Sept. 13 Meeting: 7pm. We will have a speaker from the Family Resource Center at Vanderbilt University.
Future Meetings:
Highlights from the August Meeting: Thanks to Wendy Polley for coming to our August meeting all the way from Lexington, Kentucky for her fashion style presentation. Our attendance was also excellent for a rainy August night.
Vals Discussion Group Meetings/Board Meetings:
September 25, October 23, November 20, 6:30pm at the Center for Gay, Lesbian, Bi, and Transgendered Life in Nashville, 703 Berry Rd., (615) 297-0008.
The Queen's Throne
By Marisa Richmond
Where did the summer go? I was watching Bodyshaping recently on ESPN2 (Yeah, I know what you're thinking...), and they were already talking about toning up thighs for ski season. Ugh. It made me realize I had to start writing my column for September. That means the final year of Manning Mania is about to commence here in the Volunteer State, although personally, I am waiting for Holdsclaw Hysteria. It also means the annual Southern Comfort Convention is now right around the corner. Although I have not yet seen the final schedule, I expect good things, especially since I'll be celebrating my annual 29th birthday there this year. Last year, I was honored not only to be a speaker at the "new faces" luncheon with Rev. Dr. Erin Swensen and Taylor Montgomery, I was also on three panels covering diversity, providing support, and history. And I still managed to find time to make a fool of myself at The Chamber (even without getting into the Go-Go cage...) and burn up the dance floors at March, Backstreet, and The Otherside. One thing I was told recently is that my photograph even appears on their new website. When little ol', computer illiterate me finally found it, sure enough, there I was with last year's convention co-chair, Pamela Caruso, during the Thursday night outing to Planet Hollywood. I vaguely recall the picture was actually taken in the restaurant, but that was several months--and cocktails--ago. And speaking of pictures, the August issue of the Renaissance newsletter has one of me during the Congress with Dallas Denny (Executive Director, AEGIS), Dr. JoAnn Roberts (Board Chair, Renaissance), and Alison Laing (Executive Director, IFGE). Cool. I also noticed they credited the overall success of the recent Congress to the fact that it was organized by blondes. Well, accidents do happen. :)
Prior to SCC, the annual meeting of the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association will take place in Vancouver. This year, there are two interesting proposals on the agenda. The first recommends a two year Real Life Test (RLT) for transsexuals. While many TSs often take this amount of time for financial reasons, I know of no logical reason why the RLT needs extending. The other proposal, however, is much more serious. It recommends a RLT before authorizing hormone therapy. This could prove to be downright deadly for some. There are many TSs who need the masculinizing or feminizing effects of hormones before they can safely transition into their new gender role. We are often victims of hate crimes, and this could easily expose many to violence because of their physical inability to look passable. While I will not be going to Vancouver this month, there will be others there from the gender community who plan to argue against these proposals. It is my hope they will both be withdrawn, but if not, they should both be soundly defeated by the delegates.
And while I am discussing conventions, I received an announcement on July 18 that the annual Transgender Law Conference sponsored by ICTLEP will continue despite earlier cries of financial difficulties. The next one, however, will likely take place on the west coast. I am glad to hear that since there are many legal matters of concern to us, and I hate to see the conference end. I was struck, however, by one particular sentence in the press release. It said "The transgender community has shown a distinct reluctance to support national political activity." There may be an element of truth to this since many would prefer to remain invisible. The problem is, this does nothing to help us overcome discrimination when we assimilate and never speak out. Many do not understand, or are intimidated by, the nature of our political system, which is why myths about a monolithic entity called "the government" continue to persist. I suppose those who believe in such things were at the mall when their class discussed the various levels and branches of government, but it seems the only one interested in learning is the teacher. Throughout the country, our battles must come from individuals, but with only about 100 of us willing to speak out, it carries very little weight. As I have stated in the past, you owe it to yourself to let your elected representatives know you exist, are concerned about laws that discriminate on the basis of gender identity, and seek an end to hate crimes. Many gender activists will not give up the fight even if ICTLEP does. The battle must be fought in Washington, Houston, and yes, even Nashville, but it is up to each and every person to do their part.
In July, Fisk University revived its legendary Race Relations Institute. During the week-long conference, some rather pointed remarks were made by participants regarding the current state of race relations. I find myself vehemently disagreeing with assessments offered by rapper Chuck D of Public Enemy ("We got to kill some people") and jazz drummer Max Roach ("...integration f***ed it up"), but I am still undecided on the merits of the arguments of Washington, D.C. psychiatrist Dr. Frances Cress Welsing, author of The Isis Papers, who suggested that racism is linked to the desire among whites for "genetic survival." However, I also disagree with Henry Walker of the Nashville Scene, who described the conference as marked by "nuttiness." While laws were changed in an attempt to insure level playing fields for all, institutionalized racism and discrimination continues. Just ask any executive at Texaco. The opinions expressed by Institute participants show the extreme positions some adopt in response to discrimination, and show how far our society has to go before it is fully eradicated. This does provide lessons to the transgender community. We, too, are victimized by job discrimination, denied basic human rights, and are victims of brutal, physical hate crimes. We have much political and philosophical diversity within our community about the best course of action. Although I have stated publicly I believe our best hope lies with the judicial branches of our governments, no matter what happens, we must be realistic. Discrimination and prejudice based on ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation all remain strong in our society and will for the forseeable future, but we must continue our own fight against the forces of hatred. Recently, two national organizations meeting at opposite ends of the state adopted trans-friendly resolutions: the National Organization of Women in Memphis, and the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force in Jefferson County. These are both positive developments. When other groups, like the Human Rights Campaign or the U.S. Congress, adopt similar stances, then half the battle will be won.
