Showing posts with label MtF transition. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MtF transition. Show all posts
Saturday, February 8, 2014
One Year= Amazing Changes
I'm amazed, after all this time checking out the seeming thousands of MTF transition videos on YouTube, I'm still fascinated with the changes. Here is another on the Cyrsti's Condo big screen of a young transgender woman. She reminds me of the young woman in her LBD (little black dress) we saw in the restaurant the other night shooting a "selfie" of her legs.
Friday, February 7, 2014
Cyrsti's Condo "Woman of the Day"
Our featured transgender woman of the day is Dr. Christine McGinn. Dr. McGinn doesn't quite get the publicity as transgender doctor Marci Bowers, but is yet another transgender doctor performing SRS surgeries.
Since her own transition in 2000, she has been an activist and speaker on gender variant issues. She is the founder of Papillon Gender Wellness Center, a comprehensive gender support center that includes a variety of professional services in addition to Plastic Surgery.
Since her own transition in 2000, she has been an activist and speaker on gender variant issues. She is the founder of Papillon Gender Wellness Center, a comprehensive gender support center that includes a variety of professional services in addition to Plastic Surgery.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Privilege
In our last meeting here in Crysti's Condo, I briefly touched on the idea of being privileged to be in a spot in my life when I can pursue my feminine transition with HRT. To combine that idea with more of the comments I am receiving from my "What's in a Name" post, quite possibly, I should take a bit more time to be greatful.
Of course I realize how many of you for whatever reason can't even begin to explore a mtf transition, even it only means the freedom to cross dress when you want. Been there, did it and I understand. Plus, my partner is fond of telling me to not forget how rare it is to have a chance to restart a new life without taking the radical path of dying. Of course, I hear it from her when I'm having my frequent moments of thinking I should be farther along with my HRT or I take a thumping in public, so I deserve it.
Then there is the boring conversation about gender privilege, even to the point of transgender privilege. I have always been a believer in privilege is in the mind of the beholder and what the beholder decides to do with it - except in the area of male versus female security in the world. Plus "me thinks" I didn't embark on this transgender path because of choice or all the "kicks and giggles" it would provide. So I am privileged to be here at all including choosing a name as Pat commented on:
My two cents, for what it is really worth after decades of inflation, is that on first reflection we tend to not appreciate what a gift it is to name ourselves. When I first joined Tri-ess I had to come up with a femme name and chose my initials and a simple last name. I had the option to pick a femme version of my guy name but thought that was cutting things too close to home. Years later when I started to become active on the internet I added Scales as a surname.
Or Mandy, who commented on name privilege "in flux":
How about those of us with names which are currently known as female. Not like a "boy named Sue." More like Lynn, Tracy, Dana, Shannon, Leslie, and so on. My given name, while not one of those examples, is in that category. As a male child, I absolutely hated it (and the many problems it caused me.) But, like that mythical "Boy named Sue," I survived. And now, times have changed. It seems to fit my androgynous appearance nicely. And I already have an appropriately-girly name on my ID (even though it reads "M", not "F")! If I ever do transition, it may just save me a bit of the "administrivia aggravation."
And finally there was Paula:
Sometimes I wonder if everyone had a choice of what name they would use if we would have less Johns and Claires and more Emeralds and Elvises
Thanks ladies it's a privilege to quote you!
Of course I realize how many of you for whatever reason can't even begin to explore a mtf transition, even it only means the freedom to cross dress when you want. Been there, did it and I understand. Plus, my partner is fond of telling me to not forget how rare it is to have a chance to restart a new life without taking the radical path of dying. Of course, I hear it from her when I'm having my frequent moments of thinking I should be farther along with my HRT or I take a thumping in public, so I deserve it.
Then there is the boring conversation about gender privilege, even to the point of transgender privilege. I have always been a believer in privilege is in the mind of the beholder and what the beholder decides to do with it - except in the area of male versus female security in the world. Plus "me thinks" I didn't embark on this transgender path because of choice or all the "kicks and giggles" it would provide. So I am privileged to be here at all including choosing a name as Pat commented on:
My two cents, for what it is really worth after decades of inflation, is that on first reflection we tend to not appreciate what a gift it is to name ourselves. When I first joined Tri-ess I had to come up with a femme name and chose my initials and a simple last name. I had the option to pick a femme version of my guy name but thought that was cutting things too close to home. Years later when I started to become active on the internet I added Scales as a surname.
Or Mandy, who commented on name privilege "in flux":
How about those of us with names which are currently known as female. Not like a "boy named Sue." More like Lynn, Tracy, Dana, Shannon, Leslie, and so on. My given name, while not one of those examples, is in that category. As a male child, I absolutely hated it (and the many problems it caused me.) But, like that mythical "Boy named Sue," I survived. And now, times have changed. It seems to fit my androgynous appearance nicely. And I already have an appropriately-girly name on my ID (even though it reads "M", not "F")! If I ever do transition, it may just save me a bit of the "administrivia aggravation."
