For those of you who have visited Cyrsti's Condo for awhile, you will know the respect I have for Sherri Lynne who is a transitioning transgender therapist who actually works with trans patients.
Her latest post actually revolves around her visit to the recent Southern Comfort Conference. As I read on though, the post actually went into a portion of the subject in my End of Men topic:
" I heard the attitude shared that many younger people at the conference philosophically don't like the idea of having a gender identity at all. They identify as gender queer or other similar labels and they would deny everyone their own right to a gender identity as male or female in a society of their own design. I find it interesting that they would segregate themselves and impose a societal code that denies others of their own gender identity. You see this theme in much of feminist academic writing and in the presentations these individuals give at workshops. They want to impose the use of new language in the use of pronouns that deny the existence of gender identity. Ironically, these folks seem to be a small proportion of those in the gender community. I can never see myself identifying as anything than "female" or "woman" and would feel oppressed by a society that denies me my own identity, much as these individuals feel oppressed by a society that expects them to have a gender identity of either male or female. I find that rather ironic that they would choose to subject others to the same oppression they seek to be freed from."
Read more from Sherri Lynne here!
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Makes Sense
This all makes sense if you take a second to think about it and is very humorous:
The NFL Dallas Cowboys for some reason didn't settle a dispute over the domain name Cowboys.com.
Now it's a gay man's dating site.
No need to put out a few more bucks for a domain name if you are putting out mega bucks for a stadium-right?
Plus, don't gay cowboys deserve a site too?
The NFL Dallas Cowboys for some reason didn't settle a dispute over the domain name Cowboys.com.
Now it's a gay man's dating site.
No need to put out a few more bucks for a domain name if you are putting out mega bucks for a stadium-right?
Plus, don't gay cowboys deserve a site too?
The End of Men?
I read a post recently about this topic.
Yes it was feminist babble and not worth passing along. You have read it all before. However, in it's own way it's no worse than when I lost IQ and talked down to by men as I really started to transition.
Sooner more than later, I believe the human race (if we last that long) will become essentially genderless anyhow.
Already there is news about experimental womb transplants starting to occur. How long will it be before your flight to Bangkok will include a new womb too? Will it matter with some? Probably not I'm sure some will still think a home grown vagina or womb is worth more than store bought models.
Of course I'm biased but the feminists have always wanted us to feel guilty about our transgender or transsexual selves.
I'm sure similar to so many archaic gender biases-the feminist manifestos will be yet another meaningless footnote in history.
Take sex out of the picture for a moment and unique view of the world from the gender spectrum's would be missed if there was an end to men and women!
Yes it was feminist babble and not worth passing along. You have read it all before. However, in it's own way it's no worse than when I lost IQ and talked down to by men as I really started to transition.
Sooner more than later, I believe the human race (if we last that long) will become essentially genderless anyhow.
Already there is news about experimental womb transplants starting to occur. How long will it be before your flight to Bangkok will include a new womb too? Will it matter with some? Probably not I'm sure some will still think a home grown vagina or womb is worth more than store bought models.
Of course I'm biased but the feminists have always wanted us to feel guilty about our transgender or transsexual selves.
I'm sure similar to so many archaic gender biases-the feminist manifestos will be yet another meaningless footnote in history.
Take sex out of the picture for a moment and unique view of the world from the gender spectrum's would be missed if there was an end to men and women!
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Outing your Stealth
This post is more un-original content but is as complex as the stealth question seems to be.
From the University of Montana comes the story of a transgender coed who ending up dancing with a male student who reportedly didn't know of her gender identification.
In a classic case of he said-she said the incident ended up in a beating for the coed and a restraining order against the male student. You can read an account of it here from The Missoulian.
My point is how responsible we are as trans women or men to out ourselves? Who knows?
I'm far from attractive enough and far from young enough to say attend a dance by myself or meet a man in a public situation where he doesn't know I'm trans.
If I was, I'm afraid I would attempt it even though I know it's wrong and extremely dangerous. I'm a firm believer in many violence cases against trans humans happen when we surprise the opposite gender (men).
So obviously I don't have the answer except I know my genetic female friends would point out very few of them would put themselves in the situation of the Montana coed to start with. They would want proof of how she was dressed and was she attending the dance by herself?
Then again I know some reasons she would.
What complex lives we live!
From the University of Montana comes the story of a transgender coed who ending up dancing with a male student who reportedly didn't know of her gender identification.
In a classic case of he said-she said the incident ended up in a beating for the coed and a restraining order against the male student. You can read an account of it here from The Missoulian.
My point is how responsible we are as trans women or men to out ourselves? Who knows?
I'm far from attractive enough and far from young enough to say attend a dance by myself or meet a man in a public situation where he doesn't know I'm trans.
If I was, I'm afraid I would attempt it even though I know it's wrong and extremely dangerous. I'm a firm believer in many violence cases against trans humans happen when we surprise the opposite gender (men).
So obviously I don't have the answer except I know my genetic female friends would point out very few of them would put themselves in the situation of the Montana coed to start with. They would want proof of how she was dressed and was she attending the dance by herself?
Then again I know some reasons she would.
What complex lives we live!
More Pejic
From the Huffington Post Stylelist comes an interesting Q&A with super model Andrej Pejic.
Of particular interest to me was the question of SRS:
You were once quoted as saying that you would have a sex change for Victoria's Secret, do you still stand by that? "(Laughs) Yes I do. Definitely. In all seriousness, though, is a sex change operation something you plan on doing in the future? I like to keep all options open, but I like to think that is a personal thing. I don't talk about that very much.
Also the subject of being added to a list of the world's sexiest women:
Another recent controversy was when FHM listed you as number 98 on its "100 Sexiest Women In The World" story. They subsequently removed you from the list and issued an apology.
" I found it as flattering as any woman would. It's great, but I never thought that I would become a sex symbol. To be seen like that is exploring another type of beauty, being accepting and breaking a boundary."
Follow the link above for more!
Of particular interest to me was the question of SRS:You were once quoted as saying that you would have a sex change for Victoria's Secret, do you still stand by that? "(Laughs) Yes I do. Definitely. In all seriousness, though, is a sex change operation something you plan on doing in the future? I like to keep all options open, but I like to think that is a personal thing. I don't talk about that very much.
Also the subject of being added to a list of the world's sexiest women:
Another recent controversy was when FHM listed you as number 98 on its "100 Sexiest Women In The World" story. They subsequently removed you from the list and issued an apology.
" I found it as flattering as any woman would. It's great, but I never thought that I would become a sex symbol. To be seen like that is exploring another type of beauty, being accepting and breaking a boundary."
Follow the link above for more!
Transgender College Info
From the "Gay Philly" site:
Navigating college life can be a big change for anyone making the transition away from home for the first time. And for trans students, the experience can be even more challenging. That’s why the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) launched the Transgender On-campus Nondiscrimination Information (TONI) project, one of the first websites for trans college and university students in the country.
A free webinar about the site is here.
Navigating college life can be a big change for anyone making the transition away from home for the first time. And for trans students, the experience can be even more challenging. That’s why the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) launched the Transgender On-campus Nondiscrimination Information (TONI) project, one of the first websites for trans college and university students in the country.
A free webinar about the site is here.
Friday, September 28, 2012
A Picture Behind the Story
By now I'm sure you heard the story of "Good Ol Boy Judge Bill Graves" in Oklahoma:
Oklahoma County District Judge Bill Graves on Aug. 30 refused to let James Dean Ingram, 29, of Oklahoma City, have the name Angela Renee Ingram.
Ingram told the judge in a petition the reason for the name change request was “transition from male to female.” Ingram said the judge stated, “You can't change what God gave you.”
Bill, I guess you can't change the fact that God neglected to give you a brain.
The good news is: The American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma on Thursday appealed a judge's refusal to let an Oklahoma City man planning on a sex change to have a feminine name.
I thought we all would love to know what this guy looks like, where he hides his dresses and some pertinent phone numbers:
District Judge Bailiff: Rebecca, 405-713-1456
Clerk: Diedre, 405-713-1455
Court Reporter: Alexa, 405-713-1468
Oklahoma County District Judge Bill Graves on Aug. 30 refused to let James Dean Ingram, 29, of Oklahoma City, have the name Angela Renee Ingram.
Ingram told the judge in a petition the reason for the name change request was “transition from male to female.” Ingram said the judge stated, “You can't change what God gave you.”Bill, I guess you can't change the fact that God neglected to give you a brain.
The good news is: The American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma on Thursday appealed a judge's refusal to let an Oklahoma City man planning on a sex change to have a feminine name.
I thought we all would love to know what this guy looks like, where he hides his dresses and some pertinent phone numbers:
District Judge Bailiff: Rebecca, 405-713-1456
Clerk: Diedre, 405-713-1455
Court Reporter: Alexa, 405-713-1468
Halloween 2010
A post from Trans Halloween 2010 in Cyrsti's Condo.
