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From our fabulous News Hawks!

Have you seen a TG-related news story online or in your local paper? Send it in to TGF and become a News Hawk! Don't assume we know everything that's out there, because you are our eyes and ears. To file a story, send it in to Cindy.

Peru TS
Runs For Office

Contributed by Rachelle Austin, Bobby G and Elizabeth Parker
via Reuters
August 18, 1998

LIMA, - A clairvoyant turned TV presenter turned woman has upset the Latin country's traditionally macho image and caused a stir on the political scene by becoming the first transsexual to run for local office.

Fulvia Celica, who changed sex to a woman and who predicts Peruvians' futures on a local television show, told Reuters at the weekend that she had registered as mayoral candidate in the middle class district of Jesus Maria for Lima's October municipal elections. "I have liked politics for a long time, but people like me have always been marginalized. Because I have been operated on, they think I am simply a queer," Celica said, complaining of many Peruvians' intolerance of the gay community and their perception of her sexuality. Celica, who is competing against three other candidates for mayor, said if she loses the local election she will run for Congress in the 2000 national elections.

Aussie TG Runs
For National Office

Contributed by Elizabeth Parker
via News Planet
August 19, 1998

New South Wales Australian Democrats have chosen transsexual children's book author Carmen Morris as their candidate for what's known as the most conservative seat in the national Parliament. Incumbent Liberal Brendan Nelson won the Bradfield seat by almost 26% of the vote, the largest margin in the country. Morris says that, "I don't want to be judged for what I am. I want to be judged for what I do and what I have to say," and that's just fine with the party, which has an anti-discrimination policy. Morris, who underwent sex reassignment surgery in 1989, also says that, "I am not a transsexual. I used to be one, but now I am a woman." But she jokes that if elected -- an admittedly most unlikely prospect -- she would be the Honorable Dismember.

Work That Skirt

Contributed by Elizabeth Parker
via Spin Magazine
August 15, 1998

Caffeine, a New York-based streetwear label, has brought the baggy-jean circumference war to an absurd yet apt denouement with the Victory, a denim skirt for men that definitely trumps the widest of wide-leg jeans (currently a leg width of 69 inches). "It's breakin', it's hittin', it's 80 inches of uncut funk," says Alex That (apparently his real name), the 28-year-old visionary behind the Victory, who adds, a bit defensively, "it's a masculine skirt."

While high-end couturiers have failed with similar efforts to sell the idea of men without pants, Caffeine sees the Victory as finally bridging the yawning chasm between uptown B-boy machismo and downtown gender-bending.

"We know our customers, because we are our customer," says That, whose uncut funk of hyperbole and yo-yo-ese bears him out. "They have the attitude, 'Hey, I'm a guy, I wear a skirt, and I don't care."' He shrewdly adds that "the Victory puts [Caffeine] on the map, " but where on the map remains to be seen. At a recent trade show, That had one of his minions bounding around the stars in full skirt regalia, raising the roof and soliciting commentary.

"Yo, man, how dope is this?" the junior dude asked a fellow vender.

"Man," said his visibly disturbed colleague, "you look like an asshole. "

Texas GOP Leader is T-Phobic

Contributed by Veronica Smith
via San Francisco Chronicle
August 13, 1998

From a story about Log Cabin (Gay) Republicans holding their meeting in Dallas, Texas:

"It was in Dallas two months ago that the spokesman for the Texas Republican Party, Robert Black, called the Log Cabin Republicans a 'deviant group' like the Ku Klux Klan and denied the gay organization a booth at the state party convention. 'We don't allow pedophiles, transvestites and cross- dressers, either,' he explained."

New Ministry For Intersexuals

Contributed by Bobbi G
August 18, 1998

Intersex Support Group International (I.S.G.I) announces a new ministry based on the True Love of Jesus Christ for intersexuals. I.S.G.I. has been established from the recognition within mainstream Evangelical Christian churches of birth anomalies labeled "Intersex" or "Hermaphrodite". Based in Portland, Oregon, U.S.A., the I.S.G.I. grew out of the godly response of one Conservative Baptist Church as they studied, prayed, and responded with compassion to an adult intersexual within their congregation. From the basic discernment that "being born a hermaphrodite is not sin", to understanding the complex web of life thrust upon the intersexual, I.S.G.I. has blossomed to become an oasis of Christian love and hope.

For to long, the unyielding demands of people claiming the name of Christ have over-ridden the real love and understanding of our Creator and Lord. Acknowledged in scriptures, both old and new testaments, persons born with ambiguous or non-existent genitalia have been promised special blessing, (Isaiah 56:3-5), as well as understanding of their peculiar relationship in a two-gendered society, (Matthew19:11-12).

I.S.G.I. has gathered a highly respected panel of leaders from internationally respected ministries, all serving to keep the lines of hope and support open to intersexuals, their families, and their church communities. The 'Manifesto' of I.S.G.I. has been published at the group's virtual domain on the world wide web, www.isgi.org

In addition to the I.S.G.I. web site, a counseling network has been established on four continents to provide basic triage' of spiritual and emotional conflicts experienced by many who cope with this common life circumstance. (1 in 2000 births) In cooperation with established intersexual activist groups such as ISNA, the Intersex Support Group International has taken the lead to provide insight and understanding toward individuals searching for peace in Christian values.

Sex Change Minister
Surprises Congregation

Contributed by Elizabeth Parker
via PA News
August 18, 1998

SOUTH WALES - A church minister has stunned his village congregation by announcing he is to become a woman. Bill Parry, 59, set tongues wagging when he was spotted walking through the streets in women's clothes -- particularly as he had a beard at the time. Now the non-conformist chapel minister and father-of-three has revealed he is undergoing treatment ready for a sex change operation, and wants to be known as Dian (Correct). Mr Parry, from Croeserw, near Maesteg, South Wales, who no longer sports a beard, says he has the full support of his wife Anita, who he married 38 years ago. He told a local newspaper: "Ever since I was a little lad I have fought against my female impulses and the fact that I am a transsexual. "But last year I underwent a profound change. My body began to alter and I knew I could fight it no longer. I have started paying for treatment and am taking tablets and now dress only in female clothing. "If all goes well I shall be thinking about consulting a surgeon at the end of the year. But I want people to know that I am not a homosexual, or a paedophile and I am not mad."

He paid tribute to his wife for standing by him, saying: "I don't know what I would have done without her. "I would have gone quite mad. She has been my rock and has offered me support since I told her I could hide my true identity no longer." Mr Parry -- who is also a grandfather -- said he has been seeing a London psychiatrist for private treatment for the past two months.

Mr Parry has worked as a non-conformist minister at chapels in the South Wales mining valleys for 11 years.

He told the Glamorgan Gazette: "Obviously I have now had to approach the various church committees involved and tell them who I have become and see whether they are willing to let me work there again." He said he was a committed Christian and would be hurt if the church committees could not accept him. Mr Parry said he could offer advice to other Christians struggling with similar personal problems. "I would like to set up my own website on the Internet to offer people advice and guidance," he added. His wife said she was shocked when her husband revealed his gender change plans: "I had no idea that Dian felt this way all her life. I was completely shocked. "But our friends and neighbours have offered us wonderful support. We have been married for 38 years and you just can't walk away from a person you love. And I love Dian and now we go shopping for clothes together."

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