And finally there was Paula:
Sometimes I wonder if everyone had a choice of what name they would use if we would have less Johns and Claires and more Emeralds and Elvises
Thanks ladies it's a privilege to quote you!
Is There Something in your Pocket...Or...
 |
| Mae West |
In our continuing polar climate, I have pulled out a decidedly unfeminine (but decidedly warm and snugly) over-sized mens flannel shirt. It has pockets over both of my breasts, one of which I have a habit of using for a tissue or two. This morning as I reached for one, I was pleasantly surprised by the swell of my breast under the pocket. During weather such as we have been experiencing, quick checks of HRT progress are rare under layers of clothes.
Of course the first thought I had was, how much of my increase in size was due to the flannel shirt or HRT. Since I'm not quite curious or vain enough to pull out a tape measure and find out for sure, I seized the moment as just another pleasant example of how far I've come, and who do I thank for the privilege of being here?
Sunday, February 2, 2014
On the Road to Oz
Brianna Austin, has been one of the most active transgender columnists for some time.
Today here in Cyrsti's Condo, I am passing along one of her recent posts I loved. She wrote it after watching the Wizard of Oz movie over the holidays. Here's an excerpt:
"I was lounging around home this past holiday season and watched yet another classic, the Wizard of Oz, which I hadn't seen in years. I wondered, is Dorothy really so different than us? A girl lost in a far off land, yearning to find her way home. They say that home is where the heart is, so perhaps we are trying to find our internal home as well. She enlists the help of many strangers to assist her get home, only to discover that she alone was the only one that could make it happen. There is always that day when you look in the mirror and realize that regardless of whether your “girl” desires are fashion, passion, or bedroom fantasy, they don’t seem to be going away. You acknowledge – perhaps for the first time -- that this is not a phase that will pass, nor can you pretend it will never happen again. What an exciting and horrifying moment! Has the tornado just plucked you from out of your own dream and dropped you into reality? Well, you’re not in Kansas anymore, that’s for sure! Of course you know you can’t go back the way you came, because you don’t even know how you got here in the first place. So now what? Glenda, good witch of the North, said it best, “it’s always best to start at the beginning.”
Go here to read the rest of the post!
Today here in Cyrsti's Condo, I am passing along one of her recent posts I loved. She wrote it after watching the Wizard of Oz movie over the holidays. Here's an excerpt:
"I was lounging around home this past holiday season and watched yet another classic, the Wizard of Oz, which I hadn't seen in years. I wondered, is Dorothy really so different than us? A girl lost in a far off land, yearning to find her way home. They say that home is where the heart is, so perhaps we are trying to find our internal home as well. She enlists the help of many strangers to assist her get home, only to discover that she alone was the only one that could make it happen. There is always that day when you look in the mirror and realize that regardless of whether your “girl” desires are fashion, passion, or bedroom fantasy, they don’t seem to be going away. You acknowledge – perhaps for the first time -- that this is not a phase that will pass, nor can you pretend it will never happen again. What an exciting and horrifying moment! Has the tornado just plucked you from out of your own dream and dropped you into reality? Well, you’re not in Kansas anymore, that’s for sure! Of course you know you can’t go back the way you came, because you don’t even know how you got here in the first place. So now what? Glenda, good witch of the North, said it best, “it’s always best to start at the beginning.”
Go here to read the rest of the post!
Cyrsti's Condo "Sunday Edition"
Welcome in to the "Super Sunday" edition in the "Condo". If you are passionate about either team, I hope you win! Looking back a year, I know what I was up to during the big game-or down to. For some crazy reason I was offered the morning after the game for a colostomy. So I spent the evening not sampling wings and beer but drinking some brand of system "flushing" liquid and trying to make my toilet as comfortable as possible. Duh!
Section One.- The Week in Review. Bruce Jenner's refusal to come out of the closet comes to mind as one of the memorable moments of the week. It's Jenner's business to do as he/she pleases but why not do something positive with his transition. If he is not transitioning MtF, then his time with the Kardashians' certainly wore off on him. Check the latest picture of Bruce on the left. He seems to have a nice little set of HRT induced breasts working. The negative of course is Jenner sets himself and the transgender community up for ridicule. Coming out would give us another example of a guy who lived under the cover of an intensely male life such as former Navy Seal Kristin Beck. If you don't know, Jenner was once considered one of the top male athletes in the world as a decathlon competitor. The worst case scenario is having Dr. Phil, who struggles to even say transgender, speculate on your transition Bruce, on the Inside Edition television show. Really Bruce?
Section 2.- Breaking News: Patricia, a former Ohio Buckeye who now lives in California, was kind enough to send me this information from Planned Parenthood:
Planned Parenthood Mar Monte (California) is offering transgender hormone services at the following health center locations: Fulton Street Health Center – Fresno Mountain View Health Center – Mountain View B Street Health Center – Sacramento Westside Health Center – Santa Cruz
Our transgender hormone services include: Transgender Female (MTF) Hormone Therapy including estrogen and spironolactone Transgender Male (FTM) Hormone Therapy including testosterone We may be able to start or continue hormone therapy and provide referrals for gender-qualified therapy and resources if needed.
