may 2014 issue - Rachel Williston

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Pretty T Girls
May 2014
The Magazine for the most beautiful girls in the world
A publication of Pretty T Girls Yahoo group
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Pretty T Girls
May 2014
The Magazine for the most beautiful girls in the world
A publication of Pretty T Girls Yahoo group
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In This Issue
Page
Editorial by Barbara Jean
Busting Down The Closet Door Janice’s Story
The Importance of Transgenders Coming Out
The Truth About Beauty Product Dangers
Are You Committing These 5 Beauty NO-NO’s
Beauty Products You Don’t Need and Some You Do
A Short Note By: Barbara Marie
The Adventures of Judy Sometimes
The Exploits of Barbara Marie
Tasi’s Musings
Humor
Angels In the Centerfold
Mellissa’s Tips & Tricks
How To Wear A Full Skirt
Tasi’s Fashion News
Lucille Sorella—Are you too Old to Crossdress or Transition
Lucille Sorella—#1 Tip for Crossdressers and MtF TG’s
How To Stay Cool In Sweltering Summer Heat
Las Vegas David DeAlba Show
The Gossip Fence—Transgender In The News
Shop Till You Drop
Calendar
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Our Freedoms Came At A High
Price
Memorial Day May 26th
Let us Remember those who paid the
Ultimate price for our Freedom
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Ding-Dong the Witch is Dead
An editorial by: Barbara Jean
Well on March 19th Fred Phelps of Westboro Baptist Church passed away. Most of us I think are
thankful that he is gone, but I wonder what that means for the future of Westboro Baptist Church and for
the LGBT community.
Oh yeah, we all hated Mr. Phelps for what he said and did. But should we hate him or hate the things he
said and did? Starting with the picketing of funerals of victims who had died the result of AIDS, he and
his followers gained real notoriety when he picked the funeral of Matthew Sheppard, a young man who
was badly beaten and then tied to a fence in freezing weather. He created a website that he named
“Godhatesfags.com. He and his followers then turned to picketing the funerals of soldiers who were
killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Repulsive action, yes, but yet this very action galvanized America. Not just the GLBT community, but
the entire nation. ... He made religious hostility to homosexuality repulsive."
It’s ironic too the effect that him and his followers had not just on the LGBT community, but on the nation as a whole. Many who were not part of the LGBT community would unite to keep him and his
followers away from the funerals.
A minister, a man of God is what Fred Phelps was suppose to be. But when we hate are we doing the
work of God or the work of Satin? God is suppose to be about love, while Satin is about hate.
One would expect there to be counter protest and pickets at his funeral, though in one report that I read
they said there will be no funeral for him. Yet two days after his death his followers were protesting at
the outside of a Lorde concert in Kansas City, Mo., over the weekend were met with an unusual counter
protest.
While they carried signs that read “God Hate Sluts” and “Thank God for Dead Soldiers”, the counter
protesters carried signs saying “Sorry For Your Loss” and "Live your life and be awesome.".
We of the LGBT community in the past have have been demoralized, have seen hate and oppression,
and yet we seem to have a better understanding of what is commanded in the bible, to forgive. Dr.
Martin Luther King galvanized the black community and I think if he were alive today he would be
fighting alongside the LGBT community. He would be proud of the way we respond to the hateful
people like Mr. Phelps. As I write this I think of the song “We Shall Overcome”. Yes, love and peace
shall overcome hate and hostility.
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What is the future going to be like for Westboro Baptist Church and it’s members? A difficult one to
answer. Perhaps the most vocal or most talked about was his daughter “Shirley Ropes Phelps, along
with his daughter Margret Phelps, and yet by the rules of his church women cannot hold positions of
leadership.
Organizations like Westboro are seeking their fifteen minutes of fame. Perhaps in ignoring them, for
them to find no news about them and no counter protest, to deny them their fifteen minutes of fame is
the best way too see them die.
One of the signs held by the counter protesters said “Live Your Life and Be Awesome”. Cis or trans,
good advice for all of us I think.
Busting Down The Closet Door
My First time Out In Public
Janice
In Oct 2002 my wife was a member of a lodge that was putting on a Murder Mystery Dinner to raise
money for a Children's charity. One of the parts called for a Transvestite Opera Singer. Apparently they
were unable to find a man to do the part and Candy, my wife, volunteered me knowing that I would do
just about anything for a gag. At the time, my wife was not accepting of my cross-dressing, which was
done ONLY at home and ONLY at night and ONLY on rare occasions and NEVER more than
lingerie. Anyway, I had to prepare an outfit and shopped several thrift stores, in drab, and found a below
knee dress of nearly all white lace and satin. It wasn't a wedding dress but was very pretty. I added a
wide brim hat, wig, heels, and underthings. The SA asked me who the dress was for & I told her the
story about the charity event which she bought. I was able to try the dress on, but not before first purchasing a pair of panty hose, which the SA said I would have to wear to try on anything for sanitary
reasons. Lucky me.
Two days prior to the event I managed to track down a wonderful lady to do my make-up for me but she
wanted me to meet her already dressed. My wife recommended I not wear the lace dress for the first
make-up meet so I wore a black short dress with long sleeves and 4"heels. Turned out the Make-up
artist was a theatrical / Movie artist who actually did all the make-up for the Rocky Horror Picture
Show. Cool. She had her studio in her home and she didn't come cheap at $250 per hour. She
complimented on my dress, my figure and legs and my small hands. She told me I would make a very
pretty girl. Even though I had previously explained this was only for charity, I was in heaven. While
doing my make-up she plucked my eyebrows into a pretty thin feminine line and commented that I had
lips that any genetic girl would die for. Afterwards, I just drove around about an hour before going
home. Candy urged me to remove everything completely immediately. Bummer.
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On the day of the event, I went to Candy's manicurist and had porcelain nails put on and painted, a
pedicure and nail red nail color of course and then went home to change into my dress (costume) and
then off the Make-up artist for another transformation. She was so pleasant to me that I'm sure she knew
the truth that, at that time I hadn't yet fully accepted.
The Murder Mystery Dinner went off spectacular and we raised lots of money for the charity.
Afterwards I was busy answering questions about who did my make-up, my nails, where did I get my
dress and heels, etc. etc., it was really wonderful. My wife's boss was there with his wife and his wife
loved my dress so much I offered it to her and she accepted. After cleaning it I gave it away reluctantly
wanting to keep it. -- This event was my first time out publically, but unfortunately, most of the 80 to a
100 people there knew me as Fred and wouldn't have believed I was anything other than masculine even
if I had told them otherwise, which I didn't. -I still remember this event fondly in my heart, but it still brings tears to my eyes remembering the
wonderful feeling of being a woman but now being able to share it.
Luvs - Janice
Importance of Transgenders Coming Out: Why
Visibility is Necessary
By: Deja Nicole Greenlaw*/TRT Columnist–
(reprinted from TG Forum)
My name is Deja Nicole Greenlaw and, in the spirit of Harvey Milk, I’m here to recruit you! I am
asking you, no, I am imploring you, all of my transgender brothers and sisters, to come out of
the closet and to show your friends, your relatives and your coworkers that you are
transgender. Yes, come out! We are part of this world. We add value to society. There’s
nothing wrong with us! We need to show the people whom we know that we are transgender
and that we are a vibrant part of society. There’s nothing to fear from us.
Many transgender people live in the closet. Staying in the closet does no good for our cause.
Staying in the closet does not pave the way for us in society and it keeps doors shut for the
young and future transgenders. We need to open those doors and keep them open. We had
older transgenders, back in the day; take the hits for us, which gave us an easier opportunity
than they had. Because of the Stonewall Riots, the Compton Riots, all the transpeople who
lobbied for state and federal rights, all the transpeople who made it easier to change the
gender marker on your driver’s license, all the transpeople who were murdered for being
transgender, all the transpeople who were refused medical help, all the transpeople who
worked to change their religion’s views and all the transpeople who led the various transgender
support groups, things are getting much better for us. We still have a ways to go, but we do
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have it much easier than our older brothers and sisters did. We now have a moral responsibility
to keep the torch moving forward and to make the upcoming transgenders’ lives even easier
than ours. Coming out makes a big difference in making our lives easier.
Just look at how much society has changed since Chaz Bono came out. Besides being Sonny
and Cher’s already famous child who came out, he went one step further and did a stint on
“Dancing with the Stars.” If people were unclear as to who transpeople were, all of a sudden
they were educated with Chaz in the spotlight. He was in the news and on televisions
everywhere. Yes, all of a sudden everyone in America knows who a transgender person is. No,
make that, everyone in the world now knows who a transgender person is! Jenna Talackova,
the Miss Universe Canada contestant, further heightened people’s awareness when it was
found out that she is transgender. Yes! A beauty queen is transgender! Having Chaz and
Jenna coming out has made a huge difference in educating the masses about transgenders.
It’s great to have the worldwide visibility that these two pioneering souls gave us.
Even at the local level many of us transgenders are out at work and our coworkers have gotten
used to us. Now our co-workers can say, “Yes, I know a transgender who works with me and
they are good people. They’re not like those crazy people on Jerry Springer who cause fights
and yell.” There might be a little hesitation from some at first, but as time passes, so do the
hesitations. Yes, they become used to us and don’t even give us second thought. Yes, they
come to the conclusion that we are people, the same as they are.
Outside of work, people see transgenders who are out in the local supermarkets, department
stores, restaurants, churches, doctor’s offices and motor vehicle offices. It’s no big deal. We
are just like everyone else. I’ve personally noticed that more people are warmer to us since
Chaz and Jenna came out. You can see it in their eyes and smiles when they realize that they
have just seen a transgender person. You know that they will go home and tell their families at
dinner that today that they saw a transgender person at the store, the market, at the doctor’s,
in church, or wherever they saw you. Yes, we are settling into society and the more of us who
come out, the faster that we will settle. The more of us who come out and live openly in
society, the better it will be for all of us!
So come out, come out, wherever you are. Join us who are already out and help make this
world a better place for all transgenders. Harvey Milk was not wrong about gays coming out
and I know that I am not wrong about transgenders coming out. Just do it and come out!
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The Truth About Beauty Product Dangers
WebMD
Pretty Poison or Harmless Cosmetic?
When you cover your blemishes, give yourself a sunless tan, or
straighten your hair, chances are you use a product with a long
list of ingredients. But are those ingredients safe? Headlines
proclaiming the dangers of beauty products are often based on
hype, so WebMD takes a look at the science. And we offer some
alternatives for those who want to reduce their use of chemicals
Concern: Keratin Straighteners
Salon-based keratin hair treatments can deliver silky, smooth
locks with no frizz. These treatments are often marketed as
formaldehyde-free, but Oregon's OSHA found high
concentrations of the chemical in more than half of samples. Long
-term exposure to formaldehyde can cause cancer. Getting your
hair straightened or "smoothed" once every few months will not
put you over OSHA's exposure limits. But there could be a real
risk to your stylist.
Option: Conditioner and Flat Iron
Conditioner can help you fight frizz by neutralizing the impact
of static electricity. And while the results will only last until
your next shampoo, a flat iron can get the kinks out of most
naturally curly hair. Using a blow dryer is less effective than a
flat iron for smoothing hair, but your stylist might show you a
few good techniques, combined with safe hair products, to tame
a frizzy look
Concern: Permanent Hair Dye
Research connecting hair dye to cancer has had conflicting
results. Some studies suggest that women are slightly more
likely to get leukemia or lymphoma if they use permanent
hair dyes, particularly darker colors. But other studies have
found there is no increased risk. Most research looking at
hair dye and breast cancer has found no link. There is also
no evidence suggesting hair dye poses a threat during
pregnancy, although some health care providers recommend
waiting until the second trimester to be extra cautious
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Option: Plant-Based Hair Dyes
Plant-based hair dyes, including henna and vegetable dyes,
can change hair color without harsh chemicals. But there
are some drawbacks. Most won't result in a dramatic color
change, and the results tend to fade sooner than with
permanent dyes. A second option is to get highlights at a
salon. A special cap or foil hair wrappers prevent the dye
on your tresses from touching your scalp, so the chemicals
aren't absorbed by your skin
Concern: Crazy Contacts
Colored or patterned lenses that don't correct your vision
can help you change your look. But avoid any lenses that
are sold without a prescription, often available at salons,
costume shops, or online. Contact lenses require proper
fitting, cleaning, and care, even for a short wearing. If you
don't care for them properly, you run the risk of eye
injuries or infections that can lead to vision loss.
Option: Rx Colored Lenses
If you feel Mother Nature gave you the wrong eye color, ask
a licensed eye care professional about colored contact lenses.
Even if you have sharp vision, you'll still need an eye exam.
The doctor can write a prescription for you and show you
how to take care of the lenses properly. Buy lenses from a
prescription-only source. Follow the doctor's directions to
avoid injuring your eyes.
Concern: Prescription Eyelash Serum
Latisse is a prescription drug that can temporarily give you
long, flirty eyelashes. You daub the serum onto your upper
lash line every day and wait about four months for results.
You may love the lashes, but it's important to note a small
risk of side effects, some permanent. The drug may darken
the skin around your eyes or turn the colored part of your eyes
(the irises) brown.
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Option: Eyelash Extensions
False eyelashes or eyelash extensions can give you that longlashed look without a prescription drug. But that doesn't mean
they're risk-free. The adhesives can irritate the eyelids or cause
an allergic reaction. And beware of permanent eyelash tints that
promise thicker-looking lashes. They have been linked to
serious injury, including blindness. No permanent dyes are
FDA-approved for use on the lashes.
