The St. Louis Gender Foundation

Gazette

Gazette September - October 1998

A bimonthly newsletter for the transgendered community

The StLGF is a MAGGIE affiliate

Our Masthead

Statement of Purpose

If you have any questions please write:
StLGF,
PO Box, St. Louis, MO 63117,
or call us at
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Web Sites:
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Email the Editor: Christy Kay: Christy Kay

The Presidents Column

by Christy Kay

It's Labor Day weekend, it's going to be 100 degrees outside, and I'm sitting here in my too warm office at 6 A.M. in the morning typing out this column. I can't believe that Fall is just around the corner, but my mail-box assures me it is. The Fall Catalogues are arriving daily, and I've spent my clothing budget far into the future.

We've been hard at work getting the new season's schedule in place. It's been interesting as we wrestle with whom is going to to what when, and how it all fits into our schedules of work, play and family time. It looks like we've got everything covered, combining what each of us were doing before and what Carmen so thoughtfully lined out for us in her notes from last year. I feel like Carmen had me specifically in mind when she made these notes. All that's missing is the Black and Yellow cover, and the title, "StLGF Presidents Guide for Dummies." Thank you very much Carmen.

It's been a very busy summer. Since the news circuit is still active even though we are not, I assume almost everyone knows all. On the off chance that there is someone who does not, we've had three members who's have SRS this summer. Randi, who has written us a small note that appears later in this issue, Melissa Vassali, and Joyce LaFontaine. I've spoken to Randi and Melissa and both are well. Melissa had a difficult time. Joyce has been in contact through email, and keeps in touch by reading the Gazette.

Speaking of the Gazette, this is the first issue for this season, and I'd like to say a couple of words about contributions for publication. We accept contributions from all of our members. We intend the Gazette to be a voice for membership of StLGF. The Gazette is sent to numerous other Gender Groups, and we receive a newletter from each in return. If you are worried about your writing style or spelling, don't. We'll clean it up.

Everyone's heard that the lake was not financially possible this summer, and instead, the most gracious Miss Bobbie opened her home to us for an evening of fun, that is more fully described in Marci's column. Thank-you very much Bobbie, for being such a gracious hostess.

In case someone hasn't figured it out yet, Ms. Jamie likes to help members push the envelope about where it's OK to to be en-femme and where it is not. Last issue, Sharon Spoke of her adventures at the Cheshire Inn. Well, Ms Jamie has struck again.

I had asked Jamie and Andrew to drive me to Ms Bobbie's, eliminating my car from the parking difficulties. To save time and lugging a ton of my things all over town, I did my hair and face at home & walked out of my house in jeans, dress-shirt, large sunglasses and baseball hat, with my nicer clothes in a small carry on (you know, daylight, neighbors etc.)

None of us had eaten, so a decision was made to get some burgers at at Mikkey D's. First one we came to was in Fenton. As we drove around Mikkey D's we found there was no drive up window!

What, a Mikkey D's with no drive though? I was a little nervous about going in, but Jamie assured me I looked fine.

Wow, Mikkey D's, Fenton, daylight? I lost the hat, and fluffed my hair. Mickey D's in daylight, the final frontier. I went forth boldly were I dare say no T-folk had ventured before. No one even noticed. So much for that.

I really hope everyone had a wonderful summer. I know I have. I bicycled, traveled, and met a lot of new people who are now friends. I'm looking forward to seeing all of you at our September meeting, we can trade tales of our exploits!

BE ALL - 1998

By Shannon Gale

I arrived on Wednesday morning, but things didn't get started until the Patio Party that evening. It was supposed to be a pool party, but it rained! It was an uneventful evening and we ended up at Denny's at I am.

Miss Vera, from "Miss Vera's Finishing School for Boys Who Want to be Girls" spoke at the luncheon on Thursday. We then got ready for our trip to the Andy Warhol Museum and the Liberty Bell Riverboat Cruise. Although it was cloudy that evening, we had a wonderful time enjoying the beautiful scenery, delicious food and dancing to the band, as we cruised the three rivers of Pittsburgh. Afterwards a few of us went the a night spot called Metropol. They had shuttle buses set up for us each night, so that we could enjoy the local clubs without having to worry about driving.

After lunch on Friday, Beverly, Marsha and I went to the largest mail in Pittsburgh- We checked out Victorias Secret, Fredericks, and Clares before heading to JC Penney. Marsha and I each purchased jewelry before going to the make-up department, where we met the Ultima 11 representative doing makeovers. They persuaded Beverly to make an appointment for Saturday, while I was educating them on our cause.

