VL.9.23.2002

Vitale Letter #237, October 6, 2002

Anne Vitale PhD, Editor

****************

Top; ANNOUNCEMENTS; [1]USA: Salt Lake City--COMING UP: FILM; [2] CYBERSPACE: Women into Men in Lingerie; [3] USA: Memorial Set , Bereavement Fund Created for Transgendered Leader; [4] USA: San Francisco--Transgender Law Center Presents: Free Transgender Legal Clinics; [5]USA: Chicago--TG Day of Remembrance - a Vigil in Chicago - November 20th; [6]UK: Please read: Press For Change (PFC) Funding Appeal
GENERAL INFORMATION; [7] USA: IBM‚s New EO Policy; [8]INDIA: India's impotent are a force to be reckoned with; [9]AUSTRALIA: Canberra--Lesbians steal Crean's thunder; [10]INDIA: Bhopal-- Indian eunuchs gather in Bhopal; [11]UK: New report on TS employment discrimination; [12]USA: California--Three Arrested for Gay Actor Attack Three Men Arrested in West Hollywood Attack on Gay Actor; Further Crimes Suspected; [13]USA: Paradigm Shift in Queer Agenda
: MEDIA WATCH; [14]USA: NO BABY J.LO; [15]USA: interesting set of stories about Ben Barres, M.D., Ph.D., neurologist and neuroscientist; [16]USA: Being a Kid is a Drag-on-Screen: More and More Gender Roles Are Explored from a Child's Perspective on Film; [17]USA: Columbus Ohio--To love, honor and be published; BOOKS, Etc....; [18] Book Review --GENDERQUEER: VOICES FROM BEYOND THE SEXUAL BINARY; ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT; [19] JAPAN: Film Review--Southern Comfort (Japan title: Robert Eads); COMMENTARY; Teenage terrorism By Riki Wilchins; LETTERS TO THE EDITOR; Dear Anne, It has been interesting to watch the changes your newsletter is going through.....

: ========////======////======////==============////======////======////======; ANNOUNCEMENTS; [1]USA: Salt Lake City--COMING UP: FILM
Top: The Salt Lake Tribune -- COMING UP: FILM; http://www.sltrib.com/10062002/arts/4417.htm; Source: Brenda Lana Smith R.af D.
: Sunday, October 6, 2002; Compiled by Sean P. Means; Gay Films at the U.: A gay-and-lesbian film festival, presented in; connection with the University of Utah's Gay Pride Week, runs Monday and; Tuesday at the U.'s Union Theater.; Monday's schedule features: at noon, the romantic comedy "Big Eden"; the; American Indian drama "Johnny Greyeyes" at 2:30 p.m.; the controversial; "L.I.E.," about a 15-year-old's relationship with a pedophile (Brian Cox),; at 5 p.m.; "No Dumb Questions," a documentary about a transgendered woman; explaining her sex-change operation to her nieces, at 7:30 p.m.; and the; Sundance Film Festival award-winning documentary "Southern Comfort," about a; transgendered man dying of ovarian cancer, at 8 p.m.; Tuesday's screenings: "Chutney Popcorn," a comedy-drama about an; Indian-American lesbian dealing with her traditional parents, at noon;; "Breaking the Surface," a movie biography of diver Greg Louganis, at 2:30; p.m.; "The Laramie Project," a drama tracing the aftermath of Matthew; Shepard's gay-bashing murder, at 5 p.m.; a trio of Utah-made gay-themed; short films -- "Clean," "Passenger" and "Proteus Point" -- at 7 p.m.; and; the drama "Speedway Junky" at 7:30 p.m.; Admission to all shows is free.; Hi to Loaf-I: The Loaf-I Film Festival makes its debut run Thursday through; Saturday at the Broadway Film Centre, 111 E. 300 South, Salt Lake City.; The festival is the work of Loaf-I Productions, a Salt Lake City collective; of media artists that (according to its Web site, http://www.loaf-i.org); "intends to oppose the studio system, major record labels, major publishers,; glitzy substance-less theatrical companies, and any other businesses that; put profit before people and ahead of meaningful art."; Three feature-length films are on the festival's bill. The most notable is; "Book of Days," a 1998 film by composer and performance artist Meredith; Monk. Salt Lake City poet Alex Caldiero will introduce the film, Friday at; 9:30 p.m. and Saturday at 10:30 p.m., with a short live performance.; Also on the bill: Ryan Wylie's "Halfway to Nowhere" at 9:30 p.m. Thursday; and 7:30 p.m. Friday, Tyrone Davies' "Stealing Away" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday; and 4:30 p.m. Saturday, and two collections of short films -- the first at; 5:30 p.m. Thursday and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, the second at 5:30 p.m. Friday; and 8:30 p.m. Saturday.; Admission is $6.50 per show, or $4.50 for students, seniors and children.; Get the Garlic: Cinema's first Dracula, F.W. Murnau's 1924 silent classic; "Nosferatu," materializes Thursday and Friday, 7:30 p.m., at the Organ Loft,; 3331 S. Edison (half a block east of State Street), South Salt Lake.; Blaine Gale accompanies on the Wurlitzer organ. Admission is $5, and; reservations can be made by calling 801-485-9265.; Friday-Night 'Social': Salt Lake City filmmaker David A. Wells' debut,; "Social Suicide" -- a comedy about four college students on the verge of; graduation -- screens Friday at 8 p.m. at the Utah Film & Video Center, 20; S. West Temple, Salt Lake City.; The movie boasts all local talent and a budget of only $4,000 (all paid out; of Wells' pocket). The soundtrack is big on Salt Lake City bands: Chola, Fat; Paw, Swank 5, No Release, Bad Apple, ICBM, Greater than 5, and 5 Minute; Major.; Admission is $6, or $5 for students, seniors and UFVC members.; © Copyright 2002, The Salt Lake Tribune
Top: [2] CYBERSPACE: Women into Men in Lingerie
Top: Source: Rica Ashby Fredrickson <rica@netaxs.com>; [via an "adult lists" announcement list]; Date: Sun, 8 Sep 2002; From: Michelle DeSouza; http://groups.yahoo.com/group/women_into_men_in_lingerie; The focus of this group is for men with a lingerie wearing fetish to; meet understanding women, but also, it is a dicussion group, as well as; a picture trading group. I will allow pictures and videos to be posted; within the subject. Anything goes, from sensual to raunchy. Although; everyone is welcomed, I prefer to focus my group on "closet"; crossdressing men into women's intimate apparel, or crossdressing; fetishists, not full time TVs or transitioning TSs. No fully dressed; CD'ers. In other words, if you are one of those men that wears panties; under your suit or pants, this group is for you. If you are a traveling; business man, and dress up in lingerie in the privacy of your hotel; room, then this group is for you. Do you get the point? This group will; be moderated, and there will be no SPAM. Your moderator is a genetic; female that loves to refer to her crossdressing men as b...,s....and; w..., so be aware and prepared. One last thing, I cannot somehow lure; women to join this group, so if it's full of men, there's nothing I can; do about it. The most I can tell you, is that I'm a woman, and I like; men in lingerie. Enough said, come on in!!; http://groups.yahoo.com/group/women_into_men_in_lingerie; http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Masculine_Bears; http://groups.yahoo.com/group/guys_with_fem_faces
Top: [3] USA: Memorial Set , Bereavement Fund Created for Transgendered Leader