Or is it really you in your Halloween costume? Well girl, it is almost Halloween. The time of year for transgender and real sisters alike to strut their stuff. It's our Christmas, New Year and Thanksgiving all rolled up into one glorious weekend. At the least, you can hit more than one party! It's the party where the women are jealous of your legs, hair and makeup, and by the way, where did you learn to walk in those heels? Who did do your makeup? It's the party where your guy friends either shy away from you or to you after a few adult beverages. How innocent is it when they run a hand up your nylon covered leg? That's you isn't it? The witch in the low cut dress. Hanging with Count Dracula your golfing buddy? Will he ever look at you quite the same again after a few beers in the clubhouse? The fun part is, you have so many ways to attend a Halloween party. You can wear a fun, sexy comfortable female costume or slut it up and go as a hooker. Remember girlfriends, those heels are very unforgiving after awhile and that short skirt becomes very difficult to be ladylike in all evening. Especially if you happen to get buzzed.(Yes, I've tried it) OR learn from Le Anne's example (she is a follower here) She dazzled a party by attending as a Hollywood starlet. Everyone was amazed by her look and how she presented as a woman. To LeAnne however she wasn't dressed in a costume. She was just dressed up! I paraphrased much of her comment but she makes an excellent point. Your big party night can be a coming out bash for the girl in you. Beware though, once you let her out and the compliments start rolling in-you may never be able to shut her in again. Finally, be careful of thinking you are one heavenly creature and go to WalMart the next day in the same clothes.No one will be impressed with you in the heels and the mini trying to look like "Lady Gaga"! Instead, take the compliments and build your confidence. Remember though, many of them are saying you make a great looking woman...for a guy. But that's OK! That's when the fun starts. I'm sure you all have some great stories like LeAnne's! Be sure to share them with all of us
Or is it really you in your Halloween costume? Well girl, it is almost Halloween. The time of year for transgender and real sisters alike to strut their stuff. It's our Christmas, New Year and Thanksgiving all rolled up into one glorious weekend. At the least, you can hit more than one party! It's the party where the women are jealous of your legs, hair and makeup, and by the way, where did you learn to walk in those heels? Who did do your makeup? It's the party where your guy friends either shy away from you or to you after a few adult beverages. How innocent is it when they run a hand up your nylon covered leg? That's you isn't it? The witch in the low cut dress. Hanging with Count Dracula your golfing buddy? Will he ever look at you quite the same again after a few beers in the clubhouse? The fun part is, you have so many ways to attend a Halloween party. You can wear a fun, sexy comfortable female costume or slut it up and go as a hooker. Remember girlfriends, those heels are very unforgiving after awhile and that short skirt becomes very difficult to be ladylike in all evening. Especially if you happen to get buzzed.(Yes, I've tried it) OR learn from Le Anne's example (she is a follower here) She dazzled a party by attending as a Hollywood starlet. Everyone was amazed by her look and how she presented as a woman. To LeAnne however she wasn't dressed in a costume. She was just dressed up! I paraphrased much of her comment but she makes an excellent point. Your big party night can be a coming out bash for the girl in you. Beware though, once you let her out and the compliments start rolling in-you may never be able to shut her in again. Finally, be careful of thinking you are one heavenly creature and go to WalMart the next day in the same clothes.No one will be impressed with you in the heels and the mini trying to look like "Lady Gaga"! Instead, take the compliments and build your confidence. Remember though, many of them are saying you make a great looking woman...for a guy. But that's OK! That's when the fun starts. I'm sure you all have some great stories like LeAnne's! Be sure to share them with all of us
MO Trans Mail
OK, kids one more "official post" on the Nat Geo generated piece I wrote."Miz" I think we are on the same page more than both of us realize and I will be happy happy to carry on the conversation in the regular "comment" section under each post. The way the blog "platform" works you just have to go back to the original post to view it...or any or all of you can email me: cyrstih@yahoo.com.
Before I go to "Miz"'s comments, here is one from Jamie:
"For a certain group out there, that considers themselves "real" women, you can only be a "transsexual" if you are young and pretty. Just like how some men only pay attention to women if they are young and pretty. It has not been explained to me how "women" treating other women this way is not as "sexist" as men doing it, but I suspect it is because it is still "men" doing it."
From Miz: "OK look Transsexual, Transgender, they are two totally different things. Neither of which is bad nor good, they just are. But somewhere along the line transgender got stretched into one size fits all umbrella term uniting two totally different things into one big confusing hodgepodge. A hydra of misinformation that in effect has the occasional cross dresser being exactly the same as the young girl who must correct her sex or quite literally die, different only by degree... That's utter BS! It's like calling turtles and hawks the same because they both have hearts and warm blood!"
I agree TOTALLY with both of you and have been screaming about this for years after being trashed time and time again for how I identified.
More Miz:
"Now you know how it is I feel! Why I cringe every single time someone who is not transsexual is out there using us to put a good spin on themselves or "educating" the public about this great fallacious spectrum... But if I say that we are different, that this is not the face of transgender, I am called a hater and an elitist and a transphobe. YOU on the other hand can say the exact same thing and suddenly none of those things apply! No, you are just defending yourself and those like you from negative publicity..."
Perhaps, Miz. you haven't been around here long. I rarely throw stones in the glass trans house
BUT I personally covet any positive information concerning the transgender culture we can get. It's true the transsexuals and fringe element types such as the body builder on Nat Geo do get the press-and dammit the enormous amount of time I have spent building my life as a transgender woman means the world to me...
and dammit I do resent the whole idea of being called Taboo by Nat Geo to start with ...so I guess you can call me all of the above...or you can call me a realist. I know the world as I face it day to day and I need all the help I can get...not another Jerry Springer moment on Nat Geo or anywhere!
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Smokin! The Mail Box!
Wow, I have been called everything...but not hypocrite for awhile!
First of all most of the stories I pass along are because they represent what I feel are informative and for the most part positive. I'm sure you have noticed I try to stay away from the tragic trans violence stories.
I do comment if I feel the stories reflect the overall possible good of our "lovely transgender spectrum".
I'm sometimes a little slow in my hypocrisy but if I'm missing the real point here forgive me...Sorry Charlie-tell me which coat tails I have been riding? I don't believe you (Miz) or Chuck were there as I was building my new life.
Now back to the issue at hand. My point was and will continue to be if any Jerry Springer moment that turns up on Nat Geo (or elsewhere) is counter productive. My guess is Miz you have already seen the show and base your comments on what you thought it was?
Look Miz...I'm right in the middle of the trans spectrum and to say I don't accept any of the trans community is completely unfounded. I can say safely that much of it doesn't accept me. I'm too much girl for many of the cross dressers and don't have the "Red Badge of Courage" SRS operation to be accepted by the transsexuals.
By the way, thanks for the "land speed" compliment! My high speed service must be working and thanks for reading!
Cyrsti
Lea T
Two pix of now post opt transsexual super model Lea T at Milan
Fashion Week , opening and closing the Philipp Plein collection.
Driver-less Cars?
Once again our friends on the West Coast (California) are leading the way and allowing new technology- a driver-less car!
Initially, this idea locked me up with the number of cheap shots I could come up with! Would the driver-less car ahead of me use turn signals, at least drive the speed limit and not freeze up in a four car traffic jam??? Hey! Bring it on in my town!!!!!!!!
Then I thought this technology would be very beneficial to me in the not so distant future. I'm really close to to 63 now and if the force is with me I hopefully will make it a little longer. My Dad lived a strong life, finally mentally losing it in his mid 80's. It was heartbreaking hiding the keys from a man who loved his cars.
In my future, I will now have a driver! Maybe I will have a little bumper sticker that says "Don't Blame Granny-Computer Behind the Wheel!"
Hopefully, the whole deal will be tamper proof. Will my daughter hide the keys to the computer?
I can visualize heading to the store or stopping for a cup of coffee with other peeps my age. (Will the men ever get over their sexual insecurities by then?)
Will the ride be similar to a super roller coaster at a big theme park? I'm thinking 35 miles an hour?
The experience could go both ways. If I can panic at those super sonic speeds , override the car's computer to get that speed down to a more manageable 25 and make left hand turns out of far right lanes- will I?
More importantly, will I be able to be fashionably incorrect and dress like "Jane Jetson" at the grocery store?
A computerized closet?
Initially, this idea locked me up with the number of cheap shots I could come up with! Would the driver-less car ahead of me use turn signals, at least drive the speed limit and not freeze up in a four car traffic jam??? Hey! Bring it on in my town!!!!!!!!
 |
| The Jetsons |
In my future, I will now have a driver! Maybe I will have a little bumper sticker that says "Don't Blame Granny-Computer Behind the Wheel!"
Hopefully, the whole deal will be tamper proof. Will my daughter hide the keys to the computer?
I can visualize heading to the store or stopping for a cup of coffee with other peeps my age. (Will the men ever get over their sexual insecurities by then?)
Will the ride be similar to a super roller coaster at a big theme park? I'm thinking 35 miles an hour?
The experience could go both ways. If I can panic at those super sonic speeds , override the car's computer to get that speed down to a more manageable 25 and make left hand turns out of far right lanes- will I?
More importantly, will I be able to be fashionably incorrect and dress like "Jane Jetson" at the grocery store?
A computerized closet?
Hot Lanta!
For those of you who have expressed interest, Stana over at Femulate recently posted a look at the Atlanta Womanless Cotillion go here to check it out!
The "T" Word
As you have probably guessed, I may be just a bit of a cynic.
Every once in a while I see a complete lack of humor in the transgender community.
Believe me, I'm with all of you. I too have experienced the struggles and discrimination we face. It's hurtful and tragic...but...
A new comedy set for Sydney Opera House is under fire from transpeople who view the word “tranny” as just as offensive as “faggot” or the n-word.
I guess I'm looking at a double standard here. No I hate being called a "tranny" or even a "drag queen". In this instance this reference though is just too good to pass up!
Just get your best friend to be the dog , retrieve that red curly wig from your closet and you could win a Halloween costume contest!
Every once in a while I see a complete lack of humor in the transgender community.Believe me, I'm with all of you. I too have experienced the struggles and discrimination we face. It's hurtful and tragic...but...
A new comedy set for Sydney Opera House is under fire from transpeople who view the word “tranny” as just as offensive as “faggot” or the n-word.
I guess I'm looking at a double standard here. No I hate being called a "tranny" or even a "drag queen". In this instance this reference though is just too good to pass up!
Just get your best friend to be the dog , retrieve that red curly wig from your closet and you could win a Halloween costume contest!
Monday, September 24, 2012
Trans-Current
Halloween continues to sneak up on us and here is a place for you to look for unique costume ideas.
It's called Etsy I'm passing along a plus sized costume section here.
On cable or satellite television:
Coming up this weekend in my part of the world, The National Geographic Channel is promoting a Transgender Episode on it's Taboo Series this weekend. It's called Changing Genders and to be truthful with you seems to be a bit on the sensational side. The couple above are a trans man and trans woman which is innocent enough. BUT!
Another featured person on the show is Chris Tina, a trans body builder pictured above. Good for her to pursue her dream-bad for us to have her representing the rest of us in anyway. Another part of the preview I saw (which I hope I'm over reacting to) was a rather drag queen looking person or persons. Who we know aren't interested in changing genders at all.
At any rate, we will see Sunday, September 30th at 10:00 pm Eastern Time. (US)
It's called Etsy I'm passing along a plus sized costume section here.
On cable or satellite television:
Another featured person on the show is Chris Tina, a trans body builder pictured above. Good for her to pursue her dream-bad for us to have her representing the rest of us in anyway. Another part of the preview I saw (which I hope I'm over reacting to) was a rather drag queen looking person or persons. Who we know aren't interested in changing genders at all.
At any rate, we will see Sunday, September 30th at 10:00 pm Eastern Time. (US)
Trans Surfing
Over the course of Cyrsti's Condo's I have tried to pass along milestones which have shaped my transgender world.
From our dusty archives I pulled this post from a couple years ago:
"I had a great time last night with two women (genetic). I was invited to a "girl's night out" for lite dinner and drink. Both of them are in their mid 20's and quite attractive. My best case was to be mistaken for a mom or older sister. I didn't know the worst case was to become invisible!
