Tag: opinion

Trans Themed Film “Anything” Stirs Controversy

The Editor | Jun 25, 2018 | Reply

Guest Contributor Melanie Yarborough of Neutral Corner support group in San Diego attended San Diego’s annual LGBT film festival and saw a screening of the controversial film Anything. It’s the story of a man who loses his wife in an auto accident and moves to Los Angeles to live with a relative. Moving into his own place he meets a transgender sex worker and they connect in a complimentary way. The controversy is around the casting of a cisgender male actor in the transgender role. Read Melanie’s thoughts on the controversy.

Finocchio’s, Howard Huges, and Pussy Kat

suzzieg | Jun 18, 2018 | Reply

Susan Grant is one of the lucky ones who got to patronize the legendary Finocchio’s nightclub in San Francisco back in 1958 when men were men and and men were women onstage. She visited the club while she was in the Navy and Finocchio’s was on the Navy’s “Off Limits” list. That only made her want to check it out more. She returned to visit the club 30 years later and found that it no longer the same experience. Today she writes about the club and passes on a juicy bit of information on what may have happened after Howard Hughes visited Finicchio’s.

Let’s Talk. . . Again and Again

Sophie Lynne | Jun 11, 2018 | Reply

As someone who has fought the Darkness of suicidal thoughts Sophie Lynne is very qualified to write about the subject in the wake of the recent celebrity suicides of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain. Transgender people are very prone to the depression that can lead to taking one’s own life and Sophie has been at that place, in that moment, more than once. What pulled her back from the edge? What is needed to prevent suicides? She addresses that question and more in today’s blog.

Dina’s Diner 6/4/18

Dina Amberle | Jun 4, 2018 | Reply

Dina’s Diner always has the freshest ingredients and the finest spices. When Dina Amberle whips up a recipe it always includes tangy tastes and delivers hearty intellectual nutrition. Today Dina uses such items as the beauty pageant scandal in Venezuela along with the seeming contradiction of acceptance of LGBT people and the Catholic foundation of the Philippines with some princesses and a rainwear fetish stirred in to create another tasty edition of Dina’s Diner.

Writing. Will it Save The World?

M | Jun 4, 2018 | Reply

Do you recall a time when no one except the fringe members of society had piercings and tattoos? Remember when “punks” listened to punk rock music and wore mohawk hair styles, and put safety pins everywhere? Even through their noses. Now it’s 2018 and depending where you live you are likely to see a lot more body art and piercing. While people still gasp at shocking modifications like large holes in cheeks and screw-in horns, for the most part no one notices the pierced lip, pierced nose or eyebrow. Today M, our youth correspondent, talks about writing. What M hopes for is a day when LGBTQ people are not noticed anymore than a tongue piercing or two earrings on a dude. A day when all the young LGBTQ writers grow up and write about LGBTQ issues and desires.

Tell Your Girlfriend, But Don’t Tell Your Wife

Cheryl Ann Sanders | Jun 4, 2018 | Reply

Cassie feels that it’s best to never tell your wife that you spend time away from her dressing in women’s clothes. All those “business” trips should remain strictly business trips and your wife doesn’t need to know about you releasing your feminine side in public. While “honesty is the best policy” Cassie feels that honesty is overrated and it’s more likely to lead to heartache than relief from the guilt you feel over sneaking around behind your wife’s back. But, if you’re not married yet Cassie recommends that you tell your girlfriend about your femme pursuits. What is her rational for these bits of advice? Read on and find out.

Not the Vacation She Had Expected

Linda Jensen | May 28, 2018 | Reply

What is her social life going to be like without the Craig’s List Personals to help set the course to new relations, Linda wondered. Then a chance meeting with a ‘fellow traveler’ opened her eyes to new possibilities. Not too long ago news came out that the online classified ad company known as Craig’s List […]

Shoes!

Pauline | May 21, 2018 | Reply

Our contributor Pauline Estelle is an experienced crossdresser who has accumulated much knowledge about the art of wearing women’s clothes. And she has access to the knowledge her wife has gathered on fashion and style. Today Pauline presents a post approved by her wife that covers all aspects of buying, wearing, and even stretching women’s shoes.