If you are on hormone therapy, you can utilize the health center for ongoing care and monitoring. In order to receive transgender services you need to be over 18 and capable of providing consent for services. We can provide services for younger patients in Santa Cruz with a parent or guardian’s permission. There are special consents for these services.
For more info, go here. Thanks Patricia, I have no idea if Planned Parenthood offers these services on a wider basis. Frankly, it's the first time I've even heard of them and I am impressed!
Well, it's about time to get another hot cup of coffee and the dog is happy the weather is warm and dry enough for a walk. Here's hoping you all have a great week! This should be a special one here in Cyrsti's Condo as we pass the one million hits mark! I wish I could give away a new car but it's not in the budget!
Section One.- The Week in Review. Bruce Jenner's refusal to come out of the closet comes to mind as one of the memorable moments of the week. It's Jenner's business to do as he/she pleases but why not do something positive with his transition. If he is not transitioning MtF, then his time with the Kardashians' certainly wore off on him. Check the latest picture of Bruce on the left. He seems to have a nice little set of HRT induced breasts working. The negative of course is Jenner sets himself and the transgender community up for ridicule. Coming out would give us another example of a guy who lived under the cover of an intensely male life such as former Navy Seal Kristin Beck. If you don't know, Jenner was once considered one of the top male athletes in the world as a decathlon competitor. The worst case scenario is having Dr. Phil, who struggles to even say transgender, speculate on your transition Bruce, on the Inside Edition television show. Really Bruce?
Section 2.- Breaking News: Patricia, a former Ohio Buckeye who now lives in California, was kind enough to send me this information from Planned Parenthood:
Planned Parenthood Mar Monte (California) is offering transgender hormone services at the following health center locations: Fulton Street Health Center – Fresno Mountain View Health Center – Mountain View B Street Health Center – Sacramento Westside Health Center – Santa Cruz
Our transgender hormone services include: Transgender Female (MTF) Hormone Therapy including estrogen and spironolactone Transgender Male (FTM) Hormone Therapy including testosterone We may be able to start or continue hormone therapy and provide referrals for gender-qualified therapy and resources if needed.
If you are on hormone therapy, you can utilize the health center for ongoing care and monitoring. In order to receive transgender services you need to be over 18 and capable of providing consent for services. We can provide services for younger patients in Santa Cruz with a parent or guardian’s permission. There are special consents for these services.
For more info, go here. Thanks Patricia, I have no idea if Planned Parenthood offers these services on a wider basis. Frankly, it's the first time I've even heard of them and I am impressed!
Well, it's about time to get another hot cup of coffee and the dog is happy the weather is warm and dry enough for a walk. Here's hoping you all have a great week! This should be a special one here in Cyrsti's Condo as we pass the one million hits mark! I wish I could give away a new car but it's not in the budget!
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Drying Up and Blowing Away
You regulars here in Cyrsti's Condo, have read me whine about this winter's weather. Well, here's more:
It seems now with the effects of HRT, I'm in even a bigger battle with my skin. My standing joke is I need to take a bath in 10w-40 motor oil. That would be the easy part. It turns out my very short stints in the sub zero temps were a very good way to defoliate my facial skin, if I wanted it or not. Of course I didn't and for a couple days (until the peeling stops) make up is no fun and certainly doesn't look it's best on my "transitioning" facial skin. FYI not my first rodeo with the effects of cold weather...but my first rodeo with this much damage.
Also lip balms are my "bestest" friends too.
Some how, I don't think I will dry up and blow away any time soon and brushing my hair out around my face covers my zombie skin!
It seems now with the effects of HRT, I'm in even a bigger battle with my skin. My standing joke is I need to take a bath in 10w-40 motor oil. That would be the easy part. It turns out my very short stints in the sub zero temps were a very good way to defoliate my facial skin, if I wanted it or not. Of course I didn't and for a couple days (until the peeling stops) make up is no fun and certainly doesn't look it's best on my "transitioning" facial skin. FYI not my first rodeo with the effects of cold weather...but my first rodeo with this much damage.
Also lip balms are my "bestest" friends too.
Some how, I don't think I will dry up and blow away any time soon and brushing my hair out around my face covers my zombie skin!
Finally! A Night Out!
Seems like it's been years since we have been awarded a day or two break from our much worse than normal winter.
Last night in a rare moment of having a little extra cash and a little better weather, my partner Liz and I headed to one of our fave "watering holes" called the "Swampwater Grille" in Cincinnati. I've written about the "Swamp" before-the home of a misplaced Western Louisiana chef and a great selection of brews far removed from the big beer company watered down near beer sold everywhere. You know you are in a good beer bar when no Coors, Millers or Bud products are on tap.