We had unknowingly made plans at an upscale pub/eatery at an outdoor mall in the area. The only problem was the mall was staging a free "Gin Blossom" concert at the same time and the place was PACKED. I know I don't present as female to all the folks all the time so I judge my success or failure on percentages. My unofficial tally was that I got busted by about 5 people out of 100. I'll take that!
As soon as we left the bar and went to our table, I stopped worrying because I became invisible! My mother in law years ago had told me about something like this.
My sister in law used to be really attractive and Mom said she rarely even got a glance when she was with her. I had never experienced such a thing. After all, last night was my first time out with two young attractive women. They had several guys stop by the table to chat and they never even looked my direction! In fact one guy never looked at either one of us. He only talked to the one friend at the table. Hell it didn't matter if I was transgender, pink or green! Actually, I'm not upset and the evening was a great success. I was fortunate to learn another little lesson on how the "other half" lives."
I wonder if either of them ever knew how much the evening meant to me!
From our dusty archives I pulled this post from a couple years ago:
"I had a great time last night with two women (genetic). I was invited to a "girl's night out" for lite dinner and drink. Both of them are in their mid 20's and quite attractive. My best case was to be mistaken for a mom or older sister. I didn't know the worst case was to become invisible!
We had unknowingly made plans at an upscale pub/eatery at an outdoor mall in the area. The only problem was the mall was staging a free "Gin Blossom" concert at the same time and the place was PACKED. I know I don't present as female to all the folks all the time so I judge my success or failure on percentages. My unofficial tally was that I got busted by about 5 people out of 100. I'll take that!
As soon as we left the bar and went to our table, I stopped worrying because I became invisible! My mother in law years ago had told me about something like this.
My sister in law used to be really attractive and Mom said she rarely even got a glance when she was with her. I had never experienced such a thing. After all, last night was my first time out with two young attractive women. They had several guys stop by the table to chat and they never even looked my direction! In fact one guy never looked at either one of us. He only talked to the one friend at the table. Hell it didn't matter if I was transgender, pink or green! Actually, I'm not upset and the evening was a great success. I was fortunate to learn another little lesson on how the "other half" lives."
I wonder if either of them ever knew how much the evening meant to me!
Horror Scope
 |
| Venus DeMars |
Libra (September 23-October 22): You can’t control your honey and this week they might get out of sorts. However, instead of wanting to hide under the furniture in shame, you may take pride in the fact that your baby can be so bold and so direct, despite the brutishness. Sure, you never like getting your feathers ruffled, but if you can preen together afterwards, all will be sweetly forgiven.
Get yours here!
From the Inside Out.
Aura and the state of gender has always fascinated me from the first time a person slipped up and called me mam when I was totally not (externally).
All that time, I thought I was doing an incredible job acting as an alpha male.
I'm a believer in the theory we all have a blend of both genders within us. Of course the blend shifts internally on occasion and intuitive people will pick up on it.
Recently, a good friend of mine and I went on one of my favorite tours with her- an historical restoration tour. Yes, I am a geek and I loved it!!!
In order to start the tour, you had to have one of those paper wrist bands similar to the ones you get at clubs or bars to prove you were carded (age).
There was a man passing out the wrist bands. I have written here in Cyrsti's Condo to some extent of my dealings with the male gender, so I was a little tentative as I held out my wrist.
He just gave me a little smile and said "Oh you want me to put it on for you...sure" I wasn't trying to be all girly or anything (I thought it was the way it worked) but I think it came off that way to him and in return my inner girl responded. It was nice he did it for me.
So often we in transgender community dwell so hard on the external part of our beings, we totally overlook our inner selves.
Take that mirror of yours and look inside for a change!
All that time, I thought I was doing an incredible job acting as an alpha male.
I'm a believer in the theory we all have a blend of both genders within us. Of course the blend shifts internally on occasion and intuitive people will pick up on it.
Recently, a good friend of mine and I went on one of my favorite tours with her- an historical restoration tour. Yes, I am a geek and I loved it!!!
In order to start the tour, you had to have one of those paper wrist bands similar to the ones you get at clubs or bars to prove you were carded (age).
There was a man passing out the wrist bands. I have written here in Cyrsti's Condo to some extent of my dealings with the male gender, so I was a little tentative as I held out my wrist.
He just gave me a little smile and said "Oh you want me to put it on for you...sure" I wasn't trying to be all girly or anything (I thought it was the way it worked) but I think it came off that way to him and in return my inner girl responded. It was nice he did it for me.
So often we in transgender community dwell so hard on the external part of our beings, we totally overlook our inner selves.
Take that mirror of yours and look inside for a change!
Boys Will Be Girls
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Have a Blessed Day!
Recently I had the opportunity to listen and talk to one of those infamous phone information systems designed to decrease employment and dehumanize the world. You know-outsourcing humanity to a machine. What's better? A rude human or an unfeeling machine?
The machine I encountered was at least an an upscale one with options one through 1000. Fifteen options and five minutes into the call I tentively made my selection. Perhaps I would reach nirvana and reach that stern person who was probably still listing options such as "if you wish to reach the Sunday night cleaning crew push #905." I'm certain the feeling would be similar to winning that imaginary lottery I think about all the time.
Needlessly, I shouldn't have risked all that emotion because once again I heard the not so dulcet tones of yet another recorded voice. This voice directed me to give my life's history in 30 seconds. Perhaps I discovered the true home of "Big Brother". Surely all my name, rank and serial number information would be forwarded to a top secret spy service designed to track me down in a future roundup.
It was too late to turn back. If indeed I wanted to avail myself of "Oz", I had to survive this storm trooper whose job it was to screen the mortals who may want to seek his services. I had to respect how concise the voice was. She brought back fond memories of Army basic training drill sergeants as she said: "Don't call me, I will call you in maybe two business days. If you do call, remember I only work 8 to 3 with a lunch break between 11 and noon."
Giving credit where credit is due though, she did finish with a flourish: "Have a Blessed Day!"
Really? She should know I already did. I survived the phone torture!
The machine I encountered was at least an an upscale one with options one through 1000. Fifteen options and five minutes into the call I tentively made my selection. Perhaps I would reach nirvana and reach that stern person who was probably still listing options such as "if you wish to reach the Sunday night cleaning crew push #905." I'm certain the feeling would be similar to winning that imaginary lottery I think about all the time.
Needlessly, I shouldn't have risked all that emotion because once again I heard the not so dulcet tones of yet another recorded voice. This voice directed me to give my life's history in 30 seconds. Perhaps I discovered the true home of "Big Brother". Surely all my name, rank and serial number information would be forwarded to a top secret spy service designed to track me down in a future roundup.
It was too late to turn back. If indeed I wanted to avail myself of "Oz", I had to survive this storm trooper whose job it was to screen the mortals who may want to seek his services. I had to respect how concise the voice was. She brought back fond memories of Army basic training drill sergeants as she said: "Don't call me, I will call you in maybe two business days. If you do call, remember I only work 8 to 3 with a lunch break between 11 and noon."
Giving credit where credit is due though, she did finish with a flourish: "Have a Blessed Day!"
Really? She should know I already did. I survived the phone torture!
Friday, September 21, 2012
Trans Design
Get More: Watch Reality TV, Video and Movies, Logo TV
VA Update!
Most of you who are regulars here in Cyrsti's Condo know by now I'm a transgender vet and I have been dealing with the Veteran's Administration with my hormone therapy (HRT) for a year now.
Basically I can describe the process as an obstacle course. There are very real barriers in the system which unfortunately are uncharted for the most part to the trans vet and the VA itself.
Briefly, here's how it worked for me.
1.- Went to therapist and was approved to start HRT.
2.- My VA center (all are different) would fill my scripts but not write them. That turned out to be the most expensive part. My meds are generic and almost as cheap at a local pharmacy.
3.- I was encouraged to go to an outside MD who would prescribe and the VA would pick up the tab. (They didn't- no one bothered to tell me you had to be preapproved)
4.- My private outside MD switched practice and tossed me back to point zero and facing another 500 dollar bill.
5.- Knocked on every VA door I knew to lobby for pre approval for another outside MD.
6.- Found a person known as a "Patient Advocate". She was very supportive and told me I would get approved. The VA transgender directive states the system must provide hormonal support and that comes through an 'endocrinologist'' . Of course there wasn't one at my center but one was supposedly coming. Two months later, one came (part-time) and decided he wanted no part of me. That meant I had to be cleared to go outside the system.
7.- Paper work approval sent through system-wrong and had to be resubmitted.
8.- A total of three months later...APPROVAL! Dancing in the street? Not quite...
Now? Waiting on new private Doc's appointment. I guess if it was easy, it wouldn't be worth it?
Basically I can describe the process as an obstacle course. There are very real barriers in the system which unfortunately are uncharted for the most part to the trans vet and the VA itself.
Briefly, here's how it worked for me.
1.- Went to therapist and was approved to start HRT.
2.- My VA center (all are different) would fill my scripts but not write them. That turned out to be the most expensive part. My meds are generic and almost as cheap at a local pharmacy.
3.- I was encouraged to go to an outside MD who would prescribe and the VA would pick up the tab. (They didn't- no one bothered to tell me you had to be preapproved)
4.- My private outside MD switched practice and tossed me back to point zero and facing another 500 dollar bill.
5.- Knocked on every VA door I knew to lobby for pre approval for another outside MD.
6.- Found a person known as a "Patient Advocate". She was very supportive and told me I would get approved. The VA transgender directive states the system must provide hormonal support and that comes through an 'endocrinologist'' . Of course there wasn't one at my center but one was supposedly coming. Two months later, one came (part-time) and decided he wanted no part of me. That meant I had to be cleared to go outside the system.
7.- Paper work approval sent through system-wrong and had to be resubmitted.
8.- A total of three months later...APPROVAL! Dancing in the street? Not quite...
Now? Waiting on new private Doc's appointment. I guess if it was easy, it wouldn't be worth it?
Thursday, September 20, 2012
A Trip Down Memory Lane
Every once in a while, I run across a person who thinks somehow my path to this point in my life was easy. Somehow they think I mysteriously learned the basics of moving into the feminine gender effortlessly. That idea is about as real as I had a choice to be transgender or not.
Here is an example from "back in the day" which proves my point:
Approximately five years or so into my second marriage I decided that trips to crossdressing meetings out of town with my wife weren't enough so I decided to leave the house during the day for a little stroll around the neighborhood.