Dina’s Diner, May 7, 2018

Dina Amberle | May 7, 2018 | Reply

What’s cooking down at Dina’s Diner this week? Dina has several special items on the menu. Learn about the Japanese reliving the ’80s with tiara wearing “Princess Parties.” Then she stirs in a soupçon of the the phenomenon of androgynous models and wonders aloud if the thrill is gone, or if the models are still there but no longer shocking. Then she blends equal portions of the appeal of large hoop earrings and the “first pitch girls” of South Korea. She rounds it all off with the attraction of beautiful, professional, and intelligent television presenters. It’s all ready to be served up hot and spicy down at Dina’s Diner.

Girl About to Be Born

Claire H. | May 7, 2018 | Reply

In around twenty nine days Claire will “go public” with her new gender presentation. She is excited to cast off the persona that was holding her down and anxious to enter the waters of women world. She has already come out to a few select people in her life and they are for the most part either supportive or indifferent. One of her female friends remarked that as much as Claire enjoyed the trappings of femininity that wasn’t what makes a woman a woman. Claire thought it over and shares her opinion on that in today’s blog post.

How To Wear Black and White

Tasi Zuriack | Apr 30, 2018 | Reply

Tired of all black, well there’s nothing chicer—or easier—than styling an outfit that’s purely black and white. Both bold and classic, black-and-white combinations are understated enough to work for any event on your calendar. Coco Chanel once said that black and white’s beauty was “the perfect harmony,” that women “think of all colors except the […]

Goodbye W.M.P., Hello Wonder Woman!

CateOMalley | Apr 23, 2018 | Reply

When you’re used to being treated a certain way it’s easy to forget that you are being given credit for you Caucasian maleness. Doors open for you and regard for your knowledge and skill in all areas is taken for granted. But what happens when you go from male to female? Doors may open for you but that’s because you’re a lady and gentlemen will grant you the favor of holding the door. But suddenly all the knowledge and skill you have in areas such as home repair, automobiles, and other stereo typically male interests is no longer acknowledged. The “little lady” must need help. See how Cate O’Malley handles patronizing men.

Across Five Aprils

Sophie Lynne | Apr 16, 2018 | Reply

Sophie welcomes the spring season with thoughts on her life since she decided to live as her true self five springs ago. She remembers the rainy spring days when as a child she would walk around in her small town and wonder why she didn’t fit in, why she was different and how could God be punishing her. Those lonely, wondering days are in the past. Now flowers are starting to bloom, warmer days are coming more often and Sophie is being herself.

“Daughter” by Ryan Cassata Video Review

Pam Degroff | Apr 16, 2018 | Reply

Music columnist Pam DeGroff returns to TGForum with a review of a new video by FtM musician and song writer Ryan Cassata. The song is titled Daughter and is about how gender transition changed many relationships in his life. In particular it changed the father-daughter relationship. Where his father had established bonds to a daughter, after Ryan’s transition his father had to learn how to change that relationship to bond with his new son. But Ryan will always be his dad’s little girl. Watch the video and read Pam’s review.

Book Review: The Queer & Transgender Resilience Workbook

Sophie Lynne | Apr 9, 2018 | Reply

Today our Page Pundit, Sophie Lynne, reviews “The Queer & Transgender Resilience Workbook: Skills for Navigating Sexual Orientation & Gender Expression” by Anneliese Singh, PhD, LPC. That’s right, there’s a work book you can use during you gender transition, or to figure out that you don’t need to transition. Sophie’s review will help you determine if the book is right for you.

No Craig’s List Personals? What will Linda Do?

Linda Jensen | Apr 2, 2018 | Reply

This ad won’t be running. Linda, MBICD, learns that a popular online dating service that she has relied on for many years to provide companions when she went out of town for a crossdressed holiday has suddenly closed up shop after a new rule is put into place by the government. She wonders what happens next. What’s a girl with needs to do?

Tips on Passing for Older Girls

Pauline | Mar 26, 2018 | Reply

When we’re young it’s easier for some males to make themselves pretty and be passable females. Those who have the advantage of a smaller frame or shorter stature can feminize themselves fairly well. As we age, after a certain point, we may not be able to continue to present as head turning hotties but we may be able to blend in more seamlessly. Why? Age causes features to soften and we actually get shorter. In many cases senior women and men are only differentiated by a little makeup and a different type of clothing. Pauline Estelle has some tips on how to take advantage of your senior status to just be one of the older girls.

