statement that they detest sexual violence," said Keeley Olson, STAR's program manager. "A lot of them have told me that they walk for their sisters, they walk for their mothers, they walk for their daughters. They walk because they care about women."

Amusement factor aside, the underlying message was serious. Signs with messages including "No Means No!", "Got Consent???", "Shatter the Silence," and "Alaskans Can End Sexual Violence" bobbed along in the hands of participants.

Walt Monegan, former head of the state troopers, participated in what he said people were calling old lady shoes. "I'm old, so it's OK," he said. Monegan, who now heads the Alaska Native Justice Center, said he was taking part because the issues of sexual assault need to be highlighted.

"Sexual assault for some folks is still kind of a sensitive, dark issue," he said. "By bringing this in a humorous light, it eases the acceptance and discussion of it. So, any way we can bring it to the surface is a good thing." 51 Sylvia Rivera Helen Boyd

I give you Sylvia Rivera , proud, out, trans woman who participated in the Stonewall Rebellion in 1969, and only a year later watched as gender and trans rights were disappeared from the new Gay Rights’ movement’s agenda.

On June 27, 1969, Rivera was in the crowd that gathered outside the Stonewall Inn after word spread that it had been raided by police. The sight of arrested patrons being led from the bar by authorities riled the crowd, but it was Rivera who threw one of the first Molotov cocktails that actually initiated the riots and sent Stonewall into the history books.

In 1970 Rivera joined the Gay Activists Alliance (GAA) and worked on its campaign to pass the New York City Gay Rights Bill. She attracted media attention when she attempted to force her way into closed-door sessions concerning the bill held at City Hall. In spite of Rivera’s (and other drag queens’ participation in the GAA, the organization decided to exclude transgender rights from the Gay Rights Bill so that it would be more acceptable to straight politicians.

Rivera was shocked and betrayed by this decision. She also became disillusioned with the gay rights movement in general and dismayed by the backlash against drag queens that had developed by the mid-1970s.

Perhaps already sensing that transgendered people could not rely on the gay rights movement to advocate for their civil rights, in 1970 Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson had formed a group called Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (S.T.A.R.). The members of this organization aimed to fight for the civil rights of transgendered people, as well as provide them with social services support. At this time, Rivera and Johnson began operating S.T.A.R. House in the East Village, which provided housing for poor transgendered youth. S.T.A.R. House lasted for two years, but was then closed because of financial and zoning problems. Although in existence only a short time, S.T.A.R. House is historically significant because it was the first institution of its kind in New York City, and inspired the creation of future shelters for homeless street queens.

52 The Gossip Fence Transgendered In the News

Montana Bill to Ban Local Transgender, Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Protections Abandoned by Senate

Montana House Bill 516 - which would have made it unlawful for any city, town or county in the state to pass a law protecting transgender, lesbian, gay or bisexual Montanans from discrimination - is all but dead. Just one day after receiving TLDEF’s letter expressing concerns about the bill’s constitutionality, the Montana Senate sent the bill back to committee to die. Last Friday, that committee concluded its work without reviving the bill. So while nothing is guaran- teed until the full legislature's session ends on April 29th, as of last Friday, the time for virtually all of the maneuvers that could resuscitate the bill had expired. The bill had previously passed the Montana House of Representatives.

On April 12, 2010, the City Council of Missoula, Montana passed an ordinance protecting transgender, lesbian, gay and bisexual residents from discrimination. Opponents of that law's passage introduced HB 516 in the Montana House of Representatives earlier this year with the specific goal of striking down Missoula’s ordinance and ensuring that no city, town or county in the state could ever enact a law protecting transgender, lesbian, gay or bisexual people from discrimination again.

Transgender Woman Owes Government $4 Million She Stole for Sex Change

A judge has ruled that D.B. Karron, a transgender biomedical technician, owes the government $4 million for the $1.4 million in government grants she received to develop computer medical technology but which she used instead for personal purposes.

