The 14th of February brought, amidst a sea of red and white balloons, a wonderful collection of red dresses and smiling faces. This year the Innvestments annual Valentine Party was actually on St.Valentine's Day and it could not have been better. Lady Liz took the podium as her first official party duty as Ms. President and MC'd the evening. After a delicious meal, all the red dresses took their turn in parading before the group. The judges for the evening were Cheri and Susan who later provided the entertainment, and our long time friend Ron, from the hotel staff. Many and varied were the gowns and red dresses on display. Candy then finished the display but was almost driven off by Liz as Candy's gown was not the correct color. Candy and Liz got into a heated exchange of words about what was red and what was black when Liz reminded Candy that Candy was colorblind. At that remark, Candy realized that she must have made a mistake. She pulled the hair pin out of her hair letting it fall to her shoulders and quickly turned to face the members all seated around their tables. At that moment, Liz unzipped the back of Candy's "black" gown, bump and grind music started to play and Ms. Candy did a very entertaining strip revealing a dazzling red nightgown. You could hear everyone break into a low snicker, then into a roaring laugh. At this stage, Calley N. stood up and put a dollar bill into Candy's cleavage. The best red dress contest was then up for grabs. The finalists were Denise S., Brenda R. and Candy. In the end, cool heads prevailed and Denise won the coveted Barbie Doll. Congratulations!
While Cheri was getting dressed for her special entertainment,
several heart shaped boxes of Valentine candy were then raffled
off. After going through about 10 numbers, there were finally
4 winners. Then the lights were lowered and the music began. Dressed
in a very elegant red out fit that gleamed and glittered and yet
was soft and diaphanous Cheri made her entrance. Even though we
were not sitting low to the floor and the decorations were not
Middle Eastern, it was as if we were transported back to another
place and another time. Cheri's unique skill as a traditional
Middle Eastern oriental dancer worked it's magic. A very curious
silence gripped the room as Cheri began to rise and move to the
beat of the drums and the appeal of the horns. Twirling, twisting,
the movement of the arms and hands, the flow of the veil was all
extremely captivating. The dancing amidst the tables brought her
close enough so that everyone became enchanted by this magic.
The grand finale had Cheri, enveloped within her veil provide
a hug to the audience, then bow and disappear.
Needless to say, this evening was one that will be remembered
for a long time. The friendship, the food, the entertainment all
placed this event in the forefront of the record book of memories.
After Cheri's performance, approximately twenty of the girls along
with their significant others went to Mallory Dock/Duval Street
Station and danced the night away. A sincere appreciation to Cheri
and Susan for working the music and to all those others involved
in making this an event to remember.
The next meeting of
the Innvestments discussion group will be held on Friday
evening at our regular meeting location at the XXXXXXX Inn. Start
time is 7:00 P.M. For those who want to remain overnight or spend
the weekend, please make your reservations ASAP as the
hotel is 90% filled for the weekend. Call 800+989-9827 or 508+775-6600
and ask for the Innvestments rate ($49.00). The subject
for the evening is: What purpose is being transgendered filling
in my life right now?
YOUR INNVESTMENT is
a publication of Innvestments, P.O. Box 2194, Orleans,
MA.02653-2194 / P.O. Box 354, Sagamore, MA 02561-0354. Innvestments
is a non-sexual service organization founded to support and
to provide a socially acceptable outlet for the crossdressing,
transvestite, transsexual, transgendered community located primarily
in Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Islands. All rights
reserved. Permission to reprint any article in Your Innvestment
is hereby granted to non-profit similar organizations provided
that publication and authorship credit be given. Any commercial
use of Your Innvestment material is hereby prohibited.
Some material may have previously appeared in print. Publication
and authorship rights of material reprinted from other sources
remain with its originator. The editor/s of Your Innvestment
are not under any obligation to accept information and advertisements.
Information and advertisements may be published in any form deemed
acceptable. Any information about services, products or sympathetic
locations published in Your Innvestment is not considered
an endorsement of such by the staff of Your Innvestment or
the Board of Directors of Innvestments. Innvestments is
also know in open source publications on Cape Cod and the Islands
as Cape Cod Cross Dressers (Triple C-D).
Liz W..................................President
Robyn Roberts.....................Vice President
Brenda L...............................Treasurer E-Mail Brrendaa@aol.com
Candy Scott........... .....................Board
E-Mail Candyscott@capecod.net
Jean-Marie J...............................Board
Membership (including newsletter)
is $30.00 per-year (pro-rated after Jan.) with a $15.00 meeting
fee. Meeting fees payable only for those attended. Subscription
only rates are $10.00 per-year.