Top: For Immediate Release: Dated October 3, 2002; From: The National Transgender Advocacy Coalition (NTAC); Contact Person: Vanessa Edwards Foster; Houston, Texas; Contact Email: ntacmedia@aol.Com; media@ntac.org; Contact Phone: 832-483-9901; Website: Http://www.ntac.org; Family and friends of Alexander John 'Bear' Goodrum announced details of the memorial service to honor the life of the nationally-regarded Transgender Community leader. Additionally, the National Transgender Advocacy Coalition (NTAC) has established a Bereavement Fund to help cover travel, interment, and other related expenses.; Goodrum, hanged himself in the early morning hours of Saturday, September 28, while hospitalized for depression and related psychiatric observation. No official statements have been released regarding the circumstances of his death. An outpouring of grief, concern and generosity have flooded the trans community in his hometown of Tucson. The state of Arizona, and indeed the national transgender movement have been rocked by the tragic news.; On Saturday, October 5, a nondenominational service to memorialize 'Bear' will be held at Stone Avenue Temple, 564 S. Stone Avenue in Tucson. Service will begin at 6:30 p.m., and continue until at least 8 p.m. For those wishing more details on the memorial, contact Michael Woodward at: Michael@transcribes.org or call 520-795-7001.; Following the service will be a kosher potluck and fellowship gathering, details of which can be obtained from Nancy at: nancy.robinett@azbar.org.; In lieu of flowers, donations and other support have been requested by the family and friends. NTAC has reactivated the Bereavement Fund to assist Alexander Goodrum's family with their expenses. 100% of the proceeds will go directly to the family. Information for donating by mail, by credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or for online contributions via PayPal to the Alexander Goodrum Bereavement Fund can be found at http://www.ntac.org/donation/; Additionally, donations may be made to the organization that Goodrum so lovingly nurtured -- TGNet Arizona. Contributions may be sent payable to:; TGNet Arizona; c/o Wingspan; 300 E. Sixth Street; Tucson, AZ 85705; (520) 520-624-1779
Top: [4] USA: San Francisco--Transgender Law Center Presents: Free Transgender Legal Clinics!
Top: Reservations/Questions: (415) 392-6257 x308 or daley@nclrights.org; 7 to 9pm on October 8th and 22nd; 870 Market Street, Suite 570 (Market and Powell); Schedule a 30 minute appointment at this clinic to meet one-on-one with an attorney. Get legal information on subjects like document changes, asylum, marriage, child custody, and Medi-Cal , and gender identity discrimination in employment, housing, and/or public accommodation.; The attorney can provide you with general legal information, an overview of some of the legal options available to you, and, when possible, contact information for local non-profit agencies or private attorneys who can represent you. However, our attorneys will not be able to provide you with direct representation.; Call or email to reserve a consultation slot. However, even if you don't make a reservation, you should still stop by the clinic. Free pamphlets on legal issues like housing, employment, asylum, Medi-Cal, and document changes will be available in Spanish and English.; The clinic is wheel-chair accessible. If you need assistance in sign language or a language other than English, please contact us in advance. Every attempt will be made to accommodate these needs. If you can't make one of these clinics, or you have an immediate legal question, you can send us questions at the above phone number or email address.
Top: [5]USA: Chicago--TG Day of Remembrance - a Vigil in Chicago - November 20th
Top: Windy City Times (glbt weekly); September 18, 2002; http://tinyurl.com/1jh0; http://www.outlineschicago.com/0outlines/sept18w02/tranvigil.html; On Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 6 p.m., a candlelight vigil will be held at; the Thompson Center Plaza, 100 W. Randolph St. The event is part of a; nationally coordinated Transgender Day of Remembrance to be held that; day in at least 21 cities throughout the U.S.; As of Sept. 10, 11 transgendered individuals are known to have been; murdered in the U.S. this year.; "This event gives us an opportunity to remember those who have died; simply because they were perceived as 'different,' said Lisa Scheps,; event co-chair from It's Time, Illinois. "This is an opportunity for; individuals, both in and out of the gender community to come together; and say 'this is wrong-stop the killing.""; "To bring things even closer to home, eight individuals have been; killed in Illinois over the past few years for real or perceived; gender variance," according to Tina Sievers, event co-chair.; The vigil is being coordinated by It's Time, Illinois. It is co-; sponsored by Chicago Gender Society, Equality Illinois, Howard Brown; Health Center, Chicago Department of Health, Diversity of Rockford,; TransGenesis, and the Chi Chapter of Tri-Ess.; Copyright © 2002 Lambda Publications Inc. All rights reserved
Top: [6]UK: Please read: Press For Change (PFC) Funding Appeal
Top: [via TransHistory]; Date: Tue, 24 Sep 2002; From: Stephen Whittle; EMERGENCY - Sept 2002
: Stephen Whittle writes:; £6,000 needed by January 31st 2003; A Crucial Case: Press For Change has agreed to meet any award of costs; up to £6000 in the case of Linda Grant v The Department of Social; Security.; The decision in the case will affect us all. If the government wins,; then a mockery will be made of the decision of the European Court of; Human Rights in Goodwin & I. The government may then change our birth; certificates but they will have carte blanche not to recognise those; changes in the rest of our lives.; Linda has, so far, taken her case to be awarded her pension at the age; of 60 through the courts by herself. In August, she was given leave to; appeal to the Court of Appeal. LIBERTY have agreed to take this case on; behalf of Press For Change, Linda and all trans people. The Department; of Social Security has refused, in the event, that Linda loses, not to; claim full costs.; Linda is nearly 65, and on benefits. She might get legal aid . but then; again she might not. She would lose her home if costs were awarded; against her. The case could not proceed unless someone agreed to; potentially meet these costs.; The VP's, on your behalf, have agreed to meet the costs of DSS if Linda; loses. We have indemnified up to the sum of £6,000.; Of course, Linda might win - and would set a precedent for future; decisions. BUT we cannot afford Linda to lose. If Linda's case is not; heard, then we have immediately lost. If the case is lost, then not only; will it exclude trans women from their pension s at the age of 60, but; it will allow the government to ignore the ECHR decision in many other; walks of life. Remember - Goodwin was about pensions, if we don't win; this one then we risk losing everything we have gained. LIBERTY is; acting for free and is the best group of lawyers we could have to take; this case.; Press For Change does not have £6000, but we have 4 months in which to; raise it.; PFC needs ALL trans people to make a contribution to meeting these; costs.; Press For Change has set up a separate bank account for a LEGAL FUND.; If you make a donation, we will record it, and if costs are not awarded; against Linda we pledge to refund your donation in full.; If you do not want your money back we will keep it separate to fund; other cases in the future.; PLEASE MAKE A DONATION - we suggest £100 from those who are working, and; £20 from those who are not.; Make all cheques payable to Press For Change and write on the back; 'Legal Fund'.; Send all donations to Press For Change, BM Network, London WC1N 3XX.; Please don't let us down - we are relying upon each member of the trans; community to help us make sure government cannot backtrack on the win we; have achieved.