On a related note, the U.S. Justice Department announced they were reopening their investigation of the September 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham which killed four girls and injured 14 others. Even though there were reportedly four men involved, only one, "Dynamite Bob" Chambliss, was ever convicted of the crime. It seems several knowledgeable informants are now willing to cooperate with federal authorities. According to syndicated columnist Deborah Mathis (July 14), one is Petric Smith, n‚e Elizabeth Cobbs, who was the niece of Chambliss. Smith has legally changed his gender and is now male. He testified against his uncle in 1977 and is expected to assist prosecutors if additional indictments are obtained. Unfortunately, I have already seen Newsweek refer to "female informants" (July 21, p.37) in this case without mentioning him by name. It certainly bears watching to see how the media describes Smith's gender change, if they use the proper pronouns, and if this hate crime is successfully prosecuted (after 34 years!) with a transgendered person playing a key role in the case. The recent media frenzy surrounding the hunt for Andrew Cunanan after the killing of Gianni Versace shows the problem we have with media. We have endured negative imagery in films like Dressed to Kill and Silence of the Lambs, both of which portrayed trans people has homocidal maniacs, but rumors that Cunanan was hiding from investigators dressed as a woman concerned me that it would fuel negative stereotypes and justify harassment of crossdressers. While I have not heard of any specific cases yet, we must be vigilant in watching the media and correcting inaccurate assumptions.
Well, I finally did it. We received a letter complaining about my July column which appears elsewhere in this newsletter. Jennileigh remarked "you're not afraid to be controversial," when I teased Dr. JoAnn Roberts in December 1995 for not knowing the difference between Kentucky and Tennessee (Tennessee is the state with snowplows). Over the past few years, I have not only written this column, but I have also written items that have appeared in publications like Transgender Tapestry, Chrysalis, Renaissance News and Views, and Louisville Transit. I'll admit to being thin-skinned when my name is misspelled (I've seen Marissa, Merissa, Marcia, and Melissa Richards), but otherwise, I concentrate on substantive, philosophical issues of concern to transgendered people. I certainly realize that by being visible and opinionated, controversy is sure to follow, but to paraphrase the words of Navy Captain John Paul Jones from September 1779: I have not yet begun to offend. As a thought provoking columnist, I am not doing my job unless I raise somebody's hackles. Many do not like to have their cherished notions challenged and get upset. I'm just surprised the first complaint was not over a substantive matter but an innocuous one. I must not have been trying very hard. But while I am not afraid of controversy, I prefer ones of my own creation. A little over a year ago, I was elected board chair of AEGIS. In that role, I stepped into the middle of a dispute between AEGIS and Tri-Ess. When I was talking to Dr. Jane Ellen Fairfax, the Chair of Tri-Ess, at the Congress on Sex & Gender in June, she thought I had been AEGIS Chair for two years. I replied, "Oh no. It's only been eleven months. It just feels longer."
When I wrote my July column, the only thing that concerned me was its length since it was my longest ever. I was actually relieved when I saw Anne's column that month was longer than mine. Fortunately, this newsletter is not an ego vehicle for me. It was Jenni's decision to place my column first, not mine. I also do not have any feelings of inadequacy that would lead me to get upset over Anne's longer piece....
I will state that in all my years, I have written only one comment that I deeply regret, and it did not appear in this newsletter or any other publication. It was in a letter I wrote for the GenderPAC organizational meeting last November in Philadelphia, which I could not attend. In it, I criticized many TG leaders for suffering from "testosterone poisoning." I was referring to the brusque style of many M2Fs I have observed, but James Green, the leader of FTM International, properly chastised me for my lame-brained remark. I have since apologized to James via e-mail and attempted to humble myself more appropriately during California Unity in April, but Cindy Martin kept getting in the way. Damn those gorgeous blondes. Anyway, I am quite proud of all I said--and did not say--in July and I stand by it.
A few weeks ago after eating lunch in a local Chinese restaurant, I received a fortune in my cookie which read "Good things are being said about you." I'll just have to wait and see if that is still true.
Finally, I was saddened to hear the news about the recent passing of Stuart Bivin, founder and publisher of Query. He died of a heart attack on July 13. He was only 36. His paper has listed the Vals longer than any other local publication and has provided news of interest to the gender community. I just wish to offer my personal thanks for his support in the past, and my personal condolences to Jeff Ellis, Stuart's life and business partner, and Stuart's other family, friends, and colleagues.
