Cover Stories

Dr. Stephen
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Transsexuai TCH LAW Suicide • Sex Difference in the Human Brain

UK MaritaiJ INLc Eily Queer • Human Rights Human Needs How
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 I
Contents : Spring 1 9 0 S

Focus: Law & Politics

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

12 .
Celebrates 50 Years
by Tammi Hawk, LICSW

24 .
TranSexuality And Dutch Law
by Mrs. Henne Visscher

29 .
An Attempt To Get Married
by Dr. Tracie O’Keefe, DCH
Freedom from the Scalpel
32 .
by Phyllis Randolph Frye, ESQ

39 .
Transitions: How TransGender Issues
Have Become a Part of HRC’s Work
by Shannon Minter

50 .
Religious Liberty Bills Could Threaten Rights
by Lou Chibbaro, Jr.

77 .
Legal Implications of the New Ferment
Concerning Transsexualism
by Dr. Louis Swartz, PhD

Cover Stories

PhyllisRandolph Frye, ESQ

8.
Virginia Prince Award Winner

Association For As Noble A Purpose As Any

10
by Stephen Whittle PhD, MA, LL.B, BA
.

ISSN0884-9749 Transgender Tapestry is published by IFGE, P.0. Box 229 Waltham, MA 02454 - 0229 USA 781 - 899-2212 Fax
,
.

781-899-5703, email: info@ifge.org Web: www.ifge.org. 1996 © The International Foundation for Gender Education all rights are
reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of IFGE. Member COSMEP.

2
 C o n t e n t s Spring 1 S 0 0

Departments
Transcriptions: Letters and Comments 6 .

International and National News 72 .

Book Reviews
81 .

Calendar 00 Tj-

Professional Listings I
00 -s

Support Groups 00 CO

Features
A Fantasy Come True
21 .

by Melanie Mathis

How My Friend John Was Murdered Twice CM 00

by Dr. Max

The Art and Nature of Gender 41 .

by Jamison “James” Green

Biography: -P CO
Stephen Whittle

Raised By Wolves 52 .

by Melanie Phillips

Dear Mom LO 00

Story of Nicole

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Youth Suicide

61 .

by Warren J. Blumenfeld

A Sex Difference in the Human Brain

68 .

and It’s Relation to Transsexuality

by J. N. Zhou MA, Hofman L.J. Gooren and . F. Swabb
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4
FOUNDER Special T hanks
MERISSA SHERRILL LYNN To Our Feature
Contributors

Dr. Steven Whittle

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
NANCY J. CAIN
Melanie Phillips
CO-EDITORS
MATTHEW S. CARLOS
MYKAEL HAWLEY Dr. Anne Lawrence

ART DIRECTOR Phyliss Randolph Frye, ESQ

MYKAEL HAWLEY

ADVERTISING MANAGER Dr. Max

CORWIN ARTHUR SCOTT
Warren Blumenfeld
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT J.

ROSE RYAN
J.N. Zhou
BUSINESS MANAGER
NANCY CAIN
Hofman L.j. Gooren
SUBSCRIPTIONS
JOAN HOFF
D.F. Swabb

PUBLISHER. . .

THE INTERNATIONAL Tammi Hawk

FOUNDATION
FOR GENDER EDUCATION
(IFGE) Mrs. Henne Visscher
,

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dr.Tracie O'Keefe

KATE BORNSTEIN
BARBARA CARRELLAS
MIQQI ALICIA GILBERT Shannon Minter
JAMISON GREEN
SHEILA KIRK, MD
Dr. Louis Swartz
RIKI ANNE WILCHINS

Lou Chabbaro, Jr.

ILLUSTRATION
MYKAEL HAWLEY
Gianna Israel

PHOTOGRAPHY
MARI ETTE PATHY ALLEN
Loren Cameron
Photo: Stephen Whittle
PRINTING. . .

CUMMINGS PRINTING

CIRCULATION
DEYCO
TnanScnipt o n s

ettens, Comments

Project 1 0 East "MEN TRAPPED Now I am not discounting the individuals

who do fit into the paraphilia category. For
IN MEN’S BODIES" them autogynephilia and paraphilia togeth-
(
Issue #83, Summer 1998
er is probably a very accurate diagnosis. But
Issue #85 Winterl998 there are people who would
Dear Editor;
fit the autog-
by Dr Anne Lawrence, ynephilia category and as long as their fan-
tasized partner is human, and not an object,
I have long thought about writing to you, for Gentle Persons,
child or non-consensual person, and does-
I have been a faithful reader of your maga-
n't involve suffering or humiliation, they
zine from the very first visit to our psychia- The latest issue of Tapestry is excellent.
should not be grouped as being paraphilic.
trist. She insisted that education would be Once again reading Tapestry find am not
I I

I think that the two categories may inter-

my biggest asset in overcoming my fear of alone. There are others that are more simi-
sect, but they do not form a proper sub-set,
allowing my son to assert his female self. lar to me than just the desire to wear either direction, of each other.
Your magazine has been that help for me. "those" clothes. I don't ask for agreement,
but can hope for thoughtful consideration
I

Iwould offer the suggestion to the entire

I want to express my appreciation to your of my arguments. I hope you read it com- gender community that there are lots of
editorial staff for that excellent interview pletely too, asmy ego says my arguments groupings being bandied about. would sug- I

with Mr Ferriera (Project 10 East). Wish are worth consideration by more than gest that individuals may properly fit in mul-
there were more teachers like him! This myself and Dr. Lawrence. About the refer- tiple groups, but not necessarily in all. I

was not the case when my son came out to enced article. know that many are afraid of set theory
his sex-ed teacher at the age of 1 2. Before because of a horrible introduction to the
hadn't heard about the Clarke Institute of
but the concept helps explain a
I

long, word was spread all around his school idea, lot in
Psychiatry in Toronto until reading this
simple terms. When an individual
and we simply had to relocate. fits into
story. So I am not tuned into the politics
multiple groups, then those groups are con-
surrounding the Institute. And thus I don't
sidered to be intersecting, even the inter-
Thankfully, my mother-in-law wintered in
know why Ray Blanchard's theories have
if

section only encompasses that one individ-

Florida but kept the condo year round. We been discounted or ignored by the gender ual. If some individuals in one group also
came down here in the summer of '97 and community. have something in common, but no one
have been happily living as mother and
outside that group share that characteristic,
daughter ever since. (Yes, it can be done! ) The article is excellent and while don't
I

then those individuals form a proper subset

Networking started with a sympathetic find myself completely in the article there is
of the larger group.
young CD hairdresser and we were put in enough of me there to at least say that I

touch with a board certified psychiatrist lean toward that corner of the universe of
I also offer the suggestion of using very
(and pediatrician) and a gynecologist who possibilities. Without taking anything away
strict definitions of hetero, bi, and homo
saw to that my new daughter got a com- from the article offer my observations.
it
sexual. These groups are mutually exclusive
I

plete physical and psychological check up (Sample size of one, plus some reading.)
if very strict definitions are used. An individ-
right from the start. I knew could I trust her ual is in only one of those groups
at one
the minute she insisted on a second expert I would like to encourage Blanchard's reluc- time. They may properly change groups
diagnosis, and I wasn't mistaken. No mom tance to assign paraphilia to autogynephilia through SRS, but latent tendencies leave
should attempt this without professional
individuals. Why should desire for action the individual in the bi category.
with a non-specific or nebulous individual
help.
be categorized as action with a non-human? New subject. Dr. Lawrence marvels at find-
think this issue was not adequately many post-op who admit that
How so MtF's
I

and why my son came out to me is ing

addressed in this article. If the object of fan- they pursued surgery to experience sex as
not important. That he knew loved him I

tasy is one's self, that is still a human, not an females, even with females. Yet this empha-
enough, no matter what, was important!
object. Fantasizing about a nebulous or sis not mentioned, and even denied, by
Hopefully, moms reading Mr. Ferreira's
non-specific individual while fantasizing that
is

pre-surgical patients.
interview will take heart and put away old
one's self is the other sex is not significant-
fashioned feelings of guilt or shame. It is
ly different, in my not so humble opinion, From my reading I have noticed that any
wonderful thatTG kids as well as gays can than normal dreaming
adolescent day presentation to a mental health profession-
have a safe place to go to for sharing their about someone to escape to Fantasy Land alother than as a homosexual male who
feelings and anxieties with peer counsellors. with. Prince Charming is seldom sitting in
chooses to dress as a woman leads to
Maybe some day there will be a Project 10 the next chair and a young woman fantasiz- much delay or denial of a surgical recom-
in every school district. ing about being the princess in Snow mendation or even a recommendation for
White, Cinderella, or some other such hormones. This is a recurring theme in TS
Very truly yours, dream is much the same thing. accompanied by volumi-
literature, usually
Vera Johnson nous complaints about the rigidity of the
 —

pre-surgical approval process. I would sug- uation criteria so that a truly valid seeker of
gest a survey of the popular literature, as SRS can obtain it without having to lie

opposed to the medical community litera- through their teeth about their mental state
ture, by Dr. Lawrence. think she would find
I to get the surgical recommendation.
many, many diatribes and pontifications on
the subject. Editors, keep up the good work. Finding and
publishing articles such as this is an excel-
I have also read in several places where our lent task, in my opinion. However, I would
community's concerned leaders, and truly caution you not to go so far as to publish
caring health professions, are worried too articles as pedantic as those published in

many people seeking surgery are able to medical journals. I also want to encourage
read, study, and be coached on expected you to keep up these harder, issue present-
answers and responses for the mental ing articles.
health evaluation phase of the process.This
coaching and studying process will Sincerely and respectfully,
undoubtedly skew the presurgical interview Kelly Stevens
results. The desperation frequently Congratulations To
described about pre-surgical individuals is Nancy Cain,
who
real

suit
and those
of the surgery
individuals
will
are
use every means at
in pur-
Dear Transgender
The New Executive
their disposal to accomplish their goals. Director of IFGE
Quote Merissa Sherrill Lynn, "The differ- I love your magazine! Please start my sub-
ence between a and a T on the
terrorist scription with issue #86. I've been able to The IFGE Board of Directors
way to surgery is that you can negotiate find previous issues at our local bookstores. appointed Nancy J.
Cain Executive
with a terrorist." I don't want to miss any. Also, I want to Director on 22 January 1999. The
receive the Personal Pen Pal Booklet, I'm decision was facilitated by Ms Cain's
Dr Lawrence's article points out that not all tired of being alone.
comprehensive knowledge of each
individuals presenting for surgery are really
department at IFGE, owing to her
homosexual cross dressers desiring to be Thank You
tenure as Director of Operations, a
the other sex to participate in sex with Marti
those of their birth sex. There are people
position she assumed in 1996 and

who wish to have the surgeries to become continues to hold. The appointment

homosexual.There are people who have no -\_ A D DEN D U M ]

is seen as a sign of the Board's con-
desire for sex with others at all, they just fidence in the staff’s collaborative
FEATURE ON CLINICS— ISSUE 85
want to look appropriate in their chosen approach to running the organiza-
clothes sitting around the swimming pool. TAMPA GENDER IDENTITY PROGRAMItGIP] tion which is facilitated by Ms. Cain’s
cooperative management style.
Skilled, caring, trained, and experienced indi- AN INTERVIEW WITH DR. CARL BUSHONG
OF TAMPA GENDER IDENTITY PROGRAM
viduals will have to determine whether a
WAS FEATURED IN THE PAST ISSUE OF Ms. Cain is quoted as saying, "IFGE
patient is a proper candidate for surgery, or TRANSGENDER TAPESTRY. needs to provide education and
is more properly a candidate for some
WHILE TGIP's WEBSITE AND E-MAIL information with compassion, to
other treatment,
ADDRESS WERE PROVIDED, THE POSTAL
help ourselves by helping others, to
ADDRESS WAS OMITTED.
We need a new set of guidelines for evalu- make ourselves known to the main-
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT TCIP OR stream and to bring us into the new
ating patients. I recognize that in the legal
ENTERING THBR GENDER PROGRAM, CONTACT:
climate of the United States today the cur- millenium with dignity and grace.
rent standardspromulgated by the TGIP/ TAMPA STRESS CENTER
Only by working together as a com-
Benjamin form a substantial buttress
clinic
PO BOX 273107
TAMPA, FL 33688-3107 munity can we accomplish what we
to defend health care workers against mal-
want, what we need, and what is
practice suits by disgruntled post op www, trangendercare.com . www.tgcare.com

tgip@transgendercare.com necessary for all of us to realize our

patients. But I request the community to
www nu-woman.com/tgip. htm dreams.”
broaden the discussion on alternative eval-

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7
 0

|
V i r g i n i a Prince Award Recipient
Phyllis Randolph Frye, ESQ

Phyllis at 2nd ICTLEP Phyllis Addressing 1 993 March

Conference 1993 on Washington

Ms. Frye is an Eagle Scout, a Texas A&M

University graduate with additional degrees
from the University of Houston, a veteran, a
licensed engineer and a licensed attorney. She
has been active and out-of-the-closet for over
two decades. In 1 980 she led the successful

repeal of the Houston anti-crossdressing ordi-

nance. Openly, she has held elected offices in

social and professional organizations and has

Senior Photo A&M University 1970
had articles published in professional journals.

In 1991 she founded the International

Conference on Transgender Law and
Employment Policy. In 1 993 she was the sole
transgendered platform speaker for the "3rd
March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay and
Bisexual Rights." She and Karen Kerin of It's
Senior H.S. Photo, ROTC Corps
Time America initiated the first efforts to Commander Cadet Colonel 966
1

lobby Members of the US Congress in July

994. Those two, and Riki Wilchins of
1
Phyllis with Karen Kerin and U.S. Senator
Jim Jeffords (R-VT) Washington D.C. 994 1

Transsexual Menace, organized the two-day

event that put over 1 00 transgenders into 5 1

of the 535 Senate and Congressional Offices

in October 1995.

Phyllis with Phil Donahue 1989 Phyllis exhorting others to be free, 1992 Phyllis with some of her best buddies, 1 998
 a L U M N

Violence AND THE “Visibly is

Queer

Rikki Anne Wilchins When perpetrators look for a target,

they don't look for Ellen — they look
for Lea DeLaria.

In fact, stone butches, diesel dykes, nelly

fairies, drag and trans people have
t has been difficult to resist issuing
always been the visible face the gay
a statement following the terrible
community showed a hostile world,
tragedy that befell Matthew
and more than a few have the scars to
Shepard. Indeed, it often seems
prove Unfortunately, whenever such
it.

that unfortunately the ritual

crimes are committed, they are imme-
denunciations, relentlessly faxed
diately claimed by national gay activists
and emailed across cyberspace by
as being solely about orientation.
individuals and second-tier organi-
zations, serve little purpose except
When the OtherSide was bombed in
fanning self-importance while
Atlanta last year, gay leaders were on
detracting from whatever small
CNN and other media the next morn-
dignity the victims of such brutal
ing denouncing it as a "gay and lesbian"
crimes may retain in death.
hate crime. But anyone who went to
the OtherSide knew that its diverse
However GenderPAC has continued
clientele included substantial numbers
to receive an expanding number of
of bisexuals, and people of color, and it

inquiries regarding our stance and

was a favored bar for drag and trans-
relation to hate crimes --
jersey City a month earlier- are most
activities in
people. We don’t really know at
specifically the national Hate Crimes often people who are in some way
whom that bomb was aimed, but the
bill currently in Congress. "visibly" queer; that is, they are those
erasure of complexity and more mar-
whose bodies or genders don't fit in ginalized identities was immediate and
It may be impossible to know with any some way with social conceptions of final.
precision what kinds of hatred, singular "real men" or "real women."

or plural, lead to the dismaying and WhenTyra Hunter was fataly injured in

often horrific violence of queer hate The natural groups to make such an a car accident in Washington, DC, two
crimes. What seems unavoidable is the argument to our gay leaders — the years ago, the EMS technician cutting
recognition that those singled out for butch/femme community and the drag open her pants discovered she had a
special brutality - gay men like Mr. community — remain unable to do so. penis, backed away and began making
Shepard, who are small, slight; and gen- Because, for very different reasons, jokes to the imploring crowd as she lay
tle, two "butchy" women stalked and both remain politically unorganized and bleeding to her death on the pave-
shot on the Appalachian trail; transpeo- for all intents unavailable to speak out ment, and refused to render further
ple like Brandon Teena assaulted, raped publicly and authoritatively on such treatment. Yet was this heinous inci-

and murdered or Jesse Santiago, beat- issues. dent about orientation because she
en senseless with an iron bar and then was perceived as homosexual, because
stabbed to death with a box cutter a Thus, whenever gender is raised as an of her gender, because of race,
screw driver, and finally a knife, or even issue, it is inevitably read down, and because she was a black woman, or
more recently Tasha Dunn, beaten to written off, as a "transgender" But gen- since EMS took over 20 minutes to get
death in January in a Tampa parking lot der is NOT a "trans thing." Queer bias to her in the inner city, because of
and Vianna Fay Williams, stabbed nine crimes, like queer people, have always class?
times in the back, neck, and chest in been about gender, and always will be. continued on page 7 /

When perpetrators look for a target, they don't

look for Ellen -- they look for Lea DeLaria.
9
^Column

Human Rights, Human

Miqqi Alicia if BC passes the legislation they will

become the first province to do so.

Gilbert, Ph.D.

The second point the Commissioner

made was that, as far as his office was
concerned, transgenders were protect-
Last March Xpressions hosted the
ed under the sexual identification sec-
IFGE’s 12th annual convention. One of
my jobs as an organizer for the conven-
tions of the Human Rights legislation.
There is, he told us, a "profound rela-
tion was to help coordinate the speak-
tionshipbetween sex discrimination and
ers' program. I put out the word within
gender discrimination." He went on to
our community that I was looking for
quote the preamble to the Ontario
help and suggestions. I received many.
Human Rights Code, and explain just

One suggestion, that came to me from how he understood that code to apply
to transgendered citizens: It is public pol-
a Kingston Xpressions member was
icy in Ontario to recognize the dignity
especially intriguing. Robin suggested
and worth of every person and to pro-
that I try to get Keith Norton, the head
vide for equal rights and opportunities
of the CDntario Human Rights
without discrimination that is contrary
Commission, the (OHRC). phoned I
Friday luncheon of the 12th IFGE
to law, and having as it's aim the creation
his office and spoke with an assistant of Annual Convention.
of a climate of understanding and mutu-
his. The assistant shocked me by listen-
al respect for the dignity and worth of
ing attentively and expressing interest He began by saying that his first hurdle
each person, so that each person feels a
in the idea. He told me to send a was that he knew next to nothing about
part of the community and able to con-
detailed fax, and even coached me on us. It shocked him both as
tribute fully to the development and
what to include. Commissioner of Human Rights and a
well-being of the community and the
member of the Gay community that
Province; "Bearing this approach in mind,
Thus began a series of fax and tele- there existed a large group like us about
it is clear that there is no impediment to
phone communications that lasted sev- whom he knew nothing. He immediate-
an interpretation of ‘sex discrimination’
eral months. worked very hard on
I
ly assigned researchers to provide him
that includes gender characteristics and
that first fax communication, carefully with the background he needed. As a
is not limited to biological/genetic gen-
explaining who we were and why we result, when he spoke to us he had the
der identification. Not only is there no
so desperately needed attention. told beginnings of an understanding of the
I

impediment, but my
view that the
it is
the commissioner that we were the diverse community.
broad and purposive approach that I

last closeted group, that we lacked spe- referred to earlier in fact supports and
cific protections, that we suffered deep His researches showed him: "In prepar-
encourages such an interpretation."
discrimination and were often afraid to ing for this conference, it became evi-

speak out and identify ourselves. told I

dent to me that transgendered persons
him we didn't even have a ribbon of have been an especially marginalized Commissioner Norton explained that
our own. group, with special issues and concerns being called names, made fun of, or being
about which society at large is ignorant.” singled out are examples of the kinds of
Maybe it was the line about the ribbon. But knowing this does not help, as of discrimination that impact on one's dig-
The next thing know, The HonorableI
today, there is no jurisdiction in Canada nity, sense of self and ability to carry on

Keith Norton, Commissioner of Human that has specific human rights protection in a workplace. Just as it is no longer
Rights for the Province of Ontario was for transgendered persons. There is leg- acceptable for a co-worker to constant-
the Keynote Luncheon speaker at the islation pending in British Columbia, but ly make disparaging or sexual remarks

"as of today, there is imo jurisdiction in Canada that

HAS SPECIFIC HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION FOR
transgendered persons. There is legislation pending
in British Columbia, but if BC passes the legislation
THEY WILL BECOME THE FIRST PROVINCE TO DO SO.”
10
“HE STATED CLEARLY AND LOUDLY THAT ANY DIS-
CRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT DR HOUSING WOULD
BE SEEN BY HIS OFFICE AS AN INSTANCE OF DIS-
CRIMINATION BASED ON SEXUAL CHOICE .
11

about a genetic woman, so it is also groups in order to determine just what become very careful and sensitive to the

unacceptable in Ontario for someone to issues are most important. Recently, average Canadian's sense of fairness. A
mock the gender characteristics of a when the conservative Ontario govern- conservative government that is in favor
transwoman or transman. More exactly: ment cut OHIP (Ontario’s state medical of human rights, but at the same time
"freedom from sexual harassment and plan) funding for SRS, a representative of cuts funding to welfare and women's
other forms of unequal treatment based the trans community, wrote to the shelters so that abused women are
on gender is a fundamental human right papers on behalf of the Commissioner forced back into dangerous homes, is

and is included in the freedom from dis- arguing that such cuts are unfair and dis- hardly a great comfort. Nonetheless,
crimination on the grounds of sex." criminatory.The commission is even will- these advances in legislation pave the
ing to consider a suit against the cuts on way for attitude changes in much the
So, in this instance, the connection the grounds that they are discriminatory. same way that workplace protections
between sex and gender works to the have led to a new understanding of
advantage of transgendered people. The Conservative Partymuch in
is very what is right and what is wrong.
Sexual harassment, according to the charge in Ontario. Cuts have been made
commission, is often a function of gen- to healthcare, women’s shelters, educa- This advance may only be relevant to
der stereotyping. Women who appear tion, and, very recently, SRS was elimi- transsexuals. Certainly, for someone
sexy fall prey to gender stereotyping nated from the Ontario Health who is going to live full time as a
when they regularly experience catcalls Insurance Program on the grounds that transwoman or transman, such legisla-
and propositions. It goes further: Men it is "lifestyle surgery." Commissioner tion can mean the difference between
who are not very masculine, women Norton is openly Gay, and is greatly
who do not meet stereotypical gender respected by a vast number of margin- a hard and difficult existence and a fair

standards, or anyone who is ridiculed alized persons in the province. What chance to build on the successes one
and harassed for not playing the gender works most for the trans community is has already achieved.
game according to narrow-minded rules a sense that political and social rights are
is, according to the Commissioner; expe- not, ultimately, subject to whim and per- The cross dresser is not left out of this

riencing sexual harassment. sonal choice. equation. With legislative protection if a

crossdresser is discovered, outted or
This was very exciting to hear He stat- Of course, as I was explicitly warned, all decides to come out, job and home are
ed clearly and loudly that any discrimi- Legislative change moves at a glacial protected. It will become the employer’s

nation in employment or housing would pace. It is extremely rare that legislation responsibility to see that the workplace
be seen by his office as an instance of moves swiftly, and then it is only with all- is free of harassment and fear Landlords
discrimination based on sexual choice. party support. It was also pointed out must take steps to protect the security
Since it is illegal in Ontario to discrimi- that transgender issues and complaints of your accommodations. If refused ser-
nate against someone because they are are still relatively rare and new, but they vice in a shop, then there is a ground for
gay or lesbian, that meant transgendered are becoming more common. With complaint. All this exists now, but when
people should be free from discrimina- perseverance and continued prodding the language of the legislation is clarified

tion as well. Specific examples included Ontario should bring in specific language to explicitly include gender orientation,
failure to be promoted; an employer not to protect against discrimination based it will even be quotable.
ensuring that non-employees are pre- on gender orientation.
vented from harassing; a landlord who Legislation, of course, can only go so far
fails to provide protection to a tenant In British Columbia, legislation is much No one can legislate love, respect, or
from other tenants, et cetera. further along and to this point has not even tolerance. So long as the intoler-
met strenuous organized resistance. At ance and disrespect does not show, it

The final major point of the the federal level, there are sisters in can go on and on. For that to change we
Commissioner's talk was that, even given Ottawa who are currently lobbying the need to make our presence known and,
that the OHRC thought transgendered government to include transgender most of all, to become more public,
were already protected, they would rights in the federal human rights code. more visible.

nonetheless begin the process of The Canadian Task Force for

researching and drafting language to Transgender Law Reform will hopefully When everyone says, "What’s it to me?
specifically include gender orientation bring the need for transgender rights to I could care less," then well know we
with the Ontario Human Rights code. the attention of our national legislators. can forget about laws, and that we have
This was news beyond my wildest imag- arrived. I don't think I'll live to see that
ination. By the time the Honorable One of the differences between politics day, but in the meantime, I’ll help as
Commissioner was finished, this writer in Canada and the United States is that much as I can to bring it about. Will you?
was feeling very proud and teary. party differences are less tied to human A
and ore closely connected
rights issues
Since that afternoon, I have made the to economic principles. While there is [NB: the full text of Commissioner Norton’s

talk and the BC Transgender Law Reform

acquaintance of the policy analyst now currently one Federal party, the Reform
Report can be found by going to my web
assigned toTG issues. She is communi- Party, that is quite right wing in the US site, www.yorku.ca/academics/gilbert and fol-
cating with representatives of several TG sense of the term, they have had to lowing the "transgender” links.]
 |Focus : Human Rights

Universal Declaration of Human

Rights Celebrates 50 Years

Tammi Hawk, LSCSW In Brazil, on August 4, 1998 four mili- transvestites, homosexualsand
tary policemen in the of Salvador
city women out with impunity.
carried
(Bahia) reportedly forced two trans- Many of those targeted have been sex
vestite sex workers to throw them- workers. "Entre Amigos" reported that
selves into the sea, after humiliating since the month of February there

he Universal Declaration of and torturing them. One of them have been at least 9 killings of trans-
Human Rights celebrated its
drowned and the body was found vestites and women, and 5 transves-

50th anniversary on Dec. three days later in advanced state of tites have been seriously injured in San
10,

1998. decomposition. The other one sur- Salvador and Sonsonate counties.
vived and had to go into hiding for fear There have also been at least 6 attacks
As the fight continues for justice of police reprisals. According to on various gay gathering places.

and human rights for lesbians, Grupo Gay de Bahia, ,600 homosex- 1

gay men, bisexuals, and transgen-
dered people, the UDHR stands
as a worldwide watchdog and
supporter of this fight. The fol-
lowing excerpts from the UDHR
point to the international
uals have been murdered between In Iran, the Reuters news agency
1980 and 997 in Brazil. Only in 5 % of
1 reported that a man found guilty of
cases have the alleged murderers gone having sex with another man was
to trial. hanged by the authorities the western
city of Hamadan. He had also been
struggles In Croatia, a gay man who had been convicted of adultery, alcohol drinking

and victories of all gender and sexual dismissed from the armed forces in and drug dealing.

minorities who are oppressed. Hope July 1998 because of his homosexuali-
survives world in which "all
for a ty is now afraid for his life. After press- In Mexico, a recently-constituted

human beings are born free and equal ing a lawsuit against the discriminatory Comision Ciudadana Contra
in dignity and human rights". (UDHR,
policies of the armed forces, he has Cramenes de Odio por Homofobia
Article I).
been called back to complete the (Citizen's Commission Against
remainder of his military service. He Homophobic Hate Crimes) has docu-
now fears, however, that once mented 25 murders of homosexuals
1

The right to life, liberty and returned to the hands of the military, from April1995 to May 1998. Many
SECURITY OF PERSON he will face life-threatening reprisals, were found in circumstances of
victims
(UDHR, Article 3) not only for his homosexuality but for extreme violence, including genital
his attempt to call the armed forces to mutilation. According to the
GLBT individuals throughout the legal account. His lawsuit, along with Commission, the police often dismiss
world continue to face grave threats his homosexuality, has already been these crimes as "crimes of passion"
to their lives, many times with little or widely reported in the Croatian between homosexuals and refuse to
no state protection. media. investigate.

men con-
In Afghanistan, at least five
victed of sodomy by Taleban Sharia Hope survives for a world
courts have been placed
standing walls by Taleban officials and
next to
in which “all human beings
then buried under the rubble as the are born free and equal in
walls were toppled upon them in
1998. This news comes from the
dignity Si human rights”.
Taleban press "The Sharia
itself.
[UDHR, Article ID
(Islamic code) punishment was imple-
mented on two sodomists in Herat
and the criminals were put under a In El Salvador, the Asociacion In Romania, a human rights activist has
wall,"Taleban-controlled radio Voice of Salvadore a de Desarrollo Integral been assassinated, in an attack which
Sharia reported March 22, 1998. para Minoras Sexuales "Entre Amigos" may have been linked to his apparent
"Having received the assent of His (Salvadoran Association for Integral homosexuality, or to his work in
Eminence Amirol Momenin.the judicial Development of Sexual Minorities exposing official corruption. On
decision was administered at a stadium "Between Friends"), expressed con- October 3 1998, Steven Itoafa's body
I

in the city of Herat today." cern about a series of murders against was discovered in his apartment. He

12
had been stabbed and his throat had Trains) for the right to equal pay with charges under the state's I 1 9-year-old
been cut; his hands were tied behind heterosexuals, including a free travel sodomy law. Such laws exist in almost
his back. Police called the crime a "par- pass for her partner The Court reject- half the American states, but prosecu-
ticularly cruel and savage killing." ed a claim that such discrimination tions are rare. However, this case
However, police have since declared constituted sex discrimination con- demonstrates these laws can be arbi-
his death a "sex crime" and a "homo- trary to Article I 1 9 of the Treaty of trarily enforced. Even without prose-
sexual murder" — a way both of dis- Rome, which provides for "equal pay... cutions, the Texas sodomy law has stig-
missing his killing, and of implying that without discrimination based on sex." matized and damaged lesbian and gay
homosexuals bear ultimate responsi- (Grant v.South-West Trains Ltd) lives. In 1
997, a supervisor for Texas's
bility committed against
for violence Child Services agency
Protective
them. Both police and the mainstream Everyone has the right to an (CPS) removed a three-month-old
press have repeatedly painted homo- EFFECTIVE REMEDY BY THE COMPE- baby from lesbian foster parents, saying
sexuals as potential criminals, subject TENT NATIONAL TRIBUNALS FOR "Homosexuality is against the law and
to jealous rages which lead to murder ACTS VIOLATING THE FUNDAMEN- CPS staff were knowingly condoning
TAL HUMAN RIGHTS GRANTED HIM it." The Texas case is extremely similar

In the United States, Matthew BY THE CONSTITUTION OR BY LAW to the Toonen case (Toonen v
Shepard, a 2 1
year-old student at the (UDHR, Article 8) Australia), where in 1994 the United
University of Wyoming, was abducted NationsHuman Rights Committee
and brutally beaten, in an attack appar- The Supreme Court of Canada deter- (UNHRC) ruled that Tasmania's
ently motivated by his homosexuality mined April 2, 1998 that the Alberta sodomy laws were unacceptable
on [October 6 1998.] 18 hours later; legislature's omission of "sexual orien- because they violated the right to pri-
he was found tied to a wooden ranch tation" from the categories protected vacy, and because they discriminated
fence outside the city of Laramie. His by the province's anti-discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. The
had been smashed, and his head
skull statute was Canadian
a violation of the UNHRC based its decision on the
and face had been slashed; the two Charter of Rights and Freedoms. With International Covenant on Civil and
passing motorcyclists who discovered one justice dissenting, the court fur- Political Rights (ICCPR). The United

him at first mistook his figure for a ther ruled that the remedy is to read States has also ratified the ICCPR, and
scarecrow. On October 1
2, he died of "sexual orientation" into the legislation is bound by its provisions. Less than
his injuries. Shepard's case is just one ratherthan to invalidate the legislation two months after the Texas arrest, the
in a long line of brutal murders and altogether (Vriend v. Alberta). The Texas Supreme Court overturned its
hate crimes committed against GLBT Supreme Court had already deter- sodomy laws as unconstitutional.
people in the United States. Less than mined back in 1995 that "sexual orien- About 20 states still ban sexual rela-
a month after Shepard’s death, on tation" was a protected ground in the tions between consenting adults of the
October 28 at approximately 9 p.m. in Canadian Charter of Rights and same sex.
Baltimore, Maryland, 3 -year-old 1
Freedoms (Egan v. Canada).
Leonard "Lynn" Vine was shot six times Everyone has the right to seek
after having anti-gay and anti-drag epi- Colombia's Constitutional Court ruled AND TO ENJOY IN OTHER COUN-
thets shouted at him. March 26, 1998 that private religious TRIES ASYLUM FROM PERSECUTION
schools cannot ban gay students. The (UDHR, Article 14)
All are equal before the law same Court ruled further September
AND ARE ENTITLED WITHOUT ANY 10, 1998 that a 1979 law allowing for In Germany, Mariana Cetiner — a
DISCRIMINATION TO EQUAL the firing of openly gay teachers was Romanian lesbian who was arrested
PROTECTION OF THE LAW unconstitutional. and sentenced to serve a three-year
(UDHR, Article 7) prison term for merely asking another
NO ONE SHALL BE SUBJECTED TO woman to have sexual relations with
Ecuador's new Constitution
(1998) ARBITRARY INTERFERENCE WITH her — was reportedly granted refugee
follows in the footsteps of the South HIS PRIVACY, FAMILY, HOME OR status in October of 1 998. Mariana's
African Constitution, offering explicit CORRESPONDENCE, NOR TO ATTACK case was the focus of an international
non-discrimination guarantees for sex- TO HIS OR HER HONOR AND REPU- human rights campaign, resulting in an
ual minorities: (Constitution of TATION official promise of a Presidential par-
Ecuador, 1 998, Article 23, section 3) (UDHR, Article 12) don in January of 1998, followed by
the unofficial translation states: All her actual release (after considerable
individuals shall be considered equal South Africa's highest constitutional additional pressure) two months later
and shall enjoy the same rights, free- court ruled 9th October 998, that 1 Despite Mariana's release, the laws
doms, and opportunities, without dis- laws which criminalize sex between under which she was convicted remain
crimination due to birth, age, sex, eth- men were unconstitutional because in the books in Romania, punishing
nicity, color, social origin, language, reli- they violated the right to privacy and homosexual acts "committed in public,
gion, political affiliation, economic posi- affected the "dignity, personhood and or causing public scandal," with one to
tion, sexual orientation, health status, identity" of lesbian and gay people. five years' imprisonment, and criminal-
disability, or difference of any other izing "inciting or encouraging a person
kind." In Texas, United States, Houston police to the practice of sexual relations
arrested on September 17, 1998 two between persons of the same sex, as
The European Court of Justice ruled adult men for engaging in consensual well as propaganda or association or
on February 1998 against a lesbian
17, "homosexual conduct" in the privacy any act of proselytism," with the same
who sued her employer (South West of their own bedroom. The men face punishment. In the meanwhile, the
new German government has the raid was performed to stop a
promised to create better legal pro- bingo game where the prizes included Everyone has the right freely
tection for gay and lesbian asylum- sexual relations with the winner. TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CULTURAL
seekers and binational couples in LIFE OF THE COMMUNITY
Germany. 30 September, 1998, a United States (UDHR, Article 27)
federal Judge struck down as unconsti-
InSweden, the government set a dan- tutional a disciplinary rule that prohib- In India, members of the right-wing
gerous precedent in settling an impor- ited Puerto Rico police officersfrom Shiv Sena party organized a series of
tant asylum case involving a gay man associating with lesbians and gay men. demonstrations and violent attacks
from Iran. The government found that Police Regulation 29 stated that "it is a against theaters showing Deepa
in Iran, homosexuals do not face per- grave offense for police officers to Mehta's critically acclaimed lesbian-
secution solely on the basis of their associate with prostitutes, homosexu- themed film "Fire". On December 2,

sexual orientation, but only on the als, or other persons of dubious repu- 1998 about 100 members surrounded
basis of the practice of their sexuality. tation." Police officers who violated theater managers Bombay, prompt- in

The Government further claimed that this regulation risked official repri- ing distributors to suspend there
the death penalty for sodomy is no mands or even dismissal. showings of the film, which they claim
longer enforced in Iran, despite is a direct attack on centuries of Hindu

reports to the contrary. This prece- Everyone has the right to a tradition and an affront to the institu-
dent may be used to expel a number STANDARD OF LIVING ADEQUATE tion of marriage. The next day, a small-
of gay Iranians from Sweden, to face FOR THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING er group of about twelve Shiv Sena
possible imprisonment or death at OF HIM/HERSELF AND OF his/her protesters smashed mirrors and win-
home. Sweden explicitly includes gays FAMILY, INCLUDING FOOD, CLOTH- dows, tore down posters, and shouted
and lesbians as a protected category in ING, HOUSING AND MEDICAL CARE anti-"Fire" slogans as they rampaged
its asylum laws, however, the authori- AND NECESSARY through the lobby of a cinema showing
ties' interpretation of the term "well- SOCIAL SERVICES... the film in New Delhi. Fearing further
founded fear of persecution" has in (UDHR, Article 25) violence, many cinema managers have
practice been extremely restrictive. taken these incidents, coupled with
The term is reportedly taken to In HIV
Paraguay, persons living with additional attacks on theaters in
require each applicant to produce have been denied access to free med- Bombay, as cues to stop showing the
court documents from their home ications by the National Program to film. Meanwhile, the Information and
country demonstrating that she or he Fight Against AIDS. The Program pro- Broadcasting Ministry of India has
is currently under legal investigation for vided free medications since 1 997, but taken the film out of release and sent
homosexuality as a criminal offense. in July of 1998 the provision of free it to the official Censor Board for
medications was canceled, in a deci- reconsideration. A coalition of film-

sion by the Ministry of the Treasury makers and organizations decries

Everyone has the right to not to release any more funds. these acts of "cultural terrorism", while
FREEDOM OF PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY Government officials cited a reduction the director; Deepa Mehta, demands
AND ASSOCIATION in due to AIDS — which
mortality rates safeguards assuring the public's right to
(UDHR, Article 20) paradoxically could be linked to the see her art without fear of violence or
medications being provided -- and a intimidation.
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, gay bars subsequent increase in patient load, as
were raided twice during the month of reasons to justify their decision. Last year in South Korea, after thou-
October 1998 alone. In the first raid sands of hours of careful preparation
(October 2), about 40 persons were In Thailand, local activists demanded by organizers to legally bring together
reportedly detained and at the end no September 4, 1 998 that the United some 85 from around the world,
films

one was formally charged. The second States' administration stop pressuring local government authorities from
raid (October 22) occurred under the the Thai government into amending its Seodaemun District in Seoul declared
order of Judge Facciutto of the 1st pharmaceutical patent law. The peti- the First Seoul Queer Film and Video
Correctional Jurisdiction (Juzgado tioners called on the United States to Festival an illegal event on itsopening
Correccional). More than 70 people allow other manufacturers the right to day, September 1
9, 1 997. Officials

were detained for an alleged infraction produce expensive patented drugs threatened to levy on organizers a 20
to the Law of Games and Prevention. and to allow them to be sold at con- million won (then approx. US $22,000)
At the time of the raid patrons at the siderably lower prices. Activists cited fine and 3 year jail sentence, as well as
bar where involved in a friendly bingo as an example the cost of a yearly seize all screening equipment and film

game with a bottle of Champagne for treatment of Fluconazole, which aver- material. In the face of authorities who
the winner. When the raid began, film aged 100,00 baht (about US $2,500), deemed films with homosexual themes
crews from Cronica TV, Channel 26 and was out of range of the average "not relevant to the emotional life of
America TV and Telefe were present Thai family. One of the demonstrators the Korean people", the festival orga-
and filmed everyone who was remarked that "in the near future, a nizers renewed their commitment to
detained and rebroadcast those number of new drugs are going to be demand reasonable censorship proce-
images with titles that read "SEX invented HIV/AIDS treatment. If
for dures and hold a public event. This past
BINGO". During the raid, a TV photog- such law iswe won't be able to
passed, November; the First Seoul Queer Film
rapher, shouted insults to the persons obtain these drugs at cheap prices. [..] and Video Festival drew to a wildly suc-
detained. The Sub-Superintendent for What should the government think of cessful close, drawing an audience of
Police reportedly told the press that first trade aspects or people's lives?" some 8,500 people. A
 |
T ransHealth Surgery
You and Your Gynecologist
Will Mv Neo-Vagina
Fool Mv Gynecologist?
Sheila Kirk, MD vestibule, as this area
far
is

too large. If no labial construction

called, is often

and hooding of the clitoris has been

done (which is the case in 4 out of 10
(This is part one of a two part series
dealing with the gynecologic concerns of
of GRS patients having only a part of
the 2-stage method), the whole
the New Woman.)
appearance is flawed and the doctor is

immediately aware something is amiss.

Will my neo-vagina fool my gynecolo-

At the vaginal opening there should be
gist? This question is often asked of me
and I assume other GRS surgeons. It is
an intact hymen or the remnants of a

question and one that

hymeneal ring that was broken with
a legitimate
first sexual experiences as it is in the
deserves to be answered honestly and
Genetic Female. These very distinct
thoroughly, although I am afraid many
remnants are not created in surgery
of you may be disappointed in the
for the neo-vaginal entrance. Rarely
answer While both the exterior and
they are absent in the Genetic Female
internal appearance of the neo-vagina
can be constructed with a near to
Vaginal walls known as vaginal mucosa,
have a very characteristic appearance.
authentic appearance by skilled sur-
geons who are trained and experi-
The color is of a red brown hue and
instances are quite creditable as con- appears velvety. It has numerous ridges
enced in (SRS) surgeries, the neo-vagi-
some structed by the surgical techniques extending from the midline to the out-
na will have differences, subtle
when compared used by most of us nowadays. This ward and rather deep furrows
walls,
some not so, with is

born-female genitalia. These differ- true, however only after careful labial that between the rugae. These
lie

construction has taken place with structures are most prominent at the
ences can be observed and detected
either a one-stage or a two-stage GRS vaginal opening and lessen in number
by a trained gynecologist.
procedure. Many post-op patients I
and prominence as one looks to the
My experience in reconstructive geni- have examined have been very near to top of the vagina. With penile skin and
tal surgeries for Genetic Females, authentic with no one particular sur- other graft material, scrotum or surface
geon being responsible for such skin, the tissue is pale and quite flat
including vaginal repair and reconstruc-
tion, as well as the gynecologic exami- desired results over another But in very distinctly different from the tissue

nations I have performed on over 400 quite a greater number of other of the Genetic Female. Using a specu-

post-op MTF's (some my own surgical patients, the structures of the vulva and lum, as one looks to the top of the
perineum are not authentic enough vagina in the Genetic Female there is
patients and some operated on by
other surgeons) gives me a
GRS either in placement or in appearance, very prominently the cervix, the mouth

refined knowledge on the differences and would cause an experienced of the uterus, projecting down into the

between the born-female vagina and examiner a trained gynecologist, to apex of the vagina. It is quite charac-
Frequently, the perineum is too appearance with an opening
teristic in
the neo-vagina that has been created blink!

broad and rides too high. The labia called the cervical os, and, if probed, a
for you. I would like to share these dif-

majora are not passable and the labia fine instrument can be passed through
ferences so that you are more aware
minora are diminutive or absent. it into the interior of the uterus. In the
of your body and are not startled if

your gynecologist asks you unexpected Scarring can be seen around the ure- New Woman, most surgeons make no
questions. thral meatus (the external opening to attempt to create a cervix with the
the urethra) and the clitoris, if present, glans portion of the penis (whether

The vulva or pudenda, terms applied to is often too large and positioned
ill
they utilize a one or two stage proce-

the external anatomy, in many above the urethral opening. The dure) the neo-cervix will not be able to

YOUR GYNECOLOGIST DOESN'T DETECT

“...IF
SOME DIFFERENCE IN YOUR NEO-VAGINA WHEN
COMPARED WITH A BIRTH VAGINA, YOU NEED
TO FIND YOURSELF A NEW GYNECOLOGIST. . •
33

15
 be probed as it can in a genetic female.) ference in your neo-vagina when com- with a general medical examination
pared with a birth vagina, you need to and full laboratory testing. This
is all so

The gynecologist want to perform

will find yourself a new gynecologist, very important to maintain your health
a biannual examination and often com- because this physician is not giving you and perhaps avoid serious health con-
bines a rectal examination with this. In a thorough enough examination to cerns. Don't try to fool your medical
that exam, the doctor will not feel the detect possible serious health compli- care provider It's really not such a vic-

uterine fundus and/or ovaries, because cations! tory, notwhen you could be the loser
there are none. If questions haven't is so many ways.
been raised in the examination by now, You do need a periodic gynecologic
they certainly will be with this part of examination now that you are post- Next issue, will provide you with insight
I

the evaluation. operative. You need the full evaluation on what to expect during your first gyne
with a Pap smear because of occasion- examination and the questions you
I share the above not to upset but to al reports in the medical literature of should ask your gynecologist. A
educate. Since I am frequently asked vaginal cancer in the Post-op woman.
about this and since have heard, read I You will also need to get a PSA Sheila Kirk, MD recently made Trans-history by

and observed many misconceptions because your prostate is NOT forming the first Transgender Surgical & Medical

surrounding this topic, I felt the strong removed during the GRS surgery and Center (TSMC Center) developed and directed by a

Trans surgeon. In addition, Dr Kirk is the first Trans-

need to inform you of the differences there are occasional reports in the
surgeon performing MTF GRS surgeries, breast aug-
in your new anatomy when compared medical literature of prostate cancer in
mentation and related surgeries. Together with her
with the birth anatomy of the Genetic post-operative MtFs. You should
partners she also performs rib removals, male pat-
Female. It will help you to avoid possi- receive both a vaginal and rectal exam. tern baldness correction, craino-facial feminization,
ble embarrassment when visiting your In addition, 2/3rds of new colo-rectal body and facial contouring and corrective proce-

gynecologist for the first time. I have cancers are diagnosed by that rectal dures. You can receive more information about the
heard claims that New Women have exam. A simple test for occult blood, TSMC Center or ask Dr. Kirk questions on your

fooled their gynecologists and some done at that time, can aid immensely in treatment and care, by contacting her at

have been very adamant about insisting diagnosis of gastrointestinal disease TSMC@aol.com, by phone (412) 781-1092, fax

this is so. My comment to is that, if your sometimes of major concern. You can (412) 781-1096 or snail mail: TSMC P.0. Box
38366, Blawnox, PA 15238.
gynecologist doesn't detect some dif- have your yearly gyne exam coupled

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|T ransHealth Psychology

CyberSpace, Crossdressing & Dreams

Gianna E. Israel wish I could be a woman! I have found

the Internet to be a safe place because
Copyright 1999
no one can see me and I can be who
I am. I feel ashamed and embarrassed
Gianna £. Israel welcomes questions from
transgender men and women, as well as
about my situation. Meeting someone
careproviders. Her contact information is list-
face-to-face and talking about my feel-

ed at the end of her article. ings is something I will never be able to

do. I am frightened to death about let-

ting another living soul know that I am

Dear Gianna: transsexual. I know that it is irrational

to be ashamed of something I have no

control over but that is the way I am.
Recently, in my support group, the
was used to
How can I deal with my feelings? I

term "crossdressing"
know I will never be able to come out
describe a group member’s activities.
of the closet like others!
That sure didn't seem right to me.
That is because the member of our
Tina in Cyberspace
group is a transsexual female, and is

becoming her womanly self. She now These are usually located in chapter
lives as a woman most of the time,
one, and are the author's attempt to
except at work. What is your opinion Dear Tina:
define for his or her readers what a
on the usage of the word crossdress- term means. Sometimes an author Your dilemma sounds very disconcert-
ing? Also, how come members of our
defines existing terms or common ing and painful. It must feel very frus-
community have so many different
knowledge. Other times, however; an trating to be so isolated in your daily
ways of describing people and their
own
author may add his or her ideas life, although socializing with others in
activities. Why do we make things so
to terms. Occasionally an author will cyberspace is a good place to begin
difficult?
cleverly change terms to support a overcoming your feelings of fear,

political agenda. shame and embarrassment. Perhaps

Roz from Orange County
the best thing you have going for you
The landscape of gender politics is right now is the fact that you were
constantly changing. Ask yourself able to ask for help. A large propor-
Dear Roz: some questions. Who holds the tion of people who come out to of the
power to define who we are? Who closet these days often are approxi-
It would seem that if a MTF transsex- decides whether our actions reflect mately the same age as you and have
ual was getting dressed for her day, she needs or just a lifestyle? Do we allow similar life experiences. As you
would simply be getting dressed just as others to portray us in a deprecating explore transgender cyberspace take
any other woman does. doubt any I
or pathological manner? These ques- the time to ask others how they dealt
special term needs to be applied to tions all lend insight into why so many with the many feelings associated with

that, although the term "crossliving" is descriptions and acronyms portray coming out. Perhaps, if you talk to a

sometimes used to describe someone who we are and what we do. cross-section of people, you will come
living as a woman full-time. to realize that there are a variety of
unexpected positive aspects to coming
We, are trying to define ourselves the Dear Gianna: out that individuals did not initially

best way we Have you ever

can. expect exist before they came out.
noticed how nearly every book pro- Presently I am a 45 year old man, how-
viding information about transgender ever; since the age of three I have One important point that I frequently
persons will have a definitions section? been aware that I am a transsexual. I
emphasize with people who are in the

18
coming out process is the fact that ings. Overall transgender people are In an informal survey of past clients,

shame and fear are neither irrational strong-willed and independent by I have observed that a person's
nor bad. These feelings are protective nature. You come from a historical dream contents are not an accurate
mechanisms that up to this point have background of persons willing to take indicator of his or her past experi-
kept you safe. I also doubt if you are chances and risks. ences, current circumstances or gen-
truly helpless. A completely helpless der identity. A variety of transsexual
person would not have even risked individuals dream of their intended
exploring transgender cyberspace. Dear Gianna: gender role before transition; how-
You have more courage than you real- ever just as many do not.
ize. would however suggest you
I Additionally, some crossdressers may
I have a very distressing question. I

occasionally examine whether taking

woman
dream of being a member of the
recently began living as a after
additional steps out of the closet is opposite gender; however, the vast
work on weekends. love expressing I

worth the risk. After do you really

all, majority were relieved to find them-
my femme self. am happy doing so. I

wish to continually live under such selves intact once awake.

