Recent Transgender Articles
Is TG a Conscious Choice?
Dr. Dana Bevan believes that being transgendered is not a choice. She also believes that most of the choices we make are not made by our conscious minds but by the bits of programming and wiring that integrates our nervous systems with our brains. As she puts it, most people believe there is a “little person” inside their head that makes decisions for us. They call it a soul or spirit. Evidence though points to our “decisions” including acting out TG behavior, are all made by parts of our brains that are not under our control. Food for thought indeed.
Cindy Pays a Bill
If you are a bit prudish about fluid sexuality you may wish to skip this tale from Linda Jensen. She tells a story from Cindy, a late 40-something crossdresser, who is belatedly embracing her interest in all things TG. The last time Linda talked to Cindy she learned that Cindy spent part of her long summer holiday in Vancouver, Canada taking care of her sister’s home and living 24/7 as Cindy. Her sister had an off beat way of paying the landscapers and Cindy would be expected to pay the bill.
From the desk of Alexis Dee — Southern Comfort Wrap Up
The lady in charge at the Southern Comfort Conference, Alexis Dee, has sent TGF a report on how it all went this year. According to Alexis over 800 people attended this year and a good time was had by all — from the “Princess Day” on Wednesday through the luncheons, dinners, karaoke and many programs to the Casino Night, trip to a local club and the special guests, it was all good. Get all the details direct from Alexis Dee’s perspective — and find out a bit about the next SCC.
Things I Had to Learn…
Victoria Williams has been working on her feminine presentation for several years. She has gone from dreaming about mingling with others in public en femme to actually doing it. Along the way she has picked up knowledge and today she shares some of the things she has learned on her journey. She wishes she had known them at the start and hopes she can pass them on to her sisters so they don’t have to learn the hard way.
Trans Noir: A Review of “One for an Old Friend”
Sophie Lynne takes a walk on the rough side of town to deliver on an assignment she was handed by a tough editor. It’s all about Noir, and a former cop who’s now a lady detective. All the standard Noir characters are there but some of them take a few twists and turns. Sure, there’s a murder. Maybe two. It’s noir, baby. The book is called One for an Old Friend. Check out the banner ad that pops up on the right side of the page now and then. And give Sophie Lynne’s review a look see, see? Or we’re not sure what might happen.
Another Step Forward in Arizona! TGs Reappointed to the DNC
Babs Casbar Siperstein has been reappointed to the Democratic National Committee and was re-elected to the DNC Executive Committee. She reports today on other transgendered people who are involved in politics and touches on the history of TGs working for change through the political process. She also discusses how things have changed since the time when Democratic Party felt that adding TG rights to the Party platform would scare people away. Trans-inclusive language was added to the Democratic Party platform for the 2008 convention.
TransVocalizers: Francis UK, “The Frantastics”
Our music reporter Pamela DeGroff re-visits an artist she introduced to TGF readers in 2009. Today she interviews Francis UK, leader of the “Frockabilly” band The Frantastics. The three-piece band performs all over England and Francis has appeared on stages a diverse as Paris and New Orleans. They specialize in Americana music with elements of early country, early rock and roll and rockabilly. Read the interview with Francis and listen to music clips and watch a video in today’s TVocalizers. Pam has other TG music news, too!
A Christine-Jane Cartoon 9/13
Christine-Jane has been commenting on the crossdressing lifestyle for years. First appearing in trans-magazines and newsletters before there was an Internet, she now comes to TGForum to skewer corssdresser foibles with her pen. If the ladies in her cartoons seem familiar it’s because they are. We’ve all either met them or been them. See if you recognize her subject today.
2013 — Golfing at Southern Comfort
The Southern Comfort Conference has always been about encouraging growth and new experiences for the CDs, TG’s, TSs, FtMs and all the other alphabet soup of members in our varied community. Many a t-girl has taken her first steps out to restaurants, nightclubs or shopping while attending the four-day conference in Atlanta. Our reporter Linda Jensen just attended her first SCC and has chosen to report on another aspect of outward growth happening at the conference — the SCC Golf Tournament. Eleven SCC attendees invaded the sometimes macho world of sports and came away smiling.
For California Transgender Student-Athletes, a Chance for Dignity and Health
Dr. Danielle Kaufman has some thoughts on the new law in California which allows students to use the restroom and locker room facilities appropriate for their gender identity. Dr. Kaufman, author of Untying the Knot, has just recently come out as a transgendered woman and from that perspective she comments on the reason the law was needed and deflates the ludicrous fears of those who oppose the law. This is Dr. Kaufman’s first contribution to TGForum and we welcome her thoughts and insights.
TV/TS Advocate Yvonne Sinclair Passes Away
One of the leading advocates for recognition and respect for transgendered people in the United Kingdom has died. Yvonne Sinclair passed away in Queen Elizabeth Hospital on August 6. Yvonne had suffered from emphysema for the past three years caused by smoking and had been ill for the past two months. Sinclair worked tirelessly for […]
10 Shoes Can Become 100 Shoes at Very Little Cost
Do you have limited dollars to spend on shoes or have a hard time finding shoes in your size so you make do with just a few pairs? Would you like to expand your shoe wardrobe in practically unlimited ways without spending tons of money? Then you simply must read Tasi Zuriack’s revelations about a fashion accessory that you have to add to your wardrobe — shoe clips! Shoe clips add touches of flash to a plain pump or flat and with just a few basic pairs of shoes and a drawer full of shoe clips you can make it seem like you have a gigantic shoe collection. Read all about shoe clips!
Ladyboys: Tell it like it is!