She put the money toward rent, household goods, food, and a sex change operation for herself and three of her employees. "Trannies are very good in high tech, and that's what I did. It was a medical benefit," she said to explain her actions. Oh, that makes perfect sense.

Along with paying back the money plus penalties, her sentence includes a 15-month prison stay where Karron fell in love with a fellow inmate. Well, at least something good came out this.

53 New Zealand Contentious workplace law coming into force

A contentious new law that comes into effect could seriously restrict the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex people, according a group set up to rally for the rights of queer workers. The Council of Trade Unions' Out@Work division is among those resolutely against the "90 day law" and restrictions on workers that seek access to union advice.

Out @Work's Karena Brown says the legislation will make it possible for anyone starting a new job, or for people already at a job whose employer sells the business to a new owner, to have a probationary period of 90 days, where they can be fired without the employer having to give a reason, making a mockery of workers' human rights. She says though discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is illegal under the Human Rights Act, and under section 105 of the Employment Relations Act 2000, this does not alter the fact that it occurs. "Often lgbti workers will choose to leave their employment rather than take a case of discrimination because of the requirement to go public about their sexual orientation/gender identity."

Brown says the law represents a major attack on workers' rights and opens up the very real pos- sibility of lgbti workers facing greater workplace discrimination without any protections in their first 90 days in a new job to challenge it. " Brown says the law opens the door to greater discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, which she believes will regrettably be used by employers. "The provision is unjust and it will be used unjustly. No worker should be afraid about their future because of other people's prejudices. "

Trans clergy are finally gaining greater acceptance

While the US Episcopal church developed a maverick reputation within the Anglican commun- ion for blessing same sex marriages and ordaining gay and lesbian clergy, the House of Bishops of the General Synod of the Church of England's report Some Issues in Human Sexuality , issued in 2003, contained a chapter titled "Transsexualism". Currently, one can find about a half dozen trans clergy in the UK and US. These numbers are imprecise, as some clergy do not wish to go public beyond the scope of their individual parish or diocese – a concern that's under- standable given that the trans community seldom receives even the legal protections afforded gays and lesbians

Beardsley, who was ordained for 23 years prior to her transition in 2001, observes that "some within the Church of England feel the issue of trans clergy has been settled" by citing such cases as the Rev Carol Stone and the Rev Sarah Jones . However, she says: "Not all trans clergy have been supported by their bishop, as these two priests were, and some have been ex- cluded from full-time ministry because of Church of England opt-outs from UK equality legislation."

The Rev Vicki Gray, a Vietnam vet before her transition, and currently a deacon with an em- phasis on ministry to the homeless, noted that their goals at general convention were to assert that we exist as flesh-and-blood human beings, to demonstrate that we are here in the church as decent and devout followers of Jesus Christ, and to begin the process of education and dialogue that will lead to full inclusion in the life of the church, not only of the transgendered but of 54 other sexual minorities such as the inter-sexed (known to some as hermaphrodites).

Transgender Woman Mocked At Utah DMV, Forced To Scrub Off Makeup

Salt Lake City, Utah – Not a highlight of our state. A transgender woman entered a local DMV to renew her license only to find half the staff mocking and ridiculing her, including security forcing her to scrub off her makeup and pull her hair back before she could take her photo.

Local resident Amber Anderton watched a horrifying scene play out in front of her this past Thursday at the DMV located at 1095 Motor Ave. (approx. 200 N 1000 W) in Salt Lake City, as a transgender woman sat down at the photo station to renew her license. “When the DMV worker looked at her,” says Amber, “he immediately left and got another employee, whispered in their ear and they both began laughing as they looked back at the woman. They both then went and got security who escorted the woman back to a supervisor’s office. When they came back out the woman was taken to the restroom where she had to scrub off her makeup and pull her hair back before they would let her take her license photo.”

Local Transgender Advocacy group “Tea Of Utah” tells us that as a whole, the Salt Lake DMV leadership has been very open to trainings on gender identity issues. But apparently the Fairpark location hasn’t gotten the message.

