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The St. Louis Gender Foundation's

Gazette

July-August 1995

A bimonthly newsletter for the transgendered community

The StLGF is a MAGGIE affiliate

What's Happening!

Masthead

Statement of Purpose

Erika's Desk

BE ALL '95

Rita's Oh So Rambunctious Ramblings

Kwik Klips

What's Happening!

Preparations are now well underway for next year's activities, and many organizational changes have been implemented. This issue is loaded with information that will help you get the most from StLGF. Check out the location for the September meeting below, and turn to "Kwik Klips" to read up on other improvements - including how to use our new dedicated voice mail system.

Fun Location and Activities for September Meeting

The first meeting of the year is scheduled for Saturday September 16. It will be held from 8-11:30 at A New and Better Meeting place - a wonderful bar and grill in the heart of St. Louis. For the usual $10 fee you will enjoy an attractive, fun, and secure bar environment with an open buffet, a CD jukebox containing hundreds of titles, beautiful fireplaces, a full cash bar for alcoholic beverages, and a congenial staff. Three restrooms are available for changing from 7:00 til midnight. Although Our New Host's is not in the prettiest area of town - it offers complete privacy, as well as security with a fenced and lighted parking lot. The bar is usually closed on Saturdays and will not be open to the public! This will be a great meeting to bring your spouse or significant other!

Our Masthead

Board of Directors

Advisory Council

Newsletter Staff

Other Contributors

.

Statement of Purpose

The StLGF is a non-profit, non-sexual, social end educational organization open to all adults who believe in freedom of gender expression, Although our members are primarily male-to female crossdressers and male-to-female transsexuals; all members of the transgendered community, as well as supportive family members and interested professionals.

"The Gazette" is published bi-monthly in January, March, May, July, September, and November. The deadline for submissions is the 15th of the month prior to publication. For information please use our voice mail number (314) 367-4128.

All submissions become the property of StLGF, and should be accompanied by a release-to-print statement. Letters, articles, and/or pictures that include nudity, profanity, or obscenities will not be published.

We also reserve the right not to publish any other materials that we consider inappropriate. All issues are copyrighted. However, any nonprofit organization or publication may reprint articles or other information from this publication, provided they allow the free use of their materials by other non-profit organizations.

If you have any questions please write:
StLGF,
PO Box 9433, St. Louis, MO 63117,
or call us at
(314) 367-4128 or
Email the StLGF: StLGF@aol.com

Erika's Desk

By Erika Cantrell

Give It a Try... Make It Work!!

Well here we are - almost ready to begin a new year... and with your help it can be StLGF's best year yet! The new Board has met three times - trying to learn from the past, constructively critiquing, brain-storming, and enthusiastically planning for the coming year.

As you will see as you read through this issue of the Gazette - several of the proposals we made for revitalizing our organization have been implemented and others are proceeding ahead of schedule. We have established a full calendar of fun and educational activities that minimizes business activities at our meetings, implemented a new - and hopefully much improved - dedicated voice mail system, increased the efficiency of internal mail handling and routing, assigned new responsibilities to the Treasurer to insure tighter control over the utilization of our limited funds, redesigned our informational brouchures and membership applications, and have arranged for a centralized, secure, comfortable, and fun location for our September meeting.

All of these changes have been implemented with the new and old member in mind. So now it's your turn!! Any organization is only as good as its members, and next year will only be successful with your active participation. We're not asking anything of you but to come to the next few meetings, play a part in welcoming our new members, and enjoy the activities! No protracted business meetings, no political sideshows, no arguing among the officers, no rows upon rows of tables and chairs - just a fun time! Signed, sealed, delivered!!!

