|
The St. Louis Gender FoundationGazetteSeptember - October 2002. |
Back to Gazette listings. Prior
Issue of The Gazette Next Issue of The Gazette
The StLGF is a non-profit, non-sexual, social and educational organization open to all adults who believe in freedom of gender expression. Although our members are primarily male-to female crossdressers and male-to-female transsexuals; all members of the transgendered community, as well as supportive family members and interested professionals.
"The Gazette" is published bi-monthly in January, March, May, July, September, and November. The deadline for submissions is the 15th of the month prior to publication. For information please use our voice mail number (314) 607-4163.
All submissions become the property of StLGF, and should be accompanied by a release-to-print statement. Letters, articles, and/or pictures that include nudity, profanity, or obscenities will not be published.
We also reserve the right not to publish any other materials that we consider inappropriate. All issues are copyrighted. However, any nonprofit organization or publication may reprint articles or other information from this publication, provided they allow the free use of their materials by other non-profit organizations.
If you have any questions please write:
StLGF,
PO Box, St. Louis, MO 63117,
or call us at
<!-- -->-->Email the StLGF: stlgftg@netscape.net
WOW!! Can you believe this past Summer! Summer has come to a close and the weather
has been great. Maybe this will be a sign that we will have a mild winter?
I hope every one of you had a fun filled and safe summer break. I also hope many of you have some great adventure stories and maybe photos to share with us for the Gazette. I know I had a fun Summer... you can read about it in this edition.
I am really looking forward to this new season . I know our Vice President
Mr. Val has some fun and interesting events planned. Our Newsletter Editor
has some wonderful ideas for the Gazette, our library is going though some
changes; and our Treasure has finally approved my Presidential salary increase...
$0.00 to $00.00. Even though our meetings stop for the Summer, your Board of
Directors continues to work very hard. Each one of us strives to improve our
duties to make this an excellent organization for you the members to be proud
of.
Humm... lets see, am I leaving any one out?
Oh gosh! Oh golly! My My My ... Hummmm... Oh?... I am sorry??.. You said, I am forgetting, who??? You're RIGHT!! YOU... THE MEMBERS!!! YES!
How could I forget! Each and every member of StLGF is a great sales person.
Each of you can promote this organization to new girls and guys in the TG communities
and in the business communities and in the, dare I say It, general public. No,
don't go waving banners and give out StLGF buttons (cards are good enough)
just talk. Many of you girls and guys venture out in public and talk to people
.... tell them you are a member of the St. Louis Gender Foundation. Tell them
what this group means to you. Work it in to your conversation. I was told by
a member and a good friend of mine, "We (StLGF)
are the best kept secret in St. Louis".
Ladies and Gentlemen , it is time to let this secret out! No, I don't mean
to break any ones privacy or reveal any ones identity. I would never ask any
one to do that. What I am saying there are people; family members; organizations;
doctors; healthcare organizations; businesses; churches etc. that are accepting
and understanding (or wish to learn) of the TG lifestyle that don't know about
StLGF and what part we present in the TG community. I personally cover a lot
of ground talking to many of the above mentioned and so does your Board members.
Once some of these people find out there is such a group in St. Louis they
tell me they have a friend or brother or uncle that is looking for a group
like this. Everyone doesn't have a computer to look us up on the "NET" so
word of month is still important.
See... you never know who's life you may touch by sharing part of your life's experiences
I am a firm believer the more we are known the more respect we will gain and
the more respect we gain the more acceptance we gain . And another wall of
ignorance and prejudice will be knocked down..
Now along with "spreading the word" I am asking you the members
to also be aware that StLGF needs a permanent home. We need to start looking
for a place to call our own. Hotels are fine but in this day and age managers
andowners and prices are constantly changing. And it isn't always in our favor.
These changes puts a strain on the board negotiating new contracts and or finding
new meeting places. This also it puts a strain on keeping cost down. Any suggestions
or help in obtaining a permanent home from you the members would be greatly
appreciated.
Now I feel it is only fair that I share this with the membership at this time. StLGF has been a very important part of my life and always will be. I have been a member of this organization since 1986 and proudly served as an officer for this organization for six years and this is going on my seventh year. Four years as Vice President and now three as President. There has been some ups and downs over the years but that is expected in any organization. I have a wonderful and supportive board that has worked with me faithfully. I am very proud of them and thankful for them all.
At this time I am considering making this my finally year to serve as President of StLGF. I will make my decision official sometime in January 2004, but as of this time I am letting you the membership know so as to be prepared to elect a new President in the event I choose not to run again.