The subject "Why do you think
there is such a challenge between TSs and CDs?" came up between
some members after one of our recent events. There were some very
interesting comments made. The following are some of these thoughts
shared with you so that you can perhaps better understand some
of your sister members.
_ So what is the big deal about going
out dressed shopping? I have to do it all the time. -
_ I like to party as well as the next person, but I don't make
a spectacle of myself. Would some of these girls dance the same
way on a dance floor if they were in their guy mode as they do
when in their girl mode? -
_ Why don't they learn to dress for the occasion? Every time they
go out they are dressed to the nines. Don't they know that real
girls don't dress like they are going to a party when they are
just going to the supermarket or the dime store? Especially the
wearing of spike heels and short, short skirts. -
_ They want to act like women but they stand, walk and especially
talk like guys. Real women do not curse at every other word, do
not normally raise their voices that loud and gesture more delicately.-
_ I just think that there is a vast difference between us. I am
a real woman but I am unfortunately trapped in a guys body. You
are not.
_ Just the fact that we don't do it
all the time makes it exciting or different each time that we
do it. I'm sure the first few times you went out alone gave you
a feeling of euphoria. Because we can't or won't dress all of
the time, doesn't diminish the feelings we have when we do go
out. And as an adventure, we like to share what we learned.
_ When we are out partying as our femme selves, we do tend to
let loose. But we are not obscene, just having a good time. Why
not? Also, remember we do not party all of the time.
_ We have all of these clothes so why can't we wear them when
we want? If we are out with others we generally fancy up a little
bit but if we are out by ourselves we generally dress down. Yes
we agree, short skirts and high heels are not the thing to wear
everyday.
_ Everything you say is true, but we can show you some TSs or
rather those who claim to be TS who still talk like a guy and
use their whole body to emphasize a point. We think practice makes
perfect. If you find us doing dumb things, please correct us.
Yes, as you can see, there are many and varied differences but,
we are all human and all different or we would all be very dull.
I have known TSs that work in the female role and never give it
another thought while some TSs I know have a very difficult time
and will probably take years, even after SRS, to fully transition.
Most CDs on the other hand only do this occasionally. For that
moment in time, they are someone else. Who really cares. Let them
be someone else. Remember when we first started our journey through
life we experienced many new and fascinating things, then continued
on. Until CDs get over the repeat phase of their journey, they
will keep enjoying the same things over and over. In time, they
too will continue on until it becomes just another day in their
life. Hopefully, just because we are different, it does not prevent
us learning from each other!!
As most of you probably know, I have
recently taken on the role of President of Innvestments.
Some of you have spoken with me personally or have heard my public
comments about my goals as president and the direction that I
see us moving as an organization. For those of you whom I have
not yet been able to speak with, I'd like to take a few minutes
to tell you a little about myself, my connection to Innvestments
and some of my goals as president.
Although, like most of us, I have been dressing since a very early
age, it is only the last four years or so that I have been able
to express my femme self in public. Like most of us, I have spent
long periods of time feeling alone, ashamed and fearful of discovery.
My membership in Innvestments has given me great peace
and personal growth. I must first thank Candy and Jessie who have
shown me so much during their time in office. I can only hope
that I can be as effective and successful in this role.
It was during one of my first public trips enfemme that I met
Chrystal. We spent an evening together in Provincetown talking
and bar hopping. She was very friendly and supportive and told
me about this wonderful group for TG people which she had helped
to found. She gave me her phone number and invited me to attend
a meeting. That was in October. It was not until March that I
finally worked up the nerve to actually go to a meeting. Candy
loves to tell the story of how Elaine caught me in the parking
lot and convinced me to attend the meeting.
The one thing which I remember most about my first meeting was
how open and accepting everyone was. The girls were all so friendly
and helpful that I immediately felt a part of the group. After
a lifetime of feeling alone and ashamed, I was accepted and part
of a community. It is this simple reality which, for me, the most
important thing about Innvestments. No matter where you
are on the gender continuum, no matter how you identify yourself,
whether you live full time or dress once a month, you are welcome
at Innvestments. This is perhaps the fundamental premise
of the organization and the support of this concept includes a
commitment to remain open to any ideas which you have to help
Innvestments grow and continue to meet the needs of the
transgender community. If you have any thoughts, suggestions,
or comments about the group, speakers, or functions...please let
me know.
The second most important goal I have is to have fun. In the four
years I have been out in the community I have had so many great
experiences. I have gone to parties and functions, been to gay
clubs and straight bars, had dinner at the Park Plaza and breakfast
in the early A.M. at the Blue Diner and shopped and shopped and
shopped. Most importantly I have met so many wonderful new friends,
all who have helped open my eyes and my mind to a whole new world.