However, my local therapist believes
pressure? It must be a terrible burden Surprisingly, an amazing amount of
me to be making a very bad mistake.
to live much shame and fear,
with so subconscious material is resolved
Up until recently he was supportive of
while at the same time not getting during a person's dream states.
my living a bi-gendered lifestyle. That
your whole needs met as a human. Often such material represents
all changed when I told my therapist I

issues that people do not have a lot

had never dreamed about being a girl
One of the safest ways to meet anoth-
or woman.
of time to deal with during waking
er transgender person would be in a hours, or that a person may ignore
private seating, or low key public place. or believe don't exist.
Over the past few months I had asked
While building up the courage to actu-
my therapist to send me to a doctor
ally meet, its okay to tell the individual Heather, now that you are living as a
for hormone treatment. He assured
you feel nervous about meeting. You
me that he would once I was certain
woman part-time, if you do not
will find that most transgender per- dream of being a woman don't feel
thiswas the right step. But, when told I

sons are familiar with your feelings and left out, because you are not alone.
my therapist that had never dreamed
I

situation. It is also probable that you have found that many transgender
of being a woman in my sleep he
can ask permission for the meeting to persons continue to dream of them-
became mean. He started asking me
be on a first name basis. Whatever selves in their birth gender long after
very strange questions. He wanted to
you choose to do please be certain to they have transitioned. The most
know if I ever dreamed of being a
follow through with meeting your new important thing you can focus on is
young girl when I was growing up. I

friend once arrangements have been to define your conscious world, and
didn’t answer his questions because I

made. Nobody likes investing his or use that to manage your present life
felt I was being punished for being
her time helping another and then and get your needs fulfilled. Your
honest.
being stood up. nighttime dreams will become more
congruent with your daytime experi-
Signed,
After exploring your fears about com- ences. This will happen most likely
Honest Heather
ing out with others, if you decide that when you least expect it.

coming out isn't yet right for you, be

careful with that decision. It's general- As a final comment, I suggest that
ly not a good idea to limit yourself by you tell your therapist that you feel

making what you believe are perma-

Dear Heather: betrayed because he went back on
nent decisions. After all life’s situations his word. If he cannot provide you a
are often temporary or changeable. It is concerning to hear that your ther- reasonable explanation for his

You, as well, may one day decide you apist denied you a hormone recom- actions, beyond unfamiliarity with
are tired of the heartache. Perhaps mendation based on this single factor gender issues, it is time for you to
you may not want to live without Unless your therapist had additional look for a new therapist. Trust is an
knowing what you might have other- reasons for saying that you were not essential component to any thera-
wise accomplished by coming out. an appropriate candidate for hor- peutic as well as business relation-
Over time as you ponder these issues mones, it appears as if you should not ship. Your not dreaming en femme is

you might realize you have confidence have been denied. Your letter is actu- not an appropriate reason for deny-
and are worth the effort. This is how one among many have received
ally I
ing you a recommendation for hor-

many people find the strength to ask from people who have questions mones. As well, be advised that hav-
for help in the first place. I have seen about their dreams. Frequently my ing a bi-gendered or transgender
hundreds of people come out, and clients have shared a variety of experi- identity is an integral part of an indi-

hundreds more meet other transgen- ences from their subconscious dream vidual's core identity, it is not a mat-
der persons in private, first-time meet- world. ter of lifestyle.

19
Dear Gianna: 45% of my transsexual women initiated before surgery. As you are
clients are also lesbian-identified. aware, havingnew genitals opens up
For the past few months have I
For the sake of diversity, a fair pro- new sexual experi-
the potential for
been involved with a transsexual portion or about 35% of FTMs or ences. People want to know how

woman, Cynthia. I am also a trans- new men seek gay relationships. their new equipment works.
sexual. We are both pre-operative In this particular situation, your Perhaps the best way you can man-
and not interested in dating men. mother and father-in law need to age your own concern would be to
So, we became lovers. We consider receive correct information about ask Cythia how she would like to

ourselves lesbians, and our friends gender identity and sexual orienta- handle this situation. Is individual

accept us as a couple. Life would be tion issues. Has the meaning exploration possible without threat-

okay, except that’ Cynthia's parents between gender identity and sexual ening or invalidating your relation-

keep trying to break up our rela- orientation been explained to ship? Or, would it be possible for
tionship. Her father thinks our them? Briefly, sexual orientation both of you to share an outside sex-
being together is a bad idea. My indicates sexual attraction, whereas ual experience with each other and
girlfriend's mother keeps saying that gender identity indicates how a per- a third partner?

being transsexual lesbians is very son feels inside and presents him or
unrealistic. herself to the world. Additionally, The relationship concerns you
the future of your and Cynthia’s expressed are important. They
Cynthia’s mother recently asked a relationship partly depends on how address the subject of communicat-

very weird question. Why would much influence each of you are ing and building alliances. Having a
her daughter go to such an effort to going to others to have over your transgender identity means that a
be woman, and then become
a relationship. This is an issue that person needs to become experi-
involved with another woman, much plagues transgender and non-trans- enced at building alliances with peo-
less a transsexual? My new "moth- gender issues alike. A daughter or ple, within relationships as well as

er-in-law" has also tried to pick son needs to inform his or her par- outside. You can do this by encour-
fights with me. She believes I intend ents that meddling within the rela- aging people to respect diversity in

to destroy her daughter's life by tionship will not be tolerated. other identities and needs. Be pre-
leaving as soon as I get my surgery. pared to inform people that

How could that be true? I would Is it also possible for you to be respecting diversity does not mean
never hurt my girlfriend that way. I
more assertive when talking with a person has to entirely understand
sometimes think though that my your in-laws? You can do so by stat- anothers differences. Finally, you are
girlfriend might leave me for a man. ing you do not appreciate your not always going receive immediate

This is because she wants to try mother-in-law making negative acceptance from your new parent’s-

having sex with a man after she gets statements about your character. in-law, own family or friends.

her surgery. What advice do you Encourage compromise and invite However, do not let this deter you

have for my situation? I feel wor- her to listen to your reasons for from keeping up the good fight of

ried. Cynthia says that we will be being in a relationship with your educating others about gender
together forever, but her parents girlfriend. Listen closely when your issues and yourself. As well, do not
are doing a good job tearing us mother-in-law speaks. It very well give up on what you have already
apart. may be that the majority of her invested in your relationship with
accusations involve a fear of losing Cynthia. A
Amy her daughter to anyone, not just

in Birmingham you. Sometimes it is impossible to

address another person's fears,
however listening is always a good GIANNA E. ISRAEL has provided
start. Once you see what patterns nationwide telephone consultation, individ-
Dear Amy: of behavior and coping mechanisms and gender -specialized
counseling,
ual
are used by Cynthia’s mother, ask evaluations and recommendations since
Your new parent's-in-law attitudes
Cynthia how she deals with her 1 988. She also provides expert services
and assumptions regarding transsex- child-custody and legal-forensic mental
mother’s behavior. in

ual persons sound frustrating for health cases. /Vis. Israel is principal book
you. Clearly, you and Cynthia have author of Transgender Care with Donald
It may come as a surprise to you
a major task at hand in providing Tarver, M.D., (Temple University
that one of your mother's in law
them correct information about Press/ 1 997); and writes Transgender
fears actually has a basis in fact.
gender identity as well as sexual ori- Tapestry's Ask Gianna" column. She
", is a
Relatively large numbers of trans-
entation issues. The fact is numer- HBIGDA member. Contact her at (415)
gender persons do change relation-
558-8058, at PO Box 424447, San
ous transgender women seek les-
ships after having genital reassign- Francisco, CA 94142, or via e-mail at
bian relationships. Over the years I

ment surgery. However, just as Gianna@counselsuite.com. Her library is

have noticed that approximately
many people retain a relationship at (http://www.counselsuite.com)
I
Crossdressing Wives & SO’s

A Fantasy Come True

Melanie Mathis

n Saturday Oct 1
7, a fantasy I've

had for 30 years came true. I

went out in public dressed en

femme. It was exhilarating to

say the least! And I wasn't ner-

vous for one moment.

21
 “She's the most important person in my life. For
over SQ years she's been my wife, my lover, and my
best friend. can't envision life any other way.” I

I hanks to Delta Omega vent her anger. Then, she was able to me dressed and will offer me construc-
(DO) support group, calm down and see things from a dif- tive help. "You can't wear that color lip-

my adventure was pure ferent perspective. stick, you're not a teenager anymore!
enjoyment. I've been You need something darker more sub-
cros-sdressing for nearly However, don't think getting your dued", "Your breasts are too small and
30 years and have spouse or SO to the support group too high for someone your size."

been a member of DO will be a walk down the yellow brick

for the past two. I did- road. I never questioned the solidity of For Valentine's Day she gave me a
n't know that these our marriage until after my wife went white lacy bra and for our Wedding
organizations existed to her first support group meeting. Anniversary an expensive floral silk

until I stumbled across an article in the After that group we ARGUED and dress. I didn't ask her for these. Her
newspaper It wasn't until then that I ARGUED! After the second meeting help and gifts brought me to tears.This
learned cross-dressing in public wasn't we argued again! After the third meet- is far more emotional and exhilarating
illegal and the Gender Police would not ing we didn't argue, we just had a than my first public appearance, en
arrest 50%
me. Knowing that removed weekend of cold war. Somewhere femme.
of my fear. 50% was
The other after the fourth support meeting and
removed by attending my support her 20th phone call to friends, we Life for us is not a bed of roses. We
group meetings, seeing other CDs and stopped the arguing and started deal- have to put more effort into to con- it,

hearing about their experiences. ing constructively with "my problem". scientiously work at For example,
it. I

wanted to go to my DO meeting en
None of this would have been possible You probably think this article is about femme. She started getting stressed
without my wife and the Wives/ SO my fantasy come true. It's not primarily out about 4 days before the meeting.
Support Group. We've been married about me going out in public dressed Friday night after the kids were asleep,

for a long time and my wife only "tol- en femme. It's more about having my she helped me with my hair all the
erates" my cross-dressing. Over the wife’s support and understanding. After while telling me "I don't like this, why
years, aquiring every incremental piece all, if she can give me understanding and do you have to do it!" I packed my
of woman's wear has been a battle support, going out en femme in public gear in the trunk of the car Friday night
with her The first battle with panties, is easy. She's the most important per- so that the kids didn’t see me pack on
then pantyhose, then briefers, and so son in my life. For over 20 years she's Saturday. That afternoon, before leav-
on. "Where's it going to stop!” she been my wife, my lover and my best ing the house she was near tears.

demanded. Even shaving my mustache friend. I can't envision life any other way. "You've got a wife and 2 kids, don't you
was a major offense. care? You packed your bra? You'll get

I can't measure the amount of positive killed, they kill perverts in Dallas. Got
The Wives/SO Support Group has emotion I feel today when she helps your (femme) glasses? Promise me you
helped us immensely. It provided my me pick things out. She can now toler- won't go walking all over the streets of
wife with a sounding board, a place to ate, (notice I didn't say "enjoy"), seeing Dallas, that you'll stay with the group.

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Do you have a pair of navy pantyhose? meetings for our loved ones. Even if

You make such an ugly woman. Don't your partner already supports you, she
you have any pride? Got your earrings ? /he still needs to be there for the oth-
Please don't get killed. Did you remem- erswho need support. took many It

ber to take a razor? etc.” She finally months for my wife to make that first
concluded with "Have a good time!" phone call and after she did, we argued,
she cried, "I've never been so humiliat-
love my wife. ed my to
I in

stranger about
all life, talking

my husband
a total
wearing Dr. A.S. Nubel
The next morning she was cold to me. woman's clothes!" Even after additional Psychotherapist
At noon she fired, never wanted this "I calls, it was several more months for

kind of marriage! “ By the evening, she's her to get up enough courage to go to

Specialized in Treatment of
warmed back up and we're both on her first support meeting.
good terms. But as she warms up, she Gender Identity Disorders
does point out that going out in public The bottom line is this: you might go (TV/TS)
will take some more adjustment on her though several WWII scale arguments
part and don't be surprised if we have with your spouse to attend a support
Individuals
to go through this all over again next meeting, but in the long run you could
month. Its not easy street, but it's defi- both end up winners. We haven't Marriage and Family
nitely getting better crossed the finish line For all I know, the Groups
finish line is probably a moving target. 683 Donald Dr. N
Keep in mind, it won't help anyone if But tell you, as you and your spouse
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|F c u s : The Netherlands

TranSexuality and Dutch Law

Legislation in the Netherlands

Mrs. Hennie Visscher, A woman with both Dutch and

I .The TransSexual is not
Israeli citizenship, born in Indonesia,
married.
Humanitas Working Group underwent a male to female opera-

on TransSexualism tion in 1973. Later; when living in

and Gender Dysphoria Israel, the authorities there recount-

.The TransSexual has demon ed she was indeed unmarried, which
strated a long-term conviction allowed her to change her first

that s/he belongs to the names. In 1978 she married in

opposite sex. England, but the Rotterdam court

he first sex reas- dissolved her marriage in 1984
signment surgery in because the registration did not take
the Netherlands into account the Israeli corrections
.The TransSexual has under
took place in I 960. to her Indonesian birth certificate.
gone the necessary surgeries.
There was no She then went to Switzerland and
penal code pre- married the same man. In 1987 she
venting such proce- petitioned the Rotterdam court for
dures, but when The TransSexual can never a reassignment of her birth certifi-
the Ministry of procreate. cate. The court accorded, saying such
Justice became a request should only be refused if

aware of the operation debate the effect would be that two per-
over the future legality ensued. At the time of registration it is also
sons of the same sex would be mar-
After ten years of discussion dur- possible to change first names. ried.
ing which SRS was banned the
procedure was legalized and is It was not easy to pass this bill
To salve the wounds of lesbian and
currently undergone by approxi- through Parliament. The opposition
mately 200 people
gay couples, a new section of the
a year. was characterized by one conserv-
Civil Law was added January 989.
MP 1 1
,

ative urging his colleagues to

It made possible the registration of
Itwas possible to change one's votedown the bill because young
partnership of same sex couples in
birthcertificate until 1974. The men would declare themselves
town hall, the same as heterosexual
High Court of Justice then TransSexual in order to be freed
marriage registration. The registered
declared that birth certificates from military duty.
partnership allows for all the rights
must reflect birth sex, and could
and duties of marriage, such as pen-
not be altered unless a mistake According to the Dutch Law it is
sions, parental authority, et cetera.
was made at the time of birth. also possible for foreigners to reg-
ister a sex change when they live in

Eleven years later, in 1985, the country for over a year. The Understandably, we in Holland are
Holland followed Sweden, problem then arises as to whether generally very content with the Civil
Germany, and Italy as the fourth they can be certain their home Law, and hope that in the future all

country to allow for a registered country will recognize such a regis- TransSexuals the world over will

sex change (under section 29a of tration, and then allow for mar- enjoy the possibility of accurate pass-
the Dutch Civil Code) given sev- riage. Such was an issue of case law ports, driving licenses, and legal mar-
eral conditions: before the Rotterdam court: riage/partnership. A

“According to the Dutch Law it is also

POSSIBLE FOR FOREIGNERS TO REGISTER A SEX CHANGE
WHEN THEY LIVE IN THE COUNTRY FOR OVER A YEAR.”
24
 H OW MY friend John WAS MURDERED TWIDE
by Dr. Max and Jeff Shevlowitz

t the beginning of the through a major physical transition, pointed a handgun at the

A
being referred
seemed to want to be accepted and
thought of as male, being referred to as
film

Teena
the
Brandon, an
ual

a
to
who
male,
as
The
Story,

tombstone

a
Brandon
we

insisted

male
individ-

presented as
see
of

on
and
rejection

ing

I
from others, poverty border-
on homelessness, failed
and surgery. Through
closed my door to

had worried about

ship. Not because of
had concerns about her estranged hus-
band who had been
it

his
relationships,

all,

new
his fiancee,

in jail for
I

him, nor he to me.

had never

relation-

two
but

years
I
officer ...

several shots, hitting him

in the arm and leg ... the
suspect was listed in sta-
ble condition, authorities
said.”
The officer fired

a daughter and sister. After death, and had recently been released. He was
The authorities also found John's
Brandon had no say in the matter. The upset that his wife had asked for a
fiancee in the back of the van, along
death was a violent murder shot at divorce, and wanted the house and cus-
with the body of another woman
close range. It reminded me of my tody of their daughter He saw John as
whom the estranged husband had killed
friend John. Too much. the man who took that all away from
to get the van in the first place. After
him. Armed, he went to the house on
the authorities found John's body, the
Halloween night.
suspect was charged with a double
“... A desert city man homicide, which, upon conviction, can
On the morning of November
was fatally shot ... ”
I st, I

carry the death penalty. Here was a

received a call from John's sister; telling
man who had served two years in jail
me of his murder There was a part of
for an assault was on parole
on a officer
me which could not allow myself to
John’smurder occurred on Friday, for less than three months and had
believe that he was really dead. On the
October 3 st, 986. The newspaper
I 1
killed a woman for a van, kidnapped his
phone, we consoled ourselves with the
accounts appeared on the following own estranged wife and killed John.
thought that, at least, he was reported
Monday. By then, already knew about I it.

as the man he was. There was no men-

John and I had been friends for seven For justice, I had to wait for the trial. At
tion of his transgendered history in any
years. I had met him just before his eigh- the time, I had no idea itmeant that
of the newspaper accounts.
teenth birthday, when he could start John could be killed again. He would be
taking male hormones. Although I was unable to say anything in his own
two years his senior; he began taking defense, unable to protect himself in

hormones before did. A year later I

“11-2-86. The gunman any way.
when he was 9, he had chest surgery, 1
and his 17 year-old son ...
again before did. Though younger in I
forced their way in and John's mother had gone to the coroner
years, he was wise in many aspects of to identify his body. At best, it must have
fatally shot John while
daily living. I looked to him as a brother been an horrific sight. Shot while in the

mentor and my best friend.

he was taking a shower ... shower, or just coming out of it
The pair then kidnapped (depending on the newspaper
of John, mixed with shat-
I was to have visited him, his fiancee and the gunman's estranged accounts) bits

her little girl that Halloween. We had

wife and drove south in
tered glass littered the small bathroom.
been planning my visit for almost a His body had fallen back into the show-
month and I was looking forward to the van ... A police officer er the water still falling on him as his

seeing him. I was very disappointed saw the van and pulled it blood drained out.
when, only a couple of days before was I

over when he noticed a

to leave, he called me was not She asked the coroner to list John as
telling it
headlight was out The ...
male on death certificate. He had
a good time to visit. That was very his

uncharacteristic of him. Over the past

suspect climbed out of been male his entire adult life, his

seven years we had helped each other the driver's seat and friends and colleagues at school and

26
 work knew him only male. Like accused's estranged wife John had now become a woman, not
Brandon, he made an effort to leave his only on a death certificate, but
and John will play a key in a
past behind. His death certificate, a pub- newspaper article. As article followed
record, would forever, determine his
role in the defense...
lic article, John's status changed, but not
gender his own wants, wishes and the way he wanted.
desires completely irrelevant. According to the autopsy
protocol ... external and “John, who later was
internal female organs found to be a woman mas-
“ 11-6-86. Murder kid-
were intact, and the querading as a man, was
napping takes a new
death certificate listed taking a shower... "Your
twist.”
the victim as female. The boyfriend back there - I
sex of the slain person blew him away," the gun-
When I saw the headline, my heart will become a pivotal man told his estranged
skipped a beat. skimmed the entire
I

point ...” wife.”

article before finding out that the 'twist'

referred to the discovery of the body of

the woman in the van, not to any dis-
The coroner obviously did not honor
closure or discovery about John's past. I
I can't help thinking that the gunman
the request to list 'male' on the death
felt helpless to protect John or his
certificate. What is required for 'male'
did not know John to be anything
memory. I wondered, not for the first other than a man, a man taking his
to be listed? Brandon, by the very virtue
time, if something could happen to me.
of his tombstone, will now forever be
wife, home and daughter. Once the
What if I were a victim of violence? story of John's past became known,
female. Despite John's wants and
What if I were simply in an accident and though, it might be twisted to aid the
desires, both his birth and death certifi-
could not speak for myself? Could my him as female.
defense. John had gone from being a
cates list If I die in any
own history of being born female be a man, to being a woman, to being a
way which requires a coroner's report,
matter of public record, known to any-
how will I be listed, when I can no
woman 'masquerading' as a man. Who
one, whether or not wanted it? John was and wanted to be was mur-
my
I

longer express wishes, and even if

dered again, the result taken and twist-

someone expresses my wishes for me,
I wanted to believe that the trial would ed to accommodate whatever plan
might they still be ignored?
be a straightforward prosecution. The the defense had to mitigate the special
accused had murdered two people, circumstances.
The defendant was smart enough to
shot at an officer; kidnapped a woman know how to delay a trial. He continued
and stolen a vehicle. John's personal his-
firing one court appointed attorney
tory was irrelevant to any of it.
after another. Accused of two murders, killed his ex-wife's
“...
he was allowed two attorneys. took
At the end of June in 987, learned
It
transvestite lover in
more
1 I

three years before the trial began.

how very wrong
liminary hearings, the defense attorneys
demonstrated that they had been doing
a little research.
“6-25-87. Slain
was a woman.
Attorneys revealed that
the wife's companion,
known as John, was a
woman John dressed,
lived and worked as a
man and had been
reportedly taking male
hormones for years. The
relationship between the
I could be. At the pre-
The special circumstance of multiple
the heat of passion, so
murders could allow the Jury to impose the crime is voluntary
the death penalty, if they convicted him. manslaughter, not
Despite the turnover attorneys, the
in
first-degree murder ...
defense kept the promise to make an
issue of John's sex.
when the defendant
'man' learned his ex-wife's
“Among the dead is a 25 lover - a woman taking
year-old woman who male hormones and
used the name John and dressing as a man -
reportedly had taken wanted his daughter to
male hormones for years. call her Daddy, it was
... John lived as a man and the final straw. "Would
had a beard, mustache that make a reasonable
and chest hair. "He only man angry? It would
told very personal make my blood curl,"
friends of the secret" his the defense attorney
girlfriend added.” told the jury.
“and shot John, a woman The defense position became clear. By Almost three months later; the jury
declaring John to be an something returned with the sentence.
posing as a man.” 'it'

less than human, the defendant could

To me, it began to sound like they were not be convicted in the murder of two
making John out to be guilty of provok-
human beings. He could escape the “11-15-90. ...that the
death penalty if convicted.
ing the attack which ended his life. By defendant ... receive the
posing as a man, 'taking' a real man's
had debated about going to the trial.
death penalty for killing
wife and daughter he obviously posed
I I

an incredible threat to his girlfriend's

wanted to see this man who could so his ex-wife's transves-
estranged husband. Could I be seen as
easily destroy and murder and make tite lover ... there he shot
excuses for it, essentially claiming the
being the same kind of threat? Did the John, in the shower.”
length of time matter? John had been a right to kill John. I wanted to see the per-

man in every meaningful way for seven

son who had forever changed my sense

years.That was not long enough. had of security about my past, however; was I

If it
The only defense I had was to with-
afraid. Just seeing the accounts in the
been ten years, would that have made a draw. I had to live with the secret, as did
newspapers, altering the reality of John's
difference? Twenty years? Thirty? Was whomever would be my partner; no
life to suit their immediate needs, making
there any magic number beyond which one else needed to know. had to I hide,
would be him a woman, a lesbian, or an it, was too
John, and by extension myself, blend in as thoroughly as possible, deny
No matter what accomplished much for me. And my own fear
safe? I in
part of what made me the man I am
my would ultimately be seen as increased. What control did I have of my
life, I

and maybe, just maybe, would be I safe,

'posing' as someone was not?
own life? Watching Brandon's story
I
able to find a modicum of peace. I

brought back all these same fears, inse-

found, to my dismay, that hiding is not
curities and questions. No matter what I

blending.
7-12-90. The defendant did in my life, what I felt, expressed, or
how lived, it could be destroyed by
began suspecting, through
I

I began to seek out that which I ran so

events completely outside of my control.
far and hid so effectively from for so
phone calls after leaving
many years. I was able to pretend to
prison in early 1986, that myself that John's case was unusual, it
“8-21-90. The jury found
his wife's lover, John, was happened many years ago, when peo-
the defendant guilty of
actually a woman. ple were not as savvy about transsexu-
killing John, a transsexu- alism. Then watched the movie about
Intending to confront I

al ... they must now decide Brandon. All of the same questions
John ... burst in and found Do real-
whether he should die in came up. Can I really be safe? I

the victim taking a show- California gas chamber or ly have control of the events of my life,

er. "His worst fears are and how chose to be known?

spend the remainder of I

confirmed. This is not a his life in prison without I have found that I am happier when I

man. This is an it," the the possibility of parole.” don't live my life in hiding, fearful of
defense counsel said. being discovered. Yet, I am not 'out'

term either have no desire to be known as

For the time, the
I

first 'transsexual'

found no
'the one who was female birth
“7-18-90. Lesbian lover was used to describe John. I

assigned' or; worse, an 'it.' I am a per-

consolation in He was still 'outed',
led to rage slaying, it.

son and am most at peace with myself

with no possible control of the condi-
defendant says. The when others accept me as such. And, I

tions or method. His friends, co-workers,

defendant ... fired his would prefer my transgendered back-
fellow students all now had access to
ground to remain private to the world
shotgun in a rage after aspects of his life that he never chose to at large, which is how most people
bursting into a bathroom share. Even if nothing else about him had treat their personal issues. There are
and discovering that the ever been printed, those four words now people I chose to tell about my
name were enough to change past, but want the choice to be mine.
lover was a woman. He after his I

the perspective, views and opinions of John never was given that choice.
said he pulled the trigger Brandon was never given that choice.
those who knew only John. By what right
I

because a homosexual, did the newspaper have to do that?

can't help wondering if the choice is,

by taking away his wife, Those four words had nothing whatso-
ultimately, mine. Is yours?

"took my life." He insist- ever to do with the fact that Isaac shot
ed that he immediately him to death. It wasn't bad enough he

realized that John was- killed John almost four years earlier

Now, because of him, the press was Newspaper quotes are from The Bakersfield
n't a man.” Californian and The Desert Sun
killing John all over again.
F o c u s : LI K Marriage Rights

Aim Attempt To Get Married

Dr.Tracie O'Keefe, DCH

n February 1998 my partner Katrina Fox
and I went to the Camden Registry Office,
London, to arrange a marriage. We live in

London as a lesbian couple, however; I was

born male and it states male on my birth
certificate; therefore, in law I should be
entitled to all rights and privileges afforded

to males in British society, which includes

I the right to marry a woman.

British law does not presently give lesbians the

right to marry. At no time did I represent myself
to the officials at the registry office as a biolog-
ical female because I was claming my right to
get married as a male. The officials were con-
fused. I explained that although I may appear to
be female, my birth certificate says male, and I

was claiming the right to get married to Katrina.

The wedding was duly booked for .00. am on I 1

28th March, 1998.

I was then asked to attend the head office at

Westminster; Marylebone Road, London a few

days later to give notice of marriage between
myself and Katrina, as required by law. The man
I saw was a Mr R. B„ the Superintendent
Registrar; who took the information that is nor-
mally required, which was to see a copy of our
birth certificates. I also supplied a legal docu-
ment containing a declaration of change of
name for myself, which was countersigned by
two solicitors who acted as commissioners of
oath.

Coincidentally Katrina is adopted and also has a

change of name document which was present-
ed and accepted.

This man's attitude was hostile. Fte asked me if

I could provide any further identification. I

refused, telling him that I had complied to what

was required of me by law in presenting a copy
of my original birth certificate, and the legal

change of name. I also explained to him that no

matter how I may appear to him I was not, in

this instance, claiming to be female. Since male

was on my birth certificate, I explained to him

29
 that the only thing he needed to con- proof that was the person on the birth
I Superintendent Registrar and had
cern himself with was my legal docu- certificate, but would not specify what her documents accepted as valid.

ments. I stated that he had no right to kind of proof he wanted.

refuse me the right to get married as a
male. I paid £20 as was required of me, I asked him again in front of the police, 5 . 1
,
the transsexual woman,
took my receipt and left with the if he believed the documents I present- whose birth certificate still stated
expectation that the marriage would ed were stolen or fraudulent and he male, had been seen by the
go ahead as arranged. continually said, as far as he was con- Superintendent Registrar and was
cerned, they were not. The police did discriminated against because of my
The day before the marriage was due not arrest me because they said they looks.
to take place, went to the I did not believe I was in possession of
Superintendent Registrar's office at any fraudulent or stolen documents.
3.00pm to collect the license that was 6. All documents presented by
needed to permit us to get married. I stayed at the registry office until the both parties were legal and valid.

He refused point blank to issue the close of business when Mr Beacham

license saying that he did not believe still refused to issue the certificate. I

"7.
that the birth certificate I presented was also asked him to put his refusal in writ- The Superintendent Registrar
mine and that he wanted more proof I ing but he would not do so. The wed- overstepped his requirement to
was that person. I explained to him again ding was not allowed to go ahead. ascertain a person's identity and
that I had provided a legal copy of my right to participate in a legal wed
birth certificate and a legal document of I believewas discriminated against
I ding ceremony and allowed his

change of name, and that Katrina had because of the way look even though I personal prejudices to perpetrate
presented exactly the same documents, I had a right legally to present myself discrimination against me on the
even though he had never seen her any way I desired. The Superintendent grounds that I am a transsexual
Registrar was hostile and prejudiced woman or transgendered person.
I also told him that a precedent had and insisted it was his job to ensure
been set at the Chelsea registry office that two biological females did not get
on the 28th June 1 995 whenTracie Ann married. I explained to him time and 8. Having a male birth certificate

Scott, who had a male birth certificate, time again that I was not presenting prohibits me from getting married
had married a woman as a male, even myself, in this instance, as a biological to a male in British law.

thought she had a vagina and breasts female and my birth certificate still

and wore a full wedding dress. On that stated I was male, but he would not
occasion she was only asked to pro- accept that. Our friends had arrived 7. Having a male birth certificate, I

duce her birth certificate. I reiterated from different parts of the world and was still prevented from marrying a
that no matter what my physical or bio- England to attend a legal wedding that female by a representative of the
logical make-up was, if I had a male the Superintendent Registrar prevent- Crown.
birth certificate was entitled to marry
I ed from taking place.

a woman, and whether had breast, I

ovaries or a penis was entirely my own To clarify the facts so far: I 0. Discrimination based on sex,

business. gender or sexuality undoubtedly

I .Two people presented them- took place.

I further telephoned the solicitor who selves for marriage I legally male by
had prepared my change of name doc- virtue of a birth certificate declara-
ument and Mr B. spoke to him over the tion and Katrina legally female by Three days later Katrina and I awoke to
telephone to confirm this had taken the same criteria. find there was a story about us in the
place. I challenged him that if he News of the World. It was obvious to us

thought I was fraudulently presenting a that someone at the registry office had
birth was not mine,
certificate that . British law does not presently sold the story to the press and given
then the matter must be reported to permit a transsexual to change the them our private and confidential

the police. I then called the police and sex on their birth certificate there details. Of course the registry office

they attended the scene. fore I should legally not be discrim- denies this but thereno doubt that is is

inated against for appearing female what happened. The only people to be
I explained to the police that this man aware, at the time, of both my father's

seemed to was fraudulent-

believe that I and Katrina's father's addresses were
ly in possession of someone else's birth .Two people presented exactly those at the registry office and the very
certificate and that was attempting to I the same kind of documents: one next day, which was the morning of the
illegally get married with it. Mr B.told the birth certificate and one change of proposed wedding, a reporter visited

police that he did not believe ft to be a name document. both our parents' homes.
fraud, yet he refused to issue me with
the appropriate license of marriage He i. Katrina, the biological Not only did the News of the World
continually stated that he wanted more female, was not seen by the print incorrect and defamatory facts

30
about us but they also stole a photo- Cabinet, yet the British government still - a lesbian relationship, not a hetero-
graphic image from one of our books dumped pre-election promises for sexual one."
and reprinted it without the publisher's equal rights for all:

permission. The story told how I had In once again being very public about
turned up at

morning of the expected wedding

the registry office the
all
LESBIANS WIN the intimate details of
educate and inform, even to the extent
my life I seek to

dressed up and ready to go and had EQUAL RIGHTS BY of using myself as a human protest. I

gone berserk - even though this had am aware that there are many health-
not taken place. In fact, because we
MARRYING care professionals that think, because I

knew the wedding could not take place am a professional healthcare provider
A lesbian couple wed on Tuesday
I

we had attended a large "Legalize should stay quiet and behave in a man-
morning ( I Oth November) at Camden
cannabis" march that the Independent ner that would become tweed skirts,
Registry office at 1 0.30am.
on Sunday had organized. And I can woolly jumpers and contrived images
Earlier this year DrTracie O'Keefe, 43, a
assure you that we had a much more of respectability. This will never happen
psychotherapist, and her partner
mellow time than the News of the as I always keep in my mind the immor-
Katrina Fox, 32, a journalist, hit the
World reported that we did. tal words of MotherTeresa "I march for
headlines when the chief registrar of
peace not against war".
Westminster refused to marry the cou-
What did come out later is that I have
ple, even though O'Keefe's birth certifi-
been married to two men previously, Gay, lesbian, transsexual and transgen-
cate records her as male. The original
using my dead sister's birth certificate dered people are often cited as being
ceremony was canceled at the eleventh
and never sought a divorce before miscreants when they expose the prej-
attempting to marry Katrina. However;
hour by the who
registrar said he could
udice perpetrated against them. I never
not allow two women to marry.
at the end of the Corbett vs. Corbett expect to become mainstream. Katrina
judgment, which is the precedent used and I live our lives on the edge of rea-
It has taken 8 months for the
in British law to prevent transsexuals son in order to push forward the
Government to concede and allow the
changing their birth certificates or get- boundaries of acceptability - that is our
couple to marry as man and wife, even
ting married to members of their orig- life mission and being married does
though Dr. O'Keefe, a transsexual, has
inally registered biological sex, it says: nothing more than give us pension,
lived as a female since the age of 5.
no need someone born
1

"There is for inheritance rights and the permission

biologically male to get a divorce from to switch off each other's life support
O'Keefe and Fox are angry that they
a biological male they have married systems when our proletariat spirit has
have to suffer the humiliation as a gay
because by British law the marriage flown - rights that we did not have as
couple of going through this ceremony
was not recognized." I married both an ordinary gay couple.
in order to secure pension, inheritance
men because was I in love with them at
and other rights automatic to hetero-
the time and I have invited the British Having this ridiculous piece of paper
sexual couples.
government to prosecute me for that, called a marriage certificate that now
but they have declined my offer sets us apart from our other lesbian
O'Keefe says: "It is insulting, after having
friends only makes us more deter-
took until November 998 for Katrina
lived all my adult life as a woman, to be
It 1

mined to educate people to become

forced to stand in front of bureaucrats
and I to receivepermission from the aware of bigotry, sexism, and the
government to be married as
British
and be referred to as 'he', 'Mr' 'the
shortcomings of the artificially con-
two women, one with a birth certificate groom' and 'husband' just to protect
structed binary model of sex, gender
our financial and contractual futures. It
that said male, and was by British law and sexuality.
is nothing less than abuse and an attack
unable to be changed to female. I had to
get my mother to write a one-page
on my core identity as a lesbian
It is now possible for gay couples to
hand-written letter to say she had given
woman. Many other countries no
have partnership rights in France and
longer allow this kind of discrimination
birth to me, which could have been a Spain's Catatonia. Holland is the only
against transsexuals."
forgery because they never interviewed place in Europe where gay couples can
her or clarified the facts. Nor at any time adopt children jointly, but in Denmark,
was any medical evidence provided to Fox adds, "We feel let down by Labor
Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden
determine what my true sex is. The Government, which has backtracked
and Hungary couples can sign up at a
whole affair was undoubtedly a fiasco on all its pre-election promises to gay
registry office for most of the equal
driven by homophobia, transphobia and
people - To lower the age of consent
rights that heterosexual people take
the untenable position that the British
for gay men to I
6, the decision not to
for granted. A
government had placed overturn Section 28 which prohibits
itself in by
determining a person's sex by virtue of
the promotion of homosexuality in
Dr. Tracie O'Keefe is a clinical hypnotherapist,
gonadal and chromosomal
schools, or support the Sexual
criteria only. psychotherapist and counselor at the London
Orientation Discrimination Bill, which Medical Centre in Harley Street, a specialist in

We released the following statement to would outlaw discrimination against the field of sex and gender identity, and co-
the press on the week that it become gays in the workplace. All Tracie and I
author of the book, Trans-X-U-AII: The Naked
apparent in the British newspapers that want is the right for our relationship to Difference (ISBN 0952 9482 06). Web site

there were at least three gay men in the be recognized in law - but for what it is http:// easyweb. easynet.co.uk/~katfox/
j
C o v e r Story
Freedom from the Scalpel:
Genital Surgery NOT Required for
Legal Change of Sex

Phyllis Randolph Frye, esq. You (pre-op, non-op folks) have many then that's great. But what if you're not
friends in the transgender community happy with it? Requiring genital surgery
Founder and saying, "When are you going to have before allowing legal changes is putting

Executive Director, ICTLEP your surgery? When are you going to the cart before the horse.
have your surgery? It's been three
years, when are you going In August of 993, made a speech. It's
1 1

have your surgery? I'm having titled "The Non-Op Transsexual: Clitoral
my surgery." And everybody's Hypertrophy". And clitoral hypertrophy
rushing around to have is essentially when someone, who is a
surgery. That's a lot of peer male-to-female/female-to-female trans-
pressure. sexual, who has had a bilateral orchiec-
tomy, and has been on hormones for a
If you could get your legal long time, has developed breasts, and all

identification, legal passport, the other secondary sex characteristics,

legal birth certificate, and has had electrolysis, etc. Due to the hor-
other legal documents with- mones, the long term irreversible hor-
out undergoing genital reas- mone therapy, what some people used
signment surgery as a pre- to call a penis that has reduced radically
condition, then would you? in size. And so what we have is a person
Shouldn’t a person, in their with the brain sex of a woman and the
own private thoughts, decide gender presentation of a woman and
whether or not genital between her legs (where society spends
surgery is appropriate for so much time worrying ) is a hyperex-
them? Quite frankly, don't I tended clitoris or clitoral hypertrophy.
care whether you have it or
not. Once all the legal work is Now in the case of our brothers the
done, ifyou still want to have metoidioplasty has this similar outward
genital surgerythen please do. appearance. With hormone therapy
If you run into obstacles let the beard comes, muscles bulk out,
me know -- I will try to vocal cords thicken, etc. A hood over
smooth the way for you. the clitoris has an incision and what
However what's going on in others would call a clitoris enlarges and
our society, in our medical is now a small penis. They are in their
community, legal community, brains, because the brain is our biggest
families, churches and our sex organ. So, what is it between their

reedom From the peer groups is pressure to have genital legs? If they believe that they have an
Scalpel about legal
is
surgery the result of which, for the enlarged clitoris due to hormone stim-

|hb| legitimacy without most part, only ourselves and our sex- then evidentially and through a
ulation,

the pre-requirement ual partners ever see. No one for sure deposition it could be argued very eas-

of completing genital will know you had surgery. Now per-

if I ily while opposing an insurance compa-

surgery. We of sonally can't do anything about most of ny; or opposing a spouse in a divorce;

ICTLEP are rooted in

those pressures, but can do and have I or the opposing who knows what, that

the commitment personally done something about the they're still women. But, if they instead
legal aspect. When people can't get insist that they have a small penis, and
that you should not
"have-to-have" geni- their legal papework done they can't their doctor is willing to testify to this,

tal surgery just so society will allow you get their jobs, they can't get their insur- then evidentially through a deposition
ance coverage, they can't take pos- it could be argued that they're a man.
to get your legal life in order A choice full

coerced or intimidated by others is not session of their life, UNTIL AFTER They have a small penis but they are
a choice. they've had surgery. Well, what are you men: it can and does work. It worked in
going to do if you're not certain? Well, the Baker vs Baker case. There were
It is my contention and my experience you're probably going to have surgery. depositions, legal depositions where
that there is too much peer pressure. You may be happy with it. If you are, our guys swore up and down, under

32
intense cross-examination, that no, they recognized — is that as the infant grows tation of Dr Swartz, and from the various
didn't have female sex organs; no, they further into childhood and then into proceedings, we got this order It says that

didn't have a clitoris; they never had a adulthood, there will almost always be a the judge understands that Phyllis Frye
clitoris; but that they've always had a congruence between the anatomical has never had genital surgery. In the
small penis. They never budged on that indicia of sex (male and female) already order the judge essentially says, "I know
in one case or another noted, and an emerging subjective gen- you've never had genital surgery, I'm

der identity, yet to develop. One might aware of that". But with that the judge
If I were ever deposed, I would swear therefore say, in cases of transsexual gen- signed the order Obviously I wrote the
that I've always had a clitoris; it was mere- der (here Swartz uses the word dyspho- order but if he didn't like it, he would've
ly hyperextended. There's a lot you can ria), that in filling out an infant's birth cer- changed it.

do if you're creative, and if your lawyer is tificate the physician made a mistake, a
creative and well trained. That's the mistake in predicting the emerging con- In the order is a recitation of court find-
secret: a well trained lawyer I don't care gruence of psyche and soma. From this ings.The Court found that the petitioner
how good a lawyer is in their special area point of view revision of legal documents has completed her long-term irre-

of law. If they can't conceive of clitoral of a transsexual, such as a birth certifi- versible hormonal alteration. Long term
hypertrophy; if their eyes wince every cate, involves not a sex change but a doc- is important. What long term is, nobody
time they have to call you by the proper umentary correction of an error an error knows. Irreversible is very important.
pronoun; if they're stumbling all over this in prediction. Again, what it means, the doctor essen-
in their minds, they're not the advocate tially said that she's been on hormones
for you. Body language really does com- According to Dr Swartz, "Ordinarily such for so long that it's rendered her chemi-
municate to a judge. It also communi- predictions are so trustworthy that for And if she went off the hor-
cally sterile.

cates to opposing counsel. practical reasons they can be regarded mones she would have to have surgical
as statements of fact. It is only in cases intervention to take her back the other
Dr. Louis Swartz (a contributor to this where such predictions turn out to be way. Obviously I'd have to have a mas-
issue ofTapestry) is a professor of law at wrong — it is argued — they should be tectomy and other things. So, that's hor-

New York State University in Buffalo, corrected without any special need for monal alteration. The court found that I

New York. He presented a paper to the apology. From this different angle of was a complete transsexual female. And
Harry Benjamin Symposium, September vision the original record contains what then the court went on to find that the
7 through the I Oth, 1995 in Bavaria, is now revealed to be non-negligent mis- original birth certificate listing Ms. Frye as

entitled, The Legal Responses to statement. Pragmatically interpreted, we a male has been revealed to this court
Transsexualism: Scientific Logic Versus are thus merely dealing with a correction to now be a non-negligent misstatement.
Compassionate Flexibility in the United of a relatively uncommon type of official And that the birth certificate should be
States and the United Kingdom. When I documentary error This would seem, corrected to read female. And therefore,
read this I was flabbergasted, because he then, no longer to present a direct con- the court deemed my sex to be female
took what I said and he put it in lan- flict of a highly conservative position stat- all the while knowing that I was non-sur-
guage that meant something to him. ed in the Corbett cases by others else- gical.

Now it doesn't matter what I think I say. where."

What matters is what people hear And that now we are all The point of this is

I was so flattered when I read what he now we are all free from the
In other words, according to Swartz, if legal and
had heard. And is the basis for what you take this view, and if your doctor will scalpel if we choose to be. We can, if we
it

I'm fixing to show you. adopt this view, and if your lawyer takes are clever; if we frame our arguments
this view; and if she or he can convince right, if we push our attorneys to do the

Sex at birth: fact or prediction? Phyllis the judge to take this view, then Corbett right thing, and if we push our attorneys
Frye of the International Conference on and all the cases that follow it, don't to understand. If you can't get an attor-
Transgender Law and Employment apply. You are not trying to fundamental- ney to do the appropriate thing, to
Policy, ICTLER asserts the designation of ly change anything. You're trying to make understand, to read or study the indicia
sex on a birth certificate (usually done in a mere correction. and the nuances of trans gender conver-
the United States by the physician) does sation, then get another attorney. We
not involve merely a statement of I said to my doctor that I wanted to can, in all of our states, come up with
observed medical fact, as is usually write a letter; and I wanted him to look these. From now on, before you've had
assumed. It is more accurately seen as at it, and tell me what he can sign and your genital surgery, yes, before, it should
involving an implicit prediction, usually what he can't sign, what he can be com- be a matter of course to have your birth
correct, based upon observed medical fortable with and what he can't. And so, certificate amended.
fact. The observed medical fact concerns I wrote a letter and we talked about it on
the structure of neonatal genitalia as the phone. Then I made a few changes, Before surgery, have your birth certifi-

falling within a range of typically male or and he signed it before a Notary. And cate amended. And then if you want to
typically female.The prediction — so often with that sworn document and with a go on and have genital surgery, have it. It

true that its contingent and probabilistic petition that followed the logic that I've is then a real choice without legal coer-
aspect has in the past not usually been already discussed, and with a lot of quo- cion. A
|InterNatiqnal Law

Association For As l\l

Photo: Loren Cameron © 1 995

A Purpose As Any
Stephen Whittle [I 866]. Ratified into Statutory law, with the divorce
laws of the Matrimonial Causes Act ( 1
973) the, now
Ph.D, M.A, LL.B, B.A,
classical, definition of what is meant by marriage in

English law is that:

Lecturer; The School of Law,

The Manchester Metropolitan University MARRIAGE MAY BE DEFINED AS THE

(As published in the New Law Journal, VOLUNTARY UNION FOR LIFE OF ONE
March 1 5th, 1
996) MAN AND ONE WOMAN TO THE
EXCLUSION OF ALL OTHERS

In the 1 990's it must be acknowledged that most of

these requirements are no longer essential to the
n June 28th 1995 legality of a marriage. Arranged marriages have
"Britain's first Lesbian meant that some are not entered into voluntarily,
marriage" took place adultery is not a way of guaranteeing the end of a
when twice-divorced marriage, and the divorce laws are such that life may
Tracie-Anne Scott mar- mean a very short period. All that remains is the
ried her girlfriend Tina- requirement that the partners are respectively a
Louise Dixon. This was man and a woman, but does this mean the same as
not, however; a set up for saying that they are male and female. Apparently
Gay Pride, Stonewall or Outrage. This was for real not, in Scott and Dixon's case there was no doubt
and took place in a real Registry with a real by anyone apparently that these were 2 females.The
Registrar in attendance. It may be real - but is it
couple were not declared 'man and wife' but were
legal? Well it is, because Scott, a 38 year old former declared by the Registrar to be 'legally married'.
merchant seaman, is a post- operative male to
female transsexual. Registered at birth as a boy, The right to marry was removed from heterosexu-
Scott began living as a woman 7 years ago and, hav- al transsexuals by the judgement of Ormrod L J
in
ing undergone hormone therapy, underwent gen- the now infamous case of Corbett v Corbett [1970].
der-reassignment surgery in 1993. Scott's legal sex The judgement in Hyde v Hyde ([1866] had not
status is however still that of male and it is that defined what was meant by the words "man" and
which enabled 2 'apparent' women to contract a "woman", notwithstanding Ormrod felt that as both
legal marriage here in Britain.
a doctor and judge he was able to enlighten the law
as to what these words meant.
Scott and Dixon's marriage is by no means the first

same sex marriage to have taken place here, despite Corbett v Corbett concerned the marriage of April
the newspaper headlines. For some years now Ashley, a male to female transsexual. On the break-
transsexuals who identify as gay men or lesbian down of the marriage her husband petitioned for
women have been taking advantage of the law's nullity on the grounds that I the respondent
archaic approach to their sex status to marry their remained a male and hence the marriage was void
partners and take advantage of pension rights, immi- and ii.the marriage was never consummated due to
gration rules etc. This all seems very paradoxical the incapacity of the respondent.
within a legal system which does not allow hetero-
sexual transsexuals to marry their 'other-sex' part- Ormrod decided the case on these two issues. As
ners despite the fact that, as a general rule, it might for the sexual identity of April Ashley, Ormrod devised
be said that same-sex marriages are not legal, ever a test based upon three factors. Sex was to be consid-
since the common law ruling in Hyde vs Hyde ered through: chromosomal, gonadal and genital fea-

35
tures at the time of birth. These were ground: whether the marriage could the legal impasse that now exists for
established as being "male" at the time have been consummated. However he transsexuals. If he had considered only
of Miss Ashley's birth. However, rather did so, and was of the opinion that the initial ground (whether the parties
than deciding whether she was then a 'normal' intercourse was not possible were a man and a woman), a transsex-
man, Ormrod J.
referred back to the between a post-operative male to ual would be prevented from marrying
decision in Hyde v Hyde and held: female transsexual and a man, the dif- someone of the same natal sex; but by
ference between that and anal inter- the second ground (whether the mar-
Since marriage is essentially a relation- course was a fact "to be measured in riage was consummated) he has intro-
ship between man and woman, the centimetres". duced the idea that a post-operative
validity of the marriage in this case male to female transsexual cannot con-
depends, in my judgement, on whether Ormrod distinguished this from the summate a marriage at all. Potentially
the respondent is 'or is not a woman. I earlier judgement in SY v SY [1962] in the surgically constructed phallus of a
think with respect this is a more pre- which a decree of nullity, due to failure female to male transsexual would also
cise way of formulating the question to consummate, had been refused on be deemed incapable of sexual inter-

than that adopted in para.2 of the peti- the grounds that a vestigial vagina could course, being, if we adopt Ormrod's
tion, in which it is alleged that the have been corrected by forming an thinking, "merely a flap of skin".

respondent is male. (
Corbett v Corbett, artificial passage. Medically there is little

1970: 48) difference between an extended vagina The decision in Corbett has been
as in SY v SY and a wholly artificial one incredibly influential, despite being from
One of the problems with any analysis as in Corbett, just as there is little dif- the High Court. It has been followed as
of Ormrod's judgement is that he con- ference in any resultant act of inter- precedent in other matrimonial cases
stantly mixed the notions of "male and course. There is an irony in the distinc- such as Peterson V Peterson [1985],
female" with those of "man and tion made between the two cases, in Franklin v Franklin [1990] and in the
woman". For example he states in con- that it would seem to have been made criminal law in R vTan [1983], and the
clusion to this question: on the basis that SY was an imperfect UK Government has supported this
woman; however nowadays it is very definition of sex in all of the 'transsex-
the respondent is not a woman for the likely that she would have been diag- ual' cases going to the European
purposes of marriage but is a biological nosed as a case of testicular feminisa- Courts.
male and has been so since birth tion and accordingly been discovered
(' Corbett v Corbett, 1970: 49); but he to be a chromosomal male - in other Many nation states, including at least fif-

does not attempt to categorise Miss words she would not have been a teen contracting parties to the
Ashley as a man. He argues that mar- woman for the purposes of marriage European Convention Of Human
riage is a relationship based on sex on the same basis that April Ashley was Rights, South Australia, Turkey, most
rather than gender; so he really needed not a woman. It could therefore be USA and Canadian states, and since
to consider her to be a 'man', yet argued that Ormrod misdirected him- December 1994; New Zealand, allow
almost certainly Ormrod was faced self with regard to the distinguishing the transsexual full rights to marry in

with a dilemma that arose from his facts in Corbett, as opposed to those in their new gender role. In New Zealand
being unable to define the person in SY v SY. Furthermore the construction the Registrar of Marriages requested a
front of him as a man yet he felt unable, of an artificial vagina is not restricted to declaration from the High Court as to

in law and because of the test he had transsexuals, for some women also whether two people of the same sex
devised, to call her a woman. The have reconstructive surgery in acute may be validly married if one of them
sailors who wrote to April Ashley for cases of vaginal atresia (absence or clo- has undergone gender reassignment.
pin-ups for their mess room walls had sure of a normal body orifice) before Transsexuals in New Zealand, as is the
no doubts, just as in May 992 readers
1 they are able to have sexual inter- case here in the UK, still cannot have
of "Playboy" were not going to have course. Are these people 'not women'? their birth certificates altered, but Judge
doubts about their centre page model, Ellis, challenging the 3 point test of
'Tula' (Caroline Cossey), another trans- The case held that a combination of Ormrod, held:

sexualwho was to pursue the British hormone treatment and surgery did
Government to the European Court of not, for the purposes of matrimonial ....the law of New Zealand has changed
Human Rights in her attempt to get law, result in a change of sex assigned to recognise a shift from sexual activity

them to allow her to marry a person of to a person at birth. The sex of a per- and more emphasis being placed on
her opposite gender. son is, in law, dependant entirely upon psychological and social aspects of sex,
their gonadal, genital and chromosomal sometimes referred to as gender
Ormrod, because of his inability to find sex at birth. Thus, irrespective of any issues. (Judge Ellis, reported in the
Miss Ashley to be a woman, declared reconstructive surgery, the transsexual Evening Post, I st December 994) 1

the marriage to be void, as it was not a woman is not a woman for the pur-

marriage between a man and a poses of marriage and has at all times This, along with recent decisions from
woman. Once he had established the been a biological male. The fact that other jurisdictions such as France, can
marriage was void, there was no rea- Ormrod J.
considered both of the two only add to the weight of opinion
son for him to consider the second grounds for nullity has contributed to which holds that Ormrod wrongly
directed himself in Corbett v Corbett. as chromosomes and genitals were
removed from the equation, just as skin
Marriage in the 1990s is no longer colour is now not relevant, allowing
inextricably linked to the right to pro- transsexuals (and possibly gay men or
create and rear children. Same sex and lesbians) towould it not marry,
transsexual marriages are increasingly enhance rather than damage the more
being placed on the political agenda, as modern fundamental concept of mar-
we see an expanding diversity in the riage as recently defined by the U.S
ways in which families are formed. It Supreme Court: a coming together for

would seem illogical to recognise better or for worse, hopefully endur-

same-sex couples as constituting a ing, and intimate to the degree of being
family for some purposes, such as sacred. It is an association that pro-
parental rights and obligations, whilst motes a way of life, not causes; a har-
failing to recognise their relationship as mony in living, not political faiths; a
a marriage. Denying same-sex couples bilateral loyalty, not commercial or
the right to marry is a denial of a fun- social projects... It is an association for
damental right to enjoy the numerous as noble a purpose as any (Griswold ,

benefits and privileges that marriage p 486). A

brings.