Top: GENERAL INFORMATION
: [7] USA: IBM‚s New EO Policy
Top: IBM has become the 15th Fortune 500 company to add „gender identity or expression" to its EO policy. This would not have become possible if it were not for the hard work of one individual, Dana Brown-Owings. For the last two years, Brown-Owings has educated and worked with IBM Management and the internal GLBT diversity group known as EAGLE. Her continuous hard work has not only changed the bathroom policy in regards to pre-op transsexuals, but has brought Big Blue into the 21st Century as far as non-discrimination policies go. This new policy is in effect globally, throughout IMB‚s facilities across the world. Brown-Owings must be commended for her hard work and dedication. She has proven that one person can truly make a difference.
: Dana Brown-Owings is a delegate to the National Council of Delegates for EAGLE at IBM, Secretary of the Atlanta Women‚s Diversity Group at IBM, the Director of Operations for Georgia‚s Trans=Action, and is on the Board of LaGender, Inc and the Southern Association for Gender Education.; Contact: Dana Brown-Owings at dana_tgactivist@yahoo.com
Top: [8]INDIA: India's impotent are a force to be reckoned with
Top: NEWS.scotsman.com - International - India's i...; http://news.scotsman.com/international.cfm?id=1106892002; Source: Brenda Lana Smith R.af D.; Sunday, October 06, 2002; DAVID ORR IN DELHI; THE onlookers clap their hands in rhythmic accompaniment to the lusty hip; gyrations of the performers on the makeshift stage.; The object of their attention is not a group of beautiful Bollywood starlets; or the latest icon of Hindi pop. It is altogether more exotic - the eunuchs; are in town.; More than 2,000 eunuchs assembled in Bhopal last week to celebrate the; annual Shraddha period when Hindus remember their dead forefathers. The; religious festival is an opportunity for members of the so-called 'third; sex' to gather from around India, making mischief and providing; entertainment for those who have come to pay respect to their ancestors.; Shraddha is a sombre time but, come the evening, the eunuchs who had; converged on the central Indian city could no longer contain the riotous; exuberance for which they are known.; Despite their outward flamboyance, much of the secret world of the eunuchs -; or 'hijras' (impotent ones) - remains a mystery.; According to some estimates, there are more than a million eunuchs in India.; Many are young men with gender-identity problems who have chosen castration; and a life on the fringes of a society that has no place for homosexuals.; The youthful misfits seek out the hijras and most eventually submit to a; crude operation without anaesthetic during which their genitals are severed; with one cut. A eunuch will act as their guru, introducing them to the; insular hijra community and assisting them during the castration ritual.; Although most choose to become hijras, it is rumoured that young boys are; abducted on the orders of eunuch leaders and ritually castrated. The; practice is said to have been common in India for centuries. Eunuchs deny; forcibly mutilating male children to keep their secret societies alive but a; number of such cases have come to light over recent years.; A small number of eunuchs are hermaphrodites, possessing both male and; female characteristics, or transvestites.; The hijras generally adopt feminine dress and assume a single, woman's name.; While most eunuchs occupy the shadowy margins of society more and more are; emerging into the social and political mainstream. There have even been; suggestions that they might form their own political party and contest the; country's next parliamentary elections.; Raj Sinha, leader of the Delhi Hijra Union, a collective of thousands of; eunuchs in the Indian capital, said: "A large section of society sees; eunuchs as a better option against corrupt politicians. We don't have the; same vested interests as other people."; While Bhopal is more associated with the horrors of the Union Carbide poison; gas leak in 1984 than with carnivals of dancing and cross-dressing, the; choice of the capital of the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh for the; festival last week was significant, given the high profile which local; eunuchs have come to enjoy in recent years.; Shabnam Mausi has become the first eunuch in India to occupy a seat in a; state assembly. Interestingly, she contested the election not on a 'eunuch; ticket' but on her anti-corruption policy.; Another eunuch, Kamla Jaan, is currently fighting a legal battle to retain; the mayorship of Katni in Madhya Pradesh. Elected mayor of the town two; years ago from a constituency seat reserved for women, Jaan is challenging a; verdict which ruled her a 'he' and not a 'she'.; Having no family ties and usually living in communes, eunuchs are able to; portray themselves as more likely to serve the people rather than their own; interests. Politics, however, appeared very low on the agenda of last week's; gathering.; "We're here to have a good time," said Shabana, a young eunuch from; Rajasthan, back from shopping in Bhopal's markets.; Shanti, who had travelled from the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, said:; "We don't have families of our own. This is a chance for us to get together; with our own kind and share our experiences."; The eunuchs form a subculture of sexual outcasts who rank lower in India; than the 'dalits' or 'untouchables'. They are principally known for crashing; weddings and family occasions such as the birth of a new child. They sing; raunchy songs, dance provocatively and make a nuisance of themselves until; they are paid to go away.; In the distant past, eunuchs often enjoyed the patronage of Hindu kings or; maharajas, in whose courts they would sing and dance. During Muslim rule in; India, they were employed as harem guards and given unrestricted access to; private apartments in the Mughal palaces.; Nowadays, their position in society is less secure. Most still make a living; from singing, dancing and the bestowing of blessings. Some resort to; prostitution, though those who sell their bodies are regarded with disdain; by other hijras.; Indians are wary of the eunuchs' ire and supposed occult powers. The curse; of a hijra is considered terribly unlucky. There is a belief that it can; bring impotence, ill-health and financial ruin to a man, or make a young; woman barren.; The only thing worse than being on the receiving end of a eunuch's curse, it; is said, is to be flashed at by a eunuch. A recent trend to emerge from; India's commercial capital is for debtors to be threatened with the sight; beneath a eunuch's sari.; ©2002 scotsman.com
Top: NEWS.com.au | Lesbians steal Crean's thunder...; http://news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,5238003%255E421,00.html; Source: Brenda Lana Smith R.af D.; [9]AUSTRALIA: Canberra--Lesbians steal Crean's thunder