Wigged Out
By Jennileigh Love
This month I want to discuss a few issues I have faced as the editor of this publication, and as the Vals Webmistress. First of all, if you didn't know it, I have edited this publication for almost 2 1/2 years. That involves collecting the various columns by our featured writers. It also involves going through news items from various media sources and selecting stories that I believe are interesting or of vital importance to our readers. It also involves keeping on top of local news and events. One of my jobs is to keep our printed list of regional groups current. Sometimes that job is difficult because we have no way of knowing when other groups change addresses or phone numbers unless we are notified. There is nothing worse than sending a new person to another group somewhere and having that person tell you they never got a response. Please keep us updated.
Keeping the newsletter current and topical is sometimes challenging, because our current "copy" is a month in advance (for example, it's around the first of August as I write this for the September newsletter. The August edition was done in July so it would be ready for print in August. If news breaks somewhere in the late part of the month, the newsletter for the next month is usually already complete and it's a real pain to revise the whole thing to get news in. I usually just wait another month. So, sometimes I'm sure the newsletter seems to be a month behind.
Because the newsletter is needs to be done by the board meeting (usually the 4th Thursday of the month) so we can all review its content, I have set the deadline for submission of columns and articles to be the 15th of the month. Please don't ask me to add things after this date. I have been kind in the past, but not any more.
Let me also say that "Editor" means just that. I am not in charge of the newsletter mailing list. That's the membership chair's job. Whenever someone doesn't get their newsletter, I'm the first to hear about it. I can certainly get you a copy if you missed one, but I am not responsible for who this publication goes to. I copy, collate and stuff newsletters in envelopes, but I don't control whose names are on the envelopes.
The title "Editor" also means I control content, which means that I can include a controversial article or even a single controversial word. Sometimes I may include these items to make a point. As an example of this, the local gay paper, Xenogeny, has been known to print hate mail it gets from homophobes. Most of the letters are full of spelling and grammatical errors, and the full effect is to make the writer of the letter look foolish. It works very well. Give `em enough rope and they hang themselves.
Also, I don't want this publication to be just a battleground between enemies in the gender community. Written attacks on the Internet are called "flames." Flaming has rendered many Internet newsgroups unreadable and I don't want this publication to suffer the same fate. While I do believe that some people deserve to have their nose tweaked every once in a while, constant bickering in print is tedious and uninteresting to readers who aren't involved in these battles. If you must attack someone in writing, stamps and e-mail are pretty cheap these days.
I also would like to mention a few things about the web page and how I administrate its content. First, I would like remind everyone that our web space is provided free by Jo Ann Roberts, Jamie Fenton and Cindy Martin of Transgender Forum. (shameless plug.) In what must have been a blonde moment, I completely forgot to mention them last month in my celebration of the homepage's 2nd year anniversary online. Sorry ladies!
If you have been to our homepage, you know the Rogues' Gallery is a web page that points to pages of individual Vals members. I have created pages for some of the Vals. For others I have simply added a link to an already existing page. Having your own personal page on the web is an ego trip, and I'll admit that's one reason I started the Gallery. However, I found that many of closeted transgendered people were reading our bios, poetry and stories, and viewing our pictures. They were finding someone in the Gallery to relate to, who they had something in common with, and that made it easier for them to come out.
We recently received photos from an anonymous source to be placed in the gallery. In the past, we've also received some pictures that weren't exactly decent (you know who you are). Because of this, I am circulating a policy about the Vals Rogues' Gallery (click to view).
That's enough griping for this month. You will probably note quite a bit of PMS-ing in this month's newsletter from all of our columnists. It may be that time of month for us all, but I think most of our gripes can be chalked up to growing pains in the group. Growth is good, so please bear with us. See ya in the funny papers.
Left of Center
By Pamela DeGroff
(Author's Note: I have a couple of things I'd like to talk about here as a sort of preface to this month's column. First off, I'd like to take this opportunity to mention a new watering hole that is transgender friendly. Your Way Caf‚, 515 Second Ave. South (the bar formerly known as Ralph's) has been open for a couple of months now, and I have always felt more than welcome there. Besides, they're the only "family" owned bar that stocks the brand of beer I like.
Now about this month's column. I usually try to keep it humorous and on the light side. However, every now and then, I feel the need to discuss something serious. The content of this month's Left of Center is extremely different from anything I've ever written before. The recent controversy over the Southern Baptist boycott of Disney has prompted me to add my two cents worth. My background includes several years of Bible College and several years more of involvement in Christian music, so I feel qualified to discuss a theological issue.
What I'm not trying to do here, though, is use this as a forum to shove my personal religious convictions down anyone's throat. That is not what true spirituality is about. I have friends from many different faiths including pagan. I respect these people as people, each has found a belief system that works for them. I regard our differences as something that makes us interesting.
So why write this? During a recent Stonewall Mission Church, it was suggested that an interesting topic for discussion would be Why People Hate. The more I thought about this question, and the more I read concerning the Baptist boycott, I realized that many writers have missed an important part of the issue. The Baptists have clearly ignored portions of scripture, that when studied in relation to the total word of God, make their entire argument almost moot.