Of course the company was as good as the food and drink and the evening went all too quick. As far as what I wore, the usual, denim leggings, gray slouch boots and my long black sweater with a very low cut "v" neck. Unfortunately I have to say this, but an evening's success hinges on the restroom access. Plus, (if you didn't know) when you drink beer, you need to potty-frequently. No problems last night, even going to the "room" without my partner. She knows my paranoia and is kind enough to "run cover" for me if needed. I don't like doing that however because, if I have a problem with someone, it is my problem, not hers. Knock on wood, I haven't had so many problems recently.
As always, I'm careful to point out I'm not out in the world presenting as a 100% genetic woman. Some don't read me, some don't notice me, some don't care and just as many who do read me are just fascinated. I'm a visible, in person, poor man's Carmen Carerra or Laverne Cox. The new positive trans role models such as the women I mentioned really help me and I owe them a lot! Plus, it helps I've learned to come out of my transgender shell. Attitude trumps appearance all the time!
The most wonderful part of this "morning after" however, it's not like "back in the day" when I had to obsess when my "next night out would be."
Now I get many questions about when I knew the HRT transition was right for me? The moment was a morning not unlike today. I felt warm and at home with myself and would go back to any bit of male life only on my terms.
Now, it remains to be seen if I ever can shake the potty paranoia.
Last night in a rare moment of having a little extra cash and a little better weather, my partner Liz and I headed to one of our fave "watering holes" called the "Swampwater Grille" in Cincinnati. I've written about the "Swamp" before-the home of a misplaced Western Louisiana chef and a great selection of brews far removed from the big beer company watered down near beer sold everywhere. You know you are in a good beer bar when no Coors, Millers or Bud products are on tap.
Of course the company was as good as the food and drink and the evening went all too quick. As far as what I wore, the usual, denim leggings, gray slouch boots and my long black sweater with a very low cut "v" neck. Unfortunately I have to say this, but an evening's success hinges on the restroom access. Plus, (if you didn't know) when you drink beer, you need to potty-frequently. No problems last night, even going to the "room" without my partner. She knows my paranoia and is kind enough to "run cover" for me if needed. I don't like doing that however because, if I have a problem with someone, it is my problem, not hers. Knock on wood, I haven't had so many problems recently.
As always, I'm careful to point out I'm not out in the world presenting as a 100% genetic woman. Some don't read me, some don't notice me, some don't care and just as many who do read me are just fascinated. I'm a visible, in person, poor man's Carmen Carerra or Laverne Cox. The new positive trans role models such as the women I mentioned really help me and I owe them a lot! Plus, it helps I've learned to come out of my transgender shell. Attitude trumps appearance all the time!
The most wonderful part of this "morning after" however, it's not like "back in the day" when I had to obsess when my "next night out would be."
Now I get many questions about when I knew the HRT transition was right for me? The moment was a morning not unlike today. I felt warm and at home with myself and would go back to any bit of male life only on my terms.
Now, it remains to be seen if I ever can shake the potty paranoia.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Cyrsti's Condo "Cover Girl of the Day"
Julieta Biesa, Argentinina transgender actress, before and after herMtF transformation
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Now You See Me, Now You Don't
In the current polar cold conditions and with my current androgynous condition, I have presented several interesting fashion "looks" to the world.
Here's an example.
My girlfriend's car is "heat challenged", which is a bad way to be in the weather we have had here, when 0 degrees is warm. I start my retired morning by warming up my car and taking her to work. I apply plenty of day moisturizing cream, put my guy jeans and flannel shirt on, tie my long pony tail back and out through the back of my ball hat, unisex boots and super warm guys coat-and hope the car starts.
When I pick her up from work, though, I am all girl. Yesterday the day started as I pointed out and finished on the way home at the grocery store when the clerk called us "ladies" twice.
I used to feel guilty about "jumping presentations", not so much anymore. As I have become more secure in myself, I don't have to worry about what the transgender "purists" say about being a pretend transgender person. It took me close to 50 years to figure out what my gender inner self was trying to tell me and during the half century I endured tons of male conditioning. If I liked it or not. So why not incorporate parts of my past into the present? In other words, collect a little back pay.
Another reason I am bringing this all up comes from a "pre interview" I had last night with Jasmine Ford. Thursday night I will be interviewed on her show which I have mentioned a couple times here in Cyrsti's Condo. We immediately hit it off and began to discuss our pasts which have been so incredibly different. She was completely fascinated I had lived over 50 years as a man/cross dresser and then transitioned. I was completely fascinated with the fact, by her own admission, she transitioned from a gay boy to a woman at the age of 18. In essence, Jasmine really never experienced much of a "male life" at all.
Coming up in future posts, I will pass along her insights on her transition and beliefs and of course will give you all the exact links and times I will be on her show. It's really cool I'm going to be interviewed of course but not as cool as her ideas concerning the transgender community. Stay tuned!
