Category: Transgender Opinion

Challenges of 2017

| Jan 2, 2017 | Reply

During the past eight years trans rights have been boosted by the Obama Administration. Rules were put in place to help trans people to get the equal treatment they are entitled to and President Obama was hailed as the “transgender rights president.” Trans allowed to serve openly in the military. Trans people actually visible in the administration. All those gains can be wiped away in just a few weeks when the new administration takes over. Babs Casbar Siperstein discusses what we may lose and she reports on the results of the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey.

Read More

Dr. Sherman Leis: Top 10 Transgender Trends for 2017

| Dec 26, 2016 | Reply

(Bala Cynwyd, PA)  Dr. Sherman Leis, founder of The Philadelphia Center for Transgender Surgery, one of the leading resources for transgender surgery and medical support in the United States, presents his annual list of the top 10 trends that will affect the transgender community in 2017. According to Dr. Leis, “While cultural and public support […]

Read More

Dina’s Diner 12/19/16

| Dec 19, 2016 | Reply

Welcome to Dina’s Diner. Slide into a booth or sit at the counter. It’s your choice down at the Diner. Dina has a healthy stew cooking today. There’s a bit of nostalgia for the glamorous drag performers of yesteryear. Tasty discussion of how the internet has helped many people gain acceptance in their particular identity. A seasoning of cosplay and body painting helps to add some flavor, and then Dina stirs in a couple more ingredients; the use of crossdressed men in commercials around the world, and the penchant among crossdressing community members to dress up in a Santa type outfit and pose for photos by the Christmas tree. Order up a steaming bowl of today’s special stew at Dina’s Diner!

Read More

Cavemen & Cavewomen with Smart Phones

| Dec 12, 2016 | Reply

Every year we hear people go on about how it’s been the worst year, ever. Some respected people died, wars were waged, and the taxes had to be paid. In today’s post from The Artist D she postulates that this is what has been going on for centuries. Every year always brings disappointments since people do die, taxes are always due and awful things do happen. It’s just that in 2016 they are all right there on your smart phone every minute of the day. The Artist D likens it to cave people with smart phones. See if you agree.

Read More

Advice for Youth Coming Out as Trans

| Dec 12, 2016 | Reply

Ray Dandelion is a teenager living in Northern California. He is working to help LGBT+ youth become more accepting of themselves and fully understand who they are. Ray’s main goal is to educate parents of LGBT+ youth on what their kids are going through from his own perspective and what he sees happening with the many people he has met throughout his journey. Here Ray offer advice to young people about coming out as trans.

Read More

The Next Four Years?

| Dec 5, 2016 | Reply

Emily Ott has been around and she knows that the next four years are going to bring many changes in the treatment of trans people by the federal government. We have been making progress toward ensuring all of our civil and human rights but the nature of the incoming administration has many concerned. Emily among them. What will the next four years bring? At this point no one knows but Emily has some ideas that she takes from history.

Read More

Yes, Another One

| Nov 28, 2016 | Reply

Like many in the U.S. Sophie had hopes for the next four years under the leadership of a more liberal administration, possible with more cooperation from congress, that would protect the rights of trans people. After the election when the Electoral College votes gave the presidency to the Republican candidate Sophie was in shock. She pulled back from social media and had to adjust to this radical shift in reality. Today she shares some of her thoughts on how the election will affect her and other trans people for at least the next four years.

Read More

To Be (Out) or Not To Be (Out)? That is the question.

| Nov 28, 2016 | Reply

Linda embarks on a quest for advice she can give to crossdressers about “coming out” and letting others in their lives know about their dressing. Trans women, at some point, must let their employers, friends and families know that they are changing their gender presentation. Crossdressers can keep their secret and adopt their male persona for the majority of their social and work activities. While keeping your crossdressing secret can feel like you’re a spy and give you an adrenaline rush when you successfully return to your headquarters after a mission (shopping trip or visit to a trans-friendly watering hole) hiding a large part of yourself can cause problems. See how Linda’s friends have “come out.”