It has been great fun. (A real hoot!!!) I hope we can all continue
to find the pure joy in being able to perform our art and share
it with the public.
The third goal that I have is to continue to learn about our community
and how each of us can be better, more happy and productive members.
I look forward to working with you all in this unfolding year.
During First Event there arose
some reference to the story of male twins, one of whom was raised
as a girl and the other a boy and what the eventual outcome of
this experiment was. I was later asked by some of our members
what I knew about this. I'm sorry, but my crystal ball was in
for polishing that day and I could add nothing substantial to
the comments that were made. Since then I have viewed a Canadian
documentary television program about this same story. The following
is, to the best of my recollection, a capsule of that documentary.
I understand that this story has also been published in some one,
or more, medical reports.
A set of male twins was born in Canada several years ago. One
we shall call Jim and the other Jerry. At birth, as was the custom,
the boys were to undergo circumcision. A new procedure was to
be tried out on the boys. Somehow, during the operation on Jim,
the procedure got botched. A decision had to be made on how to
repair the damage. At that time, Dr. Money from Johns Hopkins
University had expounded the theory that under such a situation,
if a baby underwent a sex change operation, it could be raised
in its new gender without any long term problems. This seemed
to be the answer to the circumcision problem. Baby Jim was then
surgically changed from a male to a female and raised accordingly.
Brother Jerry, having successfully been circumcised was raised
as a normal boy. The family moved so that no one would know and
started life anew. As (Jim) Jane grew, Jane knew that she was
different. She did not have the same desires or feelings that
other little girls had. She wanted to play boy games and do what
the boys did. Each year all during childhood Jane was brought
back to Dr. Money for follow up examinations. During this television
program, I do not recall Dr. Money making any comment on whether
or not he felt this follow up had proved his theory that you could
change a child's behavior by raising the child as the opposite
sex from which they were born, although his writings did seem
to favor this conclusion. As Jane grew older, she experienced
an attempted suicide. She was not happy and felt that she did
not belong as a girl. Jane's mother felt very guilty over what
had happened and finally told Jane the complete story. After a
very troubled transition into adulthood, Jane left the family,
began transition from female back to male and began living as
a man. She finally married a genetic female with two children
and continues her quest for final SRS. Her brother Jerry experienced
a more traditional up-bringing.
This same situation happened to an American Southern lad with
(if I remember correctly) muscular dystrophy. The lad was confined
to a wheel chair and suffered the same feelings as did Jane while
growing up. While in his, now her, teens, the mother finally told
the child whereas the child was then dressed and raised from that
point on as a boy. This boy felt as though he was the only person
in the world to which this had happened. At some point Jane, now
Jim, was told about the boy. Arrangements were made for the two
to meet. After meeting in a New York hotel, the boy felt much
better about himself and Jim felt pretty good about being able
to share his story with someone else and thus help them therapeutically.
Jim took the boy fishing. The lad is now awaiting SRS back to
his full male self.
Jim awaits SRS in obscurity, not wanting to jeopardize his new
family or job. The lad also awaits SRS but now is hopeful of the
future. Dr. Money refused to comment on any of this.
If anyone has access to this medical report I would like to read
it. This seems to be the best documented case that I have heard
of which helps proves TG'ism is caused by nature and not nurture.
The March meeting seemed to be on
us before we knew what was happening. The meeting, as always,
started out with some announcements and some information to bring
us up to date on what is going on in the community. Liz indicated
that we have to start planning now for the annual Christmas party
in December. A special committee was formed with Candy and Sara.
A third volunteer is still being solicited. Also, ideas for the
May and June meetings are also being requested. The meeting then
went into the special program.
Sahdji, one of the professional entertainers from Provincetown
was our special guest. Many of our members have seen Sahdji and
his special troupe entertaining locals and tourists alike. Due
to an unplanned program change in our monthly agenda we were very
fortunate to be able to get Sahdji to fill in for us. Sahdji proceeded
to explain how he, as a professional female impersonator, does
those little makeup tricks that keeps him looking so good while
on stage. Sahdji sat at the large conference table with all of
the girls placed around him and applied his makeup while explaining,
step by step, what he uses, how he uses it and why. His effective
use of "covermark" put on with a damp sponge was eye
opening to all who watched. The productive use of powders to highlight
and contour were equally as fascinating to watch. Sahdji's ever
ready humor salted the demonstration and brought smiles to everyone's
faces. At the end of the demonstration, Sahdji took one of the
girls and showed her how to "pick" away at her wig and
after a few picks and tucks, it seemed as if the wig were real
hair growing right out of her head. A most amazing demonstration.
It certainly proved the old adage that "practice makes perfect".