Here's an example.
My girlfriend's car is "heat challenged", which is a bad way to be in the weather we have had here, when 0 degrees is warm. I start my retired morning by warming up my car and taking her to work. I apply plenty of day moisturizing cream, put my guy jeans and flannel shirt on, tie my long pony tail back and out through the back of my ball hat, unisex boots and super warm guys coat-and hope the car starts.
When I pick her up from work, though, I am all girl. Yesterday the day started as I pointed out and finished on the way home at the grocery store when the clerk called us "ladies" twice.
I used to feel guilty about "jumping presentations", not so much anymore. As I have become more secure in myself, I don't have to worry about what the transgender "purists" say about being a pretend transgender person. It took me close to 50 years to figure out what my gender inner self was trying to tell me and during the half century I endured tons of male conditioning. If I liked it or not. So why not incorporate parts of my past into the present? In other words, collect a little back pay.
Another reason I am bringing this all up comes from a "pre interview" I had last night with Jasmine Ford. Thursday night I will be interviewed on her show which I have mentioned a couple times here in Cyrsti's Condo. We immediately hit it off and began to discuss our pasts which have been so incredibly different. She was completely fascinated I had lived over 50 years as a man/cross dresser and then transitioned. I was completely fascinated with the fact, by her own admission, she transitioned from a gay boy to a woman at the age of 18. In essence, Jasmine really never experienced much of a "male life" at all.
Coming up in future posts, I will pass along her insights on her transition and beliefs and of course will give you all the exact links and times I will be on her show. It's really cool I'm going to be interviewed of course but not as cool as her ideas concerning the transgender community. Stay tuned!
Saturday, January 25, 2014
A Natural?
I have followed Melissa Carmen's videos on YouTube for a while and have shown her here in Cyrsti's Condo. Follow her story though and even the path of a "natural" is far from easy.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Talking to Myself
Do you talk to yourself? I know you do because you want someone who is intelligent and understanding to talk to, right?
I have been known to have more a few down to earth "chats" with me and yes, I used to think I was crazy for doing it. Then again, I used to think I was crazy for not accepting my birth gender either. Fortunately , over the years, I began to separate the "crazy" idea from the transgender idea. One had absolutely nothing to do with the other except I was going crazy trying to figure out my transgender roots.
Crazy is a wonderful crutch though. I can't tell you how many Halloween's I conjured up the "C" word to explain my costume or how I thought if I acted somewhat off the norm, people wouldn't be surprised to learn my "deep, dark secret". Don't you see? I want to be a girl and isn't that crazy? What a crock! As years turned into decades and I was beginning to finally understand all the facets of my life, I discovered, yes I was a little crazy and it had nothing to do with being a transgender woman. I learned to embrace yet another little "spicy ingredient" to who I am.
Surprisingly though, I get many mixed reactions from many in the transgender world who seem to want justify their "transness" with being crazy. These days, mixing crazy and trans is exactly what we don't need. How fair is it anyhow we are required to spend the money on a therapist to even prove we are mentally sound enough to start HRT? Really?
So all you peeps who are a little off center like I am, stand up proudly and shout- all you boring peeps stay in the shadows where you belong. Just never say crazy equals trans to me. If you think I write a lot, don't get me talking. I can stick my foot in my mouth with the written or spoken word!
I have been known to have more a few down to earth "chats" with me and yes, I used to think I was crazy for doing it. Then again, I used to think I was crazy for not accepting my birth gender either. Fortunately , over the years, I began to separate the "crazy" idea from the transgender idea. One had absolutely nothing to do with the other except I was going crazy trying to figure out my transgender roots.
Crazy is a wonderful crutch though. I can't tell you how many Halloween's I conjured up the "C" word to explain my costume or how I thought if I acted somewhat off the norm, people wouldn't be surprised to learn my "deep, dark secret". Don't you see? I want to be a girl and isn't that crazy? What a crock! As years turned into decades and I was beginning to finally understand all the facets of my life, I discovered, yes I was a little crazy and it had nothing to do with being a transgender woman. I learned to embrace yet another little "spicy ingredient" to who I am.
Surprisingly though, I get many mixed reactions from many in the transgender world who seem to want justify their "transness" with being crazy. These days, mixing crazy and trans is exactly what we don't need. How fair is it anyhow we are required to spend the money on a therapist to even prove we are mentally sound enough to start HRT? Really?
So all you peeps who are a little off center like I am, stand up proudly and shout- all you boring peeps stay in the shadows where you belong. Just never say crazy equals trans to me. If you think I write a lot, don't get me talking. I can stick my foot in my mouth with the written or spoken word!
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Cyrsti's Condo "Sunday Edition"
Snuggle in and welcome to yet another earth shattering "Sunday Edition" here in 'the Condo."