Personally, over the years, I have grown increasingly sick and tired of the type of bigotry masked as religion that says, "You can't possibly be a Christian unless you're just like me." Well, quite frankly, Bubba, in order to be "just like you" I would have to gain 40 pounds, marry my sister, and loose about 100 IQ points. No thank you.
Finally, I'd like to say that this piece is loaded down with scripture references because: (A) this is part of my background and training, and (B) I wanted to show that my thinking is based on something other than totally subjective opinion. Please read it with an open mind. Thank you.)
WHY DO PEOPLE HATE?
Why do people hate? Before we examine why, let's take a preliminary look at a few things. Webster defines hate as an intense dislike or animosity towards something. According to this definition, then, each of us can say that we have experienced what it is to hate. On a personal level, I hate cold weather - precisely any temperature below 70 degrees. Neither am I very fond of macaroni and cheese. One thing I really hate is when I get a flat tire on a rainy day when I'm wearing anything white.
These are all circumstances, situations or things. Each of us can come up with a similar list of things we'd rather not deal with. When we say we hate these things, and when we're going through these experiences, then most of us can honestly say we're feeling hatred towards the experience or thing in question. But hatred directed towards another human being is hared on an entirely different level.
Perhaps we should rephrase the question to read "Why do people hate other people?" On the surface, it seems like we could answer this by saying, "That's simple. WE hate THEM because they're different than us." Different how? Could be any number of things: race, religion, language, sexual orientation, ethnicity. Fill in the blank here with almost any reason you want.
This kind of hatred, though, is learned behavior. If you've ever seen a group of very young children playing together, you'll notice they're not concerned about any differences. We could have a long discussion about how much attention children actually pay to each other, but the fact is that even the youngest kids are aware of such concepts as gender and race. However, they don't delineate one as being better than another. They have to be taught that these difference separate people into categories that other people consider "good" or "bad." To the child, even the kids that are different are still just someone else to play with. That's all that matters.
If these are some of the reasons that cause people to hate, then at what point do we get so used to it that we no longer ask "why?"
Hatred, just like love, has to be nurtured in order to exist at all. We have seen a prime example of this when a major Christian denomination decided to make intolerance a part of their national agenda. They, and others like them, are able to do this because of two mind sets that have permeated the Christian church. Not only is it a valid question to ask, "Why do people hate, but we also have cause to ask, "Why would Christians be involved in such attitudes?"
The first of these mind sets is what I call The Sheep Mentality. Isaiah 53:6 states in part, "All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned every one to his own way." Couple this Old Testament verse with Christ's own words (in particular Matthew 10:6, 12:12. 15:24 and 25:32 - also John 10:1-17, and you can see how the relationship of sheep and shepherd is a central theme of Christianity.
However, the Isaiah passage was never meant to be an analogy of something to aspire to. We aren't told to become sheep. Instead, it's pointed out that we're already there. Sheep by their very nature, are followers. Take a flock of sheep that is headed east. Select one sheep. Pull him out of the flock and point him west. Chances are he'll get lost and starve to death. Definitely not a creature noted for its ability as an independent thinker.
Yet the truth of this is missed by most Christians. When we're told we're like sheep, it's not a compliment, but rather as an insult. People, however, continue to buy into believing that they have to be sheep. And sheep aren't supposed to ask questions.
Often in extreme cases, when someone questions their church's authority, they are made to feel like second class citizens simply because they choose to do their own thinking. Conveniently ignored is Philippians 2:12 which states in part ".work out your own salvations with fear and trembling." This clearly puts the responsibility for an individual's life, in both thought and deed, upon the individual.
In any church where the Sheep Mentality thrives, where there are no checks and balances on those in charge, it won't take long for a "we're better than everyone else" attitude to develop.
Why do people hate? When you don't know you're being taught to hate, because you're taught not to question anything, you don't know any better. Perhaps it would be more appropriate to ask why people allow themselves to be manipulated to such a degree that their attitudes are controlled for them?
This brings us to the second most prevalent, and destructive, mind set that can be found in many churches. Simply stated, it is the inability to distinguish between religion and relationship.
Christianity, in its truest form, is an individual having a relationship with God the Father through Christ the Son. No more, no less. Like any relationship, it is something personal between the people involved. This makes it completely subjective (i.e. particular to a given individual). This is true spirituality - when God Himself reaches down to whomever is receptive.
Religion, on the other hand, is purely objective, meaning it tries to be common to all. It attempts to present spirituality in a way that can be observed and measured by the mind. It is therefore man's attempt to reach God.
Since it doesn't fully recognize the individual, religion becomes fertile ground for abuse and narrow mindedness. Human history is littered with examples of the excesses of intolerant religions.
Rather than catalog such abuses, let's look at example from the Bible of someone who id understand the difference between religion and relationship. In Luke 7:1-10, and Matthew 8:5-10, we find the story of the Roman Centurion who sought out Jesus to heal a favorite servant who was ill. Before Jesus even got to the Centurion's house, he was met by friends of the man who said that if Christ would only say the word, then the servant would be healed.