Top: By MALCOLM FARR Chief Political Reporter and SUE DUNLEVY; October 07, 2002; SIMON Crean and a lesbian/transgender marching band yesterday starred at the; ALP rules reform conference, designed to win converts to the party.; The principal reform approved in the second and final day of the Canberra; conference gave women an historic 40 per cent of winable Labor seats.; The unanimously approved quota, to be achieved over 10 years, was increased; from 35 per cent and matched with a 40 per cent guarantee for men, with the; remainder to be contested by men and women.; Mr Crean said the move, together with measures combating branch stacking,; helped make Labor more inclusive and more electable. "This is what; Australians want to know of their politicians, that they're open, they're; inclusive, they'll listen and they're honest and that they treat them as; equals,' he told Channel 7's Sunday Sunrise program.; Mr Crean said after the conference the party had shown that by making; difficult decisions, it was serious about winning the next election.; "I think we've come out strengthened, come out modernised and mosty; importantly, united," he said.; A lesbian and transgender marching girl troop, clad in short white skirts,; was used to help in the celebration.; But their appearance didn't please some Labor women, who said it trivialised; the importance of what they won from the conference. Former Victorian; Premier and Emily's List convenor Joan Kirner organised the troop to provide; some colour for television cameras.; Dressed in lilac vests and hats, and carrying yellow arrows symbolising an; increase in the quota, the marching girls were an eyebrow-raising choice for; a feminist celebration.; A number of female Labor MPs were upset at the publicity stunt, believing it; gave credence to the jokes being made about the 40-40-20 rule.; "Are they the other 20 per cent?" one MP remarked.; The group, who take part in the gay and lesbian Mardi Gras, performed to; Jennifer Lopez's Let's Get Loud .; The party moved to stamp out branch stacking, requiring all members of the; ALP to be on the electoral roll before voting in a preselection.; Bulk membership renewals have been outlawed and members would be able to ask; for an investigation of branch stacking.; Prime Minister John Howard yesterday called the reforms window dressing; which wouldn't fool voters. He said the affirmative action program was; patronising to women, most of whom wanted to achieve on merit, not quotas.; "The unions will still run the ALP. They will still dictate Labor policy,"; he said.; "Going from 60 to 50 per cent, is a little bit of window dressing to win; media approval."; The Daily Telegraph; --; © News Limited
Top: BBC NEWS | South Asia | Indian eunuchs gather...; http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2288337.stm; Monday, 30 September, 2002, 13:19 GMT 14:19 UK; [10]INDIA: Bhopal-- Indian eunuchs gather in Bhopal
Top: By Mahesh Pandey; BBC reporter in Bhopal Eunuchs from across India have gathered in Bhopal,; the capital of the central state of Madhya Pradesh to celebrate a unique; festival.; More than 2,500 eunuchs will sing, dance and make merry for several days in; memory of their spiritual teacher, Haji Rahamatullah.; India has several hundred thousand of the so-called "third sex" who are; traditionally regarded as auspicious.; The venue of the meeting is significant as several eunuchs in Madhya Pradesh; have had a high profile over recent months.; Changing times; Shabnam Mausi has become India's first eunuch to occupy a seat in a state; assembly.; And another eunuch Kamla Jaan has been fighting a court battle to retain the; mayorship of the city of Katni in Madhya Pradesh.; Known as "hijras" in Hindi, eunuchs are mainly either castrated men or; transvestites.; They mostly earn a living by collecting cash gifts from people on occasions; like marriages and births.; But this is not what has brought them to Bhopal.; They are here as representatives of their society.; Social occasion; For eunuchs, this conference is a festival where they get to meet; "their-own-kind" from all over India.; Jyoti, senior eunuch Asha, who has come all the way from Baroda in Gujarat,; said: "We don't have a son or a daughter at whose marriage we can expect a; get-together. It is this festival which fulfils our wishes."; The sentiment is echoed by Rammobai, who says, "we are having a good time; here and while enjoying ourselves we have also developed close relations".; Organisers of the festival said discussions were also held on certain; "internal issues" but the media was not allowed to cover the debate.; There have been some suggestions recently that eunuchs are considering; forming their own political party.; Participants, however, rejected suggestions that politics was discussed.; "If we get into politics, who will sing and dance on marriages?", a senior; eunuch Jyoti said.; See also:; 27 Sep 02 | South Asia; Eunuch reinstated in India mayor row; http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2285380.stm
Top: [11]UK: New report on TS employment discrimination
Top: Date: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 09:04:41 -0000; From: "Mrs. Petra Henderson" <petrahenderson@yahoo.com>; In Terisa's transgendernews; http://groups.yahoo.com/group/transgendernews; "transgender_news" <transgender_news@l...> wrote:; The study is being released through:; GIRES - Gender Identity Research and Education Society; Melverley, The Warren, Ashtead, Surrey KT21 2SP; http://www.gires.org.uk/; What follows is a report summary and order information; -----------------------------------------------; EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION AND TRANSSEXUAL PEOPLE; Dr. Stephen Whittle, PH.D. Reader in Law,; Manchester Metropolitan University; Gender Dysphoria is a recognised medical condition. Those who; experience the condition do not feel, on the inside, to be of the; gender that their bodies are perceived to be. Many of them experience; such intense and prolonged discomfort that, in adulthood, they; undergo a process of gender role transition in which they express; their innate gender identities and, usually, obtain medical treatment; to modify their bodies accordingly. Those who experience this degree; of Gender Dysphoria may be regarded as having the condition termed; Transsexualism.; During and after transition, many transsexual people experience; discrimination in the workplace or difficulty in obtaining; employment. GIRES therefore undertook research into the nature and; extent of their problems and is now publishing the results; in "Employment Discrimination and Transsexual People", a report; prepared by Dr Stephen Whittle.; The report describes how, during the period 1996-99, the legal; responsibility of employers to protect transsexual employees against; sex discrimination in the workplace was clearly established by; several test cases and new government regulations.; Based on a survey conducted in late 2000, the report states that the; great majority of respondents did not feel that, aside from any; difficulties created for them by other people at work, their; transition had, at the time or currently, made them less able to do; their