Katherine Diaz writes about the attention that trans women in Bogota receive from the male population. Some see trans women as more willing to give a man pleasure if he plies her with compliments on her beauty and femininity. But Katherine is a strong woman who doesn’t fall for their flattery. Unless she wants to. Take another walk on the wild side in Columbia with the Princesas de la noche.
Dina’s Diner has rolled out the new spring menu and there are some tasty treats to be had. Of the regular fare on offer you can’t go wrong with Dina’s own recipe for Exclusionary Stew. She takes anti-trans rants about trans women not being “real” women, mixes in some blame game spices, and cooks it up till it’s done. Then she has specials today featuring wigs, tomboys, the Jenner sisters and Soviet sexiness. It’s all served fresh and hot down at Dina’s Diner.
Love her or hate her, Caitlyn Jenner is a large figure in the trans world. Thanks to her celebrity status before transitioning she is possibly the most visible and influential trans figure who regularly gets media attention. While seeing a trans person being interviewed on television is encouraging in that it normalizes the presence of trans people to the general public, on the other hand, do we really want one person’s voice to drown out the voices of many other trans people? Today’s cartoon warns of that danger.
Opposition to LGBT rights is strongest in the southern states of the U.S. Why is it that these states lead the charge by imposing restroom laws and taking steps to make life harder for their trans citizens? Dana Bevan has the answers to the problem and she shares them with you today in an essay titled Alabamafication. There are many threads to this tapestry of hate and they are seen most clearly in Alabama where corrupt politicians maintain control of the purse strings by making LGBT people the “other” that threatens law and order. Dana has the truth about Sweet Home Alabama and how the rest of the country is at risk of moving in that direction.
There is a spectrum of sexual orientation, and a spectrum of gender identification. Finding your spot on them is important to some people. To other’s where they fit doesn’t matter so much. TWe have tons of words describing different gender expression and more words describing varying sexual preferences. Things can get confusing for those looking for a label that defines who they are. Today we bring you a post from a guest contributor, Elron Steele, and you will learn why he prefers to just tell people he is queer.
Come on in out of the weather and take a seat at Dina’s Diner. Today Dina Amberle has concocted a special recipe that has equal parts Men Going Their Own Way, some El Pollo Loco trans hiring news, androgynous dance expressing gender issues, and an artist creating a psychic transition toward free expression. Mix that all well, bake for 20 minutes, and what have you got? Another Dina’s Diner tasty dish that you’re sure to enjoy!
Sabrina Symington joins us to day with another look at the world from another point of view. Sometimes it helps people to understand why things happen the way they do. Today Sabrina presents a clear analogy that explains why we are seeing rising rates of violence against trans people.
Babs Casbar Siperstein is very active in New Jersey politics. As the nation faces roll backs of trans rights protections Babs has filed a report on what is being done in New Jersey to protect trans rights. Several bill passed in the legislature recently but Governor Christie is unlikely to sign them. Trans people in the state are organizing and stepping up to demand that their rights be protected. Learn more in Babs’ report.
TGForum contributor Sophie Lynne found herself, unprepared, behind a podium giving testimony to her town’s borough council about an LGBT equality statute the council was preparing to vote on. Moved to speak when the floor was opened for public comment Sophie put up her hand, was acknowledeged, and went to the podium. What she said proved to be quotable and showed up in the local papers, along with her photo taken as she spoke. The statute passed. But Sophie feels many people who have been symbols for the fight for trans rights haven’t gotten the recognition they deserve. Today she writes about those Symbols.
Those in the trans community who live a “double life” having a male identity with male friends and associated and their other female identity with her friends can often find themselves in an awkward place when their male self is having a conversation with someone who knows nothing about the other life and begins to make biased and ignorant statements regarding “trannies.” Our contributor Proja Braga had a situation like that and she writes about the final straw.
Mistress Samantha is a Lifestyle Mistress who has been actively involved in the Transgender/Crossdressing Community for almost twenty years. She started a successful Adult Phone Service over eighteen years ago. Since then, she’s personally advised, guided and fantasized with literally thousands of members of the Crossdressing, Transsexual, and Sissy Communities. In her TGF column, Ask Mistress Samantha, she answers your personal questions.
Looking for maximum fashion effect? You might want to think about adding a maxi skirt to your wardrobe. But, they’re so long. Can you wear a maxi and not look silly? Tasi Zuriack has the answers to all your questions concerning ways to work a maxi skirt into your style menu. From daytime, at work, to evenings out Tasi shows you how to make the maxi skirt look work for you.
In the north east we are having an odd spring-in-the-middle-of-winter week. Temperatures will be in the area of 50 to 60 degrees F. all week long. No need for that long wool or down filled coat. Time to shave your legs and wear nude hose. You can forsake the warmth of heavy leggings, layered sweaters and fur lined boots for more spring-like attire. Lorraine Anderson, the seamstress who runs The Occasional Woman custom clothing service, says keep in mind — it will get cold again. So use this warm period to find clearance bargains on coats. And during the warmer week pick up a cool moto jacket. One of those motorcycle jackets that are fashionable and look great with a feminine flouncy skirt.