Stephen Whittle Ph.D, M.A, LL.B. BA.

It is not that long since black people The School of Law
were not allowed to marry white peo- The Manchester Metropolitan University
ple, is it any different to discriminate Hathersage Rd
against people because of their birth Manchester A/I 1 3 OEP
genitals as opposed to the shading of email: s.t.whittle@mmu.ac.uk

their skin? If physiological factors such

Brandon Teena. trans man. murdered 1993 - this book

memory, and to make sure it never happens
is in his
again

A Great Book- Over 17S A4

PAGES, many illustrations
• Personal Stories
• Materials from the Internet
• FTM History
• Legal and Employment issues The New
• Practical Advice on
change
name
Loren Cameron
THE WHITE
is

tle.
and edited by Dr Stephen Whit-
written
man who began living in his new
a trans
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Surgery and Hormones
Clothes and Image
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role over 20 years ago A Senior lecturer in
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Press For Change
• Penile prosthetics for work and
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wntten in an easy and accessi-
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grips with many of the scary and difficult
• Book reviews HE IS ABOUT,
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It is meant to make life easier and that is • Tips on passing’ HIS APPEARANCES,
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37
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Personal listing the service would simply cease to exist.

a m S g : n o - n The fastest, most convenient way to

lapestry transmit your personal
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-
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-

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if you decide at any time during the 4 issue run of your ad
(office@ifge.org - use Personals as
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the subject line). If you aren't con-
include a copy of the
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nected to the world wide web don't
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229, Waltham MA 02454-0229.
there are no refunds.

PLEASE NOTE: there is a limit of 40 words for the text.

If your personal runs over 40 words then only the first 40
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Respondents indicate your ad number and our forwarding
Summer Issue 1, 1999
(#88) - April
service takes care of the rest.
Fall Issue (#89) - July 1999 1,
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Charges for a Personal Listing:
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 |
F o c u s : Political Action Committee

Transitions: How TransGender Issue )

0
Have Become a Part of HRC's Wor *

As a transsexual person, understand, I

on the most visceral level, why the

HUMAN trans community feels left out, but

there
about HRC's
is a great deal of misinformation
efforts on behalf of trans

RIGHTS issues and

the past three,

its

transgendered people
commitment to

years,. HRC
in its
including
work.
has taken a
In

CAMPAIGN number of steps to educate

trans issues, to establish an alliance with
itself about

trans activists and trans groups, and

most importantly to work with trans
people to develop and implement a
long-term strategy for advancing trans-

Shannon Minter to become female-to-male (FtM) trans gender and trans sexual rights.

sexuals be allowed to remain in lesbian

organisations? Should lesbian and gay In September 1995, HRC flew a num-
legal groups represent trans sexual ber of transgender community leaders
hen 1 began clients? Should laws that prohibit dis- to Washington for a meeting with
working for the crimination on the basis of sexual ori- Executive Director Elizabeth Birch and
National entation be drafted to include, where senior staff. At this meeting, HRC com-
Center for possible, gender identity as well? It is mitted to support an amendment to
Lesbian Rights probably safe to say that every nation- ENDA that would add protections for
in 1993, trans al lesbian, gay, or bisexual group has the transgender community, and to
gender and been, profoundly affected by these work with the transgender gender
trans sexual debates, or has at least begun to con- community on hate crimes legislation.

issues were sider how to include trans issues in its

scarcely a blip organizational work A month later, HRC ran the first of sev-
on the screen of national lesbian and eral lobby skills trainings for trans gen-

gay groups. Most lesbian and gay lead- As the largest lesbian and gay political der activists. HRC also, provided the
ers would have been hard pressed to organization in the country, the Human services of Chai Feldblum, an HRC
discuss trans issues in any meaningful Rights Campaign is an influential partic- consultant and highly respected
way, or even to clearly define the word ipant in these discussions. Given HRC's Georgetown University law professor;
etransgenderedf. Although much visibility and national role, it is not sur- in drafting legislative language on gen-
remains to be done before trans peo- prising that it has come in for a large der identification.

ple are fully accepted and included in share of criticism from trans activists
the gay rights movement, trans activists who are. frustrated at the pace of The next year, HRC invited

have done an extraordinary job of pro- change and fearful that trans people GenderPAC to join the Hate Crimes
pelling trans gender issues into the will be left to. struggle on our own, Coalition, which takes the lead in pass-
ing federal hate crimes legislation.
forefront of lesbian and gay policy dis- without the support of the very com-
Jessica Xavier, a well-known trans
cussions and political debates. munities and organizations we have
activist, made a presentation to HRC
helped to build. These criticisms ranged
staff.That March, Elizabeth Birch sub-
The questions we have confronted are from demanding that HRC add the
mitted testimony on behalf of HRC to
important and not yet fully resolved. word "transgender" to its mission state- the Senate judiciary Committee on the
Should trans sexual women be allowed ment, to protesting that igender identi- Hate Crimes Statistics Act stating that
to participate in women-only lesbian ty" is not included in the Employment the bill should include the trans gender
events? Should lesbians who transition Non-Discrimination Act. community. She also met again in

39
 November 1996 with representatives sional meetings and a press conference getting gender identity in the Hate
of the transgender community to listen as part of a national transgender lobby Crimes Prevention Act currently
to our concerns about ENDA. day, and helped get members of before Congress. And this past spring,
Congress to sign a letter to the Justice HRC co-sponsored a legal roundtable
In January 1997, HRC set up and Department asking it to provide all on gender and sexual orientation with
attended, with representatives of assistance possible to the trans com- the National Center for Lesbian Rights,
GenderPAC, a series of meetings with munity on hate crimes. HRC Senior and GenderPAC.
ENDA Congress to
co-sponsors in Policy Advocate Nancy Buermeyer
begin educating them on transgender attended the annual International My point is simple: While HRC isn't

issues and to assess the level of sup- Conference on Transgender Law and doing, everything the trans community
port for a trans gender inclusive Employment Policy in Houston, in asked, we should give it credit for the
ENDA. Every office visited, indicated 997, to learn more about transgender
1 trans-inclusive work it has done and
that general educational work needs to issues and to hear the thoughts and continues important to
to do. It's

be done on transgender issues before concerns of participants. HRC contin- change a groups name and mission
such legislation would be viable. ued to expand its work on behalf of statement, and hope HRC will do that
I

trans people in 998. 1 in the future, but those changes are

That April, HRC invited me to a lun- meaningless if they are only cosmetic.
cheon to discuss discrimination against In March 1998, HRC invited me and Words are certainly powerful but the
trans gender and trans sexual youth. Nancy Nangeroni, then executive direc- proof is in the action.
HRC staff attended along with repre- tor of the International Foundation for
sentatives from the National Gay and Gender Education, to make a presenta-
Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF), the tionon trans issues to its boards - a ses- Mmter is staff attorney for the National

National Organization for Women sion that believe was well-received.

I
Center for Lesbian Rights in San Francisco. He
also a former board member of the
(NOW), and Parents Families and And continue to meet with HRC staff
I
is

International Conference on Transgender Law

Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). and other trans leaders to discuss
and Employment Policy and a member of FtM
Among its other trans gender related opportunities for us to work together International.
work last year HRC attended congres- HRC was also instrumentalmental in

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40
JFeature Article

The Art S. Natur e F Gender

Jamison Green

A summary of this paper was presented at

the Third International Congress on Sex and
Gender, 19 September 1998, Exeter
College, Oxford University, England.

Gender theory today is a triumph of femi-

nism. In fact, without the feminist move-
ment we would not be capable of dis-

cussing gender because, according to the

dominance and oppression model our
intellectual culture has developed, the
oppressors would be incapable of formu-
lating the concepts necessary to explore
the subject. Why should they bother;
when their patriarchal system only bene-
fits by maintaining itself?

Thanks to the feminist critique, we can

now say “gender is a social construction,”
as if we are above it all, and we rail against
the very creation of gender as a system of
oppression. Some transgender activists

and gender theorists both (though possi-

bly for very different reasons!) advocate
for the eradication of gender to free us
from the bonds of enforced arbitrary
behavioral norms predicated on gender
We are assuming that gender is “a system
of meaning that consists of two opposite
and exclusive categories in which all peo-
ple are placed, [that] gender is based on a
cultural interpretation of the biological dif-

ferences between men and women— not

the biological differences themselves.
[Further; we are accepting the premise
that] Biology is always perceived through
culture, through translation in terms of
symbols and ideas that we use in our daily

and ritual life.”(l )

While I think the preceding definition is

Photo: Mariette Pathy Allen reflective of the prevailing cultural con-

struct of gender; of the truth of our pre-

41
 sent social reality in Western thought, I If gender distinguishes the "nonbiologi- To describe an instance in which I

also think it is too simple. cal features resulting from a person's believe gender does not follow the pre-
ascribed status of either female or scriptive social construction, I offer a
We are sensate beings, and we interpret male,” ( 2 )
then gender studies are personal experience: In 1973 through
the world through all our senses, not focused on the social differences 1 976, 1 was employed as a construction
only through our analytical minds where between persons with (presumably) cable splicer by a regional Bell

we apply the labels and value judgments male and female bodies. This is not Telephone System company in the
of our time. As soon as we try to speak really talking about gender but about USA. I was the first female-bodied indi-

about our experience it becomes fil- sociology and politics, which are fine, vidual to pass the physical training pro-
tered, removed into the conscious realm important topics, but they still are not gram for this position, a training so rig-

where it can be manipulated, edited, gender Like the notion that ‘‘Femininity orous that the majority of pre-screened
revised to suit our’egos, build a career; unfolds naturally, whereas masculinity and otherwise qualified men regularly
dance around the issues, or flay the must be achieved...”, ( 3 )
our biases failed to pass. When I passed the train-
competition. We know that language- about gender are rooted in biological ing, the administrators were so sur-
words— are power much like gender can theory, sociobiological functions, and prised that they offered me a position
be when we use or manipulate it con- the extent of our resistance to these as a building janitor because the truth
sciously. Perhaps we take our language positions. When are we going to really was they never expected a "woman”
about gender too seriously. talk about gender? Not until we learn (that is, what they understood to be a

to separate gender from the lan- woman— someone with an ‘F‘ designa-
guage we have traditionally used tion, obvious breasts, short stature, no
to describe it. So, just as we have facial hair etc.) to qualify for the job of
It isa logical leap been working to separate sex and splicer I rejected their "offer” and pro-

TO SUPPOSE THAT gender (and avoid

terms interchangeably),
using those
we must
ceeded to carve out a niche for myself
among the men who worked construc-
THE MAN WHO IS next attempt to wrest gender A year later when the administra-
tion.

MALE ALSO IS loose from the grip of social con- tion lowered the training standards to
whether women, and dozen
MASCULINE, OR THE structionism to see
exists and can withstand examina-
it still facilitate

new
entry for
women became
a
splicers

WOMAN WHO IS tion on its own. statewide, I realized how thoroughly I

FEMALE ALSO IS
We find easy to trivialize gender
was perceived
of "other than
as belonging to the class

woman” when the men

FEMININE, REGAROLES ®
it

expression. The very term "gen- would complain to me over lunch, or

OF THE CLOTHING der role” connotes its pliability, its coffee, or beer after work, about the
women to do this kind of
HE OR SHE IS lack of serious reality for students

of social science and others con-

folly

work.
of hiring
"What about me?” would I ask, as

WEARING . cerned with definitions and the a gentle reminder to whom they were
social processes. At the same speaking. They would look startled,

time, the baseline values of sometimes genuinely shaken, and say, “I

Western culture have encouraged don’t mean you! You’re different,” or

us to trivialize gender diversity as a "You're not a woman!” And a year after

If we agree that man and woman are means of retaining social order; particu- that, when all but one of the newly
words that signify male-bodied or larly with respect to sexual behavior; as hired women had been injured on the
female-bodied people (respectively), or reflected in the widespread assump- job (and this one escaped because her
at least people whose clothed bodies tions that men with feminine character- foreman gave her only light work to
appear to be male or female, then we istics are homosexual, women with do), the men pointed to this as proof of
may also agree that the terms man and masculine characteristics are lesbians their contention, while I suggested that
male and woman and female refer to (and all lesbians want to be men!), and perhaps the issue wasn't that women
specific types of bodies (or representa- men who cross-dress are homosexual shouldn't do the work; rather; the issue
tions of those bodies) in a way that (that is, they want to be women). Here was that women should receive better
connotes a social role, such as the the conflation of assumed meanings for training.

wearing of certain clothing that indi- bodies and derived signals for gender
cates the body. But through our agree- becomes the basis for misinformation During this period, I also decided to let

ments we are not creating a capacity to because for someone who does not my hair grow longer in an effort to con-
observe the gender of the people to understand gender diversity there is found a Bell System regulation against
whom we are referring. It is a logical supposed to be a correlation between long hair for splicers, just to see
leap to suppose that the man who is a body and its gender, and all that gen- whether the administration would ask
male is also masculine, or the woman der is “supposed” to stand for: sexual me to cut (which they did not do).
it

who is female is also feminine, regard- orientation, sexual behavior; physical What surprised me was that the longer
less of the clothing he or she is wearing. appearance, social role. my hair grew, the more consistently I

42
“But don't I think said I am a woman,” I

“I DON'T THINK I WAS, OR EVER COULD OR WILL BE.”

was perceived by strangers as male. I culine characteristics?" Though as soon would always be not male and not
had assumed that by letting my hair as we had constructed this scenario I female, unlike other people who never
grow I would have to accept that I was began to question whether this was the disquieted the social waters around
imposing a more stable female pattern proper statement for me to make. I them or who never thought to ques-
onto the senses of others who would was comfortable with the label of "les- tion where they fit in. would always be I

be attributing gender to me. I came to bian," but was decidedly uncomfort-

I different than other conventionally gen-
understand that gender cues are not all able with the label of "woman," and I dered beings. And ultimately, by chang-
visual, superficial, or visible on the body. confided to my friend that I didn’t think ing my appearance to reflect my mas-
They are not all determined based I was fit for the assignment of exposing culine gender identity, I did not narrow
upon cultural presumptions or agree- the gender clinics because I feared that my perspective to obliterate the femi-
ments about the variable characteristics if offered the opportunity to change my nine, but in fact I broadened my own
that we take on as roles or costumes. I body I would actually appreciate doing understanding of what it mean
can
had a growing sense that there is some- so. I sheepishly confessed that in fact I socially to be labeled man or woman.
thing about gender that is not perceived myself as more male than And since then I have dedicated myself
expressed only in clothing or hairstyles female, knowing I was speaking heresy. to creating a social space for men with
or body shapes, voices, or even the con- female histories, and for men with or
scious awareness that a body has a des- "What do you mean?” my friend without female histories who do not
ignated sex. There is something else inquired. buy into traditional gender roles,

going on. regardless of their appearance.

"I mean I would like to have a male
Around this time (in the mid I970's) body,” I replied. Appearance has a lot to do with how
my friends became aware that
and I we perceive gender and the kind of
female-to-male transsexualism was pos- "Well, so would I, in some ways," she attributes we assign to people upon
sible. Among most lesbians knew at I said. "But you wouldn't want to really first meeting them. Kessler and
the time, the concept of "women be a man, would you?" McKenna ( 4 )
provide a thoughtful and
becoming men" was abhorrent, and comprehensive analysis of this process,
many women began holding me up as "What do you mean?" I asked. with many astute conclusions, noting
an example of the kind of strong that "biology provides ‘signs’ for us.

woman those transsexuals could be if "I mean, it is so much better to be a Signs are not gender, but they serve as
they would only let themselves. A woman, don't you think?" 'good reasons' for our attributions in a
physician friend discussed with me a world where biological facts are seen as
strategy of offering myself to a gender "But I don’t think I am a woman," I said. the ultimate reasons.” In this frame-
clinic to see whether they would diag- "I don’t think I was, or ever could or will work, it is reasonable to assume that I

nose me as a transsexual because of my be." And I realized in that moment that am a man and that I enjoy all the cus-
masculine character and demeanor Of I wanted to be SOMEthing, to be phys- tomary attributes of the masculine gen-

course, I could not admit to her a fellow ically in the world unquestionably, both der within the culture in which I live.

lesbian, that I actually entertained the for myself and for others. All the theo- This is an "incorrigible proposition” (5)
notion of surgical sex reassignment. rizing about gender about male privi- defining the interpretive structure of
Her fantasy was that once diagnosed I lege or the moral superiority of the onlooker; the one who is analyzing.

would then stand up and shout "Ah- women, about the appropriateness of My own experience is somewhat differ-

HA! You fools!! Do you think that just altering one’s body, or the false dichoto- ent from what might “reasonably" be
because I am perceived as a male and my that the dialectic of apparent bio- assumed, and it is here, in the realm of
hold a "man’s” occupation that I will logical sex and social gender force onto the Subject, that I propose that gender
automatically want to be classified phys- our bodies and souls would never neu- resides. I believe gender belongs to
ically and socially as a male? What is tralize that need in me. I also knew that each individual, to do with as he or she
wrong with being a woman with mas- whether or not I did change my body, I pleases: it is not possible for an "objec-

IBELIEVE GENDER BELONGS TO EACH INDIVIDUAL, TO

DO WITH AS HE OR SHE PLEASES: IT IS NOT POSSIBLE
FOR AN “OBJECTIVE” OBSERVER TO PASTE GENDER ON
ANOTHER PERSON BV LABELING THEM WITH A GENDER
THAT THE PERSON DOES NOT FEEL, WHETHER OR NOT
THAT GENDER IS EXPRESSED.
 tive" observer to paste gender on seemed to evolve into the only differ- in them, either Moreover many trans-
another person by labeling them with a entiation factor that was safe to talk sexual men feel that they DO have per-
gender that the person does not feel, about. When menstruation was viewed fectly functioning penises without
whether or not that gender is as an incorrigible proposition support- surgery, or with modest surgical modifi-

expressed. Any attempt to make ing the belief that women were inca- cation of the native organs. The pres-
another person’s gender an
object that can be isolated and
doomed
“My gender has NOT CHANGED; I
analyzed
because gender
is to failure,

a social con-
not
HAVE SIMPLY MADE ITS
struction and so requires
is

more MESSAGE CLEAR jj

than one person to create it, but

because gender is a private matter that pable of being responsible voters or ence of a penis may bestow male status
may be publicly expressed and it cannot holding responsible positions in the on an infant, but these adult men know
be abstracted from the subject's (con- workforce, what better time to haul out that it is not a penis that makes them
scious or unconscious) control. the gender ammunition, forcing the dis- male. Here is a group of men who do
cussion away from the physicality of the not achieve gender membership
If gender were a social construction, it body? This is a viable political strategy through their genitals, yet these very
would require, like language, a "speaker" that shifts the debate and widens the men are still accused of reinforcing the
and a "listener” It is between the two field for potential allies. We used the gender status quo simply because they
of these actors that gender would be same technique when we instituted are transsexual and appear masculine in

defined, negotiated, corroborated, or "transgender" as an over-arching term, other ways, such as beard growth and
challenged, and without this interaction minimizing the stranglehold of the med- musculature.
there is no need for gender This is like ical/psychiatric profession (and the law's
saying that if a tree falls in the forest and reliance on that profession) on trans- What is so wrong with being masculine?
no one is there to hear the sound, then sexual lives and broadening the scope No one asks transsexual men about
there was no sound, or perhaps no tree of gender variance to include virtually their politics; very few of them are
actually fell! One "incorrigible proposi- anyone. So why does contemporary asked about the ways in which they
tion" concerning gender today is that it gender theory still cling to the tradi- manifest sexual desire. How would
depends on biology; another "incorrigi- tional gender-power rhetoric? Why are anyone know whether these men are
ble proposition” is that it depends on transpeople being held responsible for "buying into stereotypical gender roles,"

someone else's interpretation. We all preserving the dichotomy between the or whether they simply fit some cate-
have the ability to speak and the ability genders? Because of transsexualism’s gorical gender stereotypes and don't fit

to express and interpret gender regard- perceived threat on the presumed reli- others, just like anyone else? It is appar-
less of our apparent biology or whether ability — or naturalness--of the body. ently much more satisfying for
or not anyone is there to hear us. researchers to take small samples and
Kessler and McKenna stated "Science ask leading questions, to seek out state-
From the perspective of analyzing the will soon be able to construct perfectly ments that use "typical" transsexual val-

distribution of power between men functioning penises. Because of this we idation language, such as "I always felt

and women in Western culture, it is will never know what would have been more like a boy than a girl," and to inter-

perfectly reasonable to assume that the long-range repercussions, on con- pret these statements as a conscious
gender is the issue if one is coming from cepts about gender of having a group of effort to create a sense of the natural-

ness of the transsexual

subject’s gender, the

“What is so wrong with being MASCULINE ? 19 assumption being that gen-

der is not natural and the

body is natural, and an
the position of women who are trying men in society who do not have penis- altered body is no longer natural, while
not to be defined by biology— and here es." (6) That was 20 years ago, and an unaltered gender is impossible since
I am speaking of the pre-gay rights those perfectly functioning penises (as gender is socially constructed. This
movement women who were arguing they must have been imagining them) belief structure is used to justify viewing
in the 60s and 70s (and earlier) that have yet to be surgically attached to transsexual people as a class of individ-
women’s lives should not be circum- FTM bodies. And if they were actually uals who are incapable of assailing the
scribed by their ability to bear children, available, I question the logic that dic- paradigmatic ramparts. Never mind
nor should women be forced to take tates all FTMs would want them. In fact, that transsexual people often learn that

on other socially-defined tasks specifi- we have right now a group of men in certain language is more effective in

cally because their female body was society who do not have those kinds of eliciting sympathy for their condition,
assumed to predispose them to those penises, and some of those men do not thus ensuring their physical and psychic
tasks. As women distanced themselves want them. Some of the partners of survival in a world that is resolutely hos-

from their biological "roles," gender these men might not be so interested tile to variation or surprise. It is com-

44
parable to saying that because a woman appearance-do not need to bear any Both the forces of Nature and the
has a woman's body she must be a greater share of the social burden for human capacity for creativity were
woman and conform to the gender the dichotomy between the two domi- made manifest by divine creation, with
role assigned to her by others. It is nant forms of gender expression than “man” in the image of God and there-
comparable to saying biology is not any other person who appears norma- fore the highest creation. Thus, the sys-
destiny, unless you are transsexual, or tively female or male. The theory that if tems or objects that human beings cre-

unless you have a penis, or maybe transsexual people had some other cul- ate become an attempt to place com-
unless you don't have a penis. It’s all turally constructed option, a place to be prehensible controls on an arbitrary
right for a woman to be masculine, or a socially male (or female) while remain- and capricious natural world became
man to be feminine—to a point! But just ing physically female (or male), then we invested with higher value than the
try to take on some other gendered would categorically refuse body altering “native" world. Today, however; we are
embodiment to find out how dismissive technology is pure utopian conjecture, also informed by the neo-science of
people can be, or how rigid are their based upon some particular incorrigible ecology and by a new appreciation of
concepts of gender; of identity, or of the propositions, or
immutable landscape of the body. perhaps (for

those who
Non-transsexual interpretations of already appear Like language, our genoer is
transsexual
sion, both
and transgender expres-
physical space and lan-
normatively
gendered)
BOTH NATURAL ANO ARTIFICIAL;
THE ABILITY TO HAVE GENOER ANO
in in

guage, often reflect an easy dismissal of rooted in the

a transperson’s agency, if not their very desire to step LANGUAGE BOTH RESIDE IN
existence. ( 7 )
In

transsexuals from the social landscape,

the rush to eliminate outside the
tations of social-
limi-
THE NATURAL OR NATIVE
theorists (and sometimes former ly constructed BEINGNESS OF INDIVIDUALS,
friends) reify the

they purport to
sex/gender paradigm
resist. true that
gender without
changing one's
WHETHER THEIR EXPRESSED
have taken the available option of trans-
It is I

appearance. GENOER REINFORCES,

sexual treatment in order to obtain the This is another CONTRADICTS, OR IS RANDOMLY
social

that is
and
the place
legal status

in
of male because
contemporary soci-
way of proving
that the people
CONFUSED BY AN OBSERVER’S
ety in which I feel most at home, most who appear dif- CULTURAL CONCEPTS OF THEIR
comfortable, most natural, and most ferent or non- BODY, OR WHETHER THEIR
creative. felt that transsexual treat- normative (read
ABILITY TO SPEAK IS
I

ment was the only path through which transgendered)

I could achieve my personal goal of are deluded for COMPROMISED BY PHYSICAL
adulthood. This means that
sen to change my appearance, some-
I have cho- wanting
appear “nor-
to
DEFORMITY, OR THEY
thing many people do in many ways. It mal," while the HAPPEN TO SPEAK A
does not mean that my gender is social- “normal” peo- DIFFERENT LANGUAGE THAN THEIR
ly— or even medically-constructed. My ple can feel at

gender has not changed; I have simply least normal, or

LISTENER CAN COMPREHEND.
made its message clear possibly even
superior (if only
Non-transsexual theorists do not politically cor-
always recognize the fact that when rect), for wanting (or being willing) to non-Western cultures, especially pre-
transsexual people undertake this type appear different. Christian cultures that may have had
of physical change, we do not know slightly different gender categories—
what form our new physical manifesta- Transsexualism, for non-transsexual though the dichotomy of male and
tion will take, that we cannot will our- gender theorists, somehow seems to female have existed in virtually every
selves to look like perfect incarnations represent a paradoxical struggle with culture. Today we ascribe a high value
of masculinity or femininity. Just like what is natural and what is artificial, and to human activities that run in concert
non-transsexual people we must accept the values invested in either category. with rather than dominate Nature.
ourselves the way we are, (to para- In Western culture, there is a belief,

phrase the classic prayer) changing the drawn, I think, from humankind’s unwa- The two ideologies represented by
things we can, accepting the things we vering fascination with itself, that Art is these old and new world views
can’t change, and acquiring the wisdom always an effort to understand or con- become confused when transsexualism
to know the difference. And those of trol Nature. In this model, Nature is is brought into the mix because of
us who do grow up into adult men or viewed as the world separate from assumptions about transsexual agency,
women— referring now ONLY to human consciousness and capability. gender/power struggles, the primacy of
 the visible body, and our very incom- anything out of the ordinary must be a dichotomies, of simple hardware and
plete knowledge about biological sex quest for power and is therefore vic- software. At the interface of the pro-
differentiation. We forget about our timizing someone. But gender like race, gramming and the machine, there is an
private, individual efforts to be more is not a power system in itself; gender operating system that is composed of a
than our bodies; and we forget that we like race or like language, is a physical special type of language, and as a cul-

are part of the natural world. We for- trait that some people use to gain or ture we don’t understand this interface
get that Art may be a way to more than distribute power Like language, our very well. Some programmers and
order that Art can help us to open our- gender is both natural and artificial; the engineers understand it as this analogy
selves to the emotional power of ability to have gender and language both applies to computers. But in the world
Nature. We become blind to the reside in the natural or native beingness of human Art and Nature, mind and
incredible diversity that exists in the of individuals, whether their expressed body we do not understand this inter-
natural world, and we still so easily gender reinforces, contradicts, or is ran- face very well at all. We call what we
domly confused by an don’t understand at this particular bor-
observer's cultural con- der "soul,” "psyche,” or various "disor-
cepts of their body or ders,” and we endeavor to structure

As A PARENT MYSELF whether

speak
their ability to

compromised
our observations of these phenomena
to our incorrigible propositions. This
NOTICED THAT MY
is fit

I by physical deformity, or is how gender became the sign or sig-

OWN DAUGHTER they happen to speak a

different language than
nal

how gender
of sex or sexual orientation, and
politics and gender power
GRAVITATED OF HER their listener can com- became the battlefield on which we
OWN FREE WILL prehend. wage the war of equality between the

TOWARD STEREOTYPICALLY Art begins when we

sexes: When gender became the focal

point for discussion about social roles,

“GIRL” ACTIVITIES EVEN begin to exercise the intellectual culture theorists lost

THOUGH HER MOTHER power— not power over

others, but the power of
sight

how
of what gender is for an individual

AND I ENCOURAGED creativity the power to

and
tity
the centrality of gender iden-
informs each of us independently,
A GENDER-NEUTRAL increase vocabulary, to without a need for social validation.

ENVIRONMENT AND GAVE change our

ment, our clothing, or
environ-
In looking at children, as Kessler and
HER TRUCKS AND BALLS our bodies, to learn new McKenna provide in their overview of

TO PLAY WITH, dialects

that
or
give
new tongues several
set
major
up interview
studies, ( 8 )
psychologists
or establish
us
WHICH SHE IGNORED IN and greater
versatility

mobility, clinical studies in

situations

which they ask for the

FAVOR OF IMITATION allowing us to travel child's interpretations of bodies. What
FOOD AND ART-MAKING across
to
boundaries
broaden our per-
and they seem to be looking for are the
unadulterated social cues that signify

MATERIALS . spective. In the tradi- man and woman. What they find is that
tional paradigm of children often see things differently than
dichotomies, movement adults do, or at least have language that

like this means being expresses things differently than adults

employ the strategy of divide and con- forced to swear allegiance to the new would, but that children all too easily

quer to organize our ideas and separate state of residence or forever being can be made to comprehend adult lan-

ourselves from the ideologies with viewed as an outsider if one's identity guage about gender and adapt to adult
which, and people with whom, we don’t papers were not issued by the local constructions of gender as they adapt
feel comfortable. authorities. We are ignoring the reali- to most adult dictates. I found it inter-

ties of contemporary life: fused art esting that Kessler and McKenna note
We are part of the natural world, and forms and mixed media challenge and that "several transsexuals have men-
our artfulness permits us to change that stimulate our perceptions; jet travel and tioned to us that they have the most
world. When it comes to gender; if we the internet take us farther than ever difficulty "passing” with young children.

are invested in the dichotomy between before; there are lesbians falling in love ( 9 )
These are all MTF transsexual
masculine and feminine as a system of with FTMs, lesbians falling in love with people who presumably retain some
socially constructed power distribution, MTFs, and with non-transsexual men; masculine physical traits that are con-
we will never be able to value the nat- there are women with penises, men fusing to children who have learned
uralness or artfulness of an individual's with vaginas, and the reality of people what is male and female in appearance
gender expression because we will with genitalia that is virtually intersexed. by generalizing from their environ-
always suspect the individual’s motives: Our world is not made up of easy ments. This notation seems intended to
cast aspersions on the "reality" of the surprised that their efforts to encour- expression? What if gender studies
transsexual peoples' gender identity, age gender-neutral attitudes, play, and were not the analysis of differences
especially since the doubt seems to attire were met with resistance from between male-bodied and female-bod-
come from the transsexual subjects children of both sexes, usually in the ied individuals as interpreted through
themselves. My experience with chil- form of lack of interest. Even though culture and reflected in patriarchal dom-
dren as a female-bodied transgendered they came from homes in which no inance, but instead became the analysis

adult was that children most frequently television was watched, and where pro- of the many various ways we can and
ascribed masculine gender to me, or; if gressive, feminist parents edited the do express ourselves as individual
uncertain, they would ask whether I books they read aloud to ensure equal- human beings, and how our assump-
was a boy or a girl. I noticed that if I ity between the sexes, boy children still tions serve or do not serve us in social

toldthem was a girl, they would doubt

I insisted on behaving like boys and girls or psychological ways? What if gender
me. If told them was a boy, they felt
I I like girls, except for the occasional child was a non-verbal language, a way in

reassured, but then some of them who actually expressed gender differ- which we tell others something about
would continue to question based on ence such as the boy who avoided rau- ourselves before we engage in verbal or
some physical characteristic, such as cous play with other boys or the girl physical interaction or intimacy?
presence of breasts or lack of beard. who insisted on joining in with them. In

Since I have physically changed to a this group of children, gender-diverse If gender is a type of language, there are
more obviously male presentation, no behavior did not result in ostracization some very adept individuals who are
children have been troubled enough to from peers, or any kind of sexist teasing. capable of speaking many dialects, as

ask about my sex. I think it is a faulty In this group of parents this type of gen- well as many different derivative lan-

presumption to think that children have der-group variance was encouraged guages. Cross dressers, drag kings and
any special knowledge or awareness and did not threaten the parents’ sense queens, androgynous transgendered
when it comes to gender or sex: chil- of their childrens’ sexes or future sexu- people, butches and femmes of either
dren are very busy trying to acquire al orientations. From these observed sex,and many transsexual people all
knowledge of the relationships circumstances, as well as from my per- may draw upon gender interpretation
between themselves and their sur- sonal experience as a child, I think it is skills that non-transgendered people
roundings, and often their very survival reasonable to conjecture that the orga- don’t have, or have not cultivated, or for
depends on pleasing the adults around nizing principles that drive children's whom they are unnatural. Granted,
them. As human beings, children are gender-segregating behaviors (at least some transsexual people are very rigid

adept at categorizing, and what seems before the age of 5) may not depend about their own gender identification,

to be gender awareness in children on an individual child’s self-ascribed but that may be because they have had
could easily also be the gross percep- gender identity (which he or she is to fight very hard to assert it, or
tion of normative versus non-norma- most probably incapable of expressing because they've learned a certain kind
tive visual cues, which does not inher- in words), but entirely upon adult of behavior is expected of them. For
ently invalidate those non-normative expectations that are dictated by geni- many people- not only transsexual
signs at all. talia and the conflation of sex and gen- people— gender expression is an impor-
der as systems of meaning that depend tant survival mechanism. When we
As a parent myself, I noticed that my on and reinforce one another. Again, so express judgment about a person's gen-
own daughter gravitated of her own long as we think of gender as an arbi- der expression, whether that judgment
free will toward stereotypically "girl" trary and culturally variable system of comes from our own conservatism
activities even though her mother and I role behavior that is designed to rein- (supporting a rigid gender dichotomy)
encouraged a gender-neutral environ- force biological sex differences and or liberalism (supporting a wide variety

ment and gave her trucks and balls to reinforce the distribution of social of gender expression), we are effectively
play with, which she ignored in favor of power; it is easy to dismiss gender dif- expressing a lack of tolerance for diversi-
imitation food and art-making materials. ference and any transgendered individ- ty and appreciation of individuality.

Informal discussions with most of the ual's personal struggle to come to

other parents in our daughter's pre- terms with that difference. What if gender was the interface
school (in an upper middle-class neigh- between our psyche and our cognitive
borhood in the San Francisco Bay Area) To begin to formulate a new paradigm, mind/body/sex? What if gender was an
indicated that virtually all of them were what if we called gender the Art of self- aspect of personality, rather than an

What was not gender that gave certain

if it
INDIVIDUALS CERTAIN TYPES OF POWER IN
SOCIETY, BUT ACTUAL BODIES IN CONCERT WITH
OTHER LIKE HERITAGE, ARBITRARY FACTORS
WEALTH, SPECIAL SKILLS OR ABILITIES?
 aspect of sexuality, an aspect of sexual social constructions of gender are based me, an energy that is pre-sexual, that
desire rather than reproductive func- on interpretations of the body and the informs but does not dictate sexuality,
tion? What if it was not gender that social roles assigned to bodies. If an indi- that communicates something about
gave certain individuals certain types of vidual’s sense of his or her own gender the psyche, not the soma.
power in society but actual bodies in relied exclusively on how others read
concert with other arbitrary factors like his or her body and reacted to it, then it To understand genden we must stop
heritage, wealth, special skills or abilities? would likely follow as true that if you associating gender with sex, stop trying

By focusing on the proposition that assign an infant’s sex, fix its genitals to to equate gender with genitals. We
dichotomous gender is the bellwether match that sex, and raise the child in the must defuse our concept of genden ren-
of social privilege, and by viewing trans- manner of other bodies of that type, the dering the language of gender more dif-

sexual people as social constructions of should have no problem adopting

child fuse in order to obliterate the power of
social constructions in an attempt to that social role. This scenario does not imposed roles and schemata that don't
understand how gender conventions work, as the John/Joan case has illustrat- reflect experience—for both transsexual
are learned or manipulated, we actually ed. ( 10) Thus I contend that gender and non-transsexual people. Especially

deny the incredible potential of gender cannot be assigned by others, but only in attempting to eradicate gender as a
variance and its natural diversity, and we interpreted-and misinterpreted. strategy for eliminating the hierarchies
categorically deny individuals agency in inherent in the current social construc-
experiencing or freely expressing their As the paradigm is currently construct- tions around sex and bodies, we are
own genders. ed, gender is a red herring distracting us enforcing a harsh censorship, imposing a
from the effort to shatter the hegemo- terrible silence on an important part of
Both the Art and Nature of gender ny of the patriarchy. Gender is not sex, human individuality. A
reside in the individual. The current not the body, not a social role. It is, to

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48
Biography

Stephen Whittle

tephen describes himself as 'strop- years, to participate in developing wide ranging new
py'. He has been involved in the theoretical approaches to the paradigms of gender;
self-help groups for the trans com- sex and sexuality, alongside the few other scholars
munity for over 24 years - which who are currently working in this field. His work has
must almost be a record for a trans obtained high international and national interdiscipli-

man. nary respect as being at the forefront of transgender

theory and studies and this is evidenced by the vol-
He joined the Campaign for ume of invited publications and conference presen-
Homosexual Equality in 1973 and tried hard to be a tations he is asked to make.
good lesbian. He co-founded the Manchester
Lesbian Collective in 1994 - a radical group which Stephen is a member of the Parliamentary Forum on
was involved in setting up the first Manchester transsexual rights chaired by Lynne Jones MR He has
Women's Refuge. He announced that he was a man also taken an advisory role in a world-wide survey of
shortly afterwards and with the group's support legislative approaches to transsexual people, under-
contacted the trans scene. Along with Stan, Linda and taken by Liberty (The NCCL) and funded by the
Carol, he started the very first support group in the Equal Opportunities Commission.This year, on behalf
UK for transsexuals and transvestites, which initially of PFC, he organised and co-ordinated the 3rd
met in the appropriately named 'Camp Street'. The International Congress on Sex and Gender which
group was to be instrumental in the setting up of the was held at Exeter College, Oxford University. The
the Manchester Gay Switchboard. In 1975, Stephen Congress was attended by an international collection
joined the Beaumont Society as a trans man and of over 170 academics, medical practitioners and
became co-editor of the Beaumont News, a maga- community leaders working in the field of transsexu-
zine for what was ostensibly at that time a hetero- al and transgender studies. The Congress was a
sexual male transvestite organisation. In 979, he was 1 resounding success with new partnership links being
a founder member of SHAFT - the first UK self help created as well as proposals for the development of
group for transsexuals with the most unfortunate a new archival approach to trans studies and theory.
name (but that's another story). He has remained
involved in all the self help groups that exist ever He is a productive writer and has just completed
since and in 1 990 he founded the FTM Network, a editing a book on trans-theory studies for Cassells
self-help group for trans men which now has over which is due out in May 1999. He has several chap-
700 members in the UK, and members from anoth- ters in other publications and he is currently revising
er 20 countries. the third edition of Tranvestism, Transsexualism and
the Law.
For most of that time he has been 'out', and he has
been actively campaigning for respect and equality Stephen says of his work with the community:
for ALL of the trans community. He recognised that "People ask whether I wish I hadn't been trans. My
was the only way for-
getting inside and using the law answer is 'No' - I have been able to be at the fore-
ward, after seeing the publicity surrounding Mark front of a new political movement that is really chal-

Rees's application to the European Court of Human lenging the issues of body fascism. If we can win the
Rights in the early 1980s. He was asked by Mark to one about trans bodies, then we can win in all the
attend a meeting with the then Liberal MR Alex other battle grounds surrounding the body whether
Carlile, in 1 992 - and that meeting was to lead to the to do with people being fat or thin, abled or disabled,
founding of Press For Change (PFC). black or brown, male or female. Mostly though, being
trans has been a privilege because I have met won-
Stephen became an academic relatively late in life derful people, done wonderful things, been to won-
but he says he had the opportunity, over the last few derful places - all in all had a wonderful life!" A

49
 |
F c u s : Religious Reich’s Threats

Religious liberty bills

COULO THREATEN RIGHTS
Gay allies back bill before Congress
Lesbian law professor Chai
Feldblum says the Religious Liberty
Protection Act "gives people a fed-
eral statutory defense against a
state or city Gay [civil] rights law."
photo Clint Steib

Lou Chibbaro Jr.

House and Senate last June 9, cleared a Among other things, supporters say the
House Judiciary subcommittee in August bills are intended to ensure the right of
and was expected to be approved by the workers to wear beards, turbans, or
full Judiciary Committee in September yarmulkes in the workplace when wearing
when supporters thought the measure them is required by their religions.
A bill that received the backing of many would go to the House floor Supporters say the bills would also allow
pro-Gay members of Congress, including workers to take leave from work on cer-
Senators Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and However to the relief of most Gay lead- tain religious days, such as the Sabbath.
Charles Schumer (D-N.Y), could gut state ers, the Judiciary Committee dropped all of Such provisions enjoy widespread sup-
and local Gay civil rights laws. According to its legislative activities in September when port, including support from Gay activists

the American Civil Liberties Union, the bill special prosecutor Kenneth Starr delivered familiar with the bills.

would allow individuals and private busi- to the committee his voluminous report
nesses to discriminate against Gay people on charges surrounding President Clinton's But the ACLU and national Gay civil rights

by claiming their discrimination is based on affair with a White House intern.. Starr's groups say the congressional Religious
religious beliefs. action effectively killed RLPA's chances for Liberty bill and several state versions of it

1
998, but Capitol Hill observers say the bill could also enable individuals and business-
The bill, the Religious Liberty Protection is likely to come up again this year shortly es to invoke religious liberty"as an excuse
Act, and similar religious liberty bills after the Senate completes its impeach- to deny jobs, housing, and services to peo-
expected to be introduced this year in at ment trial of the president. ple who would otherwise be protected by
least eight states, including Maryland and existing civil rights laws.

New York, are aimed at strengthening the Groups kept Gays in

rights of individuals to express their reli- the dark Civil rights laws that ban discrimination
gious beliefs. They were not intended as based on race or ethnicity are not expect-
an attack against Gays, supporters of the Officials with the ACLU, the National Gay ed to be threatened by the bills because
bills have said. and Lesbian Task Force, and the Human those laws enjoy protection under the
Rights Campaign said they first learned of 1 4th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution,
But the ACLU and Gay civil rights advo- the likely anti-Gay impact of RLPA last legal experts say. The civil rights laws most
cates say the bills, as currently drafted, summerThey said they put out the alarm likely to be threatened, activists say, are
could have the effect of weakening or nul- to various advocacy groups but chose not those that ban discrimination on such
lifying state and local civil rights laws that to make a public announcement about grounds as sexual orientation, marital sta-

ban discrimination based on sexual orien- the issue, deciding instead to work behind tus, and disability because such laws are
tation, marital status, or disability, among the scenes to persuade lawmakers to not linked to the 1 4th Amendment. Other
other categories. revise the bill to remove its harmful effect civil rights categories that would be jeop-
on civil rights laws. ardized under RLPA, ACLU officials say,

Activists say the bills appear to be on a fast would be those found under laws such as
track in Congress and several states this HRC and NGLTF officials concede that D.C.'s Human Rights Act personal —
year Most were introduced within the past their decision to work behind the scenes appearance, pregnancy status, and school
year and appear to be progressing quickly. up until now has kept Gay people around matriculation. Some state and local ordi-

Three states — Illinois, Florida, and the country uninformed about the possible nances ban discrimination based on gen-
California — have already passed such anti-Gay effects of the bills. The bills have der identity, which is aimed at protecting

bills, although former California Gov. Pete received widespread support from a broad, transgendered person. This too, would be
Wilson (R) vetoed his state’s bill on bipartisan coalition that includes liberal, in danger under RLPA.
grounds that it gave certain religious rights moderate, and conservative lawmakers and
to prisoners, which Wilson opposed. private organizations. Most supporters Many Gay supporters
endorsed the bills before the ACLU and backed bill
The Religious Liberty Protection Act other groups began to express concern
(RLPA), which was introduced in the about their effects on civil rights statutes. Rep. Charles Canady (R-Fla.), the chief

50
sponsor of the House version of the RLPA, grounds for denying the renting of apart- shall be construed to provide a defense to
introduced the bill June 9, 1998. Among ments to unmarried heterosexual couples. any other civil or criminal action based on
those who signed on as co-sponsors last Such landlords have claimed that renting any federal, state, or local civil rights law."

year were a number of pro-Gay House to unmarried couples violates their reli- Gay activists expressed strong support for
members, including Reps. Connie Morelia gious belief that cohabitation outside of the Scott amendment.
(R-Md.), Jerold Nadler (D-N.Y), and marriage is Anders said such cases, if
sinful.

William Delahunt (D-Mass.), who replaced successful, would have the potential to The subcommittee voted it down by voice
openly Gay former Rep. Gerry Studds. allow landlords to refuse to rent apart- vote. And to the dismay of some Gay
ments to Gay people on grounds that activists, Nadler voted present. The other
Schumer signed on as a co-sponsor in the homosexuality violates their religious Democrats on the subcommittee voted
House before winning his race for the U.S. beliefs if Congress and various states pass for Scott's amendment.
Senate. RLPA-type bills.