For kicks and giggles, lets rack up the stupid points as we go along.
First of all, I lived on a busy street and I was a very public person. I served in several volunteer organizations and managed a big chain business in a town of around 100,000. So anyway you cut it, leaving the house dressed as a female was risky to my marriage and employment.
Don't get carried away yet and start totalling points yet girl friends- there is more!
You more mature folks will remember the Urban Cowboy movie and the resultant cowgirl fashion craze of sorts. Short jean shorts, boots and blouses tied off at the waist was the basic look. So, who was I not to follow the current fashion craze?
Being the fashionista clothing designer I am, I took a pair of my womens jeans and cut off the legs-really short- butt cheek short. Hey, I was just following a not so smart but all so common crossdressing fashion disaster.
Go ahead and award me a couple more dumb points!
Now, I know you are dying to know my can't miss guaranteed way to get busted as a man dressed as a woman fashion mistake!
Most men have a good looking pair of womens legs. Almost certainly, one of your first compliments dressed as a woman at that Halloween party was wow! you have great legs. The problem becomes two-fold. The first is those wonderful legs of your just happen to be attached to the rest of your body. The body with those big feet, no hips and big shoulders. The other is your male ego which just went nuts with the praise. If showing a little leg is good showing a lot is heaven! Well, no and get that stupid stick ready.
I certainly possessed the legs but of course had no hips, the big shoulders and the fashion sense to screw it up further. I didn't have a pair of boots so I substituted with a pair of wedge style heels and made the biggest mistake of all by tying off my blouse at the waist. Visualize a triangle with the tip at the bottom and that is exactly the way I looked. I might as well put a sign around my shoulders saying "Hell yes, I'm a guy!"
In all fairness, I was just trying to get out of the closet and into the real world- with very little information and help. My trip through the neighborhood in the short shorts was a wonderful example of doing everything wrong and I was lucky.
I'm a believer in any luck is good- blind or not and most of the time you work to create your own luck. Bottom line was the trans goddess was watching over me (and laughing). I wasn't recognized coming out of the house and the neighborhood sidewalks were empty in the middle of day. Most people had jobs then.
By this time, I'm sure you are thinking - are there any smart points on the board?
Well, I was smart enough to begin a long painful learning experience which helped me to become the transgender woman I am today.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Boys Will Be Girls
I have always wondered if an event such as a womanless beauty contest was a continuation, a beginning or an end to the contestants cross dressing career.
Of course no one back in the day would have ever thought that years later their pictures would resurface so many places in the cyber world!
Quote of the Day
"If you are a smart ass- thank God at least one part of your body is picking up the slack!"
Me - of course!
Me - of course!
We Got Mail!
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| "Hi Tech Condo In Box" |
"Bearmountaineer" responded to the To be Or not to Be post on Stealth question in the transgender community:
"Maybe it makes sense NOT to be noticed when we don't want to be noticed, and TO BE noticed when we want to be noticed, as when we want to support others. But we might consider presenting a stealthy image, and breaking it on purpose to show people that we are "normal", but a small slice of the population...."
I can only say I wish I had thought of this answer myself! Thanks!!!!
Alice checked in a commented on the Atlanta Cotillion : Cyrsti, as per my earlier comment, Atlanta will also welcome the Southern Comfort Conference this month. Both events can be viewed on Flickr as many of the men in attendance love to share their images when dressed so well to the nines.
Thanks Alice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A portion of my Stuff post concerned the uproar over Mandi's appearance on the Anderson Cooper Show. One of my most respected long term reader and contributor here in Cyrsti's Condo, Sherri Lynne commented:
" Hey GF, I'm curious too as to why the Anderson Cooper piece has sent heads spinning and all the knashing of teeth. What happened to the "We Are One" here? This poor woman appears to me to be suffering from some kind of serious mental illness from what I have read about the interview based on the statements the woman herself made. Some members of our community have serious mental illnesses. Should their voices be stifled? Are they not allowed to be visable, or are we only going to let our "poster girls" have a public forum? We have to face the fact that some of us are going to have serious mental health problems, no more or no less in proportion to the general population. If this piece is exploitive in any fashion, not saying it is or it isn't as I haven't afforded myself to see the interview, my opinion that it would be based on her mental illness, but on the other hand, why should seriously mentally ill peoplew not be allowed to tell their story? In the early 1970's the deinstitutionalization of the mentally ill was ordered by federal mandate and the people deemed should be segregated and shut away from having a life of freedom were given more access to having as normal a life as their illness permits and living in the least restrictive manner possible. As with any poorly planned federal legistation, there were some very negative consequences for these individuals along with the very positive results of this court mandate. So, you make your choices and you pay your dues. This woman has not been deemed mentally incompetent, or she would be in the hospital. She has just as much right as anyone else to speak in a public forum whether we like it or not. That is the real issue at hand, not whether she makes the trans community look bad."
If you don't know, Sherri Lynne is a real live transgender therapist. Both trans woman and therapist!
I also received another comment from a person who has met Mandi several times and felt perhaps the platform she used did not work well for her. He thought that regardless of what anyone thinks of the validity of her claim, she has the right to comment on it.
In no order of importance I also received this comment from Brianna Austin concerning my video post The Best of Brini Maxwell :
" I met Brini at my first Night of a Thousand Gowns, in 2002 http://www.briannaaustin.com/index.php/gallery/events/thousand-gowns-2002/fab-formal-197"
Cool! I don't get out much (maybe quantity not quality?) and I am star struck when I get a comment from someone like Brianna who does!
Finally, Liz commented on my Transgender Dating post: "It was very moving and touched me!"
Thanks!
Thanks soooo much to all of you who cared enough to comment!
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Horror Scope
Including this one:
Libra (September 23- October 22) There isn’t be a lot you won’t feel you can’t do now, so don’t waste this time on hapless people and places. This will mean getting a bit sterner with your baby too, so when they go on with talking crap, you’ll have to know when to pull that shade down and close out the noise. This week, compassion is for the weak.
As always I make this disclaimer: Horror Scope is my title but it comes from theFrisky and the fabulous woman above is Venus Demars!
Monday, September 17, 2012
Transgender Girls in the Dating World
Recently I came across a post called "Would you be seen with me?"
The stark simplicity of the question is certainly a subject most transgender women and men have thought of.
If you are out and about and date-it's an all encompassing question. Especially if you do- or are considering dating men-it's a bigger question.
Before I comment, here is an excerpt from the post written by Racheal McGonigal (right)
"So who is up for a date? It is not really the right question to be asking. It should probably be, who is prepared to be seen out on a date with me? It takes a very special man to date a transsexual and that is a shame. Believe me, men love transsexuals but being seen with them is a different story."
t is some eight years since I have been in a relationship and I miss the closeness and cuddles. Recently, I meet a really nice guy. Average to good looking, fit, can communicate, we get on. First date went well, we meet in a bar and I admit I have never felt like this before. He told me he felt the same and so he stayed the night, both of us saying it was never our intention. Next day we walked hand-in-hand around the viaduct, ate in cafes and drunk in bars. We played pool and he never batted an eye lid. The romance continued. He has come to my place and stayed the night several times but now I see a problem: he is scared of what his 18-year-old son, middle-aged beer drinking flat mate, former partner and workmates will say. He says he doesn't care, that he wants us to be friends and has similar feelings for me, but he won't introduce me to his circle. Peer pressure. Time will tell what will happen between us but he is a special man. It is a hard choice when it's the bigotry of friends that put this pressure on him."
I'm far from being an expert at dating a man.
Here's my record over the past four years: One was a prince, one moved away, one so-so and four just out and out stood me up. I'm certain I would have been twenty times more popular if I would have accepted the ever so popular "which hotel do you want to meet at?"
Obviously, I didn't have to be told I was not the kind of woman a man would bring home to his family nor did I ask. But I was also not the sexually easy stereotype we trans girls fight through.
Look, I'm sure in many ways we transgender women are experiencing the same dating trials and tribulations as genetic women. Also, my older lesbian friends tell me their dating scene is nearly impossible to be a success in (at least around here).
I've written so many times how wonderful it is to have my little circle of friends...all of whom are genetic females...if that tells you anything!
The stark simplicity of the question is certainly a subject most transgender women and men have thought of.
Before I comment, here is an excerpt from the post written by Racheal McGonigal (right)
"So who is up for a date? It is not really the right question to be asking. It should probably be, who is prepared to be seen out on a date with me? It takes a very special man to date a transsexual and that is a shame. Believe me, men love transsexuals but being seen with them is a different story."
t is some eight years since I have been in a relationship and I miss the closeness and cuddles. Recently, I meet a really nice guy. Average to good looking, fit, can communicate, we get on. First date went well, we meet in a bar and I admit I have never felt like this before. He told me he felt the same and so he stayed the night, both of us saying it was never our intention. Next day we walked hand-in-hand around the viaduct, ate in cafes and drunk in bars. We played pool and he never batted an eye lid. The romance continued. He has come to my place and stayed the night several times but now I see a problem: he is scared of what his 18-year-old son, middle-aged beer drinking flat mate, former partner and workmates will say. He says he doesn't care, that he wants us to be friends and has similar feelings for me, but he won't introduce me to his circle. Peer pressure. Time will tell what will happen between us but he is a special man. It is a hard choice when it's the bigotry of friends that put this pressure on him."
I'm far from being an expert at dating a man.
Here's my record over the past four years: One was a prince, one moved away, one so-so and four just out and out stood me up. I'm certain I would have been twenty times more popular if I would have accepted the ever so popular "which hotel do you want to meet at?"
Obviously, I didn't have to be told I was not the kind of woman a man would bring home to his family nor did I ask. But I was also not the sexually easy stereotype we trans girls fight through.
Look, I'm sure in many ways we transgender women are experiencing the same dating trials and tribulations as genetic women. Also, my older lesbian friends tell me their dating scene is nearly impossible to be a success in (at least around here).
I've written so many times how wonderful it is to have my little circle of friends...all of whom are genetic females...if that tells you anything!
Best of Brini!
Ever heard of Ben Sanders/Brini Maxwell?
I had barely until a friend kept bugging me about her videos.