Concern: Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is a skin lightener that is available by
prescription or in a less potent strength over the counter.
Dermatologists often recommend it for reducing age spots
or dark patches known as melasma. Overuse of
hydroquinone can cause skin discoloration. Animal studies
have also linked the chemical to cancer, though the risk to
humans is unclear. Scientists are currently studying
hydroquinone's safety
Option: Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing uses a special type of laser to remove
the top layer of skin. The procedure, which is done by a
dermatologist, can minimize age spots and even out skin color
without the long-term use of a chemical lightener. Drawbacks
include the expense, pain, the downtime while your skin is
healing, and a small risk of scarring or discoloration.
Concern: Tanning Beds
No matter what you've heard about the safety of tanning
salons, here's what the research says: frequent use of tanning
beds raises your risk of melanoma, the most deadly form of
skin cancer. In addition, tanning beds mainly emit UVA rays,
which contribute to premature aging – wrinkles and brown
spots. Even if tanned skin looks good to you, tanned skin is
actually damaged skin.
Option: Sunless Tanning Products
It's easy to fake a tan. Sunless tanning lotions typically contain
DHA, a color additive that reacts with amino acids in the skin's
surface to create a temporary "tan." DHA is FDA-approved for
external application, but not for use in commercial spray tanning
booths. These booths may cause you to inhale some of the spray or
get it in your eyes. Be sure to use sunscreen even when you have a
sunless tan. It does not protect your skin.
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Concern: Nail Salon Hazards
Manicure products contain a wide range of chemicals,
including formaldehyde, phthalates, acetone, or toluene. Their
fumes may irritate the skin, eyes, nose, and respiratory tract.
These reactions are more common in salon workers than in
clients. Manicures and pedicures can also result in fungal or
bacterial infections – particularly if equipment has not been
sterilized properly.
Option: Minimize Risks
Before having a manicure or pedicure, inspect the salon's
cleanliness. Leave if you doubt the quality of the salon's
sanitation or disinfection practices. Don't shave your legs
before a pedicure, and avoid the nail salon if your skin is cut,
nicked, or broken. If you're a salon worker, ensure that your
salon obeys laws designed to protect workers' safety.
Concern: Phthalates
Phthalates are chemicals used to make products more pliable.
They're found in toys, food packaging, and some beauty
products, including nail polish, shampoo, and soap. Two
studies suggest phthalate exposure during pregnancy may
lead to abnormal development in male infants, including low
hormone levels and small genital size. But the FDA says
there is not enough evidence to conclude that phthalates pose
a health risk.
Option: Phthalate-Free Products
If you're concerned about phthalates, look for phthalate-free
beauty products. You can check the ingredients for the term
phthalate (dibutylphthalate, dimethylphthalate, diethylphthalate, etc.), butyl ester, or plasticizer. It's important to note that
phthalates are also found in flooring, shower curtains, food
packaging, and many other staples of modern life. But using
phthalate-free cosmetics and skin-care products can reduce
your overall exposure.
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Concern: Parabens
Parabens are the most common preservative found in
cosmetics, including makeup, moisturizers, and hair care
products. One study found parabens in breast tumors, but
did not indicate that parabens actually caused the cancer.
Other researchers have concluded it is "implausible" that
the amount of parabens in cosmetics could lead to cancer.
Option: Paraben-Free Cosmetics
If you're concerned about parabens, you can find
paraben-free beauty products. Cosmetics tend to spoil
without preservatives, but parabens aren't the only option.
Some products use vitamin C (ascorbic acid) or vitamin E
(tocopheryl acetate) as preservatives.
Does Makeup Expire?
If you're hanging onto your glittery disco-era eye shadow,
toss it now. Preservatives in the makeup may break down
over time, allowing bacteria to grow. Experts offer the
following "use by" guidelines:
Foundation - one year
Blush/powder/shadow - two years
Lipstick - one year
Mascara - 3-4 months
Throw out eye makeup immediately if you have an eye infection.
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Are You Committing These 5 Beauty No-No's?
By Sasha BeautyBlogger for GalTime.com
Hands off that zit! We tend to focus on the must-dos
when it comes to our daily beauty regimen, but what about
the no-nos? With our ever-increasing busy schedules, it's no
wonder bad habits end up working their way into our beauty
routines. (Note to self: stop going to bed with makeup on…
oh, and wearing waaaay-expired makeup!)
So with the New Year (aka New Beauty Resolutions) right
around the corner, we decided to proactively embrace the
whole out with the bad old, in with the new formula. Here are five bad habits to break, STAT...and some
no-nonsense tips to help break 'em:
Not cleaning your makeup brushes: After cleaning your house from top to bottom, cleaning your
makeup brushes probably isn't a top priority. But bacteria (and even mold) can form in a brushes fibers
and then transfer to your skin (which means bad news and can lead to skin and eye infections).
Problem solver: A spray-on sanitizer. These timesaving germ-killers instantly sanitize and remove
residue and build-up. A good rule of thumb: clean your regularly-used brushes once per week. One to
try: Clinique Makeup Brush Cleanser ($14)
Wearing makeup that expired when J-Lo and Ben Affleck were a couple: We get it. You paid darn
good money for that mega-expensive mascara, but makeup products can collect bacteria (think mini
Petri dishes) over time, and ingredients eventually separate or just stop working properly.
Problem solver: Replace mascaras after three months. Cream-based makeup (i.e. blush, foundation,
foundation, and eye shadows) should be tossed after six months. Powders are the long-term players and
can be kept up to two years. Lipsticks last around one year, but if you notice its texture starts to feel dry
or cakey, replace it. Worried you won't be able to keep track of purchase dates? Simply apply a mini
index label to each piece along with the date you bought it (i.e. 11-15-12).
Pimple popping: That pimple might as well have a flashing neon arrow pointing to it, but unfortunately,
popping that blemish can leave a major red mark for days and possible long-term scarring.
Problem solver: Try applying an ice cube for several seconds and repeat this a few times. The intense
cold can help shrink the cyst (AKA white head). Then apply an acne spot treatment. One to try: Bliss No
Zit Sherlock Spot Treatment ($18)
Forgetting the SPF: Make no mistake, beauty mavens, wearing proper sunscreen is the single most
important beauty (and health) habit in the beauty commandments. (Thou shalt not forget to apply daily
SPF!) Skipping sunscreen can cause brown spots, wrinkles, or the scariest of all: skin cancer.
Problem solver: If your moisturizer or foundation doesn't contain proper SPF, go the quick n' easy route:
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a spray-on SPF mist (and don't forget about your hands, chest, and other exposed areas). One to try:
L'Oreal Advanced Sunscreen Crystal Clear Mist SPF 30 ($10)
Overusing the Clarisonic: Hey, if exfoliating is good for the skin, then surely there's no such thing as
too much of it, right? Wrong. Electric face brushes ,or any exfoliating product, should really only be
used 2-3 times per week, otherwise your "too-much-of-a-good-thing" approach might cause redness, dry
patches, or dehydrated skin.
Problem solver: Make specific days (i.e. Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays) your planned exfoliation
days, so you don't fall into the over-exfoliation rut. And if you find you've over done it in the scrubbing
department, step away from the exfoliants and use a heavy-duty moisturizer until your skin heals.
Beauty Products You Don't Need ... and a Few
You Definitely Do
By Joanna Douglas, Senior Fashion and Beauty Editor
You may not need all those lotions and potions after all. (Corbis)
Beauty counters and drugstore shelves are flooded with thousands
of products all claiming to work miracles, but women can't
possibly need all of them, right? We rounded up makeup, hair, and
skincare experts to weigh in on which products are a waste of
money, and the select few you should stock up on for every day
use.
First off, the beauty items our experts suggest skipping:
Foundation
"For the day to day most women don't need foundation," says Gigi
Shaker, New York-based makeup and hair artist. "For a wedding
or big occasion you may want more coverage, but typically you
can eliminate foundation and just use concealer under the eyes and
to spot treat." Fellow makeup and hair stylist Bridget Trama
agrees, but says selecting the right concealer becomes even more crucial. "You also have to make sure
it's the right color," says Trama. "And some people with concealers, they go far too light. They don't
have enough peach in it and then get that raccoon eye thing that makes it worse instead of better." Their
advice: Buy two colors of concealer — one that matches your skin in the summer and another that
matches in the winter and mix in between for the perfect shade.
Toner
It may come as part of a three-step process, but Dr. Sejal K. Shah, a New York-based cosmetic
dermatologist, says she actually doesn't recommend toner. "Maybe if you have really oily skin, toners
are helpful, but, realistically, if you're cleansing normally and removing makeup, I don't think it's
necessary. I think people like it to make skin feel clean, but tingling and tightness is actually a sign of
overdrying."
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Lip balm
With winter coming, you may be surprised to hear that you actually don't need this popular pocket-size
item. "I never ever use lip balms, I just use moisturizer," says Shaker, who simply rubs it on her lips in
place of lip balm. "The lips are just a more delicate type of skin than your face, but it needs the same
type of hydration. Add moisturizer just before you go to bed and then you can eliminate Chapstick,
which essentially dries out the lips anyway if you're using the ones with alcohol." Another alternative:
"Eye cream is even better — it just plumps them up at the same time."
Scrubs
Somewhere along the way the beauty industry convinced us all that we have lots of dead skin that needs
to be sloughed off. The truth is, harsh scrubs do more harm than good. "I have so many patients who
come in using really aggressive scrubs on their face," says Shah. "Any time you overly irritate the skin
or overly dry the skin, you're making it worse." According to Shah, people with oily or acne-prone skin
should avoid scrubs, which cause skin to overcompensate for the dryness scrubs cause. If you do like
scrubbing, she recommends using the delicate Fresh Sugar Face Polish, DERMAdoctor Body Scrub, or
gentle body washes with microbeads just once a week.
Face primer
That added prep step that so many makeup artists swear by? Skip it! "Most primers really don't work,"
says Trama. "I do faces all the time and don't put primer on." Eyelid primer is also unnecessary. To help
powder shadows affix to your lids, try a dab of concealer or foundation to help it stick.
Cellulite creams
"People should moisturize the body, but you don't need the additional skin-tightening creams. Cellulite is
on a deeper level, and the creams would have to pass through the skin barrier, which really wouldn't
happen." The act of massaging in a good gentle moisturizer may, in fact, have better results, she says. As
for turning to a medical professional, even that probably won't work. Adds Shah, "We don't have great
procedures that treat or cure cellulite."
Specialized creams for hands, feet, and other specific body parts
"I think the three types of creams [you need] are dedicated eye cream, face cream, and body cream. I do
find eye creams are more delicate than a face moisturizer, and they also contain things like caffeine,"
explains Shah. As for a good foot moisturizer, she suggests good old Vaseline.
An arsenal of eyeshadows
Trama admits that it's easy to fall for all the beautiful colors, but they're actually a waste space in your
makeup bag. "You don't need 25 eyeshadows," she says. "Just get three basics. Most women need one
neutral palette and that's it."
Face mists
Need a refreshing spritz on a hot day? "You could just put water in a spray bottle," says Shah. "The one
difference with a spray bottle is it may came out a little more forceful, while mists have a nice aerosol
feel on the skin, but these are things you would not need on a regular basis."
Lip liner
"It's very drying and young women definitely don't need it," insists Trama. "You really only need a
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lipstick or a lipgloss. Women who are aging may need the lip liner more than younger girls because as
women age the line feathers out. But lipstick is preferred since it's more hydrating."
Face blotting sheets
"If you have very oily skin, you may want to consider washes containing tea tree oil, mattifying moisturizers, and certain face masks," says Shah. "Blotting papers may lift up a little more residue than a tissue
would, but they're not really needed."
After weeding out the unnecessary products, here are the experts' must-haves:
Dry Shampoo
"For hair products, everyone has different needs, but this is one product that nobody can live without,"
says Shaker. She suggests spraying the roots around the front of your face and blow-drying roughly to
add volume and fake a freshly washed head of hair.
Mascara
If you only have time to use one product, this may be the one. As Trama says, "mascara just livens the
eyes."
Antioxidant serum
If you have normal skin without issues, Shah recommends applying this kind of serum, which contains
Vitamin C and Vitamin E, in the morning. "They help to brighten the skin, fix discoloration, and, in theory, they could also help scavenge free radicals from sun damage."
Moisturizer
You should apply one with at least SPF 30 every morning, according to Shah. No exceptions.
Lipstick
Every lady loves a pop of color, and, according to Trama and Shaker, there's nothing more moodboosting in the beauty world than a flattering lipstick or gloss.
Gentle cleanser
Shah suggests buying something really basic to use morning and night to remove grime and excess
makeup.
Blush
Shaker says a flushed cheek will make anyone look more healthy and beautiful. Simple enough!
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A SHORT NOTE
BY
BARBARA MARIE
When It comes to the polls and/or voting, WHERE IS EVERYONE????
According to our web site, there are some 3800 plus members in our group yet
only a scant few ever take part in the polls or cover girl contest. Janis Johns in
her note to the group on 2/26/14 asked the question. There were a total of 35
votes cast for the cover girl contest. Where was every one else? Asleep at the
wheel or whatever? I personally know that as the co moderator of this group
over the past three or four years I have approved at lest 100 or 150 new members. Every one joins our group, post an number of photos to their album then
seem to fall off the map all except a few. So I ask again, where has every one gone?