Here was a man who understood the power of authority, being a military commander. Because of this, he was able to recognize true authority in another. Being a Roman citizen, he no doubt came to Israel as a non- believer. However at some point in this man's life, he was able to develop a relationship with the God of the Jews. In so doing, he was able to spiritually recognize the Messiah. He didn't go through a religious ceremony in order to obtain healing for his servant; instead, he drew upon the relationship that Christ has with those who believe in Him. This in turn caused the Lord to marvel at the man's faith.
Plainly, a true spiritual relationship transcends any form of religion or custom that will put constraints on the ability to feel compassion.
So why do people who claim to have the same form of relationship allow themselves to get involved with doctrines of hatred? How hard is it to ignore Matthew 7:1 - "Judge not, that ye be not judged."?
Judgment can lead to hatred, and this type of hypocritical, spiritually dead logic leads to what is discussed in I John 3:15- "Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer, and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him." Exodus 20:13 makes it even plainer - "Thou shalt not kill."
It's easy to ignore what you don't want to see. It's easy to follow the herd and not be burdened with doing your own thinking. It's easy to follow religious rules that can be ignored from time to time when it's convenient. It's easy not to have a relationship that takes some input on your part.
So, why do people hate?
Because it's easy
IN CONCLUSION.
So what does all this have to do with transgendered issues? Consider this: Disney is a giant corporation, with many different business entities. While the boycott in question was brought about because of Disney's recognition of gays and lesbians, we know that numerically a company that size will of course number many trans people among their workers. This can and does affect us.
We have to be aware of what is going on around us in the community at large, and not just what happens at our conventions, meetings and social gatherings. If we really want the powers that be to take us seriously, then we have to keep ourselves informed. Remember, knowledge, as the old saying goes, is power.
Thanks for letting me have this little rant. It's getting hard to stand on a soap box with these heels.?
Behind Blue Eyes
By Anne Casebeer
Life has been a bit rough of late. Between dealing with the parental matters, firing 3 key employees, and involving myself in local political matters, I've had to miss a couple Vals meetings. Once, crossdressing would also have been a problem, but nowadays gender group meetings are not the only occasions I can use for crossdressing. Somehow, between all of life's other obligations, I have managed to get out and have some fun. I deserve it, which isn't an admission that I would have been able to make in the past. Now, I just see my life as being a semifunny, semitragic Woody Allen movie script. Come to think of it, maybe he could play me, he kinda looks like me in male mode, and Drew Barrymore would portray Amy very well. Maybe cast Shirley MacLaine as Aurora Greenway, oops, my mother?
A friend of mine moved recently to Louisville, a TS, name of Angela Bridgman, and we've had a few adventures, not the least of which being the run to Cumberland, MD, to rescue her from the demise of her '84 Sunbird. Amy and I made the all-night run there following working 12 hours in my video store, arriving about 9:30 AM on a Sunday. I used Angela's room to femme out, then we loaded the contents into my Caravan. It was a memorable voyage. We dined at the Italian Oven in Fairmont, WV; a TS, a CD, and a GG, and ....nobody made any fuss, or even any comments. We continued through WV, with me being the only one in the van who could operate a vehicle with a manual gearbox, and becoming more drowsy by the moment. At that time, Angela started doing her standup comedy routine, featuring the routines of George Carlin; then she found my CD case, and pulled out "Paranoid" by Black Sabbath. Next thing we knew, we had the windows open, and Angela and I were singing "War Pigs", "Paranoid", "Ironman", and "Electric Funeral" at the top of our lungs. We were travelling in heavy traffic between Charleston and Huntington at the time, and the people in the car next to us, 3 girls in a Nissan, were looking and pointing at us! I'll bet that WAS a sight - 2 trannies and a GG who may have resembled a trannie to them, singing Black Sabbath songs on a rural West Virginia interstate. Ah, it kept me awake.
A week later, I escaped the store early in the evening, and put on my favorite semi-slutty red dress; Angela put on a black mini and lame' top, and we headed for "The Rage"; a lesbian bar that features karaoke on Friday nights. Angela and I made our attempts at rock stardom, with me making the mistake of mangling REO Speedwagon's "Can't Fight This Feeling". Angela did a song that required her to sing both the male and femme parts. We've done this regularly since then on Fridays, with Muffy, the karaoke meistress, now knowing me in either mode. Last time, Angela did a Vixen song, while in male mode, I leered my way through the politically incorrect, extremely disgusting David Lee Roth version of "California Girls". Call me a pig if you must , Angela does. We plan on trying some "straight" karaoke places in the near future, because Muffy's selections are a bit limited. The next time I go there, I will be attempting "Go All The Way", by Eric Carmen and the Raspberries, but we've about exhausted her selections. In particular, I want to sing the Doors, the Who, or Stones, and Angela is looking for Juice Newton's "Queen of Hearts". The idea of doing this in a straight bar while wearing a skirt seems like a bit of slightly dangerous fun....and an delicious educational opportunity.