Read More

The Rise and Fall of the Weimar Transvestites & the Threat to Our Own Trans Community

| Nov 28, 2016 | Reply

Dallas Denny takes us back to the days of Germany’s Weimar Republic, a socially liberal, progressive democratic government that ruled Germany after World War I. During that time trans people became bolder and began to be seen out and about in public places. The good times ended when Adolph Hitler was elected chancellor and his National Socialist party came to power. Dallas feels that those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it and she finds chilling similarities between the fall of the Weimar Republic and what is currently happening in the U.S.A.

Read More

People You Encounter When You “Come Out”

| Nov 28, 2016 | Reply

When you start living your life as your true-self and announce to everyone you know that you are trans and proud of it you will encounter several types of reactions among your family, friends, co-workers, and acquaintances. Emily O has come out and to help you identify the various types she has made a list of the ways people took her revelation. She has assigned them labels and lists them here so you can keep an eye out for them when you decide to come out.

Read More

Dina’s Diner 11/21/16

| Nov 21, 2016 | Reply

Dina Amberle joins us with a tasty Dina’s Diner. Today she talks about women on TV in the ‘60s who influenced her crossdressing desires; adds some cheerleaders; Lady Kung Fu; thoughts on fishnets and leather slacks; the story of a male ballet dancer with a drag persona; the androgynous erotic appeal of “hair bands” and “glam rock” to the naïve kids of the time, and comes up with a delightfully entertaining stew that’s sure to please. Don’t miss a visit to Dina’s Diner!

Read More

Peak Time

| Nov 15, 2016 | Reply

Our Correspondent from Thailand, Chriatine Burr, files an article with her feelings about why we are seeing more and more older trans people. We have seen a rise in the number of children who identify as trans but there are many older folks who are coming out. Christine puts it all together and offers some reasons why we are seeing this increase in elder trans people.

Read More

Check Your Armbands at the Door

| Nov 15, 2016 | Reply

Like many people in the LGBT community The Artist D is upset by the recent election and the prospect of a Trump presidency. There is good cause to be concerned but The Artist D is a pragmatist. She advocates not whining and moaning about it but getting organized and come up with a plan to push a progressive, inclusive agenda. The next four years is no time to be a wimp.

Read More

Trump/Pence and The Trans Community

| Nov 15, 2016 | Reply

Our political correspondent Babs Casbar Siperstein takes a look at the possible ramifications of the Trump/Pence administration for members of the trans and LGBQ communities. She looks at everything from the progress our community has made through President Obama’s executive orders to the Affordable Care Act, trans in the military, and more. For some enlightenment on the dark days ahead read what Babs has researched.

Read More

Here’s Why You Should Vote Democratic

| Nov 7, 2016 | Reply

Our political correspondent, Babs Casbar Siperstein, has been fighting for our rights as trans people for many years. Most often in that struggle she has had elected officials from the Democratic Party as allies. She has worked with and for Mrs. Clinton and she has words of advice for those in the trans, and the LGB communities about who has their best interest at heart. Read her comparison of the Democratic platform that Mrs. Clinton promotes and the Republican agenda that Mr. Trump would defend and promote. It is clear which party and which candidate will stand for you.

Read More

Dina’s Diner October 24, 2016

| Oct 24, 2016 | Reply

Men in female masks. Young men in makeup. Models being put out of work by drag queens and female basketball players. Baseball players in stockings. What’s it all mean? It’s all part of the ingredient list for the Special of the Day in today’s edition of Dina’s Diner. Dina mixes it all together, adds some of her special spices and let’s it simmer into a tasty dish that’s sure to please the most discerning palate. Don’t miss out on your serving of today’s special! It’s yummy!

Read More

How To Be Super Sexy in a Pencil Skirt

| Oct 17, 2016 | Reply

Today Tasi sings the praises of the pencil skirt. It’s called that because it is a slim silhouette that fits tight at the waist, tight at the hips and tight at the knees. Okay, it’s a tight, sexy skirt and wearing it right can make you feel at your most attractive, sexy best. Tasi outlines the many types of pencil skirts that are available and gives you hints and tips on how to work one, or many more, into your wardrobe. There are also video demos and links to other articles on this versatile wardrobe piece.

Read More

Red Angry Women

| Oct 17, 2016 | Reply

Every positive has a negative. Every mountain is matched by a canyon. The universe is made of opposites and while many feel that the opposing sides of the universe can never ever get together the cliched saying is “opposites attract.” And that was a hit for Paula Abdul. Today The Artist D presents her take on people who always live on one side or the other. She suggests that now and then the light needs some darkness, and vice versa.