One final appeal - for all those StLGF graduates - experienced crossdressers and post-op transsexuals - please try to put next year's meeting dates on your calendars. Hopefully, StLGF was there for you at some time in the past. Although you may have personally outgrown a need for StLGF, there's a lot you can give to other transgendered people by allowing them to learn from your experiences. Likewise, if in the past you were put off or - for whatever reason became disillnsioned with StLGF, please come back and give the organization a chance!! To throw out a few cliches - live and let live, forgive and forget, love and be loved! At the very least you'll be able to meet up with some old friends, and knowingly chortle at the antics of the new girls on the block. On the other hand - you may just decide that StLGF still has something for you - and - perhaps just as important - that you have something very important you can give to it!

BE ALL '95

by Shannon Gale

Gayle (Renee) and I arrived in Cincinnati, "the Queen City" on Thursday afternoon and prepared to get ready for our boat ride on the Ohio. We both wore our leather (SURPRISE!), and proceeded to the Sports Bar for a pre-boarding drink where we ran into no other than our own "Chrissie the Carp". She and Denise decided to stay at the hotel and not go for the ride. The bus parked a good 3 city blocks from the dock so here we were 130 of us girls prancing down the street attracting many glances, glares, and stares from other people boarding the various vessels in the area. Especially interesting (Editor: and interested?) was a group of 150 8th graders who were boarding on a different boat at the same time as us. It was a beautiful night on the river with good food and friends.

After the cruise about 15 of us stayed on the riverfront to hit the straight bars. We walked through TGIF Friday and then decided to go into a night spot named Howl at the Moon. We had a super time and were asked to get on stage and perform leg kicks to "New York, New York". After returning to the Holiday Inn we partied in the bar until closing with "the Carp".

We made it down in time for lunch on Friday after which we visited the vendors and had our hair styled by Rachel. We also had time for a couple games of pool in the Sports Bar.

By Friday night dinner there were about 200 girls at the BE ALL. After our meal they had their furst "Miss BE ALL Pageant". Denise and I then proceeded back to the bar where we met people attending the "Pierre Frozen Food" convention. They had about 100 people in attendance, both male and female, and they partied with us until we closed the bar (Editor: not again!).

On Saturday after lunch we attended a wig seminar by Rachel, and then a fashion critique by the Holiday Inn Sales and Catering staff. They judged us on pose, appearance, makeup, hair, and clothes. Of course Gayle and I - along with everyone else received passing marks... but they don't like BIG HAIR! After the meeting one of the staff came up to our room to see the gowns that we were going to wear to the formal on Saturday night.

We had prime rib for dinner after which a 21 -piece band played the big band sound. At the Sports Bar that night they had Karaoke. Did I have fun or what?! I sang... or attempted to sing... a variety of songs with about a dozen different people! Then, seven of us packed ourselves into a Ford Tempo for a trip to The Dock - a gay dance club downtown. The only bad thing was that they stopped serving alcohol after 3 AM. Gayle and I got to sleep at 6 AM - only to get back up at 8:30 to attend the Get Away Breakfast. It's the only time to see all of your friends in their male attire at the BE ALL. I hope to see many more of you at the BE ALL '96 next June in Detroit!

Rita's Oh So Rambunctious Ramblings

by Rita Amore

Dear ones...Temptation calls to rename my column, since every third-rate sportswriter in St. Louis is incorporating a "RAMblings" into nearly any article about the St. Louis Rams. But I believe I shall keep the Ramblings handle, as I had it first. Perhaps Gayle Renee will come to a club function as a Ram(ette) cheerleader, switching her loyalties from the Dallas Cowgirls now that we have our own NFL team again. And maybe STLGF can attend a Rams game en masse, thus making my own Rambling Ramblings report appropriate.

Your new club officers have been working very hard this summer to upgrade our monthly meeting programming. More on that later, but I challenge you to decide now to make your regular attendance a priority. We're counting on you!

TV's IN THE MEDIA...The good old Post-Dispatch really played up the "men in skirts" theme with a June 23rd Everyday section front-page feature on the "Braveheart" and "Rob Roy" movies. These Scottish themed macho flicks with plenty of kilts are definitely no 'Priscilla...' or 'Wigstock." I find it ironic that the P-D predicts the wearing of kilts as the next fashion trend. Both the male and female writers proclaimed the best reason for a man to wear a skirt is to feel the breeze blow up his legs. Au contraire, these poor writers should have interviewed us enlightened gender folk for the real reasons men wear skirts. The Lovely One has compiled a list of why St. Louis men really wear skirts...