After dinner that night Lynn and I watched "The Bulls" basketball game at the bar while waiting for the shuttle to the Pittsburgh Eagle Bar. It had three levels and reminded me of the layout at Magnolia's except they didn't have shows. A few of our girls shot pool with the guys and did quite well. By this time the five hours of sleep each night was starting to get to me, but we stayed, as we only had one more night to party.

At Saturday's luncheon we had our annual fashion show. I took it easy Saturday afternoon, shopping at the boutique and hanging out at the hotel bar. Saturday night came with all of us dressed to the nines in beads and sequins. The entertainment that night was provided by the Lesbian Choir of Pittsburgh. We then danced to the music provided by the DJ in the hotel lounge.

Linda Buten of Cincinnati then took 12 of us to the "in" bar of Pittsburgh, We took three cars to downtown Pittsburgh, where we went to a straight bar called Heaven. It was very Impressive. They took the lobby of an old movie theater (such as the Fox here in St. Louis) and turned it into a night spot. The music was loud and the atmosphere unbelievable, with the four story rotunda being the center of the club. We met a group of girls who were there with a wedding party. We danced with them until Heaven closed. Sunday morning is always fun as you see all of your sisters as their male selves. Most don't recognize you until you speak.

Next year the BE All will be in Cleveland, Ohio. I'd like to have some company from St. Louis next year. I've been going to the Be All for eight years and I've always had a good time.. Shannon

Shannon.

The Continuing Adventures of Marci

by Marcia Lynn Williams

Well, it's been a long, hot summer hasn't it, Girlfriends and Boyfriends? So many things have occurred since my last adventures it'd make a girl's head swim!?? First, Ms. Babs and I visited the home of a post-op TS. Then, we entertained a lovely Southern Belle. Next, we attended our very first same-sex wedding. I had a couple of birthday parties, both as Marci and in my male persona. Our great organization held its annual summer party!! And I'm ready for our Fall Homecoming... A very nice former alumnus of StLGF named Kitty invited us and several other folks associated with the Foundation over to her lovely home over the 4th of July weekend. Miss Kitty is a post-op transsexual and very much a lady. This was our first encounter with TSs who'd gone the distance. Her friend, Janna, another former StLGF member, came in from out of town. A couple who work with Kitty were there as well as Kitty's Dad. He's a WWII vet who's a real joy to talk with!! And, he fully accepts Kitty as his daughter. What a guy. Also there were an electrologist who used to do work for StLGF members, Sharon Love, Jamie and Andrew, and other friends of Kitty. We all had such a wonderful time. I went in my boy mode, but brought a photo album so that everyone could meet Marci! The overall spirit of the evening was one of love, joy and acceptance. Thanks, Kitty.

Some time ago our President sent me a message regarding a Southern Belle named Karin who'd be visiting our area and needed the company of others just like her. Well, one thing led to another and I was asked to provide entertainment?? Now, this young lady, 30 something no doubt, could only get into town on week days. What a challenge. Moreover, she'd never been out in public. Not only that, she really hadn't fully dressed ever. Anyway, Ms. Babs and I went to her hotel, I talked her through a complete makeover while demonstrating, we dressed, then off we went, down the hotel corridors, down the stairs, out the door and to our cars. We headed down to Alibi's for the evening where we met our VP, Ms. Love. Our lovely guest was in 7th heaven. She really looked great and we all enjoyed sitting out on the patio, dining, chatting, taking photos and laughing the night away!! Later, we retired to our home to take a few more pictures and get better acquainted. Let me just say, that doing this on a week night makes it really difficult to arise for work the next day. Nevertheless, I think we left our Dixie Debutante with very fond memories and an overall favorable impression of Les Femmes de Sainte Louis GF.

In early August we attended the very wonderful, joyous wedding between Jamie's son Eric and his lover, Russell. Christy Kay and I went in male mode, and our very lovely spouses accompanied us. Both these handsome young men are very talented and exchanged special promises with one another. They also sang many songs. The entire company of guests dined and danced in a most festive evening filled with love and tears of happiness! During the festivities, a very lovely Macy arrived wearing a beautiful turn of the century bridal ensemble!! She was the Belle of the Ball. In fact, I had a dance with her. Being a guy for the night, it was only right to give the lovely lady a spin across the dance floor. We caught the eyes of everybody present!