Late in July, I purchased some custom cupboards from Cathy of Crystal Club in Columbus, OH; Angela and I attended their meeting, then headed back the day after. We turned on WLW700, and Joe Nuxhall, the 'ol left hander, was conducting the pre-game interview with new Cincinnati Reds' manager Jack McKeon. We were near Morrow, OH, about 40 miles from Cinergy Field, and looked at each other with the ol' "why not?" shrug. So, we parked while the anthem played, bought some good tickets from a scalper for near face value, and entered the stadium, wearing short jean skirts and loose tops. No problems. In fact, I passed muster in a conversation with the lady at the Heineken kiosk, and Angela caught a foul pop from the bat of Chipper Jones of the Braves (although, boy crazy as she is, she'd have rather caught Chipper himself). I thoroughly enjoyed watching Greg Maddux throw wickedly unhittable breaking pitches from our vantage point behind home plate. One fact is without doubt: a short skirt beats male jeans in 98-degree weather, although makeup tends to melt at that temperature. We finished up with a post-game visit to my favorite Cincinnati-area pizza place, LaRosa's, where we received great service and had a chance to practice our outreach skills.
The Louisville Board of Aldermen have introduced the Fairness Amendment, which would amend the city human rights law to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual preference, much as ENDA would at the Federal level. It originally included "gender orientation", but this was removed after the sponsoring Alderman had problems understanding just what that meant. I didn't learn about the effort until it was too late, and have little time for active involvement, but Angela has taken up the fight in concert with Patti Hall of Louisville Gender Society. It has been interesting, but I must be discreet locally, due to business interests. Tonight, it was formally sent to committee and scheduled for a vote, and at the rally afterwards, Angela made a statement to the crowd that earned her an interview with the local news radio station. I was there with Amy, in male mode, on break from work, but that was a seat that local bigot Frank Simon's forces couldn't have! We don't enjoy the close relations with the GLBT community here that the Vals enjoy and have earned in Nashville; in fact, it's still basically a GL community, with bis just now being recognized, and trans not yet very visible. We intend to try to change that with a bi/trans caucus, which will be speaking to GL groups locally, and I will be part of this effort, along with other trans people. It takes work to achieve the solidarity that we enjoy in Nashville, and to get this law passed eventually, we must start now to build the bridges in Kentucky. In any case, the crowd of people in the audience for the introduction was overwhelmingly pro-Fairness.
The issue of Disney vs. the Southern Baptist Convention has been covered ad-infinitum, but I must add my 2-bits to it, from the standpoint of one who makes a living in the movie business. Disney is a business that is dependent on its "cast". Many people who live alternative lifestyles are attracted to the footlights of show business. Disney knows this, and its employment policies reflect its desire to attract the best and brightest people. Their issuance of health benefits to same-sex couples is a very intelligent way to do this. Disney also knows that they are ubiquitous in the entertainment market. I observed this past weekend an incident involving a customer and her 2 sons, one probably 7 years old, the other perhaps 3-4. The kids wanted to rent "Pooh's Grand Adventure" and "Hunchback of Notre Dame". Mom refused to let them, saying "Remember, Reverend Adams said we musn't watch any Disney movies". Predictably, the kids were not amused, and Mom ended up giving in. She asked me if I was aware of the Disney boycott, and what impact it had made on business; I assured her that I was aware of it, thought it to be a farce, and told her that it did not stop people from renting and buying Disney titles. She was very surprised to hear that. Realistically, Disney is the only game in town when it comes to consistently satisfying family viewing, and their feature studio is Hollywood's most successful at this time. Plus, they will take ESPN away from me during baseball season when they pry the remote from my cold, dead, painted fingertips. I'd let them shoot loose silicone into my body before I let them take away my SportsCenter, or Quentin Tarantino movies....no, anything but that, please get that needle away from me, I was just kidding, I will never sing karaoke again if you get that away from me, no, not there, please, I'll even break my Black Sabbath CD's, anything but that silicone, no not me, noooo......
Freedom and Mascara! Anne Casebeer
(Rev. Adams was probably hiding in the adult movie section at the time. -Ed.)
Treasurer's Notes
By Pamela DeGroff
I have a few brief announcements that I was not able to include in my regular column.
On Sunday, September 14, the Stonewall Mission Church will include as part of their services a Blessing of the Wigs. This is a time of affirmation and recognition for the entire gender community.
The idea for this is taken from other denominations that hold special times of blessing for various groups, both within and outside if their particular congregations.
This is the second year that Rev. Jim Hawk has decided to do this. From all indications, this will probably become a yearly event for the church. Stonewall Mission Church has always made the local trans-community feel at home during their services. So, if you are transgendered, and whether or not you actually wear a wig, you are invited to be a part of this special time.
Stonewall Mission Church meets Sunday evenings at the Center for Gay, Lesbian, Bi and Transgendered Life in Nashville, 703 Berry Rd., at 6:30pm. For more information please call (615)269- 3480.