In closing, I will ask that you ladies & gents that know of good shopping
places ; entertainment spots; TG supportive health care professionals and or
helpful TG info, please share that info with other members through StLGF electronic
bulletin board. If you haven't signed up for the bulletin board please let
us know so you can get you on line. And please please support your Gazette
advertisers. And if you know of any business that could advertise in the Gazette,
have them to call us 314-963-.
OK... Lets have a good season... lets grow; learn; support each other and have fun along the way. I wish you all good health.. .wealth... and happiness in the coming season and beyond.
WELCOME BACK!!!!
It has been a long summer, and I have missed you all... I'm so excited by
this years' activity line-up, and I look forward to sharing time with all of
you again! I also look forward to another year as your humble Gazette servant.
As the Newsletter Editor, my job goes beyond putting the Gazette together.
Part of my job is to encourage our members to submit their writings to the
Newsletter. Many of you do so well at submitting stories, poems, jokes and
profiles yet from many of you I have received no material. I keep a journal
where I write the things that help me grow and expand my femme experience.
I use the journal to create my stories. I feel sharing my experiences helps
those who have not had the opportunity to grow to that level yet. Please, find
your own way to share your experiences with us thru the Newsletter. There has
also been a thought to include an editor's award for our best contributor at
our awards banquet this year... I will have more details at a later date, but
I do know that the size and type (poem, profile) will have less of an impact
that the message.
Grab your favorite beverage, find your favorite reading spot, cozy up and indulge yourself in the exciting stories that follow...
"Elmer how big do you supposed he is?" "I don't know." "Only
seen him a coupla' times." "That was after he wrecked my tackle." "He
came back and circled around just like he was laughing at me." "Fred
Barnstable claimed he got him up on the bank once." "Fred's most
likely to tell you anything." "I tell you George, that catfish's
gotta' be at least four foot long if he's an inch." "What would a
person do if he caught 'em?" "Fish is probably so old he'd be as
tough as a piece of leather." Two old men talk over their morning coffee
about Bubba the monster catfish. I saw him briefly. He was doing the twist
and roll as he broke my line. He was not a very cuddly creature. Not anything
like my dog Max- in fact he was quite homely. He flipped his tail and swam
away in defiance. All those years living the good life in the same pond-never
wanting for anything- swimming around the base of a large oak tree. When in
doubt about your approach just watch and listen to the experienced old-timers.
The names in this story are fictitious. I can testify, however, that Bubba
is a real channel catfish.
I love to fish... Just don't get to go often enough... It seems to be calming for me. Just being out enjoying fresh air and nature. It helps clear the clutter from my mind. There is plenty of time to just sit and think. Sometimes I even wish for nothing to bite. It would break the mood. I know the thrill of catching lunker bass. I've done it more than once-have pictures to prove it. I was the most surprised when it happened. Now I practice catch and release. I like the fight, the anticipation more than the actual conclusion. Salt-water angling is also thrilling for me. Being from the land-locked Midwest has something to do with this. Not knowing what could be on my line. To see dolphins arcing gracefully through the water is amazing. Every couple of years I make a trip to the Gulf. This fall I will do it again. I can't wait!
Cross-dressing is something I also enjoy. I'm either fantasizing about it or actually doing it. Hmm, now if I combined the two activities, I would double my time for each. So, my contribution is this cross-dressers guide to angling.
A not so comprehensive mixture of fantasy and fact... I don't know if anyone
has done it before. Since I've never cross-dressed while fishing I can only
fantasize about how it might go. Every girl has to have goals. In this case
it is to catch fish and to look good while doing it. Planning-there is no such
thing as too much planning. Just like that back-up pair of pantyhose for emergencies.
Like my Daddy always said you have to have the right tool for the job. It's
all the same whether you're getting dressed or going fishing. Some things are
obvious. You wouldn't wear your stilettos on the dock or in a fishing boat.
It's possible to be both stylish and practical.
A few words about hair... In this case less is better. It's often windy-especially
on a pier or boat. Long tresses worked for Lady Godiva and will only get in
your way. Wig caps with strips of Velcro are a necessity. Short to medium length
hairstyles will work the best. I think a wig with a built-in headband would
be perfect. Big floppy hats protect from sun exposure and make you look like
Jessica Tandy in "Driving Miss Daisy." Sorry, your favorite hat with
the fishing lures around the brim will have to stay home. On the other hand,
big hair would allow storage of colorful fishing lures and hand-tied flies.
Exposure to sun and wind is hard on the skin. I don't know about you girls,
but Linda doesn't need any more wrinkles that she already has. Use a foundation
with a SPF of at least fifteen. The more fair-skinned you are use a higher
number. Now if someone would just invent make-up with insect repellent for
outdoor girls like me.