Everyone adjourned to the lounge and then went to Mallory Dock
to finish the evening. Speaking with Sahdji after the meeting
date, he indicated he had a very good time and as the girls seemed
to enjoy the session he volunteered to bring his troupe back with
him and redo the demonstration, this time involving everyone and
letting them practice on themselves. Innvestments thought
this would be good for everyone and is working this into the upcoming
schedule. We sincerely appreciated Sahdji's efforts and thank
him for bringing us his talents on such a short notice.
We have a CD member who is looking
for a house mate. House is located in quiet upper Cape community.
Non-smoker preferred. Interested persons should contact Denise
at 508+xxx-xxxx.
We have a CD subscriber who has a furnished apartment for rent.
Located on the 2nd floor, it has four large skylights, 2 bedrooms
(1 large/1 small) with 5 closets (2 are walk-in). Apartment has
full bath, full kitchen with gas stove and a sit and eat counter,
a dining area, open living room with built in book shelf, hot
water heat included and electricity included. A stacked washer/dryer
can be had for an additional fee. It is approximately 2- miles
from Exit 7 and is not bothered by summer traffic. Non-smoker
preferred. Landlord is obviously T friendly. Price: $650.00 per
month. Interested persons should call Candy Scott at 508+xxx-xxxx.
We also have a friend who has at least one and possibly two vacant
rooms in a very large boarding house complex. This is located
in Dennis not far from Exit 9 and summer traffic should not be
a bother. Owner is T friendly. One other T lives within complex.
Excellent living situation. Contact Candy Scott at 508+xxx-xxxx.
CANDY'S
CUPBOARD
_ Medical research continually
amazes me. The latest medical research (CNN, 11 March) has now
revealed that women who smelled secretions taken from under the
arm pits of other women extended or shortened the time between
their menstrual periods to reflect the same cycle as those women
from whom the secretion was taken. And you think we are weird???
Perhaps this is why some married CD's have a stronger urge
to dress during certain times of the month as compared to other
times of the month????
_ In case you hadn't noticed or realized, the Hyannis XXXXXXX
Inn has become the Cape Cod XXXXXXX XXXXX. The same super
folks are still there, only the name has changed. They are no
longer under the Holiday Inn umbrella but are an independent hotel
and still part of the XXXXX Management Group headquartered at
XXXXXXXX in N XXXXXXXX.
_ Due to some personal problems, Jean-Marie has verbally
submitted her resignation from the Board of Directors. Liz will
ask for nominations from the floor during the next meeting in
order to vote in someone for the duration of Jean-Marie's term.
_ Plan now if you want to attend Tiffany Clubs Spring
Fling. It will be held May 28th thru the 31st in Provincetown.
Pick up the bright yellow colored flyer at the next meeting.
_ For those political activists, the 3rd National Lobbying
Day will take place April 19th thru the 21st in Washington, D.C.
See the flyer at the next meeting.
_ We have learned that one of our professional entertainer
friends, Vaunessa Vale, from Boston is in the hospital in Pennsylvania.
We have sent her a card from the group and wish her well.
_ I hate to admit it but it must be time to go on a diet.
My earrings don't fit anymore. (Liz say's not to worry, all I
have to do is toss out the old ones and buy new ones.) Gee thanks
Mom!!
_ And while speaking of Liz...Liz has a set of boobs...Opps,
I hope so! I mean silicone prothesis ...that have only been worn
once. They are size D (which Liz feels is too large for her body
frame) and which she would like to sell. They cost her $240.00
new and are not that old. They are still in the box and have all
of the items that go with them. Contact Liz directly.
_ I received a telephone call and was asked if I could
find a copy of something that I was given. Ha. I laughed so hard
I almost wet my panties. We have been living in a shell for the
past two weeks as installers were supposed to arrive to put down
new carpeting. If they don't arrive soon I'll have to move.
_ For those wanting to start in the Middle Eastern traditional
oriental dance class...come on over. Those 4 of us who
have continued on, Denise, Julie, Robyn R. and Candy are having
a neat time. If there are enough who want to, we can start another
class. Contact Denise: 508+xxx-xxxx.
NEXT MEETING - 6 APRIL
The next meeting on 6 April is the birthday party. At 3:30 P.M.
the regular rooms will be open at the hotel. These will be available
should you need to change, etc. Supper will be served at the Mallory
Dock at 7:30 P.M. The menu will be salad; spaghetti with sauce
and meat-balls; a glass of wine; birthday cake and ice cream.
Come join us for our 6th birthday event. SPECIAL NOTE
WEAR YOUR EASTER BONNET. We will have an Easter Bonnet Parade
at the Mallory Dock. Prizes will be awarded for the prettiest
and the funniest Easter bonnet.