This is a great group with one of the best and informative TG Magazines on line. But, However a few
courageous folks take the time to write a submit an article for the Magazine. Thus if it were not for Tasi,
Melissa, Judy Sometimes, occasionally Carolyn Olsen and one or two others including both Barbara
Jean and yours truly, especially the efforts of Barbara Jean, out Magazine would not be the caliber of
greatness that it has become. I know that there are many of you out out there who can write and write
well. Human interest stories concerning one coming out or their transitions are always welcome for the
magazine.
Barbara Jeans’s editorial about Busting down the closet door as well as Randy’s article about her busting
the closet door down remind me of my own coming out. Before I came out officially, I was limited to
the “closet” as many of you are/were. It was not until after my wife passed away in 2006 that I began to
unlock the door. By December 2007 I had begun to venture out late in the evening or night to buy
gas ,go to the post office or what ever. Also It was the drive through at Burger King or McDonalds. I
had joined TriEss in the summer of 2007 and in December I attended my first meting of Sigma Epsilon,
which is the Atlanta chapter of TriEss. In early 2008 I wrote my first article “My First Experience With
Sigma Epsilon” which was about my being in the middle of a mall in Atlanta thinking that every one
knew that I was a “guy in A dress” as well as my experiences with the group. Phoebe Reese was the
person I met there and she was my “big Sister”. With her it did not take me long to feel comfortable
dress as a female. Now I am full time with a legal name change and a breast augmentation 20 months
ago. Thus about 7 years ago , I opened the closed door, the front door to my haose and have not looked
back.
There are those of you out there with similar experiences of Breaking down the closet Door, so why not
share them with others. Barbara Jean , my self, Gabby, Rachel, Amy and others would really like to
hear from you.
Thanks
Barbara Marie Davidson
Co Moderator, PTG Group
19
The Adventures of Judy Sometimes
Making a difference
by: Judy Danials
My wife had quite a story for me when she came home from work yesterday and I'd like to share it with
you, but I need to fill you in on a little background first.
Last night my wife had an after hours meeting with a coworker, both have worked for their present
employer for about two years, but their working relationship goes back to their Microsoft days. She and
"Sue" didn't work together often back in those days, but she says she has long admired my wife's people
and management skills and has since aspired to follow in her footsteps. After their meeting was over she
asked if she could ask my wife something personal, she said of course.
She said, this is kind of hard to bring up, but my questions are about your husband, she said OK, what
would you like to know. She then processed to ask all the usual questions and my wife answered them
all to the best of her ability. Then she said, you probably aren't aware of this, but several years ago I was
out with my parents and husband at Labbys before a Reba McEntire concert and I saw you and "Judy"
out with a group of friends, she said, yes, I remember the night. She said, she pointed us out to her
parents and said I work with that women (my wife) and she is absolutely fabulous and hope to get to
work on a team with her one day. Of course her father said, which one ? she than explained that I was
her husband and he said, that women sitting next to her is a guy ? she said yes. She said he was totally
freaked out and couldn't stop staring and said some rather derogatory things towards me. She then
explained that her dad is very old school and uses the "n" word all the time and talks very poorly about
any one that isn't white and of course hates those "gays".
As their night wore on she kept bragging us up and telling her dad how cool she thought we were for
living our lives so open and admiring me for being brave enough to be myself. She then went on and
said, up until that night I had never really been able to talk to my dad about matters like this, but you
guys seemed to have opened up that door and now her dad is doing his best to be more open minded
about things like this. She says she has a whole new relationship with him and is able to talk about stuff
he never would have before.
So, the moral of the story is, we can change minds by just being out there doing our thing...SO GET
OUT THERE AND BE SEEN !
Judy (you're not making a difference, unless you're doing something different) sometimes
20
The Exploits of Barbara Marie
WHO WAS ROBERT BURNS?
BY
BARBARA MARIE DAVIDSON
Why was the date, January 25th 1759, such an important date in history? This date not only affected
Scotland, England, Ireland, and Wales, but also the rest of the literary world. On that date just outside of
Ayr, Scotland, a young lad by the name of Robert was born to his parents, William Burns and Agnes
Brown, who made their living as farmers. At the early age of six he became quite proficient in reading
and writing, which was uncommon at that time. By the time young Robert was thirteen, he was attending
the parish school at Dalrymple, where he not only gained a considerable amount knowledge of the
English language, but also became somewhat proficient at French as well. Between schooling, Robert
learned the finer aspects of being a farmer and agriculture from his father, who later passed away
February 13th, 1784.
When Robert was about 15 years of age, He “first committed the sin of rhyme” as he had formed an affection for a young lady with whom he was working with in the fields. He wrote a song, which has apparently been lost or was inferior to his later works, epically those relating to his later “loves”. From the
age of seventeen to about twenty-four, he made real advances in his art of rhyme. When he began to
“write”, his early works were aimed at the “fair sex”. When His father died, he and his brother ran the
farm for a while. However he and Gilbert had problems with it. While on the farm, he became
enchanted with a young lady and they decided to run off to Jamaica to live. But, alas, that was not to
happen, which may have been a good thing for Robert. However, all this time, he had been writing a
number of short poems, etc and was encouraged to put them all together in a small booklet of which 350
copies were printed in 1786 in the town of Kilmarnock. They were so well received by the town folks
that he was encouraged several years later to publish a second “book” in Edinburgh, which he did. This
second printing lifted the young Robert into fame if not so much fortune. Needless to say, Robert was
on his way to becoming a well know poet and later would become the poet laureate of Scotland and
known for many of his works.
Many of his poems had a theme or referred to his “loves”. Also many of his line are quoted even to day
and a number of folks have no clue that he wrote them. One of his “songs’ that is sung at New Years is
“Should auld Acquaintance be forgot”. Other songs include “My Love is like a Red, Red Rose”, “Flow
Gentle Sweet Afton, as well as a number of other songs. Also a number of quotes used today come from
his poems. “To see ourselves as other see us” comes from his poem “To A Louse On Seeing One On A
Ladies Bonnet In Church”. Another one is “the best laid Plans of Mice and Men Often go astray” which
was from his Poem “To a Field Mouse” There are also a number of others. Robert was also known to
dabble in the field of politics as he was asked to appear before Parliament. His response to them was a
blistering poem that ridiculed the English, which were planning to suppress the Scots. “A Man is a Man
for All that” was his answer that all men, including the Scots were Equal”. Tam O Shanter, a tail was his
21
basic attempt at a Halloween poem. One of his best known is his “Ode to a Haggis” which is recited to
day at all Scottish functions that celebrate with the traditional Haggis, which is served to those present at
the function. It is recited from memory just before the Haggis is cut. These functions include St.
Andrews Society (the Patron St of Scotland), where Scots come together on the 30th of November to
celebrate St Andrews day or on January 25th to celebrate the birthday of Robert Burns. Robert Burns was
very prolific in his writings especially after he was established. However, his life was cut short as he
passed away on the 21st of July 1796 at the ripe old age of 38 years. He left a wife and 4 children.
The Haggis that is referred to is a Scottish dish or “sausage” made in Scotland with Oats, spices, onion
and “lytes” (general insides of a sheep) all mixed together and cooked in a sheep’s stomach. I have been
making Haggis since about 1984. However, because this is the US, substitutions must be made in the
making of the haggis. Thus I use about a pound to pound and a half each of the following meats – Beef,
pork, hot sausage, beef liver, beef heart and lamb – all boiled for about 1 hour and then put through a
meet grinder. Once it is ground, I mix it with 3 pounds of oatmeal 2 medium onions (chopped) and
spices. It is then placed in a knee hi stocking that has been boiled 2 or 3 times to get the color out. I wet
the mixture with some of the broth that I cooked the meat in. I place the uncooked Haggis back in the
broth, add water to cover and boil them for 3 hours. My receipe makes about 5 that are the size of a soft
ball and about 8 to 10 inches long. They are served warm with short bread and a wee “drop” of scotch
whiskey. A bag piper then pipes the haggis in and some one recited the “Ode to a Haggis” from memory
before the haggis is cut and served.
I am telling you all of this as I have attended many a Burns Night
dinners in the last 50 years and they are always the same format.
For about 40 years I piped in the Haggis as I played the pipes for 55
years. I still attend Burns Night dinners, but one is in my “bubba
Mode” as I am wearing my Bubba skirt (kilt). It is the St Andrews
Society, which is an all male (all testerone) group. The other one
that I have attended for the last four of eleven years (the Scottish
Society of South East Georgia, I have attended en femme as
Barbara. Prior to 2009, I attended Burns night in Statesboro in my
Bubba mode. Some folks know me as Barbara Davidson, the
haggis maker, now. I have since found out that one of the members
of St. Andrews and I use the same basic ingredients to make our
haggis, as does the Caledonia Kitchen located in Texas.
I hope that some of you enjoyed this wee bit of history. Just
remember your Scottish background does not have to come out of
a bottle. Neither does being Irish on St Patrick’s Day as on that day
every one is Irish. Until next time, I bid you fair winds and
following seas
Now that I have talked about Robert Burns, I shall now write on a subject that can be traced back to
1745. Kirk is Gaelic for church. Today, one will see or read about the “Kirking of the Tartan” which is
the presentation of the Tartans (family colors) at a church service to be blessed by the minister during the
service. Normally the service is held in October, but can be done during March, April, or May or any
other time that a church desires. It is normally done at a Presbyterian Church but can also be done at an
Episcopal Church, Catholic Church or any other denotation that desires to have one. The Tartans are
22
normally piped in by one or more Pipers, presented and blessed by the minister and then piped out the
church.
As mentioned, the history goes back to 1745 when Bonnie Prince Charlie returned from exile and
enlisted the help of the Scots to over throw George 11 of England. Following his defeat by the English,
The ACT of Proscription was put into place, which forbade a number of things that the Scots could not
do. The Disarming Act of 1746 enforced this act for the next 36 years. The wearing of the kilt or family
colors was prohibited along with the speaking of Gaelic, and music including the playing of the
bagpipes. During this time, the Scots would hide a piece of the family colors under their clothing and
during the church service the minister would bless the Tartan.
The Kirking of The Tartan as we know it today was first started in 1947 by Dr. Peter Marshall who was
the Chaplin of the US Senate during that time. He was also the Minister at the New York Avenue
Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C. Now the Tartans are openly presented in church and blessed
by the minister during the service. Peter Marshall started the Kirking in the US to instill a sense of pride
among the Scottish Americans for their Homeland. Today the Tradition ss carried out at the Washington
National Cathedral (Episcopal) .
During the month of March I attended two Kirkings. Both of them I attended this time, like last year, as
Barbara. At the first one, last year’s, several of the ladies were quite impressed in the fact that there was
a female member of the military post taking part in the celebration. . I was invited back again this year.
The ladies of the church were still quite impressed that there was a female taking part in the service. I
did not have the heart to tell them that I was a M2F trannsgendered/transexual person. I was invited back
for next year as well. The same occurred at the second one that I attended later in the month. Every one
thought that I was a female and I just left it that way.
Also in March in Savannah is the second largest St Patrick’s Day Parade in the US. It starts at 10 am
and finishes about 2 or 3 pm. On St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah every one is Irish. Also, during the
several weeks before there are a number of different ceremonies prior to the 17th of March.. There is the
Irish festival followed by Tara Feis, then the Jasper Green Ceremony on the day before the parade.
William Jasper (1750 – 1779) was a sergeant in the South Carolina second regiment during the
revolutionary war and was of Irish heritage. He distinguished himself during the battle of Fort Moultrie
in Charleston S.C. Later he was killed during the siege of Savannah, GA while leading his troops
against the British. The ceremony is dedicated in his memory to the men and women of the armed forces
of the US, especially those of Irish decent. I have participated in the parade as a member of the Scottish
American Military Color Guard on numerous times in the last 24 years, but only twice as Barbara.
So all ye lads (lassies), I hope that you had a safe, but enjoyable St Patrick’s Day celebration where ever
you were. I hope that you did not eat too much green grits, drink too much green beer, or over stuff
yourself with corned beef and cabbage. Remember, one has to watch that “girlish” figure we want or are
striving to have.
23
Tasi’s Musings, May, 2014
Greetings from Merida
It’s not often in the entertainment world that we have a positive view of
transgender people, let alone crossdressers, but Harvey Feirstein’s new
Broadway play, Casa Valentino, does just that. It explains crossdressing in a real
life setting, based on the book, Casa Susanna, and the real life stories of men that
crossdressed in the early 50 and 60s. It explores a curious footnote in
transgender history, setting the action in 1962 at a Catskill Mountains
cross-dressing resort where married men went to lose themselves in female
identities for the weekend.
The regulars were not glamazon drag queens or female impersonators, and
according to Fierstein's play, did not consider
themselves gay (or homosexual, to use the more
clinical tag of the era). While sexual desire clearly
played a role in the experience for some, for others
their gender migration was driven by biological
impulse at a time when both institutional
psychology and federal law offered no shield from
societal intolerance toward gay or transgender
behavior. You won’t want to miss this excerpt
from the play published by the NY Times.
I was so impressed with this play that I wanted to use it as a lead-in to comedy
here in Merida. Introducing you to Mel Blossom, the first English-speaking
stand-up comic in Merida. Sure we have comedy clubs, but unless you know
fluent Spanish and can understand the nuances of the language, it will be lost in
the translation. I had the fun of meeting Mel at her most recent show called “You
people”. Her humor about the life of a single woman in the Yucatan who speaks
little Spanish, is funny beyond belief. Here’s a excerpt from one of her past
engagements. Mel will be highlighting our Gala dinner at Magic in Merida next
February, just another reason to come.