A spokesperson for Nadler, whose

Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) introduced the Most Gay civil rights laws, including those Manhattan district includes some of New
Senate version of the bill on the same day adopted by the District of Columbia and York’s largest Gay neighborhoods, said
that Canady introduced the House ver- New York City, provide exemptions for Nadler voted present as a means of
sion.The Senate version is identical to that religious organizations such as churches protesting Canady's decision to release his
of the House version. Joining Hatch as co- and other religious institutions. Similar to draft of the bill less than a day before the
sponsors last year in addition to Kennedy, other civil rights laws, most Gay civil rights markup hearing, denying subcommittee
was pro-Gay Sen. Joseph Lieberman (D- statutes also exempt small businesses that members a chance to properly review the
Conn.). employ fewer than a dozen people, as well draft. The spokesperson, David Lawson,

as homeowners who choose to rent out said Nadler is troubled over the conflict the
Neither Hatch nor Canady have reintro- part of their own home, such as a base- bill poses between religious rights and Gay
duced the bill this year but Capitol Hill ment apartment. Because of these exemp- civil rights. Lawson said Nadler believes the
insiders expect both lawmakers to rein- tions, some supporters of the current Scott amendment "went too far" and
troduce the legislation within the next sev- draft of the RLPA say its impact on Gay would have hurt the bill's aim of protecting
eral months. Gay activists say they are civil rights laws would be negligible. Among religious rights. He said a number of key
hopeful that Canady and Hatch will agree those is Marc D. Stern, an official with the constituents in Nadler’s district, including
to revisions that will eliminate the language American Jewish Congress, who testified in Jewish groups, strongly support RLPA.
that threatens Gay civil rights laws. favor of RLPA before the House Judiciary
Subcommittee on the Constitution. "It’s an absolute priority for Mr Nadler to
RLPA clearly has the potential for allowing reach a solution to this problem that pro-
noncompliance with Gay civil rights laws in But Gay civil rights attorney and law pro- tects the rights of Gays and Lesbians as well
cities and states, said Christopher Anders, fessor Chai Feldblum strongly disputes as members of religious minorities," Lawson
an ACLU attorney who monitors Gay- such assertions, saying theRLPA as cur- said. "He will not support legislation of this
related issues. In an I I -page memoran- worded could be invoked by anyone
rently type that will hurt Lesbians and Gays."
dum sent to Gay and non-Gay civil rights to who claims that complying with a Gay
groups last August, Anders stated that "any civil rights law would violate his or her reli- Florida, Illinois, Connecticut, Rhode Island,

civil rights [law] defendants whose discrim- gious beliefs. and Alabama have already passed religious

inatory actions are substantially motivated liberties type bills, and each of them con-
by religious belief' would be able to invoke "RLPA gives people a federal statutory tains language that potentially could be
the Religious Liberty Protection Act. defense against a state or city Gay rights harmful to Gay civil rights bills.

Anders would be up to the courts

said it law," Feldblum said. To defend their laws in

to decide whether civil rights laws or the the courts, she said, states and cities would Before former California Gov. Wilson
RLPA should take precedence when those have to argue that they have a compelling vetoed that state’s religious liberty bill last

two laws are in conflict. government interest to uphold those laws. year on the grounds of his opposition to
the state prisoners provision, openly Gay
"The intent was not to make this an anti- "The question then becomes: Will the State Assemblymember Sheila Kuhl (D)
Gay bill," said Rebecca Isaacs, an official courts agree or balk at the argument that was unsuccessful in attempting to per-
with the National Gay and Lesbian Task sexual orientation protection is a com- suade the legislature to revise the language
Force and a former official with People for pelling government interest," Feldblum of the bill to prevent it from hindering the
the American Way, which currently sup- said. Some courts are likely to uphold the enforcement of civil rights protections for
ports RLPA. "Nearly everybody agreed laws while others are likely to strike them Gays.The California legislature is expected
that people's basic religious rights should down, Feldblum said. The best way to to vote on a similar bill this year
be protected." avoid the risk of subjecting dozens of local
Gay civil rights laws to court tests, she said, Religious liberty bills are also expected to be
However Isaacs and other Gay leaders is to revise the RLPA bill so that it is not in introduced this year in Maryland, New York,
familiar with RLPA say that religious right conflict with Gay civil rights laws. New Jersey, Arizona, California, North
groups are now stating in their promo- Carolina, and Texas. The ACLU says bills in

and newsletters that a key

tional mailings Canady refused a request by Rep. Robert each of these states are expected to include
benefit of RLPA would be its ability to Scott (D-Va.) to eliminate the conflict dur- language harmful to Gay civil rights laws. A
allow citizens to use it to get out of com- ing an Aug. 6 markup hearing of the House
plying with Gay civil rights laws. Judiciary Subcommittee on the
Constitution, which Canady chairs. Scott This article appeared in the issue of:

Anders points to recent efforts by land- introduced an amendment during the Washington Blade
lords to use their religious beliefs as hearing, stating that "nothing in the [RLPA] January 15, 1999
|T RANSITION Story
A Spy In Their Midst
From Journeys and Transitions
by Melanie Phillips

Raised by Wolves

Chapter T hree honor of seeing her

although the physical changes
more or less her original persona,
in

made her noticeably feminine

even then. (I wonder if the same will happen to me, and how
deal with
Your Mother's Mustache I will it?)

We came back to my house so she could change, then went

to the Black Angus for dinner I expected to feel very nervous
(and also perhaps elated with an adrenaline high) during my
second ever outing as Melanie that was not by myself - and
the first time would actually be ordering things at a restau-
September 1989
I

I,
rant and truly living the role of a female.

A most unusual day. I had already scheduled to meet with Bill

...Nothing. Absolutely NOTHING! The experience was very
again today as well as my weekly trip to the doctor But late
pleasant, but because of the conversation, the meal, and the
last night, when I was signed on to the "Feminet" computer
company; not because of any excitement. In fact, I felt so total-
bulletin board, Beverly Overland, the sysop, came on-line to
ly at ease as Melanie that I frequently forgot all about my out-
tell me she would be in Burbank on business today, and would
side appearance and became lost in the conversation. Sure,
I like to get together? Of course!
there were many times I was aware of an inappropriate ges-
ture or tone of voice on my part, and yet, I felt more... I dunno...
The Feminet board is the top system in the nation for com-
"comfortable," I guess, than I have ever felt before. And that, I

munication among gender dysphoric individuals, so was sin- I

suppose, is the real truth of the matter Being Dave is not bad,
gularly thrilled to meet her face to face, instead of just on the
not bad at all. But being Melanie is better; much better! So life
network. made arrangements with Mary to handle my
I

goes on, and so do I. Where and how far? do not know. But
I

extended hours as Melanie, which she graciously agreed to.

still, I do not want to stop or return to what I was.

I arrived at Bill's and he had finally raised the courage to

appear as Julie in front of someone else. He looks a little like
September 2 1 989
Agatha Cristie! When I heard over the phone that he would
,

be but didn't have a wig, surprised him with a blond

Julie, I

jobby had bought, but never worn. He was thrilled, as he

I Today was my second support group meeting. This time, was I

intends to come to the support group meeting as Julie, a big a lot more prepared - and not nervous at all. In fact, spent the I

step for him! hour before I got ready making chocolate chip cookies for the
pot luck!

made lunch for me, but since was late, we had little time
Julie I

for more than gossip before he went to the doctor for a Mary and I had gone to the store earlier; and she helped me
vasectomy, of all things, and went to my doctor for my hor- I pick out the right ingredients. Then, she was very supportive
mone shot. allowing me, to dress in the other room, closing her eyes when

Ihad to pass by to get something. No freaking out on her part.

While I was at the doctor I got a referral to an electrologist. I
As left, asked her if she wanted to see what looked like, as
I I I

have had such mixed thoughts about losing my beard. As I Ihad done a knock-out job on my make-up and outfit. She
have mentioned, it has been a shield and mask to me - to bol- declined, but said (surprisingly) "Maybe next time..."

ster my insecurity as a male, and losing it would be tough to

deal with. And yet, I just cannot feel truly female until it is gone, Still, there was no nervousness driving to the group. But,
not to mention the practical benefits in dressing! We shall see... strangely, I couldn't get into feeling like Melanie. I kept feeling
like Dave in drag. The wig felt dead and lifeless, more like a
As soon as I left the doctor I went to meet Beverly at the air- mop than and greasepaint.
hair; my make-up like plaster
port. arrived just exactly at the time we had agreed on. She
I Overall, felt like a clown. began to worry that perhaps had
I I
I

had traveled as a male to see a specific client, which is the only crossed the line and run out of steam on my path - that some-
time she is not in female mode anymore. So had the singular I how, it had worked out of my system.

52
I found a spot to and noticed that Bill had indeed come
sit,

as Julie. I smiled at courage in finally going in front of a

his September 6, 1 989
group as his alter-ego. was also happy that
I had been hon- I

ored as the first to see Julie yesterday. Two nights ago, Mary made her first breakthrough in dealing
with the physical changes brought on by my hormone use. Up
During the next few minutes, I was amazed to find that my until this point, she had refused to even see my arms or legs
feminine gestures had become second nature. In fact, when- uncovered, as the thought of my being smooth and hairless
ever I even consciously checked what was doing, discovered I I was pretty much revolting to her. Therefore, it was with some

that I was completely consistent with a feminine image. still I shock to me that the following transpired.
felt like a truck driven but I think (in retrospect) this is because
I the hair is a cheat and the make-up covers the real phys-
feel I had strained my shoulder muscles moving heavy boxes over
icalme, even as it mimics or represents (or presents) the real the weekend as part of our packing to go to the house on
mental me. And besides, I've heard that genetic women often California Street. Mary had already rubbed some ointment
have days when they feel like disgusting blobs for no apparent into it the previous night, in the dark, so she didn't have to see
reason. All in all, it was an awful feeling! anything. I, of course, felt rather dirty and ugly that she could-
n't even bear the sight of me. This is particularly disturbing at
I spent some time in conversation at the kitchen table with the time, as I am desperately trying to bolster my self-image as
Julie and several other friends I had met last month. My real a fairly attractive and feminine woman. Instead, I ended up feel-

kick was when someone near the table asked who made the ing like a leper
cookies, and another girl answered, "I don't know, but they're
GREAT aren't they!" It's amazing to fall so easily into a mental Well, this time I said it was rather foolish to go hide in the dark;
attitude where the culinary arts become a status symbol and how about if she just didn't look past my shoulder and she did
a badge of personal pride. it right in the comfort of the well-lit living room. She agreed. As
she was rubbing the salve in, sitting behind me, she had to lean
During the "rap" portion of the evening, Julie and I both spoke a little forward to get it on the front of the shoulder I told her
of the events that had occurred in the month elapsed since it was kinda ridiculous to hide like this. I felt like the Elephant
the last we had "progressed" as
meeting. The speed at which Man. How about if she just took a look at my chest and got it

openness with which we related our story were

well as the over with? She said she had been thinking the same thing her-
met with more than a few raised eyebrows, but with even self. So I turned around and she looked. Her only comment
more supportive smiles. was, "That's not any more than a fat man would have..." I said,

"Not yet..." We left it at that, but later; she said, "I still hope you'll

One woman, the wife of aTV who is supportive of his "hobby", change your mind. If it doesn't get any worse than this, though,
was very nearly incensed by our admission that we had actu- I think I can handle it." I told her it was my intent to go sub-
ally kissed. This is largely due, I suspect, to her own fears of stantially beyond what I currently had.
what would mean to her
a similar scenario if it had happened
to her husband. Such a situation would be intolerable to her; The next morning, for the first time since she knew I had
and lead to the dissolution of the carefully structured and bal- shaved my body hair; she did not leave the bathroom when I

anced lifestyle she had crafted. But, in fairness, there is much came in to undress for the shower She stayed busy with her
truth in her warnings that this would throw a serious monkey make-up and we didn't talk about it, but she never flinched or
wrench in Bill's (and Julie's) relationship with his wife. Which is left. Nothing else was said, but she obviously is coming to
why he and I had already agreed that such an incident would terms with this.

never recur
Last night, I had dinner with Mark, my long-time friend from my
Later in the evening, Julie shared her driver's license picture USC film school days. He had been the had told when
first I I

with anotherTV so they could see what each other looked like began to go public two months ago. I had kept him informed
"in real life." I offered mine, specifically to break Bill of thinking in person and by phone of the latest information, but the last

of me only as Melanie, and hopefully deflate the attraction he I had spoken to him was on the day of my first doctor visit.
held for me. After that, he had left for a vacation to England with his wife
and has just returned.
This was a difficult decision, as need to explore much more
I

fully my intimate feelings toward men, and myself am greatly I At dinner I filled him in on all the news, changes, and discover-
attracted to him. In fact, even as was showing him the photo,
I ies I had made. He remained the wonderful and loyal friend he
I was aware that I may never again have the opportunity to has always been: empathizing with my troubles, sharing my joy,
experience a relationship with a man can truly trust, proba- I and keeping me humble by laughing at the ridiculous!
bly not with one am so strongly attracted to, and certainly
I Interestingly, I offered almost off-handed to take him to my
not in the near future when I need it the most. next support group meeting. Surprisingly, he accepted, and will

be the first friend to see me as Melanie, who has only known

It must have worked, since the next two times he referred to me as Dave.
me in talking to the otherTV, he called me "he", a mistake he
had not previously made on any occasion. It hurt, but I knew I I'm a little concerned, of course, as my mannerisms and voice
had done what was best for Bill and his wife, and my love for will appear to be some kind of put-on or act, as opposed to the
him, whether it is sisterly or more than that, is sufficient to put simple uncensored release of my inner self as it truly is. But we
his needs before mine. spoke of this, and he seems to feel he can handle hope can! it. I I

This morning, Mary again stayed in the bathroom while I

I arrived home, checked massages on my computer gender showered. I suppose that I wouldn't be surprised by anything
bulletin boards, and went to sleep. she does in the future! Certainly, my hopes of some sort of
continued relationship in the same household are considerably friend of hers showed up, and then another; they moved off
bolstered. At worst, I imagine we would have separate beds, into their own little group, excluding me. I definitely felt left out
not share intimate physical moments, but live more like good and wondered how it would feel to be part of the "girl talk".

friends, sharing a house. Perhaps that might even be preferable,

as it could conceivably allow me to date the male population A little update on the last few days. Late September 6, just
without fear of losing my most valued relationship. after my last entry, I got a call back from the electrologist I had
been recommended to. Currently, he is Andrew, although for
This afternoon, four events happened that changed the way I three and a half years, he lived as Karen. He has, however; just
think of myself. The first was a phone call made accidentally I re-started hormones, with the same doctor I have, which is

to a wrong number was just calling as Dave, but when they I how I got his name.
answered the phone at the business mistakenly reached, they I

stumbled for a pronoun, not sure if was male or female by I We struck it off over the phone very well. He seems about my

the tone and inflection of my voice. This was significant to me, age,works occasionally in the video biz, knows a lot of the
as was not trying to put on my Melanie persona consciously,
I same people, and is/has going/gone through all that have and I

but merely ask for information. more. We arranged for my first appointment on Thursday,
next.
The second event was when awoke from a nap I at home this
evening. (It is still light, even as I write this, as the days remain When came home I really felt the need for some
that night, I

summer-long). glanced at myself in the mirror and, for the

I first commitment from one way or the other I'm afraid
Mary, I

time, saw myself as more female than male.There was nothing pushed the issue and worked myself into a tizzy. In fact, began I

specific could put my finger on - perhaps a rounder face due

I to cry so hard I couldn't talk. I felt totally alone. I desperately
to the hormones, perhaps the bangs that had fallen on my needed someone to hug and hold me and tell me it would be
forehead (although my hair is still very short overall), perhaps all right. But Mary didn't feel comfortable touching me, so I

the way I hold my lips, or glance with my eyes; I just don't ended up in the back yard at midnight, sobbing away so loud-
know. But there was definitely something considerably femi- ly that the neighbors came out to see what was wrong. I've

nine about my image in the mirror never felt so deserted and naked in my life. Finally, Mary came
out and gave me a hug. But it was out of duty, not love. could I

The third event, was walking up to the office here. There is a feel it in her arms. That was worse than no hug at all, and I

large, plate-glass window on the front of a shop, just before the completely fell apart.
office. It is slanted so that as you walk past, your reflection can
be seen. Iwas not intending to check myself out as I walked Ifinally came in and my daughter who was in bed, asked Mary

past, as I wanted to get in here and start work on a film pro- what was wrong with daddy? Mary replied that daddy had
ject I'm behind in. But as I passed, my image caught my eye and, "some problems" he was trying to work out. "Some Problems!"
for the first time, I read myself as female, even in "male mode"! Suddenly, that struck me very funny - hilarious, in fact! I began
In fact, in that brief moment - that tiny glimpse, everything to laugh through the tears. For twenty minutes I laughed. "I

from my walk to my carriage to the way swung my arms I read might never see my kids again! - HahahahaHAHAHA!!!!" The
as female. It was indeed quite a jolt - a pleasant jolt, mind you, more depressing the thought, the funnier it was. I could bare-
but a strong one. Imagine, looking in the mirror and seeing ly catch my breath. I have heard about hysterical laughter but
someone else! until that night, I had never experienced it myself. Let me tell

you, it's frightening. It is totally losing control of your emotions.

The greatest, of perhaps most significant moment, however Of course, I'm sure a lot of that was due to the effects of the
was later when I rushed out to the post office to check my hormones, but was still out of control. Finally, brought myself
I I

RO. Box. As I approached the front door a small boy came out down, went to bed alone, and cried myself to sleep. When I

followed by his father The father looked up, saw me, and his awoke felt dead inside, but hurt nonetheless. dragged myself
I I

initial reaction was to hold the door for me. Within a split-sec- into work and struggled through a lifeless day.Thoughts of sui-
ond, he re-read me and was so confused/embarrassed that he cide seriously drifted across my mind for the first time ever In
actually let go of the door and nearly let it slam in front of me! desperation, told my partnerTom, about what had happened.
I

The significance is, that even in male clothing, even when I was- And lo and behold, he managed to say just the right things at
n't trying, I was read as female! WOW!! just the right time. I don't know if it was accident or brilliance,
but he saw through all the smoke and told me what he saw.

He said that I was looking at the worst case scenarios. was I

September I I, 1989 trying to force the issues and suffer the grief now, so it would-
n't hurt so much later He said I was causing most of the bad
Today was the first day of school after summer vacation for my feelings with Mary, as all she had anymore was a miserable
kids. Both Mary and I dropped them off, but since she had to sniveling wreck instead of a husband. Instantly I realized he was
go to work, we took separate cars. went in with my daugh-
I right. He told me that this time of exploration should be one
ter to find the line for first grade. The whole time was there I of joy. I can't do anything about the way I feel, so just take it

Iwas surrounded by women - mothers - of roughly my age. It day by day. In time, things will workTHEMSELVES out.

was strange to think that as the next school year begins, could I

be one of them, instead of one of the few obtrusive men who Mary called shortly after that, and relayed the conversation. I

were there seeing off their children. She said that she had been trying to tell me that for weeks.
Iran into the mother of a kid who was in Keith's YMCA Indian Nothing is definite. She doesn't know what she'll ultimately do.
Guide tribe, of which had been "Chief for two years, then an I For that matter neither do She said, just take it slow, give us I!

advisor We chatted for a while, but when another female both time to adjust. And if a day of reckoning does come, it
won't be a sudden event, but something we plan for and deal saw the old and the ugly, the lonely and the grief-stricken: the
with in the most comfortable way possible. abandoned wrecks of pathetic former human beings reduced
to outlandish parodies in their grasping efforts to quench the
Suddenly, my heart was lightened. And for the first time in unbearable pain with even a brief encounter of pseudo affec-
weeks, was no longer
I afraid. I told her I loved her; and also for tion. And there were several of these poor burnt-out shells

the first time in weeks, she said she loved me too! Friday, staggering through the ranks to be sure. But no more than at
Saturday,and Sunday we spent packing our household goods any hot-music club that attracts the discontent like moths to a
for the move. And these were some of the best days of our nuclear bomb.
marriage.
But I saw people, some like myself, but most of the transves-
PS. Mary just called from work and after chatting, I hung up by tite persuasion, encountering other human beings in the man-
saying, "I love you." Again, she said, "I love you, too." And it was- ner and mode they felt driven to employ. I felt at home with
n't put-on or considered. It was just natural, like this entire tran- the crowd, almost intoxicated by it, as I had never been in the
sition is, really: just natural! company of so many of the lost souls at one time. And there
they were, smiling, talking, dancing, flirting: guys in drag actually
touching and kissing other men. Things I'd only imagined but
September 13 1989 ,
longed to try. Here was a place where socially scorned behav-

ior was the order of the day. Here, it was normal.

I was working late at the office last night, editing music tracks
for an educational film I had edited for a friend of mine, Brian, Well, Mark became increasingly frustrated that I was not put
who had directed. Both Brian and Tony, one of my USC off by the pathoshe wished to paint. In fact, after one beer; I

cronies, were with me helping to complete the project. At told him that one more beer would have me wishing had I

about I 1 :00 I got a phone call from Mark, who was also work- brought a change of clothes.
ing late. I asked if he wanted to get together and he said sure,
he'd be over right away. Now, I've only been in a night club of any kind two other times
in my life. And I've been one to gravitate to the dance floor
I Mark showed up, and after we
finished the project just as But as I shifted my thoughts into Melanie mode, I could see
viewed the completed twenty two minute edit, Brian and Tony that the thrill of getting caught up in the music and moving in

left and Mark and went out for a drink. Mark drove and
I I sensual waves that sparked erotic attraction in the onlookers
talked, and he headed up Barham Boulevard, which is the way circling the floor had a drug-like effect on my mind. I could see
to Hollywood, but was so caught up in my dysentery disser-
I myself out there, flaunting competing with every babe
all I had,
tation that paid no attention.I in the place for the attention of the male animals that cruised
the periphery like sharks, waiting for their prey. Indeed, if there
Finally, we parked and I asked where we were going. He said was not such a threat from AIDS and VD, would've been back I

there was a little restaurant down the street. We set off walk- there the next night, done-up to the teeth!
ing and entered the facility. Without a word of warning, Mark
paid his cover charge, then I had to shell out six bucks from Mark could see that he was failing. Finally, his uneasiness com-
mine! Some restaurant! Well, the throbbing disco music thun- bined with a sense of and he suggested we leave. felt
failure, I

dering from the door was the first indication that things were sorry for him as he struggled to understand what saw that I

not exactly Kosher.. Turns out, Mark had just taken me to a he didn't and vice versa. But I'm convinced that no one who
transvestite night club! is not themselves afflicted with theTS bug can truly appreciate
the forces that drive us.To be sure, they can intellectualize the
It seems Mark had told a mutual friend, Sean, about me. And compulsion, but they can never empathize with the feelings of
Sean was forcefully opinionated that was making a horrible
I frustration and futility in leading a life in the wrong gender
mistake. In fact, he said that Mark was being a poor friend in mold.
supporting me, as it was his DUTY to try to change my mind
before I ruined my life. He should be trying to save me from I hope he is not too depressed. After all, he is one of my few
myself! closest friends. And out of all those who have now shared my
secret, he is the only one to take the time to try and make an
Well, Mark being a self-effacing Polish-Catholic lad from the impact; the only one who is so concerned for my well-being
mid-west and prone to impulse buying any guilt trip offered on that they suffer on my behalf.
the open market, he felt it was now his personal responsibility
to show me the error of my ways. He went so far as to refer But someday, hope he I will realize that I AM female, ALWAYS I

to himself as "The Ghost of Phillips' Future"! HAVE BEEN female. And no one, no matter how well-inten-
tioned, can convince me to be other than my true nature. But,
He me through the writhing mass of horny flesh: half men
led thank you, Mark.... Your effort last night was truly one of the
and half women, except the women were men! Indeed, these most comforting expressions of brotherly love I have ever
men were some of the best looking women had ever seen. I received.
The dance floor was alive with the sensual moves of mini-
skirted, tight-shirted babes who flowed to the music as if

they could see it and were outlining it with their bodies. September 14 1989 ,

To Mark, this was a scene from Sodom and Gomorrah togeth- I'd been putting off this moment since I first seriously consid-
er again - with just a pinch of Dante's Inferno thrown in. He ered following the path to SRS. But here I was, laying down on
 the treatment table to have someone begin to permanently would be less than permanent. Most of my mask would
remove my beard. return home to daddy if I turned tail and ran. So the dials

were set, the alcohol dabbed across my two-day stubble, and

What a terrifying concept: that the mask I've hidden behind Andy's face appeared distorted through the magnifying light

major outward symbol that was mascu-

since puberty, the I as he hovered over me, pondering the eradication of my
linewould be stripped forever from my face; that should I security blanket.
ever change my mind, would be naked to the world, forev-
I

er struggling to prove myself for the rest of my life. We began on the upper lip, which was the most sensitive area
both physically and psychologically.The first few tentative stabs
For me, the hormone therapy, even the surgery itself was psy- were easily tolerable - not pleasant by any means, but well
chologically minor compared to the loss of my beard. For the within my pain threshold. For nearly 30 (I am proud to say)
results of these other steps can be reversed or hidden from minutes -THIRTY MINUTES, one half hour; one 48th of a day,

the world unless choose to reveal them. But the daily stub-
I I suffered in silence and bore my pain like a man. But then, the
ble, the 5 O'clock shadow, is undisguiseable and its absence more sensitive areasviolated and THESE hairs had anwere
undeniable. attitude. Each onehypodermic needle piercing my lip
felt like

and skewering it through. Some were worse than others. It got

This simple actbecame for me the major mental boundary line so I could anticipate the pain of the current by the pain of the
between flirtation and commitment. As one persona had put probe's initial entry. I tried to hold on, I really did. But this

it on one of my bulletin boards, "Electrolysis really separates the became easily the most excruciating experience I have ever
boys from the girls." And so, after months of putting it off the endured. And finally, I could endure no more. I asked to try the
time had come to take a stand. blend method, and found it much more acceptable in pain
level. So we continued for the remaining time in that style.

All morning I had spent with my dad, trying to keep my mind

off the clock. The appointment was at noon - HIGH noon.... I had been told that this method led more frequently to scar-
And I struggled to lose myself in picayune details. But ring and, in addition, took four times as long for an initial

nonetheless, the time arrived, and I had to go or forever hold "clearing". But "Flash" is definitely not for the squeamish.
my piece. So I went. There was really no other choice. Eventually, after what seemed like days, the session ended. I

dropped thirty sweaty dollars from my pocket to the table

The drive was uneventful and the directions good. And after and verified next week's appointment.
knocking at the front door for several minutes, I went around
back Andy/Karen appeared from the back room. Even
just as With growing anticipation, I strode to my car to view Andy's
though Andy was currently living in male mode, could easi- I handiwork in the rear view mirror I slipped into the scorch-
ly see the two modest bulges beneath his loose T-shirt.There ing plastic seat and tilted the mirrorto reveal my face. My lip

are some things that always remain. was quivering and swollen, but I could see small, almost minis-
cule patches where hair would grow no more. And suddenly
He greeted me and ushered me into his tiny studio. Crossing a chill of joy ran down my spine with the thought that in a
the threshold was like stepping into Berkeley in the sixties. matter of months, I would have a face as smooth as any
Incense and classical music fought for airspace in the con- woman's. I started the car and pulled out into reality with a
verted garage, while aTaoist goddess presided serenely over smile on my face, as I knew the threshold had been crossed
an offering of scented candles. A slick, high-tech computer and the commitment made.
nestled among dirty laundry and ancient herbal remedies,
"This one enhances the female aura, try some?"
September 16 1989 ,

I, extended telling of the story of

as usual, launched into an
my life, while Andy made Cranberry Mist Tea. Having com- Only one note major one indeed. As the day
for today, but a
pleted my nervous spiel and exhausted my supply of pre- wore moving our possessions by trailer to our
on, with us
selected prying questions, stood in silence while Andy struck
I new abode, Mary and began to have more and more fun I

a small hammer against a display of six differently tuned bells with each other Later when my step-dad took the kids for
as aTaoist prayer to the goddess. Supplication made, we drift- their weekly overnighter at his house, we got even closer
ed to the table where the event would be committed. Finally, after a particularly fond enjoyment of something or

other I mentioned I'd really like to make love to her tonight.

There are two types of electrolysis, Andy explained: Straight Well, later just before bed, I broached the subject again, and
electrolysis with a DC
and Thermalysis (or "Flash"
current, incredibly, she was VERY interested.

with an AC current.There was, for the undecided the "Blend"

method, combining both in one needle. NEEDLE, not probe, Without going into private details, suffice it to say that we had
not pointer; but NEEDLE! The first method was permanent a most enjoyable tryst.This was the first time we have been
but took nearly one minute per hair; although relatively pain- intimate since told her was serious about SRS two months
I I

less.The second, a 20% re-growth at only 1

0-20 seconds per ago. I don't know if this is a sign that things can work out, a

hair; with a higher level of pain. Then, the combined method final stab at some kind of normality, or a goodbye, but it is def-

with an 80% re-growth rate, just 5 seconds per hair, and suf- initely preferable to the leprous feeling of being outcast that
feringbeyond human comprehension. I opted for that I have endured for these last eight weeks. I love Mary very
method. much and hope my chosen course will not force our separa-
tion. A
My reasons were cowardly: If I could take the pain, the results

56
 a t u r e Article

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By the time you get this

I'll be gone. It's not your
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I was just sick of

W&MM
 laine Seely woke with start that October hair cut the way she wanted." But her ments. "It's something that everyone does,"
morning. Exhausted after a week end of peers at Brush High School in Lyndhurst Vanessa said. "You really don't realize how
work at her Euclid pizza parlor; Elaine had weren't quite as accepting. much it hurts some people."
aleady been awakened once, when her
daughter Nicole stopped in to say she did- "She pulled the trigger of that gun because "I'm not scared to die. I'm just
n't feel well, that she wasn't going to she felt it was the only way she could scared what might happen
school. Not an unusual situation, especial- escape the torment inflicted on her by her after I die. I hope I die instant-
ly in recent days. Elaine nodded already classmates," said June Lund Shiplett, a friend
ly because I hate pain."

falling back asleep. It was 7:45 am. of the family. "Every day she went to school
was torture for her and she didn't know
The hatred hadn't always been directed at
At 9:30, Elaine was roused again, startled how to stop it."

Nicole. Although she occasionally had dis-

by something. She headed toward her
cussed her gender identity with counselors
daughter's room to see if Nicole was feel- Nicole stopped it the only way she could
since she was 8 or 9, she got through grade
ing better Opening the door wasn't easy. " I think of. On Oct. 1
3, the high school
school just fine.
pushed and I pushed and pushed until I sophomore braced her father's .22-caliber

could get in there," Elaine remembered. "I rifle between her bedroom wall and her
thought she was asleep because she was left temple and pulled the trigger
I remember younger days when she
seemed to be more openly happy a lot of
making heavy breathing noises and I tried
the time," her father said But those days
to rouse her and I couldn't, "I pushed the
"Tell (Vanessa) I love her and were years ago. "Within maybe the last
door in a little bit more and that's when
to always think of me and if
I

three years she started to just draw into

saw the blood."
she needs someone to talk to, herself," her mother said, "She decided that
just turn up her music real her outside persona was more like a boy.
Nicole was slumped against the door; blood
loud and start talking because She presented this to the world and said,
seeping from a wound in her head. A self-
I'll be listening.
"

inflicted gunshot wound. By 3:05 that after-

'This is who I am.' Because she was differ-

ent they would tease her a lot. I guess

noon, 15-year-old Nicole was dead.
some of them were really, really nasty
It wasn't always blatant — but sometimes
when they teased her"
those whispers in the hallway cut sharper
"There was no way you could
than a shouted insult. "She was very sensi-
have stopped this. This was The problems started cropping up in
said her sister Vanessa. "She had a
something I wanted and need- tive,"
eighth grade, while Nicole was attending
ed for a long time. I was just very soft heart. She would walk around
Memorial junior High School in South
sick of everything and I with her head down a lot"
Euclid. The Seelys moved to South Euclid
needed to get away." the previous year but seventh grade wasn't
Life was different for Vanessa. With long
as torturous perhaps because Vanessa was
blond hair and a perky smile, Vanessa, who
with her When her older sister moved on
Away from the comments. Away from the was 14 months older fits in better than
to Brush, though, the harassment began. It

snide remarks. Away from the looks she Nicole. Unselfconsciously she admits that
didn't end until that fateful October morn-
received for being different. she belongs to the cool crowd, to "a high-
ing.
er class of people "I was friends with peo-
Since she was in third grade, Nicole had ple not in my grade," Vanessa said. "My sis-
"It wasn't just guys, it was girls, too, that
"gravitated toward masculinity"— sporting a ter would get jealous of me." Not that
were harassing her" Elaine said. "I really
short haircut, wearing boy's clothing, acting Vanessa wasn't picked on. "People will pick
wish I had known to what extent she was-
like a tomboy. "I think she was stuck in a on you no matter what," Vanessa said.
being harassed. I think one of the reasons
girl's body," said her father; Greg. "I think she "Even the cool people get picked on."
why she didn't tell us was because she
actually would have been a good candidate thought we would interfere and it would
for a sex change." But that didn't stop Vanessa from protect-
get worse."
ing her sister whom she called "Colie,"

Such a life path wouldn't have been Greg when she was harassed. Different crowd or
and Elaine's first choice for their youngest not, Vanessa had the warrior instincts of an "This is for the best and if you
daughter, their blossoming artist, their older sibling. When she heard people pick- don't know that then I don 't
wannabe NASCAR driver; their award- ing on her sister "I would yell at them" she know what to tell you."
winning bowler said. "I would try to make them feel so stu-
pid." Even now, Vanessa stands up for
They knew the trials Nicole would have to Nicole. "So many people came up to me, So the dark-haired youngster simply kept
face — but they also knew they loved their saying how horrible they feel for saying her problems to herself. School officials

daughter "It certainly wasn't going to be things. I'm like, 'Good, you should'." But she were even unaware that she swallowed a

easy," her father said, "but we didn't dis- also admits that Nicole's tormentors handful of Tylenol in September a move
courage her took her to shop and get her
I
weren't aware of the impact of their state- that sparked more counseling. "When I

58
think of hen I think guarded," said Sue er than she had been in a long time. "She fit

Cicero, Nicole's guidance counselor at right in with our team," said Coach Jayson "There's a number of teen-agers having
Brush High. "Nothing ever surfaced as far Macauda "She got along with everybody." these fears," Rimm said. "It's a kind projec-

as people mistreating her" "I don't think we tion. The uncertainty that so many young
had I all those pieces," added Principal Such friendships might have been the only people feel in their lives causes them to be
James A. Irvin. "If we had the pieces, we thing that kept Nicole from ending her life meaner to others." People going through
would have acted on that information. sooner "We were thinking that since she situations such as those involving 15-year-

was on a team, it was great," her father said. old Nicole Seely have to talk about it,

Nicole knew help was available, Cicero said. "She was making friends, doing things with experts said Nicole received some coun-
Brush has teams that deal with social and the girls from the soccer team. "It may have seling, but in the end, the confusion and lack
emotional problems as well as counselors kept her from doing it sooner than she did," of acceptance fueled her suicide.
and social workers. "If something comes to her mother added.
our attention, we move on it," Irvin said. "Sexuality is very powerful during our
"When it's done openly and someone whole life," said Rimm. "During the teen-age
hears we deal with
"Don't think of it as an ending years awakening. These young peo-
it, it." it's just
but a new start! Just go on
ple really need support, open minded sup-
with your life. You'll be OK."
Since last school yean Brush has focused on port." But it's hard, said others who’ve
diversity; this yean school started with a faced such crises, to know what to say.

motivational speaker who spoke on accept- But in Nicole's mind, a handful of friends

ing others. "When it comes down to it," couldn't make up for years of torment. And "I never talked to anybody about it because
Irvin said, "a school can't make kids behave now those friends have to deal with the I didn't know what would tell them," said I

differently. You can only make kids aware," fact that Nicole is gone. "I thought my sister Mitch, a 30-year-old man who began his life

he said, "Everything is designed to let young would always be there," Vanessa said. It's in a woman's body. "I was frightened. I fig-

people know that with their actions, there just beginning to hit her: Colie won't be ured I was the only girl who didn't know
will be reactions. It's up to the community, there to talk to, to shop with, to plan the how it meant to feel like a girl.

to parents, to everyone to make kids aware future with. "I don't get to buy her anything
what those reactions can be." for Christmas" Vanessa said. "People have heard of being gay," he said.

"But transgender is so far from anybody's

Part of Nicole's reticence might have But moving on requires finding a ray of understanding. Most people don't get up in

involved a simple desire to handle her hope wherever possible. Almost a month the morning and look into the mirror and
problems herself "She could take situations after Nicole died, Elaine Seely woke up question, 'Am I really a man? Am I really a
she didn't like and make them palatable to again, this time stirring from a dream of woman?"'
her" Cicero said, recounting conflicts that Nicole. "She was just sitting there eating,"
Nicole resolved. Elaine said. "I told her; 'I miss you so much.' "While homosexual people may be target-
She just stood there with a big grin on her ed in similar ways, transgender people tend
face." "I know she's happy, wherever she is." to stand out more," said Karen Gross, direc-
"Give my junk to Carly And tell tor ofTransFamily of Cleveland. "They don't
her sorry about the Arosmith clearly fit into gay or lesbian or straight," she
consort and I'll still see it, just
not with her, but in her heart." Doctors can offer said.

HELP TO CONFUSED
For more information and help:
TEEN-AGERS
But confusion about her gender identity — IFGE
781-899-2212
and the torment it brought about- turned
www.ifge.org
into something she couldn't handle on her Anger Fear Confusion. A combination of info@ifge.org
own. Nevertheless, Nicole didn't share her tormenting peers, gender-identity confusion
FTM International
confusion, didn't talk about the pain that and normal teenage angst can release a 415-553-5987
others were causing. Some of her pain may wealth of emotions that a youngster just www.ftm-intl.org
have been channeled into hard work: the doesn't know how to with. TSTGMen@aol.com
meticulously drawn pictures in which she
NationalGay and Lesbian Task Force
experimented with perspective and color, "Life is hard for any teen-ager" said Dr 202-332-0207
but it wasn't channeled into conversation. Sylvia Rimm, a child psychologist and direc-
American Boyz
tor of the Family Achievement Clinic, at
transman@netgsi.com
"I wish she had said something," said Carly, MetroHealth Medical Center Adding gen-
Nicole's best friend. "I don't think she knew der identity confusion or sexual issues to TOPS.
-800-76 -TOPS
how many friends she had. All my friends the mix only makes things more stressful
I 1

TG-TOPS@onelist.com
were friends with Colie." In fact, many of "Teen-agers are so vulnerable," Rimm said. www.uncle.org/tops/
those friends thought Nicole was doing "They haven't established their own identi-
She had recently joined the junior Intersex Society of North America
fine. var- ty."And vulnerable teens often express 415-575-3885
sity soccer team and seemed to be happi- their own fears by harassing others. www.isna.org
59
j
Y o u t h Issues

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, an ciT

“Young men with more feminine gender role

characteristics seem to face the highest risk of
self destructive behavior.
60
f RANSGENDER YOUTH SUICIDE

Warren Blumenfeld The Massachusetts Department of "The increased risk of suicide facing
J.
Education asked more than 3,000 stu- these youth is linked to growing up in a
dents in 1994 to answer questions society that teachesthem to hide and
Someday, maybe, there will exist a well- anonymously and found that 10 per- to hate themselves. We welcome this

informed, WELL-CONSIDERED, AND YET FER- cent had attempted suicide compared report and hope it will lead to action

VENT PUBLIC CONVICTION THAT THE MOST with 6 percent in 1 990, 20 percent that will save lives."

DEADLY OF ALL POSSIBLE SINS IS THE MUTILA- "made plans" to commit suicide com-
TION of a child's spirit. -Erik Erikson
pared with 14 percent in 1990. 3.4 per- Initially, however; the report was sup-
cent required medical treatment as a pressed by the Bush administration
result of a suicide attempt( I ). under pressure from right-wing groups
This issue not about a 'different' way
is
and by conservatives in Congress. After

OF LIFE; IT IS ABOUT LIFE ITSELF. KNOW THAT I

the findings, William Dannemeyer; who
EVERY TEACHER AND EVERY PARENT IN THIS Suicides among Gay, was at the time a conservative

Commonwealth fundamentally agrees Republican member of the U.S. House

Lesbian, Bisexual, of Representatives from California, called
THAT NO YOUNG PERSON - GAY OR STRAIGHT
- SHOULD BE DRIVEN TO TAKE HER OR HIS LIFE
And Transgender for then-president Bush to "dismiss from
BECAUSE OF ISOLATION AND ABUSE. THIS IS A Youth public service all persons still employed
TRAGEDY WE MUST ALL WORK TOGETHER TO who concocted this homosexual pledge
V
PREVENT. WE CAN TAKE THE FIRST STEP In 1
989, the United States Department of allegiance, and seal the lid on these
TOWARD ENDING GAY YOUTH SUICIDE BY CRE- of Health and Human Services (HHS) misjudgments for good." HHS Secretary

ATING AN ATMOSPHERE OF DIGNITY AND issued its "Report on the Secretary's Louis Sullivan wrote in a letter to

RESPECT FOR THESE YOUNG PEOPLE IN OUR Task Force on Youth Suicide," which Dannemeyer that the study "under-

schools. -Massachusettes Governor found that "A majority of suicide mined the institution of the farmily"(6).

William F. Weld, speaking at a Gay and attempts by homosexuals occur during

Lesbian Youth Commission Teacher their youth, and gay youth are 2 to 3 The findings of the report were leaked
Training, Arlington Street Church, times more likely to attempt suicide to the press and finallyOtherreleased.

Boston MA, June 30, 1993.

than other young people. They may studies confirm these findings. Gary
comprise up to 30 percent of (the esti- Remafedi, Assistant Professor of
mated 5,000) completed youth suicides Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, and
annually"(5). The report
Overall Youth recommended that "mental
Suicides health and youth service “It’s Homophibia that’s
agencies can provide accep- killing these kids.”
tance and support for
Adolescent suicide has increased three- young homosexuals, train

fold in the last 10 years, making it the on gay

their personnel issues, and pro- author of Death by Denial: Studies of
second most frequent cause of death vide appropriate gay adult role models; Attempted and Completed Suicide in

among youths aged 15-24 (10 per schools can protect gay youth from Gay and Lesbian and Bisexual Youth,
100.000 deaths per year) (2). The inci- abuse from their peers and provide found in a 1991 study of 1
50 gay and
dence of suicide among adolescents accurate information about homosexu- lesbian youths in Minneapolis, more
between the ages of 15 and 19 had ality in health curricula; families should than 30% said they had attempted sui-

jumped from 2.7 per 100,000 in 1950 accept their child and work toward cide at least once as a teenager
to 9.3 in 1982. The incidence of youth educating themselves about the devel-
suicide stands at I 1
.3 per 00,000 today.
1
opment and nature of homosexuality" The youths who are at the greatest risk
It is estimated that suicide attempts are for suicide are the ones who are least
40 to 100 times more common than Kevin Berrill, Director of the Anti- likely to reveal their sexual orientation
completed suicides.(3) An additional Violence Project of the National Gay to anyone. Suicide may be a way of
500.000 youths of all sexual orientations and Lesbian Task Force at the time of making sure that no one ever knows. It's

attempt suicide annually(4). the report's release stated. homophobia that's killing these kids (7).
61
 Remafedi confirmed a 30% suicide rate identification with a peer group, lack of dal behavior ( I
3) Fifty-three percent of
among gay and bisexual youth, and also experience, and dependence on par- transsexuals surveyed had made suicide
found that young men with more "fem- ents unwilling or unable to provide attempts. ( 1

4)
inine gender role characteristics" and emotional support. Younger gay adoles-
those who recognized their same-sex cents are also more likely to abuse sub- In February 1992, Massachusetts
Governor William F. Weld signed an
executive order establishing the
One-third of the first attempts Governor's Commission on Gay and

occurred in the same year that Lesbian Youth, taken,

concerns for the high incidence of
in large part over
sui-

subjects identified their bisexuality or cide among gay, lesbian, bisexual and

homosexuality, and most other transgender teens.

attempts happened soon thereafter. Additional leaders through-

out THE COUNTRY HAVE SPOKEN
OUT ON THIS ISSUE.
orientation at an early age and acted stances, drop out of school, be in con-
on those sexual feelings seem to face flict with the law, undergo psychiatric Gerald Newberry, Coordinator of Fairfax
the highest risk of self-destructive hospitalization, run away from home, County, Virginia's family-life education pro-
behavior This study also documents an be involved in prostitution, and attempt grams talking about why that county
unusually high relationship between suicide (9). expanded family-life education to include
homosexuality and sexual abuse, drug issues of homosexuality and homophobia:
abuse, homelessness, prostitution, feel- Poliak found that nearly all gay and les-

ings of isolation, family problems, and bian suicides occur between the ages "We had a moral obligation to combat
school difficulties. Thirty percent of of I 6 and 21(10). a devastating trend (gay and lesbian
these subjects reported at least one youth suicide). We needed to commu-
suicide attempt, and almost half of the The fear of AIDS adds to the anxiety nicate to our kids that people are dif-
attempters reported more than one gay youths experience. According to ferent, and that we don't choose our
attempt.The mean age in this sample at Joyce Hunter Behavioral Researcher at sexual feelings-they choose us(l5).”
the time of the suicide attempts was 1 the New York State Psychiatry
1/2 years. Ingestion of prescription Institute's HIV Center in New York City: Charlotte Patterson, Associate Professor of
and/or nonprescription drugs and self-
Psychology at the University of Virginia:
laceration accounted for 80% of the Gay teenagers already have so much to
attempts. Twenty-one percent of the deal with that when they find out they "We need to create an atmosphere in

suicide attempts resulted in medical or are HIV-positive or even that they are the schools where everybody is treated
psychiatric hospitalization, but almost 3 going to have to live in a world where with respect. The task of the schools is

out of 4 attempts did not receive any

medical attention. One-third of the first

attempts occurred in the same year

that subjects identified their bisexuality
Poliak found that: nearly all gay
or homosexuality, and most other and lesbian suicides occur
attempts
Family problems
happened soon thereafter
were the most fre-
between the ages of IB and 21.
quently cited reason for attempts.
Eighty-five percent of the attempters HIV is prevalent and a constant threat, not to advocate but to educate. Kids
reported illicit drug use and 22% had they become ovet^vhelmed. It's just should learn there are Jews and
undergone chemical dependency treat- another factor that can add to their sui-
Catholics as well as Protestants, and that
ment (8). cidal thoughts( I I ).
there are gay and lesbian parents as well
as heterosexuals (16)."
The earlier a young person is aware of Issues of race and gender identity also

a gay or lesbian orientation, the greater impact suicide. Thirty-six percent of Benjamin Ladner, President of the
the problems they may face and may African-American lesbians compared National Faculty a national organization
be more likely at risk of suicidal feelings to 2 1
percent of white lesbians, and 32 working for educational reform:
and behavior. percent of African-American gay males
compared to 27 percent of white gay "As educators, we've waited too long
Younger gay adolescents may be at the males attempted suicide before age to respond to the reality of social
highest risk for dysfunction because of I
8.( 1 may be at
2) Transsexuals higher structures. We have a moral obligation
emotional and physical immaturity, risk than homosexuals and much higher to provide understanding to children
unfulfilled developmental needs for risk than the general population to suici-
about the way things are. We can do it

62
- in collaboration with the neighbor- friends and being denied valid informa- sight of them, and never wanted to be
hoods and communities the children tion in high school for his emerging around them again.

live in. But it's our task to provide a sexual identity, a few days into his

base of understanding. We need to twentieth year, Bobby did a back flip Nancy died from an overdose of drugs
own up to this issue" (17). over a highway overpass in the path of in an apparent suicide, and JoAnne felt

overwhelmed with remorse. "I now

have an unbelievable amount of guilt

Fifty-three percent of due to the discriminatory comment I

transsexuals surveyed had made made

back what
to her years ago.
said, and is one of the
this
I can never take

suicide attempts.
I

main reasons I want to do everything I

can to help make this world a better

a semi-truck and trailer; and was killed place for those who are lesbian, gay, and
And Beth Winship, syndicated teen instantly. Bobby too kept a diary. At age bisexuaLJf families and society could
advice newspaper columnist: I 6 he wrote: only realize the deep scars they are dig-
ging every time there is gay bashing, a
"Some of the saddest, most hopeless "I can't let anyone find out that I'm not life could be save" (22).
letters I receive are from gay teens. At straight. It would be so humiliating. My
their age, when sexuality is of para- friends would hate me, I just know it.

mount importance, doubts about They might even want to beat me up. Opal
'inappropriate gender behavior' are Any my family, I've overheard them lots

excruciating and sometimes the teens of times talking about gay people. A mother gives testimony at hearings
are even suicidal. A high price They've said they hate gays, and even held in Boston, November 1 992, at the
indeed( I
8). God hates gays, too. It really scares me Massachusetts State House, to the
now, when I hear my family talk that Governor's Commission for Gay and
way, because now, they are talking Lesbian Youth:
Case Studies: about me .... Sometimes I feel like dis-

appearing from the face of the this "My name is Ruth and I've been asked
Sharon earth"(20). to give testimony regarding my daugh-
ter Opal. She died in April of 1992
Sharon, an 1 8-year old student at Mary, Bobby's mother; testified at a from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to
Concord Academy - a private school in public hearing on Project 0 1 (a gay and the head. Opal was 9 years old when 1

a wealthy suburb of Boston — looks lesbian school-based support program she died. She had told me in the sum-
back through her diaries beginning at in Los Angeles) June 23, 1988: mer of 1991 that she was Lesbian. My
age ten when peers continually called daughter was a sophomore at a presti-

her "dyke," "lezzie," and "queen" and "An injustice has been done not only gious, private university in

she counted the times she seriously to Bobby but to his family as well. God Massachusetts. She had an extremely
contemplated ending her life. knows it isn't right that Bobby is not bright future ahead of her and was
here with his loved ones. Correct edu- hoping to attend Harvard University
"Eighteen separate occasions have cation about homosexuality would and become a district attorney."

brought me to hold a shining razor have prevented this tragedy. There are
against my wrists, or to empty out a no words to express the pain and "While she was home for college break
hundred aspirin and count them over emptiness remaining in the hearts of in the summer of 1 99 I
,
I got a call from
and over trying to think of reasons not Bobby's family members, relatives, and one of her friends saying that I should
to swallow them, or to peer out my friends. We miss his kind and gentle come pick Opal up because "she took
third-floor dormitory window and try ways, his fun-loving spirit, his laughter drugs." When went to I get her she was
to calculate how would need to jump I Bobby's hopes and dreams should not extremely high, and babbling. I wanted
to most effectively dash my brains out have been taken from him, but they to take her to the hospital, but she
on the fire escape below." were. We can't have Bobby back.
became very agitated and said she
Please don't let this happen again" (2 ). 1

would run away, so I took her home

Fortunately, Sharon sought help before
instead. On the way home I asked her
it was too late. "I never slashed. I never
what was making her do this. said,
swallowed. I never jumped. I was much Nancy "Are you pregnant? Are you a drug
I

luckier than some people"(l9).

addict?" She told me "No," and "to stop
When JoAnne’s sister, Nancy, told her
guessing because I'd never figure it
that she was a lesbian, JoAnne
Bobby responded judgmentally.
out." I asked, "Are you Gay?" She didn't
respond so I repeated my question and

Bobby, however; was not so fortunate. I told Nancy that I thought that gays she said "Yes." I asked her if she thought

Lacking support from family and were disgusting and I couldn't stand the that made any difference in how much
I loved hen And I began to tell her that her sophomore year, there were Gay/Lesbian in America. When you're
whatever her lifestyle, it didn't matter almost always cases of beer in the cam- little, you feel different, but you don't
to me. She was my daughter and I pus suite. None of her roommates know what this feeling is all about.Then
would always love her took her home I were yet 2 1 . In speaking with other col- you get a little older and you hear and
and stayed up all night with her, telling lege students, they tell me that every- use words like "faggot" And then
her how much I loved her and that one drinks on campus, if you don't you're an adolescent and you start to
being Lesbian did not make any differ- you're considered weird. Opal's room- realize what this different feeling is, but
ence to me. I was very scared for mates did not know that she was you cannot talk about it to anyone.
Opal's mental health. I spoke with a Lesbian. Her closest roommate told Then you're a young adult, and the
Gay coworker, and he said to see if we me she had asked her outright and whole society tells you that the way
could encourage her to get counseling, Opal had made up an elaborate lie to you feel is abnormal. So, you still can't

but if not just to show her our love and cover up her sexuality and the letters talk to anyone, and then you fall in love
caring. Opal adamantly denied counsel- and late night calls she was also getting with someone, and just like heterosex-
ing, saying "You need it, not me." at school. After her death, Opal's ual people, you want to shout it from
roommate told me that she was differ- the rooftops and discuss it with some-
“I didn't understand; she needed help. I entwhen she came back to school in one, and when things aren't going right,

kept pressing her to get counseling, but September 1991. She didn't want to you need to talk about that too. But
she would only get angry when I socialize any more, she stayed in her you can't, because you've been taught
brought up the subject. I didn't know room in the dark, and slept sometimes that what you feel is not right. And
what to do. Should I tell my for 1 5 hours a day. None of her room- you've been taught by society that this

family/friends? Should I wait for Opal to mates had previously told me about love you feel is sinful, and you've
tell them? I finally accepted the fact that these problems. Opal's GPA was 3.3, learned to hide your true feelings.