Here's a Best of you may enjoy:
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Queen of Cebu
Being the only son of an affluent Cebuano family, one might think that the life of Bee Urgello (left) was always about privileges and getting your way around without any hassle. It was a different story for her as she had a different life. Instead of being served by maids in their huge house with a helipad, the third winner of the Queen of Cebu crown lived independently. She describes her life as “a drama you see happening in movies.” It was not easy for her family to accept who she was. Her parents somehow understood that she is gay, but for her to dress like a woman was simply unacceptable for them. She decided to runaway and in order to support herself, she rented a small place and worked in a call center. She rode a jeepney, did her own laundry and prepared her own food. She candidly shared how tempted she was to go back home, but she just knew that the comfortable life would not make her happy at that time. In one of her interviews, Bee shared that her lowest point was probably when she was laid off from her work. With only a hundred pesos left in her wallet, she settled for one piece of bread per meal, which cost Php2 each. She called her mom but she was told that she can only go back home if she agrees to “stop dressing up like a woman.” This time, more determined, Bee found a new job and was once again accepted as call center agent.
Read more here.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Stuff
Bought a new mattress. It's one of those memory foam deals. (Hope it has more memory than I have!) I read the directions for once in my life on anything. (Hormones?)
The instructions said to let it breath...Really? It doubled in height in the first 4 hours and now I'm worried I will wake up on the ceiling.
Watched the Anderson Cooper show which had the interview with Mandi who is a bottle baby transsexual:
Mandi, who was born male, spoke out for the first time, claiming that a hair loss treatment caused him to become transgender. Should have tried that on my Mom. I got into my Dad's stash of whiskey and now....
After watching the interview I wondered why it was sending all the "trans watch dogs groups" into a frenzy. I went into a frenzy thinking I wasted part of my life watching such a ridiculous act. I'm sure Anderson was too.
Temperature finally dropped about 30 degrees and yes I am cold already. Damn hormones. Hope my sweater isn't hidden under my new breathing mattress. (Does it snore?)
Recently one of my most asked questions resurfaced. A genetic acquaintance asked me if the hormones were making me crazy like the rest of us. Hard to say-define crazy?
Have to go. The mattress is fighting me for the television remote.
The instructions said to let it breath...Really? It doubled in height in the first 4 hours and now I'm worried I will wake up on the ceiling.
Watched the Anderson Cooper show which had the interview with Mandi who is a bottle baby transsexual:
Mandi, who was born male, spoke out for the first time, claiming that a hair loss treatment caused him to become transgender. Should have tried that on my Mom. I got into my Dad's stash of whiskey and now....
After watching the interview I wondered why it was sending all the "trans watch dogs groups" into a frenzy. I went into a frenzy thinking I wasted part of my life watching such a ridiculous act. I'm sure Anderson was too.
Temperature finally dropped about 30 degrees and yes I am cold already. Damn hormones. Hope my sweater isn't hidden under my new breathing mattress. (Does it snore?)
Recently one of my most asked questions resurfaced. A genetic acquaintance asked me if the hormones were making me crazy like the rest of us. Hard to say-define crazy?
Have to go. The mattress is fighting me for the television remote.
Atlanta Cotillion Saturday
Hundreds of men in dresses and their tuxedoed dates hit the Atlanta Cotillion XI Ball on Saturday, Sept. 15 at the Foundry at Puritan Mill. After a full season of fundraising parties, they’ll be there to see this year’s class of “debutantes” and find out who’ll be crowned queen with the most money for AID Atlanta. Last year, Cotillion raised a record $171,026 for the HIV/AIDS agency.We have discussed in depth how wonderful this event is!!!!
Stana over at Femulate usually has an unbeatable collection of pictures from the event!
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Transgender Formula
Every once in a while here in Cyrsti's Condo I like to discuss the powerful role of the mirror in the life of a transgender person.
The big problems with mirrors are they are pathological liars. They can only do what you want them to do. As you become lost in the eyes of that bewitching creature looking back at you in the mirror-in mere moments you can become just as lost out and about in an unforgiving public.
Let's call the process trans-physics.
Mirrors and pictures are one dimensional.
I have a friend who critiques the most attractive Flickr and YouTube cross dressing pictures and videos he can find. Rightly or wrongly, he uses other objects in the scenes to judge (among other things) the size of the person. Certainly the majority of us born with a taller, thicker body. No problem, we can use any number of photo tools to be one dimensionally attractive. Of course, there is nothing wrong with that until you walk out the door.
At that point you have moved into advanced trans physics. You are a three dimensional person - suddenly the good old mirror doesn't mean that much.
At this point, if you aren't scared to death-check yourself to see if you are still alive!
Assuming you are alive, lets work a couple of very real factors into our formula. (Bare with me, I didn't mention I'm a functional illiterate in math!)
Studies show human beings determine things like gender very quickly as they observe others. This is good or bad. Good of course if you are successful in projecting your gender, even if it for a couple seconds. Bad of course if you don't. That's another topic for another day.
The other factor is the blood smell. Humans are predators and are quite capable of picking up the vibe of "something isn't quite right" with that picture. The genetic female of the species is quite good at it.Many times eye contact and a little smile will disarm the situation.
I can write literally pages and pages on this causing your eyes to bleed.
Lets try a formula: Tr+P-B= Pr or Trans person + projection - blood = presentation.
Just remember it's a highly simplified idea from my highly simplified mind but all in all it works.
Finally, let me toss in one more word about those pesky mirrors...they can be a girl's best friend when you are out. A quick check to make sure your hair, makeup or outfit is not off kilter is always a good thing. A good hint is to hold an article of clothing up in front of yourself in a store in a mirror. It's a great time to give yourself a good once over!
The big problems with mirrors are they are pathological liars. They can only do what you want them to do. As you become lost in the eyes of that bewitching creature looking back at you in the mirror-in mere moments you can become just as lost out and about in an unforgiving public.
Let's call the process trans-physics.
Mirrors and pictures are one dimensional.
I have a friend who critiques the most attractive Flickr and YouTube cross dressing pictures and videos he can find. Rightly or wrongly, he uses other objects in the scenes to judge (among other things) the size of the person. Certainly the majority of us born with a taller, thicker body. No problem, we can use any number of photo tools to be one dimensionally attractive. Of course, there is nothing wrong with that until you walk out the door.
At that point you have moved into advanced trans physics. You are a three dimensional person - suddenly the good old mirror doesn't mean that much.
At this point, if you aren't scared to death-check yourself to see if you are still alive!
Assuming you are alive, lets work a couple of very real factors into our formula. (Bare with me, I didn't mention I'm a functional illiterate in math!)
Studies show human beings determine things like gender very quickly as they observe others. This is good or bad. Good of course if you are successful in projecting your gender, even if it for a couple seconds. Bad of course if you don't. That's another topic for another day.
The other factor is the blood smell. Humans are predators and are quite capable of picking up the vibe of "something isn't quite right" with that picture. The genetic female of the species is quite good at it.Many times eye contact and a little smile will disarm the situation.
I can write literally pages and pages on this causing your eyes to bleed.
Lets try a formula: Tr+P-B= Pr or Trans person + projection - blood = presentation.
Just remember it's a highly simplified idea from my highly simplified mind but all in all it works.
Finally, let me toss in one more word about those pesky mirrors...they can be a girl's best friend when you are out. A quick check to make sure your hair, makeup or outfit is not off kilter is always a good thing. A good hint is to hold an article of clothing up in front of yourself in a store in a mirror. It's a great time to give yourself a good once over!
The "Out" Door Opens Again!
From Lexie Cannes :THE GUERRILLA ANGEL REPORT — First it was musician Laura Jane Grace in the Spring, followed by film director Lana Wachowski’s debut this Summer. Now Australia’s Lindsay Walker, an artist who has previously drawn a number of covers for The Phantom comic book series, has recently made her transition to female official. While Walker may not be as famous as Grace and Wachowski, the comic book phenomena is nothing to sneeze at. Like her trans peers elsewhere in the art world, Walker becomes a role model for trans people following comic books in general and The Phantom in particular. In addition, the knowledge of a trans artist in the business helps “normalizes” the presence of trans people. Thumbs up to Lindsay Walker, another trans role model.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Checking the Levels
Due to need, the Labor Day week in my life (a couple weeks ago) was an extreme reversion to my male self. Of course it was tough mentally and physically.
I also know even mentioning such heresy would lead me to extreme degradation at the hands of the trans nazi's and rad fem's just to name a few.
Were they right? Was I really a gender impostor because I waited so long to transition?
No. I am who I am. As all of you know (in a similar situation) there is and has been considerable soul searching in my life to arrive at this point.
The whole experience proved to me the extreme gender fluidity of my existence.
I don't believe I mentioned last week I also came out to the oldest closest friend still left in my life. She was visiting for the weekend and working with me again.
Unfortunately, timing was at it's best and worst to do it and had to be very confusing to her. Here I was telling her I was taking female hormones and wanted to spend the rest of my life as a woman-in the midst of one of the most masculine throw back weeks of the previous year. I was not a cross dresser, I was transgender and did she know what that meant?
Her reaction was she kind of knew but didn't totally believe it because I was one of the most masculine men she had ever known. She also didn't know how she would react in the future to the new me. Fair enough. Can't ask for anything more. I should mention she lives quite a distance from me now and here I was in my most male mode telling her all of this?
My initial reaction was, why would she even believe it?
So, you are thinking where is the best of this?
The best was telling her to say goodbye. The new me wouldn't be able to handle the heat and the physical part of out project like I used to and this was only the beginning. It was very easy for me at that point to tell her I hoped we would remain the close friends we had always been but the changes were coming. There was nothing she could do about it and I was extremely happy about the process.
Conversation over.
She is four hours away and I am refilling my feminine gender fluids. She is off my "coming out" bucket list and we are still on speaking terms.
Bottom line is I am sooooo happy all of that is over!
I also know even mentioning such heresy would lead me to extreme degradation at the hands of the trans nazi's and rad fem's just to name a few.
Were they right? Was I really a gender impostor because I waited so long to transition?
No. I am who I am. As all of you know (in a similar situation) there is and has been considerable soul searching in my life to arrive at this point.
The whole experience proved to me the extreme gender fluidity of my existence.
I don't believe I mentioned last week I also came out to the oldest closest friend still left in my life. She was visiting for the weekend and working with me again.
Unfortunately, timing was at it's best and worst to do it and had to be very confusing to her. Here I was telling her I was taking female hormones and wanted to spend the rest of my life as a woman-in the midst of one of the most masculine throw back weeks of the previous year. I was not a cross dresser, I was transgender and did she know what that meant?
Her reaction was she kind of knew but didn't totally believe it because I was one of the most masculine men she had ever known. She also didn't know how she would react in the future to the new me. Fair enough. Can't ask for anything more. I should mention she lives quite a distance from me now and here I was in my most male mode telling her all of this?
My initial reaction was, why would she even believe it?
