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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.

French Offer Algerian TS Help

Contributed by Elizabeth Parker
via Reuters
May 15, 1998

PARIS - France gave political asylum to an Algerian transsexual Friday on the grounds that the person risked persecution from both sides in Algeria's bloody civil strife.

The government board that granted political refugee status said the transsexual was in danger in Algeria from Islamic fundamentalists seeking to overthrow the government. The identity and gender of the applicant were not disclosed.

The applicant had also been the victim of sexual abuse by Algerian police after complaining to them about specific fundamentalist threats, the board said.

Kuala Lumpur TG Show Raided

Contributed by Rachelle Austin
via UPI
May 19, 1998

An international beauty pageant of transvestites ended abruptly when police and Islamic Religious Department officials gate-crashed the event and arrested all 50 contestants.

A police spokesman said today 45 contestants age 20 to 51 were produced before a packed religious court. Five non-Muslims were released.

The 45 were charged with wearing women's clothes and acting like women in public place, an offence under Section 7 of the Syariah Criminal Enactment 1988.

Police raided the hall while 300 guests were having dinner. The beauty contest had not started.

If found guilty, those arrested could be fined up to $250 dollars each or jailed for six months, or both.

The organizers had claimed to be holding a wedding reception, aware that they were unlikely to get permission for their event.

The pageant offers trophies to winners in such categories as Best Personality, Best Figure, Miss Photogenic, Best Costume, Best Catwalk, Best Makeup and Best Crowning Glory.

Guidebook for Families of TGs

Contributed by Angela Gardner

From: Stefan Lynch
Subject: Daughters and Sons of TG/TS/CD parents...
Dear Transfolk, family and friends,

My name is Stefan Lynch and I am the former Director of Children of Lesbian and Gays Everywhere (COLAGE), an international support and advocacy organization, whose mission has included daughters and sons of TG parents for several years.

I am currently writing a guidebook book for daughters and sons of lesbian, gay, bi and transgender parents. While I know a handful of teens and adults with TG parents, I am hoping you can help me expand my scope.

I would like to interview teenagers and adults (under 35) who have a transgender (including crossdresser) parent. The interviews can be anonymous, though I prefer to be able to publish a picture. It doesn't matter if the "child" lives with their TG parent or not, just that they know about the situation and have an interest in talking about their experiences.

As the son of a gay dad and lesbian mom, I know that sometimes these issues can be difficult to talk about, and that confidentiality is often important. Everyone who is interviewed gets final approval of their piece before publication.

I am happy to answer any questions about the interviews, myself, or the book. The best way to reach me is email (Stefan@igc.org), or by calling me at 415-863-4347 (collect calls are fine).

Love makes a Family,
Stefan Lynch (stefan@igc.org)

P.S. For more information about Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere (COLAGE), visit their website at www.colage.org or call (415) 861-KIDS. Their mailing address is 3543 18th St. #17, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA

~Frequently Asked Questions~

Q: How do I know this is legit and that you aren't some talkshow or trash journalist?

A: Probably the easiest way is to do an Internet search under my name, which should call up various G/L/B/T family sites. You could also contact the COLAGE office (colage@colage.org), or email me requesting personal references from TG leaders who know me.

Q: My story is pretty negative/positive, do you still want to interview me?

A: Please. I'm aiming to represent a range of opinions and experiences.

Q: Do you pay for the interviews?

A: Unfortunately, no. This book will cost more money to produce than it will make. I hope you'll agree to the interview for the same reason that I'm doing the book: because people need it. However, donations to the project are gleefully accepted... ;)

Q: How will the interview work?

A: Most interviews happen in person. I live in San Francisco, but I come to you if I can. I've already crossed the US once (on a bicycle) interviewing folks along the way, and I will very likely be doing a driving trip around the US and Canada in the Summer of 1998. If I can't get to you, then we may do it on the phone and I'll cover the charges.

Q: How long will the interview be?

A: Most of the interviews last from 1/2 hour to 1 1/2 hours, plus a half an hour for photographing you.

Q: Do I have to have my picture in the book?

A: Nope, but it sure helps readers, particularly younger ones, to relate to your story.

Q: When will the book come out?

A: Wish I knew. The book production process is pretty involved, and I haven't sold the book yet. I'm aiming to publish this first guidebook by and for kids of G/L/B/T parent before the end of the Millenium ;)

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