In the News
Transgender Rights, How Visibility Matters. A picture is worth a
thousand words. Nearly fifteen years separate two GLAD cases
involving transgender girls and their schools. Jennifer levy and her
colleague, Ben Klein, represented the girls in both cases, and the
similarities and differences between them tell us something about how
the law and our society are evolving on transgender issues. This is
worth your time as it reflects how transgenders are being perceived in
the public eye today.
24
The Trans Manifesto. Will it make a difference in the UK. The manifesto consists of of three statements.
The first statement is ‘respect trans individuals as equal citizens with equal rights’. The second statement
is ‘empower trans individuals to be authorities on their own lives’. The third statement is ‘Develop
diverse, representative, realistic and positive portrayals of trans individuals’.
Initial reaction from MPs and peers we have sent the manifesto to has been positive and it’s been good to
be able to put trans issues positively onto the political table. The backers are hoping that this will be
actively picked up, and form a baseline for future progress. Click the link above for more details.
In Defense of Crossdressers. Lorelei Erisis is a transwoman columnist for
the Rainbow Times. Lorelei says, “An admission: crossdressers make me
wildly uncomfortable, a feeling I know I share with a good number of other
folks. Speaking as a politician and activist, the inclusion of crossdressers under
a trans umbrella can be politically inconvenient. They are the fly in the ointment
when it comes to arguments for public accommodations.
Frankly, I’m speaking pretty specifically here of male-bodied, male-identified
people who choose to present for varying and most often temporary periods of
time as female. That is the central thesis of this roundabout argument—that
exploration of self—because these lines are very rarely as clear as we’d like.
This is the gray.
So, what I ask is this: the next time you find yourself speaking out against our crossdressed cousins, take
a moment to consider what it is that truly bothers you, why you feel the need to separate your particular
segment of the umbrella away. Try looking inward. There are few things that are capable of making us
more uncomfortable than our own reflections, but any one of those folks who identify as a crossdresser
today might come out as one of our trans sisters tomorrow.”
This is not intended to support the idea that all crossdressers will transition, but some do. It is
noteworthy that at least one noted transwoman recognizes the grey area of our existence.
Woman Spends $99,000 To Look Like Blow-Up Sex Doll. The 38-year-old massage therapist from
Minneapolis says she has spent an estimated $99,000 trying to look as fake as possible. "I love to look
plastic -- most people hate me for my extreme appearance but it fuels
me to get more work done. Actually Katella Dash is seeking larger
breast implants from “F” to “M” without success so far due to health
implications. I almost put this story under Humor, but there are some
serious sides to it. See the real life Katella here and here about here
quest for “really big boobs”
25
Men That Want To Be Women. Transgender people in Mexico say that
the process to change their identity legally is too expensive and
complicated. They want to be a woman legally, but this has proven
difficult for them, mainly because the process to change their identity is
complicated and expensive. They think the requirement of medical and
sex evaluations should be eliminated. Having myself been exposed to the
Mexican legal system, you really can’t even imagine how difficult this is.
I suspect many years will pass before significant progress is made unless
you can find a lawyer willing to press the issues. Be thankful that the U.S.
and the U.K are leading the charge for gender recognition changes.
Trans History. Victoria hosts first conference on archiving trans history. Scholars from colleges,
universities and community organizations across North America and all over the world converged on
Vancouver Island March 21 to 23 to attend the first-ever conference on accessing and archiving trans
history.
Conference organizer Dr Aaron Devor said that, in
addition to finding material, one of the key challenges
of building archives like this has to do with scope.
“What do we include? Where are the limits of this
community? Who counts as transgender for the
purposes of transgender archives? We’re trying to be
as broad in that understanding as we can be,” he said.
“There were, and will be, records of people who
wouldn’t necessarily call themselves transgender, but
we include them in the gender-variant community.”
Davis went on to say that to distinguish between crossdressing and possible transgender identity, she
looks for things like the fit of the clothes and the setting, attention to grooming and instances of the same
person appearing in different outfits on different occasions, indicating their clothing choices might have
more to do with gender identity than with theatricality or entertainment. Her favourite photo is one she
believes depicts a person with a trans identity. The subject is wearing a well-fitted black dress and long
necklace, and the hair is pulled neatly back. It was taken in a professional setting, with the person resting
an arm demurely on a tall stool with a bouquet of flowers set on the floor. Tasi says, I suspect Professor
Davis is in his own time warp too .
Books, Movies, and Television
Gender Failure. Attempting to learn about issues that
affect transgender people can be daunting for a
cisgender person Ivan E Coyote and Rae Spoon’s new
book, Gender Failure, is the sort of beginner’s guide to
trans issues that is needed. Based on Coyote and
Spoon’s (both artists identify as transgender and use the
gender-neutral pronoun “they”) live multimedia show
of the same name, Gender Failure is a series of stories
and reflections interspersed with song lyrics,
illustrations and photos. There’s no easy way for
26
non-trans people to underdtand our world but this book is highly readable.
Here’s an excerpt from the book on one of our favorite subjects, How I learned to Hold My Pee.
Want to read stories with a Transgender theme. Try this source, TG Story Time
Fashion and Beauty
I n Their Own Terms. The Growing Transgender Presence in Pop Culture. The
first time Rhys Ernst saw Zackary Drucker was in 2005 at a bar in the East
Village. The story goes on to talk about the many transgender artists like Janet
Mock, Laverne Cox, Valentijn de Hingh and others.
Hems for Her Guide to Personal Style and Plus-Size Shopping is a “Must” for
many of us. From Understanding Your Body Shape to Indetifying Your personal
Style to some excellent shopping advise and how to gain confidence, Hems for
Her takes us through the process of knowing how and what to shop for. Her list
of stores are mostly included in the Sister House Boutique. Here’s an example of
her advise for an oval shaped body (that’s me)
27
Top 5 Ways to Hide 5 Extra Pounds
No, Not from Lucille Sorella but from Cynthia Nellis at About.com
Why choose liposuction when you can hide a few extra pounds with easy fashion tricks? You can still
wear the latest trends and look great. Just follow our easy, flattering tips.
1. Body Slip (and do I love slips)
A must under today's body-conscious looks, a body slip offers loads of smoothing. Choose a style -from half-slips (great for pencil skirts) to full-body slips (perfect for fitted dresses) -- that works with
your outfit.
2. Soft layers
Keep your layering pieces lightweight whether you choose two tank tops, an open blouse over a tank top
or other combo.
3. Stilettos
High heels with pants give you amazing length and sleekness in your legs. Sandals and pumps with 2 1/2
to more than 3 inch heels will do the trick.
4. Pantsuit
Dressing in all one color is a sure-fire flatterer. Choose longer jackets to hide larger bottoms; add a sexier cami or blouse to soften the look and draw attention to the face.
5. Oversized handbag
Sounds too good to be true, but proportion can play tricks on the eye. Choose a shape that flatters
(square shapes complement a rounder figure) and a strap length that doesn't land in a problem area (don't
let the bottom of the purse rest on full hips).
Humor
Sex ID: Find Out How Your brain Works. Some researchers say that men can have 'women's brains' and
that women can think more like men. Find out more about 'brain sex' differences by taking the Sex ID
test, a series of visual challenges and questions used by psychologists in the BBC One television series
Secrets of the Sexes:
Special
I love classical music so when I saw this humorous piece
Encore Surprise! Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, I had to share it. Enjoy.
So until next month
Hugs……Tasi
28
Humor
Guts and Balls
Is there is a medical distinction between Guts and Balls?
We've all heard of people having Guts or having Balls. But do
you
Really know the difference between them?
In an effort to keep you informed, here are the definitions:
GUTS - Is arriving home late after a night out with the guys,
being Met by your wife with a broom, and having the Guts to
ask: Are you Still cleaning, or are you flying somewhere?
BALLS - Is coming home late after a night out with the guys,
smelling Of perfume and beer, lipstick on your collar,
slapping your wife on The butt and having the Balls to say:
'You're next, Chubby.'
I hope this clears up any confusion on the definitions.
Medically, speaking there is NO difference in the outcome.
Both are fatal
29
Angels In The Centerfold
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Kandy
Clip
Rachel
Trixie Deans
32
Mellissalynn’s Tips & Tricks
It’s May already?! Can that even be possible? This year is just flying by! I mean, we’re in the fifth
month already; the year is like almost half over. We’re now in the month that starts with the world’s
most famous horse race and ends with the world’s most famous auto race. It seems like just yesterday
we were talking about how much we hate the snow and now we’re getting ourselves prettied up and
ready to go out to beaches and barbecues.
My life has been pretty busy of late. I’ve been back at the
cosmetology school for almost two months now, learning to
be a teacher. I’m discovering that this really was a great
decision for myself! I’m enjoying being back at the school,
and the thrills of teaching a class, seeing them understand the
concepts I’m putting out, are just incredible. One of the
students paid me a great compliment recently. She’d been
struggling to get to school, due in large part to a lack of
motivation. She told me that, since I’ve come back to the
school, she’s fat more motivated to attend, and to try to pass,
and that I was the reason. She told me that I make the classes
more fun, and that I have a knack for helping the students to
understand the concepts. I’ve never felt as good about myself
in my life as when I heard this!
I’m also in a salon! In fact, I’ve had my chair there for about
a month now. I’m still struggling to get clients in, but that’s a
work in progress. Attending the school gives me the ability
to get clients without having to worry about my income quite
so much. Next month I’ll put a picture of my station in for
you all.
So what about all of you? How was your March? Did you
survive the last little bits of winter? Are you ready to enjoy
some warm weather? If so, I’d love to hear about it! I also
want to hear any tips and tricks you might have to share, or
comments you have to make. You all know the address by
now; I’ve been putting it in the magazine for over six years!
But just in case you’ve missed it, here it is again:
[email protected].
And now, I present to you all, this month’s tips and tricks!
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Let’s start this column off with a nifty little trick using your toothbrush. I found some information recently on great ways to incorporate a toothbrush into your beauty routines. Many of them we already
know, but this idea struck me as being really neat.
33
If you ever swipe your mascara wand over your lashes and apply more formula than you were hoping
for, fix it with this trick. Pick up a new toothbrush; as it's going near your eye, you don't want to use an
old toothbrush which could lead to irritation or infection. It doesn’t need to be an expensive one, as
you’ll likely be using it as a disposable tool anyway. Run the brush through your lashes from root to tip.
The bristles will grab the excess mascara for fanned-out, gorgeous lashes.
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While I’m visiting the toothbrush, here’s an oldie but goodie use for one. We’re going to use the
toothbrush to help with frizzy, flyaway hairs. Take an old, clean toothbrush and spray some hairspray on
it. I prefer firm hold, but the choice is up to you. Using a light touch, gently glide the brush over the
strands that want to stray. The hairspray will be enough to hold the strands in place.
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This is a nifty little trick that pro makeup artists use to create youthful looking eyes. If you remember,
last month I shared the method for creating the lioness liner. This is a small part of that trick. When you
do your liner, taper it upward at the outer corners. The upward taper creates an illusion that looks like
your lids are lifted. You should try this trick with a pencil; liquid liner is a little too unforgiving.
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Did you know that a fuller eyebrow makes your face look slimmer? It’s true! Remember the adage that
your brows are the frame of your face. Thinner brows create space that will cause your face to look
more round. For many of us, this isn’t really a problem, but for those of us (including myself) who do
have brow sculpting done, there’s always the concern of going too thin.
If this happens, or if you just want to make your brows appear a bit thicker, This is what you can do.
Use a brow powder, available at any drugstore, or even an eyeshadow (sparingly!). work at the start of
the brow (nearest the nose), and at the arch. The tapered (outside) end of the brow should be thinner.
This will add some thickness and definition to your brows, and thereby slim your face overall.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Here’s an interesting little makeup factoid: the average American woman keeps the same makeup style
for eleven years! I can’t imagine that; I like playing with it too much to do my face the same way every
time. But I guess I can understand it; many women, especially those who have to wear makeup every
day, would want to be able to apply and run as fast as possible.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
I don’t talk as much as I should about sunscreen in these columns. As I’ve stated previously, the single
biggest aging factor to our skin (and therefore our beauty) is the big blazing ball of gas in the sky. So
let’s talk for just a moment about sunscreen.
We all know that sunscreen provides protection from the harmful parts of the sun’s rays. I’ve discussed
what the values of SPF mean and how best to use sunscreen. This little tidbit of information is regarding
the expiration of sunscreen and when you should throw it away. While your sunscreen has an expiration
34
date, generally you can use it well after that period has passed. The expiration date is the date that the
sunscreen is guaranteed to be safe and effective for.
When should you chuck the tube, or bottle? Well, if it starts getting smelly, that’s bad. Also, when the
lotion starts separating, it’s a good sign that you need some more.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
If you want fuller lips, but don’t want to use a plumper, here’s a little illusion to give you that look.
Take a little touch of shimmery powder and work it across your lips after applying your lipstick. The
shimmer powder contains mica, which will work its way into your lipstick and add lip-plumping
shimmer and light.
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One thing I’m really getting into at the salon is setting up my manicure area. I’ve observed that there is
a LOT of money to be made doing nails, and I want some of that! Anyway, due to this burgeoning
interest, I’ve been looking at nail books and nail art books and all sorts of other information.