Wash. Times Launches Attack On Transgender People

In an April 4 editorial The Washington Times attacked transgender people seeking the ability to change the gender listed on their birth certificates, writing: "It's fair to ask where all of this is heading. Could Jocelyn Wildenstein -- famously nicknamed 'Catwoman' for the feline appearance she achieved through multiple plastic surgeries -- decide after years of struggling with her identity that she is actually a cat?" The Times went on to further question the sanity of transgender people, suggesting that "perhaps these people are just messed up."

Key Committee Approves Bill Strengthening Employment, Housing, and Other Nondiscrimination Laws

AB 887, sponsored by Equality California and the Transgender Law Center, would strengthen protections based on gender identity and gender expression

Sacramento - The Assembly Judiciary Committee today passed the Gender Nondiscrimination Act (AB 877) by a 7-1 vote. The bill was authored by Assemblymember Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) and is sponsored by Equality California and co-sponsored by the Transgender Law Cen- ter. AB 887 seeks to strengthen employment, housing, and other civil rights protections for transgender people and others who do not fit narrow gender stereotypes.

AB 887 takes existing protections based on gender identity and expression and enumerates them as protected categories in non-discrimination laws. In addition, the bill clarifies that gender identity and expression are included in the definition of gender and sex in all California codes. 55

In 2009, the Transgender Law Center released its State of Transgender California report. The report revealed overwhelmingly that Californians who experience discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression at work or elsewhere often times do not file complaints because they are unaware that they are protected as a result of confusing non-discrimination laws.

ILGA-Europe launches major documentation project

ILGA-Europe -- the European Region of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association -- has launched a large-scale project to document the advance of LGBT rights and related social changes across the continent.

"Rainbow Europe: ILGA-Europe Annual Report on the Situation for LGBTI People in Europe" will appear on the group’s website at the beginning of next year.

The project will track legislation and policy, statements by politicians and other prominent or influential individuals, law-enforcement activity, court activity, research and polls, LGBTI- movement developments, and other areas. It also will follow all LGBTI-related developments at the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the European Union, and the Organization for Se- curity and Cooperation in Europe.

"For European decision makers, politicians, media, researchers, and students this will be an ’all in one’ annual document providing them with an overview of the situation across Europe," Lavrikovs said. "We believe this will be a valuable tool to advocacy work on the national level as the advocates at the national level will be able to compare their countries, to measure their national situation and developments to established European standards and consequently build stronger claims and arguments."

Trans City Manager Allegedly Harasses Gay Bar

A city commissioner in Lake Worth, Fla., has requested an investigation into allegations that the city’s transgender city manager has been harassing and attempting to shut down the down- town area’s only gay-friendly establishment.

city manager Susan Stanton has “reportedly made claims that the gay bar's activities are not welcome in her town.”

Gay rights advocate Mike Zewe believes Stanton’s goal is have the establishment shut down for good. "Susan Stanton said men in dresses and men dancing with men is offensive, and if we would continue that behavior, we would just have to suffer the consequences," Zewe told local CBS 12 News.

Protesters — some of whom dressed in drag — gathered outside City Hall Tuesday evening de- manding that city commissioners open an investigation into the alleged harassment.

56 Arkansas Court Strikes Down Law Barring Gay Adoptions

The Arkansas Supreme Court rejected a voter-approved initiative that barred gay couples and other unmarried people living together from serving as adoptive or foster parents. Associate Justice Robert L. Brown wrote for the court that the law would encroach on adults’ right to privacy in the bedroom. . Voters approved the measure in 2008 after the state Supreme Court overturned a Human Ser- vices Department policy preventing gay men and lesbians from serving as foster parents in 2006.

Some of the law’s opponents were worried that they would not be able to let a gay relative adopt their children if they should die. When the lawsuit was filed in late 2008, Arkansas and Utah were the only states with bans on unmarried couples fostering or adopting children. Mis- sissippi banned gay couples, but not single gay men, from adopting children. Florida was the only state to completely bar gay adoption until a federal judge ruled the ban unconstitutional in December 2008.