Amanda and the Cali Dream

Amanda F. Steele | Mar 19, 2018 | Reply

Amanda has been blogging about her life in the San Francisco area and she’s not feeling the love. The tech boom in the Bay Area has pushed housing prices sky high. Much of what gave San Francisco its own character is disappearing. The Summer of Love when they wore flowers in their hair is long gone. It might be possible to have a rich, full life there but not on a retail chain salary. More and more everyday Amanda feels like moving back east. You can take the girl out of Pittsburgh but she is going to miss it no matter what. Has she finally reached the point where she packs up and heads back home? Read her personal blog today and find out.

Dina’s Diner 3/12/18

Dina Amberle | Mar 12, 2018 | Reply

Dina Amberle is always cooking up something tasty at Dina’s Diner. She uses the freshest ingredients culled from the news of the day. For today’s Blue Plate Special she starts with a portion of RuPaul controversy. Then she adds some information on trans tourism that will stimulate an appetite. Dina adds some spice to the dish with an appreciation of fishnet hosiery and she finishes the meal off with some musing about how crossdressing changes people’s personalities and devotes time to the preparation of a tasty dessert filled with cheerleaders and college dance teams. If you want to be fully satisfied the place to be is Dina’s Diner.

Onward Christian Soldiers — Let’s Attack the Queers

Beverly | Feb 26, 2018 | Reply

It’s fairly certain that as the LGBTQ right movement grew there would be those in conservative circles who saw our existence as a threat to their way of life. With the Trump administration coming to Washington on a wave of evangelical support we have seen roll backs of regulations and legal interpretations that were put in place during the Obama years to guarantee everyone’s rights. The trans in the military ban was the first step in a campaign to stop the forward movement of the LGBTQ community. Beverly Anne Thomas has some insight into how the right wing’s battle plans were made.

Stepping Out En Femme — The Early Years

KimberlyTS | Feb 26, 2018 | Reply

Kimberly takes you back to those thrilling days when she first set foot outside of her home while dressed en femme. The first year she views as a write-off but she was starting to get her act together by the second year. She was still making mistakes but she was finding acceptance. Take a trip back to those exhilarating days with Kim’s Adventure Time!

Thoughts on the Boy in Girl’s Clothes on the Rosanne Reboot

Graham | Feb 19, 2018 | Reply

Our Man in a Dress, Graham Holmes, writes about the “boy in a dress” character on the reboot of the Roseanne television show that premiers March 27 on ABC. The boy who wears girl’s clothes is played by Ames McNamara and the character’s name is Mark Conner-Healy. He is the son of one of the Connor family women. Graham has a lot to say about assumptions made about the character by the show’s producers. See if you agree, or disagree with his assessment.

Dina’s Diner 2/12/18

Dina Amberle | Feb 12, 2018 | Reply

Welcome to Dina’s Diner! The coffee is always brewing. Dina has specials of the day, and there’s pie! Today’s specials include Dina’s commentary on Tasi Zuriack’s commentary on how the umbrella term “transgender” has started to push out crossdressers and only apply to those who are going to transition. Then she has thoughts on all the kids who are reporting that they are trans, musings on pre-teen drag queens, and the trials and tribulations of being a working drag performer. For dessert she offers some thoughts on the royals depicted in The Crown. Take a seat at the counter or hop into a booth. Time to eat your fill at Dina’s Diner!

Another Step on the Trans Path

Claire H. | Feb 12, 2018 | Reply

It’s only been a few months since Claire H. took her first steps toward living as her true self. She finds that as she moves into the future every barrier she saw ahead would dissolve away as she approached. Today she writes that while she had not been expecting to start hormone therapy till April the advocacy of her therapist got her an early appointment with a nurse practitioner and she can begin hormones this week. Will all of the obstacles be as easily overcome?

The Trans You Don’t Know

The Editor | Feb 12, 2018 | Reply

How many times have you been around other people who were joking or commenting negatively on a trans person they have seen? Our guest contributor Sophia Swift gives her opinion on people who have to give their opinion when they may, without knowing it, be talking to a trans person — either someone who has transitioned, or a trans person projecting the opposite of their true self. No one should be forced to endure someone’s anti-trans statements.

Live life with courage, grace and purpose

CateOMalley | Jan 29, 2018 | Reply

Cate O’Malley made a different kind of New Year’s Resolution to start 2018. Rather than resolve to stick to a diet or become a more responsible consumer, or cut back on imbibing alcohol or avoiding toxic people, Cate decided to resolve to stick to some fundamental principles to live by. Today she blogs about the three things she deems most important in living life. You may get a hint at what they are from her blog title.

Tag: opinion

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