So, you are thinking where is the best of this?
The best was telling her to say goodbye. The new me wouldn't be able to handle the heat and the physical part of out project like I used to and this was only the beginning. It was very easy for me at that point to tell her I hoped we would remain the close friends we had always been but the changes were coming. There was nothing she could do about it and I was extremely happy about the process.
Conversation over.
She is four hours away and I am refilling my feminine gender fluids. She is off my "coming out" bucket list and we are still on speaking terms.
Bottom line is I am sooooo happy all of that is over!
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Horror Scope
Here's another far reaching "Horror Scope" from Cyrsti's Condo.
Libra (September 23- October 22)
You can’t count on others now. Get on top and take the power back. You’ll need to rely on your inner strength and values to find the loophole in your current predicament. Plus, you have the ability to talk anyone into anything, so believe your own myths and carry out your mission.
Of course the "Horror Scope" is my title and the content comes from theFrisky and our "cover girl" is Venus Demars!
By the way, I'm carefully considering who I am going to talk into anything! Look Out!!!
Libra (September 23- October 22)
You can’t count on others now. Get on top and take the power back. You’ll need to rely on your inner strength and values to find the loophole in your current predicament. Plus, you have the ability to talk anyone into anything, so believe your own myths and carry out your mission.Of course the "Horror Scope" is my title and the content comes from theFrisky and our "cover girl" is Venus Demars!
By the way, I'm carefully considering who I am going to talk into anything! Look Out!!!
Around the World with Cyrsti
It is fascinating enough for me to wrap my noggin around the fact the cyber world is so small. How great is it that we all can learn from other cultures and individuals of their transgender worlds-pro and con.
Today is no different as I ran across this post about Jin Xing (seen right) from China.
She is a transsexual woman who has led a very public life for years and transitioned from a Chinese Army Officer to the person she is today.
Her life story has the mythic outlines of a movie ("Pedro Almódovar is a good friend of mine. One day he will make a movie out of my life.") She's a judge on the Chinese equivalent of Strictly Come Dancing, but is scathing: "In the UK they really work at it. Over here it's second- or third-class movie stars who just want the exposure and work for a maximum of one week. It's really low-quality dancing." Now she has her own debate show, which airs on a Hong Kong station rather than the heavily censored mainland channels. But she picks her topics carefully: "I'm not against the party [and] I know the laws – but I can talk about social issues." Officials trust her because "they know I know the borderlines", she says. Besides, what better way to demonstrate the changing face of China than via an outspoken transsexual former colonel?
Jump here for more! (But do it gracefully if Xing is watching.)
Today is no different as I ran across this post about Jin Xing (seen right) from China.She is a transsexual woman who has led a very public life for years and transitioned from a Chinese Army Officer to the person she is today.
Her life story has the mythic outlines of a movie ("Pedro Almódovar is a good friend of mine. One day he will make a movie out of my life.") She's a judge on the Chinese equivalent of Strictly Come Dancing, but is scathing: "In the UK they really work at it. Over here it's second- or third-class movie stars who just want the exposure and work for a maximum of one week. It's really low-quality dancing." Now she has her own debate show, which airs on a Hong Kong station rather than the heavily censored mainland channels. But she picks her topics carefully: "I'm not against the party [and] I know the laws – but I can talk about social issues." Officials trust her because "they know I know the borderlines", she says. Besides, what better way to demonstrate the changing face of China than via an outspoken transsexual former colonel?
Jump here for more! (But do it gracefully if Xing is watching.)
Monday, September 10, 2012
Trans Politicos
I promised myself I would be rather quiet about the upcoming election here in Cyrsti's Condo. So I'm quietly going to point out the picture below is of half of the transgender delegates at the Democratic National Convention.
Somehow, I missed the pictures of the Republican transgender delegates. Sorry....but:
You just had to know I had more to add. I do! Read more about the Democratic transgender transsexual agenda here.
I was going to add the Republican one...but when I read some of VP Candidate Ryan's previous stands on our rights-I quit trying. According to him we shouldn't have any...a true American...right?
Somehow, I missed the pictures of the Republican transgender delegates. Sorry....but:
You just had to know I had more to add. I do! Read more about the Democratic transgender transsexual agenda here.
I was going to add the Republican one...but when I read some of VP Candidate Ryan's previous stands on our rights-I quit trying. According to him we shouldn't have any...a true American...right?
 |
| Half of the transgender delegates at the 2012 Democratic National Convention posed for a photograph after the LGBT caucus met on Thursday, September 6, 2012. From left, Marisa Richmond, Jamie Shiner, Babs Siperstein, Mara Keisling, Kylar Broadus, Melissa Sklarz and Dana Beyer. |
Transsexual Matrix
As you have probably read "Cloud Atlas" co-director Lana Wachowski this week publicly embraced her gender switch from Larry for the first time -- with bright pink dreads.
Her sex change was long rumored, but never confirmed as Wachowski had previously avoided interviews and publicity tours by insisting on no-press clauses in her film contracts.
Suddenly last month a promotional video showing her in pink dreads went viral and in a New Yorker magazine interview she described how in school Larry didn't know whether to stand in lines with boys or girls, and opted for the middle ground, "exactly where I belonged, betwixt."
I love this picture of Lana with Tom Hanks for all it could be saying:
First of all, what the hell was she saying to Hanks? Second of all. what was he thinking except Oh Hell! and the best thought of all is what was the woman sitting behind them thinking?
Classic!!!
I know someone is going to mess this up and add some sort of caption to it but this is better left to the imagination!
How Bad is This???
Just after I see a very positive uplifting story from Vietnam's Top Idol here comes the tragic story of transsexual woman Fernanda Milan who is seeking asylum in Denmark from her native Guatemala- literally to save her life.
Vietnam Transgender Idol
 |
| "Huong Giang" |
“The thing that surprises me is not your voice, it’s your effort. Your singing is not absolutely excellent, but your effort makes us want to see how you can improve,” judge My Tam commented. After that, the second judge, film director Nguyen Quang Dung went straight to the point by questioning if Giang had auditioned for Vietnam Idol before. After a few tentative seconds, the contestant admitted that she previously took part in the competition under a male name, Nguyen Ngoc Hieu. “I really appreciate young people who dare to be true to themselves and other people. Whatever you do, you take responsibility for it,” the film director said."
Read the whole story from Touitrenews.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
To Be or Not to Be
I have discussed the issue of going stealth as a transgender or transsexual person a number of times with you here in Cyrsti's Condo. I am the first to admit I can see the pros and cons of the issue.
We are one of the few groups who achieves a goal of blending into society and then disappears. We win and help no one else in the process.
I'm the first to say how wrong that it is until I'm out and about with nary a side look from society.
I'm passing along this article from Deja Nicole Greenlaw (right) called "The Importance of Transgenders Coming Out.
Check it out here.
We are one of the few groups who achieves a goal of blending into society and then disappears. We win and help no one else in the process.I'm the first to say how wrong that it is until I'm out and about with nary a side look from society.
I'm passing along this article from Deja Nicole Greenlaw (right) called "The Importance of Transgenders Coming Out.
Check it out here.
Transgender Student Stepping Out
From Stock & Land (Australia) which seems to be a rather agrarian publication comes the story of 15 year transgender student Riley:
"Riley, 15, from Sydney's north shore, is biologically male – but says being born a boy simply never made any sense. The high school student is one of an increasing number of teenagers who identify as transsexuals – those who feel they are trapped in the wrong body. Some are so sure that nature got it wrong that they are taking the bold step of "transitioning" – presenting themselves outwardly as the sex that they feel they are – during their teenage years or even earlier. For Riley, 2012 has been a watershed year. After going to school with bras secreted under her school shirt and with minimal make-up, she started wearing the girls’ school uniform. She is also doing some schooling of her own, teaching the teachers in the correct use of transgender pronouns. "They were having a lot of trouble with calling me 'she', but they are getting better," she says. When I meet Riley at her suburban home on a Sunday morning, she's dressed in jeans, knee-high boots, a cropped leather jacket and a T-shirt that boasts she's an "Angel by Day, Devil by Night". Her hair is styled perfectly, framing her prettily made-up face – as befitting for someone who is studying hairdressing part-time at TAFE along with her school subjects. We sit in the living room, where the table is scattered with photos of her as a young child. She seems to be constantly in fancy dress: vibrant-coloured outfits, make-up, glittery headbands. In one photo she's dressed in a cowboy suit but still manages to look feminine".
I can't say it enough, the courage of these trans teens to live their lives on their terms is simply wonderful!
 |
| "Riley" |
"Riley, 15, from Sydney's north shore, is biologically male – but says being born a boy simply never made any sense. The high school student is one of an increasing number of teenagers who identify as transsexuals – those who feel they are trapped in the wrong body. Some are so sure that nature got it wrong that they are taking the bold step of "transitioning" – presenting themselves outwardly as the sex that they feel they are – during their teenage years or even earlier. For Riley, 2012 has been a watershed year. After going to school with bras secreted under her school shirt and with minimal make-up, she started wearing the girls’ school uniform. She is also doing some schooling of her own, teaching the teachers in the correct use of transgender pronouns. "They were having a lot of trouble with calling me 'she', but they are getting better," she says. When I meet Riley at her suburban home on a Sunday morning, she's dressed in jeans, knee-high boots, a cropped leather jacket and a T-shirt that boasts she's an "Angel by Day, Devil by Night". Her hair is styled perfectly, framing her prettily made-up face – as befitting for someone who is studying hairdressing part-time at TAFE along with her school subjects. We sit in the living room, where the table is scattered with photos of her as a young child. She seems to be constantly in fancy dress: vibrant-coloured outfits, make-up, glittery headbands. In one photo she's dressed in a cowboy suit but still manages to look feminine".
I can't say it enough, the courage of these trans teens to live their lives on their terms is simply wonderful!
Trans Man Before and After
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Sean Penn and Transgender?
Maybe so, at least in his newest motion picture project. As you will read in this press release, a transgender life for his character is not out of the question:
" Sean Penn, who has a legion of gay fans from his role as the eponymous leader in Milk, is gending bending in his newest film, This Must be the Place. In the video we learn Penn's character, Cheyenne, is an aging rock star with long hair, makeup, and a sweet and softspoken demeaner. All the press materials calls Cheyenne "he," but you'd be hard pressed not to see some nods to transgender life in the role, too. Upon learning his father is dead, Cheyenne decides to hunt down the Nazi war criminal (in hiding in the U.S.) who humiliated papa during the war — going on a journey of self-discovery along the way. Frances McDormand (always a scene stealer) plays Jane, someone who loves Cheyenne, though it's not clear if she's the wife or girlfriend or some other intimate partner."