Now I would like to address something as Pamela, your T. Vals treasurer. I've been getting annoyed lately that after all this time, some folks still haven't caught on to the drill. I park myself in front of the door at our meeting site in order to take money and sign you in. The Vals have always had an "open door" policy when it comes to our monthly meetings. Everyone is welcome. The first meeting is always free for newcomers. However, from there on, you will be expected to pay a meeting fee: $5 for members, $7 for member couples, $10 non-members and $15 for non- member couples. That has always been the policy. Everyone is supposed to know this by now. I've had to argue with some people about the cost, and some feel that because they come late, they shouldn't have to pay. That is not the case - it's unfair to the rest of us just because certain people can't get it together to show up on time. I'm also getting tired of having to chase people down for their money. We're adults, here, let's act like it.
Dues will be coming up shortly, so please, let's be a little more aware of the procedure: $25 yearly for single membership, $35 yearly for couples.
The Holiday/Anniversary party has been booked at the same hotel (Hilton Inn Suites) again this year. The meal cost is something we have no control over. Also the cut off date for sending in for your tickets is, as far as I'm concerned, written in stone. There will be NO exceptions past that time. You had also better put some thought into your meal selection because it's a real hassle to try and make changes at the last minute. I'm not going to put up with some of the craziness I did last year. I will not be amused by last minute phone calls wanting to make changes.
Hopefully, the Banquet can become a wonderful annual event we can all look forward to. It takes a lot of time and effort to pull this off, and it's expensive to do. Please, let's all cooperate on this.
Sorry for the bitchiness, but I feel much better. Besides, it's my time of the month.
Love elected to Center board of Directors
On August 11, Tennessee Vals member Jennileigh Love was elected to the board of directors of the Center for Gay, Lesbian, Bi and Transgendered Life in Nashville. Jennileigh has served the Center in the past by speaking to hotline volunteers about how to handle calls from transgendered people, helping with Center clean-up days and participating in Center fundraising. Recently, she has volunteered to coordinate the Center webpage. The election is significant because she is the first transgendered person to serve on the board. The board of directors provides vision and direction for the future of the Center. The Center is located at 703 Berry Rd., Nashville, TN 37023. The hotline (615)297-0009 is staffed from 6-9pm nightly.
Evanston, IL Passes TG Inclusion Ordinance
On July 28, the Evanston City Council made history as Evanston became the first city in Illinois to extend human rights protection to their transgendered residents and visitors. The Council voted unanimously in favor of Ordinance 61-O -97, which adds transgendered individuals as a protected class to their Human Rights Ordinance. This ordinance prohibits discrimination in employment, public accommodation and housing.
This historic vote was the result of representatives of It's Time, Illinois! (ITI), a transgendered political advocacy organization, meeting with Paula Haynes, Director of the Human Relations Commission in Evanston. Ms. Haynes was immediately receptive to inclusion since she has received complaints of discrimination of this type through her offices. The effort was spearheaded by Miranda Stevens, vice-chair of ITI. After meetings with Ms. Haynes the issue was brought before the Human Relations Commission. ITI suggested that sexual orientation be defined in the Human Rights Ordinance as encompassing both affectional relationships and gender identity. The Commission unanimously voted to adopt ITI's inclusive language and to present it to City Council as an amendment to the Evanston City Code. The proposed ordinance was first presented on July 7, 1997, by David Bradford, Chair of the Human Relations Commission, to Evanston's Human Services Committees, which is made up of 5 City Council members. At this meeting, ITI's report on hate crimes and discrimination was presented to all committee members. Testimony was presented by several members of ITI, as well as Drs. Fred and Randi Ettner who are both Evanston residents who have many transgendered patients in their medical and psychiatric practices. Also testifying was Ellie and Louis Altman who are parents of a female to male transsexual son. The Human Services Committee voted unanimously to present the measure to the City Council for action on July 28, 1997.
At the July 28 meeting, nearly 2 dozen supporters from the transgender and gay community were present. During the citizen comment portion of the meeting, six people stood up and spoke to support the measure. David Bradford, chair of the Human Relations Commission spoke first and framed the ordinance. Miranda Stevens then explained who transgendered people are and why this protection is needed. She said, "For most of you, this is the first time you've encountered a transgendered person, outside of stereotypical caricatures on television or movies. We hope that by the end of the evening, we would have put a more human face on our community."
