Tag: opinion

Recognized

Sophie Lynne | Feb 20, 2017 | Reply

Recognition. Many of us hope for it. To be singled out from the crowd and given a nod or a pat on the back. Others avoid recognition at all costs. Trans people in “stealth” mode for example. They want to be seen as members of their true gender and don’t want anyone telling them how brave they are for being different. So they don’t let the world know. Today Sophie Lynne writes about recognition. Recently she was chosen to appear in a production of The Vagina Monologues and that got her recognition. Because she stepped on to a stage and told her truth. She contrasts that with the recognition she often gets at her workplace. Most of it not good for her soul. Read her post on how she feels about being Recognized.

The Occasional Woman: Dressing for our Winter Spring

Lorraine Anderson | Feb 20, 2017 | Reply

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.

A First Time for Everything

porjabraga | Feb 20, 2017 | Reply

Every crossdresser has a tale of the first time. The first time they went out into the world of straight people dressed in their finest femme attire. For some it’s attending a Halloween party. Others decide to get dolled up for some event like a concert or trans friendly movie. Today our contributor Porja Braga tells her “first time” story and encourages you to make it a priority to live your “first time” out and about en femme.

Dina’s Diner 2/13/17

Dina Amberle | Feb 13, 2017 | Reply

Dina Amberle welcomes everyone down at Dina’s Diner and this week she has some new specials on the menu. First up there’s a tasty discussion of genderless danshi, and that’s not sushi. Then she mixes in some pageant gowns, adds a spicy bit of news about a dress that Rose McGowen wore, and adds in a taste of Kodo Nishimura the drag queen monk. After all of that she hopes you have room for a dessert comprised of the sweet and saucy Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. So stop in, have a seat, order a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy your time in Dina’s Diner.

Unity is Elusive

Christine B | Feb 13, 2017 | Reply

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.

A Sabrina Toon

Sabrina_Bria_Symington | Feb 6, 2017 | Reply

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.

Trump/Pence — Worse than you think!

Babs | Jan 30, 2017 | Reply

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.

Calling it Quits

CateOMalley | Jan 30, 2017 | Reply

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.

Retro Rerun: Dressing to Suit Your Figure

The Editor | Jan 30, 2017 | Reply

This Retro Rerun is from the 1990s and was written by the late Roberta Angela Dee. Ms. Dee was TGF’s how-to diva and covered all aspects of feminine presentation. In this post she talks about dressing to suit your figure. What works on one body type won’t work on other body types. She guides you through how to find your body type and then makes suggestions of what styles will enhance your feminine presentation.

The Crisis

Sophie Lynne | Jan 23, 2017 | Reply

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.

The Occassional Woman — Let’s Go Shopping!

Lorraine Anderson | Jan 23, 2017 | Reply

It’s the time of year when a woman’s thoughts turn to bargains. Lorraine Anderson is not only an accomplished seamstress and custom clothing creator, which she does under the business name The Occasional Woman, but she is an accomplished bargain shopper. Today, while devoted to the bargains spots to be found in her local Philadelphia area, she has tips on where to get great clothes at bargain prices. Some of the spots she mentions are in national chains and others are local thrift shops.

Face Your Fear

porjabraga | Jan 23, 2017 | Reply

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.

Dina’s Diner 1/16/17

Dina Amberle | Jan 16, 2017 | Reply

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!

Challenges of 2017

Babs | 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.

Dr. Sherman Leis: Top 10 Transgender Trends for 2017

The Editor | 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 […]

The Occasional Woman — New Year’s Eve Sparkle

Lorraine Anderson | Dec 26, 2016 | Reply

New Year’s Eve! It’s the one night you can throw caution to the winds and wear whatever outrageous sequined, sparkly, snake print, feathered outfit you want. It’s a celebration and the best way to celebrate is in those sparkling 4 inch heels, that skin tight red dress and a ton of zircons, or real diamonds if you’ve got ’em. Lorraine Anderson, woman in charge at The Occasional Woman sewing service, has some tips on how to rock that New Year’s Eve party.

My Wishes for 2017

CateOMalley | Dec 26, 2016 | Reply

At the beginning of every year many people use the rolling over from one year to the next as a time to make New Year resolutions. Cate O’Malley doesn’t have a list of resolutions that will probably stop being resolved within a few months of 2017. Instead she has a list of wishes. Things she would like to see happen in 2017. Read on and see what her wishes are.

Dina’s Diner 12/19/16

Dina Amberle | 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!

Cavemen & Cavewomen with Smart Phones

The Artist D | 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.

Advice for Youth Coming Out as Trans

The Editor | 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.

The Next Four Years?

Emily | 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.

The Occasional Woman — Winter Accessories!

Lorraine Anderson | Nov 28, 2016 | Reply

It’s time to think about your winter accessories and Lorraine Anderson has some suggestions that will brighten your outfit and your perception of the cold, dark winter nights. When stepping out in your black winter coat and black boots add some color with a scarf. Or brighten things up with colorful, or patterned gloves. There no need to be gloomy and gray when accessories that “pop” can save the day! Get some hints and tips on how to enhance your look this winter in today’s edition of The Occasional Woman.

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

Dallas Denny | 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.

A Return to Elegance

Tasi Zuriack | Nov 15, 2016 | Reply

Our fashion consultant Tasi Zuriack says it’s time for a return to elegance in fashion. Casual Friday has lead to a landslide of sweat pants, workout clothes and other less than elegant attire being seen on the streets and in the malls. But can you be feminine and elegant without being a wimp? True elegance commands a room and lets people know you are a woman to be reckoned with. Let Tasi give you her tips on how to work the look in today’s post.

Check Your Armbands at the Door

The Artist D | 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.

Trump/Pence and The Trans Community

Babs | 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.

Tag: opinion

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