I could not force Opal to get counsel- even better than her first year I didn't You've been taught to hate the way
ing; maybe the drugs were just a way know that she was showing these obvi- you feel, it's disgusting. So that there's
for her to be able to tell me that she ous signs of depression while she was this piece of yourself that you hate and
was Lesbian. I kept asking her if she at school. After her death, her room- despise, but it's part of who you are.

needed any help, and she kept saying mate told me that they had talked What confusion Opal must have felt.

she was fine. She was 1

9 years old and Opal into making an appointment to She was such a wonderful young
very independent. I decided that she get counseling when she returned from woman, caring and loving. Always help-

would let me know if she needed my April school break. When she came ing those who needed help most, and
assistance.” home for break in April 1 992, she was then when she needed help most, she
physically different. She had cut her hair couldn't ask.
"In August of 1991, I had a baby girl. very short; she had gained a lot of
Opal seemed so happy with her new weight. She was quiet, but Opal was "I love my daughter. I know she knew
sister We would visit Opal at college always a quiet person. She kept a lot to that. I have always had friends from all

and she would take the baby every- herself. I asked her if anything was kinds of backgrounds. I taught Opal to
where to meet her friends. She called wrong, but she kept telling me every- be open and accepting to all people
the baby "Peanut" and just seemed to thing was fine. regardless of their race or sexuality or

enjoy being with her But I knew some- anything that society called different.
thing was bothering Opal. I kept asking The last time I saw her alive was on And even though I taught her these
her what was wrong. I suspected that Wednesday, April 22. 1 found her body things, it wasn't enough - society taught

she was drinking a lot. She only came on Friday, April 24. It was the most ter- her to hate a part of herself. THIS
home from school about once a rible thing that has ever happened to MUST STOP A wonderful child, with
month; we spoke more frequently on me. I cannot describe my utter horror an incredible mind is gone because our
the phone, but I didn't see her that and total sadness. My daughter was society can't accept people who are

often. When she was home she kept gone. I couldn't fix her wounds or help "different" I will miss my daughter for
running up long distance phone bills, her Imagine the sadness she must have the rest of my life. I'll never see her
and making late night calls. After Opal's felt to cause her to make this decision. beautiful smile or hear her glorious
death, I found out she was calling her I could not imagine how I could live laugh. I'll never see her play with her
lover, a woman in her mid 20s. From with the pain I felt, knowing that Opal sister again. All because of hatred and
what I have found out, her lover was was so distraught, that she would take ignorance. I strongly believe that the

trying to end their relationship at the her life; and I hadn't put the signs seeds of hate are sown early in life.

time of Opal's death. together to think suicide. Even though I Let's replace them with love, under-
realize that suicide was Opal's decision, standing, and compassion. We have no
I do not blame any one person for the guilt that I and my family felt at the choice - this terrible tragedy will con-
Opal's suicide. But can now see many I time of her death was overwhelming.” tinue to repeat itself and someday it

contributing factors to her decision. may be your wonderful child who is

When I visited Opal at college during Imagine what it's like to grow up gone forever”(23).
 INTERVENTION esteem, will needlessly and fortable with. This is the teacher/coun-

STRATEGIES purposefully place them- selor link, the peer/counselor link, or

selves at increased risk for the parent/counselor link. No matter
HIV infection. who you are, if you suspect a problem,

Q: What
can teachers, itdoes no one any good to keep it

parents, and peers do to

LAH: Officially that kind of behavior under wraps.
would not be called "suicidal." It would
prevent youth suicides!
be called "self destructive." However; any The crucial point is, just because you
Lee Ann Hoff, Author of the award-win-
self-destructive behavior is related to open up this subject, it doesn't mean
the larger issues of self esteem and not you have to do the whole thing. All you
ning book People in Crisis.: What profes-
caring about one's life, and in this case, have to do is give the message of caring
sionals in this field of suicide prevention
have said and studied and practiced for
the downward spiral into depression. It and concern and link that person with

dozens of years is, you have to be direct:

starts at the top with society blaming somebody who has more skill and
the victims, and the next piece is where experience. In many instances that may
you have to talk about it, understand
the victim blames him/herself, and then even be enough.
what it is about. They must understand
goes into depression and then poten-
the pain and connect it to the underly-
ing issues. What you basically have to do
tially suicide. Suicide would be the ulti- Q: On many occasions, teach-
is "uncloset" suicide, which traditionally
mate self-destructive behavior Others ers and peers will speak out
has been considered a taboo subject.
behaviors would include acting out against other forms of
toward other people, for example, harassment and bigotry in
Q: Some people say, like the assault or even homicide. the schools (e.g. racist, sexist,
topic homosexuality, if you anti-religious discrimina-
talk about suicide, it will Q: Are there connections tion), but are hesitant to
put ideas in students' heads! between violence prevention interrupt homophobic or
and suicide prevention heterosexist epithets for fear
LAH: That is a myth that has been
strategies! of having their own sexuality
undone so long ago;
called into question. What
it is absolutely pre-
posterous. There is the delicate thing
LAH: They are very similar in many are your feelings about that!
respects, with the major piece being
you have with adolescents around imita-
tive and contagious behavior; but you
helping people find other ways to LAH: I really believe that one of the
don't stop suicide by refusing to talk
express either their despair or their things that is wrong with this country

about it. If you keep it under wraps, the

anger In the case of suicide, the key right now is that we have lost all touch

kids are going to be even more

dynamic is depression and despair In the with the fact that human beings are
likely to
case of violence it's anger and assault. moral beings, and that this pretense that
imitate suicidal behavior
we should be completely neutral, includ-

Q: There have been com- Q: Some people argue that ing teachers, is to me absolutely ridicu-

plaints coming from both violence and suicide are lous. This is true even in the therapy

within the GLBT communi- issues only to be discussed by world: therapy and guidance people

ties that we over emphasize guidance counselors, and not, have espoused this so-called stance of

GLBT youth suicide, and that for example, by classroom neutrality. With the research that we
we must tell more of the
teachers or peer counselors. have on violence, it is now very openly

positive stories. They say we What is your opinion! accepted that if health professions, for

might be scaring students example, maintain neutrality in the face

when we talking about the LAH: Teachers are front-line workers of another human being hurt, this is

negative aspects of our when it comes to things that have been wrong. If you do not make a statement
lives.
called "mental health issues." In another that helps define this act as an amoral
sense this everyone's business and act and as something that socially
LAH: Everything should be in balance.
is is

One shouldn't ever only talk about the

that includes teachers, parents, and unacceptable and against the law, then

negatives, e.g. suicide, substance abuse,

peers. I made a distinction between you are colluding. You have an obligation

etc.. However; that doesn't mean you

"Level I Assessment" (every human as a health or social service or educa-
being needs to assess this risk for life). tional professional to define things in the
shouldn't talk about it at all. Even if

nobody has made "Level 2 Assessment," on the other law that have been defined as criminal
a suicide attempt, you
hand, is a larger piece which usually spe- and as punishable.
still need to bring it out in the open as
something to be prevented, and some-
cialists do. Everybody needs to at least

thing to be understood.
find out if there is some danger here
and what is going on and at the very Myths and Facts
Q: Some AIDS educators least to make a sympathetic statement
talk
and offer support and understanding,
about "passive suicide" in Myth Good circumstances -
which some young people, and to try to link the person up with
having a comfortable home,
due to issues of poor self someone who they feel more com- a good job, or being a good
student - prevent suicide. REFERENCES
4
1.

Extremely upset and dep-

.
Wong, Doris Sue, and Hartjordana, "Answers Leave A
Fact: Suicide cuts across class, race, age, ressed over everyday happenings. 2.
Confounding Picture in Poll of Moss. High School
and sexual orientation differences, Students," Boston Globe, May 20, 994, p. I. 1

though its frequency varies among differ-

5. Giving a verbal message that
could be taken as a "good-bye": "I just Fisher, R, Shaffer, D, "Facts about Suicide: A Review of
ent groups in society. For example, sui- National Mortality and Records," in Planning to
Statistics
can't take it anymore. ..Something's got
cide and suicide attempts among gay Live: Suicidal Youth in Community Settings, ed. Rotheram-
to give." Borus, M.J., Bradley, J„ Obolensky, N., Tulsa, Oklahoma,
males and lesbians is considerably higher
University of Oklahoma Press, 1990, pp. 1-33.
than among heterosexual youth (due to
societal homophobia, transphobia and
6* Any action or way of behav- 5.
3. Shaffer, d„ Garland, A., Gould, M„ Fisher, P. Troutman, R,

heterosexism). ing that seems unusual for the person, "Preventing Teenage Suicide: A Critical Review," Journal of
the American Academy of Child Psychiatry, 1988:27 (6),
for example: driving recklessly; eating
pp.
6.
675-687.
or drinking more or less than usual; a
Myth: People threaten who student with a good academic record
4.Spoonhour,A„ “The
People, Feb. 18, I985,pp. 76-78.
First Few Days are the Hardest " in

suicide cut their wrists, or quits studying. 8.

don't succeed are just looking U. 5. Department of Health and Human Services, "Gay
Male
2. and Lesbian Youth Suicide," by Paul Gibson, in
for attention and are not a Report
9. of the Secretary's Task Force on Youth Suicide, ed.
risk for suicide. Marcia
3. R. Femleib, Washington, DC, January 1 989.
Individual
Fact: The majority of people who suc- Conferences with Quoted
4.
Advocate, April
in Bull,

5, 1
Chris,
994, p.
" Suicidal

37.
Tendencies The

ceed themselves have a history of

in killing
Students 5.
previous suicide attempts. All threats and Gary
710. Remafedi, quoted in Bull, Chris, "Suicidal
Virginia Uribe, Project lO Tendencies," The Advocate, April 5, 1994, p. 38.
attempts are "cries for help" and should be
taken seriously. Failure to answer a "cry for Remafedi, G„ Farrow, and Deisher, R. (1991), “Risk
A. Find Privacy: If possible, try to 7. J„
help" may precipitate another attempt. Factors for Attempted Suicide in Gay and Bisexual
find a place where the student can be Youth," Pediatrics, 87(6), pp. 869-76.
Anyone desperate enough to make a sui-
assured of some privacy. Perhaps a
cide attempt most surely needs more Remafedi, G„ "Male Homosexuality: The Adolescent's
cubicle the counselor's office or in
in
attention than he or she is currently Perspective." Adolescent Health Program, University of
some other office. Avoid placing your- Minnesota: Unpublished, 1 985.
receiving.
self in a compromising situation. Don't
Pollak, Michael, "Male Homosexuality" in Western
go off campus. Stay visible to others.
Sexuality, eds. Phillippe Aries and Andre Bejin, NY:
Blackwell, 985.
Myth: Talking about suicide to 1

B. Assure Confidentiality: Within

people who are upset will put I I Joyce Hunter, quoted in Bull, Chris, " Suicidal
the legal limits, assure the student that
the .idea in their heads. Tendencies," The Advocate, April 5, 1 994, p.42.
what is said will remain confidential.
1 Bell, A., and Weinberg, M„ Homosexualities:A Study of
Fact: Suicide is much too complex a Diversity among Men and Women, New York- Simon and
C. Maintain Calm: very impor-
It is
process to occur as a result of a sincere Schuster, 1978.
tant that the adult present a balanced
and caring person asking a question
demeanor so that the student knows 1 Harry, J„ "Adolescent Suicide and Sexual Identity
about suicidal intent. Issues," submitted to the National Institute of Mental
that he or she has permission to talk
Health
18. for the Secretary's Conference on Adolescent
freely about the source of the distress. Suicide, Washington, DC, May 8-9, 1 986.

Myth: When gay and lesbian and

people recognize the "sinful-
D Be Honest With Yourself: Keep 1 Huxdly,
Transsexualism, Part
J.,

I:
Brandon,
Paired
S„
and Non-paired Groups,"
"Partnership in

in touch with your own and feelings Archives of Sexual Behavior, 10, pp, 133-141, 1981.
ness" of their life, most of 20.
reactions to the student, the issues, and
them kill themselves.
the situation. This is especially impor-
1 Gerald Newberry, quoted in "Jack and Jack and Jill
and Jill," by Richard Lacayo.Time, Dec. 1 4, 1 992, pp. 52-
tant an emotionally-laden subject like
in 53.
21.
Fact: Though a number of gay
significant
homosexuality. If you feel you cannot
and lesbian youth commit suicide or make 6 .Charlotte Patterson, quoted in Debate Heated Over
handle the situation, ask someone else
1 ",

suicide attempts, they do so most often Teaching Children about Homosexuals," by Anthony
to take over; and arrange the transition. Flint Boston Globe, Dec. 3, 1 992, p. 53. 1

because of the prejudice, hatred, and some-

times violence they have endured from 1 Benjamin Ladner, quoted in " Debate Heated Over
E. Validate Feelings: Listen well to
mainstream society Just like racial identity or Teaching Children about Homosexuals," by Anthony
the feelings that are being expressed by Flint, Boston Globe, Dec. 3, 992, p. 53. 1 1

being male or female, sexual orientation is

not something a person chooses.
societal attitudestoward gay males, lesbians,
the student. Help the student clarify
When
feelings. Use gentle probes for clarifica-
tion and elaboration. Use increasingly
Beth Wmship, quoted in Blumenfeld, Warren J (ed.).,
Homophobia: How We All Pay the Price, Boston: Beacon
Press, 992, back cover.
1

bisexuals and trans change from rejection to

focused questions when appropriate.
acceptance and support, their rates of self- 1 Bergman, Testimony, Governor's Commission
9. Sharon

destructive behavior most likely will on Gay and Lesbian Youth, Boston.
F. Provide Information: The correct
decrease.
information at the right time can be Bobby quoted in Miller, B.Jaye, "From Silence
Griffith,

Measuring a Mother's Loss," in Blumenfeld,

to Suicide :
very helpful. Be sure not to preach, Warren J. (ed). Homophobia How We All Pay the Price,
Signs of Suicidal Risk, however; and be sure that your own Boston: Beacon Press, 992, pp. 88-89.
:

Lee Ann Hoff

1

need to "do something" is not clouding

Mary Griffith, Testimony, Los Angeles School
your judgment regarding the timeliness Committee, Public Hearings, June 23, 1 988.
of the information.
Severe Changes in Behavior, 22joAnne Cordell, Testimony, Governor's Commission on
Attitudes, School performance. Gay and Lesbian Youth, Boston.
G. Explore Resources: As soon as
possible, explore with the student what 23,Testimony, Governor's Commission on Gay and
2* Giving away prized posssions. resources he or she has available, and Lesbian Youth, Massachusetts State House. Boston,
November 1 992.
what their support system provides.
3 Putting oneself down for the Assist student in deciding who,
the
smallest failure. when, and how to reach out for that Warren J.
Blumenfeld
support. E-Mail: blumenfeld@educ.umass.edu
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67
|C o v e r Story: Neurobiology

A Sex Difference the Human Brain and in

its Relation to Transsexuality

By Zhou, M.A. cal differences in relation to sex and searched for a brain structure that was
J.-N.
sexual orientation have been observed sexually dimorphic, but not influenced
Hofman, L.J. Gooren in the human hypothalamus (see [6] by sexual orientation, as male-to-
AND D. F. SWAAB for a review), but so far no neu- female transsexuals may be "oriented"
roanatomical investigations have been to either sex with respect to sexual
made in relation to the expression of behavior. Our earlier observations
cross-gender identity (transsexuality). showed that the paraventricular nucle-

Transsexuals have the strong feeling, us (PVN), sexually dimorphic

often from childhood onwards, of hav- nucleus (SDN) and suprachiasmat-
ing been born the wrong sex. The pos- ic nucleus (SCN) did not meet

sible psychogenic or biological etiology these criteria ([6] and unpublished

of transsexuality has been the subject data). Although there is no accept-

of debate for many years [1,2]. Here ed animal model for gender identi-

we show that the volume of the cen- ty alterations, the bed nucleus of
tral subdivision of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) turned

the stria terminalis (BSTc), a brain out to be an appropriate candi-

area that is essential for sexual date to study for the following rea-

behavior [3,4], is larger in men than in

sons, First, it is known that the BST
women. A female-sized BSTc was plays an essential -part in rodent

found in male-to-female transsexuals. sexual behavior [3,4], Not only

The size of the BSTc was not influ-

have estrogen and androgen recep-

enced by sex hormones in adulthood tors been found in the BST [8,9], it

and was independent of sexual orien- is also a major aromatization center

tation. Our study is the first to show a in the developing rat brain [
I OJ.The

female brain structure in genetically BST in the rat receives projections

male transsexuals and supports the mainly from the amygdala and pro-

hypothesis that gender identity devel- vides a strong input in the preoptic-

ops as a result of an interaction hypothalamic region [11,12],

between the developing brain and Reciprocal connections between

sex hormones [5,6], hypothalamus, BST and amygdala
are also well documented in exper-

Investigation of genetics, gonads, geni- imental animals [13-1 5], In addition, sex

Figure Schematic frontal section differences in the size and cell number
talia or hormone level of transsexuals I:

has not, so far, produced any results through two subdivisions of the bed of the BST have been described in
that explain their status 1 ,2], In exper- nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) that rodents which are influenced by
[
are hatched. third ventricle: AC: anteri- gonadal steroids in development 6-
imental animals, however, the same Ill:
[
1

gonadal hormones that prenatally or commissure ; BSTc and BSTv: central 1

8], humans a particular caudal
Also in

determine the morphology of the gen- and ventral subdivisions of the BST: FX: part of the BST (BNST-dspm) has been

italia also influence the morphology fornix: 1C: internal capsule: LV: lateral ven- reported to be 2.5 times larger in men
and function of the brain in experi- tricle: NBM: nucleus basalis of Meynert: than in women [19].

mental animals in a sexually dimorphic OT: optic tract: PVN: paraventricular

fashion [6,7], This led to the hypothesis nucleus: SDN: sexually dimorphic nucleus; The localization of the BST is shown in
that sexual differentiation of the brain SON: supraoptic nucleus. figure I . The central part of the BST
in transsexuals might not have fol-
(BSTc) is characterized by its somato-

lowed the line of sexual differentiation We have studied the hypothalamus of statin cells and vasoactive intestinal

of the body as a whole. six male-to-female transsexuals (Tl- polypeptide (VIP) innervation [20], We
T6); this material that was collected measured the volume of the BSTc on
In the past few years, several anatomi- over the last eleven years. We the basis of its VIP innervation (Fig. 2).

68
 not related to age in any of the refer-

ence groups studied (P>0. 15), indicat-

ing that the observed small size of the

BSTc in transsexuals was not due to
the fact that they were, on average, 1

to I
3 years older than the hetero- and
homosexual men.

The BST plays an essential role in mas-

culine sexual behavior and in the regu-
lation of gonadotrophin release, as

shown by studies in the rat [3,4,21],

There has been no direct evidence
that the BST has such a role in human
sexual behavior but our demonstra-
tion of a sexually dimorphic pattern in

the size of the human BSTc, which is in

agreement with the previously

described a more
sex difference in

caudal part of the BST (BNST-dspm)

LV LV
[19], indicates that this nucleus may
also be involved in human sexual or
reproductive functions. It has been
proposed that neurochemical sex dif-

ferences in may be due to

the rat BST
effects of sex hormones on the brain
during development and in adulthood
[22,23]. Our humans how-
data from
ever; indicate that BSTc volume is not

affected by varying sex hormone levels

in adulthood. The BSTc volume of a
/
46-year-old woman who had suffered
for at least I year from a tumor of the
adrenal cortex that produced very
high blood levels of androstenedione
and testosterone, was within the range
of that of other women (Fig. 3: SI).

Furthermore, two postmenopausal

Figure 2: Representative sections of the (P<0.005). AIDS did not seem to influ- women (aged over 70 years) showed
8 STc innervated by vasoactive intestinal ence the size of the BSTc: the BSTc a completely normal female-sized
polypeptide (VIP). A: heterosexual man; 8: size of two heterosexual AIDS-infect- BSTc (Fig. 3: M I
,
M2). As all the trans-
heterosexual woman; C: homosexual ed women and three heterosexual sexuals had been treated with estro-
man; D: male-to-female transsexual. AIDS-infected men remained well gen's, the reduced size of the BSTc
8 ar=0.5 mm. LV: lateral ventricle. Note within the range of the corresponding could possibly have been due to the
there are two parts of the BST in A and reference group 3). The AIDS-
(Fig. presence of high levels of estrogen in

8: small sized medial subdivision (BSTm), infected heterosexuals were therefore the blood. Evidence against this comes
and large oval-sized central subdivision included in the corresponding refer- from the fact that transsexual T2 and
(BSTc). ence group for statistical purposes. A T3 both showed a small, female-like
small volume of the BSTc ( 1 .30+0.23 BSTc (Fig. 3), although T2 stopped tak-
The BSTc volume in heterosexual men mm3) was found in the male-to- ing estrogen aboutmonths before 1 5
(2.49±0. 6 mm3) was 4496 larger than
1
female transsexuals (Fig. 3). Its size was death, since her prolactin levels were
in heterosexual women (l.73±0. 13 only 5296 of that found in the refer- too high and T3 stopped hormone
mm3) (P<0.005) (Fig. 3). The volume ence males (P<0.005) and 4696 of the treatment since a sarcoma was found
of the BSTc of heterosexual and BSTc of homosexual males (P<0.005). about three months before death; also
homosexual men was found not to dif- Although the mean BSTc volume in a 3 -year-old
I man who suffered from
fer in any statistically significant way the transsexuals was even smaller than a feminizing adrenal tumor which
(2.8 I ±0.20 mm3) (P=0.26).The BSTc that in the female group, the difference induced high blood levels of estrogen,
was 6296 larger in homosexual men did not reach statistical significance nevertheless had a very large BSTc
than in heterosexual women (P=0. 1 3). The volume of the BSTc was (Fig. 3: S2).
 A the single transsexual who had not
s«;
6
been orchidectomized (T4) ranged in
h
the middle of the transsexual scores
55 k Not
(Fig. 3). only were five of the
-
J

£
S2 transsexuals orchidectomized, they all

used the antiandrogen cyproterone

_£
acetate (CPA). A CPA effect on the
<r BSTc does not seem likely, because T6
-
E i had not taken CPA for the past 10

0 years, and T3 took no CPA during the

> tL two years before death and still had a
female-sized BSTc.

c/>
do In summary, our observations suggest
that the small size of the BSTc in male-
to-female transsexuals cannot be
explained by differences in adult sex
hormone levels, but is established dur-
ing development by an organizing
hormones, an idea sup-
action of sex
Figure 3: Volume of the BSTc innervated females and three males) and no left- ported by the fact that neonatal
by VIP fibers in presumed heterosexual right asymmetries were observed: the left gonadectomy of male rats and andro-
males (M), homosexual males ( HA/IO), BSTc (1.7 ±0. 6 1 1 mm3) was compara- genization of the female rats indeed
presumed heterosexual females (F) and ble in size to that of the right BSTc induced significant changes in the num-
male-to-female transsexuals (TM). The (l.83±0.30 mm3) (P=0.79). No asym- ber of neurons of the BST and sup-
six transsexuals are numbered 7/ -76. metry was observed in the BNST-dspm pressed its sexual dimorphism [17,18].
The patients with abnormal sex hor- either [ 1 9], The rest of our study was
mone levels are numbered SI-S4. Ml therefore performed on one side of the Considered together with information
and M2: postmenopausal women. Bars brain only. Brain weight of the male from animals, then our study supports
indicate mean±SEM. Open symbols: indi- transsexuals (I385±75 g) was not dif- the hypothesis that gender identity

viduals who died of AIDS. METHODS. ferent from that of the reference males alterations may develop as a result of
Brains of 42 subjects matched for age, (I453±25 g) (P=0.6I) or that of the an altered interaction between the
postmortem time and duration of forma- females (I256±35 g) (P=0.23). The development of the brain and sex hor-
lin fixation were investigated. The autop- cause of death of the six transsexuals mones [5,6]. The direct action of
sy was performed following the required was suicide (T I ), cardiovascular disease genetic factors should also be consid-
permission. For immunocytochemical (T2,T6), sarcoma (T3),AIDS, pneumonia, ered on the basis of animal experi-
staining of VIP, the paraffin sections were pericarditis (T4) and hepatitic failure ments [24],
hydrated and rinsed in TBS (Tris-buffered- (T5). Sexual orientation of the subjects of
saline: 0.05 M tris, 0.9% NaCI, pH 7.6). the reference group ( 2 1 men and I I We found no relationship between
The sections were incubated with 200 /ul women) was generally not known, but BSTc size and the sexual orientation of
anti-VIP (Viper, 18/9/86) 1:1000 in 0.5% presumably most of them were hetero- transsexuals, that is, whether they were
triton in TBS overnight at 4° C. The sexual. Sexual orientation of nine homo- male-oriented (TI.T6), female-orient-
immunocytochemical and morphometric sexuals was registered in the clinical ed (T3.T2.T5), or both (T4).
procedures were performed as described records [28], Differences among the Furthermore, the size of the BSTc of
extensively elsewhere [25-27], In brief, groups were tested two-tailed using the heterosexual men and homosexual
serial 6mm sections of the BSTc were Mann-Whitney U test. A 5% level of sig- men did not differ; which reinforced
studied by means of a digitizer (Calcomp nificance was used in all statistical tests. the idea that the reduced BSTc size is

2000) connected to a HP-UX 9.0, using independent of sexual orientation. In

a Zeiss microscope equipped with a Our results might also be explained if addition, there was no difference in

2.5x objective and with I Ox (PLAN) ocu- the female-sized BSTc in the transsex- BSTc size between early-onset
lars. Staining was performed on every ual group was due to the lack of (T2,T5,T6) and late-onset transsexuals
50th section with anti-VIPThe rostral and androgens, because they had all been (TI.T3), indicating that the decreased
caudal borders of the BSTc were orchidectomized except for T4. We size is related to the gender identity

assessed by staining every I Oth section therefore studied two other men who alteration per se rather than to the age
in the area. The volume of the BSTc was had been orchidectomized because of at which it becomes apparent.
determined by integrating all the area cancer of the prostate (one and three Interestingly, the very small BSTc in

measurements of the BSTc sections that months before death: S4 and S3, transsexuals appears to be a very local
were innervated by VIP fibers. In a pilot respectively), and found that their brain difference. We failed to observe
study, the size of the BSTc was measured BSTc sizes were at the high end of the similar changes in three other hypo-
on both sides in eight subjects (five normal male range. The BSTc size of thalamic nuclei, namely, PVN, SDN or
SCN in the same individuals (unpub- Kawakami, M. and Kimura, F„ Endocrinol. Jap., 21 (1 974) 32 (1987) 295-300.
125-130.
lished data). This might be due to the Guillamon.A., Segovia, S. and Del Abril, A., Dev. Brain Res.,

fact that these nuclei do not all devel- Emery D.E. and Sachs, B.D., Physiol. Behav., 17 (1976) 44 (1988) 281-290.
803-806.
op at the same time, or to a difference Allen, L.A. and Gorski, R.A., J.
Comp. Neurol., 302 ( 1 990)
between these nuclei and the BST Editorials Lancet, 338 (1991) 603-604. 697-706.
Swaab, D.F. and Hofman, M.A..TINS, 18 (1995) 264-270.
with respect to the presence of sex Walter A., Mai, J.K., Lanta, L. and Gores, TJ„ Chem.
hormone receptors or aromatase.We Money, J„ Schwartz, M. and Lewis, V.G., Neuroanat.,4 (1991) 281-298.
Psychoneuroendocrinology, 9 ( 1
984) 405- 4 1 4.
are now studying the distribution of Claro, F„ Segovia, S„ Guilamon, A. and Del Abril, A., Brain

sex hormone receptors and the aro- Sheridan, RJ„ Endocrinology, 1

04 ( 1
979) 1 30- 36. 1 Res. Bull., 36 (1995)1-10.

matase activity in various hypothalam- Commins, D. and Yahc D.. J.

Comp. Neurol., 231 (1985) Simerly R.B. and Swanson, L.W., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.

ic nuclei in relation to sexual orienta- 473-489. U.S.A., 84 (1987) 2087-2091.

tion and gender. A Jakab, R.L., Horvath, TL., Leranth, C„ Harada, N. and De Vries, G.J., J.
Neuroendocrinol., 20 ( 1
990) 1-13.
Naftolin, F.J.. Steroid Biochem. Molec. Biol., 44 (1993) Pilgrim, Ch. and Reisert. I.. Horm. metab. Res., 24 (1992)
481-498. 353-359.
Acknowledgments
Eiden, E.L., Hokfelt, T Brownstein, M.J. and Palkovits, M„ Swaab, D.F.,Zhou,J.N., Ehlhart.T and Hofman, M.A., Brain
Neuroscience. 15 (1985) 999-1013. Res., 79 (1994) 249-259,
We thank Mr. 8. Fisser, Mr. H. Stoffels, Mr. G. van der
Meulen, and Ms.T. Eikelboom and Ms.W.T.RVerweij De Olmos, J.S. In: Paxinos, G. (Ed.), The Human Nervous Zhou, Hofman, MA. and Swaab, D.F., Neurobiol.
J.N.,

for their help, and Drs. R.M. Buijs, M.A. Corner, E. System, Academic Press, San Diego. 1 990, pp. 597-7 1 0. Aging ( 1
995) in press.

Fliers, A. Walter and F.W. van Leeuwen for their Woodhams, RL., Roberts, G.W, Polak, J.M. and Crow.TJ.,
Neuroscience. 8 (1983) 677-703. Zhou.J.N., Hofman, M.A. and Swaab, D.F., Brain Res. 672
comments. Brain material was provided by the
(1995) 285-288.
Netherlands Brain Bank (coordinator Dr R. Ravid).
Simerly, R.B..TINS, 13 (1990) 104-1 10.
This study was supported by NWO. Swaab D.F. and Hofman M.A., Brain Res., 537 (1990)
Arluison, M„ et al„ Brain Res. Bull., 34 ( 1
994) 3 9-337. 1 141-148.

References Bleier R, Byne, W. and Siggelkow, l.,J. Comp. Neurol., 2 1

(1982) I 18-130.

Money. J.
and Gaskin, Int. J. Psychiatry 9 (1970/1971) 249. Reprinted with permission of the authors from
Gooren, L.J.G., Psychoneuroencrinology, 15 (1 990) 3- 4. 1
Del Abril, A., Segovia, S. and Guillamon.A., Dev. Brain Res., NATURE, 378: 68-70 (1995)

Riki Anne Wllchins continued from page 9 they held that gender included sex-based traits such
as Ann Hopkin's overall aggressiveness and perceived
As always, our bodies, our lives, and the crimes perpe- masculinity.
trated against them are more complex than the polit-
ical movements we create to represent and contain Such things are customarily written in as part of the
them. Although it is expeditious to claim we're "just "legislative intent" which attends any bill as it approach-
like everyone else," in the case of gender-queers, it’s es final passage, and those readers who feel strongly

simply not true. We are the ones who your mother can do no greater good than to make their local
"just knew" were queer We are the ones you, and Congressmembers aware why this coverage is so
bashers, "can tell" on the street. And, like queers of important. Those who are politically active in queer
color and queers of class, we are the ones who are politics can also speak to the nearest HRC represen-
specially vulnerable and specially at risk and we are tative and encourage them to fight vigorously and
slowly and inexorably being left behind by our own openly for such wording.
movement.
GenderPAC remains committed as ever to ensuring
The Hate Crimes Bill now in Congress would protect that all of us -- gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered
both sexual orientation and gender. Unfortunately, - one day have the right to free expression of gender
exactly what "gender" means and what it would cover without fear of losing our jobs in the workplace or our
is still very up in the air Because of that, GenderPAC lives in the street. We view this as an inalienable
has been working quietly behind the scenes to edu- human right, and look forw/ard with anticipation to the
cate Congressmembers and their staffs that it must day when it is recognized as such. A
include not only "gender" as conventionally defined,
i.e., as man or woman, but also gender expression.
Riki Anne Wilchms
Executive Director, GenderPAC
In effect, we Congressmembers to use a
are asking
member
Riki Wilchins is founding of Transexual Menace and
meaning no less broad than that the U.S. Supreme author of "Read My Lips: Sexual Subversion & the End of
Court’s in its landmark 989 Price Waterhouse v. 1 Gender" from Firebrand Books. She can be reached at

Hopkins employment discrimination ruling, in which Riki@Gpac.Org.

|InterNational News
THAILAND experience of being "a woman trapped in a process of consultation. I don't understand
BANS TRANY FILM man's body." Apparently the parents were why the Sex Discrimination Act can deal
angered because neither the teacher Tanya with transsexuals, but not lesbians and gay
Thai police banned a Singaporean film Bailey,nor her partner Casey, sought permis- men. It makes no sense to have lots of dif-

about transvestites from Bangkok's first sion for the talk. Casey has defended her ferent laws dealing with specific forms of
international film festival. Officials said Bugis actions by saying she was not aware that she discrimination. It's confusing for employers
which looks at the drag queens who
Street, was hurting anyone by talking to the class. and the general public. We are determined
populated Singapore's red-light district in She said the children asked "innocent" ques- to bring these back before
issues
I960, is pornographic. "It's ridiculous that tions. One parent said that "I don't mind that Parliament - it's time for a major rethink on
Thailand has one of the freest presses in person going to the school to pick up their our equality laws.'

Asia but Thai cinema is the most strictly children, but sitting in the classroom, talking
censored in the world," director, screen- to the children - that's not on." ROME
writer Ing Kanjanavanit commented to the PENIS TRANSPLANT
Bangkok Post.
T’S MEET FEMINISTS IN JAPAN A leading Italian plastic surgeon who has
UK asked health officials for permission to carry
SCHOOL’S RESPONSIBILITY TO Transgendered and transsexual people met out the world's first penis transplant said on
STOP PERSECUTION with feminists in weekend to
Japan this past Tuesday that he already had three patients
discuss possible cooperation based on their ready to undergo the operation. 'This is not
Britain's Education Secretary, David common experiences of gender role like the Bobbit case. This would be the first

Blunkett, will inform teachers across oppression. According to a Kyodo News time a penis is transplanted from one body
England, warning them that children are Service report, there were 36 people in 1 to another; whether it be from a living body
being victimized because of their sexual ori- attendance. The meeting took place soon or a corpse," he said. But Scuderi said it was

entation. He will inform school staff that it is after the first stage of japan's first legal sex not clear if a person who received a trans-
their responsibility to stop such persecution, reassignment surgery, and that transman planted penis would be able to have an
and will urge them to be firm when dealing patient provided a written statement erection. Three people have told Scuderi
with the perpetrators. The program was demanding recognition of post-surgical sex they would be willing to undergo the oper-

prompted by a report estimating that anti on official registration documents. The main ation. Two are women who have received
homosexual bullying occurred in almost panel discussion featured four speakers, a legal undergo sex change
permission to
80% of Britain's schools. Officials are con- feminist activist, a lesbian "queer theorist," a operations and would receive transplanted
cerned that anti-homosexual bullying is transgender who presented as masculine, penises. He said the third is a man who had
being overlooked by many schools, and they and a male feminist professor of gender had his penis amputated in a sex change
want to see that it is taken as seriously as studies. There was general agreement that operation to become a woman but has
racial abuse. "This is the first time the the groups could provide mutual support in since "realized it was a mistake" and wants
Government has acknowledged that chil- breaking down sex role stereotypes and to return to being a man, Scuderi said. "We
dren can be bullied for their sexual orienta- social distinctions. A transgender support are ready. We are just waiting for the OK,"
tion," said a spokesman for the Education group had developed a glossary and other he said. "Plastic surgery always favors inno-
Department materials to assist the non-trans participants vation and breaking new frontiers. I don't
in learning about differences among cross- think that I am the only one that wants to
CANADA dressers, transgenders, and transsexuals, as do this type of surgery, just want to be sure
I

ONTARIO DELISTS COVERAGE well as about difficulties they face in their that this type of surgery will benefit the
FOR SEX REASSIGNMENT daily lives. patient," he said.

The Government of Ontario has delisted UK UK

coverage for sex reassignment surgery as a EOC DROPS EQUALITY LAWS TRANSSEXUAL CHOSEN TO
benefit of the Ontario Health Insurance FOR LESBIANS AND GAY MEN FIGHT AXED VETERAN'S SEAT
Plan. The Clarke Gender Identity Clinic will
continue to provide assessments, consulta- Stonewall, the national lesbian and gay lobby A TRANSSEXUAL journalist has been cho-
tion, support and counseling for those who group, today called for a major rethink on sen to replace a veteran North-East Labour
feel they are transsexual or transgendered UK equality laws, following the publication of councilor who was dropped by party. Ken
as well as remaining a source of referrals to the new Equal Opportunities Commission Howard, 72, failed to impress the selection
surgeons for those who fulfil the criteria of report on Equality in the 21st Century. The panel of Sedgefield District Labour Party as
the real-life experience. However other original EOC consultation paper had called they chose candidates for the local govern-
Canadian provinces including Manitoba, for the inclusion of sexual orientation in ment elections in May next year Despite his

Saskatchewan, Alberta and Newfoundland new consolidated equality legislation. This 20 years of experience, the retired quarry-
continue to provide reimbursement for proposal has now been dropped although man was told he "did not fulfil the criteria".
reassignment surgery conditional on their the EOC still believes the Sex His place as Labour candidate for the village
residents obtaining approval from the Discrimination Act should cover transsexu- of West Cornforth on Sedgefield Borough
Clarke Clinic. als. Despite the fact that the EOC recog- Council has been taken by Christine Warbis.
nizes that lesbians and gay men frequently MsWarbis was known as Christopher when
AUSTRALIA face discrimination, particularly in the work- she first moved to the former mining com-

TEACHER THREATENED WITH place, they argue against reform of the Sex munity, near Ferryhill, County Durham, 1

SACKING Discrimination Act and call instead for sepa- years ago. She has been a parish councilor
rate legislation. No indication of time-scale for a number of years. Ms Warbis, a free-
A teacher at The Pines Primary School, in has been given. Responding to the EOC's lance journalist, said there was no problem
Parafields Gardens, has been threatened proposals Angela Mason, Executive Director with her sexual identity in the village. "I have
with job loss after her partner a transsexu- of Stonewall, said, 'At the moment lesbians for 1

2 years been an integral part of the vil-

al,spoke to students about transsexuality. and gay men are the only substantial minor- lage. I made my change. I told everybody
According to the story, Jasmine Casey spoke ity who have no legal protection. 'I am not what I was going to do. I have been very
to the eight- and nine-year-olds about the satisfied that there has been an adequate open," she said.

72
 UK Regarding Discrimination on Grounds of PERU
BRITISH POSTERS URGE Transsexualism Employment, was con-
in TRANSSEXUAL TO RUN FOR
MURDER OF GAYS demned by lobby groups when it was pub- OFFICE
lished earlier this year "No other group in
Posters showing a drawing of a boot stomp- British society has been singled out in this Fulvia Celica is the first transsexual to run
ing on head accompanied by the
a man's way memory," said Christine Bums,
in living for a local office in Lima, Peru, having regis-
caption "Make sure you stamp out your fag vice-president of pressure group Press for tered as a mayoral candidate. Should she
properly" have appeared in the British sea- Change. "Ironically, many of the proposed lose the race to one of the three candidates
side resort of Bridlington in east Yorkshire, special provisions would be inconceivable
running against her she says she'll run for
reports The Pink Paper In Britain, "fag" also were it not for the unworkable legal gender the national Congress in 2000.
refers to a cigarette. Police believe the status imposed upon transsexuals following
Manchester-based group The Third
fascist reassignment. It is a case of legislation being
Position behind the posters, which began proposed to alleviate the discrimination
is
UK
appearing after news spread that a gay pub problems created solely by the discrimina-
PROSECUTORS SETTLE WITH
might open in the town. tory interpretation of other legislation."
T-ATTORNEY
UK Britain's Crown Prosecution Service had to
SOUTH AFRICA X VS X, INDUSTRIAL
admit that a barrister was right for the job
GOING DOWN GORGEOUS
if
TRIBUNAL CASE
as a man, becoming a woman didn't make
Radio personality and former columnist Jam X was employed, after interview, as a Mental her any less qualified. Crown
Britain's

Prosecution Service (CPS) on November

Allan starsin an upcoming TV series, Going Worker On her first day at
Health Support
18 reached a confidential settlement with
Down Gorgeous, - as a sex change woman. work she was dismissed, when another
Allan said the part was irresistible. "When I worker told the employer that was a X transsexual barrister Susan Marshall, who
saw the description of the character, transsexual. X challenged the dismissal on had been offered a job with the service as a
'exquisite Parisian model', how could I say the basis of Sex Discrimination (using P v S man only to have it withdrawn when she
no?" Furthermore, she said, the make-up etc). The employer counter argued that the began her transition to living as a woman. A
was wonderful. "None of this subtle rubbish, dismissal was because X was 'dishonest' in spokesperson said that, "The CPS recog-
but the kind I look best in - four-inch eye- failing to disclose transseuxality prior to nizes the distress caused to Ms. Marshall by
lashes." Each of the I 3 episodes centers on employment. X, won her case at an the withdrawal of employment at the time
the antics of the definitive kugel Nowell Industrial Tribunal, with a nice settlement she had expressed an intention to undergo
Fine. Going Down Gorgeous traces her 35k for hurt feelings, and 32k for lost wages. gender reassignment."
transition over the years; from the lefty

socialite in the 70s to the next millennium.