Read More

Civil Rights for LGBT People, Immigrants and Women Intersect

| Oct 10, 2016 | Reply

A tweet that I saw posted on Facebook this Sunday afternoon hours before the Second Presidential debate: “Make no mistake, Ladies. Trump may be the face of your rapist, but Pence is every judge who made sure he got away with it”. These words remind us as LGBTQ people, as transgender people, what is at […]

Read More

Passing Is Possible: Follow The Women

| Oct 10, 2016 | Reply

This is a TGF Retro Rerun from Diane Hutchinson. It originally ran back in the late ’90s. See if you can find some of the 1990s references. Diane wrote about passing tips for doing so. Cate O’Malley’s post today gives her 21st century take on passing so we decided to run Diane’s post from the 20th century. They differ, of course. Diane’s advice is still good for those who want to blend in with the other women in a store, or restaurant. And she and Cate both agree that in case you don’t pass it’s best to not let it bother you. It’s not your problem. So return with us now to those days in the late 20th century and give Diane’s Retro Rerun a read.

Read More

Red Patent Heels & Other Inanities

| Oct 3, 2016 | Reply

Falecia keeps her totally en femme self indoors but goes out and about to run errands in an androgynous mode. She and her wife have an understanding about the extent of Falecia’s crossdressing. It only goes so far and it doesn’t go out the door in a dress and high heels. Today Falecia muses on what might happen if she did begin to present herself to the world as a woman. Would she be drawn toward bigger changes in her life? Would she want to be a woman 24/7? See what she decides about that question in this post.

Read More

Dina’s Diner 9/26/16

| Sep 26, 2016 | Reply

Slide into a booth at Dina’s Diner. Order a cup of coffee and settle in for some tasty treats from your hostess. Today Dina Amberle comments on the current movement toward “no makeup.” Oh the horror! Bare faces in public?! But Alicia Keys is one of those who is going without makeup and it’s stirred up quite a controversy. Then Dina comments on people who commented on photos of a teacher that had people saying she shouldn’t dress like that in class. Add in a dash of Disney princesses — all from one young man — and then round it all out with an observation about tattooed crossdressers. It’s all part of today’s special served up at Dina’s Diner.

Read More

Understanding Freedom

| Sep 26, 2016 | Reply

The word “freedom” is tossed about a lot these days. Some would argue that there’s no such thing as pure freedom. There is always something that restrains people from doing whatever they want to do whenever they want to do it. But in general freedom is used in our society to mean you can do what you want if you can afford it and you’re not breaking any laws. The right wing uses “freedom” a lot but they seem to think people exercising their freedom to be themselves somehow takes their freedom away. Here is a column about freedom from our contributor Diane Hutchinson’s husband.

Read More

The Bell Sleeve and Return to the ’70s

| Sep 19, 2016 | Reply

Our fashion maven, Tasi Zuriack, touts the adaptability and style of the bell sleeve. Whether on tops or dresses the bell sleeve adds a feminine boho touch to any outfit. With different accessories and fabrics they can work on anyone and go anywhere. Check out this primer on how to wear bell sleeves and look fabulous.

Read More

The Authenticity of the Sloven Beast

| Sep 19, 2016 | Reply

Today The Artist D looks at the price of fashion and beauty. Not how much it costs in dollars to look fabulous. She’s talking about the work you need to do in order to walk out that door drop-dead gorgeous. So many people seem to think that it’s okay to go out in flip flops and a torn t-shirt. The Artist D believes that it happened because people wanted to be “authentic.” They don’t want artifice to obscure who they really are. Then someone had to go to the supermarket in pajama pants and it’s been down hill from there.

Read More

Hair Today — Epilators: A Review

| Sep 19, 2016 | Reply

In her ongoing battle with body hair Emyli Evyrling obtained a device that some liken to a medieval torture machine — an epilator. The epilator has spinning discs or springs that grab leg hair (or other body hair) and swiftly jerk it out of your skin. Longer lasting smoothness is one benefit of the epilator method of hair removal but is it worth the pain? Emyli tells us today about her new Phillips epilator and how it gets the job done.

Read More