Next a transgendered Evanston resident and an MBA student, who had never come out before, spoke of the fear of discrimination she lives with every day, and how she fears for her job if she was "outed". A statement followed this from a transsexual woman who works in Evanston. She spoke about how this was not "special" rights but equal and that she would feel more secure with this protection. Rick Garcia, who is the Executive Director of the Illinois Federation for Human Rights, spoke on how his statewide organization supports the transgender community and how "arbitrary discrimination is immoral and should be illegal". Ellie Altman, the founder of the first support group for parents of transgender children, was the last to comment. She said, "We are your neighbors, your friends." She spoke of how she was struck by the fact that so many transgendered children are rejected by their own families. She proudly showed a framed 8 x 10 photograph of her son as he received his Ph.D. degree. Before the vote, Alderman Joseph Kent, chair of the Human Services Committee, spoke eloquently about the leadership that Evanston has always taken on human rights and that this issue was "huge". He acknowledged that this ordinance would not completely take away the pain and difficulty that transgender people deal with in their lives. But with this protection, they can work to support themselves and their families. He said that every suburb and city and state must understand that we are all human beings first and deserve the same rights. Alderman Gene Feldman said that he was "proud" that Evanston was the first Illinois community to include this protection. While he confessed that he could not possibly understand what it must be like to live as a transgendered person, this ordinance is a "vital and important beginning" to the long struggle of achieving equal rights for all transgendered individuals. When one of the council suggested that employment discrimination be removed from consideration, Alderman Feldman made an impassioned plea, saying "That would cut the heart out of the ordinance."
The council then unanimously voted (9-0) to pass the ordinance. The gallery stood up and applauded the city council for their decision. "This is why we founded ITI nearly two years ago", said Stephanie Young - chair and co-founder of ITI. "The credit for this goes to all the members of ITI and the transgendered community who have supported us. We also need to thank the gay, lesbian, and bi-sexual organizations that have supported us as well. It is truly a group effort."
"It has been a remarkable experience working with the people of Evanston," said Ms. Stevens. "The Human Relations Commission and the City Council demonstrated a depth of understanding and compassion for humanity which is truly remarkable in this day and age. They should be very proud of what they achieved tonight."
"This is a very forward decision by Evanston" stated Janice Galeckas - Secretary/Treasurer and co- founder of ITI. "It can be a template by which other towns can step forward and grant protection to all citizens."
ITI is now focusing on it's efforts in Oak Park, followed by Cook county and the City of Chicago. In addition ITI is working with the Illinois Federation on inclusive language for the sexual orientation amendment to the Illinois Human Rights Act. For more information contact: It's Time, Illinois!, PO Box 33, Oak Forest, IL 60452, 708-535- 1506 (voice and fax), stephanie-young@worldnet.att.net
AEGIS News Digest, 7/29/97
NOW passes transinclusion resolution
Memphis, TN - After three years of ongoing debate and a final four days of intense dialog, the National Organization for Women (NOW) passed a transgender inclusion resolution at its National Conference here today. The measure's success owed a great deal to the personal support of NOW President Patricia Ireland -- who had arranged for GenderPAC's Executive Director, Riki Anne Wilchins, to address NOW's National Board the preceding Thursday -- as well as to intensive consensus-building effort by NOW Lesbian Rights Coordinator, Kimberlee Ward, and NOW-NJ State President, Bear Atwood.
"This was a landmark resolution whose time has clearly come... It's not just the resolution, but the acknowledgment that the transgender community is today's cutting edge. Transgender people are now doing the pioneering work in exposing artificial constructs of gender and breaking down the stereotypes and barriers which divide us all," declared NOW Action Vice- President and long-time activist Rosemary Dempsey.
Agreed GenderPAC's Terri McCorcal, who had helped steer the resolution over three years, "In its own way, this was as historic a moment as NOW's affirmation of lesbian inclusion over 25 years ago. After all the debate, seven amendments, and scores of small compromises and dialogs, it was a truly emotional moment when nearly every hand in the Convention went up in support. Women who had worked on this for years were crying and hugging in the aisles."
The resolution had been originally introduced and unanimously passed at NOW-NJ's State Conference in 1994. The next year, a dozen activists from the Transexual Menace showed up at the NOW's 1995 National Conference in Columbus, OH and gathered hundreds of signatures on petitions. The resolution was introduced from the Conference floor, only to be tabled to the National Board, where it languished in spite of apparently overwhelming support. The breakthrough came when NOW-NJ's Bear Atwood was able to arrange an invitation for representatives from GenderPAC and allied groups to address NOW's state presidents at their annual State Coordinators Conference in San Francisco last January. As a result, a number of State Presidents came out in support of the measure. In addition, Ms. Ireland herself was present at the presentation, and an invitation to address the full National Board came shortly thereafter.
[Text of Resolution passed at NOW National Conference]
OPPRESSION OF TRANSGENDERED PEOPLE
WHEREAS, the National Organization for Women (NOW) has worked for the elimination of all forms of oppression in our society targeted at groups who are systematically mistreated; and
WHEREAS, the transgendered and transsexual communities confront oppression daily and are systematically mistreated because of artificial gender constructs in our society; and
WHEREAS, there is a lack of understanding and information on issues affecting transgendered and transsexual people; and
WHEREAS, one of NOW's goals is to eliminate all sex stereotypes including so-called gender roles; and
WHEREAS, NOW affirms and honors the right of people to self-identify;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that NOW and its sub-units encourage education and dialogue within NOW and other organizations on gender and sex stereotypes including those who are transgendered and transsexual people.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that NOW reaffirm its commitment to end all sex and gender stereotypes.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that we acknowledge that gender is a patriarchal social construct used to oppress women.