Cook County Jail using gender identity to determine housing

In a Windy City Times exclusive, Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart announced that Cook County Jail has instituted a policy for housing transgender detainees based on their gender identity, rather than birth sex. The policy became effective on March 21. It is thought to be the first of its kind in the United States.

"Particularly with this issue, we wanted to do it right," Dart told Windy City Times, adding that "medical and sociological" concerns for transgender people "even superseded security issues."

State Department identifies LGBT abuses overseas

The U.S. State Department published its annual report evaluating the state of human rights overseas and revealing that LGBT abuses continue to persist in many places abroad.

The report details the status of human rights in 194 countries over the course of 2010 and marks the 35th year in which the State Department has produced the findings, which are required by congressional mandate.

In addition to unveiling the report, Clinton also announced the launch of a new State Department website: "http://humanrights.gov" . The site is set to assemble reports, statements and other updates from around the world and is intended to become a deposi- tory of global human rights information.

The State Department details the condition of LGBT people in the countries examined in the report under the heading “Societal Abuses, Discrimination, and Acts of Violence Based on Sex- ual Orientation and Gender Identity.” Among the abuses against LGBT people that the State Department identifies take place in countries where hostility based on sexual orientation and 57 gender identity is well known or has been previously reported by media outlets.

In Uganda, where homosexual acts are already illegal, legislation was pending that would have instituted the death penalty for gays, although the bill reportedly has been shelved. Still, the State Department finds continued discrimination and a lack of legal protections for LGBT people.

The State Department also finds continued abuses against LGBT people in Iran, where the pun- ishment for homosexual acts is death. According the State Department, gays in Iran are sometimes “pressured” to participate in reassignment surgery “to avoid legal and social persecutions in the country.” Conditions for transgender people in Iran are seen as more favorable than they are to gays — although transgender people still face hostility.

The report also identifies human rights abuses against LGBT people in places where the rights of LGBT people are sometimes seen as higher than they in the United States — such as in Western Europe, where many countries allow same-sex marriage and nationwide relationship recognition is available to LGBT people. In the United Kingdom, for example, the report finds LGBT people enjoy protections against human rights abuses and notes that the nation’s law prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation.

But the report notes that LGBT people in the United Kingdom aren’t completely free from human rights abuses. The State Department cites an increase in the number of forced marriages of LGBT teenagers and a recent report stating that foreign gays seeking asylum experience “significant disadvantages” because of sexual orientation.

Mayor Dean Signs Non-Discrimination Ordinance

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Metro government's non-discrimination policy for contractors is a fact of law. Nashville Mayor Karl Dean signed the ordinance into effect Friday.

The new ordinance, approved Tuesday night at council, requires businesses that contract with Metro government to guarantee protections, in writing, for gay, lesbian, and transgender workers.

Children of 12 offered gender drugs to prepare for sex change

CHILDREN as young as 12 are to be allowed drugs to prepare them for changing sex.

The controversial treatment halts puberty, stunting sex organs and preventing the growth of facial hair and sperm in boys, and breasts in girls. The injections, previously available only to over-15s with gender identity disorder, are being made available to younger people under an NHS study after pressure from families and doctors.

Dr Polly Carmichael, who runs Britain’s only GID clinic in London, said several under-16s were prepared to sign up for the jabs, until now available only in the US, Holland and Germany at that age. She said: “The majority of our referrals are 15-plus. Of the children aged 12 and 14, 58 there’s a number who are keen to take part.”

Europe Addresses Violence Against Women

A pan-European body is committing to prevent and combat violence against women, including those who are lesbian, bisexual, or transgender.

The Council of Europe’s new convention on preventing and combating violence against women has inclusive language covering lesbian, bisexual, and transgender women. The document, approved Wednesday by representatives of the foreign ministers of member states, obligates sig- natories to “take the necessary legislative and other measures to promote and protect the right for everyone, particularly women, to live free from violence in both the public and the private sphere.” It is to be implemented without discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and numerous other characteristics.