Fresh from my Hong Kong trip, I spent a few days in Bangkok, where I tracked down a contact I’d been given by a friend living in Hong Kong — the Bangkok based person being someone who works for a quasi government body, and is working to help minorities and other disadvantaged people. The reason? […]
Trans Participation at Ottawa’s Capital Pride
Linda Jensen has sent us this: Ottawa, Canada had its annual Gay Pride Week and parade last week. The local TG support group, Gender Mosaic, is very closely allied with the local gay community. As you can see by the report below one of the GM’s most active members, Amanda Ryan, was chosen as one of the parade marshals, the Lifetime Achievement Parade Marshal. Here is her report to the Gender Mosaic members.
David de Alba — Gypsy Interview
Many thanks to David de Alba for sharing this interview he did with noted female impersonator Gypsy, a.k.a. James Haake. Haake was an actor and female illusionist who appeared in several films in and out of drag, starred in La Cage, and was one of the main attractions of The Carnival Cabaret in Lake Tahoe. How did a boy from Montclair, New Jersey make it to Hollywood and some of the most prestigious drag venues? The answers are in the David de Alba interview with Gyspsy.
White After Labor Day?
The controversy rages on! Those who adhere strictly to the Rules of Fashion are adamant that thou shalt not wear white after Labor Day. Those who feel that fashion should be fun and rules are for fuddle duddies say “to hell with that” and wear white apparel whenever it suits them. Which of these factions has the right idea? Will society as we know it crumble to dust if a woman wears white shoes after Labor Day? One of those weighing in is our Video Fashion Tip person, Victoria Williams, with her take on white after Labor Day.
Follow Your Bliss
Fifty years ago Dr. Martin Luther King had a dream. Here in the 21st century The Artist D has a dream and it is one she tries to live everyday. As John Lennon imagined, so The Artist D dreams and she dreams of a world without judgement or gossip. A world where there is no need to come out because everyone is “out” about who they are all the time to everyone. Come and live, at least for a few brief moments, inside The Artist D’s beautiful dream.
Perpetual Change — Namoli Brennet “Live” CD Review
Last month Pamela DeGroff introduced TGForum readers to the TG singer/songwriter Namoli Brennet. Ms. Brennet gave Pamela a copy of her latest CD, “Namoli Brennet Live.” Today Pamela does a review of the CD which includes live versions of songs from all of Ms. Brennet’s caree. She has released several albums since her first CD in 2002, Boy In A Dress and she performs songs from it and the rest of her catalog on “Live.” Then Pamela gives us music news from several TG artist, a video from Calpernia Addams, and new music from some non-TG artists. It’s all about music in Perpetual Change.
The Pentagon’s Transgender Problem
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell may be a thing of the past for gays and lesbians in the military but for transgendered people who want to serve or are currently in the armed forces there is no shield from a sudden discharge if they come out as TG. And recent studies have indicated that transgendered soldiers and veterans are prone to depression and suicide, and they aren’t being treated well by the VA when they leave the service. Dee Levy writes about the Pentagon’s transgender problem.
RachelX — Out & About, Work and Play
The phone rang and it was The Baroness requiring RachelX’s presence in New York City. When The Baroness calls RachelX gets her tush to the Big Apple posthaste. When she arrived there was some fit modeling to do and then some flogging to participate in. After that it was fun and service to The Baroness until later in the evening when RachelX takes in a comedy show, has coffee and pastries and then hits the Garment District the next day. There’s even an encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Read about all the adventures of RachelX’s Out & About in New York City.
LGBT, TV, CD … It’s All an Acronym to Me!
Our new contributor Catie Maye has provided her Doodles to TGF. Today she posts her statement about transvestite/crossdresser pride. Catie wonders why crossdressers should accept being lumped in with the other spots on the gender spectrum under the label “transgender.” She’s proud to be a crossdresser and has no problem with the word “transvestite.” Read her point of view and registered users can add their two cents in the comment box.
10 Tips On Transgender Etiquette
Dr. Sherman Leis is one of the world’s pre-eminent transgender surgeons and founder of The Philadelphia Center For Transgender Surgery, in Bala Cynwyd, PA. It is recognized as one of the leading facilities in the world specializing in gender reassignment surgery. In the course of his work Dr. Leis has found himself counseling family and friends of his patients. He has compiled a list of ten tips on how to interact with a transgendered person.
From the Desk of Alexis Dee — Southern Comfort Update
Alexis Dee joins us today with an update on the Southern Comfort Conference. The Conference takes place September 4-8 in Atlanta, Georgia. The lineup of speakers include Kristen Beck, Masen Davis, and Meghan Stabler. Events planned for the weekend range from excursions to area restaurants, a tour of the sets of films shot in Atlanta, a golf outing and of course, karaoke. Get the whole scoop on the event that’s less than two weeks away straight from the Chair, Alexis Dee.
Coy versus the Big Shrink
A letter to the editor of The New York Times from a “Big Shrink” concerning the case of Coy Mathis, the young TG who can now use the girls’ room at her school, raised the hackles of our contributor Dr. Dana Bevan. Dr. Bevan takes the shrink to task for not understanding transgender issues and for pushing an agenda of “reparative therapy” for TG children. And the shrink makes statements that aren’t backed up by scientific evidence. Decide for yourself who’s the winner in Coy vs. the Big Shrink.
Beauty and the Beach Goes On
With the untimely demise of JoAnn Roberts earlier this year the fate of the TG community event she hosted annually on the coast of Delaware was thrown into uncertainty. We’re happy to report that Beauty and the Beach will go on this year as scheduled. A group of JoAnn’s friends and BATB attendees have formed a committee to help JoAnn’s widow produce the event this year in honor of JoAnn Roberts.