jobs.; Yet, the report shows that many transsexual employees were still; subjected to:; * discrimination in:; - recruitment; - promotion; - remuneration; - benefits and; - other factors; * verbal abuse and even physical violence perpetrated by other; employees, as well as by; customers, clients or suppliers; Many of the transsexual employees who had recently commenced; transition had been forced to leave their jobs either by their; employers or because of the resultant conditions at work.; The majority of their employers were failing to:; * include gender in the organisation's anti-discrimination policies; * provide their colleagues with information, support and/or training; on gender identity; * inform those colleagues that discrimination against the transsexual; person would not be tolerated; Many of their employers were still not providing them with access to; toilet facilities appropriate to their new gender roles.; These findings have major implications for policy makers. Although; the law is now robust, employers' practice in the workplace remains; highly imperfect. Whilst there is a need for more rigorous; enforcement of the law, that factor alone would be insufficient to; achieve the changes in attitudes that trans people encounter daily at; work, among their fellow workers as well as customers, clients and; suppliers. Employers should be persuaded to educate all the people; that the trans person encounters at work.; The need for action is mounting. The data gathered in the 2000 survey; shows a sharp increase in the number of people commencing transition.; The rapidly rising numbers of cases being referred to the Gender; Identity Clinic at Charing Cross Hospital and of applications for; membership of two major voluntary support organisations, The Gender; Trust and FTM Network, confirm the upward trend.; ****************; GIRES wishes to record its admiration and gratitude for the skill and; dedication that; Dr Whittle has applied in preparing the report. The charity is also; grateful to Press for Change for its collaboration in launching the; survey among transsexual employees. That survey has provided much of; the data used by Dr Whittle in his report. In addition, GIRES thanks; the FTM Network, The Gender Trust and Gendys, as well as members of; its Medical Advisory Panel, for their valuable help in distributing; the survey's questionnaire among employees within the transsexual; community.; GIRES is distributing copies of the report free of charge to all; policy makers who are in positions where they have the power to; improve working conditions significantly for transsexual employees.; Copies will also be provided, free of charge, to applicants who are; members of the above organisations that assisted in conducting the; survey. However, they and other applicants are requested to consider; making a donation to GIRES to help the charity to recover the cost it; has incurred in conducting the survey and publishing Dr Whittle's; report. If you wish to receive a copy of the report, please complete; the application form which you can obtain by clicking here,; =======================; http://tinyurl.com/1rem; http://members.aol.com/bernardgi/Text_Assets/Employment_Disc_applicati; on.doc; ========================; print it, complete it and return it via surface mail to GIRES at the; above address.
Top: ABCNEWS.com : Three Arrested for Gay Actor At...; http://abcnews.go.com/wire/US/ap20021002_444.html; [12]USA: California--Three Arrested for Gay Actor Attack Three Men Arrested in West Hollywood Attack on Gay Actor; Further Crimes Suspected
Top: The Associated Press; WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. Oct. 2 &emdash; Three men were arrested for investigation of; beating a gay actor with a baseball bat outside his home last month in a; suspected hate crime attack.; Los Angeles County sheriff's Capt. Lynda Castro announced the arrests during; a news conference late Tuesday. She declined to identify the men.; "This is what we've all been waiting for the entire month of September,"; Castro said of the arrests. "This has been a month from hell."; Investigators are looking into whether the suspects were involved in other; assaults on gay men in West Hollywood, including one that took place just; hours after actor Treve Broudy was attacked.; Broudy, 33, was attacked on Labor Day weekend after he embraced a male; friend. Broudy lay near death for several days. The friend was also struck; but not seriously injured.; Another man was similarly attacked the same night, and a fourth was beaten; later in September by two men yelling anti-gay epithets and wielding a bat; and a pipe.; The attacks put the city on alert, and police stepped up patrols. West; Hollywood, a city of about 36,000 residents, is a major destination for gay,; lesbian and transgender people.; When Castro said the men were in custody, a small crowd standing nearby; burst into applause.; Broudy was "elated" upon hearing of the arrests, City Councilman Jeff Prang; said.; The men were originally arrested for investigation of robbery and automobile; grand theft before they were linked to the beating, Castro said.; A $91,000 reward had been offered for information leading to arrests.; Anonymous tips led investigators to the three men, but it was not known if; anyone would collect the money.; --; © 2002 ABCNEWS Internet Ventures.
Top: [13]USA: Paradigm Shift in Queer Agenda
Top: By PAUL SCHINDLER; In a political coincidence with profound implications on the struggle for equal rights, two of the nation's largest LGBT organizations, the Empire State Pride Agenda (ESPA) in New York and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) in Washington, both confirmed this week that they will strengthen their commitment to making protections for transgendered people a core part of their mission.; "We've come to the conclusion that [transgender rights] need to be pursued legislatively as well [as through legal efforts]," David Smith, communications director at HRC told Gay City News. "We would very much like to pursue that legislatively on the federal level in 2003."; The comments from Smith came as HRC released results of a polling effort on American attitudes toward the transgendered community. The research found that while many Americans remain only vaguely knowledgeable about the lives of transgendered people, there is significant and growing support for transgender rights protections.; The comments from ESPA came in an interview with Matt Foreman who returned on an interim basis as executive director in the wake of Joe Grabarz's resignation September 19. Discussing the complex politics of a governor up for reelection who failed to deliver on a promise of a gay civil rights law, Foreman said, "If [the Sexual Orientation Non Discrimination Act] doesn't pass this year, there is no SONDA. It is dead."; Foreman went on to explain that with or without passing SONDA in 2002, the group next year will move to build a coalition in support of an overhaul of all state human rights law, an effort that would be trans-inclusive.