SCOTLAND AUSTRALIA
EDINBURGH WEDDINGS TRANSGENDER DEBATE:
NEW ZEALAND AGAINST EXCLUSION
TRANSSEXUAL TO RUN FOR A Church has gone on the Internet
Scottish
LABOR MINISTER to advertise homosexual, bisexual and Melbourne: There has been widespread
transgendered weddings. The Holy Trinity opposition to a decision to exclude trans-
Georgina Beyer 40, a former drag queen Metropolitan Community Church in gender women from the NOWSA
and transgender professional sex worker is Edinburgh is the first in Scotland to offer (Network of Women Students Australia)
thought to be the world's first transsexual religious blessings to same-sex couples. Its collective. This opposition has come from
mayor. Now, according to the story, she has Web page says: "We offer relationship numerous alternative newspapers, including
been convinced to enter national New blessings to couples irrespective of gender the Melbourne Star Observer, campus
Zealand politics. Beyer has confirmed that identification or sexuality." The Church women's collectives, e-mail networks and
she has accepted an offer to stand for the claims in its advertising that "some of the queer collectives. Contributors to these
Labor Party against New Zealand's Deputy earliest recorded Christian marriages were forums have criticized the NOWSA collec-
Prime Minister Wyatt Creech in election, between people of the same gender". It tive's decision, and in particular the Left
next year. Beyer who attended a private includes in and sacraments Holy
its rites Alliance members who argued for it, as bio-
boys' school and served as a prefect, under- Union and Holy Matrimony for people of logically determinist, inward looking and
went SRS at age 24. Recently, she was re- the same gender and argues that the Old exclusionary. The alternative positions all
elected - garnering 90 per cent of the votes Testament has been misinterpreted. insist that women's oppression is social, and
-- mayor of the rural town of Carterton. that therefore anyone who suffers that
oppression should be included in feminist
GERMANY organizing.
UK MAYOR TO BE RECALLED
LOBBY GROUPS ASKED TO
HELP REVISE GUIDE ON The village council of Quellendorfi Germany CHINA
TRANSSEXUALS has approved a referendum to recall their SHANGHAI POLICE ARREST
mayor because of his planned sex reassign- DRAG QUEENS
Civil liberties and pressure groups are help- ment. Mayor Norbert Michael Lindner was
ing to rewrite a paper which bans discrimi- elected in 996 to a seven-year term, but
1
Police in Shanghai, China, pulled two drag
nation against transsexual staff. The move recently announced that he would begin performers off stage and arrested them,
comes after a controversial first draft includ- dressing as a woman and would later under- after shocked patrons of the Guoling Dance
ed suggestions that transsexuals should not go the surgery. Although his wife and four Hall realized the singers were really men
be allowed to work with children or in pro- children have been publicly supportive of and alerted the authorities. The club, which
fessions which involve certain kinds of phys- him, the council received a recall petition was celebrating its opening night, was shut
ical contact with the public, for example air- signed by 75 of the village's ,048 resi-
1 1
down. The Xinmin Evening News said the
port security or home helps. The paper also dents. Lindner was not allowed to speak at dance hall was plunged into chaos when the
suggests that during the time of transition the meeting, where one local said, "We performers "opened their red lips [and] the
employers could demand which toilet they voted for a man, not a woman. He should rough male sound came through the micro-
use. The draft document, Legislation have told us beforehand." phone."
National News
FLORIDA attacked in a south side neighborhood as he of the trans community, Christine Quinn,
IMPRISONED PRE-OP TRANS- walked with two friends. He apparently Executive Director of the New York City
SEXUAL SUES FOR HORMONE crossed paths with the suspect while walk- Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project, said,
TREATMENT. ing across a convenience store parking lot, "It was refreshing that organizers didn't even

and the suspect followed him, yelling have to discuss including the word 'transgen-
Raiford, Fla. Dennis Smith legally changed his obscenities. "Because he is a cross-dresser der' on many of their protest signs. It shows
name in 1993 to Rhonda and asked that the suspect referred to him as something something about the folks who are running
others refer to him as "her" Smith grew his like a 'he-she'.The comments from the sus- this. They have an expanded vision and per-
hair long, bleached it blond and received sil- pect "didn't address his sexual orientation spective." Reports 20
said that more than 1

icone hip implants, a feminine face, and a full or the perceived sexual orientation." Police arrests were made. Among those arrested
bust. And estrogen, which the Panama City were called to St. Mary's Hospital with a were trans activist Leslie Feinberg and
native took daily, made Smith feel like a report of a female patient who had been Stonewall Veteran Sylvia Rivera. Said
woman. Now Smith, 40, is serving a 1 0-year stabbed. Hospital officials later discovered Feinberg, " I was probably the only butch les-

sentence at Union Correctional Institution the victim was a man. After giving police a bian who spent the whole night locked up in

for aggravated battery of a law enforcement fake name, the man gave his real name and a men's bullpen. My bisexual and gay broth-
officer Smith filed suit against prison officials, later fled the hospital when officers discov- ers... assured me that they would take care of
who have refused to provide him with 2.5 ered there was a warrant for his arrest on a me. I will never forget that solidarity."

milligrams of estrogen a day, alleging refusal traffic violation, Gouran said. Police were
to treat "serious medical needs." Smith searching Wednesday for the victim and CALIFORNIA
claims that officials are violating his constitu- attacker. CONTROVERSY OVER GENITAL
tional protection from cruel and unusual SURGERIES HEATS UP
punishment. The Florida Department of MASSACHUSETTES
Corrections decided in 1992 that transsex- Noted sex researcher Milton Diamond, told
uals would not receive female hormone MA Legislators passed an historic $1.5 mil- the American Academy of Pediatrics that
therapy because it wasn't medically neces- lion line item to make schools and colleges the time has come to institute a general
sary. Smith is asking the courts to force safe for gay and lesbian youth. MA is the moratorium on genital surgeries and sex
prison officials to restore his hormone ther- only state that has a budget to prevent anti- reassignments performed on intersex chil-
apy and pay $ 00,000 1 in compensatory and gay lesbian violence. MA Legislators, and dren without their consent. "No large scale
punitive damages. Attorney General Scott Harshbarger have or even small scale study shows that 'nor-
supported The Governor's Commission on malizing surgery' does more good than
NEW YORK Gay and Lesbian Youth programs to prevent harm," the University of Hawaii researcher
PIANIST BEGINS NEW LIFE AS harassment and discrimination that results in told the packed room. Though they have
A WOMAN GLBT suicides, and the murder and bashing been performed for more than 40 years, the
of too many GLBT students procedures remain experimental, and with-
Albany, Pianist Sara Davis Buechner began out data it is impossible for parents to give
her career in SeptemberThis after perform- informed consent on their children's behalf,
ing professionally for more than a decade MASSACHUSETTES he observed. Diamond also called for a con-
and winning a dozen major international TRANSWOMAN MURDERED certed effort to be made to undo the
concerto competitions. Buechner has also effects of past physician deception. He cited
performed twice with the Albany Symphony Transwoman Rita Hester was murdered in not only the direct harm inflicted upon
Orchestra, but all these achievements her Allston apartment on(28 Nov 98). She patients by deception, but also indirect
where those of David Buechner Buechner died of multiple stabs wounds. The Boston effects. A undermines
policy of deception
is one of the few people in public life of any Globe reports that a neighbor heard a com- relations of trust and confidence between
sort who has undergone a sex change amid motion at about 6:15 p.m. Saturday, but patient and provider and conveys the clear
a successful career Starting a career as Sara ignored the noise. "I heard a lot of bangs," message that intersexuality is "unspeakably
has been difficult. Buechner says she feels she said, "but I just thought someone was shameful in the minds of parents and physi-
"I'm starting over rebuilding a career from pounding on the door" Police have no leads cians." And as intersexuality becomes more
the ground up." Most classical soloists who except to say that the victim probably knew widely known, not only intersexuals but the
are gay or lesbian remain closeted, Buechner the killer The Globe reports the death of community at large learns that "doctors
explained, because they fear a negative reac- William Hester "He was a nightclub singer choreography familial mendacity and dys-
tion from conductors and orchestra man- and a party thrower a man who sported function."
agement. Buechner says that a transgender long braids and preferred women's
soloist is too hard for many people to clothes..." The Globe editor responsible for WASHINGTON DC
understand. the story stated that only male references HRC BOARD MEMBER RESIGNS
would be made about the victim. Nowhere
WISCONSIN is acknowledgement made in their report On October 20, 1998, Marylouise Oates
TEEN CROSS-DRESSER that Hester was living as a woman. resigned. "With respect for the principles of
ATTACKED the Human Rights Campaign and with
NEW YORK regret that feel compelled to make this
I

An 1 8-year-old cross-dresser was attacked TRANSINCLUSION IN decision, am resigning from the Board
I

by a man wielding a broken beer bottle in MATTHEW SHEPARD PROTEST effective immediately. I believe that the rights
Madison shortly after hundreds of people of all people -- gays and straights, women
attended a vigil for a gay University of Transgender Activists prominent in the gath- and men - are important and are intrinsi-

Wyoming student who was beaten to ering on Monday (19 Oct) in which more cally linked together I believe that Senator
death. Madison police tentatively labeled the than 6,000 people marched in NYC to D'Amato's support of the agenda of
attack a hate crime because the victim was protest the murder of gay man Matthew Senator Trent Lott denies rights to many. I

a man dressed in women's clothing. Police Shepard in Wyoming. Billed as a 'political do not wish to be part of any organization
said they don't think the victim attended the funeral,' the protest organizers expected to that applauds and endorses a Senator
rally. He was wearing women's clothing, draw no more than 500 for the event. merely for his signing on as a co-sponsor on
including a padded bra, when he was Commenting on the visibility and inclusion one bill after many years of anti-Gay votes.
This is especially so when his opponent other "intolerant" sites blocked by a popular her contract last year because she was tran-

Congressman Charles Schumer has one of filter called Cyber Patrol. The site was sitioning from male to female. Enriquez, a
the longest and strongest records in the banned because of passages declaring the trustee ofThe College of New Jersey since
Congress, consistently standing up for the group's adamant opposition to homosexu- 1984, was 'terminated' on 22 Oct 97. Said
equal rights of Gays and Lesbians. I wish you ality and gay rights. Association officials insist, her attorney, Lee Fiederer "We brought the
well, but I simply cannot be a part of any however; that their viewpoint is adeeply- case under the New Jersey law against dis-
enterprise that seeks to re-elect an anti- held religious does not
conviction that crimination which protects individuals from
choice Senator with a long record of hostil- equate to preaching hatred of homosexuals, discrimination based on sexual orientation
ityand indifference to women's issues and and they asked aspecial Cyber Patrol "over- or The suit
affectation." alleges that officials
to the fundamental issues of civil rights for sight committee" to remove the block. at WJHS were openly of Enriquez critical

African-Americans and other minorities." throughout her transition, and that WJHS
IOWA denied her employment based on their dis-
CALIFORNIA PRE-OP TRANSSEXUAL WINS approval, rather than any measure of ability.
CLOVIS MURDER MYSTERY MEDICAID FUNDING FOR SEX She began transitioning in Sep 96. She legal-
REASSIGNMENT SURGERY ly changed her name from Carlos to Carla

Chanel Chandler slipped into a black and made the change in her physical
minidress with silver and gold stripes. The A pre-op transsexual won the right to pro- appearance from male to female over that
22-year-old set out for a night of dancing, ceed with a suit against the State of Iowa for winter and the spring of the next year. The
partying at a Fresno club until 2 a.m. It was denying Medicaid benefits for sex reassign- complaint alleges that in 1997 Dr John
a typical night out for a single woman, Clovis ment surgery. _Smith v. Palmer, 998 1 WL Cossa.Vice President of WJHS, told her to
police said. Five hours later Chandler was 758372 (U.S.DistCt, N.D. Iowa, Oct. 13). "stop all this and go back to your previous
dead. Her body was found inside a burning DistrictJudge Bennett held that a material appearance." After Enriquez refused to
Clovis apartment she shared with another question of fact exists as to whether sex comply with these demands, WJHS took
woman. Police believe the blaze was set to reassignment surgery is a medically neces- action to deny her employment. "We have a
make her murder look like another type of sary treatment for gender dysphoria and brilliant doctor; recognized nationally in her
crime. It was nearly a week before police whether the Iowa Department of Human field, who was terminated solely based on
revealed her name and the case's biggest Services' reliance on a report prompting it her sexual affectation and orientation," said
twist: Chanel Chandler was really a man. to specifically exclude such surgery from Fiederer
Whether that led to her death is a mystery, funding was a reasonable exercise in discre-
police said. "In a situation like this, that's the tion. In 1
994, the Iowa administrative rules WASHINGTON DC
first motive you jump on, obviously, but you governing the Iowa Medicaid program were JURY FINDS DICTRICT OF
don't want to let that keep you from changed to specifically exclude sex reassign- COLUMBIA GUILTY OF NEGLI-
exploring other options, too," Clovis Police ment surgery. In May of 1
997, plaintiff John GENCE AND MALPRACTICE IN
Department spokeswoman Micheline Smith sued the State of Iowa, claiming it vio- TYRA HUNTER'S DEATH
Golden said. lated the federal Medicaid statute by denying
him coverage for sex reassignment surgery THE JURY IN THE TYRA HUNTER wrong-
MARYLAND and thatthis denial was arbitrary and violat- ful death trial awarded Tyra's mother Margie
RALLY FOR ASSAULTED ed his right to due process under the 1 4th Hunter $2,873,000, finding the District of
DRAG QUEEN Amendment. Iowa filed a motion for sum- Columbia guilty of negligence and malprac-
mary judgement on the merits. In a surpris- tice in Tyra's death in August 995. The jury 1

Baltimore: 300 PEOPLE ATTENDED a rally ing and supportive move by the court, plain- of two men and six women reached the
and candlelight vigil tonight for Leonard tiff John Smith, still biologically a woman, was verdict after three days of deliberations.Tyra
'Lynn' Vines, nine days after he was assault- referred to in the masculine and by his pseu- died at D.C. General Hospital after being in

ed and shot in an eastern Baltimore neigh- donym throughout this opinion. an auto accident. Ms. Hunter had alleged
borhood. Vines is recovering from six gun- that a D.C. EMT had ceased treating Tyra at
shot wounds to his chest, shoulder arms, OHIO the accident scene when he discovered
and back been accosted on the
after having TOLEDO PASSES GLBT CIVIL Tyra's male genitals. The EMT then backed
street by a gathering of young men and RIGHTS ORDINANCE away and made joking remarks about Tyra,
women who taunted him, shouting, "We leaving her unattended for 5-7 minutes. Ms.
don't allow no drag queen faggots in this Measure is one of a few in the nation to Hunter also alleged that a D.C. General
neighborhood." He tried to flee but was include 'gender identity' Toledo-City council doctor did not provide competent care in

tripped and shot repeatedly. Suspect, Paul members on December 8 unanimously the emergency room. The jury found the
Bishop, 20, was charged in a warrant with passed one of the most comprehensive les- city guilty of both allegations.
attempted first-degree murder. Police bian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights
Detective Jerry Weaver said the suspected laws in Ohio. The ordinance bans discrimi- The jury awarded: $ 00,000 for emotional 1

motive was the victim's lifestyle. nation based on sexual orientation in harm suffered by Tyra as a result of the epi-
employment, housing, and public accommo- thets uttered at the scene: $500,000 for
CYBERSPACE dations, and also creates stiffer penalties for damages attributable to the withdrawal of
CHRISTIAN GROUP FEELS anti-gay hate crimes. Sexual orientation is medical care at the accident scene;
NET FILTER'S WRATH defined for the purposes of the ordinance as $ ,500,000 for conscious pain and suffering
1

"real or perceived heterosexuality, homo- endured by Tyra in the emergency room as

Concerned that children have easy access sexuality, bisexuality, or gender identity, by the result of medical malpractice; $400,000
to pornography and other inappropriate orientation or practice." Mayor Carleton for damages attributable to Tyra's wrongful
material on the Internet, the American Finkbeiner is expected to sign the measure. death; and $373,000 for damages attribut-
Family Association, a conservative, Christian able to the loss of Tyra's estate (what she
group, has been a vocal supporter of filter- would have retained in her estate after a life-

ing products, software meant to cordon off NEW JERSEY time of work, had she lived).

the nastier corners of cyberspace from TRANSGENDER DOCTOR FIRED

Check out
users, especially young children. So it was FOR TRANSITIONING ON JOB Transgender news
last minute
in
National and
the Personal section which
International
is avail-
with some surprise that officials at the group able with your subscription for no additional cost, or call

recently discovered that their association's Dr Carla Enriquez, a pediatrician, has filed a 78 -899-22 2 to order your personal section for $5.00.
1 1

own Webpages were being lumped togeth- suit against West Jersey Health System Check out our web site at www.ifge.org or e-mail us at
info@ifge.org.
er with skinhead, white supremacist and (WJHS) alleging that they failed to renew
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|Focus:TransSexual Law

Legal Implications of the New

Ferment Concerning Transsexualism

Dr. Louis Swartz, PhD longer be classified as a psychological medical model presented to courts,
be free
disorder; that individuals should legislaturesand administrative bodies
to define and express their own gender has assertedly had the following fea-
(or sex) identities without regard to tures: (!) well defined medical condi-
criteria imposed by others, that a wide tion; (2) trustworthy medical differen-
Can (and should) some version of array of gender (or sex) identities tial diagnosis, but dangerous and
transgender liberationism triumph over should be recognized and not just male untrustworthy self-diagnosis; (3) clarity
more familiar policy alternatives and female, that distinctive gender (or and fixity of contra-anatomical gender
(namely, deference to medical authori- sex) identities should be ignored and if identity (male-female sex identity); (4)
ty, piecemeal legal accommodation, possible completely done away with, involving severe lifelong distress in

non-recognition, and central regulation and that transsexuals should be absence of effective treatment; (5) sex-
of sex reassignment) as the dominant encouraged to "come out" and should reassignment therapy including hor-
legal response to transsexualism in renounce the goal of "passing." mones and SRS as the only known
Common Law countries, such as the effective cure for this distress, contin-
U.K., U.S., Australia and New Zealand? gent, however; on societal and legal

This article provides some of the cooperation; (6) therapy involves per-
wherewithal for answering that ques- Background manent, probably irreversible bodily
tion, and focuses mainly on three change. A final
element speaks to med-
points, namely: (
I )
the unworkability of Mixed But Important Positive Legal ical, and legal linkage: (7) the
social
the transgender liberationist position, Response To Transsexualism. During requirement, for cure, or habilitation or
which basically is opposed to all rules the period of slightly more than thirty rehabilitation to be effective, that soci-
except those favored at the moment years since Harry Benjamin's The ety and the law to cooperate; other-
by each individual person; (2) unin- Transsexual Phenomenon (1966), wise the person will still be deprived of
tended consequences now seen to transsexuals in the U.S. have often been the chance for a happy life.

arise from special legal accommoda- able to obtain change of documents

tions to transsexualism, especially such as birth certificates, drivers' licens- The rationale for legal recognition of
under the present more diffuse and es, passports, etc., to reflect sex change transsexualism might seem to be sim-
expanded view of the transsexual phe- which had already been achieved in ple deference to medical authority, but
nomenon; and (3) that a legal policy part through medical therapies (hor- has been much more complex. It can
which does not attempt to make spe- monal, surgical) including sex reassign- be characterized as ( ) exceptional I

cial legal provisions for transsexualism ment surgery (5RS), or which was in legal accommodation, not involving
(no special legal recognition) deserves process. Such therapies have been rec- fundamental change in legal rules or
further serious consideration. A careful ognized as a legitimate part of medical social institutions, (2) in sympathetic,
review and reassessment of law and practice and not been state regulated. (3) narrowly defined cases, focusing on
transsexualism seems in order. Some gains have occurred in marriage, narrowly defined specific legal issues
Reference is made to the develop-
also and employment (and other) discrimi- (piecemeal approach), (4) based upon
ment of a somewhat diverse transgen- nation protection. Legal progress has medical evidence (classical medical
der cultural movement, and to activism been mixed, however (Swartz 1997, model), (5) where little or no social
within that movement possibly affecting 1998). Legal recognition has generally harm or undermining of prevailing legal
future social and legal policy concern- been less in the U.K., except for the big rules is thought to be likely.

ing transsexualism. difference of availability of SRS under

the National Health Service. The Classical Medical Model Questioned Or
To liberate means to free from Australian commonwealth has paral- Challenged Outright, But Without
restraint. Transgender liberationism leled UK, but by central legal regulation Plausible Regard to Legal Aspects of
refers to a number of programs action South Australia has done much more Changes Suggested. We must note criti-
aimed at reducing, eliminating, or than UK or US. Social deference to the cisms and an apparent lessening of pre-
reshaping social and legal restraints on medical model probably has also been vious professional medical (including
individuals with respect to their defin- crucial for favorable public response to psychological and other mental health
ing or expressing their own gender or transsexualism in many informal ways professional) and consumer (transsexu-
sex identities. Included in our discussion not adjudicated by law. al and transgender community as con-
are proposals that sex reassignment sumers of professional services) con-
surgery should be available upon Classical Medical Model and sensus. The Harry Benjamin
request, that transsexualism should no Accompanying Legal Rationale. The International Gender Dysphoria
77
Association (HBIGDA) has experi- Crucial facts confidently asserted by ate action even if we had a well-defined
enced important dissensus in its efforts proponents and supporters of the clas- mandate to do so and wanted to do
to formulate revised Standards of Care sical medical model of transsexualism so, as some seem to want at least in
(SOC), although the 5' version of these over much of the past three decades their fantasies.
Standards (SOC5), has now been pub- may now be open to serious question.
lished (HBIGDA, Standards of Care, etc. The soundness of the classical medical This changed social picture might also
1
998.) Providers associated with a uni- model has been the basis of a favorable, mean, however; a substantial readjust-
versity-based clinic have asserted a or partially favorable, response to the ment in the thinking of some within the
"paradigm shift" which recognizes a legal claims of transsexuals. transgender movement as to what they
spectrum of genders, not limited to ought to be doing, for example, so far
binary male or female, and affirms a as taking hormones and aiming toward
unique transgender identity. Other per- Contributions of the various steps in sex reassignment
sons assert that one's gender is what- Transgender surgery, unless these are the steps that
ever the person says it is, without they themselves prefer to take.
restriction,and that transgendered peo- Movement
ple are entitled to a wide array of civil
rights accordingly, including for example Some Contributions Have Been Positive, Transgender
access to gendered spaces such as pub- Others Less Clearly So. Where the
lic toilets or publicly available locker transgender movement - an activist cul-
Liberationism Perhaps
rooms at gyms and swimming pools, tural and political movement involving Increases Informal
protection against employment discrim- gays and lesbians, bisexuals, cross-
ination, and marriage rights. They say, dressers, transsexuals, intersex persons,
Acceptance of
also, that access to SRS should be avail- and some academics in the area of cul- Difference, But Does
able based entirely upon self-diagnosis
and request, if that is what the patient
tural studiesmay turn out to have been
-

most successful may be in helping to

Not (And Cannot)
wishes. Others say that psychological persuade substantial numbers of people Offer a Coherent
screening and diagnosis for SRS and to be more tolerant of appreciative and Legal Program Of Its
related therapies is and corrupt,
invalid accepting of difference. refer to gender
Own.
I

because it is an expensive and demean- and erotic differences, differences in bod-

ing process wherein the client is pres- ily appearance and presentation of self,

sured by circumstance to tell the pro- and in increasing the latitude open with No set of rules, legal or otherwise, can

fessional what that gate-keeping profes- respect to the roles we choose for our- satisfy those whom I am calling trans-

sional wants to hear in accordance with selves, not only in personal relationships gender because they
liberationists,

the prevailing medical model, rather but in other social roles in the larger themselves don't want to be bound by
than engaging in honest, constructive society. I think this movement may well rules. In matters pertinent to gender

self-disclosure. Many questions have turn out to be substantially successful, as identity they wish to have unfettered
been about the need for and the
raised the gay and lesbian rights movement has discretion (see, e.g., International Bill of
appropriateness of genital surgery, been, in largely decoupling gender iden- Gender Rights 1995.) Other people, it
especially for many female-to-males tity from medical authority and
issues seems, are obligated to comply with
(FtMs), but also for male-to-females from necessary, or prescribed, medical the liberationists' wishes, rather than
(MtFs) who don't seek it. Some have intervention. (Such social changes are defend their own contrary wishes.
suggested that no gender distinctions attributable and my
to many factors, Transgender liberationists have rights,

should be recognized. Others suggest account has necessarily been incom- but no restraints, no duties (for exam-
that transsexualism should be com- plete.) I do not foresee a utopia, but I see ple, respecting the wishes of others to
pletely "demedicalized". that much change of the kind described define access to gendered spaces in a

has already occurred and may well con- conventional, bounded way). Other
Viable legal rationales have not yet tinue to occur people do not have rights which might
been put forth to take care of the legal conflict with the wishes of the trans-

dimensions of the suggested changes For better or worse, the transgender gender liberationists; these others, the
referred to above. movement can also take credit for the great majority of the population, have
large role it has played in discrediting only duties; these are the duties of
On the other hand, so far as one can the medical model of transsexualism acceptance, acquiescence, and compli-
tell, most of the fairly quiet majority of and in urging that the deference given ance. The idea that each has a right to

transsexuals who have experienced to medical authority in this area should do their own thing, whatever that
gender transition, or are in the process, be substantially diminished. might turn out to be from minute to
seem very much committed to con- minute, applies only to members of the
ventional gender stereotypes; these Within this changed social picture I see transgender liberationist group. Even
seem to be part of their personal iden- the open acceptance of more variation, there, no account is taken of profound
tity; but these persons want gender more personal choice, although, on this differences, and thus conflicts, within

transition arrangements, including med- side of some postulated heaven, things that group itself. For example, the less
ical arrangements, to be improved and will never be perfect. vocal majority among transsexuals
to be more financially accessible. seem to value and wish to preserve
Most people want and need structure, conventional, if not extremely conven-
Classical Medical Model and Legal although in widely varying degrees. We tional, notions of female and male iden-
Rationale Built Upon It Have Been couldn't drastically change a free soci- tity, which apparently are precious
Weakened: What Should Law Do Now? ety for the better by rapid and deliber- parts of their own psychological make-
up. Others, more likely to be vocal, How much remains of the old model hope of a decent life, or even to go on
want to radically change our notions of of transsexualism is hard to say, as is the living, by the manner in which various

gender identity, if not entirely eliminate question of what is present in SOC 5 legal recognition's are granted or with-
the use and valuing of such cultural that is still likely to be in SOC 6 or 7. held we may be encouraging many
ideas. Can both happen at once? We need to exercise a prudent caution more persons to take hormones and
with respect to claims of dependable to undergo surgery.
Transgender liberationists don't want medical knowledge upon which impor-
workable sets of rules pertinent to tant legal decisions are to be based. A unique difference between legal
gender identity, believe, because they
I

recognition's of certain other identities

are aware at some level that workable Taking guidance from the often over- or identifying characteristics (anatomi-
sets of rules cannot be devised which stated social constructionist point of cal sex, "race," religion, age, and sexual
would satisfy them. Their demands are view, we should also more carefully preference) and gender identity, is that
too different from existing social think about the role of law in con- for legal purposes we seem unable to
arrangements. Their demands are too structing, that is to say influencing, the know nonstandard gender identity
diverse among members of their own expectations, the beliefs and the cours- apart from a fact finding which
group, especially if the conservative es of action, of people who have what depends heavily upon the presence or
wishes of many of their constituents we be nonstandard experi-
take to absence of a "new" anatomy. This leads
are to be taken into account. ences of gender identity, whether these to the bizarre, and to me highly prob-
experiences are transient or long last- lematical situation, that the law pro-
ing. In particular; why should legal poli- motes drastic anatomical change so
Special Legal cy encourage these persons in the that a person's gender identity may
drastic step - perhaps the unneeded receive legal recognition.This is so even
Provisions step or personally unwanted step - of though some or all of those anatomical
Concerning taking contra-anatomical sex hor- changes may otherwise be "unneces-
mones or of undergoing various sex sary," unwanted and unneeded in many
The Transsexual reassignment surgeries, in order to of the cases in question. And persons
Phenomenon achieve various legally desirable out- with nonstandard gender identities
comes, or to have a social identity who don't take hormones or undergo
From a mixed nature-nurture-social which seems to have special legal surgery are legally treated differently.
construction point of view one could approval? Legal policy itself not only has They don't get equivalent legal recog-
say that basic femaleand male identity civic aspects and consequences but nition.An important reason for this,

elements seem to be grounded to some also has public health (including mental although some may disagree, is that we
important degree in our evolutionary and physical health) consequences. have no dependable means of knowing
psychology. We are at a very early stage What incentives are we providing to who they are. In addition, as has been
in having a dependable, detailed under- people, and why? Leaving other very argued, it may be that our binary legal
standing of this. Cultural forces can play important aspects of public policy to classification of female and male does-
a very large role in shaping our ideas one side for the moment, is this really n't fit all people, and indeed can't ade-
about gender and even partially overrid- to the net benefit of the people direct- quately fit all people. Again, some are
ing inherited (genotypic) factors, but we ly involved and of others in the popu- being given legal recognition, but oth-
have only a very modest understanding lation who will then be guided accord- ers through no fault of their own don't
of this also. The matters discussed by ingly? It is no answer just to say that this get legal recognition unless they fit into
Harry Benjamin and others concerning is what they want. The social construc- a mold which we are told doesn't suit
the transsexual phenomenon three and tionist position itself, plus ordinary them and is contrary to their wishes.
four decades ago now seem much less social and legal commonsense unaided The idea of perfect legal justice in this
clearly defined than they did earlier In by recent theory, will raise the question complex area turns out to be a snare
some respects the asserted ability of as to whether the demand for physical and a delusion, and the source of a
physicians and related personnel to dis- sex-reassignment interventions (hor- never-ending sense of aggrievement.
tinguish between persons "truly" suffer- mones, and especially, genital surgery) is

ing from what was then called transsex- not largely shaped by various cultural Finally, a fundamental question for legal
ualism, and others not to be placed in factors, including legal ones. policy arises as to the appropriateness
this category, now seems to have been of legal recognition of any prescriptive
a much overstated ability.The category Law, in part at least, may be helping to medical model as applied to this area
or set of categories is now much broad- nurture the problem which then, with of life. SOC 5 seems to refer to both
er and much less clear Patient self-defin- the aid of drastic means, it is imperfect- hormone therapy and SRS as more in

itions,and negotiations between patient, ly attempting to solve. That is not to say the nature of elective procedures
professional, and even other persons that distressing problems of gender rather than medically necessary, more
within the patient's milieu, with respect identity are wholly a product of legal in the nature of enhancing the patient's
to options and courses of action to be action. It is to suggest, however; that our positive well being (surely a worthy
followed, now seem to play a much larg- knowledge is limited and, fortunately goal) and helping patients get what is
er role than was suggested by an earlier for the maintenance of a free society, going to be satisfying to them, than
model. That model seemed based on an law's power is, and ought to be, limited. relieving suffering and alleviating or
analogy to the diagnosis of physical dis- Leaving aside possible important dam- preventing serious depressions, pre-
ease or the diagnosis and treatment of age to social institutions, in addition to venting self-injury, etc. Although the
an intractable anomaly objectively dis- helping a small number of transsexuals model of rehabilitative medicine seems
cernible in the patient's psychological for whom drastic somatic reconfigura- to be involved, I wonder how well that
makeup. tion is necessary in order to have any model fits what is presently called
Gender Identity Disorder (GID) and that the ongoing variations involved are absence of a viable medical model and
interventions under SOC 5 to aid such much too great for law to handle in any its credible administration and imple-
patients and clients in improving their consistent manner; in accord with our mentation by scientifically disciplined
life situation. basic principles of legal justice. It may specialists. The other is a much greater
be, as well, that well intended legal awareness that legal interventions,
The model of elective cosmetic surgery interventions, although they may some- although well intended, may well be
seems at least as applicable. Patients times produce results pleasing to the producing more harm than good, and
who don't like the shape of their nose people immediately involved (the retail may almost inevitably be making invidi-
or their breasts, mainly because of social effects), are pushing in the direction of ous distinctions as to who is to be ben-
standards of attractive appearance, go undesirable and even harmful unintend- efited by law and who - unfairly - is to
to aesthetic or cosmetic surgeons for ed effects on many other persons with be left unbenefited. In this legal area, the
help. Instead of working on society to nonstandard gender identities and aspi- principle of first do no harm (primum
change social viewpoints concerning rations (the possible wholesale effects). non nocere) may be a salutary restraint
the attractiveness of naturally occurring upon efforts to turn psycho-social con-
bodily variety, the plastic surgeons work If what I am speculating about were to flicts as to gender into a set of problems

on the patient's body to conform it to occur; the most likely scenario would in rehabilitative medicine requiring that
social expectations. Many patients are also include continued social and legal courts and administrative agencies
pleased with the outcome, are happier support, at the most fundamental level, endorse medical determinations as to
and are glad they had the surgery. More for our historic male-female sexgender how these problems should be solved.
and more people seem to be having identity classification scheme. Whether
such cosmetic surgery. But as I under- or not there might eventually be legal In conclusion, I would hope that this
stand it, most of this surgery is regard- recognition of one or more "other" cat- article will be seen as a useful prelimi-
ed as optional. It is a great boon per- egories, or an "unspecified” category nary contribution to an effort at reex-
haps, but does not involve treatment of (for at least some legal purposes), do I amining current legal policy in the area
a disease, disorder or medical disability. not know. In this scenario, which would of law and transsexualism. A
take time to be thought through and
It may be that a lot more that is con- gradually gain acceptance, the emphasis
structive can and ought to be accom- would be placed on choice, and volun-
plished by increasing social awareness, tary negotiation and adjustment - very
appreciation, and acceptance of differ- imperfect those necessarily are - rather REFERENCES
ence in the areas of genders and of than on special legal mandate, special
sexualities,than can or should be legal regulation, special legal recognition
attempted by formal legal means. In the on behalf of some but not others, spe- Benjamin, Harry. 1 966. The Transsexual

earlier days of the transsexual phe- cial legal interference. Phenomenon. New York: Julian Press.

nomenon some may not only have Harry Benjamin International Gender
overestimated the extent of our Dysphoria Association's The Standards of

knowledge but may also have overesti- Care for Gender Identity Disorders [5th ver-

mated the extent to which law, as

Concluding sion], 1 998. International Journal of

opposed to informal social education Observations Transgenderism 2(2), April-June.

and awareness, can and should play a (http://www.svml)osion.com/ijt/

substantial role in dealing with what I can see the possibility that, except for iitc0405.htm)

Benjamin called the transsexual phe- a small number of cases involving

nomenon. Law may also have had a intractable, severe, and prolonged psy- International Bill of Gender Rights. 1 995. (As

more important role to play in the chological distress, GID and transsexu- adopted June I 7 ,
/ 995 Houston,
,
Texas,

early days than it does now. alism may disappear as categories of U.S.A.) Pp. viii-xi in Proceedings from the

medical pathology. Transsexualism will Fourth International Conference on

have become "demedicalized" in the Transgender Law and Employment Policy

A Possible Future sense that

requiring
it is

medical
seen as no longer
intervention.
(TFiANSGEN '95),

USA. Houston, TX: International Conference

June 1 995, Houston, TX,

Legal Policy: Fewer Transsexual persons, as such, may not on Transgender Law and Employment Policy,

(Or No) Special Legal be specially noticed by the law. For bet- Inc.

ter or worse the historic building block

Provisions Concerning of personal identity which we think of Swartz, Louis H. 1 991 "Law and
.

Transsexualism." Pp. 422429 in Gender

The Transsexual as basic male-female subjective identity
Blending, edited by Bonnie Bullough, Vern L.
will continue its very gradual social
Phenomenon evolution. Social roles of females and Bullough and James Elias. Amherst, NY:

mates may change also. Prometheus.

It may be that we should have less law

may the 997. "Updated Look at Legal Responses to
aimed at the special situation of trans- Enlightened legal policy in 1

Transsexualism: Especially Three Marriage

sexuals rather than more. One of the future push for less legal response spe-
basic reasons for this is that in many cially linked to transsexualism rather Cases in UK, U.S. and New Zealand."

than more. The reasons would be at International Journal ofTransgenderism (2),

important ways the special situation of I

transsexuals may not be as special, least twofold. One is the lack of any October-December.
(http://www.symposion.com/ijt/ijtc020l.htrn)
unique, bounded, and well
well coherent persuasive rationale for spe-
described, as was previously supposed. ciallegal responses to transsexuals
Quite the contrary. It may be the case based on their gender identity, in the
Confidential Correspondence corsets and ladies hosiery, and to wear Father held him down whilst, in our
on Cross Dressing high heeled shoes (tight, of course) and presence, mother tightly laced him into
1916-1920 leather gloves. All this of course was a pair of "punishment" corsets, to 1

Edited by Peter Farrar imposed by a mother; often with the inches and very deep over the hips and
determined help of a governess, in thighs.

Review by: Joan Hoff hopes of correcting the boy's misbe- Then he was made to wear a complete
havior; a step-mother intent on having a set of our clothes, including a pair of silk
well mannered young man, or a school stockings, a silk blouse, and a short, very

Fact or Fiction. Reality or Fantasy.

mistress at a girl's school. Some of the tight serge (which had originally
skirt
letters were written by the boys them- been made for a fancy dress ball as a
You decide as you read Confidential
selves, praising the training they skit on the "hobble" skirt). It was only 30
Correspondence on Cross Dressing.
received. Others were written by the inches around the hem.
This book is a compilation of letters
parent extolling the value of the training
which appeared in the London newspa-
pers 'Fun,' 'Photo Fun,' and 'New they so lovingly instituted, of course Then he was made to wear a pair of
there is the smattering of letters from low cut suede shoes with 6 inch heels,
Photo Fun,' to mention but a few, dur-
ing the period 1 9 6 to
I 1 920, and is the
kill joys who think this training is not and, tightly corseted, in full girls' dress,

latest in a of books including

series
good for the boys. with ear-rings and bracelets, and on
those heels his every step pulled up by
'Men in Petticoats' (which includes the
trials and tribulations of Boulton & One example of the thisgenre was the "hobble" skirt, he was forced to go
published Feb 14, 1920: DISCIPLINE with mother down to the shops whilst
Park), 'Borrowed Plumes,' 'My Best
she did her Saturday's shopping!! And
Party Frock, and 'Confidential
Correspondence, 191 I- 19 15.' My parents were always strict disciplinar- he was like that 2 1/2 hours!
ians, and often bothand my sister were
I

As read through the

I letters, I could not
tightly corseted for hours at a time, and I am sure it did more than a good can-
but wonder if the authors were made to do our usual household tasks in ing. Yours truly
shoes with very high heels for some lit-
describing actual events or were
tle crime we had been guilty of. XITE
indulging in vivid tales of imagination.
As you can see, this is an interesting
Perhaps both. It seems that every
of present do remember once the pun-
Especially book well worth reading. The greatest
aspect day "Fantasy I

Literature" was mentioned. Forcing

ishment meted out to my young broth- challenge though is to determine which
then aged sixteen, for cruelty to a cat
er; letters are factual and which are fantasy.
young boys to dress in girls clothing or
kilts and petticoats, to wear tight and for unkindness to his sisters. A.

Sex Seen: The examples presented
The Emergence of Modern toral-thesis-cum-paperback are limited
Sexuality in America to the court records of Sacramento,
California, and entertainment such as
Sharon R. Ullman early film and vaudeville. The author
the time, a personally ful-
notes that, at
(University of California Press)
filling sexuality became more impor-
reviewed by Amy Conger
tant to married people than reproduc-
(Any That Moves Magazine)
tive sex and that female impersonators
were challenging the audience's views
By the turn
of the 20th century,
of gender roles and prompting the
America was transforming rapidly into
print media to comment at length on
an industrialized nation. With its influx
the physical traits that were signs of
of immigrants and its blurring class dis-
being "less than" one's gender.
tinctions, one Victorian standard aban-
doned by American society was the Meanwhile the white, middle-class
strict gender lines of social life: Men and Reform Movement battled what they
women began to associate in public. saw as societal moral decay. Their
According to Ullman, this was the seed efforts centered around the skyrocket-
that led public opinion around sex and ing divorce rate, homosexuality and
gender to begin shifting toward what prostitution, inadvertently
we know now as publicly acceptable these issues into a larger public con-
heterosexuality. sciousness.
in this doc- Ullman presents much more such evi-
dence, but her points are inconclusive.
She does not point out any legacy left
us by those turbulent times, nor does
she provide us with a historical context
for the changes she presents. Her book
left me with questions; it could have
been twice as long.
Strangely, theauthor's comments on
non-heterosexuality are limited to men
and she makes little effort to consoli-
date her observations of attitudes
around gender roles and
identification,
women. One very
especially those of
important point that she nearly missed
completely was the cultural shift
toward identifying people by their sex-
ual practices. Sex Seen offers an inter-
esting peek into the sexual attitudes of
bringing ordinary people at the time, but she
never once mentions bisexuality in
concept or practice.
|B k Review
Transsexual
Workers
Transsexual Workers: An An Employer’s Guide

Employers Guide

Author: Janis Walworth Excerpted from places.These issues, which require multifac-
Transsexual Workers: eted examination, are addressed in this
An Employer's Guide book.

by Janis Walworth. Copyright © 1998. Although transsexuals have few protec-

Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. tions against discrimination under the cur-
This book is designed for employers, man-
rent laws, there are federal, state, and local
agers, human resources personnel, imple-
statutes that have supported equal treat-
In Brief: Transsexualism is a condition in
menters of employee assistance programs, ment of transsexuals in certain circum-
which a person's sense of identity as a
and others in a position to make work- stances. Making employment-related deci-
woman or a man does not correspond
place decisions about how to handle a sions about a transsexual employee based
with their genitalia and other physical sex-
transsexual employee's transition from one on his or her performance record and abil-
ual characteristics. Its cause is currently
sex to the other. The book includes basic ity to do the job, rather than on his or her
unknown, although there are indications
information about transsexualism, an
that both biology and early childhood envi-
transgendered status, is a prudent and fair
explanation of the transition process, illus- course of action. Ensuring that a transsexu-
ronment are factors. For male-to-female
trative personal histories, information on transsexuals, treatment consists of the al employee is treated with the same
relevant rights and disability laws, tips respect accorded other employees helps
civil assumption of a woman's social role, along
for managing difficult situations, and a glos- organizations to safeguard against legal
with physical changes brought about by
sary. There are suggestions for dealing with problems.
hormones, hair removal, and/or surgery
coworkers' concerns, uncomfortable that make the body more typically female.
Helping coworkers adjust to the transsex-
clients, the general public, and the media. This process, best accomplished with the
ual worker's changing role is the most crit-
Common workplace issues, such as pro- help of a psychotherapist, is called transi-
ical task for management. Offering or
noun usage, dress codes, restroom use, tion. For female-to-male transsexuals, who
requiring diversity training or an informa-
employee transfers, and health insurance, exist in approximately equal numbers as
male-to-female transsexuals, transition is
tional meeting is helpful in most work situ-
are addressed. A wider concept of trans-
ations. Management can help coworkers
similar but in the opposite direction. Many
gender is also introduced as it pertains to
understand how they are expected to
transsexuals ultimately decide not to have
crossdressers, transgenderists, intersex behave by making a clear statement sup-
genital surgery but live permanently in the
people, post-transition transsexuals, and porting the right of transsexual employees
role of the other sex.
others. A resource section lists helpful to make decisions about their sex and gen-
national and regional organizations, books, der affirming the value of diversity in the
Holding a job in his or her new role is an
magazines, and videos. workplace, and emphasizing a commitment
important part of the real-life experience
to having a workplace where all employees
or real-life test, a period of a year or more
are valued and respected. These state-
during which the transsexual has an oppor-
From the Publisher: This book repre- tunity to experience livingin the other gen-
ments should be reinforced by demon-
sents a major advance in the field of trans- strating appropriate ways of interacting
der role before making a final decision
gender employment. Transsexuals who with the transsexual employee in her or his
about whether to have sex reassignment
anticipate transitioning on the job will find surgery. Although this time can be chal-
new gender role and enacting sanctions
book an excellent resource to place against those who harass or intimidate the
this in lenging for managers and coworkers, as
the hands managers, human
of their well as the transsexual individual, many
employee.
resource personnel, and others who will transsexuals have completed transitions
be making decisions that affect their work smoothly in a wide variety of occupations.
When an employer and a transsexual

Their experience, which provides the basis

employee can discuss the employee's tran-
lives. For the manager facing for the first
sition in advance and agree on the steps to
time the challenge of accommodating a for this book, offers valuable guidance on
how best to handle the many sensitive sit-
be taken and their timing, transition usually
worker's transition from one sex to the
proceeds without mcident.The employee is
other, this book will be a lifesaver In a con- uations that can arise.
able to take the necessary steps toward
cise and readable format, it provides a basic self-fulfillment, while remaining at a job
Decisions often must be made about
understanding of transsexualism and the where he or she is competent and valued.
whether to transfer the transsexual
steps involved in the transition process. It The employer retains the expertise of the
employee to a different location within the
goes on to address issues that may arise in employee, saves the expense of hiring and
company, whether to change her or his job
a wide range of workplace scenarios. The training a replacement, and may find the
responsibilities, and how to handle her or
glossary acquaints the reader with a basic
his contacts with the public. Many practical
employee to be more productive and eas-
vocabulary of terms used in discussing ier for others to collaborate with as he or
workplace matters must be resolved. The
transgender topics, and the resource sec- she becomes a more whole, congruent,
question of which restroom the transsexu-
tion points the way to additional informa- and authentic person. This guide, human
al employee should use often becomes a
tion. More complete than the chapters and resources specialists, unions, professional
major stumbling block in a company's abil-
booklets heretofore available, this the associations, gay/lesbian/bisexual employee
is ity to cope with a transitioning employee;

book devoted entirely to the topic of

support groups, and outside consultants
first yet there are several simple solutions to
managing transition on the job. this issue that are effective in most work- can all be helpful in this process. A

82
 |
B o D K Reviews
1 * tion we have is our name and our legal

identity. Who you are in the world has as

much to do with your personality and what
1

kind of person you are as it does with how

1
you are classified and designated by practi-
1
cally anyone you come into contact with.
1

1
UftAUPf roe FTM You are, in fact, tagged, by your driver's
U/W*U 10 Tput/vdMMs
license, social security number; insurance
1
policies, bank accounts, credit card num-
1 bers, passport, school records, military
1 records, tax returns, etc.. Our legal identity
SPENCER BERGSTEDT, ESQ SPENCER BERGSTEDT. ESQ.
1
is the one thing that we have that identifies
1
Copyright 1997 us to those people, institutions and busi-
1
nesses that we have daily contact with. Few
people ever have to think as much about
1

1 how a name defines you than those of us

1 who start our lives with one name and one
gender identifier placed after that name -

and later in life change our names and live

in our true gender.

Trans Legalities all questions. Always seek professional

A LEGAL GUIDE FOR FTMS advice from an attorney in your area if you
While the amount of data to change can
have questions and to assist you with such
seem daunting, its really just a matter of
Trans Legalities complex issues as wills and estate planning,
taking step-by-step. It can also be a frus-
A legal Guide for MTFs employment problems, discrimination,
trating, time consuming, costly and difficult
adoption, etc..
process. But it is a necessary one - and one
Spencer Bergstedt that should be fairly easily achieved.
As you begin your transition, you will no
INTRODUCTION doubt discover that a whole gamut of legal
This is a much needed tool for your sur-
issues that will impact you. Name change
vival kit. Keep it handy because you will use
This book intended to be a guide for MtF and legal identity, employment issues, med-
is
it a lot. Spencer has made his book an easy
and FtM Transsexuals managing the ical care issues, marriage and family, child
in legal to follow step by step diagram on how to
aspects of gender transition. Legal determi- custody, adoption, and even which bath-
take care of you legal life and when to call

nation of your gender and sex is pervasive room to legally use will need to be dealt
for professional help. A must for everyones
this society and has tremendous impact with in turn.
in library. Here’s how to order:
on you and your life - even your livelihood.

This book will hopefully give you some LEGAL IDENTITY Spencer Bergstedt
answers to the legal questions that sur- Attorney at Law, 1211 Smith tower, 506
round transition and help you in charting a One of the most fundamental things we Second Ave., Seattle WA 98 1 04
course for legal transition and the issues carry around with us each and every day,
206-949-7469
that may arise after you've transitioned. It is
everywhere we go and which attaches
Email: MstrSpence@aol.com
not intended to be the absolute answer on itself to nearly every interaction/transac-
Cost: $25ea.

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83
 2

jCALENDAR
March 1999 March 1999 April 1999
IFGE 1999 Convention Full Circle of Women Essex, Massachusetts, a 45-minute drive from
March 18-21 West Coast Conference: Boston.The Center is secluded, its two mod-
ern buildings set on 18 acres of peaceful
"Standing United" for the Health & MARCH 26-28, 1999 woods within walking distance of the ocean.
Wellness of All Transgendered People The Center features a hot tub that holds 1

people and a wood-fired sauna that accom-

IFGE selected Louisville Kentucky for their Full Women West will be held at
Circle of
modates eight. Wonderful, healthy, mainly
999 Annual Conference, to be held March the Manzanita Village Buddhist Retreat
1 vegetarian meals are prepared by the staff
18-21, 999 .The primary host organization Center in a secluded, unspoiled valley adja- and served family-style.
1

cent to several thousand acres of national

is Blue Grass Belles, with the convention
forest and not far from the Anza-Borrego
chair being Dawn Josephine Wilson. IFGE Space is limited to 30.The cost of the week-
Desert. The center owned by transgender-
also selected Board members S. Kristine end after February 999, $300.The price
1 ,
1

friendly women, is a 2.5-hour drive from Los

includes double or triple accommodations,
James and Alison Laing, both experienced
Angeles and .5 hours from San Diego. With
all meals from a light supper Friday evening
1

convention planners, to head the convention

advance notice, rides can usually be through lunch on Sunday, the use of the hot
management team for IFGE.
arranged. The Center features a wood-fired
tub and sauna, and all workshops. Single
sauna that holds 8 to 0 people; bathing suits
1

rooms are available for $25 additional.

BGB will be joined in this effort by members are optional. Wonderful, healthy vegetarian
of a host of other nearby support groups meals are prepared by the staff and served
Forinfo call: Center for Gender Sanity, Janis,
including the Tennessee Vais; CrossPort family-style.
310-670-2222
(southern Ohio and northern Kentucky) and
IXE (Indiana), as well as local GLBT organi- Space is limited to 22. The cost of the week-
zations and the Louisville Convention and end after January 30, 999, is$ 80.The price
1 1

Tourism Bureau. Anne Casebeer, Vice- includes accommodations

dormitory-style
President of BGB said; "We welcome and (4 to 6 people to a room), all meals from

invite the help and advice of our friends in supper Friday evening through lunch on Pride and Prejudice
the surrounding cities. It's wonderful that we Sunday, the use of the sauna, and all work- Symposium
shops. A limited number of double rooms
were chosen to host this convention in the April 8-10, 1999
are available for $20 additional (per person).
Derby City, a central location to which so
many people will be able to travel easily for The 5th Annual Symposium on Lesbian, Gay,
For infoCenter for Gender
call: Sanity, Janis,
a conference. This may be the only chance Bisexual and Transgender Issues
310-670-2222
manyTG people in this part of the country
have to attend a convention. We will host a University of Rhode Island. Please e-mail to:

supportive, informative, and fun conference Silvadel@aol.com

that everyone will enjoy."
NIGHT OF A
As part of event, Alison Laing and
THOUSAND GOWNS
Kristine James, are
this

adding two special features;

S.
March 27,1999 Queerfest
the convention will include aTG Health &
Charity Ball and Coronation
April 29
Wellness Conference. Ms. James st

Also, Alison and Kristine ane trying to rein- Call for performers
TheNew York Marriott Marquis, NYC -
stitute the Congress of Transgender
GOLD TICKETS: $ 35- 1 reserved seating
Organizations by inviting representatives from
(advance sales only) - doors open 6:30 PM Pride Alliance, the gay, lesbian, bisexual,
all state and local TG organizations to partici-
for cocktails (cash bar), 8:00 PM a full 4- transgender and straight ally student orga-
pate in a such a gathering at a minimum fee.
course sit-down dinner, entertainment, nization at U-Mass-Amherst, is looking for
Since all work and no play makes for a dry
performers for Queerfest, a GLBT commu-
award ceremony, Coronation at midnight,
conference, BGB is planning to host several
day-long event be
dessert buffet at 2:30 AM, and dancing until
1
nity pride festival.This will
entertaining evening events and tours of local
1 :30 AM. SILVER TICKETS: $75. - general held at U-Mass Amherst, Amherst MA, on
attractions. The seminars and speeches will
send
admission - doors open 1 0:00 PM entertain- Thursday, April 29,1999. Please all
feature well-known professional gender spe-
ment, award ceremony, Coronation at mid- materials to Queerfest, c/o Pride Alliance,
cialists, some of whom have not previously
416 Student Union, Box U-Mass
night, dessert buffet at 1 2:30 AM, and danc- 66,
been presenters at other national TG events.
Amherst, Amherst MA 0 003
ing until 1:30 AM. For ticket information 1

please call Matt 2 2-74 1-31

1 15. Add my
Watch the world wide web for more details
name to the Night of a Thousand Gowns
at http://www.ifge.org and http://www.trans-
mailing list.
genderorg/tg/bgb/, including hotel and regis-
tration data, or write or IFGE
California Dreamin' *99
call :

Convention, PO. Box 6 Easton, PA 1 8044,-

April 22 - 25
1 ,

0061, 610-759-2347. For local information, April 1999

contact the BGB at PO Box 20173,
Louisville, Ky. 40250 (502-672-86 1 3 dig, pgr) Back To Our Roots in
Ifyou are interested in presenting a seminar Los Angeles
please forward your questions to Marjorie
Full Circle of Women
Demaille at efduhrl@pop.uky.edu, or the East Coast Conference:
BGB mailing address. Contact: IFGE April 23-25, 1999 California Dreamin
1

is pleased to offer it's

Convention, PO Box 6 1 ,
Easton PA 1
8044- ninth conference serving the transgender
0061, 610-759-2347 BGB: PO Box 20173, community. Please join us for our weekend
Louisville, Ky. 40250 502-672-86 1
3 (pgr) Full Circle ofWomen
be held at the East will of seminars and activites. This year we're
email:agc@cwix.com Essex Conference Center and Retreat in going back to our roots. The event will be

84
 , , 3

Calendar
April 1999 May 1999 May 1999
held at the site of the original California setting where you can stand facing the sea people, the Transgender Education
Dreamin' - the San Fernando Valley. Who and feel the entire country behind you. Network of JRI Health is producing The
says you can't go home again? First New England International
This years Spring Fling takes plac from Transgender Film and Video Festival &
Our program manager is making sure that Thursday May 6 through Sunday May 9. Symposium. Together with other commu-
you get the enjoyment and fulfill-
fullest Come for the entire long weekend, or just nity providers, trans organizations, activist

ment for your convention dollar.
Experience workshops an improving your
femininity or personal fufillment. There are
seminars for spouses and partners plus
for a day or so. We will be staying at the and advocates of human rights, we jointly
Provincetown Inn. Located at I
undertake this endeavor to provide a
Commercial Street, the Provincetown Inn forum in which films that articulate and
is on the water and offers a private beach, illustrate the multiple faces of the transgen-

workshops for couples issues. All programs outdoor pool, and ample free parking. der experience can be presented and fea-
are staffed by caring and knowledgeable tured. The directors and the films them-
members of our community along with Included with your registration are the selves impart the courage, the struggles,
working professionals sensitive to the Saturday evening dinner in one of the Inn's the vision, and the socio-political subver-
needs of the gender community banquet rooms, continental breakfast, and siveness of the trans subject position. In

For additional information on registrations group rates on the accommodations. It is addition, several films depict the struggle of

contact dreamm96@aol.com or for other Tiffany's goal just to cover its expenses, and transgender youth. Others will address
information on the event or not profit from this event. issues of HIV/AIDS and the risk for com-
mercial sex workers. Beyond this, we strive
e-mail to:dianedr@flash.net
All members of the transgendered com- to promote positive and empowering por-
munity, their families and friends, and those traits of individuals who have survived the
PPOC/CALIFORNIA DREAMIN'
who work on our behalf are welcome to crippling effects of marginalization and
PO. Box l088,Yorba Linda, CA 92886
join us. For further information contact the hegemony. In spite of this, the transgender
Telephone Registration No: Club of New England, PO Box 7
Tiffany community is emerging into its own place
1

(714) 281-0271 Waltham, MA 02454-0071, or call 1-781- in history as a new movement and expand-
FAX Registraion No: 891-9325. ing the language of gender and sex, while
(714) 281-0371 giving voice beyond the borders of the
Location: AirTel Plaza Hotel, binary modalities of gender Through the

Van Nuys, CA. medium of film we can provide community

awareness, support, and education.
Web site: http://www.
flash.net/~dhome/cadreamin TransAmerica
Transgender Conference
May 13-15, 1999
“Forget me not”
Charlotte, NC,The Queen City Brought to Memorial Service
May 1999 you by transgender activists, experienced Tuesday, May 25, 1999
conference organizers, care-providers, Boston
entertainers, leaders, vendors, authors and
scholars. For more info call: 704-53 -9988
I

This is a Memorial Service for all

Transpeople we've lost to hate crimes.