If the P-D's prediction is correct, why would people like to see men in skirts? Why, it's the legs, Silly. They want to see our legs. And leg liberation should be our agenda. To placate the masses yearning for a leg spectacular, the STLGF September meeting will include a "Sexy Legs" contest. We'll judge a number of categories, including perhaps Longest, Sexiest, Most Muscular, Hairiest, Best Ankles, Best Knees, etc. Prizes will be awarded, so you really must participate. My first choice for celebrity judge is Elaine Viets. Some basic ground rules...A swimsuit or equivalent is required. Equivalent would be a leotard or Danskin. I know The Elegant One, Miss Erika, and our very own Carp, Miss Chrissie, will bring along their swimwear. If swimwear or leotard is too revealing for your personal modesty, you may still compete by bringing along a pair of shorts or tap pants. Hosiery or tights may also be wom. This activity should be fun, and should be taken as fun competition -- so let's all participate for a greater sense of club cohesiveness. Perhaps we can get Andrew to sing along with ZZ Top, "She's got Legs, and she knows how to use them!" The Lovely One can't wait to see you all strutting your stuff.

LET'S GO SHOPPING...I ran down to my favorite vintage, military surplus, alternative and funky clothing shop recently -- Hullabaloo on South Broadway. The eyecatchers this time were the RuPaul-style shoes known as "Barbie Dolls." The Barbie's were open-toed, platform-soled pumps with an eight-inch (yes, it's really true, my dear Stephanie Vandemore!) stiletto heel. Choices were gold or silver glitter. A small sign stood out like a poster -- "We also have these shoes in men's sizes." Well obviously, Dearie. What woman would ever wear them?

THE BIG SCREEN...The Lovely One and my finest personal accessory, Miss Coco, attended the July 14th premiere of "Wigstock" at the recently renovated Tivoli Theater. No, Rita did not attend. It was 100-degrees at 10:30 p.m. and much too hot for beard cover plus whipped foundation, bra and breast forms, hip pads, etc. (I've told you before, this is a winter sport.) "Wigstock" is a drag extravaganza that must not be missed. I personally prefer documentary movies of this genre, much like "Paris is Burning." "Wigstock" is definitely a documentary featuring ordinary people, with an appearance by the extraordinary RuPaul.

I very much enjoyed the campy, witty (especially Mistress Fonnika), flaming queens lighting up the big screen. The irony was that the crowd shots showed less than ten percent in drag. The other ninety percent appeared to be white, middle-class, hetero folks out for a voyeur show not normally available in Poughkeepsie. Maybe they all wanted to be on stage, but didn't have anything to wear!

LATEST FROM WHIZ-BAM...New gender stuff from the alternative video store; "Sex of the Stars" -- a campy tale of a girl struggling to come to terms with herself while living with her hanssexual father. Also "Mondo Roeco" -- short films of Pat Rocco consisting of a mixture of political protest and drag.

WHAT'S BACK IN...Besides the new and improved version of STLGF monthly meetings, what else is going to be hot this fall? According to the August issue of W Magazine, the following is coming back hotter than ever...

Now I don't want to see everyone at the September meeting wearing a shoulder-padded red dress with red Ferragamo vintage fiats, accessorizing with hoop earrings and I.D. bracelets, all the while stroking your heavy fur coats with white fingernails. Meeowww.

MORE MEDIA..Congratulations to our town's Roger Piatt, AKA Vicki Vincent, for his front-page Everyday section feature in July 14th's Post-Dispatch. Photos of Vicki and Roger were right there with photos of RuPaul in a favorably written article on drag. A couple weeks later, a letter to the editor decried the PostDispatch coverage given to those "abnormal perverts." The writer claimed that this is the filth that is destroying our society. I guess his letter is our reminder, Folks, that some people are not quite ready for the "men in kilts" fashion trend coming our way.