Test Tube Transsexual
I spend a lot of time here in Cyrsti's Condo dwelling in the past. After all I'm an historian by degree and believe in what happened yesterday may help us to understand today.
Recently, I ran across an article called the Subtle Process of Transformation by Eva Hayward.
She goes through an in depth look at the physical changes which occur when you start changing such a basic human trait such as gender:
"Like the change from summer to autumn, changing sex is more than a conscious choice or an act of will. It may be that change comes on a scalpel of desire or along a hormonal riptide, such that the body is legibly sexed, but this describes only a fraction of what is at play. Hormones, for instance, have ranging impacts. Taking estrogen can cause fat deposits to uproot and travel to new sights of colonization so that hips widen, breasts grow and lactate, and musculature softens. Estrogen can also alter the eye's structure, affecting vision. It can modify the body's heating and cooling and olfactory systems. I remember sitting on a subway train, feeling so disoriented by smelling layers of place, saturated funk and perfume that I got off the train and walked six blocks to my stop. Estrogen has health consequences. Annual mammograms and regular breast exams are recommended for transsexual women. If, like me, you started hormone therapy with Premarin (complemented with progesterone), derived (wickedly) from horse urine, how much of that early transition was about becoming horse-like? And later still, with soy- and yam-based estrogens, vegetal? Hormones are a complicated business, and they're just one plot line in the relentless narrative of sex. Transsexuality not only is more nuanced than it is typically described, it breaches the defended territories of sexual reproduction. Thomas Beatie became a national sensation as "the first married man to give birth." Although other men gave birth before Beatie, he was able to capitalize on curiosity and voyeurism, an irresistible tipple, and start a public conversation about the limits of sex: "How can a man have a baby?"
Of course, most of us have heard all of this before or even are feeling it all for the first time. Eva though, took all of the process a step further:
"And now, with the first successful uterine transplant, in Turkey, and Britain and Sweden following suit, it's only a matter of time before other wombless bodies have wombs. But surgical interventions are not alone in transforming our assumptions about sex. Infants are being breast-fed by all kinds of lactating men and women. And last week, a friend sent me a photo of her "false pregnancy," in which the endocrine system produces hormones that physically express as pregnancy. She is a woman "with a transsexual past," as she would say, and still her body is compelled to reach beyond her history. Sex changes; remarkably and unavoidably. Sex is an unending process, not yet finished with any of us."
This is a fascinating look into what transsexualism is and isn't. Read it all here.
Recently, I ran across an article called the Subtle Process of Transformation by Eva Hayward.
She goes through an in depth look at the physical changes which occur when you start changing such a basic human trait such as gender:
"Like the change from summer to autumn, changing sex is more than a conscious choice or an act of will. It may be that change comes on a scalpel of desire or along a hormonal riptide, such that the body is legibly sexed, but this describes only a fraction of what is at play. Hormones, for instance, have ranging impacts. Taking estrogen can cause fat deposits to uproot and travel to new sights of colonization so that hips widen, breasts grow and lactate, and musculature softens. Estrogen can also alter the eye's structure, affecting vision. It can modify the body's heating and cooling and olfactory systems. I remember sitting on a subway train, feeling so disoriented by smelling layers of place, saturated funk and perfume that I got off the train and walked six blocks to my stop. Estrogen has health consequences. Annual mammograms and regular breast exams are recommended for transsexual women. If, like me, you started hormone therapy with Premarin (complemented with progesterone), derived (wickedly) from horse urine, how much of that early transition was about becoming horse-like? And later still, with soy- and yam-based estrogens, vegetal? Hormones are a complicated business, and they're just one plot line in the relentless narrative of sex. Transsexuality not only is more nuanced than it is typically described, it breaches the defended territories of sexual reproduction. Thomas Beatie became a national sensation as "the first married man to give birth." Although other men gave birth before Beatie, he was able to capitalize on curiosity and voyeurism, an irresistible tipple, and start a public conversation about the limits of sex: "How can a man have a baby?"
Of course, most of us have heard all of this before or even are feeling it all for the first time. Eva though, took all of the process a step further:
"And now, with the first successful uterine transplant, in Turkey, and Britain and Sweden following suit, it's only a matter of time before other wombless bodies have wombs. But surgical interventions are not alone in transforming our assumptions about sex. Infants are being breast-fed by all kinds of lactating men and women. And last week, a friend sent me a photo of her "false pregnancy," in which the endocrine system produces hormones that physically express as pregnancy. She is a woman "with a transsexual past," as she would say, and still her body is compelled to reach beyond her history. Sex changes; remarkably and unavoidably. Sex is an unending process, not yet finished with any of us."
This is a fascinating look into what transsexualism is and isn't. Read it all here.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Added Link to Cyrsti's Condo
I have added a new link to our blog roll here in the Condo.
The site deals with info for cross dressers wives. A very important resource for many in the community.
Follow the link or go here for more.
The site deals with info for cross dressers wives. A very important resource for many in the community.
Follow the link or go here for more.
Dear Abby Advice
In another sign of better times for the transgender community comes this advice from a recent "Dear Abby" column:
"Dear Abby: Last night at a restaurant, my husband and I were surprised to see a male server wearing a blond wig and full makeup. I was, to say the least, shocked and very glad we hadn’t brought the children, ages 11 and 14, with us. How do you explain something like that to an 11-year-old? The 14-year-old would be able to “get it.” What kind of policies are in place for restaurants in cases like this? What if customers are offended? Could I request a different server or just leave? Your comments would be appreciated. — Taken Aback In California Dear Taken Aback:
In California, people have the legal right to dress in a style not typical of their gender without fear of discrimination or retaliation. That right is protected by state law. If customers find it offensive, they can either request a different server or take their business elsewhere. Presumably, the customer would pay for food that had already been prepared. Because children today grow up quickly and are less sheltered than in past decades, I recommend you explain to your 11-year-old that not all people are alike, and the importance of treating others with respect. It’s called reality."
I really like the last couple of sentences!!!
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440,
Los Angeles, CA 90069.
"Dear Abby: Last night at a restaurant, my husband and I were surprised to see a male server wearing a blond wig and full makeup. I was, to say the least, shocked and very glad we hadn’t brought the children, ages 11 and 14, with us. How do you explain something like that to an 11-year-old? The 14-year-old would be able to “get it.” What kind of policies are in place for restaurants in cases like this? What if customers are offended? Could I request a different server or just leave? Your comments would be appreciated. — Taken Aback In California Dear Taken Aback:
In California, people have the legal right to dress in a style not typical of their gender without fear of discrimination or retaliation. That right is protected by state law. If customers find it offensive, they can either request a different server or take their business elsewhere. Presumably, the customer would pay for food that had already been prepared. Because children today grow up quickly and are less sheltered than in past decades, I recommend you explain to your 11-year-old that not all people are alike, and the importance of treating others with respect. It’s called reality."
I really like the last couple of sentences!!!
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com
Classic Movie Clip
A look at the 2003 Calpernia Addams story as told in the "Soldier's Girl" Movie starring Lee Pace as Calpernia. (below)
No Surprise...
Julie Ross has had the courage, conviction and compassion to step and out to discuss her own transgender child.
Of course she has been vilified as well as praised for the decision. Note the use of the word vilification. Not the criticism word. Big difference-no surprise.
Just take a look at the trans community for examples!
I felt it for the first time on one of the big transgender transsexual social sites when I tried to write about my own experiences. I learned my lesson early but I still am stunned on occasion by comments I get here.
Examples?
I have been trashed for waiting so long in life to transition, having a prom date as a guy all the way to having any fond memories of my male life. Plus, I left the best for last-I'm not worthy to lead a feminine life at all because I don't have a store bought vagina.
No chance for discussion or questions just bitterness and even almost hate-all right here in our so called trans sisterhood.
So I can sympathize with Julie's thoughts:
"Over the past several months I have been venturesome (or perhaps stupid?) enough to publicly share my interpretation and personal feelings from my front row seat as the parent of a child who has identified as transgender. (You can find them here on HuffPost... they may be helpful in grasping the back story.) I have been equally supported and vilified by readers far and wide. I have been told that I am an "incredible parent" only to be corrected by a different reader that I am actually a horrible parent and that G-d does not make mistakes, just I do. Compliments for my honesty and style of writing are usurped by bashing for "rambling" and being a "horrible writer." I have been called "wonderful" and "self-centered" in the same thread written (sometimes viciously) from the comfort of computers around the world that I will neither find nor seek to find. And it all makes me wonder."
From the comfort of my computer - Julie Ross has done wonders by stepping up and out for present and future transgender transsexual kids everywhere. Way to GO!!!!!
For more go here.
Of course she has been vilified as well as praised for the decision. Note the use of the word vilification. Not the criticism word. Big difference-no surprise.
Just take a look at the trans community for examples!
I felt it for the first time on one of the big transgender transsexual social sites when I tried to write about my own experiences. I learned my lesson early but I still am stunned on occasion by comments I get here.
Examples?
I have been trashed for waiting so long in life to transition, having a prom date as a guy all the way to having any fond memories of my male life. Plus, I left the best for last-I'm not worthy to lead a feminine life at all because I don't have a store bought vagina.
No chance for discussion or questions just bitterness and even almost hate-all right here in our so called trans sisterhood.
So I can sympathize with Julie's thoughts:
"Over the past several months I have been venturesome (or perhaps stupid?) enough to publicly share my interpretation and personal feelings from my front row seat as the parent of a child who has identified as transgender. (You can find them here on HuffPost... they may be helpful in grasping the back story.) I have been equally supported and vilified by readers far and wide. I have been told that I am an "incredible parent" only to be corrected by a different reader that I am actually a horrible parent and that G-d does not make mistakes, just I do. Compliments for my honesty and style of writing are usurped by bashing for "rambling" and being a "horrible writer." I have been called "wonderful" and "self-centered" in the same thread written (sometimes viciously) from the comfort of computers around the world that I will neither find nor seek to find. And it all makes me wonder."
From the comfort of my computer - Julie Ross has done wonders by stepping up and out for present and future transgender transsexual kids everywhere. Way to GO!!!!!
For more go here.
Transgender Vets and the Veteran
Yes I am a transgender vet and yes I have posted nearly every story I can find on the subject.
My experience with the Veterans Administration (VA) has been overall positive but unfortunately other transgender vets (even in my own state of Ohio) have not fared as well. The VA centers seem to operate on their own agendas, perhaps not to the extent of denying directed care for transgender veterans as much as the respect shown in the process.