Top: MEDIA WATCH; http://www.dotmusic.com/news//October2002/news26750.asp; Fri 4 Oct 2002 12:47; [14]USA: NO BABY J.LO
Top: Jennifer Lopez has denied claims that she is pregnant and says she is; frustrated with constant press reports to the contrary.; In an interview with OK! Magazine, J.Lo explained that every time a; pregnancy is rumoured, her mum is the first person to call.; "The first time it happened was the one that was most devastating to her,"; she said. "Now I'm like: 'Mum, I promise, if I'm pregnant, I will call you; first.; "My mother has been dealing with this for few years now, so it's not really; a new thing for her."; However, though false reports irritate the Latin diva, she says it's not; worth taking action.; "I've thought of doing things like, let's do this to the paper who wrote; that, but you know what, it's so counterproductive.; "You can't win because they'll come back the next day and do something; worse. 'She's a transsexual and her husband's a transsexual.' So you know; what I mean? It just won't end there!"; © dotmusic.com
Top: [15]USA: interesting set of stories about Ben Barres, M.D., Ph.D., neurologist and neuroscientist
Top: Rebecca Auge PhD writes:; Hello All,; Here's an interesting set of stories about Ben Barres, M.D., Ph.D., neurologist and neuroscientist at Stanford Medical School, who is also FTM:; http://www.webofstories.com/browse/Barres.htm; Rebecca
Top: [16]USA: Being a Kid is a Drag-on-Screen: More and More Gender Roles Are Explored from a Child's Perspective on Film
Top: Source: Newsweekly- New England's Gay and Lesbian News and; Entertainment Source, Volume 12, Issue 01; Author: Steve Stewart; Via: Stephe Feldman; Date: Sept. 7, 2002; Why would an eight-year-old boy want to wear a dress?; "Scotsmen wear dresses, they're called kilts. King Tut wore a skirt . .; . . the Dali Lama wears dresses .. . . great charioteers wore short; skirts. The Siamese Emperor wore a robe much like the Kimono . . .; Muslim men wear dresses. Hungarian cowboys wear dresses. Men in Africa; wear dresses. Angels wear dresses. Even the Pope wears a dress . . ."; exclaims eight-year-old Bruno (Alex D. Linz) in "The Dress Code" (2000).; Bruno is explaining to the Mother Superior (Kathy Bates) of his Catholic; school why he wants to wear a dress to school. His best friend (Kiami; Davael), a tomgirl [sic], prefers to dress as a boy, but no one's that; concerned about her.; It's no longer politically correct to make fun of a sissy in public.; But American audiences are more than willing, eager and encouraged to; watch movies that make fun of and laugh at "sissies."; But if you want to make Americans very uncomfortable, and want to bring; the full wrath of the gender police upon you, just try to make a serious; movie about a "sissy."; Shirley MacLaine learned this lesson the hard way. For her directorial; debut, MacLaine chose to bring to the screen the story of a boy who; prefers to dress as a girl. She told TV Guide in January 2001, "There; was this terrible humiliation of not being able to get a distributor. I; went to every studio, and they adored the movie but said, 'We don't know; how to market it.'"; Translation: We don't know how to market it so audiences won't feel; threatened and uncomfortable.; Seriously suggesting that it might be okay for a boy or girl to cross; gender lines is strictly taboo. In 2002, gender roles in our society; are still fiercely enforced.; So why are we now seeing more and more movies depicting boys and girls; in drag? Are the traditional gender cops such as parents, the church,; the government, the military and peer pressure becoming more tolerant of; sexual diversity?; Cindy Martin, the publisher and editor of Transgender Forum; (www.tgforum.com) believes they are.; "The most impressive thing I've seen in the last year has been the; adoption of anti-bias laws for transgenders in cities and counties far; outside the elite liberal cities on the coasts," she says.; "As we've become less exotic, parents may now be a little less queasy; about seeing kids their own children's ages depicted on screen as less; than traditional. They still may not like the idea that their kid is; 'different.' But, at least they know that the 'unusual' kid will; probably not face the kind of ferocious bias they would have faced a; generation ago."; In the past, with a few notable exceptions such as "The Member of the; Wedding" (1953) and "West Side Story" (1961), drag was primarily used as; a sight gag and almost always featured an adult.; Serious dramas about boys and girls who freely choose to dress in; "gender-inappropriate" attire and for the most part don't care what; anyone else thinks, began about 10 years ago.; When it comes to frankly exploring sexual issues, European cinema is; always a decade or so ahead of American film. So it makes sense that; Agnes Varda's French drama "Jacquot" (1991) would be the first film to; cross adolescent gender lines. In this bio-pic about filmmaker Jacques; Demy, the budding teenage filmmaker enlists the support of all the boys; in the neighborhood for his movie. When one of the boys objects to; dressing in drag as a girl, another boy gladly takes the role.; A few years later, British director and screenwriter Andrew Birkin's; "Cement Garden" (1993) took it a step further. This story of incest and; survival revolves around four siblings who decide to survive on their; own (rather than be placed in a foster home) following the deaths of; their parents. The youngest boy (Ned Birkin), about nine-years-old,; wears a dress through much of the film because he thinks he would rather; be a girl.; Canadian writer/director Jeremy Podeswa's "The Five Senses" (2000) went; even further. Brendan Fletcher plays a teen voyeur who likes to spy on; gay men having sex in a park. He also discovers that he likes to dress; up in women's sexy lingerie while wearing makeup and a wig. These three; films, however, were merely a tease. Director Alain Berliner's 1998; French drama "My Life In Pink" (aka "Ma Vie En Rose") went all the way.; In a brave and powerful performance, Georges Du Fresne plays a; seven-year-old boy who becomes an outcast in his neighborhood, his; school and in his own family because he wants to live and dress as a; girl. When his family is forced to move to another town, the boy meets; a girl who wants to live and dress like a boy. In the end, his family; decides to accept him and let him be who he is.; But the cinematic home run was hit in 2000. British director Stephen; Daldry's "Billy Elliott" made this difficult topic palatable to American; audiences and even received an Oscar nomination.; "Billy Elliott" features Jamie Bell in the title role as an 11-year-old; boy who prefers learning to dance to learning to box. While Bell pushes; the gender envelope, his father and brother are homophobic miners who; forcefully push back.; Bell doesn't want to dress in drag, but instead discovers his best; friend (Stuart Wells) wearing a dress and makeup. He's accepting of his; friend when he comes on to him sexually, but says that just because he; likes ballet doesn't mean he's a poof. But it doesn't mean he's not,; either. And the film is brave enough to leave the question unanswered.; Even though the British-made "Billy Elliott" was a critical and; financial success, "The Dress Code," produced the same year, was still a; little too close to home for American studios to embrace.; So what, if anything, do these handful of films have to say about gender; in America? Are these films simply a reflection of a society that now; sexualizes children at a much younger age?; Cindy Martin believes that "All media is a reflection of social change.; Kids are exposed to a lot of sexual imagery, but are kids really having; sex at an earlier age than say 20 or 30 years ago? I don't think they; are, other than in the most distressed communities."; Are children more aware of sexuality today and less threatened by; diversity than in the past?; "There's no question that in both grade school and high school the; 'diversity is good' message is hammered into them. This began with; sensitivity about race and ethnicity and has pretty naturally flowed; into positive, or at least fair, messages to kids about homosexuality,"; says Martin.; "American teachers are among the most liberal group of people in the; country and there is no question that they've eagerly embraced the; diversity message. They're faced with it every day!"; It may still be an uphill battle to honestly depict gender diversity on; film, but Martin remains positive. "Even if these films are part of a; fad, and I know they are, the very fact that they are produced at all; speaks volumes about how far all of us have come on issues involving; gender and sex."; Steve Stewart is the author of "Out on the Screen: The Gay, Lesbian,; Bisexual & Transgender Guidebook" to more than 2,000 movies and videos; from around the world. "Out on the Screen" is not sold in bookstores; and is only available directly from the publisher at; www.companionpress.com. Write to: P0 Box 2575, Laguna Hills, CA 92654.