But all may not be lost, as shortly therealter, three letters to the editor were printed bashing the intolerance and hate spewed in the first letter. And the world continues round and round.

GIRLS NIGHT OUT...Even though the Cardinals are flirting with the basement in the National League, it doesn't mean that Busch Stadium is the pinnacle of boredom. If you are crossdressed, Busch can be a funfilled, exciting, and adventurous outing (see Ramblings in the June '94 Gazette.) A recent week night game sported The Elegant One Miss Erika, Jordynne, Stephanie James, and yours truly seated eight rows behind the dugout. For reasons that may be more obvious to some than to others, Stephanie and I attended in drab as our boy selves. The game action was lively, but secondary to being immersed in a crossdressed situation amongst 20,000 people. Our two ladies were accepted as the female Cardinal fans they projected to the public.

CONGRATS...to Erika on her recent July birthday. Twenty-me again, my dear? Also extra congrats to Jordynne for getting her legal name changed recently. And a special birthday, "Haloo, Dearie" to Jennifer Richards. And what have the rest of you been up to this summer? I'm looking forward to seeing you all at the September meeting where you can fill me in and offer tidbits for the Ramblings.

UNTIL NEXT TIME, MY LOVELIES I thank God every day that I am not normal.
Rita

Kwik Klips

New Officers Elected

A new slate of officers was elected and installed at the June meeting. The officers for '95-'96 include: Erika Cantrell, President; Rita Amore, Vice President; Stephanie James, Secretary; SH,Treasurer; and Jamie Edwards, Newsletter Editor. At the first board meeting Pam Garter was officially appointed Librarian, and Shannon Gale agreed to serve as a New Member Liaison. Pending approval by the Advisory Council, the president agreed to assume responsibilities as the StLGF representative to MAGGIE and Pride St. Louis. Shannon Jackson will serve as a Doorway's representative.

New Voice Mail System Implemented As of August 1, a new and dedicated voice mail system was implemented for StLGF. It can be reached at (314) 367-4128.

At present, the system includes a Main Greeting, two message mailboxes, and two announcement boxes.

The number of the box can be entered at any time, and you can return to the greeting and main menu by entering "0". Rotary phone users cannot access the mailboxes but can leave a message for an StLGF representative after the menu.

Exciting Activities Planned for '95-96

Check out the the '95-96 calender! While you're at it take a look at the hot pink insert in this issue of the Gazette. The latter describes what will be happening at the September 16 meeting. Note that the "StLGF Boutique" will be a frequent addition to our meetings. Members are asked to bring clothing to donate to the boutique. All proceeds go to an StLGF contingency fund.

A (Temporary) New Face for StLGF

StLGF business cards, new member brochures, letterhead, and membership applications have been rewritten and redesigned. These include the new voice mail number. Shannon Jackson is currently working on an even more sophisticated design that will be used for future printings. The new member packet has also scheduled for a facelift, and should be available by Fall.

KCVF (89.5 FM) Broadcast

Erika Cantrell was recently interviewed on KCFV "Information Break". Erika answered questions about StLGF and various transgender-related topics. The airing date has not yet been announced.

Library To Be Reorganized

Pam Carter, the new StLGF Librarian plans to inventory and reorganize the StLGF library, and to prepare a listing of materials available in private collections. She will be distributing an up-to-date catalog of available articles, magazines, books, and videos in the Fall. Old newsletters from other gender organizations will be taken out of circulation, and noninformational materials will probably be discarded. Procedures for checking out items from the library are also being re-evaluated. The size of the library makes it impractical to transport all the materials to each meeting. One possibility is to use an additional box on our dedicated voice mail system to allows member to request specific materials from the catalog in advance of scheduled meetings. If you have any other ideas or would like to make any donations to the library, speak with Pam at the next meeting.

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