“ILGA-Europe warmly welcomes the adoption of the Convention and the recognition that lesbian, bisexual, and trans women are particularly vulnerable to violence and require specific measure of protection,” said a statement issued by Linda Freimane, cochair of ILGA-Europe’s executive board. She added that her group was “shocked” by the opposition of the Russian Federation and the Vatican to the inclusive nondiscrimination provision, which raises “disturbing questions regarding the extent of their commitment to such fundamental rights as the right to life and the right to protection from violence.”

Maryland Senate kills trans rights bill

In a development that stunned LGBT advocates, the Maryland State Senate voted 27-20 on Monday to recommit the Gender Identity Non-Discrimination Act to committee, effectively killing the bill for the year.

The bill, which calls for banning discrimination against transgender people in the areas of employment, housing and credit, including bank loans, had been approved last month in the state’s House of Delegates by a vote of 86 to 52.

Trans Woman Elected Head of Okla. Dem Group

Brittany Novotny, a one-time challenger to homophobic Oklahoma politician Sally Kern, was elected president of the Young Democrats of Oklahoma on Saturday.

Pam's House Blend reports that Novotny is the first transgender person elected to head a young democrats organization. Last year, Novotny unsuccessfully challenged Kern -- who previously said gays were more dangerous than terrorists -- for a position in the Oklahoma house of representatives. Though Kern, an incumbent, won, Novotny did score almost 35% of the vote in the heavily Republican district.

59 Chemicals may be bad for boys' development

There is no evidence that boys are going into puberty earlier, as girls are, but studies indicate boys' development can be affected by their lifestyle and environment, says Paul Kaplowitz, a pediatric endocrinologist at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

A growing number of researchers are concerned, based on preliminary evidence in humans and animals, that chemicals in the environment might harm boys' development: • Plant estrogens. Doctors in 2007 described three boys who developed temporary breast enlargement after using shampoos with lavender or tea tree oil, which contain plant estrogens, according to the New England Journal of Medicine.

TLDEF Files Suit on Behalf of Transgender Man Fired from Male-Only Job

First-Ever Lawsuit to Challenge Discriminatory View That Transgender Men Cannot Work As Men

TLDEF filed a lawsuit on behalf of a transgender man who was fired from a male-only job solely because he is transgender. This is the first lawsuit to challenge the firing of a transgender person from a job where being male or female is a job qualification. In June 2010, defendant Urban Treatment Associates LLC, based in Camden, New Jersey, hired plain- tiff El’Jai Devoureau as a urine monitor for men. His job responsibilities included monitoring male outpatients as they provided urine samples for drug testing. On his second day of work, Urban Treatment was told that Mr. Devoureau had transitioned from female to male and fired him on the spot. The lawsuit challenges Urban Treatment’s termination of Mr. Devoureau as a violation of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, which protects transgender people from employment discrimination. In filings before the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights, Urban Treatment claimed Mr. Devoureau was not male and therefore not qualified for the job.

Hawaii Lawmakers Pass Employment Protections For Transgendered

The Senate voted 22-2 to extend employment protections to transgender people. The legislation now moves to Gov. Neil Abercrombie's desk where it awaits his signature.

The law codifies prohibitions against discrimination in employment on the basis of gender identity. If the bill becomes law, Hawaii will join 12 states and Washington D.C. in providing transgender employment, housing and public accommodation protections.

Government seeks transgender community’s feedback

The coalition government is to publish its first ‘Transgender Action Plan’ later this year and is asking trans people to help shape the document. Ministers promised last May that they would produce an action plan specifically for trans people.

60 The survey <"http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3DVWS8S"> asks respondents which policy areas – such as medical care, hate crime and transphobic bullying – should be prioritised and asks about their own experiences.