Top: [17]USA: Columbus Ohio--To love, honor and be published
Top: [thanks to Mary Ann Horton via Ita-Announce] and Rica Ashby Fredrickson <rica@netaxs.com>; Date: Fri, 20 Sep 2002 13:34:20 -0400 (EDT); From: Mary Ann Horton <mah@mhorton.net>; To: ita-announce@tgender.net; This story appeared in Columbus Alive, Sept 19. The Columbus Dispatch; is Columbus, Ohio's only mainstream daily newspaper. Columbus Alive; is a weekly alternative newspaper.; The Dispatch says it recognizes legal marriages. So why won?t the; Dispatch recognize a legal gay marriage? by Phil Martin; I went to my first gay wedding about 12 years ago. (I like *wedding*; instead of *commitment ceremony* since the former sounds like an; emotionally joyful event and the latter sounds like it takes place at the; Lima Correctional Facility for the Criminally Insane.) I played on the; same softball team as the grooms, Jim and Terry. Jim was an outfielder; and Terry was one of our power hitters. Their wedding was held at the; Unitarian Universalist Church. They both looked rather dashing in their; tuxes (a definite improvement over their typical softball apparel of; dusty shoes and sweaty shirts). The reception was held at their home on; the East Side. Their wedding cake was covered in a beautiful lilac-hued; rolled icing (a seamless icing style that Martha Stewart would introduce; to the rest of America several years later) that Terry's sister had made.; On their wedding day friends, colleagues and members of their families; surrounded Jim and Terry. It was a day full of fun, laughter, tears and,; most of all, love. In the dozen years since, I?ve attended many other gay; and lesbian weddings in Columbus. Some were held in churches (there are; many churches of several denominations that let gay couples hold; ceremonies in their sanctuaries), some held in parks, and still others in; private homes. Some were formal and others were casual. Some had; wonderfully prepared home cooking while others relied on the talents of; caterers. All of the weddings, no matter their size or style, had two; things in common. The first was that every ceremony publicly declared,; and was a celebration of, the love between two people. The second was; that none of the happy couples could see their photos or wedding; announcements published in the Columbus Dispatch. "We print; announcements from weddings that are recognized by the state of Ohio,"; Ben Marrison, editor of the Dispatch, told me recently during a phone; interview. And as anyone, except extreme right-wing state; representatives, could tell you, gay marriage is not recognized in Ohio; (where it is legally forbidden) or in any other state in America. While; it might be convenient for the Dispatch to hide behind Ohio's definition; of marriage as an excuse for not publishing gay wedding announcements,; it's certainly not helping the Dispatch keep pace with what's happening; in American society (let alone the Columbus community) or in mainstream; American journalism. There are 125 city newspapers in the U.S. that; publish gay wedding announcements (according to the Gay and Lesbian; Alliance Against Defamation website). Some of the papers will come as no; surprise, like the New York Times (which began running announcements last; month), both daily papers in Chicago, the Los Angeles Times and the; Washington Post. But even in smaller, 'middle-American' towns, newspapers; are finally reporting on what's happening in their communities. The; Montgomery Advertiser (Alabama), Salt Lake Tribune (Utah), Des Moines; Register (Iowa), Wichita Eagle (Kansas) and Lincoln Journal Star; (Nebraska) all recognize that gay people live, fall in love, and hold; commitment ceremonies in their towns. Closer to home, the Cleveland Plain; Dealer, considered by many to be the best paper in the state and one of; the best in the country (and from whom, interestingly, the Dispatch has; been hiring a lot of journalists), also publishes gay wedding; announcements. There's no doubt that since the Dispatch's daily handling; was turned over first to Mike Curtin and now Marrison, the paper has; become more representative of what?s really happening in Columbus. The; editors don't seem to be pushing a particular point of view in the; newsroom (remember the daily Ameriflora stories that were shoved down; readers? throats?). The Dispatch has improved by reporting on stories; that impact more minority communities (a sizeable population in; Columbus), such as the series on Somalis who have settled in Columbus and; the series last year on the gay community. So what is the Dispatch going; to do about gay wedding announcements? "We're examining the issue,"; Marrison said. That issue is on my desk right now.  ; Part II: The Hard Place; And just how did the gay wedding announcement issue end up on the; editor?s desk? For that you can thank two persistent ladies who are in; love. Katheryn and Dawn marched into the Franklin County Courthouse and; got legally hitched a couple of months ago. And for the past month; they?ve been waiting for the Dispatch to print their wedding photo and; announcement. Katheryn and Dawn could get legally married because Dawn; was born a male?and has the birth certificate to prove it. Over the years; she eventually realized she was transgendered and began the process of; physically changing from a he to a she. Legally, the state of Ohio; doesn't care what you look like anatomically or what changes may have; occurred to your body. The law only cares about what's stated on your; birth certificate. So two brides, in love, were legally allowed to say "I; do" before a judge. Interestingly, due to the changes she has gone; through, Dawn is currently waiting for a new birth certificate from her; home state. (Lucky for Dawn, she wasn't born here; most states, but not; Ohio, allow transgendered people to change their birth certificates). Her; new birth certificate will document that she is, indeed, now a she. The; marriage, however, is already a legal fait accompli.; "This is the situation that brought the issue to my desk," Marrison; confirmed. Indeed it did. As we've already learned, the Dispatch happily; recognizes legal marriages. And despite the fact that it would probably; make some members of the Wolfe family (owners of the Dispatch) spin in; their graves like rotisseries, Katheryn and Dawn's wedding easily meets; the Dispatch?s standards. It's a legal marriage. But as of yet, no wedding; announcement or photo of the two smiling brides cutting the cake. And no; one has explained to Katheryn and Dawn, despite their repeated phone; calls to the paper, why their legal wedding is being shunned by the; Dispatch. "We're examining the issue," Marrison reiterated for a third; time. But what, I've got to wonder, is there to examine?; Except maybe the newspaper's out-of-date policies and double standards?; September 19, 2002; Copyright © 2002 Columbus Alive, Inc. All rights reserved. MSN Photos is; the easiest way to share and print your photos: Click Here