Daytime make-up-some neutral eye shadow and mascara are just perfect. Filed and polished nails with a neutral shade would be appropriate. I just don't know about those long fake nails. Probably would make baiting a hook or removing a fish more difficult. I would select a comfortable but stylish blouse -accenting my bust-line appropriately. This is not the time or place to show too much cleavage. I love to wear heels but must concede to comfort. My outfit will be complete with a comfortable pair of slacks. Now what was it Martha Stewart said about wicker? Wicker is very popular this year.. I have been looking high and low for a wicker tackle box. If I can't find one I will just have to go to the basket store and make my own. I've found some of the cutest lures to go in it. A little yellow mouse that squeaks when you squeeze itexcept for the hooks -it would make a good cat toy. I asked the man in the store if it would work for catfish. He did not seem to be amused. It's for bass! He said in a gruff voice. I wonder what was up with him? You'd think no one ever asked him a question before. I'll just have to see about that. My new fishing rod matches my Capri pants perfectly. Imagine that! The same shade of turquoise, how lucky can a girl be? I'm leaving most of my jewelry at home. On one of those cable channels they had a story about this poor lady on a salt-water fishing trip with her husband. Apparently a large barracuda was attracted by her shiny bracelet and attacked her. She had to be airlifted to a hospital in critical condition. I don't want to be on any fishes menu. It took me long enough to get in the water after watching that "Jaws" movie.
For now, I'm fishing from the pier. Maybe some day I'll take one of those fishing charter boats. First, I am going to brush up on nautical terminology-port, starboard, bulkhead, and poop deck. I don't have a clue what a poop
deck is and don't think I want to know. I watched all the episodes of "The
Love Boat" it didn't help a bit. Like most hobbies considerable investment
is required. Technology has come to fishing. Things my Grandfather never imagined:
fish finders, global positioning sensors, depth finders. Grandpa would be shocked
to find out that a bass boat could take him to his favorite fishing cove at
sixty miles per hour. Most of his success came from experience and instinct.
Being able to read the water. Knowing the habits of different species of fish.
He knew the importance of meteorological conditions. Fish sometimes are more
inclined to bite before a low-pressure front arrives. In spite of his advanced
age, he was still a boy when it came to fishing. My first fish was caught on
a simple willow pole with line, bobber and hook. It was only a small sunfish,
but to me at nine years old, seemed much larger. I caught the fever and am
only too happy to pass it on to my children and grandchildren. Sometimes fishing
forays turn into hunts for frogs, crawdads and other creepy critters. It's
amazing how much mud a child can collect. Nevertheless, it's learning about
nature.
I'll bet most of you girls don't know it, but fish bait is good for softening the hands. Next time pay attention to the guy's hands in the fish market-you'll see what I'm talking about. You just have to get past the odor. Casting from a crowded pier is an art. It takes patience and watching out for people walking by. Show them you know what you are doing. After a good cast wait for a bite. Any questions about which bait to use and which fish are biting can be answered at a local bait shop. Go to the real onesnot the tourist traps. Feel free to ask the experts. You can tell them apart. They are serious about their pursuit. They don't watch people, instead are concentrating on fishing. Do your job right and you'll attract the right kind of attention. Now, if I can just attract some fish. So you see fishing and cross-dressing are much the same. Both are about the pursuit of excellence. Now try to be feminine when handling live fish. I dare you! There is still no way I will ever look good in hip waders. Fishing, it's a good way to have fun. Just remember there is no feminine way to say Arrgh! Shiver me timbers! Was there ever a lady pirate? I sure would like to know. Maybe I should ask someone. Oh, Mister! Could I ask you a question? I don't think he heard me. He has a gray beard and sort of looks like a pirate.
This year Katherine Sue from Arkansas, Tessa Kay from Rolla and Sharon (our
President) joined Bebe and myself on our gambling tour of Tunica, Mississippi.
I could give the same old story of the bus trip, the great buffets, the great
entertainment and even the blunders (like when I left our camera on the shuttle
bus), but I thought I would give a totally different perspective with this
writing. I thought I would tell you about our interaction with the people.
Katherine Sue is fairly new at being OUT and like most new girls, she appreciates
any help she can get to complete her transition to her femme appearance. Tessa
Kay and Sharon are quite experienced with themselves in public and carry themselves
quite well. I'm kinda in between, neither experienced or a novice. We dressed
casually for the bus trip (well casual for us girls) and the trip down was
rather quiet and uneventful. When we arrived in Tunica, we were given our machine
cards with our femme names on them. We also got our meal tickets but had to
wait for a few hours before our motel rooms would be ready. It was easy to
wile away a few hours with all the gambling machines spinning, flashing, flickering
and ringing. Upon checking into our rooms our luggage had already been delivered!