Here’s an example of some of the fun designs I’ve found. This is a design called “The Single Red
Rose”. When you do your nail with this design, your nails will appear longer. Start by (after, of course,
applying a base coat) layering two coats o a shimmery rose polish on all of your nails and let completely
dry. Choose four nails to be accent pieces, then carefully draw on the stems of the roses. This can be
done with green polish, but it may be easier to do with a nail art pen. After letting the green dry, take a
red polish or nail art pen and create an oval bud shape at the top of each stem. Using a pink polish or
pen, detail the bud with slightly swirly petal lines. Let this dry as well, then finish all of the nails with
top coat.
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This is a neat little DIY recipe for homemade bath salts. This formulation is designed to help soothe
your muscles and release tension, as well as having your spirits lifted by the rosy scent. Additionally,
the rosewater will help rejuvenate and tone your skin.
Here are the ingredients: four cups of Epsom or sea salt, and a quarter-cup of dried, crushed rose petals.
Mix these two ingredients together until they appear fully blended. Store them in a re-sealable container.
When you’re ready to use the mixture, add a few scoops to a warm bath. Soak in the bath for a good 1020 minutes.
As always, when making a DIY mixture, ensure that you aren’t allergic to any of the ingredients. The
mixture will last indefinitely. Enjoy it!
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
One of the best ways to give your skin a golden tint without spending money on tanning is simply to eat
carrots, tomatoes, and other orange and red produce. The pigments that give these produce items their
color will add that color to you as well.
35
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Well, ladies, we’re starting to approach the warmer
weather we were thinking would never arrive. It’s time
to start shifting from heavier winter cosmetics to the
lighter items used for summertime. Cream foundation
can begin giving way to lighter, tinted moisturizers, for
example. One thing that will really help your skin in
this transition is to give yourself a steam facial. To do
this, fill a basin with hot green tea (a great antioxidant!), and hold your face above this. Drape a towel
over your head and relax for about five minutes. The
steamy tea will help to release any impurities in your
pores and revitalize your skin. You’ll come away with
a great, healthy glow, too! Pat your skin dry when
finished.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
A quick tip to wake your eyes up: apply a white liner to
the inner rim of your lower lid. This can cover redness,
will make you look more alert, and gives your eyes
some sparkle.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
This tip can be used in either glamorous girl mode or boring boy mode. You’ve just realized that you’re
out of hair conditioner, and you have o time to get some more. Try this trick: pour a quarter-cup of
liquid fabric softener and three cups of water into a reclosable squeeze bottle. After shampooing, use
this mixture on your hair, avoiding your eyes. Give it a few moments to sit on your hair, then rinse with
cool water (this helps shrink the pores in the hair shaft). Your hair will feel soft and has a nice, clean
scent as well.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
As we age, our lashes start to thin out. If you want to have fuller-looking ones, try this trick: blink into
the mascara wand as you apply. This will deposit more onto the lashes. Additionally, to create the
illusion of larger eyes, add just a touch extra to your center lashes.
Also, remember to do a coat on one eye, then rotate to the other. Do this for each coat you apply. This
allows for drying time between coats and can help prevent clumping.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
A reader named Kelly wrote to me recently asking how to apply lotion. Well, Kelly, congratulations,
you made the column! In answer to your question, the first thing to remember is that you want to do this
on skin that’s still damp. Drying off completely and then applying moisture is a bit like turning a hose
36
on a fire that’s already burned out. The goal is to lock the moisture from your shower into the skin. You
have roughly a three-minute window of opportunity to do this in, so move quickly! Another thing that
helps is to moisturize with the bathroom door closed right after showering. The humectants in the cream
(humectants attract water) will draw in the moisture form the air and lock it into your skin.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
What is the single biggest cause of a manicure that’s been ruined and needs retouching? That’s right,
your car keys! Like any other paint, nail polishes need time to dry completely. Let’s assume that you
get a simple manicure with a single color. By my estimates, that’s still a coat of base, two coats of the
color, and a top coat. Those layers all need time to dry! If you have the time, try to wait a good 25-45
minutes after your last coat is on before doing anything that might cause it to get ruined. For further
maintenance, apply another top coat layer at least twice a week.
There it is, you tips and tricks for the month of
May. I have to run now, to enjoy the weather and
the outdoors! It’s just too nice to be cooped up
inside. It’s time to put on a maxi-dress and go do
some shopping!
Before I run off, I want to say something to you
all. Barbara is again conducting a poll to see
what you all like about the magazine. I’m
gratified and heartened to see that, as of the last
time I looked, that my column is the highest-rated
part of the magazine! I had recently, with
everything else going on in my life, considered
taking a short sabbatical from writing this
column. Your responses have shown me that this
would be a mistake, for all of you and for me.
So! As you’ve all spoken and persuaded me to
stay, I’m asking you all: what would you like to
see more or less of in my column? Would you
like me to go longer? Am I going too long? Are
there specific topics you would like to know more
about? Please, tell me! I said this at the
beginning of the column, and here it is again: my
address is [email protected]. Feel
free to write me at any time, I’ll always answer.
Until June and the beginning of summer!
37
How to Wear a Full Skirt
By Cynthia Nellis
Do Wear a Full Skirt That's the Perfect
Length
Michelle Obama is a huge fan of the full-skirted
silhouette, and she wears it in everything from
dresses (like the green print dress, pictured) to
separates. The First Lady favors a very
flattering length for her height -- just below the
knee -- and it looks fantastic on her. Fuller
skirts look best when worn with a hem that ends at a slimmer part of your let
(right above or below the knee.)
Don't Wear a Full Skirt Too Long
Designer Rachel Roy's pleated full skirt is too long for her
slim figure so it overwhelms her (it doesn't help that she is
wearing it in a contrasting bright either.) A better option
would be to wear the full skirt in a figure-flattering length
like right below the knee instead of frumpy mid-calf.
Do Choose a Sophisticated Take on the Full Skirt
Petite frames, like Sarah Jessica Parker, can pull of the full
skirt silhouette. But it works best in sophisticated styles
like this soft goddess-look dress. Avoid anything too short
or little girly (especially over 40) on smaller women or
you'll ridiculous.
38
Don't Wear Ruffled Full Skirts
Short, ruffled, full skirts are entirely too little girlish for
women. Teens and little girls? They look cute in a ruffled
full skirt. Kim Kardashian? Not so much.
Do Wear a Full Skirt if You are Curvy
Curvy Miranda Lambert looks cute in her full-skirted
dress (although the dress could be about an inch
longer and look better.) The fit-n-flare silhouette of
the full-skirted dress creates a super sexy hourglass
shape.
Don't Wear a Tutu
Even if you are young a trendy, like Whitney Port, the tutu is
still too little girlish to pull off in a full skirt.
39
Do Wear a Puff Skirt
While tutus and ruffled full skirts are too little girly, the
puff full skirt is retro '80s (in a good way!) Blake Lively
rocks the full puff skirt and shows why it's a style worth
bringing back.
Don't Wear Frumpy Florals
The last thing you want to do (especially after 35) is
make the full skirt look frumpy by adding oldfashioned elements like dated-looking florals (like
Ashley Judd is wearing) or seen-their-better-days
elements like a ruffled hem.
Do Keep it Ladylike After 40
After 40, the best full skirts have a ladylike quality like
Kristin Davis' look. Her bare legs and fun print give the fit
-n-flare silhouette a fun, casual-elegant vibe.
40
A Dress For Every Purpose
Tasi Zuriack
|
As summer rolls around, our thoughts trend towards all those lovely lightweight dresses that
allow us to be more comfortable and show a little skin. But when you are over 40, as many of
us are, we need to be a little choosy so the dress is also flattering to our figure. Now granted,
we can manipulate that figure somewhat and we rarely need to worry about holding “the girls”
up, but then we have a few other challenges, most centering around trying to create that girly
figure with a body that just doesn’t match the mannequin in the dress shop.
So thanks to the ladies at Fabulous After Forty, here are a few ideas to help you look slimmer,
taller, and stylish at the same time. I’ve always thought that summer dresses for women over
40 are a great wardrobe staple because they’re easy, comfortable and practical for a casual
midlife lifestyle
Solid Colors are Slimming
Did you know that a solid color head to toe like this is always
more slimming than a few colors mixed together? This Jessica
Simpson belted Blouson dress (from Macys) in this pretty shade
of orange is a perfect example
This is the perfect day dress because you can take it from
daytime to evening wear with just a change in accessories. Be
sure to accent the dress with some big chunky jewelry as shown
here because that is what is really going to make this dress pop.
You’ll be sure to get a lot of wear out of it.
Circle Skirts Give Flair
This dress is designed for the gal with a pear-shaped figure. That’s
not us, but it works equally well in hiding a little too much tummy
and giving us that that lovely swishy look. And with the hem just at
or above the knees, it shows off our really great legs too. You’ll
need light-colored shoes (no ankle straps) to extend the look of
those long legs.
41
Another really nice thing about this dress is the use of soft, muted colors in the tropical print.
This dress gives you that Caribbean vacation feel you want without having to wear bright
parrot colors which can often look and feel too loud
Empire Waistlines Tame Tummies
If you have low belly fat (beer belly) that never seems to go
away, a great way to get the attention off that spot is to take a
look at summer dresses for women that have empire waists. This
Short Sleeve Printed Empire with its flattering wrap style neckline
visually raises your waist up, and in doing so moves the attention
to your upper half. The skirt part gently flows over a jelly belly.
Great trick!
Color Blocking Magically Erases
Dark colors recede and make you look slimmer. That’s the reason
so many women love black. But heck, you can’t be wearing black
all the time, so here’s another great trick. Choose a dress like
this DKNY colorblock dress that strategically uses black to knock
off a few inches.
Black panels placed at the sides slims your figure by ” blacking”
part of it out. No wonder color blocked dresses are one of the
most popular summer dresses out there for plus size women.
Simplicity is Slimming
A solid color + a simple tank top style make this Elemntz ruffle
dress a winner. You’ll look long and lean but anything but boring
because of the interesting texture that makes this dress feminine
and gives it real personality.
42
Maxi Dresses Make the Difference
Some curvy types prefer more modest summer dresses for women.
If you are a gal who feels more comfortable not exposing your legs
then a maxi dress is for you. This is one of many beautiful summer
halter dresses for women that work well. You still get to show a bit
of skin up top which is youthful but you don’t have to worry
about feeling self-conscious about your legs. Now this is not usually
a problem for crossdressers but I’m seeing more and more women in
maxis because of the long silhouette that it creates, and you can
wear it with sandals or kitten heels for walking comfort.
Shirtdresses Balance Your Figure
Shirtdresses became popular in the ’50s when they were an offshoot of men’s shirts. These dresses are comfortable and
forgiving of figure flaws and flattering for all body types. You can
best define your waist using a belt. They can be worn with a
crinoline to give fullness to the shirt and balancing our wide
shoulders. Isn’t this a pretty, fresh look for summer?
Floral Dresses are a Lady’s Choice
If you don’t already have a floral dress for warm weather,
you need to go get one.
A floral frock with a big, bold print in contrasting colors was
the “it” dress this spring. Hot pink summer dresses like
this pink blossom floral sundress are feminine and pretty,
but not wimpy. A very ladylike choice
43
Punch it Up with Polka Dots
This Ralph Lauren Cap sleeve polka dot dress proves that you
can wear a pattern in a plus size and it works for you. Best to
keep the background darker than the dot and the size of the dot
reasonable to your frame. A very tiny dot is going to exaggerate
your figure in comparison, which is exactly what you don’t want
to do. Love the Monaco blue color which is so in this summer.
Now I admit to loving polka dots, but being a winter/cool color,
the jewel tones work best for me. I can wear black, blue, purple,
and reds, but not oranges and yellows. And having silvery grey
hair (that’s my natural color too), any accessory in the silver
family helps me achieve a striking look. And as much as I adore
prints, particularly black and white, this dress shown here helps
me be the Princess that I am (or maybe I should say Queen).
There is a perfect dress for you, and some of you only own one,
but dresses are fun. They’re comfortable, and oh so very
feminine. What better way to treat yourself than with a dress.
Now least I remind you, there are other certain unspoken
advantages to being a man in a dress
44
Are You Too Old to Crossdress or Transition as a Woman?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lucille Sorella is a GG (genetic girl) who
teaches crossdressers, transsexuals, and transgender females how to look,
act, and feel like real women. Her goal is to help T-women express their inner and outer femininity and increase their confidence as women. She has a
professional background in fashion, beauty, dance, and natural healing and
has been working with the
transgender community for the past 12 years. Her website is loaded with
useful information and is located at
http://www.flat2fem.com/index1.html .
Wvery now and then, somebody will ask me: “Am I too old to crossdress?” or “Am I too old
to transition as a woman?” The simple answer is NO.
Whether you are 33 or 73, and whether
your goal is to be a part time crossdresser
or live as a woman full time, it’s NEVER too
late to be your true femme self. You’re still
alive, so why not make the most of the
precious moments you have left on this
earth?
I’m not saying you should act on every
frivolous whim that crosses your mind. And
obviously, things like hormones or surgery
need to be discussed with your doctor. But I
believe the true desires or your heart are
meant to be expressed – no matter how
long they’ve been buried.
In fact, embracing your femme side can give you a whole new lease on life. I see it all the time:
People seem to grow years younger when they make the decision to be themselves fully. And
if you don’t think you’re worth it, consider doing it for others. Having the courage to express
your true self inspires others to do the same. The world needs more of this!
I’ll say it again: You are NEVER too old to be your true femme self.