Tiffany Club of New Starting at 7:00pm at the Arlington Street
England 9th Annual Chruch, followed by a march to the State
Spring Fling in House. Save the Date. Co-sponsored by
Provincetown, Rebecca Durkee and It's Time
Massachusetts TRANSpective Massachusettes.
May 6 - May 9, 1999
The First New England
International
Mark your calendar now, and plan on join- Transgender Film and June 1999
ing the Tiffany Club of New England for Video Festival
four fun-filleddays in one of the most
open, non-judgmental communities in the
And Symposium.
world Provincetown., Located on the tip of
May 18, 19 & 20, 1999 17th Be All
Cape Cod, Provincetown combines the June 2-6, 1999
quintessential New England fishing port Located at The Coolidge Corner Theatre, Cleveland Rocks
with the relaxed feeling of one of the old- 290 Harvard, in Brookline, MA
est artist colonies in the country Great fun, loaded with activities and profes-
A JRI and Hannarchy Now sional seminars featuring the best speakers.
The spirit of Spring Fling is non-structured. Production Plus a tour of the
It's a time to get out of the closet, class-
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
room, or meeting and into an accept-
hall,
Tickets on sale April 2, 1999 Cleveland Rocks and so will you!
ing society where you can interact with
others in the way that you feel most com-
Mission Statement:
fortable. Fun, fulfillment, and growth are www.beall.net • I -330-923-34 1

In efforts to foster community building,

what Spring Fling has to offer and all in a Be-All at RO. Box 28 1

education, and support for transgender

Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44222

85
 |Calendar
July 1999 July 1999 August 1999

Human
Second International .Aids

.
and
Sex Workers and
Rights
Human Rights
August 17-22
Conference: . Young People, Sexuality and Human Rights International Gender
21-24 July 1999 Heterosexuality, Hegemony & Human Rights
Dysphoria Association, Inc.

Papers are invited around these or other

London, England
Beyond Boundaries: Sexual
areas, which address the key themes. The
Diversityand Human Rights Contact Dean Robinson,
organizers are particularly keen to encourage I 300 South 2nd
Manchester Metropolitan
contributions from a variety of disciplines and St. Suite 1
80, Minneapolis, MN 55454.
University, UK. cultural contexts which employ diverse criti- Tele: 6 2-625- 500
1 1

cal and theoretical approaches. E-mail: Robin009@gold.tc.umn.edu

This conference seeks to bring together the
studies, ideas and experiences of colleagues Contributions which provide a historical per-
from a variety of social and cultural settings, spective upon these issues are especially wel-
who will develop and explore the connec- come. Abstracts of around 200 words should
tions between sexual diversity and human be sent to:
Kindred Spirits
rights in a wide variety of contexts. These will August 19-22, 1999
include: Gail Hawkes, Department of Sociology 7th Annual circle
Manchester Metropolitan University
Sex, Gender and Human Rights
.

Geoffrey Manton Building Our primary event, celebrating the growing

. Sexual Diversity and Citizenship
. SE Asian Sexuality's Rosamond Street West, Off Oxford Road traditions and visions of Kindred Spirits.

. Sexuality and Globalization Manchester M 1 5 6LL Your opportunity to share in a rich, life-
. Sexual Diversity and The Law 247 3464 6
Tele: (+44) (0) 1 1
altering experience at the Sunnybank Inn, in
. Marriage and Sexual Citizenship
. Sexual and Reproductive Rights
Fax: (+44) 247 6321
(0) 161 Hot Springs, NC. Inquire for details.
. Queer Politics and Citizenship Email: g.hawkes@mmu.ac.uk $200/per person, $385/per couple.
.Sexual Rights and Sexual Responsibilities WWW: http://www.miid.net/diversity/
.Sexual Discourses In Religious Communities

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86
 |
Professional Listings
We at Tnansgender Tapestry would like to take this opportunity to thank the pro-
fessional individuals and organizations who support the production of this magazine
with a paid listing. Please remember to look here first for services.

ARIZONA 9882, Fax 714-953-9884, e- 3301. FAX 719-846-6097. and having attended Southern
mail: RBCenter@aol.com. Surgeon. #88 Comfort three times. Our
Board Certified Sex Therapists office is Transgender friendly.
with extensive experience 1 80 University Drive, Coral
1

ANNE STERICKER counseling Transgender individ- CONNECTICUT Springs FL 69541. Please Call
PH.D. uals. Interns are available on a (954)345-2292. FAX (954)345-
1 200 N El Dorado PI Suite F- sliding fee scale. #86 8086.Therapy forTGs and fam-
640, Tucson AZ
85715-4637 WYNELLE SNOW, MD. ilies. #88
Ph. 520-298-9746, Fax 520- 1 00
Farmington Avenue, Suite
1

298-9367. Clinical Psychologist. SOUTHERN 302, Bristol CT 06010-3990.

Certified Sex Therapist. CALIFORNIA (860)582-1178. Email: TAMPA GENDER
National Register Health GENDER GROUP wynellesnow@pol.net. Member IDENTITY PROGRAM
Service Providers in Psychology. I 6 N. Robertson Blvd. Suite
1
HBIGDA, Association ofGay & (TGIP)
Individual therapy, Couples 702, Los Angeles. 90048 CA Lesbian Psychiatrists, Gay & Carl Bushong, Ph.D., LMFT,
Therapy. Gender counseling for 3 1 0-659-8640
Psychotherapy Lesbian Medical Association. LMHC, Director. TGIP do
TGs and their families. with knowledgeable and caring Board certified Psychiatry. Tampa Stress Center; PO Box
#85 professionals. Contact T. Adam Experienced in evaluation of 273107, Tampa FL 33688-
Cotsen MD #89 gender related issues and asso- 3107. (813) 884-7835. COM-
ciated difficulties. #88 PLETE gender service.
SHEILA DICKSON, Counseling, Medical, Hormone
PH.D. NORTHERN Therapy, Electrolysis, Image and
3930 E. Camelback Road, Suite CALIFORNIA GENDER IDENTITY Voice. TGIP's unique program
205, Phoenix, AZ 85018 tele: CLINIC OF NEW designed for PARTICIPATION
602 956-3006, fax: 602-840- ENGLAND: THROUGHOUT USA. Visit
3346. Licensed clinical psychol- GENDER AND 68 Adelaide Road, Manchester our web: www.nu-woman.com
ogist, 25 year gender specialist. SELF ACCEPTANCE CT 06040. Clinton R. Jones, /tgip.htm. #89
General and gender counseling PROGRAM: Director, (860)646-865 Web 1 .

for individuals, couples and fam- GSAR PO Box 424447, San site: www.intelleng.com/gicne.
ilies. Workplace consultation. Francisco CA 94142. Gianna html. Differential diagnosis, ILLINOIS
Member HBIGDA. Evaluations Eveling Israel, Director (415) hormonal therapy and general
for hormones, surgery; referrals 558-8058. Psychotherapy. counseling for transgendered
to medical services. #87 persons. #90 RANDI ETTNER, PH.D.
#88 1214 Lake St., Evanston IL
ANNE VITALE, PH.D. 60201. (847)328-3433. FAX
D Counseling Group,
Street (847)328-5890. Email:
610 D San Rafael CA
Street, FLORIDA http://members.aol.com/ret-
SOUTHERN 94901. (415) 456-4452. Email: tner Psychotherapist/psycholo-
CALIFORNIA info@avitale.com. TS therapist gist. President, New Health
specializing in gender related ADEL KATES Foundation. #89
individual and group psy- & ASSOCIATES, P.A.
STEPHEN j. PINCUS, chotherapy since 1978. One NE. 68th Street, North
1

MD., FACS: Member: HBIGDA. For more Miami Beach, Florida 33162,
4644 Lincoln Blvd., Suite 409, information, see notes on (305)651-6442. Certified and MARYLAND
Marina del Rey CA 90292. Gender Transition available on- Licensed Speech Pathologist,
(310)306-2160. FAX: (310) line at http://www.avitale.com. Director Adele Kates Services;
821-6596. Email: spincus@ #87 Transsexual voice change and KATE THOMAS, PH.D.,
earthlmk.net or PlastikDok gender identity. Includes; body RN., CS., F.A.A.C.S.:
@aol.com. Voice surgery and DOUGLAS K. language, makeup, fashion, hair The Human Ecology Center;
plastic surgery. #87 OUSTERHOUT, MD styling, female communication 4419 Falls Road, Baltimore MD
45 Castro St., Suite 1
50, San patterns. By Appointment 2121 (410)625-1095. Fax
I
.

Francisco, CA 941 14. Phone #87 (4 0)366-065

1 Clinical sexolo-
I .

LAW OFFICES OF (415) 626-2888 e-mail: gist, specializing in sexuality and

SARAH DOUGLAS ousterht@cris.com. Facial and gender #88

1 2400 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 400, body feminization surgery. #86 LIBBY A. TANNER,
Los Angeles CA 90025. LCSW, PH.D. RUSTY LYNN, LCSW:
(310)820-0212. Email: 5901 S.W. 1800 Sunset Harbor 4835 Del Ray Ave., Bethesda
DBInman@aol.com. Legal assis- Dr #1012, Miami Beach, FL MD 20814. (301)652-6448.
tance for all members of the COLORADO 33139. 305-665-4934. FAX Pastoral counselor with over 10
gender community. Document 305-661-9478. Gender-friendly years experience counseling
changes, family, employment, counseling for TGs and their transgendered persons.
privacy, civil rights, criminal, DEB-ANN THOMPSON, families. Harry Benjamin mem- #85
torts, etc., through transition PH.D., NCACII, CACIII ber, psychotherapy. #89
and beyond. #89 2755 S. Locust St., Suite #207,
Denver CO 80222. (303) MASSACHUSETTS
758-6634. Psychotherapy. #86 A CLINICAL
APPROACH
RISKIN-BANKER COUNSELING CENTER ELKE O'DONNELL,
PSYCHOTHERAPY STANLEY H. BIBER, do Marcia L. Schultz, Ph.D., Dr PH.D., MTS:
CNTR. MD., P.C.: Schultz has worked with the 43 Roberts Road, Cambridge
1913 El 7th St.Ste. 107 Santa 406 First National Bank Bldg., Transgender Community for six MA 02138. (617) 441-9300.
Monica, CA 90405 714-953- Trinidad CO
81082. 719-846- years attending support groups Email: euod@aol.com.

87
 1

Psychotherapy and pastoral MINNESOTA LAWRENCE KRIEGER, TEXAS

counseling. #86 ATTORNEY:
The Wilder Building, One E. Main
KAROL L. JENSEN, St., #400, Rochester NY
Suite ALICE WEBB, PH.D.
DIANE ELLABORN, PH.D., M.P.H. 14614. (800) 719-3260, (716) LMSW-ACP
LICSW,NASW 416 Hennepin
E. Ave., 325-2640, FAX (716)325-1946. 18333 Egret Bay Blvd., Suite 560,
DIPLOMAT IN CLINICAL Minneapolis MN 55414-1006. Gender-friendly law office. Full Houston TX 77058 (NASA, Clear
SOCIAL WORK (612)379-5377. Email: KLJensen service firm with expertise also in Lake area) (28 ) 333 - 2278. Fax
1

187 E. Commonwealth Road, @aol.com. Gender identity issues, name change, CD, TV, TS, legal (281) 333 - 2293. Email:
Wayland MA 01778. (508)788- TS, TG, individual psychotherapy issues. Free / 2 hr consult readers
I ALESWEBB@aol.com.
5406 Individual, couple and group and couple work. #88 TransgenderTapestry. #88 Pres. Elect-HBIGDA, 1997-1999.
psychotherapy. Evalu- ations for gender program,
Clinical sexology,
hormones and surgery and refer- certified sex therapist, general
rals to medical services for trans- ARLENE ISTAR LEV psychotherapy. #9
sexuals. Insurance accepted. MISSOURI R.C.S.W., C.A.S.A.C.
Supervision and consultation for CHOICES COUNSELING
professionals. #88 ASSOCIATES
JOYCE DEWOSKIN PH.D. 32 Washington, Albany, New York
1 VIRGINIA
1 240 1 Olive Blvd., Suite 101, St. 12206 518-463-9152 e-mail:
ALEX COLEMAN, JD, Louis, MO 63141 Phone 24 istarlev@aol.com Individual and
PH.D.: hours: 314-434-5888, 7 days, family therapy for lesbian, gay, ELLEN R. WARREN, LCSW
246 Tappan Street, Brookline MA Psychological Services, Gender bisexual, transgender and other 1 500King Street, Suite 302,
02146. 617-738-0463. Attorney Friendly Counseling and testing sexual minority issues. Sexual and Alexandria VA 22314. (703)683-
& licensed psychologist provider. for TGs and their families, gender identity, addictions, domes- 07 1 Compassionate, affirming
0.
Psychology practice: Gender sex- Support Groups available, all tic violence, sexual abuse, parent- therapist forTG people and their
ual identity/orientation, general ages. #86 ing, depression, anxiety, eating dis- significant others. 25 years expe-
psychology, forensic issues (chil- orders, body image disturbance, ill- rience. Individual therapy, cou-
dren, adolescents, adults, cou- ness and sexuality. #86 ples/family counseling to assist
ples/families). Legal practice: with transition, confusion, emo-
Gender sexual identity/orienta- NEVADA tional pain, relationships, career
tion, family law, child welfare, and family issues. #84
mental health, guardian ad litem. OHIO
Supervision, consultation, educa- NANCY LEE, PH.D.
tion, assessment available. #88 Caring Counseling, 2061 Market MARTHA HARRIS,
Street, Reno NV 89502. TRASNSSEXUAL, LCSW, CHT. TFT:
(702)322-7771. FAX (702)322- CROSSDRESSER, Banyan Counseling Center, 4201
DENNIS PEARNE, EDD 750 1 . Providing warm, accepting, TRANSGENDERIST CON- John Marr Drive, Ste. 222.
Licensed Psychologist special- validating and confidential psy- CERNS Annandale, VA 22003. 703-914-
izing in Transgender issues. chotherapy for all members of Meral Crane, MA, LPCC
G. 4627. Affirming, sensitive, confi-
Consultations: 9 Alexander Ave„ the transgendered community and Coordinator
Clinical director dential counseling for the TG
Belmont Ctr„ MA 02478. and their families. #89 Family Therapist; Sex Therapist community, their significant oth-
(617)484-0013. #88 Licensed Counselor. Over 25 ers and families. Certified
years experience. PO. Box 82008, Hypnotherapist and Thought
NEW HAMPSHIRE Columbus, Ohio, 43202, 614- Field Therapist. #88
CHRISTINE C. BECKER 451-01 I, email: crane. 2@osu.
I

L.I.S.C.S.W.: NEW JERSEY edu #89

341 Marrett Road (Rt. 2A),
Lexington MA 02173. (781)862- WASHINGTON
6170. couple, family
Individual, DR. A.S. NUBEL
and group evaluation and coun- PHYCHOTHERAPIST: RHODE ISLAND
seling for the transgender com- (908)722-9884, (908)722- Fax: THE INGERSOLL
munity. #86 0666 Specialized Treatment of GENDER CENTER:
Gender Identity Disorders, 1812 East Madison, Seattle
(TV/TS,) Individuals, Marriage and DAVID MEDEIROS, LICSW WA 98122.(206)329-6651.
Family, Groups, 683 Donald Dr N Gender Specialist, counseling, Counseling and referrals. 99
MICHIGAN Bridgewater, NJ 08807 Psychotherapy and Education.
#87 Craik Building, Suite 307, 2845
Post Rd., Warwick Rl 02886. JUDE PATTON,
UMMC (401)739-4604. Counseling, psy- CMHC, CMFT, PA-C:
COMPREHENSIVE AMY L. ALTENHAUS, chotherapy and education. #90 1812 East Madison, Suite 02, 1

GENDER SERVICES PH.D. Seattle WA

98 22, Phone/fax 1

PROGRAM: 80 East Main Street, Freehold NJ (425)787-5094. E-mail: JUDE-

University of Michigan
Medical 07728. (732)780-6644. Fax STEVEN M. KANE, PH.D. PATTON aol.com@ Compas-
Center University Hospital IH223, (732)845- 84. Psychologist
1 I 64 Bluff Avenue, Cranston, Rl sionate, supportive counseling for
1500 E. Medical Center Dr, Ann doing psychotherapy and custody 02905. 401-461-2323. all trans-persons and their
Arbor Ml 48 09-0050. Sandra
1 evaluation. #87 Psychotherapy and counseling SOFFAs, by transman who is a
Cole, Ph.D., Director. Phone: for individuals, couples, families physician assistant, therapist and
(3 I 3)936-7067. Emaikum- and groups, supervisory, educa- AASECT certified sex educator
cgsp@umich.edu. The UMMC NEW YORK tional, and public speaking ser- and sex therapist. Reasonable
CGSP is dedicated to meeting the vices also available. Member fees. #86
medical and mental health care AAPC. #86
needs of persons for whom gen- JEANNE MOREN,
der and sexual identity and MA, M.S.C.C ROBERT LAPOINTE, ESQ.
expression are primary issues. Full 56 7th Ave., Suite 5F 1 n.y., n.y. PO Box 6324, Rumford Rl1 For Professional Listing Call:
range of service, including primary 1001 I (212)627-7699 e-mail; 02916. 401-438-7790. Member 781 - 899 - 2212 ,

medical and mental health care, jmoren@ix.netcom.com. R.I. & Mass. Bars, gender friendly web site: www.ifge.org or
and surgery. #86 Individuals, couples & family coun- legal services and divorce media-
email: info@ifge.org
seling. #87 tion. #90
|
D i r e c T O R Y a f Organizations
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL
ALL - AMERICAN BOYZ: FOR CHANGE]: BM Network, CALIFORNIA Write Rainbow Community Church,
American Boyz, mid-Atlantic region. For London, WC
N 3XK. Phone: +44- 161-
I Visalia Meeting House, 17208
Friends
gender variant people of the f2m con- 423- 1915, Wed. 8pm- 0.30 pm Wed. 1
FTM - GENDERQUEER BOYZZ: Ave. 296, Visalia, CA, 93291. 209-627-
tinuum. plus all SOFFAs. Contact Gary GMT). Email:s.t.whittle@mmu.ac.uk. Contact Jacob Hale e-mail: 2727
at American Boyz, 2 2A S. Bridge Street. 1 Web site: http:\\ ourworld. CompuServe. Zeroboyjh@aol.com
Suite 3 Elkton, MD, 2 92
1 or trans-
1 ,
1 1 com\ homepages\ press_for_change. CD/TS/SO - POWDER PUFFS
man@netgsi.com Support, political lobbying and education ALL- THE TRANSGENDER OF ORANGE COUNTY (PPOC):
group. MENACE OF SOUTHERN CALI- PO. Box l088,Yorba Linda, CA 92885.
FEMALE-TO-MALE INTERNA- FORNIA: A direct action group dedi- Voice 7 4-28 -0297
1
1

TIONAL:
I

CA
360 Mission
94103
St., Ste. 200,
415-553-5987
San Francisco,
Web: ALABAMA
cated to using any means necessary to
make the world, especially our Southern
California corner of it, a safe place for all
FTM/SO-FTM
INTERNATIONAL
www.ftm-intl.org Email: transfolk and genderqueers.(323)962- BIMONTHLY: FTM TS/TG
TST GMen@aol.com TRI-S - SIGMA RHO GAMMA: 9175 ShirleyShirley@earthlink.net or TRANSMALE TASKFORCE:
SERGA, PO Box 6 74, Huntsville AL 1 1

(323) 665-1130 Jacob, 1 259 El Camino Real, #151, Menlo Park

INTERNATIONAL CONFER- 35802. Michelle Steadman, (205)880- zeroboyjh@aol.com CA 94025. (4 5) 780-9349. FTM
1

ENCE ON TRANSGENDER LAW 9660. Support group.

AND EMPLOYMENT POLICY TRI-ESS - ALPHA: PO Box 4 352, ALL-GIGIS-GENDER ISSUES:
GAMMA
1 1

(ICTLEP): PO Drawer 1010, TRI-S - SIGMA RHO c/o Kathy Helms, Eagle Rock
Los Station, Gender Information and Support.
Cooperstown NY 13326. ATTN:
Sharon SOUTH: SERGA, PO Box 66286, Angeles CA 9004 1, Tel:(8 8)352-9448. 1
Hosted by Miss Major 5 days a week
Stuart, Corresponding Secretary. 607- Mobile AL 36660. Lisa Jackson. Support Support. Mon-Fri 4pm-6pm. Tenderloin AIDS
547-4 8. Email: ictlephdq@aol.com. AOL
1 1 group. Resource Center 87 Golden Gate Ave 1

Keyword: ICTLER Web site: CD/TS - CLUB CHERCHEZ LA at Leavenworth, San Francisco 94102.
www.abmall.com/ictlep. Information FEMME: PO Box 10873, Santa Ana 415-431-7476
source onTG legal and policy issues. CA 927 -0873. Send SASE for details.
ALASKA
1 I

Private membership club. CD/TS/SO - SAN FRANCISCO

INTERNATIONAL FOUNDA- GENDER INFORMATION: SFGI
TION FOR GENDER EDUCA- CD/TS/SO/MTF/FTM- TG-VENTURA GENDER OUT- 3637 Grand Ave., Suite C, Oakland, CA
TION: IFGE, Box 229, Waltham MA ALASKAN T-PEOPLE: PO Box REACH: 1995 Main street, Ventura 94610-2029. Maintains database ofTG
02254-0229. (78 )899-22 2 FAX 1
1 670349, Chugiak AK 99567-0349. CA 93003. 805-653- 979. Contact per- 1
resources for SF Bay area.
(78 )899-5703. E-mail: mfo@ifge.org.
1
Strictly social for the whole family. son: Randi. Open peer facilitated drop in
Education, outreach, peer counseling. group for persons who have a conflict ALL-LAVENDER LINE: Pacific
TRI-S - ALPHA KAPPA: PO Box with or question about their gender Center (510)841-6224. An informa-
NATIONAL GAY AND LES- 5392, Ft. Richardson, AK 99505-0392. Tues night 7-9pm. tion/resource phone line for the GLBT
BIAN TASK FORCE: 2320 17th Support community covering the East Bay, San
Street, NW, Washington DC 20009- CD/SO CROSSDRESSER HET-
- Francisco area.
2702. (202)332-6483 extension 3301, EROSEXUAL INTERSOCIAL
FAX (202)332-0207, TTY (202)332- CLUB: CHIC, PO Box 8487, Long MTF-FTM-TRANGENDERS IN
6219. It is impossible to list all the gay ARIZONA Beach CA 90808. (818) 243-2442. TRANSITION: A facilitated group
and lesbian support groups. Write Support group, Web site: for transfolk at all stages of transition.
NGLTF for a referral to someone near CD/TS - A
8108, ROSE: PO Box http://www.transgenderor/tg/chic Thurs. 7:30-9:00pm Cost $30-$5 per
you. Glendale, AZ 85280-8108. (602) 488- session sliding scale. Call first 4 5-436- 1

0959, e-mail: sss@tri-ess.org web: IS - AIS SUPPORT GROUP: c/o 9000

OUTREACH INSTITUTE OF http://tri-ess.org/rose.htm e-mail: Sherri Groveman, 4203 Genessee Ave.,
GENDER STUDIES: OIGS, 126 denise@inficad.com Support group. #103-436, San Diego CA 921 17-4950. CD/TS/SO - EDUCATIONAL TV
Western Ave, Augusta ME Suite 246, Email: <aissg@aol.com>. CHANNEL: ETVC, PO Box
04330. Ariadne Kane, MEd, Director TRI-ESS - ALPHA ZETA CHAP- 426486 San Francisco CA 94142-
(207)621-0858. Programs for profes- TER: PO Box 1738, Tempe AZ CD/TS/SO - NEUTRAL COR- 6486. (415) 564-3246 hotline, BBS
sionals. 85280- 738. (602) 488-0959
1 Web Site: NER: PO Box 19008, San Diego CA (415) 564-4903, Telzey (510)849-41 12.
http://tri.ess.org 92159. (619)685-3696. Web: http: // Support.
ALL - RENAISSANCE EDUCA- geocities.com/WestHollywood/
TION ASSOCIATION: 987 Old TRI-ESS - TAU UPSILON: 8802 E Village/47 8/ 1 Support e-mail: neutral- SO - SIGNIFICANT OTHERS
Eagle School Rd„ #719, Wayne PA Broadway Blvd. # 1
45, Tucson AZ corner@geocities.com SUPPORT: SOS, attn: Ginny Knuth,
19087. (610)975-91 19 (24 hrs). Email: 85710. Phone: (520)296-3472. 2478 28th Ave., San Francisco CA
angela@ren.org. Educational outreach FTM - UNDER CONSTRUC- 94116-2305. (415)644-1499. E-mail:
and support group. CD/TS/TG - EVOLVER: 416 E TION: PO. Box 922342, Sylmar CA ginny@sirius.com. Support group.
22nd St., Tucson AZ 85713.(520) 884- 9 392-2342, 8 8-837- 904. contact Jeff
1 1 1

CD/TV - SOCIETY FOR THE 054 50 C-3 not

1 . 1 for profit organiza- SHEVLOWITZ E-MAIL: LITTLE- CD/TS/SO - DIABLO VALLEY
SECOND SELF (TRI-ESS): PO Box tion. Support group. Web: SHEVY@JUNO.COM. GIRLS: DVG, PO Box 272885,
1
94, Tulare CA 93275. Email: TRISIN- http://home.earthlmk.net/~evolvere/ Concord, CA 94527-2885. (5 1 0)937-
FO@AOL.COM outreach Educational email: SAndra@ aol.com TRI-S - TRI-CHI - TRI ESS: 8432. Group
and support for heterosexual cross- PO Box 94, Tulare CA 93275. Phone:
1

dressers. Write referral to local chapter TG - FTM - DEZERTBOYZ: meets (209)688-9246. Support group. CD/TS/SO - PACIFIC CENTER
inTucson at 7:00 pm on the first Tuesday FOR HUMAN GROWTH: 1250
TRANSSEXUALS IN PRISON: of each month at Wingspan Center SO TS-EMERGENCE- SUPPORT Pine St., Ste. 301 Walnut Creek CA
c/o Ronnie Lynne Soubrette, 1 04 Contact Debra at 520-903-1421 or FOR CHRISTIAN TRANSSEXU- 94533.(510)939-771 I. Support.
Quineveree Ct„ Castle Rock WA debra@hwr.arizina.edu. Website: ALS: Assembly of God Church,
096 Support
1 I . http://members.aol.com/ DezertBoyz/ Fresno, CA. A safe place to discuss CD/TS/SO - PACIFIC CENTER
Christian beliefs, gender issues, transition FOR HUMAN GROWTH: 2712
T.O.P.S. (TRANSGENDER and anything. Call Terri Main 209-637- Telegraph Ave, Berkeley 94705. CA
OFFICERS PROTECT & SERVE): 9986 EM: terrim@evangeltab.org (5 0)548-8283. & R (5 0)84 -6224. E-
1 1 1 1

c/o Tony Barreto-Neto Exec. Dir, 3210 ARKANSAS mail: paccent@pacbell.net. Web site:
Tom Mathews Rd„ Lakeland FL 33809. CD/TS - ANDROGYNY: www.pacificenterorg. Support group.
Phone I -800-76 -TOPS or (813)752-
1
TS-SUPPORT LINE: Contact Friendship and understanding in a safe
9226. E-mail: TG-TOPS@onelist.com Frances at 316-795-4876. Email: and supportive environment. A place to CD/TS - SWAN’S INNER
www.uncle.org/tops/ Social, employ- Francie@oswego.net explore being Transsexual, Crossdresser SORORITY: PO Box 423, San Jose 1

ment, legal support. orTransgenderist. A place to meet oth- CA 95109. (408)297-6900. E-mail:
CD - AR CD GROUP: 290 1 Massard ers like yourself. Meetings:Tuesday nights wendi@sisgirls.com Web: www.sis-
INTERSEX SOCIETY OF Rd., Ft. Smith AR 72903-52 1 2. Support form 8:00pm until 9:30pm, Santa girls.com Support group.
NORTH AMERICA, PO Box group. Monica, CA, (323)962-9175. Support
31791, San Francisco, CA 94131 group. CD/TS/SO - SACRAMENTO
(415)575-3885 EM: cchase@isna.org FTM - ARKANSAS BOYZ: AR GENDER ASSOCIATION: PO Box
Web: http://www.isna.org Contact: Garin, (501) 443-3184: Email: CD/TS/IS - RAINBOW SUP- 215456, Sacramento, CA 95821.
Kwiggin@aol.com PORT GROUP: Gay, Straight, (916)482-7742. Support group. Email:
FTM NETWORK [also PRESS Intersex. Meets Tuesday evenings 7-9pm. sacgender@hotmail.com Web:

89
http://www.geocities.com/westholly- Center Call 954-777-2328 (770)552-44 5. E-mail & Web site: 1 kaylin@iquest.net Support
wood/village/4409/ http://pages.prodigy.com
CD/TS-ALSO 4 YOUTH: Sarasota, /kerrico/sigep.htm. Support group. TONI - PO Box 2372, Portage IN
TS - LAMBDA COMMUNITY FL. (941)426-8687 e-mail: krjeffre>@ 46268. Phone (2 9)929-8533. Support
1

CENTER: do Marsha. 919 - 20th St. aol.com CD/TS/SO - AGE: PO Box 77562, Group Email: jenfermaresl@juno.com.
Sacramento, CA 95814. Phone AtlantaGA 30357. (404) 223-535 E- 1 .

(916)729-8935 or (916)442-0185. ALL- FGS- FREEDOM OF GEN- mail: ageinfo@aol.com. Web site: FTM INDIANA BOYZ:
- (Northern
Support and educational outreach. DER: Sarasota FL. Meets 3rd Friday of www.transgenderorg /tg/age. Support lndiana).GIen,Email:Glen222 3@aol. 1 com
the month at 7:00 pm. Contact Kristin at group.
TRI-S - SIGMA SIGMA BETA - 941-426-8681 for info. CD/TS/SO/FTM/MTF - INTER-
TRI-ESS SIERRA SILVER BELLES: FTM - Georgia Boyz: Star Email: NATIONAL GENDER SUPPORT
SSB.POBox 19933, S. Lake Tahoe CA TG- EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT star@ellijaycom (aka: Shrinking Violets): PO Box 425.
96 5 1 1 . Support GROUP: Transgender
for the Carnel, IN 46032. (317)781-0834.
Community. Meets at the Gay and Support group.
Lesbian Comm. Center of Greater
Lauderdale, Florida 954-563-9500. Ask HAWAII TG TRANSGENDER OUT-
-

COLORADO for Michael or Heidi REACH OF NORTHERN INDI-

HAWAII TRANSGENDERED ANA BB. PO Box 425,
Attn: Linda
TG- SOUTHERN COLORADO CD/TS/TG - PANTRA: PO Box OUTREACH: PO Box 4530, Carmel IN 46032. Phone: (3 17)299-
INTRA-REGION AL TRANSGEN- 3426, Tallahassee, FL 32315-3426. Honolulu HI 96812-4530. (808)923- 5377, Angela. Email: kaylin@iquestnet
DERED SOCIETY (S.C.I.R.T.S.) 4270. Email: tghawaii @poi.net Support Support group.
Colorado Springs, Colorado. 7 9-59
1 1
- TRI-ESS - TAU LAMBDA: PO Box group, http://www.newbies.net/htgo/
5860 Lisa Jo K. Laptad Web site: 3426.Tallahassee FL 32315-3426. Hot Line 8am - 8pm 7 days. CD/TS/TV/SO/FTM/MTF- IXE: PO
http://www.geocities.com/westholly- Box 207 1
0, Indianapolis IN 46220.
wood/ heights/4484 Support Group TRI-ESS EPSILON - PHI GAY & LESBIAN COMMUNITY Phone: (3 1 7)97 -6976.1 Web site:
meetings every Tuesday 7pm plus every MU/CENTRAL FLORIDA SIS- CENTER: YWCA 47-388. HUI IWA http://members.aol.com
3rd Friday. Anyone who will keep confi- TERS: PO Box 326 Winter 1 .
Park FL St. # 1 4-304, Kaneohe HI 96744-44 1 6. /ixe/fish/ixe.html. Email: IXE@ aol.com.
dentiality is welcome. 32790-3261. (407)263-8978 Email: Support group.
z26y25@aol.com. Website:
CD/TS - GENDER IDENTITY http://www.horizon usa.com FTM-IT’S A BOY: The group wel-
CENTER OF COLORADO, INC.: /misc/fem.htm. Support group meets IDAHO comes gender varient people on the
GIC, 1455 Ammons Street, Suite 100, monthly on Saturdays. FTM spectrum and those who support
Lakewood CO 80215.(303)202-6466. CD/TS/TG/SO - IDAHO TRANS- them. Meets once a month at 6:00pm at
Educational outreach. E-mail: GlCof FTM - FLORIDA BOYZ: David, GENDER SOCIETY: PO Box 7353, the Diversity Center in Indianapolis
Colo@aol.com Web Email: FTMOrlando@aol.com (Orlando. Boise. Idaho 83707 208-33 -6669. 1 Social email: viragol8@hotmail.com or call
www.abmail.com/gic FL) Support Group Diversity Center 3 7-639-4297 1

TS - EVOLVE: 714 E. Colonial Dr, CD/TS/SO - PAPILLON: PO Box

Orlando, 32803-4639. Meeting
FL 1 365, Veredale, 99037. Support WA
CONNECTICUT times, 1st & 3rd Tuesday, 7pm. Phone: Group. Phone: (509)458-2741. Meetings IOWA
(407)425-4527. E-mail: GLCS@flamin- in Spokane
CD/TS/SO - GBSING, GBS, PO gopark.com. Support group. TRI-S - IOWA ARTISTRY: Box 75.
Box Haddam, CT 06438-0162. E-
162, Cedar Rapids IA 52406. E-mail: wan-
mail: GBSING@aol.com Support Group. CD/TS/SO - SERENITY: PO BOX der5980@aol.com. Support group.
220307, Hollywood FL 33022. (954) ILLINOIS
TG-CONNECTICUT OUT- 436-9477. E-mail: SUSANCO@aol.com
REACH SOCIETY: PO Box 163, Support group. PARENTS AND FRIENDS OF
Farmington, CT 06034-0 63, (860)604-
1 TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY: KANSAS
6343, e-mail: ctoutreach @aol.com, Web: PFTC, do Ellie Altman, Northbrook IL
http://members.aol.com/ctout TRI-ESS - GAMMA CHI BETA: PO 60062. (847)564-9496, e-mail: ALL-TRANSSUPPORT LINE:
reach/index.html Support Group Box 510045, Punta Gorda, FL 33951 EllieAlt@aol.com. Support group. Contact: Frances at 3 1 6-795-4876.
407-382-8389 Alice, Tri-Ess Chapter Email Franoe@oswego.net
TS/SO - XX (TWENTY) CLUB: Meetings 2nd Saturday of each month. CD-TRI-S - CHICAGO: PO Box 40
PO Box 387, Hartford CT 06141-0387. Support Group Wood Dale IL 60191-0040.708-383- CD/TS/SO-CROSSDRESSERS
Support group. 1677 Email: chitriess@aol.com. Web site: AND FRIENDS: CAF, Box 4092,
CD/TS/SO - STARBURST: PO Box http://users.aol.com/chrtriess/trisss/ chim Overland Park KS
66204. (913)791-
CD CONNECTICUTVIEW: do
- 33756-6822, Clearwater FL 34622- ain.htm. Support group. 3847. E-mail: jbfts@ aol.com. Support
Denise Mason, PO. Box 228 Devon. 1 , 0411. (813)523-8760. Support group.
CT 06460. Email: Mason D@aol.com. Web Site: www.geocities.com/ westhol- TG CHAMPAIGN/URBANA
- CD/TS/SO - WICHITA TRANS-
Newsletter and directory. lywood/stonewal 1/9 222 TRANSGENDER SUPPORT GENDER ALLIANCE: PO Box
GROUP: I 23 W. Church. Champaign 3002, Wichita KS 67001-3002. Bi-

T/G - TRANSACT
Kaylen 203-661- - TS - ENCHANTE: A.C.P., 1180 IL 61825. (217)367-1033. Email:
Tel: weekly meetings. Contact Shelly 3 6- 1

2448 Greenwich, Conn. Support Group Cleveland St, Clearwater FL 34615. tsplendoe@ prainenet.org Web: 269-3104 or Krystine 316-688-0816.
Phone:( 813) 533-0012, Amanda. http://www. prairienet.org/splendor Support group.
Transsexual support group. Support group. meet twice a month. We
DELAWARE TG - TLC, PO. Box 37271 I, Satellite FTM - ILLINOIS BOYZ:
Beach, FL 32937 407-858-2356 Karen, (Champagne. III).: Jaqui: 6 8-235-5908;
1 KENTUCKY
CD/TS/SO - RENAISSANCE - e-mail: haleightg@ aol.com or Email: jaquitv@aol.com
DELAWARE CHAPTER: PO Box kj678 l@palmnetnet FTM - KENTUCKY BOYZ: Lee.
5656, Wilmington DE 9808. (302)376- 1 CD/TS/SO - CENTRAL ILLINOIS 502-549-5619: Email:
1990..www.ren.org/ Renaissance_D.html TG/SO - TRANS/MISSION GENDER ASSOCIATION: CIGA, alphavamp@aol.com (Louisville)
Support group. Open support & discussion group for all PO Box 1291, Galesburg, IL 61401.
TG people & SO's meets the 3rd (309)343-5192, Jaque Rounds. Support CD/TS/SO - THE BLUEGRASS
FTM - DELAWARE BOYZ: Steve Saturday of each month at 3:00pm. group. BELLES: do Angela, PO Box
302-856-7179 FTM/SO discussion group meets the st I 20173, Louisville, KY 40250. (502)446-
& 3rd Saturdays of each month at 2 75, digital pager please enter 155T after
1

1:30pm (S&M/Kink-friendly). All meet- your telephone number Email: ange-

ings are held at the Center ofTampa Bay, INDIANA laky@hotmail.com, or efduhr@ukcc.uky.
FLORIDA 4265 Henderson Ave, Ste. B. For more edu or dwilsOO@ukcc.uky.edu, or acas-
info/directions email: TransMissionFL GLBT-IN DIANA UNIVERSITY, beer@jcc-uky.campus.mci.net. Support
TG NORTH FLORIDA SISTERS:
- @yahoo.com or write PO Box 17522, GLBT STUDENT SUPPORT group.
PO. Box 5765, E. Jacksonville, FL 32447. Tampa, FL 33682. SERVICES: 705 E. 7th Bloomington,
st.,

E-mail: cdarica@aol.com Meets 2nd In. 47405-3809 tel: 8 2-855-4252.E-

1

Saturday of each month. Support mail:glbtserv@indiana.edu

Web: http://www.indiana.edu/~glbtserv LOUISIANA
TG-TRANSGENDER SUPPORT GEORGIA
GROUP: PO. Box 4940 Greater Fort CD/TS/FTM/MTF/SO - IGS: Attn CD/TS/SO - GULF GENDER
Lauderdale, FL 33339 Every Wed. at TRI-S -SIGMA EPSILON: PO Box Linda BB, PO Box 425, Carmel IN ALLIANCE: PO Box 56836. New
7:30pm at the Gay, Lesbian Comm. 272, Rosewell GA 30077-0272. 46032. (317)299-5377, Angela. Email: Orleans, LA 70 56-6836. (504)833-
1

90
 . , .

3046. Support group Website: TS - CAMBRIDGE SUPPORT prisonproject@yahoo.com NEBRASKA

www.gga.org E-mail: InfoRequest @gga GROUP: 617-661-9332, meets 2 617-541-9338,
org times per month, JAENIA@erols.com CD/TS/SO - RIVER CITY GEN-
DER ALLIANCE: RCGA, PO Box
TS/TG - GENDER SUPPORT 3112, Omaha NE 68103. (402) 398-
SERVICES FOR TSs (GISST): MICHIGAN 255. E-mail: sgibbons@synergy.net.
MAINE
1

(617)227-6216. Support group.

CD/TS/SO - I.M.E. OF WESTERN
ALL -TRANSUPPORT: Box 17622, FTM - ENTERPRISE: PO Box 229, MICHIGAN: PO Box 1153, Grand
Portland ME 04112.(207) 862-2063. Waltham MA 781-899-2212. 022254. Rapids Ml 49501. Web site:

Support Ist Thursday evening of the month. FTM

support group.
www.iserv.net/~ime. Support. NEVADA
ALL - MAINE GENDER FTM MICHIGAN BOYZ: TRI-S -THETA UPSILON
RESOURCE AND SUPPORT CD/TS/SO - INN VESTMENTS: (Kalamazoo, Ml). Jonathan, 616-345- GAMMA: PO Box 42401, Las Vegas
SERVICE: do Jean Vermette, BoxPO PO Box 2194, Orleans MA 02653. 9070; Email: tushu@complink.net NV 8911 6. (702) 387-389 Email: 1 .

1894, Bangor ME 04402-1894. Support group. sage@intermind.net. Web site:

(207)862-2063. Education, referrals, out- FRIENDS NORTH T-GROUP: http://www.intermind.net/theta/theta.ht
reach. CD/TS/MTF/FTM-TRANS-CHAT: RO. Box 562 Traverse City, Ml 49685- ml. Support group.
PO Box 49 Auburn,
Write: Trans-Chat, 0562. 616-946-1804 web: www.mem-
FTM-MAINEBOYZ MA 01501. 2nd & 4th Thursday night of
1 ,

bers.tripod.com/~FriendsNorth/groups. TG/CD/TS/SO Transgender Support

PJ, e-mail: pjmears@megalmk.net each month from 7:00 to 9:00pm. html Las Vegas C/O Community
Counseling
Support Group in Worcester; MA. Center 20 Almond Tree Lane, Suite
I 1

Michael at 508-770-9044 e-mail: 207, Las Vegas, NV 89 04. Voice mail: 1

Transgndr@aol.com 702-392-2 32, e-mail: tgsupport.lv@

MARYLAND usa.net web site:
1

www.geocities.com/
Bl GALA UNIVERSITY OF - MINNESOTA WestHollywood/Heights/5 27/Group, 1

CD-TRI-S CHI EPSILON SIGMA: MASSACHUSETTS Lowell, SIC(S) -

html
contact Grace, PO. Box 505, Baltimore, Box #34, Lowell, MA 01854 e-mail: GENDER EDUCATION CEN-
MD 21022, e-mail: tri_ess@hotmail.com BiGALA@student.uml.edu TER: GEC.PO Box 1861, Minneapolis
Web: http://www.geocities.com/ MN 55311. Debra Davis, Director.
West Hollywood/Stonewall/ 34 3 2.
Educational and social activities, monthly
BOSTON ALLIANCE OF GAY
AND LESBIANYOUTH (BAGLY):
(612)424-5445, FAX (612)424-8595.
Educational outreach.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
meetings, large couples contingent, is a youth-led, adult-supervised social PFLAG OF NEW HAMPSHIRE:T-
extensive wives networking group. support group for GLBT youth to age TRI-S - BETA GAMMA: Box 8591, SON, Tel: 603-622-4096, NHT-
22. Meetings are held weekly at St. John Minneapolis MN 55408. (612) 870- SON@aol.com
the Evangelist Church, 35 Bowdoin St, 8536. Email: triessbg@tri-esss.com. Web
CD/TS/SO - WASHINGTON- Beacon Hill, near the state house. Wed 6- site: http://www.tri-ess.com. Support WRITERS ETC.: do Abbey M.
BALTIMORE ALLIANCE: do H 9pm, Sun 2-5. (
617-437-7683, group. Greene, PO Box 6211, West Franklin
Garfinkle, PO Box 1994, Silver Spring, www.bagly.org. NH 03235. (603) 934-3379. Support
MD 20915. (301)649-3960. Support YOUTH DISTRICT 202: 2524 group.
group. Meets in DC Metro area. GAY & LESBIAN ADOLESCENT Nicollet Minneapolis
Ave., So. MN
SOCIAL SERVICES (GLASS) runs 55408. (612)871-5559. Fax (612)871- CD/TS/SO - GENDER TALK
TG/SO TRANSGENDER SUP-
- a community center providing peer sup- 1445. Safe place for GLBT youth. NORTH: PO Box 421, Peterborough
PORT GROUP OF BALTIMORE: port, adult counseling, and safe haven for NH 03458. (603) 924-8828.
do GLCCB (Gay & Lesbian youth age 3-25, Near Newbury St &
1 CD CITY OF LAKES CROSS-
-
Email:gtnorth@ top. monad, net. Web
Community Center of Baltimore), 241 Mass Ave, open M-F 4-8pm. 617-437- GENDER COMMUNITY: CLCC, http://monad.net/~gtnorth/index.htm.
W. Chase St., Baltimore MD 21201. 7683 PO Box 16265, Minneapolis, MN 55414. Support.
Phone (410)837-5445 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 (612)229-3613. Support.
p.m. M-F or (410)837-8888 7:00 p.m. -
SIDNEY BORUM HEALTH G/UBi./T/Q YOUTH - SEACOAST
10:00 p.m. evenings. Peer and family sup- CENTER provides a free clinic for pri- TRANSGENDER HIV/AIDS PRE- OUTRIGHT: PO Box 842,
port group. Monthly meetings. mary mental & substance abuse
health, VENTION PROGRAM: Human Portsmouth NH 03802. Phone:
care for GLBT youth age 13-25. 130 Sexuality, Dept, of Family Practice and (603)43 - 0 3. Resource, referral, sup-
1 1 1

FTM - TRANS INFO PROJECT - Boylston ST nearTremont, walk-in hours Community Health, U Minnesota port for those 2 and younger; referral 1

Information and education website for 4-7pm. 6 7-457-8 40

1 1 Medical School, 1300 So. 2nd Street, only for those over 2 1

FTMs. Chat Site Alexis Garage for infor- Suite 1 80, Minneapolis MN 55454.
mal chat and Sunday night moderated PROJECT 10 EAST: maintains an (612)625-1500, FAX (612)626-8311.
discussions. E-mail: alexfox @erols.com office and drop-in center Education-ori- Educational outreach.
ented, particularly helpful for those deal-
ing with in-school issues. Teen afternoon
NEW JERSEY
activities Wednesdays & Fridays 3-6pm. TRI-S - SIGMA NU RHO:
SNR,
MASSACHUSETTS Office hours M-F 9am- pm. Old 1
1092 Georges Ave., Suite 234,
St.
Cambridge Baptist Church, 145 Mass. I MISSISSIPPI Rahway NJ 07065-2664. Phone:
ALUCD/TS/SO/FTM/MTF- SUN- Ave, Harvard Square, Cambridge. 617- (908)826-5287. 24-hour hot-line
SHINE CLUB: PO. Box 564 Hadley, 864-4528, http://Quniverse.eom/p Oe I TRANSSUPPORT LINE: Contact: (800)480-3 52, in near states. E-mail: car-
1

MA 0 1 035-0564. (4 3)-586-5004. E-mail

1 Frances at 316-795-4876. Email: olannsnr@juno.com. Support group.
Web: www.umass.edu/stonewall/sun- VICTIM RECOVERY PROGRAM, Francie@oswego,net
shineclub.html Support group. FENWAY COMMUNITY TRI-S - CHI DELTA MU: PO Box I,

HEALTH CENTER: provides coun- AURORA: do Melanie Cuevas, RO. River Edge 0766 -000 (800)484- NJ 1 1

INTERSEX-THE MIDDLESEX
.

seling &
advocacy for GLBT victims of Box 922, KosciuskoO, MS 39090 7593(code4985). Support group.
GROUP: PO.box 25, Newtonville, MA hate domestic violence, sexual
crime, Internet: cdm@carroll.com
02160 e-mail: mdsx@juno.com assault or police abuse. If youfve been
6 7-630-9263 Specific for intersex
1 indi- victimized, this may be the best place to CD/TS/SO
viduals. start getting help.They are even tracking MONMOUTH/OCEAN TRANS
hate crimes against transfolk. 7 Haviland MISSOURI GENDER: MOTG, PO BOX 2972
ALL - TIFFANY CLUB OF NEW St,near Boylston St & Mass Ave. 6 7- 1
Princeton, NJ 08543-2972 (732)219-
ENGLAND, INC.: TCNE, PO Box 7 1
267-0900 x3 or (800)834-3242 x3
1 I 1 I TRANSSUPPORT LINE: Contact 9094. Support group. Email: vikkim-
Waltham MA 02454-0071 (781)891- Frances at 3 6-795-4876. 1
motg@aol.com.
9325 (answered live Tuesdays 7:00- ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: Email Francie@oswego.net
10:00pm ET).Web site: www.TCNE.org. There’s a T-oriented AA meeting every CD/TS/SO - TRANSIT: (908)526
Support group. week at IFGE in Waltham (call 78 -899- 1 CD/TS/SO - ST LOUIS GENDER 2369. Support group.
2212 and aT-friendly Gay AA
for info), FOUNDATION: StLGF, PO Box
ALL- YOU’RE NOT ALONE: group meeting every day in Boston. Call 9433, St. Louis MO
6311 7. (3 4) 367- 1
CD/TS - NORTHERN NEW JER-
explores different aspects of how being a Central Services for a free copy of their 4 28. StLGF@aol.com. Web: http://mem-
1
SEY: do Ms. Lynda Frank, PO Box
Transperson affects you, your family, your meeting list. 6 7-426-9444 1 bers.aol.com/stlgfl /index.html 9192, Morristown NJ 07960. (201)663-
life! Johanna at 78 -89 -9325. 1 1
0772. Support group.
YOUTH HELP: FATHER BILL’S: TRI-S - SIGMA MU: PO Box
FRIENDS AND FAMILY 617-451-201 I 2502#298, Springfield Mo 65801. CD/TS - NJSUPPORT do T Risley,
SUPPORT GROUP: TCNE. PO Box Phone: (417)831-3433. Email: 301 Saunders Ave., Bellmawr NJ
F
7 .Waltham, MA 02454-007 78 -89
1 1 . 1 1
-
PRISON PROJECT: Kia Earp, RO. Box LSolomon@mail.orion.org. 08031. (609)933-2233. Meetings 1st
9325 Meets 2nd Friday of the month. 1 224, Boston, MA 02 1 1 7-0224, email: Saturday of the month, Unitarian