In a special e-bulletin to the trans community, equality minister Lynne Featherstone said the responses would help formulate “initial government commitments”.

“But for transgender people we have not been so successful. For far too long too many of you had to put up with the most despicable forms of hatred and bigotry which blight not only your lives, but undermine the principles upon which this country prides itself.

Delaware House Approves Civil Unions

The Delaware House approved a civil unions bill and sent it to the desk of Governor Jack Markell for his signature. Markell added his support three weeks ago at an outdoor event to in- troduce the measure.

Democratic Senator Dave Sokola's civil unions bill, which gives gay and lesbian couples all of the legal protections of marriage, cleared the Democrat-controlled House after a two-hour debate with a 26 to 15 vote.

The measure cleared the Senate with a comfortable 13 to 6 vote after supporters fought off two amendments sponsored by Democratic Senator Robert Venables. One measure would ask for a public referendum on the issue, while a second would open civil unions to heterosexual couples and family members who live together.

Delaware joins three states – Illinois, Hawaii and New Jersey – which currently offer the union. Despite widespread support in the state, a GOP-controlled Colorado House committee killed a similar measure earlier this month

A New Tool for Treating Transgender People

The release of a very important new resource for medical providers serving transsexual and gender-variant patients. The Primary Care Protocol for Transgender Patient Care is a web-based resource that goes beyond hormone treatment and surgery options to cover important topics such as sexual health and fertility, cancer and cardiovascular disease, patient intake and insurance issues, and harm reduction.

The issuance of the new Primary Care Protocol is another big step forward. It gives medical professionals easy access to the consensus of eight physicians with extensive experience treating transsexual patients. The Protocol also gives doctors a credible source which can be helpful in responding to inaccurate information patients may receive through community grapevines or other non-medical sources.

The Department of Health and Human Services issued a set of recommendations calling for a major, well-funded effort to include LGBT people in its research, and address the health care 61 disparities that exist throughout our population. The day before, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released a report, The Health of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People that finally provides a comprehensive picture of the state of our community's health, and of the challenges we face in pursuing comprehensive treatment and medical care of every portion of the LGBT population. It is about time -- because on multiple levels, those disparities are too significant to ignore.

California Senate Approves Mark Leno's Gay History Bill

The California Senate on Thursday approved a bill that seeks to include the historical contribu- tions of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans in the state's textbooks, the AP reported. Voting along party lines, the Democrat-controlled Senate voted 23 to 14 in favor of Senator Mark Leno's FAIR Education Act.

The measure is expected to be approved by the Assembly and signed into law by Democratic Governor Jerry Brown, an ally on gay rights.

Community Rallies In Support Of Transgender Woman Attacked At 16th And Mission BART

A transgender woman was attacked near a Bay Area Rapid Transit station two weeks ago, prompting the LGBT community to organize a rally Friday Night, San Francisco police said.

The two men, allegedly approached the victim and grabbed her smartphone. When she de- manded the phone back, Andraychak said, they allegedly punched her in the head, and she fell to the ground. Although she tried to stand back up, the men allegedly repeatedly knocked her to the ground. At some point she was also kicked, furthering her injuries, Andray- chak said.

The suspects fled before officers responded to the scene after passersby called for help. With the help of witnesses, officers were able to detain the two men, and the victim was able to iden- tify her attackers, Andraychak said. "It was very instrumental that folks in the area got involved, called 911, stayed in the area and talked to police," he said.

The two men are still in custody. A preliminary hearing is set for Tuesday, April 19, according district attorney's office spokesman Seth Steward.

One of the attack's witnesses was Alexandra Byerly, program coordinator at El/La Para Trans- Latinas, who is heading the rally tonight at the 16th Street Mission BART plaza. Byerly was at an outreach event at the BART plaza, which is close to her office, saw the attack and rushed to help the woman and call police, Byerly said.