So go for it, girlfriend: Buy the shoes, schedule the makeover, contact the gender therapist – or
do whatever it is that you’ve been holding back on. You deserve it!
Now I’d like to hear from YOU on this topic! How old were you when you decided to go for
it and be your fab femme self? (Or are you still waiting?)
(Note from Mellissalynn: you can comment on this article here: http://feminizationsecrets.com/
too-old-crossdress-transition/ )
45
My #1 Femininity Tip for Crossdressers and
MTF Transgender Women
What’s the secret to creating a convincing feminine image?
Clothes, shoes, hair, and makeup are important, but my #1 femininity tip has nothing to do with ANY of
these.
I’ll give you one clue …
It’s something you should be doing ALL the time (even if you are in guy mode).
Curious?
My #1 femininity tip for crossdressers and MTF transgender women is to STUDY OTHER WOMEN.
Your best femininity teachers are the women around you. You should constantly observe women when
you are out in public – as well as when you watch TV or movies.
The more you study women, the more you’ll pick up on the subtle things that make somebody feminine
and attractive.
Pay extra close attention when a woman catches your eye in a positive way. (Without creeping her out,
of course!) Try to pinpoint what it is that makes her so appealing.
46
Specifically notice:
 What she’s wearing. (A dress, pants, flats, heels, etc.)
 What her style is. (Classic, trendy, girly, etc.)
 How much makeup she’s wearing. (Is she wearing lipstick? How heavy is her eye makeup?)
 Her body language. (Does she cross her legs or place her hands on her hips? How’s her posture?)
 How she moves her body. (Are her movements soft and subtle or big and bold?)
How she interacts with others. (Is she bubbly and outgoing or quiet and mysterious?)
Aside from picking up femininity cues that you can incorporate into your own behavior, use this as a
guideline for how women in your area present themselves.
Remember, if you want to “blend in” with the women around you, your clothes, hair, and makeup should
be a similar style.
I also suggest paying attention to women who attract your attention in a BAD way. Notice what turns
you off so you can avoid this in your own behavior and appearance.
(Who knows? Maybe some of these women will later look to you as an example of ladylike beauty!)
Now I’d love to hear YOUR thoughts on this topic. What have you learned from observing other
women?
Love,
Lucille
47
How to Stay Cool in Sweltering Summer Heat
By Elizabeth Graves
Whether you’re off to a wedding or a walk in the park, here’s how to look and feel
your best when the heat is on.
Pretty Cool
The grass is always greener on the other side, and that’s especially true when it comes to
seasons. During the winter, all you want is a warm summer day. But when the August heat
hits, you remember how hard it is to look your best as your makeup slides south, your hair
goes north, and your skin becomes a sticky oil slick. Real Simple consulted a team of health
and beauty experts and busy women who live in the warmest climates for ideas on how to
beat the heat and look good while doing so. After all, it’s summertime—and right now the
grass really is greener.
How the Heat Affects You
“People in Chicago and New York suffer more in heat
waves than people in Georgia do, because they aren’t
used to the heat,” says Charlotte Grayson Mathis, M.D., an
internist and a former senior medical editor of WebMD.
Southerners also know what to do when the thermostat
spikes: They stay indoors or in the shade during the hottest hours of the day, wear loose clothing and little
makeup, and drink plenty of fluids.
Your body temperatures rises when outdoor temperatures
go up, explains Mathis. To maintain a normal, comfortable
temperature, your body needs to release heat through its
pores. A little perspiration is good. Excessive sweating,
however, can cause dehydration, which dominoes into a
sour mood, irritability, and sluggishness. (In extreme circumstances, it can even make a
person delusional.) That’s why it’s important to keep your body temperature down before you
go outside. Not only will it help you look cool but you’ll also feel more comfortable once you’re
out and about.
One trick to try: Place skin-care supplies in the refrigerator before hopping in the shower,
suggests Joanna Schlip, a Los Angeles makeup artist. That way, after you’re dry, you can
smooth on the cool products to refresh your skin. Or take it a step further: “One trick I learned
is to put the metal jewelry I’m going to wear—my bracelet, necklace, and earrings—in the
freezer before going to a fancy event,” says Lara Koslow, a real estate executive in Los
Angeles. “The jewelry holds the chill for a while and keeps your skin cool.”
48
How to Stay Cool in Sweltering Summer Heat
By Elizabeth Graves
Whether you’re off to a wedding or a walk in the park, here’s how to look and feel
your best when the heat is on.
Pretty Cool
The grass is always greener on the other side, and that’s
especially true when it comes to seasons. During the
winter, all you want is a warm summer day. But when the
August heat hits, you remember how hard it is to look
your best as your makeup slides south, your hair goes
north, and your skin becomes a sticky oil slick. Real Simple
consulted a team of health and beauty experts and busy
women who live in the warmest climates for ideas on how
to beat the heat and look good while doing so. After all,
it’s summertime—and right now the grass really is
greener.
How the Heat Affects You
“People in Chicago and New York suffer more in heat
waves than people in Georgia do, because they aren’t used to the heat,” says Charlotte Grayson Mathis, M.D., an internist and a former senior medical editor of WebMD. Southerners also
know what to do when the thermostat spikes: They stay indoors or in the shade during the
hottest hours of the day, wear loose clothing and little makeup, and drink plenty of fluids.
Your body temperatures rises when outdoor temperatures go up, explains Mathis. To maintain
a normal, comfortable temperature, your body needs to release heat through its pores. A little
perspiration is good. Excessive sweating, however, can cause dehydration, which dominoes
into a sour mood, irritability, and sluggishness. (In extreme circumstances, it can even make a
person delusional.) That’s why it’s important to keep your
body temperature down before you go outside. Not only will
it help you look cool but you’ll also feel more comfortable
once you’re out and about.
One trick to try: Place skin-care supplies in the refrigerator
before hopping in the shower, suggests Joanna Schlip, a
Los Angeles makeup artist. That way, after you’re dry, you
can smooth on the cool products to refresh your skin. Or
take it a step further: “One trick I learned is to put the metal
jewelry I’m going to wear—my bracelet, necklace, and
earrings—in the freezer before going to a fancy event,” says
Lara Koslow, a real estate executive in Los Angeles. “The
jewelry holds the chill for a while and keeps your skin cool.”
49
Stay Cool Tip 1: Do Your Hair
First
Take a cool shower, rinse with cold water, and tackle your
hair. “I always sweat when I blow-dry my hair in the
summer,” says Elizabeth Schatz, a writer in New Orleans.
“So I do my hair, take a minute to cool off, then do my
makeup.” Try this strategy:
If the bathroom is steamy from the shower, blowdry your hair in another room. Then blast the back of your
neck and body with the dryer’s cold setting to cool off. Or,
better yet, just let your hair air-dry.
Go light on hair products, suggests Carsten, stylist and
owner of the Carsten Salons, in Arizona and New York
City. “The heat always works against you. So there’s no
point in using flat irons or rollers,” he says. Wear your hair naturally: If you have curly hair,
use a light styling product, such as Aveda Be Curly Curl Enhancing Lotion ($22; aveda.com), to
smooth down humidity-induced frizz. And if your roots tend to get greasy quickly, even after
you’ve washed your hair, spray them with dry shampoo before drying, suggests River Lloyd, a
hairstylist for the John Frieda Salon, in New York City. It freshens your roots and gives your
hair hold. (RS pick: Klorane Dry Shampoo, $18; drugstore.com.) To keep straight hair smooth,
use a dab of styling cream (one to try: Bumble and Bumble Grooming Crème, $28;
bumbleandbumble.com).
Get your hair off your neck. Otherwise, you might as well wear a wool scarf to that picnic.
Twist longer lengths into an updo. Shorter hair should be trimmed during the summer so that
ends don’t fall below the hairline.
Do it after dark: Since even one blast of a blow dryer can leave you hot, consider washing
and drying your hair at night, when it’s cooler outside.
Stay Cool Tip 2: Use the Lightest
Skin-Care Products
The trick to keeping your skin dry and free of shine is to put
as little on it as possible.
Refresh your skin with a toner (or glycolic pads).
Toners remove dirt and oil from the face, in addition to cooling
it. But if you suffer from breakouts, wipe your skin with
glycolic acid pads, which clean the skin and deep-clean pores,
says Bruce Katz, a New York City dermatologist. (RS pick: AHA
Glycolic Acid Pads 10%, $40; dermstore.com.) “In the
summer, you need to have clean pores,” he says. “Blocked
50
pores lead to breakouts when you sweat.”
If you live in a wet or humid environment, abandon moisturizer altogether—or use it
only around the eyes, where it’s usually most needed, suggests Patricia Farris, a dermatologist
in Metairie, Louisiana. Use an eye gel, which is the lightest form of moisturizer. (RS pick: Fresh
Lotus Eye Gel, $48; fresh.com, which contains cucumber extract to cool skin and relieve
puffiness.)
If you live in a drier climate (or have dry skin), moisturizer may be needed. To find
one that won’t kick-start the sweating process, avoid emollients, such as lanolin, which
obstruct the pores. Heavy moisturizers act like a sweater on your face, explains Katz: “Skin
needs to breathe in order to regulate body temperature.” So look for a noncomedogenic
moisturizer (one that won’t clog pores) that contains a humectant, such as hyaluronic acid or
glycerin, which will attract moisture from the air to the skin. And use it only where necessary.
(RS picks: Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray, $22, clinique.com; and Estée Lauder Clear
Difference Advanced Oil-Control Hydrator for Oily Skin, $36, macys.com.)
Stay Cool Tip 3: Adopt a HeatResistant Makeup Routine
Under a blazing sun, a full face of makeup is like an ice
cream cone: It quickly turns into a runny mess. Follow
these suggestions and your makeup won’t slip or slide.
Spot-apply concealer instead of foundation to cover
a blotch or blemish, says Schlip.
Use powder. Dusts on bronzer like Physicians Formula
Solar Powder Bronzer SPF 20 ($13; ulta.com) to soak up
oil and provide subtle color.
Go easy on color cosmetics. Heat makes blood rise to
your cheeks, so you don’t need to add much color to your
skin, says Taylor Babaian, a makeup artist for the Cloutier Remix, in Los Angeles. If you want a
hint of color, use a stain, tint, or liquid blush that won’t run or smear. (RS pick: Benefit
Cosmetics Liquid Benetint, $30; ulta.com.) Coat lips with a light balm or gloss.
Skip the eye shadow, because it often creases or runs in the heat. Use a kohl liner to
accent your eyes, suggests Rebecca Restrepo, a makeup artist for the Wall Group, in New York
City, who uses Guerlain Loose Powder Kohl ($37; nordstrom.com). “Women in India have used
kohl liners for centuries,” says Restrepo. “Kohl really stands up in the heat.” Finish your eyes
with water-resistant mascara. (RS pick: Maybelline Lash Discovery Waterproof Mascara, $9 at
drugstores.)
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Stay Cool Tip 4: Dress in Breathable Clothing
It’s hard to get dressed up when the weather report is calling for a meltdown. But with a little planning, you can wear
something comfortable and beautiful.
Dresses and skirts are cooler than pants, since they
allow air to circulate to your skin and heat to waft away.
Choose clothing in light colors, which reflects sunlight.
Wear natural, breathable cotton, which wicks sweat
away from the body. Avoid synthetic fabrics, which often
constrict airflow and hold heat close to the skin.
Skip hosiery if you can. That may not be possible in a corporate setting, but at businesscasual or more creative offices, bare legs should be acceptable in the summer.
If you worry about wet marks on your clothes, wear patterns rather than solids.
Wear strappy or open-toe sandals that allow your feet to breathe.
Stay Cool Tip 5: Keep Your Body
Fresh and Dry
Once you start sweating, it’s often hard to stop. To halt the
cycle, use a strong clear antiperspirant to avoid sweat
marks or chalky white residue on your clothes. (RS pick:
Secret Flawless Clear Antiperspirant & Deodorant Crystal
Clear Gel, $6; drugstore.com.) Also run deodorant along
the bottoms of your feet to prevent stickiness and blisters.
If you sweat easily, try a stronger salve, such as Certain
Dri (about $6 at drugstores), an over-the-counter prescription-strength roll-on that’s formulated to treat excessive
underarm sweating.
Protect your skin with sunscreen, such as Kinesys Performance Sunscreen Spray ($19; kinesys.com). This clear, oil-free mist feels like water, dries
quickly, and leaves a matte finish. “A sunburn impedes your body from getting rid of heat—
another reason to avoid a burn altogether,” says Katz.
Lightly dust loose powder on areas that tend to perspire, such as the décolletage and
the back. “Powder is a southern girl’s best friend,” says Farris. (RS pick: Origins All and
Nothing Loose Powder, $27.50; origins.com.) A thin veil of cornstarch powder on your body
and feet will absorb sweat and make you feel dry.
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If you start feeling warm, run your hands under cold water, suggests Mathis. Then
place your cool wrists on the back of your neck to soothe your skin before perspiration begins.
Keep Your Cool All Day
Pack a to-go kit: Tote a bottle of water, and add
a wide-brimmed hat and a pair of sunglasses to
keep the heat off your head and shoulders,
suggests Mathis. A paper fan may also come in
handy. Then stow a pack of blotting papers to wipe
away shine. (RS pick: Shiseido Pureness Oil Control
Blotting Papers, $18.50; sephora.com.) If you sweat
a lot, take a small package of tissues, which are
best at removing significant moisture. And Sally
Firth, an American respiratory therapist who has
lived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, swears by antishine
lotions. “Foundation just melts away here,” she
says. Try a mattifier such as Vichy Normaderm Total
Mat Anti-Shine Mattifier ($25; vichyusa.com).