91
 ,. -

Universalist Church of Washington TS - METAMORPHOSIS: PO Box 42122, Oklahoma City OK 73123. LEHIGH VALLEY/POCONO
Crossing. Renaissance affiliate. 6260, Broadway Station, Long Island City, Support group. AREA: LV, PO Box 3624,
Renaissance
NY 11106-0260. (718)728-4615. Allentown PA 18106. Phone:
TS-SINGLES SOCIAL GROUP Support group. (6 0)82 -2955. Support group.
1 1

for pre and post op mtf and single

understanding men. A.J. Gilberti, 609- ALL-ZAPPALORTI SOCIETY, OREGON FTM - LANCASTER BOYZ: Tom
296-6065 5- 1 0pm E:mail: GLBT, psycharatric survivors: Weekly (717) 892- 4999. E-mail: malesic@pro-
agilberti@yahoo.com or agilberti@hot- meetings, Sat 2-4pm, at the Lesbian Gay TS- TRANSSEXUAL PEER SUP- log.net. (Philly area)
mail.com Services Center 208 W. 1 3th Street, PORT GROUP: 2400 NE Broadway,
New York City, west of 7th ave. 7 8- 1 Portland OR 97204. Phone: (503)44 1
TS THE PHILADELPHIA
-

422-1838 6746. Ask forTracy. All TS of all ages and TRANSSEXUAL SUPPORT
NEW MEXICO trans-curious are invited to attend. GROUP (PTSSG), 1201 Locust
Thursdays at 7p.m. at Metropolitan Street, Washington West Project,
TRI-S - PHI FIESTA!: 8200 Community Church NE Broadway at Philadelphia Meets in the office of the
Montgomery NE, #24 Albuquerque 1 ,
NORTH CAROLINA 24th Ave. E-mail: tiffanysue@altavista.net Transgender Health Action. The 1st
NM 87109. Phone: (505)299-2533. Support group. Saturday of each month at 4pm. e-mail:
Support group. FTM - NORTH CAROLINA rica@netaxs.com
BOYZ: Terry: 9 9-639-6 58:Email:
1 1 CD - NORTHWEST GENDER
TG/MTF-FTM - TRANSGENDER TLCRD96@aol.com ALLIANCE: NWGA, PO Box 4928, FTM - WEXIST is a Philadelphia-
COMMUNITY GROUP: University CD/TS/SO - CAROLINA TRANS- Portland OR 97208. (503)646-2802. E- based non-political FTM support group.
of New Mexico, Albuquerque NM. SENSUAL ALLIANCE: 4037 East mail: nwga@teleport.com. Support We are open to all who are assigned
(505)260-1727. Email: egypt@unm.edu. Independence Blvd., Suite III, group. female at birth and have gender identity
Supportive, educational and social space Charlotte, NC 28205, 704-53 -9988 1 issues or questions, or are in need of
for ALL transgendered identities. Meets TS-TRANS SUPPORT: PO Box support for gender concerns. Meetings
every Monday night. TRI-S - KAPPA BETA: do 669 1
3, Portland, Oregon, 97290-69 3. 1 are held at William Way Community
Corresponding Secy, PO Box 2 0 1 1 1
Email: TPort483 gaol.com. Center Philadelphia, on the 2nd
Charlotte NC 28220-2 101. (704)565- Post and Pre Op support groups. Saturday of each month, 5:30pm. to
5034. E-mail: dajones @infoave.net. 7:00pm. For additional information con-
NEW YORK Support group. CD/TS/SO - CAPITOL CITY tact us:Voice: 2 5.848.7674 box 6 Email: 1

CHAPTER: PO 2, Salem OR
Box 33 I WeXist@aol.com
CD/TS/SO - IMPERIAL QUEENS TRI-S - CHI CHI RHO-TRI-ESS: 97302. Support group.
& KINGS OF GREATER NEW Crystal Coast Rose, PO Box 733, CD/TS/SO - CROSS DRESSERS
YORK: 80 Eighth Avenue, Suite 301, Bridgeton, NC 285 1 9. Support group. TS-SALMACIS SOCIETY /VER- INTERNATIONAL: CDI, PO Box
New York NY 00 (2 2)229- 1 1 I
.
1 1 968 SITILE WOMEN: PO Box 1604, 6 Easton PA
1 . 8044. S. Kristine James, 1

days, 2 1
2-627- 969 evening,
1 social group. CD/TS/SO - PHOENIX TRANS- Eugene OR 97440-1604. (541)688- Director Karen Cioe, NYC Coordinator
GENDER SUPPORT: Phoenix, PO 4282. For information. Support group.
FTM- NEW YORK BOYZ: Sam, Box 18332, Asheville NC 28814.
Email: srwl8@columbia.edu (NYC) (704)253-9882. Support group. E-mail: TG INTERMOUNTAIN TRANS-
- CD/TS/SO - RENAISSANCE -
jessicaash@aol,com, GENDER OUTREACH: 1524 EDUCATION ASSOC. INC.:
ALL - GENDER IDENTITY PRO- Monroe Avenue, La Grande OR Renaissance GPC, 987 Old Eagle School
JECT: Gay Community
Lesbian and CD/TS/SO TRIANGLE GEN- - 97850. (541)962-3466. Email: Road, Suite 7 1
9, Wayne PA 1 9087.
Services Center 208 West 3th St. 1 DER SOCIETY (TGS) do David & keol@eosc.osshe.edu. Support group. (610)975-9119. E-mail:
New York NY Tel: (212)620- 1001 I Helen Rogers, 5425 Turkey Farm Rd„ bensalem@bbs.cpcn.com. Web site:
73 1 0. 924-2657. Email:
Fax: (2 2) 1 Durham, NC 27705. Phone (9 9)968- 1 TRI-S-RHO GAMMA/ ROGUE http://www.ren.org. Support group.
rblumenstein@gaycenterorg Support 8070. Support group. VALLEY GIRLS: PO Box 5551,
groups surrounding gender exploration, Grants Pass OR 97527. FTM - PHILLY BOYZ: Steve
assists people with substance abuse and (215)546-6444. E-mail: shock@
HIV/AIDS prevention Education asc.upenn.edu. Philadelphia
NORTH DAKOTA
BI-GENDER RAP GROUP: do PENNSYLVANIA CD/TS/SO/MTF/FTM
Lynda Frank, 330 W. 45th St. Apt. 3H, CD/TS/TV TRANSGENDER - TRANSYOUTH SERVICES,
New 10036. Meets 2nd
York, NY SUPPORT GROUP OF NORTH CD-TRI-S CHI EPSILON SIGMA: UNITY INC.: 1207 Chestnut St.,
Monday each month, 6-8 pm in lower DAKOTA: do Debbie Ann Somero, Concact Yvonne Sullivan, PO. Box 3469, Philadelphia, PA 19107. (215)851-1958
Manhattan. Contact: Lynda Frank, PO Box 644, Wahpeton, ND 58074- York, PA 17405, e-mail: tri_ess@hot- or (2 5)85 - 9 2. Community services
1 1 1 1

(212)765-3561. 0644, Phone (70 )642- 427. Support 1

CD/TS/SO
INTL: 404 W. 40th St.. #2, New York NY
10018. (212)570-7389, or 212-564-
4847 on Wed. E-mail: cdinyc@aol.com.
Support. Web site: http:// www. mem-
1 mail.com Web: and iButch Brothers? Philadelphian FTM
http://www.geocities.com/WestHollywo support.
- CROSSDRESSERS od/Stonewall/3432. Educational and
social activities, monthly meetings, large
OHIO couples contingent, extensive wives net-
working group. RHODE ISLAND
ALL ITIS TIME OHIO PO Box
-

21310, Columbus, OH 4322 1,61 4-470- FTM - PITBOYZ: Dan &

bers.aol.com/cdnyc/index.html

CD/TS/SO
FEMME EXPRESSION:
1 3 1
1 ,
Water Mill
- LONG ISLAND
NY
LIFE,
I
PO
1976-1311.
Box
Action
4245, e-mail: itoh@stargate.com

web:http://www.Geocities.com/WestHo
llywood/7977.
Political mail:

CD/TS
windyl@aabe.com.

3214, Pittsburgh
- TRANSPITT: PO
PA 1
Michelle. E-

5230. (4 2)242-1
Box
TENNESSEE
TRI-S - ALPHA PI OMEGA: do
Laury W. PO Box 87 Brentwood TN 1 ,

(516)283-1333. Email: joed2viola@ 5902. Web: www.transgenderorg/ 37204-0871. Email: laurywl@mind-

aol.com. Support group. CD/TS/SO CRYSTAL CLUB: PO - tg/tpitt/ Support Group . spring.com. Web site:

Box 287, Columbus OH 43068-0287. http://members.aol.com

CD/TS/SO - TRANSGEN- (614)294-9031 E-mail: CD TRAVELERS - EXPRESS: PO /apotris/aponash.htm. Support
DERISTS INDEPENDENCE cc@stargatge.com. Support. Box 150, Falls Creek PA 15840.
CLUB:TGIC, PO Box 3604, Albany I (814)375-7651. Central PA region. Self CD/TS/SO TENNESSEE VALS: -

NY 12212-3604.(518)436-4513 live TRI-S ALPHA OMEGA: Box

- expression in 100% non closeted envi- PO Box 92335, Nashville TN 37209-
Thurs. 7-9 p.m. or leave a message and 2053, Sheffield Lake OH 44054-0053. ronment. Passing not an issue, pre- 2335. (615)664-6883 voice mail. E-mail:
instructions for calling back. Support (2 1 6)556-0067. Support group. sentability essential. Leave message. jlovel@ix. netcom. com. Homepage:
group, e-mail: vicky_s@juno.com http:/www.transgender.org/tg/tvals/.
CD/TS/SO - CROSS-PORT: PO CD/TS/SO - ERIE SISTERS: Support group
CD/TS/SO-BUFFALO BELLES- Box 1 692, Cincinnati OH 4520 1 ESCC, 1903 West 8th Street, Suite
social/support group. Montly meetings (606)581-3711, E-mail: 26 1 ,
Erie PA 1 6505. Email: FTM - TENNESSEE BOYZ:
and newsletter PO Box 1701, Amherst, wgbn68d@prodigy.com. Support group. eriesister@aol.com. Support group. (Nashville, TN).: Dustin, 615-431-9540:
NY 14226-1701 Answering machine: FTM Resource Email:

(716) 446-2661 E-mail: buffalo_belles CD/TS/SO - RENAISSANCE - CyberBum7@aol.com

@juno.com Web:www.geocities.com/ LOWER SUSQUEHANNA VAL-
WestHollywood/Village/3339/ OKLAHOMA LEY CHAPTER: Renaissance LSV, -

PO Box 2 22, Harrisburg PA 171 OS-

1

CD/TS/SO TRANSGENDER - ALL-TRANSUPPORT LINE: 2122. (717)780-1578. Email: lsv@ezon- TEXAS

NETWORK: PO Box 753 New Paltz Contact: Frances at 316-795-4876. line.com. Web site: http://www.ezon-
NY 12561-0753 Support group. 1st & Email: Francie@oswego.net line.com/lsv. Support group. TG-FRIENDLY- ABLIED QUEER:
3rd Fridays 1517 B. Missouri, Houston TX 7700
TRI-S - SIGMA BETA: PO Box CD/TS/SO - RENAISSANCE - EM: james_e@iah.com

92
 .

CD/TS/SO - METROPLEX CD VIRGINIA WISCONSIN FTM/SO-CANADIAN BOYZ

CLUB: PO Box 141924, Irving TX SUPPORT network, Marcus Charles
75014, (972) 264-7103. e-mail: CD-TRI-S CHI EPSILON SIGMA: CD/TS/SO - GEMINI GENDER Frappier 416-466-0235 Email:
domiss@flash.net Web: www.flash.net/ (DC/Northern Contact Joan
Virginia) GROUP: PO Milwaukee Box 4421 I, mc@oil.ca
-domega Support group. Henderson, PO. Box 728, Herndon, VA 1 Wl 53214. voice-mail 4 4-297-9328 1

20172 e-mail: tri_ess@hotmail.com E-mail: 75261. 443@ compuserv.com. 1

CD/TS/SO - GENDER MOSAIC:
TRI-S - NU EPSILON TAU: PO Web: http://www. geocities.com/ Support PO Box 742 Vanier Ottawa, Ontario,
1 ,

Box 14096, Arlington TX 76094. West Hollywood/Stonewall/343 2. CANADA KIL 8E4. (819)770-1945.
(214)490-5738. Email: BobbieR648. Educational and social activities, monthly LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND Support group.
Support group. meetings, large couples contingent, TRANSGENDER Campus Center;
extensive wives networking group. Memorial Union, 800 Langdon Street, ONTARIO FEMALE TO MALE
CDs HELPING CDs ANONY- Madison, Wl 53706 NETWORK.
MOUS: HCDA, 239 Westheimer 378-532 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON,
(Office of Suzanne Anderson CD-TRI-S CHI EPSILON SIGMA: KIK 4R4 613-742-5221 Email:
Properties), Houston TX 77006. Tel: (Richmond/Williamsberg) Contact Lucy onftm@cyberus.ca
28 -520-36 0
1 1 (pager) Email: Stone, PO. Box 382, Norge, VA, 17405
brenda@firstnethou.com. Support e-mail: tri_ess@hotmail.com Web: WYOMING OTTAWA TS DISCUSSION
Group. http://www. geocities. GROUP, RO. Box 42067, RPO St.
com/WestHollywood/Stonewall/3432. Laurent, Ottawa, ON, KIK 4L8, E-mail:
TRI-S - TAU CHI CHAPTER-TRI Educational and social activities, monthly ts-ottawa@canada.co, Web:
ESS: 8880 Bellaire B2 Ste. 104, meetings, large couples contingent, BAHAMAS members.xoom.com/ottawas/
Houston, TX 774 - 05. (7 3)347- 1 I 1 1 1

extensive wives networking

8747. E-mail: JEFTRIS@aol.com. Web GLBT-HOTLINE 242-328 -1816 SO-SOS CLUB- The 519 Church St.

site: http:www.firstnethou.com/brenda/. TG-LADIES FIRST SOCIAL from 8pm- Opm. Mon-Lesbian Issues
1
Community Certre, 5 9 Church street, 1

Support group. CLUB: Dumfries, VA (703)441-0283. ask for Dianna. Tues.-Transgender Issues Totonto, ON M4Y 2C9 Email:
E-mail lauraBCD@aol.com ask for Connie Wed.-Gay Issues ask for sosclub@idirectca Web: webhome.idi-
CD/TS/SO BOULTON & PARK -
David. rect.com/~players
SOCIETY: PO Box 17, Bulverde.TX TRANS-GENDER EDUCATION-
78 63
1 (830)980-7788 live Tues. 6-9 AL ASSOCIATION: PO Box 16036,
pm CT. Email: tx t party@aol.com. Arlington VA 2221 5. (301)949-3822. E-
Support group. mail: tgea@juno.com. Web Site: CANADA MANITOBA
http://www.tgguide.com/guide/dc/tgea~
WEST TEXAS GENDER ndx.html. Support group. CD/TS/SO - PRAIRIE ROSE
ALLIANCE: 5350 LLano, Abilene TX QUEBEC GENDER GROUP: PRGG, Box 23
79605. Email: temsim@ jumo.com. Grp 4 RRI, Dugald, Manitoba, ROE 0K0.
TS/SO - FACTT - QUEBEC: Box CANADA. (204) 257-2759. Support
CD/TS/SO, AUSTIN SECOND WASHINGTON 293, Cote de Neiges Post Office, 5858
IMAGE; PO Box 679, Leander TX Cote de Neiges Blvd., Montreal, CD/TS/SO - MASQUERADE: c/o
78646, 512-51 5-5460
personally CD/TS-CINDERELLA CIRCLE: Quebec, CANADA H3S 2S6. French- Lady Godiva Boutique, 832 Corydon
answered Wednesday 7-9pm. email 304 W. Champion, Bellingham 98225 WA speaking referrals, medical and psycho- Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3M
caseyalena@juno.com website: www. (360)4 6- 437 Email: mhowe@pioneer-
1 1 logical services and support group. 0Y2, Support.
angelfire.com/tx/AustinSecondlmage net.net Web: http:// www.pioneernet.net
support group /mhowe/ Support. CD/TS/SO - CLUB MET: 4113
Dorion Montreal, Quebec,
Street,
CD/TG/TS/TV/GLB CENTRAL FTM-SPECTRUM SUPPORT CANADA H2K 3B8. (514)528-8874. ALBERTA
TEXAS TRANSGENDER GROUP: 2 support groups per month Support group. (Formerly TAM.)
SOCIETY: A social group comprised for those born female bodied but who CD/TS/SO-ILLUSIONS SOCIAL
of those who aspire to the belief that live with masculine gender expression. TS/SO - TRANSSEXUALS IN CLUB EDMONTON Box 356, Main
the best therapy is social interaction and Meetings are Free. Located downstairs PRISON: Non-prisoners contact Dee Post Office Edmonton, AB. T5j 2J6 Our
having fun with friends and people who at Beyond the Edge Cafe, 703 E. Pike Farmer 23288037, PO Box 4000, phone # is (403) 988-3294 Our e-mail
don't care or notice which category you Seattle, WA. First and fourth Wednesday Springfield MO 65808. Prisoners con- is: edm_illusions@juno.com
fall into. Web site is: www.cttgs.org of the month 7-9pm. 206-949-7469 tact Mrs. Patricia Fisher; Succ 293 Cote-
email: msdevin @yahoo.com. Spencer contact person, email: des-Neiges, 5858 Cote-des-Neiges Blvd,
MstrSpence@aol.com Montreal, QC, CANADA H3S 2S6. TRI-S - PHI SIGMA: Box 81 I 15,

755 Lake Bonavista Drive S.E., Calgary,

CD/TS/SO - PAPILLON: PO Box ATQ 514-524-9038 Alberta CANADA T2J 7C9. Phone:
365, Veredale, 99037. Support WA (403)27 -6247. Support group.
UTAH
1

Group. Phone: (509)458-2741 Meetings . LESPECTRE (Montreal)

in Spokane 514-528-1700 Contact: Michelle deVille CD/TS/SO - ILLUSIONS SOCIAL
TS/SO WESTERN TRANS- - CLUB CALGARY: c/o B&B
SEXUAL SUPPORT NETWORK TRANVESTIS MONTREAL email Emporium, 426 8th Ave. S.E., Calgaru.
a support group for Transsexuals, SOs, mac@m I i n k. net/~m ac/tvm. htm I
Alberta, Canada T2G 0L7 Phone 403-
and friends. Western Transsexual 265-7789
Support Network 4667 Holladay Blvd, WASHINGTON, DC
Ste 2, Salt Lake City, UT 841 17 801- EDMONTON TRANSGENDER
277-8025 FTM - DC BOYZ: Adam (301)270- ONTARIO SUPPORT LINE: 403-988-3738
0372. E-mail: romandede@aol.com.
CD/TS/SO - ALPHA RHO, SALT (Metro DC.) TS - TRANSITION SUPPORT:
LAKE CITY: PO Box 571242, Salt The Church Street Community Centre,
Lake 84157-1242.
City, UT CD/TS/SO-PFLAG (Parents, Families 5 9 Church Street, Toronto, Ontario,
BRITISH COLUMBIA
1

(80 )553-8 141. Support group.

1 and Friends of Lesbians and Gays): 1101 CANADA M4Y 2C9. Support group.
- 4th St. NW, Suite 030, Washington,
1 1 2nd & 4th Fridays 7- 1 Opm
CD/TS/SO - ENGENDERED D.C. 20005. Phone (202) 638-4200. Fax TS - TRANSSEXUAL SUPPORT
SPECIES PO Box I 1897, Salt Lake (202) 638-0243. E-mail: info@pflag.org. CD/TS/SO - XPRESSIONS: PO GROUP: Dr Angela Wensley, 14905
City UT 84147. (801)320-0551 Web: http//www .pflag.org. Box 223, Station A, Toronto, Ontario, 32nd Avenue, White Rock, British
Support group. Canada M5W B2. (416)812-6879. I
Columbia, CANADA V4P IA4.
CD/TS/SO - WASHINGTON- Email: xpressions@xpressions.org Web: (604)536-2053. Support group.
BALTIMORE ALLIANCE: c/o H www.xpressions.org Support group.
Garfinkle, PO Box 1994, Silver Spring, CD/SO - CORNBURY SOCIETY:
MD 20915. Phone (301)649-3960. CD/TS - STREET OUTREACH Box 3745, Vancouver British Columbia,
VERMONT Support group. Meets in metro D.C. SERVICES: c/o W. Travers, 622 Yonge CANADA V6B 3Z I . Support group.
St, 2nd FI, Toronto, Ontario, CANADA 604-862-1321, Email:
CD/TS - TRANS: (802)472-8115. TG - TRANSGENDER EDUCA- M4Y IZ8. (416)926-0744 (24 hours). cornbury@bc.sympatico.ca Web:
Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesdays in Burlington. TION ASSOC, of Washington DC: Multitude of services forTG youth. www.transgenderorg/tg/cornbury/
Support group. Web Site: www.zzapp.org or e-mail:
tgea@ zzapp.org IS - PATRICIA FLORA: PO BOX CD/TS FOUNDATION FOR
-

CD/TS -VERMONTTRANSGEN- 425, Postal Station C, 1117 Queen THE ADVANCEMENT OF

DER SUPPORT GROUP: For infer Street West, Toronto, Ontario, CANA- TRANS-GENDERED PEOPLE’[S
mation leave message at (802)860- DA M6J 3P5. SOCIETY: FATE, 1-1727 William
8430. Support group. WEST VIRGINIA Street, Vancouver, British Columbia,

93
 1 5 2

CANADA V5L2R5 (604)254-9591. TS - COLETIVO DE TRANSEXU- TS - CHANGE: BM Box 3440, WALES

ALES DE CATALUNA: C Balmes, London WC I N 3XX. Phone; +44-0-
TG/TS/CD - ZENITH FOUNDA- 70. lo 08830 Sant Boi de Lobregat,
la, 1303-259543. Email: TSICHANGE@ SOUTH WALES TV/TS GROUP:
TION: Box 46, 8415 Granville Street, Barcelona. Phone: 08080 3454 6398 AOL.COM. Home page: http:// c/o Martina Rees, 56a Kinross Ct,
Vancouver British Columbia, CANADA Wed. 7.30-9 pm. Please speak Spanish. users.aol.com/ts change/private/home- I
Ridgway Road, Llan-Romney, Cardiff, VF3-
V6P 4Z9. (604) 261-1695. page.htm. 9AE.
http://www.GenderWeb.org/~zenith TS/FTM/MTF - IDENTIDAD DE
e-mail:Tamaras@istarca MtF & FtM. GENERO: Apartado 3023, Granada FRIENDS MERSEYSIDE: 36 Bolton
1 8080. Non-profit support group. Street, Liverpool, L3-5LX. Phone: +44-
BC FTM NETWORK: RO Box 10, 15 1-709-3 1 8 1, Fn. 7.30-9 GMT FRANCE
1895 Commercial Drive, Vancouver BC,
V5N4A6 604-862-1321 Email: bcftm- FTM NETWORK PRESS FOR [also ASSOC. BEAUMONT CONTI-
net@hotmail.com ARGENTINA CHANGE]: BM Network, London, NENTAL: ABC BP-3, F-68350
WC N 3XX. Phone: +44-161-423-
I
Didenheim.
ZENITH FOUNDATION TS - TRANSSEXUALS FOR THE 1915, Wed. 8pm- 0.30 pm Wed, GMT 1

VICTORIA: Ste.303, 955 Cooke St, RIGHT OF LIFE AND IDENTITY: Email:s.t.whittle@mmu.ac.uk. Web site: ASSOCIATION D’AIDE AUX
Victoria, BC, V8V 3Z I 250-384-4635 TRANSDEVI, Casilla de Correo 151, www.pfc.org.uk/ press for change.
http:\\ TRANSSEXUELS: AAT, Maison des
C.R 1748 Gral. Rodriguez, Buenos Aires. Support, political lobbying and education Associations, 93 La Canabiere, 13001
DREAM GIRLS RO Box 535, group. Marseille.
Kamloops, BCV2C 5L7
THE GENDER TRUST: BM ASSOCIATION DEVENIR
BRAZIL Gentrust, London, WC I N-3XX.Tel:+44- FEMME: Les Terrasses du
1305-269222 before 10 pm GMT. Mediterranee, 1 3006 Marseille.
TS - PURPURINA (GLITTER) Overseas Representative, Dorothy
NOVA SCOTIA PROJECT: 55 Rua
Katia Monteiro, no. Francis, The Gender Trust, 3 Hartington ASSOCIATION DU SYNDROME
DA de Janeiro.
Gloria, #30, Gloria, Rio Villas, Hove, BN3 6HF, ENGLAND. DE BENJAMIN: Relais 59-59 avenue
ATG (Atlantic TransGender) in Phone: 02-252-4757. FAX: 02-227-5944. Daumesnil, 3 r Keller 750 1
2, Paris. 0 1 43
Halifax Email: atggrp@geocities.com Educational outreach. AIDS awareness, TS GENDER IDENTITY CON-
-
47 2125.
Web: www, geocities.com referrals. SULTANCY SERVICES: Phone CARITIG: B.P. 17-22,75810 PARIS
/WestHollywood/7557/ +44-1071 244 6090, FAX: 0171 244 CEDEX 17, FRANCE. Phone 33-1
TS - GRUPO BRASILEIRO de 6090. Email: GICS@aol.com. 42-27-42-28. Fax 33-1-64-31-05-82.
VALLEY PRIDE (KENTVILLE) TRANSEXUAIS (Brazilian INTERNATIONAL GENDER Web: http://www.intersocial.org/caritig.
Email: mike.giffin@ns.sympatico.ca Web: Transsexuali's Assoc.): Caixa Postal 1 097, TRANSIENT AFFINITY: Box 2, I
Center for assistance, research and infor-
www. geocities.com/ WestHollywood/ Cuiaba-MT 78.005-970. Banks Building, School Green Road, mation on transsexuality and gender
Heights/2377/ Freshwater; Isle of Wight, P040-9AJ. identity.
Human rights/research.
AFRICA
MERMAIDS: BM Mermaids, London SWITZERLAND
PUERTO RICO WC N 3XX. Group for children and
I

NIGERIA teenagers with gender dysphoria and KONTAKFORUM FEMME TRAV-

SIDA DE PUERTO RICO: PO Box their families. ESTIE: Postfach 6788, CH-8023,
36-4842, San Juan PR 00936-4842. TRANSFORMATION SECOND Zurich.
Phone (787)782-9600. Fax (809)782- SELF: c/o Jane Enuneku, KM 4 Idiroko TV - NORTHERN CONCORD:
1411. HIV/AIDS outreach organization. Road, PO Box 1006, OTA, OGUN M60 ILN, Manchester e-mail: TS - SELBSTHILFE GRUPPE:
STATE, WEST AFRICA. Tel: 039-7226 1 JennyB@Concord. nwnet.co.uk Postfach 92, CH-9008 St. Gallen.
SIDA DE PUERTO RICO: Calle 16 Fax: 039-722467
SE # 200 Caparra Terrace, Rio Piedras
1 OUSU TRANSGENDER GROUP:
PR 00921. Phone (787)782-9600 Fax Oxford University Student Union, Little
(787)782-1411. HIV/AIDS outreach SOUTH AFRICA Clarendon Street, Oxford. Phone: +44- GERMANY
organization. 1 865-270777.
PHOENIX: do Desiree Dexter PO IS - AIS SELBSTHILFEGRUPPE:
SIDA DE PUERTO RICO: Calle Box 332, Springs, 560, Gauteng. Phone:
1 1 ROSE'S CLUB/REPARTEE MAG- Postfach 71201 Rottenburg
7, am
#30, Ponce PR 0073
Estrella Phone 1 . +271 362 5247.I I AZINE, PO Box
S73 186, Barnsley, Neckar (Fluent English, German.)
(787)844-9600. Fax (787)841-1485. OYT England, Phone: +44 1226 754252.
HIV/AIDS outreach organization. SATRU:S.AFRICAN TRANS- Email: roses@repartee.co.uk, URL: www. BODY AND SOUL: do KIBISS KISS
SEXUAL RESEARCH UNIT PO repartee.co.uk Support group for trans- Hanover Phone: +0511/666567 oder
Box 87283, Houghton, Johannesburg gendered and partners + magazine and Stefame 051 1/457347.
2041. newsletters.
MEXICO TV/TS - CHELSI E.V.: Treflf Sachsen,
VANITY CLUB UK FOR GIRLS Roesslerstr 09113 Chemnitz. Phone:
9,
GUADALAJARA, JALISO, ON THE INTERNET: Provides +49-37 -50094 (Friday only). FAX: +49-
ENGLAND
1

MEXICO 44190. Cris-Lida E-mail: friendship and contact with others for 371-55867.
crisalidagdl@usa.net Web: www.geoci- those wishing to get out and enjoy being
ties.com/WestHollywood/Village/56 3/ 1 TV/TS - TRANSESSEX: RO Box 3, T For details, Web: http://www. geoci- CLUB NEUES LEBEN NOVA: PO
AgrupaciUn Mexicana de Travestis, Basildon, Essex SS 4 1 I PT Tel: (0 1
268) ties.com/westhollywood/village/7604/ Box 710232, 80634 Munchen. Phone:
Crossdressers, Transgenderistas y 583761 e-mail: stacy@transessex.nil- +49-089/7916643, 6-6:30 pm (CET).
Transexuales. Soporte, Apoyo y Servicios dram.co.uk. Support. speak German.
VISITANOS!
TS - AIS SUPPORT GROUP: 2 IRELAND SELBSTHILFEGRUPPE FRANK-
Shirburn Ave„ Mainsfield, Notts., NGI8 FURT AM MAIN: Postfach 10 10 46.
2 BY. Email: TRANS GENDER ARCHIVE: do 630 0 Offenbach.Tel. 069/800 008.
1 1

SPAIN 1 00572.2376@compuserve.com, Dr. Richard Ekins, University of Coleraine,

County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, TV/TS - GEREDE e.V.:Treff Sachsen,
BARCELONA: COLECTIVO DE BEAUMONT SOCIETY: 27 Old BT52 SA Library and archive reference
I

Wiener 01219, Dresden.

Strasse 41,
TRANSEXUALES DE Gloucester Street, BM Charity, London, resource and research. +44 265 1
Phone: +49-35 /4640220 (Friday only).
1

CATALUNYA Meeting (CTC) WCIN-3XX. Phone: +44-1582-41- 44141.

Mondays 7-9pm,Tel: 34 93 3005946, e- 2220 .
INFORMATIONS KONTAKT
mail: lenaimoi@pangea.org Mailing BELFAST BUTTERFLY CLUB: UND VERMITTLUNGSSTELLE-
Address: Apartado de correos Num. BEAUMONT SOCIETY PART- Northern Ireland, RO. Box 210, Belefast FUR TRANSSEXUELLE MEN-
3208 Barcelona Spain 08080
1 ,
NERS GROUP: phones: +44-1223- BTI IBG +44 1585 430408 SCHEN IN BADEN WURTTEM-
441246 (South), +44-1203-717528 BERG e.V.: IKV, c/o AOK Karlsruhe,
MADRID: CLINICA ISADORA, (Central & Wales). Kriegstr D-76133,41,Karlsruhe.
Pirineos 7, Madrid, spain Tel: 34 9 Phone/FAX: +49-72 -62-3382.
SCOTLAND
1

31 I 1000, Fax: 34 91 31 16238. E-mail: GENDYS NETWORK: BM Gendys,

isadora@omc.telprof.es Coordinator: London, England DE56 I DE, Phone: LEBENSBERATUNG FURTRAN-
Empar Pineda Mon-Fre 10:30am - 5pm, 01773 828973, e-mail: CROSSLYNX: c/o SGLS, PO Box 38 SEXUELLE MENSCHEN IM
Director: Dr S.Z. Chami. Surgeons: Dr |edbland@mcmail.com Web Site: www. Glasgow, G2-2QF. Phone: +44- 141-221- SAARLAND: c/o Dr Waltraud
Chami and Dr. Hage from Free gendys.mcmail.com/ Group for MTF & 8372. HelpLine: +44- 4 -332-3333. 1 1
Schiffels, Schlossstr 6, D-661 17,
University of Amsterdam. FTM. BEAUMONT SOCIETY PARTNERfS Saarbruecken. Phone: +49-068 -5839 1
1

GROUP: phones: +44-0 389-380389. 1

94
 1

SELBSTHILFEGRUPPE FUR TRANSEXUELLENGRUPPE PHI PI EPSILON SVERIGE: Box PAKISTAN

TRANSSEXUELLE MENSCHEN KOELN: do Karin, phone: 02 96/ 739. 1 1 529, S- 0 1 1 30 Stockholm.
IN TUBINGEN: DAGMAR KHUSRA OF PAKISTAN: do
KALTENMARK, do Sozialforum, PRO FAMILIA SACHSEN: do Prof Muhamid Aslam Khusra, PF-34
Tubingen e.V., Paulinenstr 25, D-72072, Dr L. Aresin, 043 5 1 Leipzig. Phone: Abbotabad Hockey Stadium,
Tubingen. Phone:+49-7472-6048. Email: 0341/61530. FINLAND Abbotabad. Phone: +92-592 1-6158
1 00722.3070@compuserve.com. (leave message) or 592 -2858. 1

TRANSIDENTITAS e.V. SHG: do

SELBSTHILFEGRUPPE: Monika Christoph, phone: 039 /56 14616. 1 DREAMWEAR CLUB: Box 159
Lusche, Muehlstn 26, 74399 Waldheim. FIN-80 Oljoensuu. email: dreamwear
1

Phone: +49-7143-33502. Astrid Votz, SHG MANHEIM: Andreas Tremmel. @seta.fi Web. www.sgic.fi/~kjl/ BANGLADESH
Forstr 10, 71 Waldenbach. Phone: I I I Postfach 1 242, 67370 Dudenhofen. dreamwearhtml
07157/8222. Email: 0722.3070@com- 1

YOUTH APPROACH: 3, Purana

puserve.com or 10157. l6@com- 1 I TRANSIDENTITAS e. V.: WUF- TRANS SUPPORT CENTER (mail Dhaka- 000, Bangladesh. Phone:
Paltan, 1

puserve.com. ZENTRUM, Niggelweg 2, 97082 and Hietalahdenkatu 2 B 6, FIN-

office) 1
88-02-755532 Email: yadc@bangla.net. 1 .

Wuerzberg, jeden4. 00 80 Helsinki Phone: +358-9-6 2 3243

1
1

SONTAGSCLUB e.V.: Rhinover Fax: +358-9-612 3266 Email:

Strasse D- 0437, Berlin. Phone: +49-
8, 1
trans.tuki@seta.fi http://www. www: POLAND
30-208-2035 (Friday 6-8 CET). Email: sgic.fi/~jase/ttp Open during the day
kasimir@inf.fu-berlin.de. AUSTRIA and most evenings, all transgendered THE ASSOCIATION FOR
welcome. Open house coffee evening PROTECTING AND HELPING
INTERESSENGEMEINSCHAFT TRANSX-VEREIN every Thursday from 7 pm until 9 pm. THE TRANSGENDERED
TRANSSEXUELLE GRUPPE IN TRANSGENDER PO Box 331, A PEOPLE "DESTINY". Its headquar-
DER SEKIS: Albrecht-Achilles-Str 65, I 1 7 1, Wien. ters is located at the following address: ul.
10709 Berlin. Phone: 030/8926602. NETHERLANDS Kombatantow 5G/I, 80-464 Gdansk,
Poland. Phone number: 48 (58) 346-52-
TRANSIDENTITAS: Postfach 10 10 TS - AIS SUPPORT GROUP: (038) 54. "Destiny" is aTS support group with
46, 63010, Offenbach. Phone: +49-69- BELGIUM 269845. (Fluent English, Dutch.) heterosexual members, too. The main
800-1008. FRANJEPOOT: Postbox 53, B-2100 TS - WERKGROEP TRANSSEK- goal of the Association is to offer the
Deurne I. SUALITEIT GRONINGEN: EEN- help and support to people who are
TRAN SS EX U ELLEN- ARB EIT- DRACHTSKADE NZ 9, 97 8 BB 1 1
stigmatized with the Gender Dysphoria.
SKREIS: do HUCH, Westring 278, GENDERSTICHTING (BELGIUM GRONINGEN, +3 1

-(50) 527-35-89.
D-24II6, Kiel. Phone: +49-431-17090. GENDER FOUNDATION): Contact H.H. VISSCHER,
FAX: 431-17099. Pekelharing 2, B-9000 Gent, Phone +32- E-MAIL: francina@worldaccess.nl.
9-233.08.54 Email: genderstichting@vil- CZECH REPUBLIC
TSH ESSEN: do Claudia Peppen lage.uunet.be Belgium GENDERTEAM AMSTERDAM:
horst, Caesarstr 34, D-45 30, 1 Essen. Prof. Dr. L.J.G. Gooren, Dept, CZECH TRANSFORUM, prague, e
Phone: +49-201-786899. Endocrynology/Andrology, Free mail: oskar98@writeme.com Web:
TS -VERVLIET JESSICA: Ravalsvarg University Hospital, PO Box 7057, 007 1
http://www.fortunecity.com/village/new-
TSH MUNSTER: do MIKS, Sdraad #372100, Daurna, Belgium. MB, Amsterdam. Phne: +3 -020-444-
1

compton/ 53 1 Supporting organization

Herwarthstr 2, 48 43 Muenster Phone:
1 Support. 0542 ext. 99. FAX: 444-0502. 1

forCzech and possibly Slovak transsexu-

+49-25 1 /5 1 1 263, Claudia Scholz. als. first in the Czech Republic. Just start-
FTM - HET JONGENSUUR: ing to work
TS GRUPPE HAMBURG: Christian Binnenkadijk 178, 1018 ZH Amsterdam.
Susan Black, Nubeblerkamp 1 3a, 22 75
1 DENMARK Phone: +3 020-6221710. 1

Hamburg. Phone: 040-754-4323.

FPE-NE DENMARK: Postboks 361, HOMODOK, THE GAY & RUSSIA
TVV: PO Box I 1
48, D-65780, DK-1504 Copenhagen V Email: FPE- LESBIAN ARCHIVES,
Hattersheim. NE.DK@dk-online.dk. Web site: INFORMATION CENTRE & TV/TS - ICE AND FIRE
http://www2,dk.online/users.fpe-ne.dk LIBRARY Vincent van der Kaap, MOSCOW: Margaret Mankevitch, do
TS - VIVA TS SELBSTHILFE- TRANSVISION: PO Box 280, DK-1502, Homodok Oudezijds Achterburgwal Masha Oleheva, 95- -36 Vernadsky Ave., 1

GRUPPE MUNCHEN e.V.: Obere Copenhagen V. 185 NL- 0 2 1 1 DK Amsterdam The I 17526, Moscow. Write Directly to
Muhlstr 22, D-81247, Munchen. Phone: Netherlands Tel.: +3 (0)20 525 2501 1
Margaret Mankevich. NOT PUT DO
089-89- 6 9 65 6-6:30 pm CET Please
1 1 TRANSPAL: do Jen Christiansen, Fax +31 (0)20 525 3010 E-mail:
:
GROUP NAME OR TITLE ENVE- ON
speak German. Ostergade 20 E, DK 9870 Sindal info@homodoknl URL www. LOPE.
Phone/fax: +01 45 98935253. Social.
I homodoknl
TS - SELBSTHILFE BIELEFELD: TV/SO - FPE LATVIA: Elga Remes,
C/0 Praxis fuer Beratung und CD/TS/TG - TRANSVESTI- jurmala, 1
5, PO Box 7 LATVIA LV 20
1 1 5.
Psychotherapie, Herrn Detlef Kunert, FORENIGEN I DANMARK: TID TV/TS LANDELIJKE KONTAK--

Karl-Eilers-Str 1 . 33602 Bielefeld. Phone: Postbox 309907 1 ,

1 Kobenhavn K. TGROEP TRAVESTIE EN TV/TS/GLBT/CD - CORN-
0521/63623. Contacts: Solveig, chairwoman, +45 TRANSSEKSUALITEIT: LKG T&T FLOWERS, The Russian Society at the
44999920, Fax +45 44959573. Fyn Postbus I 1575, 1001 GN Amsterdam. Volga Riven's Area: do Yuri Kumykov, PO
TS SELBSTHILFEGRUPPE
- Mirell, +45 64801810, phone & fax. Phone: +31 10 -453-18-93. Email: Box 0, Saratov RUSSIA. Social group.
1

BONN: do SEKIS Bonn, Lotharstr 95, Jylland Cille, +45 97742299, phone & fax. Rosalind@xs4all.nl.
53115 Bonn. Phone: 0228/22 754. 1 Email: tid@danbbs.dk Web site:
http://www.danbbs.dk/~tid. The club is NEDERLANDSE VERENIGING
SHG DUESSELDORF: do Stefame open to other ITsT also but, the main HUMANITAS: PO Box 71, NL-1000
Sander Pleistr. I
, B-473 focus is on crossdressing. AB Amsterdam. Phone: +3 1 020- AUSTRALIA
Eynatten/Belgian.Phone/FAX: 523 1 1 00. MTF, FTM self help groups.
0032/87852833.
FTM - MANNENGROEP: do
NEW SOUTH WALES
TS-GRUPPE: CIO AIDS-HILFE NORWAY Humanitas,PO Box 7 NL- 000 1 ,
1 AB FTM - BOYS WILL BE BOYS: PO
THUERINGEN, POSTFACH 50, Amsterdam. Phone: +31 020-5231 100. Box 1349, Strawberry Hills, 2012.
99001 Erfurt. Phone: 036 1/73 2233. 1 FPE-NE NORWAY: Box 1 968, Vika, FTM support group. Tel:+6 -02-3 9-2034.
1 1

N-0125 Oslo.
TS-ANGEHOERIGENGRUPPE MTF/SO - WERKGROEP FACET THE GENDER CENTRE INC.: PO
AWO-BERATUNGSZENTRUM: EUROFANTASIA: Box 442, N 4301 Rode Kruislaan 61, NL - 5628 GB Box Petersham,
266, 2049. NSW
Luetzow-Str 32, 450101 Essen. Phone: Sandnes. Phone & FAX: +47-5 -66-24- 1 Eindhoven. Phone: +3 -40-24
1 1 -5475. Telephone:+6 -02-9569-2366. Email: 1

0201/312051,0201/312052. 22. Email: jennys@transgenderorg. gender@rainbow.net.au. Support group,

counseling, referrals, accommodations,
TS - SELBSTHILFE GOETTIN- HIV information/materials.
GEN, TS IN PRAXIS DR. TURKEY
WIEDEKING: Buehlstr 28a, 37037 SWEDEN CD - LES GIRLS: PO Box 504,
Goettingen. Phone: 0551/46755. LAMBDA ISTANBUL, PK 103 Burnwood, 2 1 34.
TS BENJAMIN: PO
- Box 9083, S 02 1 Goztepe, Istanbul. Fax 90.21 2.224.3792.
SHG-HEIDELBERG: Andreas Kress, 7 Stockholm. Phone: +46-40-6
1 ,
-9923, 1 I
SEAHORSE SOCIETY NSW: PO
Postfach 103766,69029 Heiderlberg. Tues. 7-9 pm CET TV/TS - SEXUAL LIBERTIES: Use Box 168, Westgate, 2048. Telephone:
the ablove mailing instructions for +61-02-569-6239 (Thurs. eve.). Email:
TRANSIDENTITAS e.V. SHG FPE-S SWEDEN: Box 49029, S-400 Travesty/Transsexualle, do Iskendar seahorse@cia.com.au
KOBLENZ: do Joana, phone: 64 Gothenburg. Phone: +46-8-34- 1316. Savasir Educational outreach for all

0261/45040. Islamic countries.

95
 1

SEX WORKERS OUTREACH SELF HEALTH FOR QUEENS- GENDER DYSPHORIA CLINIC NEW ZEALAND GENDER DYS-
TRANSGENDER SUPPORT LAND WORKERS IN THE SEX AT THE MONASH MEDICAL PHORIA FOUNDATION:
PROJECT: SWOP, PO Box 1453, INDUSTRY: SQWISI, PO Box 689, CENTRE Clayton Campus, 246 NZGDF, PO Box 2827, Auckland.
Darlinghurst 20 1 Phone:
0. +6 1
-02-2 2-1 West End 4101. Phone: +61-07-844- Clayton Road, Clayton 3 68. Phone: 1

2600: FAX: 212-3978. 4565. FAX: 844-8840. +6 -03-955- 437, ask for Dawn.
1 1 TOPS: PO Box 68-509, Newton,
Auckland. Phone: 64 9 3666 106. Fax:
TRANSGENDER LIBERATION SEAHORSE CLUB ofVICTORIA, (09) 3666 106-8462 549. Support
COALITION: TLC, PO Box 208, INC.: GPO Box 2337V, Melbourne, group and trans friendly medical clinic.
Kings Cross, 2011. Phone: +6 1
-02-358- SOUTH AUSTRALIA Victoria 300 1 . Phone: +6 359-71 -684. 1 I

5664. Support group.

CARROUSEL CLUB INC: a non
profitgroup that provides a social outlet TRANSGENDER LIBERATION JAPAN
and support for crossdressers and trans- AND CARE: TLC, PO Box 1674.
QUEENSLAND sexuals of all ages and nationalities. PO. South Preston, 3071. Phone: +6 1
-394- ELIZABETH CLUB: 5 32 18
Box 721, Marleston SA 5033, Australia. SI 1-506, ask for Sharon. Email: Kameido, Koto-ku, Tokyo 1 36. Phone:
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Logan Hyperdrome, Loganholme, 4 29. 1 Carol 61 8 8289 2409
ELIZABETH NAGOYA SHOP:
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MY
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How to be a Woman "ALWAYS

BRIDESMAID"
A, SUDDENLY A SISTER
SUDDENLY A DAUGHTER
"THE FRILL OF IT ALL!"

Though Male
by Virginia Prince #23
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Video Library

Dr. Menard Scent Gender

Surgery Video UVA Butch 101
An Introduction to the Nature of
theTransgendered; a video produced by IFGE.
Excellent video of the by Melanie Ann Phillips Through the shared experiences of individu-
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1 VHS videocassette 30 minutes.
lower surgery. 1 VHS videocassette 40 minutes.

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Art & Illusion: Art & Illusion:

Basic Makeup Video Tricks & Tips Video

by
(#736) (#104)
JoAnn Roberts
$30.00 $30.00

What Sex Am I ? Metamorphosis: Husbands & Wives,

Directed by Lee Crant
Man Into Woman Best Friends & Lovers
Face-to-face discussions with crossdressers and their
wives & partners as they explain how they deal with
This film explores all aspects of gender iden- A documentary following Gary through
crossdressing in their relationships. 1 VHS
tity: male-to-female and a female-to-male a two year transition into Gaby. Featured videocassete, 83 minutes, produced by Donna
transsexual and cross-dressing. on PBS. 58 min. VFHS videocassette. Mobley.
VHS videocasset |jiw
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95
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 2

Video library

Girl Talk Gender Identity All dressed Up

"Melanie Speaks" Variations of Expression
And
On Developing a Female No Place
by Melanie Ann
Voice
Phillips
Thorough explanation
filmed
gist, Dr.
in a
of transgenderism,
college classroom. Noted sexolo-
Jayne Thomas, herself a transsexual,
To Go
This program provides you with all the steps and Professor Toby Green are joined by 5
needed to find your female voice. A valuable "living experts" who have and are dealing
tool forimproving and conditioning your with this real life adjustment problem.
new-found voice. 1 VHS videocassette 40

VI148 VI203 VI210

95
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Dr. Biber Video Fluid Boundries
MTF and FTM Operation Video
VI 65..MTF
VI 66 .. FTM V2 1

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Speaking Ladylike The
As a Woman Deportment Operation
by Alison Laing by Paula Iordan Sinclair
(video)
Eugene Schrang's slide presentation
on the "sex change" operation.
#103 #105 #160

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$
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Art &
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& Hair
1 Transsexual Survival
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Ladylike
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JoAnn Altman Stringer (#LL)
$15.00 (#041) $15.00 $10.00
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(# 040 ) Guide 2 News And Monarch
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$15.00 Telegraph Magazine
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the Transsexual by Alison Liang
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Miss Vera’s Finishing School
for
Boys
Tips, Tales
Who Want
& Teachings from the Dean of the World's
to be Girls
First

Cross-Dressing Academy

by Veronica Vera

A thoroughly entertaining yet surprisingly wise romp through the world

of cross-dressing in all of its many faces of pleasure. In this beautifully
presented lovingly illustrated work (with many bold and fun photos) ,

Miss Vera succeeds inbringing out the best and most fun aspects of
crossdressing, while paying significant attention to emotional and
spiritual development issues.

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 Only The Best
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