Last week The Artist D talked about words that are used to hurt us and how those same words can be empowering when we stake a claim to them. Today Christine Burr takes a close look at the various terms that are used, within the trans community and by outsiders, to describe the many components that make up the trans world. She feels that because of all the words unity will be elusive. Give her post a read and see what you think.
It’s almost Valentine’s Day! That romantic holiday that fills restaurants with loving couples and makes the greeting card industry a healthy profit every February. What’s important to ladies is looking fabulous on this important holiday. The most fabulous color outfit you can wear is red. Red is “the” color of Valentine’s Day. But how do you wear it well? If you do it wrong a red dress can make you look cheap and tawdry. Fortunately our fashion maven, Tasi Zuriack, has all the tips you need on how to wear a fantastic red outfit for your Valentine’s Day excursions.
In her current series of articles Linda Jensen is telling you the stories of crossdressers (persons who crossdress, if you prefer) who have each handled the self-revelation issues of when, who, and how to tell in very different ways. Linda’s aim in revealing how these people “came out” is to show that there are different strategies and each can work for the individual. These methods may not work for you but could help you formulate a strategy. Today she talks with Amanda who is totally open about he crossdressing with her family, neighbors and even her dentist.
Sabrina Symington has a spot-on cartoon for us today. As always she gets right to the point about issues of importance to the trans community. Today it’s a message to those who discriminate against trans people on religious grounds.
Why is passing so important to many crossdressers? Trans women want to be accepted as who they are. Crossdressers are two people. They have a male face and a female face. There are some who say we shouldn’t give a damn about passing but dress as we like. Others feel that passing is necessary for acceptance by the general public. What’s so great about passing? Angela Gardner calls on her years of public crossdressing and tries to arrive at an answer to why it’s so important to many.
Our political correspondent Babs Casbar Siperstein reports from the frontlines in the resistance movement. First she talks about the organizations and agencies that will possibly be able to stave off attacks on LGBTQ rights from the Trump administration. Then she reports on what went on at a meeting in Philadelphia with Senators Cory Booker and Bob Casey which brought together a number of other legislators as well as activists and LGBTQ organizations to make plans for the coming months.
Cate O’Malley has a few friends who have decided to give up expressing their true selves and go back to living as males 24/7. None of them are doing it willingly. They fervently wish they could continue to be who they really are, but circumstances in their lives have forced this decision on them. Cate shares her thoughts on how hard it must be to deny your true nature after being able to express it, at least part time, then going back to expressing your gender facade. She has advice for those faced with this decision and advice for others in the community who may not look at these people’s decisions kindly.
The election and recent inauguration of President Donald J. Trump has raised fears in the trans community. The incoming vice president has, as governor of Indiana, signed laws restricting the rights of LGBT people in his state and supported laws denying trans access to public restrooms. President Trump has flip flopped on trans restroom rights. No one knows what he thinks on various issues. What does the future under the Trump administration hold for trans people? Sophie Lynne is worried, scared, and ready to fight back.
Julie Guam has been sharing her memories of crossdressing throughout her life and last month she brought us up to date on her story. Her post today is about something all crossdressers need to consider, what happens after we pass away? Not to our souls. What happens to our collection of feminine attire and who will be in charge of disposing of it all? Of course that depends on who knows about our dressing up and who we care about knowing after we’re gone. Give Julie’s post a read for some if her ideas about preparing for the inevitable.
We welcome a new contributor today who brings yet another perspective to TGF. Her name is Porja Braga and she lives in Georgia with her wife. Today she blogs about how she became aware that she was different and appreciated the consequences of being different at a young age. She also has advice on how to deal with the fears that keep many trans people captive in the closet.
It’s cold outside. Step into Dina’s Diner and warm up with a hot cup of java. Or maybe some tea. Today Dina has a brand new list of menu specials that start with speculation about the necessity of talent to achieve your glamor goal. Then there’s a spicy exploration of trans communities around the world. Next on the list is a taste of Charles Busch. Then Dina has a spicy blend of Hungarian actresses from the ’50s, and she finishes off with musings on the way just a few millimeters one way or the other can define beauty. Come on in to Dina’s Diner!
The Artist D has a theme for 2017. This year will be an exploration of what it means to be different, to be an individual and not let words hurt. The Artist D takes the words that have been hurled against her and embraces them as an identity that is truly individual. “Bad” words can be used with love and The Artist D will expound on that in the Tranny Queer theme throughout 2017.
I have always respected Morgan Freeman both as an actor and as a show maker. His Through the Wormhole Series has always been a source of accurate science and entertainment. I have even enjoyed parts of his series exploring God. From astronomy to human and animal behavior, his shows have generally hit the mark. But […]