Eat more often—but eat less. Spicy foods,
protein-laden meals, and creamy ingredients can
raise your body temperature and send you into a metabolic overdrive, says Joy Bauer, a
registered dietician in New York City. So it’s best to steer clear of heavy meals and go for fruits
and vegetables, which are saturated with water and help keep your body hydrated and
comfortable.
Avoid salt, alcohol, and caffeine. All of these dehydrate the body. Caffeine also constricts
blood vessels, which hinders the body’s ability to cool itself, says Mathis. Instead, sip water or
an energy drink, such as Gatorade, suggests Bauer. “In extreme heat, these drinks replace lost
fluids, glucose, and potassium.”
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Las Vegas David DeAlba Show
San Francisco's Finocchio Club legendary actor, singerimpressionist David de Alba after last year's sold out
performance that gave him a standing ovation and many
flowers for his "Dorothy The Later Years Judy Garland
Tribute" returns to The Onyx Theater stage on June 22, 2014
( a very poignant date because Miss Garland passed away on
that day in 1969) bringing his very unique tribute to the late
Star in: "David de Alba Presents.....A Lonely Stage, My
Tribute to Judy Garland
So anyone out there who is a true Judy Garland fan, or and
someone who appreciates the Art Form of LIVE Female
Impersonation should not miss Mr. de Alba's performance
and come celebrate Judy's musical life via the excellent
impersonation that Mr. de Alba always brings forth on-stage
because his respect and love to the late Star whom he was
lucky to meet in person.
Mr. de Alba has been written about in six books for his
LIVE stage presentations and also he has been given a few
awards too plus he is a respected Celebrity Interviewer.
"David de Alba Presents....A Lonely Stage, My Tribute to Judy Garland."
June 22, 2014, Showtime at two pm.
Tickets: $20.00 V.I. P. / First Two Rows
General Seating: $17.00 General Admission
The Onyx Theater
953 E. Sahara Avenue
Las Vegas, Nevada
Box-Office Phone: 702- 732-7225
(Tickets are now for sale through the official Onyx Theater Website
or can be also be bought in person at the theater's box-office.)
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The Gossip Fence
Transgender In The News
15 Experts Debunk Right-Wing Transgender Bathroom Myth
Experts in 12 states -- including law enforcement officials, government employees, and advocates for
victims of sexual assault -- have debunked the right-wing myth that sexual predators will exploit
transgender non-discrimination laws to sneak into women's restrooms, calling the myth baseless and
"beyond specious."
Amazon commissions new trans-based TV series ‘Transparent’
Amazon Instant Video has commissioned a 10-episode series of ‘Transparent’, a new trans-based
drama-comedy series. The series, which released a free pilot episode in February, will receive a further
9 episodes to take it to series length, the company revealed today.
The series follows Mort (played by Jeffrey Tambor), who reveals to her ex-wife and grown children that
she is transitioning to female.
The show’s creator Jill Soloway said: “There’s so much confusion around what it means to be trans! I
feel so excited to be able to tell stories that will illuminate the difference between somebody who may be
medically transitioning, or somebody who may be socially transitioning; somebody who’s a cross
dresser, somebody who’s inter gender, somebody who’s a butch lesbian, somebody who’s a drag queen
— all these categories sometimes fall under the umbrella of ‘trans’.”
Transparent also stars Judith Light, Gaby Hoffmann, Amy Landecker and Jay Duplass.
It has not yet been announced when the series will air.
City on verge of issuing largest municipal ID program in nation
New York is poised to create the largest municipal ID program in the country, making city identification
cards available to any resident, regardless of immigration status.
The cards would become available six months after the proposed bill is signed into law, and the mayor
has said that he wants to have them ready within a year.
The cards would be aimed at undocumented immigrants who don’t have access to bank accounts, library
cards, or even memberships at places like Costco because they can’t produce official photo ID. They
could also be used to secure apartment leases and MTA senior passes, but they couldn’t be used for
government benefits not otherwise available. The cards will display the cardholder’s photo, name, date
of birth, address, and an expiration date. It will also have the cardholder’s “self-designated gender” — a
big win for the LGBT community. By comparison, to change one’s gender on a driver’s license, people
have to bring a doctor’s note that certifies one gender is the person’s “main” gender.
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Wonder Woman Stands by 8-Year-Old Tomboy
Iconic Wonder Woman star Lynda Carter tweeted her support and encouragement to Sunnie Kahle, the 8
-year-old girl who was removed from a Virginia Christian elementary school by her grandparents after
school personnel had warned her that cutting her hair short, liking sports, and wearing sneakers to school
were inappropriate expressions of “exhibiting an alternative gender identity.”
Carter tweeted, “Sending love to little Sunnie Kahle! Stay strong and love who you are..short hair,
sneakers and all.”
The wondrous entertainer’s words of encouragement are a welcome contrast to the letter Kahle’s grandparents received from Timberlake Christian School, which informed the student’s family that the 8-yearold would not be welcome back for the 2014-2015 school year unless her dress and behavior followed
suit “with her God-ordained identity.”
Carter has been an outspoken supporter of both women's rights and the LGBT community for many
years. Most recently, she appeared in the documentary Wonder Women, which highlighted the
connection between the character Wonder Woman and the progress of gender equality over the past
several decades.
Social Security Admin Clarifies Benefits Applications for Trans People and their Spouses
Until now, all benefits applications involving couples with at least one transgender spouse required legal
review by one of SSA’s chief regional attorneys, often adding significant delays. Without clear guidance
on applicable law, many benefits applications also received incorrect denials and had to be appealed.
With this new guidance, most claims now can be evaluated under the normal application process,
without additional and inappropriate scrutiny of the marriage.
Under the new guidance, SSA recognizes that a gender transition does not affect the continuing validity
of an existing marriage. Marriages that occurred after a transition will also generally be presumed valid,
with additional review needed only for claims from a handful of states. Unlike many other federal
programs, Social Security law requires that marriage-related benefits be determined based on the law of
the state where you live. Accordingly, SSA still has to determine, in many cases, whether to treat a
marriage as a same-sex marriage or a different-sex marriage.
For marriages that occurred in a state where same-sex couples may marry, the applicant will be asked,
“Did you enter a same-sex or an opposite-sex marriage?” and processed accordingly. For all other
claims, a valid different-sex marriage will be assumed.
Only claims for individuals living in seven states (Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee,
and Texas), and where a spouse transitioned prior to the marriage, will require a special legal review.
Claims from certain territories (American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands) also still
require additional review. Claims from these states still require review because SSA has determined that
the law regarding transgender people and marriage is sufficiently unclear in these states to make case-by
-case review necessary.
The new guidance complements other recent SSA guidance designed to implement the U.S. Supreme
Court’s decision overturning the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
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Transgender Teacher Returns to School a Woman
A California high school science teacher gave students and colleagues a new lesson in biology Monday,
showing up for the first time as a woman a week after her plans to switch genders became suddenly
public. The former Gary Sconce, 56 — an award-winning educator, husband, father and grandfather
who has taught at Yosemite High School for 24 years — will now be known as Karen Adell Scot, she
said. “I’m actually going to work as my real 'out' self,” Scot told NBC News. “I stand in front of the
class and I’m so filled with joy.”
The change has stirred controversy in the small town of Oakhurst, Calif., in the Gold Rush territory just
outside Yosemite National Park. One neighbor, Kathi Bales, wrote a letter published in the local
newspaper last week telling Scot to quit her job and urging the community to reject her. Others,
however, have rallied to support Scot, saying she’s a role model for integrity, courage and authenticity.
Students presented Scot with a giant card and cookies in class Monday. "Ms. Scot: No matter what
anyone says you are courageous and beautiful for being who you truly are," wrote student Charlotte
Smith. "You are my hero."
Scot notified district officials and colleagues earlier this year that she had started the medical and social
process to transition from male to female and that she would return after spring break in April as a
woman. Administrators also sent a letter to parents of the school’s 650 students advising them that the
school district is bound by California law, specifically Education Section Code 220, not to discriminate
against Scot because of her gender identity. The result was that Scot's private decision was suddenly
very public. Instead of waiting until after the break, she decided to adopt her female persona
immediately. “I was outed in a horrible way,” Scot said. “That was not the plan. It was supposed to be a
quiet transition.”
District officials have been clear that Scot can keep her job, but she’s under strict orders not to discuss
her gender issues with her students. This morning, the school principal, Randy Seals, emphasized that
point to the students, Scot said.
Teacher suspended after parents complained because she is transgender
A teacher in the US state of Texas has been told not to return to her classes after parents complained that
they did not want a transgender person to teach their children.
Laura Jane Klug had been teaching as a substitute at Lumberton Intermediate School, but has said she
was told not to return to her classes after parents said they were concerned that their children might be
“distracted” because she is transgender. She said she had met with an HR representative of the
Lumberton Independent School, John Valastro, on Tuesday afternoon, and that she had been suspended,
pending a decision by the school board.
“I have always conducted myself in a professional manner and would never discuss my gender identity
in school,” Klug said.
Despite that the board’s meeting to discuss the Klug’s case is closed, she said she expects parents will
turn up to voice their opinions. Some parents claimed that Klug’s gender identity proved to be a
“distraction”, saying that it could “affect [childrens'] ability to learn,” and that the issue was to do with
the age of children.
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LGBT rights groups have responded to criticise the complaints, saying the gender identity of a person
does not affect their ability to teach, and should not be used to push someone out of a job. The law in
the state of Texas does not currently offer protections against discrimination based on gender identity.
Miss. Gov. Signs ‘License to Discriminate’ Into Law
Mississippi Republican governor Phil Bryant today signed a bill into a law that will allow business and
individuals to deny service to anyone in the interest of religious liberty, according to ThinkProgress.
The legislation, known as Senate Bill 2681, the Mississippi Religious Freedom Restoration Act, would
allow businesses and individuals to deny services to anyone, if serving that person or organization would
"substantially burden" the individual's "religious exercise." It also adds the words "In God We Trust" to
the official state seal. It received overwhelming support in the GOP-controlled legislature,
Grassroots LGBT organization GetEQUAL was the first to send out a statement condemning the
governor's signing of the bill, while pledging to continue fighting such anti-LGBT efforts. When the bill
first passed the legislature, LGBT organizations condemned it, drawing harsh comparisons to Arizona's
vetoed SB 1062, which caused a national uproar that involved the NFL and major corporations urging
Republican governor Jan Brewer to veto the bill.
The Mississippi law makes no explicit mention of "sexual orientation," "gender identity," or even
"marriage," and neither did Arizona's proposed law. Still, LGBT advocates warn that it will have the
effect of legalizing discrimination against the LGBT community. And it could unravel any effort to pass
antidiscrimination ordinances at the local level.
Tennessee General Assembly Lawmakers Pass Bill That Could Legalize LGBT Bullying
This week, Tennessee lawmakers passed the "Religious Viewpoints Anti-Discrimination Act," which
would allow students to express religious beliefs in homework, artwork and assignments.
Though framed as a measure to protect a student’s freedom of speech, the bill opens up state-sanctioned
avenues to bully LGBT students. Under the “religious liberties” measure, a student could be permitted to
personally target an LGBT student by couching the bullying in religious terms. Only a veto from
Governor Haslem can stop this bill from becoming law.
The Tennessee bill is the latest in a slew of state legislation nationwide that aims to enshrine LGBT
discrimination under the guise of religious liberty.
Maryland Transgender Rights Bill Heads to Governor for Signature
The Fairness for All Marylanders Act just passed in the House of Delegates by a vote of 82-57 and now
heads to Governor O’Malley for his signature. This bill will add explicit protections on the basis of
gender identity to Maryland’s non-discrimination laws, making Maryland the 18th state to have such
protections, and leaving only three states in the country that have sexual orientation but not gender
identity state-wide non-discrimination protections
LGBT housing non-discrimination bill killed by Louisiana lawmakers
It should remain legal to deny housing to members of the Louisiana LGBT community, a state House
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committee voted Monday (March 31).
The House Commerce Committee voted 13-5 to kill a bill by state Rep. Jared Brossett, D-New Orleans,
to prohibit housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The legislation was
based on fairness ordinances already in effect in New Orleans since 1999 and, as of late last year,
Shreveport.
Debate has not yet been scheduled for the several other non-discrimination bills filed this year.
LGBT Activists Demand Stoning at Antigay Harlem Church
More than 50 LGBT activists demonstrated Saturday at ATLAH Missionary Baptist Church in New
York City’s Harlem neighborhood, demanding that Pastor James David Manning emerge and deliver the
stonings he said LGBT people deserve.
The church recently posted messages on its marquee reading, “Jesus Would Stone Homos” and “Harlem
Is a Homo-Free Zone.” The marquee was since vandalized by someone who spray-painted “God Is Gay”
over it. An earlier message on the marquee warned that President Obama had “released homo demons on
the black man.”
Jennifer Louise Lopez, a Harlem resident and transgender activist, organized the protest after having
called Manning’s bluff recently by showing up at the church and telling a mystified employee she was
there for her stoning. She told the crowd that Manning “is a very hateful and dangerous man,”. She
added, “We will no longer stand by while evangelical Christian churches misrepresent us."
Manning did not emerge, but one point the group moved to the side entrance of the church, where they
repeatedly rang the building's buzzer and raised their fists while they shouted, “We’re here for our
stoning! We’re here for our stoning!” Several church members watched from inside through a glass
door, smiling and chatting, according to the press release.