Week in Review.- During the week, we featured several impossibly beautiful androgynous male models (who I want to hate!) Just kidding! On the opposite side of the spectrum we tried to cross Chris Christie's bridge and have an easier path (at least in New Jersey) to having our transgender birth certificates changed without expensive and painful SRS. As it turned out the rotund New Jersey governor blocked both. Of course I watch any moves in this direction because I am facing many legal moves as my MtF transition progresses. Christie gave some gobbledygook reason which sounded suspiciously similar to the danger of transgender women and men invading restrooms of their choice and committing ghastly acts. I considered the source, got mad and moved on.
Book Review.- It's fairly rare when I miss any sort of writing which involves itself with transgender women and men. Not only did I miss this one, it turns out the trans woman and her spouse actually live within an easy traveling distance of me! I featured Bobbie in a post aka Alana about her past and future writings and got this response:
WOW ... thanks so very much for sharing information about my memoir. Our target release date is Feb 14, 2014. I thought that would be the perfect date for releasing a love story. We're in line for meeting that date. IF anyone wants a signed copy from the first printing it can be ordered from www.hunginthemiddle.com. Let us know the next time you're in our area ... would love to meet in person. Bobbie Thompson aka Alana's Spouse (on FB and Twitter)
As I mentioned, the "road trip" mileage is definitely within reach as soon as the "polar weather" gets out of here for awhile!
We Got Mail Section.- From Vicky, responding to our Hormone and the Hair Post: I agree with you Cyrsti my hair I am just starting to grow out with the help of Rogaine then I am going to style it I hope it will not be to long until I can do it then no more wigs. Thanks Vicki! As I said, if and when you can ever be able to wear your own hair, it's a blessing. Especially at my age!
From dloring on Christie's veto:
"You said it girl, no reason to veto that bill. The only fraud being perpetrated is by the Governor."
That's about it for this week's Cyrsti's Condo Sunday Edition. You are the best for stopping by and checking in when you can! Thanks so much!
Cyrsti
Week in Review.- During the week, we featured several impossibly beautiful androgynous male models (who I want to hate!) Just kidding! On the opposite side of the spectrum we tried to cross Chris Christie's bridge and have an easier path (at least in New Jersey) to having our transgender birth certificates changed without expensive and painful SRS. As it turned out the rotund New Jersey governor blocked both. Of course I watch any moves in this direction because I am facing many legal moves as my MtF transition progresses. Christie gave some gobbledygook reason which sounded suspiciously similar to the danger of transgender women and men invading restrooms of their choice and committing ghastly acts. I considered the source, got mad and moved on.
Book Review.- It's fairly rare when I miss any sort of writing which involves itself with transgender women and men. Not only did I miss this one, it turns out the trans woman and her spouse actually live within an easy traveling distance of me! I featured Bobbie in a post aka Alana about her past and future writings and got this response:
WOW ... thanks so very much for sharing information about my memoir. Our target release date is Feb 14, 2014. I thought that would be the perfect date for releasing a love story. We're in line for meeting that date. IF anyone wants a signed copy from the first printing it can be ordered from www.hunginthemiddle.com. Let us know the next time you're in our area ... would love to meet in person. Bobbie Thompson aka Alana's Spouse (on FB and Twitter)
As I mentioned, the "road trip" mileage is definitely within reach as soon as the "polar weather" gets out of here for awhile!
We Got Mail Section.- From Vicky, responding to our Hormone and the Hair Post: I agree with you Cyrsti my hair I am just starting to grow out with the help of Rogaine then I am going to style it I hope it will not be to long until I can do it then no more wigs. Thanks Vicki! As I said, if and when you can ever be able to wear your own hair, it's a blessing. Especially at my age!
From dloring on Christie's veto:
"You said it girl, no reason to veto that bill. The only fraud being perpetrated is by the Governor."
That's about it for this week's Cyrsti's Condo Sunday Edition. You are the best for stopping by and checking in when you can! Thanks so much!
Cyrsti
Thursday, January 16, 2014
We Are Everywhere
Like many other folks, I have a tendency to think transgender women and men come from bigger urban areas. Plus I think many of us tend to focus on the too "amazing" before and after MtF transitions, rather than noticing how far the person had to go on their gender transition journey. This video on the Cyrsti's Condo big screen is a little of both:
Saturday, January 11, 2014
The Purse Monster and Muscle Memory
This will seem like such a small piece in the huge transgender MtF transition puzzle but then again it's not.
For many years I have noticed with interest how women approach moving and grasping items with their hands. Regardless of the inherent size difference in the hands, most genetic women just seemed to have more dexterity working for them.
Now, as I work my way through counters and clerks with my purse and it's wallet, I find I need more coordination to accomplish all the moves. Gone are the days of picking up the change and shoving it into my pockets and moving on. Plus, just tossing everything into my purse doesn't work either. If I don't keep some sort of basic organization going in my purse, then I am doomed to carry a stylish yet deadly "bottomless bag." You know the purses I'm talking about. If you have lived around a woman for any length of time, the "changing of the bags" is often not pretty. No one knows what is living down there and how the hell did the purse get that heavy? Things were breeding similar to how life began on Earth.