Another interesting encounter happened while I was waiting outside the unisex restroom. A young cosmetician was freshening up at the basin, so Ms. Babs and I struck up a conversation with her. When I showed her a couple of wallet photos of me as Marci, she was overwhelmed. Eventually, she offered to possibly do a makeover for our club!! Sure hope everything works out. (In addition to her, on a whim I showed a couple of other ladies the photos and they just couldn't believe they were of me. I mean...those of you who've seen both sides of me know that I look like two dramatically different people)

As the evening drew to a close, Sharon arrived in her male persona. She'd just gotten off work, so she couldn't change for the event. Needless to say, the nearly 200 guests all had such a wonderful time and we wish Eric and Russell the very best in their future together.

One week later, Ms. Babs threw me a surprise birthday party! Although it was a little premature, I had a wonderful time. During the opening of gifts, one of my brothers gave me a Victoria Secret gift certificate addressed to [boy name]/Marsha [he doesn't know I spell it Marcia]?? As a number of you might recall, I had a Halloween adventure last year and all my family has seen me even though they don't know of any other time I've been drag. Some of the guests at my party were asking why such a gift for such a "manly" person (I was sporting a goatee and had let my arm hair grow). I overheard one of my sisters say, "[My younger son] and I had dressed up for Halloween and we LOOKED LIKE REAL GIRLS!!" What a compliment. Of course, I acted as if I hadn't heard it. But...

The following week, we held our annual Summer Party. One of our lovely members, the very sexy Bobbie Fox, opened her lovely home to us. Now, for someone to do such a wonderful thing is simply awesome. Plans had been laid for quite some time and everything from decorations to a theme for the evening to the food had to be arranged. Usually, everything is provided at our usual monthly meeting site. This time, however, we had to pitch in ourselves and make the evening a success!

And, a success it was, indeed. Bobbie had worked extra hard getting her place ready. Cindy, Diane and Patty, Shannon, Gail, Christy, Sharon, Stephanie, Andrew and Jamie, Charlie, Janet and Ms. Babs and I all pitched in and helped her very first "open house" come together. We had way more than ample food...although we've learned that chicken wings just aren't the thing when one is wearing makeup??

We held a "best legs" contest...and there were some very great legs there for sure!! We danced and chatted and took lots of photos on into the wee hours of the morning. And, the hot tub was put to good use, especially by Shannon and Gail. Plus, we had a very special guest! A brand new F to M member named Rob came to the party and from what I could tell he thinks we're very nice and lots of fun. I certainly hope he can attend our Homecoming in September. He's very handsome and is a kindred spirit.

Thanks, Bobbie, for a most wonderful time. You go, Girl!!!

One final event took place. Because this year I've lived for half a century, I was treated to a very fine dinner at a very classy restaurant up by Lambert International Airport called 94th Aero Squadron. This was a total surprise to both me and Babs. None other than Jamie and Andy cooked the whole thing up. Probably, for the very first time since I came out of the closet two years ago, I felt totally comfortable and at ease in a regular setting out in the "real" world. I was all woman and the four of us had a most wonderful time. And, I think I surprised our very handsome young waiter when, after he came to our table for the first time I looked up at him and said, "Oh, my! I think I'm in love"! Of course I was just teasing him, but I think I caught him off guard. And, it was fun building his ego.

In closing, I want to say that over the past two years I've been helped and influenced by many, many lovely and loving people. Those mentioned in this article are just a few. I'll mention a few other names, but know that I'll end up forgetting to include someone. Please forgive if this is the case. In one way or another I've been helped along in my continuing adventures by Rita Amore, Sherry Entman, Sally our bar maid, Rhonda J., Jordynne, Helen Friedman, Andrea Cuchetto, Robin Wood, Rhonda, Jessie, Randi, Deanne, Rachel, Judy, Heidi, Libby, Nicole, Melissa, Sherry, Erika, Carmen and Vickie, Shannon and Dave, Evelyn and Barb and all the others. Additionally, there are so many from other areas of the country. And, most of all, I'm so grateful to the One who made me the gender gifted person that I am.

With that, it's on to the first regular meeting of the season, Saturday, September 19, 1998, our annual Homecoming!! Why, we'll even have door prizes and everything!! Hope to see y'all there.

Until my next adventure,

Marci

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