Fighting transgender politics
A Cambridge transgender woman, outraged that convicted wife killer Michelle Kosilek could receive a
free gender reassignment operation that health insurers refuse to cover for law-abiding citizens, has filed
suit demanding the same right to tax-funded surgery — a move critics say could mark the beginning of a
dramatic, costly shift in entitlements under the controversial federal court ruling.
Anita T. Phoenix, 59, filed a federal lawsuit earlier this month claiming that Medicare and MassHealth
discriminated against her. “How can a convicted murderer get this done for nothing?” said Phoenix,
who filed the suit without an attorney. “I have the same problems, and I have to pay for everything even
though my therapist and an independent psychiatrist says it’s medically necessary. A convicted murderer
has better health coverage than I do.”
“It’s not just me,” said Phoenix. “Other transgender people are in this same boat and need this surgery
but can’t afford it.”
Officials at Medicare and MassHealth did not return calls seeking comment.
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Vermont, Connecticut, California, Oregon, Colorado and Washington, D.C., already bar private insurers
from denying coverage for the surgery. And in December, federal officials decided to revisit their
coverage of gender-transition surgery, which is based on 1981 research, said Suffolk University law
professor Renee Landers.
Department of Justice announces nationwide police ‘transgender training’
The US Department of Justice has announced a scheme to provide training on transgender issues to
police forces nationwide. The new initiative is intended to help the police identify hate crimes, and build
trust with the trans community, which according to law enforcement officials is often reluctant to report
crimes.
Associate Attorney General Tony West said last week: “It’s clear that such a training is as necessary as it
is overdue. “Too often, in too many places, we know that transgender victims are discouraged from
reporting hate crimes and hate violence due to their past negative interactions with and perceptions of
law enforcement.”
The training will be overseen by the department’s Community Relations Service, which helps work with
local community groups to monitor and help prevent hate crime.
Deputy Attorney General James Cole said that too often trans people didn’t report crimes “based on the
community’s fears about law enforcement’s support and perceptions.” He said: “This is not a result that
can or will be tolerated by the Department of Justice, and it runs counter to the very role your
community public safety officials want to promote.”
Nova Scotia now funds sex reassignment surgery
As of April 1, Nova Scotia will cover eight types of sex reassignment surgeries for residents.
"Transgender Nova Scotians face unique challenges in the health-care system, as they do in life," said
Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine in a news release. "I hope this move will help those for whom
sex reassignment surgery is an important part of their transition."
The change was announced in May 2013.
Nova Scotians who intend to access publicly funded sex reassignment surgery can start by talking to
their family doctor. After that, they will work with their doctor and other health-care professionals to get
any necessary counselling, and to develop a transition plan.
For more information on sex reassignment surgery in Nova Scotia, click here.
If you are interested in sex reassignment surgery but do not have a family physician, Capital District
Health Authority's prideHealth program maintains a list of physicians who provide respectful and
welcoming care.
Wis. Man Becomes the State’s First Trans Elected Official
Transgender man Gypsy Vered Meltzer was elected to the City Council in Appleton, Wis., Tuesday,
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marking a memorable first, according to Madison-based LGBT advocacy organization Fair Wisconsin.
Meltzer defeated Barney Lemanski by a margin of 295 to 199 votes to claim victory in the race for the
council seat representing Appleton's District 2. The two political rivals appear to share mutal respect for
one another, with Lemanski wishing Meltzer an enthusiastic congratulations on his Facebook page.
When asked about his transgender status, the alderman-elect deferred to the job at hand, saying, "I'm
focused on the issues rather than myself, and look forward to the day when this isn't as interesting a
topic." Meltzer identifies as male and uses male pronouns, according to Meltzer's Facebook page.
Meltzer is scheduled to be sworn in April 15.
Transgender surgeries funded by San Francisco called successful
San Francisco's foray into paying for sexual reassignment surgery for the poor and uninsured is so far a
success, officials said. Fifteen people have had sexual reassignment surgeries paid for by The City in the
last nine months, when the Department of Public Health started covering the once-controversial
procedures.
Insurance providers in California have been required to pay for gender reassignment surgery since last
year. However, San Francisco remains the only city in the state to cover gender reassignment surgery
for the poor and uninsured with gender identity disorder. Gender identity disorder, or gender dysphoria,
is the condition where a person does not identify with the sex with which they were born.
The City provides chest and breast procedures at San Francisco General Hospital, but it has contracted
out with a pair of private surgeons to provide genital procedures. New patients usually receive hormone
therapy for a year as well as regular counseling before electing for surgery. San Francisco was the first
municipality in the country to cover sexual reassignment surgery for its employees, a change that was
made in 2001.
The progress made today would have been "unimaginable" 10 years ago when the only feasible option
for gender assignment surgery required a flight to Thailand, according to the Transgender Law Center's
Anand Kalra, but there's still more The City can do.
Procedures like electrolysis for facial hair follicles and mammoplasty -- viewed as "cosmetic" surgeries
but often the final step towards acceptance in a new gender -- are not yet covered.
State women’s wellness center now serving transgenders
DENVER — A state-run women’s wellness program now provides breast and cervical cancer screenings
for transgender women, announced the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Wednesday. Funds for the Women’s Wellness Connection program at CDPHE can now be used to serve
transgender women who meet the program’s eligibility requirements to receive free or low-cost
mammograms and Pap tests, according to the health department.
The program was created for low-income women with little or no health insurance.
For more information, visit WomensWellnessConnection.org.
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New Trailer for TransMilitary Documentary
To mark International Transgender Day of Visibility, the producers of TransMilitary, a documentary
centered around the lives of transgender service members in the U.S. and U.K., released a new trailer.
TransMilitary is being led by former OutServe/SLDN executives Allyson Robinson and Zeke Stokes in
an effort to shed light on the transgender military experience, and to apply pressure on the U.S.
government to end the ban on transgender military personnel.
The project is set to be released later this year.
National Organization for Marriage co-founder concedes defeat on gay marriage
The co-founder of the leading group opposing same-sex marriage in the United States has conceded that
her side has lost the fight and that gay couples will soon be able to marry all over the country. Maggie
Gallagher told the Huffington Post that she believed that a majority of Supreme Court judges would find
any state ban on same-sex marriage that was brought before it to be unconstitutional.
Gallagher said she believed the next battleground would be over allowing religious dissenters to refuse
goods and services to same-sex couples who are marrying.
Leading With A Capital “T”
CHRISTOPHER STREET WEST (CSW), the non-profit producers of the LA Pride celebration,
unveiled last month what it called “an important educational initiative” as it gears up for the 44th annual
event taking place June 6-8: “LA Pride: The TLGB Celebration.”
CSW also announced it had formed a transgender coalition to determine ways to best leverage LA Pride
to bring a better understanding of issues related to the transgender community. “This year, Christopher
Street West decided to make a bold statement about our commitment to education by leading with a
capital T,” said Steve Ganzell, board co-president of CSW. “When you see the hate and ignorance
directed towards the transgender community, sometimes even from within our own community, we felt
compelled to use LA Pride as a platform to highlight issues surrounding the community as well as taking
the opportunity to celebrate our transgender family.”
The LA Pride Parade gathers hundreds of thousands of participants, spectators and marchers, with
millions more able to globally view it online, while the LA Pride Festival attracts well over 50,000
attendees to West Hollywood Park to celebrate diversity and community from Grammy Award winning
artists performances, to art and heritage installations and exhibits to community events and initiatives.
Shared housing project aims to curb trans homelessness
After years of harassment and death threats for living as a transgender woman in Paris, Texas, Jodielynn
Wiley finally escaped that environment when she came to Dallas in February.
Now at the Salvation Army in Dallas, Wiley said she feels safer, but her time at the shelter is running
out. Her 30-day stay at the shelter was extended, and she now has until April 21 to find housing. Blake
Fetterman, operations director at Carr P. Collins Social Service Center, said the Salvation Army shelter
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is an emergency shelter, so the 30-day limit allows time for people to come in and either be referred to
another shelter or find a housing program. She said extensions are given to people who feel comfortable
at the shelter and would prefer not to go somewhere else while they make other arrangements.
Wiley is hoping to be one of the first people to benefit from a new program of Trans Pride Initiative, the
Dallas Trans* Shared Housing Project. Under the project, people can open their homes to trans and
gender-nonconforming people who need temporary or long-term housing, TPI President Nell Gaither
said.
“I don’t know how many people are going to want to take someone in for fear of getting in a desperate
or venerable situation, but I’m hoping we can overcome that hesitancy,” Gaither said. She called the
program an experiment because she’s testing how it would work. She’s looking for people who have
housing available and would offer a rent that someone can afford. She also is looking for trans people
who are looking for roommates so they can find places together and share the cost.
Gaither has been helping Wiley find housing or transitional funding. She said she’s found it difficult to
help trans people find housing because programs are so specific and can be tricky to navigate if you’re
not on the inside and know how the programs work. She said many have waiting lists for nine to 18
months, during which people can move from shelter to shelter. But some shelters have priority for
domestic violence victims or other situations.
The difficulty in finding housing options where trans people feel comfortable and safe led Gaither to
launch the Shared Housing Project this month.
Shelters in Dallas, like the Salvation Army, are welcoming of trans people, but some don’t provide a
comfortable atmosphere where all gender nonconforming people would feel accepted.
Gaither eventually wants to open the program to the whole LGBT community, but she said the focus is
on trans people because they have a higher rate of homelessness.
Applications for people needing housing and people offering housing can be found online at tpride.org/
sharedhousing.
Transgender woman is convicted of prostitution-related charge
A Phoenix judge on Friday found a transgender woman guilty of a prostitution-related offense based on
a city ordinance that the American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona has deemed unconstitutional.
Monica Jones, 29, was arrested in May as a part of a Phoenix police prostitution-sting operation.
Jones, an activist for sex-worker rights, was charged with manifestation of prostitution, which police can
enforce based on a number of qualifiers: repeated attempts to engage a passer-by in conversation,
attempts to stop cars by waving at them, inquiries as to whether someone is a police officer or requesting
that someone touch his or her genitals.
She pleaded not guilty and challenged the constitutionality of the law she allegedly violated. She
subsequently asked that the case be dropped. Attorneys for Jones filed a memorandum in March stating
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that the ordinance targets transgender women by its interpretive nature and violates the First
Amendment.
In an interview with The Arizona Republic Jones said she felt she was targeted because of her race and
gender. "You never see a heterosexual transgender man (accused of manifestation of prostitution)," she
said. "It targets women, especially women in poverty, and women of minority."
Jones returned to court Friday with reinforcement. Dan Pochoda, legal director of the ACLU of
Arizona, argued on behalf of Jones. He said the ordinance is a "classic example of criminalizing
protected speech" and said courts in other states have vacated similar statutes.
The case underlines a rift among some activists who work with sex workers. Many advocates work
within the bounds of existing anti-prostitution laws to offer other life alternatives. Others, like the Sex
Workers Outreach Project, aim to decriminalize the profession altogether. Jones is an advocate for the
Sex Workers Outreach Project of Phoenix.
Jones was arrested in one of the Phoenix police stings that involved Project Rose. She said she had been
protesting the project just one day before her arrest. Jade McKenzie, a transgender woman and Project
Rose volunteer, said Jones' opinions do not represent the entire transgender community. McKenzie said
she worked with Jones when she was arrested in May.
Arizona trans woman convicted of ‘manifesting prostitution’ charge
A Phoenix trans woman has been found guilty of a prostitution-related charge, after speaking out against
the Bible-based ‘rehabilitation’ programme she was arrested under.
According to AzCentral, Monica Jones, an activist for sex-worker rights and member of Sex Workers’
Outreach Project, was arrested last May in a police sting for ‘manifestation of prostitution’. She pleaded
not guilty to the charge, and argued the law she was charged under was unconstitutional.
The statute that Jones was arrested under, which bans ‘manifesting prostitution’, can prohibit everything
from engaging in conversations with passers-by, to asking if someone is an undercover police officer.
Jones said: “You never see a heterosexual transgender man [accused]. “It targets women, especially
women in poverty, and women of minority.”
She was found guilty on Friday.
Judge disappoints foes of transgender rights law
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — A judge in Sacramento has ruled that elections officials in 30 California
counties do not have to turn over records that would help supporters of a failed ballot referendum
challenge the invalidation of thousands of voter signatures.
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Superior Court Judge Timothy Frawley on Friday granted the state's request to quash subpoenas issued
on behalf of Privacy for All Students, which sought to repeal a new law that spells out the rights of
transgender students in public schools.
Relying on counts submitted by county offices, the secretary of state determined in February that the
group was about 17,000 signatures short of the number needed to qualify its proposed referendum. The
state argued that the referendum's supporters were entitled to review the discounted signatures, but that
supplying copies of the detailed records they requested would violate voters' privacy.
Privacy for All said its plans to appeal.
Mississippi shops resist ‘religious freedom’ law with ‘we don’t discriminate’ stickers
Hundreds of Mississippi shops and businesses are protesting against the state’s new ‘religious freedom’
law, with window stickers assuring customers they would never use it to refuse them service.
The window stickers are provided free of charge by Equality Mississippi to businesses who pledge: “We
don’t discriminate – If you’re buying, we’re selling!”
“Hundreds of companies across Mississippi have already signed up to display the new stickers in their
window.”
A study conducted by the New York Times last year, before the new law was introduced, named Mississippi the least tolerant state.
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