Through her work for transgender Latinos, a rally and demonstration was organized, Byerly said. The rally was scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. at the site of the attack. "You need respond to this kind of attack," she said. "To say 'no' to violence in the Mission; to say 'no' to violence to transgenders." Former Supervisor Bevan Dufty, current Supervisor Davis Campos, State Sen. 62 Leland Yee and other community leaders are expected to speak at the event, Byerly said.

Nashville 'Gen. identity' law could be reversed

NASHVILLE, TN(BP)--The Tennessee House of Representatives is expected to vote soon on legislation to prevent local governments from enacting ordinances such as a controversial one approved by the Nashville City Council that protects employees based on their "sexual orientation" or "gender identity."

The Equal Access to Intrastate Commerce Act, H.B. 600, would prohibit local municipalities from adopting nondiscrimination ordinances that go beyond existing state and federal law. In a voice vote April 12, the Tennessee House Commerce Committee overwhelmingly passed the bill. The proposal may be considered by the full House as early as the week of April 25.

Tennessee law already prohibits employers from discriminating based on "race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, or national origin," but the Nashville City Council went further in a measure approved April 5. In a 21-15 vote, the council required businesses that contract with the city to add employment policies with protections for the categories of "sexual orientation" and "gender identity." "Sexual orientation" can encompass homosexuality and bisexuality, as well as transgender status. "Gender identity" is a term that "refers to a person's innate, deeply felt psychological identification as male or female, which may or may not correspond to the person's body or designated sex at birth," according to the Human Rights Campaign, the country's largest homosexual organization.

The concern over restrooms is that "gender identity" in the ordinance could mean a man who inwardly identifies as a woman can begin using a woman's restroom.

Nevada Assembly approves measure protecting transgender people from employment discrimination

CARSON CITY, Nev. — Members of the transgender community chalked up a victory Mon- day when the Nevada Assembly approved a bill to protect them from employment discrimination.

Democratic lawmakers, with limited Republican support, approved the bill to add "gender identity or expression" to a list of characteristics employers may not discriminate against.

State law already prohibits employers from singling out job candidates based on race, religion, sexual orientation and other attributes. But transgender people told lawmakers that they are left out of those categories and suffer higher unemployment than the general population. Some witnesses said they were fired from their jobs after their transgender identity was discovered, though they were told they were fired for other reasons.

"Far too often, well-qualified transgender individuals are denied the opportunity to secure meaningful employment and contribute to the Nevada economy," said Lauren Scott of Equality Nevada, which advocates for the transgender community. 63 The bill, approved 29-13, goes to the Senate for consideration.

The employment bill comes as state senators are preparing to decide on another measure, SB180, which adds transgender people to the list of special groups protected by hate crime laws. Senators are expected to vote later this week on that bill, which is sponsored by Sen. David Parks, D-Las Vegas

Transsexual is awarded €35,000

A transsexual sales manager who was forced to switch sexual identities at her employer's whim has been awarded more than €35,000 in compensation for gender discrimination.

Louise Hannon (50), from Arbour Hill, north Dublin, last night said she felt vindicated after winning the case against her former employer First Direct Logistics Ltd after the precedent- setting decision by the Equality Tribunal.

The tribunal found that Ms Hannon was discriminated against by her employer on the basis of gender and disability and was awarded €35,422.71 plus interest from her former employer.

Ms Hannon worked as a man as a business development manager for the company for five years before she disclosed to management in October 2006 that she was a transsexual and would be leaving the company the following May because she didn't think a transport firm "would be comfortable with it". The company, however, encouraged her to stay in the job and in December 2006 she met company officials to discuss the workplace implications of her transition to female and was asked to wait a few months to accommodate a new staff member.

But when she arrived in the office as a woman after changing her name by deed poll in March 2007, she was told she would have to work the phones in her "male identity" from home, while a new office was set up, and would have to revert to a male identity when meeting clients. She was also forbidden from using the women's toilet at work.

The officer also found that forcing Ms Hannon to work from home was discriminatory and she "was isolated in her home from late April 2007".

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Miss May

Victoria Goldscale

May 2011

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