As I transition into more and more full time "purse living", I know now. I'm developing the "layers" of "stuff" women accumulate over time. It's comparable to an archaeological dig when you uncover that old lipstick you loved and couldn't find. It disappeared into the bottom layer of my purse and was waiting patiently to see the light of day again. Forget the "boob pinch" pain I felt a couple nights ago, the real pain could be lurking in the bottom of my purse and will it attack with no warning?
Look, the last thing I want to be doing is holding up a line at a counter while I dig through my purse, get attacked and lose a finger. People do have a tendency to care less if I am transgender in line but care a lot if I'm slow. Just imagine if they had to call the paramedics to reattach my finger? How would the peeps behind me buy their "cigs" or lottery tickets?
I have a plan though to combat all of this, I call my new "dexterity" a slide move. At the counter, I know the basics of what I'm paying with, what kind of change or receipt I am going to get and where it's coming from and going in my purse. The smoother I can accomplish all of that, the more feminine I appear or at the least fit in.
In order to insure success though is repetition and committing the moves into my muscle memory. Now if I can keep my purse from sliding off my shoulder at the wrong time and messing up the entire process- life will be better! "Sigh" Who would have thunk it that all this "girl stuff" would have been so complex! Women make it look so easy and they still have all their fingers. It's because Mom warned them to beware of what could be lurking in their purses!
For many years I have noticed with interest how women approach moving and grasping items with their hands. Regardless of the inherent size difference in the hands, most genetic women just seemed to have more dexterity working for them.
Now, as I work my way through counters and clerks with my purse and it's wallet, I find I need more coordination to accomplish all the moves. Gone are the days of picking up the change and shoving it into my pockets and moving on. Plus, just tossing everything into my purse doesn't work either. If I don't keep some sort of basic organization going in my purse, then I am doomed to carry a stylish yet deadly "bottomless bag." You know the purses I'm talking about. If you have lived around a woman for any length of time, the "changing of the bags" is often not pretty. No one knows what is living down there and how the hell did the purse get that heavy? Things were breeding similar to how life began on Earth.
As I transition into more and more full time "purse living", I know now. I'm developing the "layers" of "stuff" women accumulate over time. It's comparable to an archaeological dig when you uncover that old lipstick you loved and couldn't find. It disappeared into the bottom layer of my purse and was waiting patiently to see the light of day again. Forget the "boob pinch" pain I felt a couple nights ago, the real pain could be lurking in the bottom of my purse and will it attack with no warning?
Look, the last thing I want to be doing is holding up a line at a counter while I dig through my purse, get attacked and lose a finger. People do have a tendency to care less if I am transgender in line but care a lot if I'm slow. Just imagine if they had to call the paramedics to reattach my finger? How would the peeps behind me buy their "cigs" or lottery tickets?
I have a plan though to combat all of this, I call my new "dexterity" a slide move. At the counter, I know the basics of what I'm paying with, what kind of change or receipt I am going to get and where it's coming from and going in my purse. The smoother I can accomplish all of that, the more feminine I appear or at the least fit in.
In order to insure success though is repetition and committing the moves into my muscle memory. Now if I can keep my purse from sliding off my shoulder at the wrong time and messing up the entire process- life will be better! "Sigh" Who would have thunk it that all this "girl stuff" would have been so complex! Women make it look so easy and they still have all their fingers. It's because Mom warned them to beware of what could be lurking in their purses!
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Coming Out Tutorial
In this Cyrsti's Condo big screen feature, Nicki talks about her first year of MtF transitioning. She provides an excellent look into a barely 20 something transgender woman's life, coming out to parents and more.
Check out the video. See if you agree how much sadness still seems be in those big beautiful eyes.
Check out the video. See if you agree how much sadness still seems be in those big beautiful eyes.
Friday, January 3, 2014
It's Never Too Late
I happened upon a post by another transgender woman who is transitioning later in life and living to write about it! (Just kidding!)
It's called "When to say Yes to the Dress" by Courtney Bedell on the Baltimore Gay Life site.
Courtney's story is similar to many of us. She met the same resistance, harbored the same inner turmoil and ultimately reached the points we are now in life. Not so surprisingly in the transgender culture, we are called "pretenders" because we waited so long to transition.
Six year old Coy Mathis was used by Courtney as an example of a "no doubter" transgender child who just knew she wasn't a boy. Coy of course also benefitted immensely from a family who has battled for their daughter's right to be herself. I'm guessing, immensely rare for anyone of my age.
Here's an excerpt from more of the post:
By 12 I felt strongly that I was a girl but unlike Coy, I couldn’t talk about it to my parents, or anyone else. I did what most TGs did 20 or 30 years ago: deny, deny, deny! At 12 I was wearing my older sister’s dresses and using her make-up, but not in public. Despite my having plenty of friends adolescence was a lonely and devastating time for me. I could only be myself when I was alone so I often hooked school to spend the day in a dress curling my hair and putting on make-up.