The latest story I found is a very positive one from CBS in Minneapolis, Minnesota and involves the story of a trans man who served as a woman in the Marines:
"There is a program available at the VA hospital in Minneapolis that’s serving an often hidden population — transgender veterans. Peter Klicker served in the Marines as a woman, Karin Klicker. Years later, the veteran says he’s finally found the help he’s hoped for. Klicker grew up in a house full of older brothers in the ’60s and ’70s. And, one summer, the then 7-year-old Karin convinced a group of guys she was a boy, so she’d be able to play baseball. “When you’re seven, you don’t really think about that foresight,” Klicker said. “My mother made me wear a dress on the first day of school.” Jan James, a nurse practitioner at the medical center, has taken it a step further. As part of her doctorate program, she had to identify an underserved patient group. As part of her plan, the clinic now offers hormone therapy and counseling services to transgender veterans, so they’re not forced to find black-market alternatives. “My mission is not just to identify that group, but to give them a voice within the VA system,” James said.
Go here for more!
My experience with the Veterans Administration (VA) has been overall positive but unfortunately other transgender vets (even in my own state of Ohio) have not fared as well. The VA centers seem to operate on their own agendas, perhaps not to the extent of denying directed care for transgender veterans as much as the respect shown in the process.
The latest story I found is a very positive one from CBS in Minneapolis, Minnesota and involves the story of a trans man who served as a woman in the Marines:
"There is a program available at the VA hospital in Minneapolis that’s serving an often hidden population — transgender veterans. Peter Klicker served in the Marines as a woman, Karin Klicker. Years later, the veteran says he’s finally found the help he’s hoped for. Klicker grew up in a house full of older brothers in the ’60s and ’70s. And, one summer, the then 7-year-old Karin convinced a group of guys she was a boy, so she’d be able to play baseball. “When you’re seven, you don’t really think about that foresight,” Klicker said. “My mother made me wear a dress on the first day of school.” Jan James, a nurse practitioner at the medical center, has taken it a step further. As part of her doctorate program, she had to identify an underserved patient group. As part of her plan, the clinic now offers hormone therapy and counseling services to transgender veterans, so they’re not forced to find black-market alternatives. “My mission is not just to identify that group, but to give them a voice within the VA system,” James said.
Go here for more!
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Dusting Off the Old Pix
Every once in a while here in Cyrsti's Condo I start going back through back posts and pictures.
It is always hard for me to believe enough of you from litterally around the globe have seen fit to stop back more than 337 thousand times over the couple of years and wade through some 1300 posts.
Before the end of the year it would be fun to do a "Best Of" photo spread-or at least play with the idea.
Check the example to the left of a member of Prince William's military squadron of a great before and after.
Or, this dazzling shot of a young womanless beauty contest contestant at his school!
Or
It is always hard for me to believe enough of you from litterally around the globe have seen fit to stop back more than 337 thousand times over the couple of years and wade through some 1300 posts.
Before the end of the year it would be fun to do a "Best Of" photo spread-or at least play with the idea.Check the example to the left of a member of Prince William's military squadron of a great before and after.
Or, this dazzling shot of a young womanless beauty contest contestant at his school!
Summer Is Over
In my part of the world, fall has not quite arrived but the seasonal changes are close.
I love the seasonal changes. The trees change their colors, the fields are ready for harvest and the frost is on the pumpkin.
AND! I survived my personal late summer hormonal furnace!!! Perhaps I will have short respite from the knowing stares I get from my genetic women friends who know full well what I'm going through (even if they are not totally sure why I would.)
As I push towards the one year mark on HRT (at the end of the year), I wonder if the cold of winter will affect me more.
If those chilly blasts do make me shiver...then my women friends will once again look knowingly at me and smile. Little do they know, it's me getting the last laugh!
I love the seasonal changes. The trees change their colors, the fields are ready for harvest and the frost is on the pumpkin.
AND! I survived my personal late summer hormonal furnace!!! Perhaps I will have short respite from the knowing stares I get from my genetic women friends who know full well what I'm going through (even if they are not totally sure why I would.)
As I push towards the one year mark on HRT (at the end of the year), I wonder if the cold of winter will affect me more.
If those chilly blasts do make me shiver...then my women friends will once again look knowingly at me and smile. Little do they know, it's me getting the last laugh!
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Thailand Transsexual
As I followed this through, it does have a link on YouTube to a blog that seems a little too commercial for my tastes. I don't particularly like the "ladyboy" tag but I will leave the judgement to all of you.
Transgender and your Bucket
Is your bucket list half empty or half full? Certainly before we all know it and we are fortunate enough to make it- it's time to start looking ahead to the force calling your number. Poof! "You be Gone!"
I started my transgender Bucket List approximately five years ago. I began to see how much living I could do as a woman or maybe I should say- a trans woman.
I found I could live and more importantly wanted to live as my chosen gender. Ironically I got hammered from within the trans community for waiting so long. Even being called just "another old guy on hormones". The big bad outside world on occasion was more accepting.
To make a long story short, my bucket became very full.
Here's my point: I could have made the move to a full time feminine existence two very specific times in my life-basically at the age of 30 and 40 and didn't. If you are younger (I'm 62 now) and considering the move, I can say time will slip by before you know it.
I can't and won't tell anyone to transition but I do recommend checking the waters if you can. It just confuses me when someone writes me or I read somewhere a person is going to try to go through SRS without living the life! It's a problem created by places like Thailand who really don't care about much more than the cash.
Sure it takes quite a bit of courage and a whole lot of trial and error to experience the feminine socialization process.
Don't think you have to be old to have a bucket list. Do think you don't want to be living a regret later in your life when the bucket has a huge hole in it.
I've known fully changed transsexuals and cross dressers justifying life in the closet who have gotten really bitter over the experience.
Certainly, we all have only one life to live and we all have responsibilities to others.
Just as certainly we all have the responsibility to be true to ourselves. You may consider starting a transgender bucket list to discover what your truth might be.
I started my transgender Bucket List approximately five years ago. I began to see how much living I could do as a woman or maybe I should say- a trans woman.
I found I could live and more importantly wanted to live as my chosen gender. Ironically I got hammered from within the trans community for waiting so long. Even being called just "another old guy on hormones". The big bad outside world on occasion was more accepting.
To make a long story short, my bucket became very full.
Here's my point: I could have made the move to a full time feminine existence two very specific times in my life-basically at the age of 30 and 40 and didn't. If you are younger (I'm 62 now) and considering the move, I can say time will slip by before you know it.
I can't and won't tell anyone to transition but I do recommend checking the waters if you can. It just confuses me when someone writes me or I read somewhere a person is going to try to go through SRS without living the life! It's a problem created by places like Thailand who really don't care about much more than the cash.
Sure it takes quite a bit of courage and a whole lot of trial and error to experience the feminine socialization process.
Don't think you have to be old to have a bucket list. Do think you don't want to be living a regret later in your life when the bucket has a huge hole in it.
I've known fully changed transsexuals and cross dressers justifying life in the closet who have gotten really bitter over the experience.
Certainly, we all have only one life to live and we all have responsibilities to others.
Just as certainly we all have the responsibility to be true to ourselves. You may consider starting a transgender bucket list to discover what your truth might be.
Summer Is Over-Hope Isn't
Kids from all over may have attended a camp or two over the summer including the transgender youth who attended Camp Aranu'tiq (Aranu’tiq, which is an indigenous Alaskan word for a person who was thought to embody both the male and female spirits.)
The camp was actually started in 2010 by a transgender male in Connecticut. Media representatives are not normally allowed at the camp. An exception was granted for Boston.Com.
We have posted a story about this wonderful camp here in Cyrsti's Condo before and if you would like to read this update please go here.
The camp was actually started in 2010 by a transgender male in Connecticut. Media representatives are not normally allowed at the camp. An exception was granted for Boston.Com.
We have posted a story about this wonderful camp here in Cyrsti's Condo before and if you would like to read this update please go here.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
The Future is Now!
How great it is to see examples of transgender youth living life to it's fullest!
When Invention Meets Reality
What would Thomas Edison say and how did the famous inventor come into this?
I have written several times of the chats I have with the person who has known me the longest as a transgender or cross dresser back in the day. He went deep into the closet and obviously I didn't. At times I think he works way too hard to justify his decision. None of my business until:
Recently he mentioned inventing a female persona. (Not specifically aimed at me.) I replied "what if it is not a invention?"
Obviously I believe a transgender or transsexual person is not inventing a gender. They are born with it.
Which brings up another question I asked myself. When did I know when the feminine me was not an invention. Of course I can not come up with the exact day but as I have written before, I do remember when the realization swept over me I was in the right place.
The sensation was one of a deep realization that all was right with the world. No more in fighting.
I supposed you can say at that moment, I knew I wasn't an invention.
Reading my blog, you all know I'm overjoyed at the realization which most likely had been with me all the time. I was born into my transgender reality.
My worry is my friend will spend the rest of his days in the futile attempt to rationalize his reality.
I have written several times of the chats I have with the person who has known me the longest as a transgender or cross dresser back in the day. He went deep into the closet and obviously I didn't. At times I think he works way too hard to justify his decision. None of my business until:
Recently he mentioned inventing a female persona. (Not specifically aimed at me.) I replied "what if it is not a invention?"
Obviously I believe a transgender or transsexual person is not inventing a gender. They are born with it.
Which brings up another question I asked myself. When did I know when the feminine me was not an invention. Of course I can not come up with the exact day but as I have written before, I do remember when the realization swept over me I was in the right place.
The sensation was one of a deep realization that all was right with the world. No more in fighting.
I supposed you can say at that moment, I knew I wasn't an invention.
Reading my blog, you all know I'm overjoyed at the realization which most likely had been with me all the time. I was born into my transgender reality.
My worry is my friend will spend the rest of his days in the futile attempt to rationalize his reality.
Monday, September 3, 2012
She's Baaaack!
Sorry I have missed a few days with you all!
Should be back in the saddle later today!!!!!
Cyrsti
Should be back in the saddle later today!!!!!
Cyrsti
Horror Scope
Libra (September 23-October 22)
Your social life and love life will start to merge as one and it’ll make you feel larger than life. Yes, finally there is a possibility that you are on to something with your latest honey, as the lines of separation are fading. However, instead of thinking this is the only test to pass, know it is the first of many more, but this is the most important one.
As always the "Horror Scope" is from theFrisky and the title is my own!
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