by Rose Ann Cain
The newsletter for GGA was called Phoenix Monthly International and TV/TS Resource Directory. It grew from eight pages to twenty or more, in it's second printing. The pages were of high quality paper, which gave it social status. It had articles and stories for both the cross-dresser and the transsexual community, be it female to male or male to female. The correspondence directory that accompanied the Phoenix was much sought after by people across the country.
GGA was to grow to fourteen chapters across the country. four in California and ten in other states. GGA first started to meet in a bar in Hayward then moved to the First Unitarian Church on Third Street in San Jose. The church had cheap rent but we had to share with other groups. At times we had the main meeting room, other times it was either the attic or the basement. We met there for seven years then two changes happened.
In May of 1986 Georgia announced that she was tired and burned out. She closed down GGA because no one was willing to reimburse the money she spent on the state forms which gave GGA it's nonprofit status. She requested that the fourteen chapters rename. The church was having more activities and wanted more money. They couldn't guarantee we would always have the meeting. Georgia spent, on the average, sixty hours on each Phoenix, plus the correspondence directory, and answered all the letters. At one meeting she asked for some help; the reply from one person was "I came here to have fun not to work". The only one to come forward to help was Lou Sullivan, who typed, delivered to the printers, collated, folded, stuffed envelopes and did numerous other things each month.
In June of 1986 Rainbow Gender Alliance was formed by a steering committee composed of Carol, Clara, Claire (our first treasure until her purse got to full), Deanna, Kim (ETVC Liaison), Ruth Ann (church liaison), Sharon (newsletter editor), Susie Keels (Moderator) and Suzanne (secretary). By December 1987 the leadership was Susie Keels as Moderator, treasure, door key holder, Roberta as coffee maker. Roberta came all the way from the Sacramento area, (now that is dedication to the group!) Thanks Roberta, on teaching me how to make coffee!
In July of 1986 we started meeting at our present Church. Thanks to Ruth Ann who approached Reverend Taylor about meeting there. The rent was what ever we could collect and donate to the church. The parking was much improved and we are the only ones meeting on Fridays.
The Rainbow news letter was started in July of 1986 by Sharon C., with the help of Carla S. Featured were some great TS articles by Patricia Jean who took over as secretary. Other contributors to the Rainbow were Suzanne, Sonya and Jennifer.
Suzanne took over as secretary in September of 1986, then as editor of the Rainbow in May of 1987. The Rainbow grew from two pages to four. In September of 1988 Rebecca R. became Secretary and Editor of the Rainbow with the help of Anne M. The mailing list grew to over two hundred. Rebecca, who we better know as "Becky", had one interesting thing going as editor. She mailed the Rainbow out from all over the United States!
Kimberly Ann became our activities person in October of 1988. Oh what a party girl! We took walks, boat rides, operas (with wild popcorn fights), and couples socials.
October of 1988 saw Kim and Martina move the RGA/ETVC Rap Group from the Billie DeFrank Center to the Church. At that time the rap group averaged twelve or more persons. The socials had over forty persons attending.
August of 1990 Rose Ann Cain took over as Moderator and Treasurer. Up till now there was no by-laws, but the Bank insisted on a copy to continue our low cost bank account for a nonprofit organization. So we made up some by-laws saying that if RGA folds the church gets the bank account.
January of 1990 South Bay Gender Information line is started.
July of 1990 RGA Warm line is listed in the Rainbow.
May of 1991 The RGA Computer Bulletin Board comes into its own due to the contributions from over 150 users and members. Michelle S. serves as our system operator (Sysop).
May of 1991 RGA Poker Socials are announced. Hosted first by Michelle then Bill.
July of 1991 Michelle takes over as Editor of the Rainbow. It expands to eight pages, with the help of Terri Lynn and her laser printer.
May of 1992 the Rose Garden becomes a regular column.
October of 1992 Alexis R. takes over as Bulletin Board Sysop.
April of 1993 Gelsey W. took over as Editor of the Rainbow. With Jamie Faye as managing editor, Jennifer C. as circulation editor, Morgan C. calendar editor, and Rose Ann Cain as the tight-wad office manager and writer.
In April of 1993 Diane took over as RGA's coordinator with new ideas and energy. Lets not let her burn out! Now is the time for you to get involved and add to the history of RGA!
Others who have made contributions of time, ideas and energy: Terri Lynn, Glenda Renee, Monica, Autumn, Tala, Suzanne l., Leslie, Chris, Vanessa, Gloria, Roxanne, Alexis, Jennifer, Wendi, Paula, Diahnna photographer, Claire, Kathleen (Kate), Amber, Laura, Deborah, Kim, Joan Sheldon hostess of the Pajaro Dunes weekends, Gerri, Donna, Leigh Ann, Shirley, Alessandra for her TS articles, Darlene, Crystal, Denise, Satin, Debby and many others who will remind me that I forgot to mention them!