Nobody ever saw me looking pretty—ask any teenage girl if that isn’t a version of hell! I wanted to tell my mom but I just couldn’t find the words. Even when she might have picked up on the clues she didn’t open the subject. When I saw a psychiatrist at my parent’s behest it took me two years to tell him I was convinced that I was a girl and had XX female chromosomes. Naturally, he thought I was simply gay or a cross-dresser. I continued to live two separate lives for another 20 unhappy years.
Sounds familiar, right? Here's more:
So, the answer to “when do you say yes to the dress?” is simply, as soon as possible! From my own experience, I say do yourself a huge favor and don’t waste half your life denying your true essence! Don’t endure decades of pain and loneliness waiting for the ideal time to change. We often wait until the situation becomes severe enough to outweigh our fear of the potential upheaval our transition will cause. It doesn’t have to be that way if we approach it preemptively before our lives become unbearable or unmanageable.
See a gender therapist, go to a support group (Tranquility at GLCCB), search your feelings, explore your options, sort it all out and learn what action is best for you. You may decide it is time to transition or you may discover transition is not right for you—the key word here is “discovery.”
Follow the link above for more!
It's called "When to say Yes to the Dress" by Courtney Bedell on the Baltimore Gay Life site.
Courtney's story is similar to many of us. She met the same resistance, harbored the same inner turmoil and ultimately reached the points we are now in life. Not so surprisingly in the transgender culture, we are called "pretenders" because we waited so long to transition.
Six year old Coy Mathis was used by Courtney as an example of a "no doubter" transgender child who just knew she wasn't a boy. Coy of course also benefitted immensely from a family who has battled for their daughter's right to be herself. I'm guessing, immensely rare for anyone of my age.
Here's an excerpt from more of the post:
By 12 I felt strongly that I was a girl but unlike Coy, I couldn’t talk about it to my parents, or anyone else. I did what most TGs did 20 or 30 years ago: deny, deny, deny! At 12 I was wearing my older sister’s dresses and using her make-up, but not in public. Despite my having plenty of friends adolescence was a lonely and devastating time for me. I could only be myself when I was alone so I often hooked school to spend the day in a dress curling my hair and putting on make-up.
Nobody ever saw me looking pretty—ask any teenage girl if that isn’t a version of hell! I wanted to tell my mom but I just couldn’t find the words. Even when she might have picked up on the clues she didn’t open the subject. When I saw a psychiatrist at my parent’s behest it took me two years to tell him I was convinced that I was a girl and had XX female chromosomes. Naturally, he thought I was simply gay or a cross-dresser. I continued to live two separate lives for another 20 unhappy years.
Sounds familiar, right? Here's more:
So, the answer to “when do you say yes to the dress?” is simply, as soon as possible! From my own experience, I say do yourself a huge favor and don’t waste half your life denying your true essence! Don’t endure decades of pain and loneliness waiting for the ideal time to change. We often wait until the situation becomes severe enough to outweigh our fear of the potential upheaval our transition will cause. It doesn’t have to be that way if we approach it preemptively before our lives become unbearable or unmanageable.
See a gender therapist, go to a support group (Tranquility at GLCCB), search your feelings, explore your options, sort it all out and learn what action is best for you. You may decide it is time to transition or you may discover transition is not right for you—the key word here is “discovery.”
Follow the link above for more!
Cyrsti's Condo "Trans Woman of the Day."
A week or so ago we mentioned a "surprise" transgender beauty's appearance on Project Runway All Stars. The show brought together a group of popular/established fashion bloggers from around the world and Gigi's Gorgeous New's Network blog made the cut!
During the show, Gigi proved she was much more than a pretty face as she owned the runway to the delight I'm sure, to transgender women around the world.
I have followed her YouTube videos for quite awhile and was particularly impressed when she came out as transgender and the work she has done which included her sister. (Thanks to many of you who pointed her video's out too!!! You are the best!)
In the -10(F) degree weather around the Condo, Gigi's work is certainly a thawing influence. She is just another example of how bright the future can be for transgender men and women everywhere.
Of course you can follow the link above to her Blog.
During the show, Gigi proved she was much more than a pretty face as she owned the runway to the delight I'm sure, to transgender women around the world.
I have followed her YouTube videos for quite awhile and was particularly impressed when she came out as transgender and the work she has done which included her sister. (Thanks to many of you who pointed her video's out too!!! You are the best!)
In the -10(F) degree weather around the Condo, Gigi's work is certainly a thawing influence. She is just another example of how bright the future can be for transgender men and women everywhere.
Of course you can follow the link above to her Blog.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Transitioning Over the Years
Another look at the possibilities of transgender transitioning over the years. Take a look on the Cyrsti's Condo big screen:
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