Tessa's shoes had somehow gotten lost in the delivery process and after informing
our tour director, Linda, of the problem it was only a short time before they
were found. The funny part is, they ended up in Bill's (our driver) room!
The tour is set up where we spend about 3-4 hours at each of four casinos over our Sunday thru Tuesday trip.
Our bus takes us to each casino where we usually get $5 and our meal ticket to start us off. Because of Tessa and Sharon's outgoing nature, we quickly made friends with the other people on our bus. They were curious and had many questions for us like "How do you manage to keep your lipstick color on ALL DAY?!" We also laughed and shared stories of our gaming wins and losses (mine were mostly losses tho). Nearly all the people on the bus enjoyed our company as much as we enjoyed theirs. I was beginning to learn a very valuable lesson here... It seems if you're careful to go to the right places with the right attitude, it doesn't matter if you're different. People will accept you for the warm friendly person you are! I'm now understanding a bit more what our sister in Tennessee, Miss Fiona, has been telling us girls for the longest time, if you're proud and confident about yourself, people will see you as a proud and confident individual.
Gosh, I've learned so much since joining StLGF! I've learned how to dress better, make-up tips, jewelry tips, proper hair fashions and body mannerisms but I'm still working on the voice thingy though. Now I'm learning to feel better about who I am and to be proud of my accomplishments. I no longer lurk in the shadows of my house wishing to be a part of society, but I am living in that society both as Shalon and Stev. I can now say that I am more confident and proud of both of my personalities. I used to be afraid to walk through a group of people, now I'll stop and talk with them. I'm learning that us girls can go to places outside the gay/lesbian bars and enjoy life and experiences nearly any place!
We had gotten a call the other day from Linda, the tour director, and Bebe
had talked to her for hours... She, along with most people, was not educated
as to exactly what a transgender individual is all about. Are they gay? Is
it a fetish? Is it a sexual thing? What caused them to become a CD? Do they
want to get the operation? Where did they buy that gorgeous dress (tee hee)?
Bebe was more than happy to answer her questions to the best of her ability
considering living with a CD is still new to her. Linda has even asked if she
could be a guest at one of our meetings, or even host a party for us girls!
At the first part of this story, I mentioned leaving the camera on a shuttle bus... Well, Bebe and I left the regular tour, jumped on a shuttle bus and went to a different casino hoping to have better luck. As luck would have it, I realized after the shuttle left, that I had left the camera on it! I was beating myself up pretty good for having been so careless and it took the joy out of playing the slots so I went back to our hotel room. I decided to make an effort to find the camera so I contacted the front office of our hotel. I was told the shuttles are on a one-hour cycle and waiting in front was my best bet. In the meantime the office guy tried to contact the office of the shuttle bus. I flagged down the first shuttle bus and
asked if she would radio to the other shuttle... She tried but after about
10 minutes we learned that particular shuttle does not have a working radio.
I anxiously waited out the hour that seemed more like a full day, and then
finally it arrived! The driver informed me no one had turned in a camera and
seriously doubted it would still be where I left it. She did offer to let me
look tho - to my surprise and hers, the camera was still there! I told this
story to tell you how I had to interact with a LOT of people in this unwelcome
adventure. All of the people were kind, considerate and treated me no differently
that any other woman dumb enough to leave her stuff laying around on a public
bus...
On our regular tour bus we formed a "sisterhood" with all of us ladies plus a few of the ladies we've become so friendly with. The "sisterhood of the one arm" (as in one arm bandit - aka slot machine) quickly came up with a secret greeting or salute and we had a lot of fun coming up with ideas for the newly formed sisterhood. Needless to say, this again was a tremendous opportunity to interact with people outside the TG community. Our new friends will always look at TG people in a friendlier manner now that their first exposure was a pleasant experience. Before we boarded the bus, Bebe was kind enough t take a picture with the entire sisterhood plus our driver and tour director. The sad part is Bebe is one of the one arm sisterhood but does not appear in the picture because she was behind the camera.
Maybe next spring we will try another tour to Tunica, Mississippi. Save your pennies (or dollars), save a few vacation days (Sunday through Tuesday) and plan on joining us on a most pleasant experience. See you on the tour bus!!
Back to Gazette listings. Prior Issue of The Gazette Next Issue of The Gazette
Portions © 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 Chris Kay