Top: BOOKS, Etc....; [18] Book Review --GENDERQUEER: VOICES FROM BEYOND THE SEXUAL BINARY
Top: [thanks to Terisa Gibson via transgendernews]; Date: Fri, 20 Sep 2002; From: Terisa Gibson <terisa_gibson@hotmail.com>; Gay City News (NYC, glbt weekly); vol. 1, issue 16; September 13-19, 2002; http://tinyurl.com/1jyz; http://www.gaycitynews.com/GCN16/writingacross.html; BOOKS/REVIEW; GENDERQUEER: VOICES FROM BEYOND THE SEXUAL BINARY; Edited by Joan Nestle, Clare Howell, and Riki Wilchins; Alyson Books, $16.95; Writing Across Gender; Collection of essays taps diverse; expressions of desire; By JANE S.VAN INGEN; As the LGBT community gains more recognition: Why do so many butches,; high femmes, cross dressers, drag queens, tomboys, sissy boys,; fairies, intersex and other gender-variant people feel excluded? In; one of four essays on gender theory, activist and author Riki; Wilchins asks: "Do we want a transgender struggle that focuses on the; rights of transsexuals to change their driver's licenses, get; surgery, and transition on the job? Or do we want a movement against; the gender stereotypes that affect all Americans?"; It's a provocative question in an anthology about people who defy; gender norms on a daily basis. Take J.T. LeRoy. He writes novels; about transgender prostitutes that have reached cult status˜but; transgender groups are wary about mentioning it in their magazines.; Or Cheryl Chase, who discovered she was intersex (someone who is born; neither male or female but is given a sex by a physician). She took; her fear, outrage and isolation and formed the Intersex Society of; North America.; Or "Lionhart," a feminist-lesbian therapist who finds herself; attracted to men but writes using a pseudonym, feeling that it's; inappropriate for therapists to be public about desire.; Or Carrie Davis, a transgender activist who writes about being; harassed on the A train, and her rules for working in the sex; industry. Earlier this year, she moved City Councilwoman Christine; Quinn to tears giving testimony during the passage of the local; transgender civil rights bill.; Some of the stories in this new book are more touching than sad. In; the aptly-titled "Story of a Preadolescent Drag King," L. Maurer; writes wistfully about being a tomboy in the 5th grade and failing; because of poor penmanship. But when she becomes more feminine, her; grades perk right up. In "Scars," Aaron Link, who's had reassignment; surgery, and his mother, Hilda Raz, who survived breast cancer,; compare their scars as well as the scar of Aaron's brother, who had; heart surgery. In another story, Shirle (another pseudonym), pens a; loving tribute to various women who saved her from childhood abuse.; There are also moments of humor and erotica. Allen James writes a; bitchy rant aimed at the whiners in the gender-variant community.; Sonya Bolus writes of transition and sex when her butch lover becomes; a man.; A lot has already been written about gender, and in lesser hands, an; anthology about transgender people would not be terribly innovative.; But Nestle and Wilchins are both well-revered activists and writers; who clearly took pains to include as many different voices as; possible. Howell is perhaps not as well known as the other two; editors. A MTF who is a senior librarian at the Brookyln Public; Library, her activism is simply going to work every day and greeting; the public at the reference desk.; In fact, Nestle, author of The Persistent Desire: A Femme-Butch; Reader and A Fragile Union, had reservations about editing this; anthology because she's a non-transgender lesbian. But her essays on; femme desire, including a sexy tribute to her butch lover, offer a; broader spectrum on gender identity and are also just plain fun to; read. Wilchins, for her part, is an executive director of GenderPAC,; and this influence is clearly evident in some of the essay choices.; It is obvious that many of the contributors and editors know each; other.; Regardless, this is a laudable contribution to the world of gender; studies. But a book that's not afraid to ask questions shouldn't just; be read by the converted. Anything that can get this book out into; the world should be done.; Sylvia Rivera, the veteran of the Stonewall uprising and a longtime; political and transgender activist who died last winter, wrote about; her personal life and political struggles. She wanted to live to see; the transgender community get the respect it deserved. After dying; earlier this year, we all know that didn't happen.
Top

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT; [19] JAPAN: Film Review--Southern Comfort (Japan title: Robert Eads)
Top: Daily Yomiuri On-Line; http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/newse/20021003woad.htm; Thursday, October 03, 2002; Arts Weekend; The comforts of family; Naomi Tajitsu Daily Yomiuri Staff Writer; Southern Comfort (Japan title: Robert Eads); Four stars out of five; Dir: Kate Davis; Cast: Robert Eads, Lola Cola, Maxwell Scott Anderson, Corissa Anderson; It shouldn't be that difficult to characterize Robert Eads. He's a; pipe-smoking cowboy who lives in a trailer in the middle of nowhere,; Georgia. He wears a black Stetson with boots to match, hides his cracked; leathery complexion under a full mustache and beard and walks around with; the bowl-legged swagger of a seasoned ranch hand. Basically, he's the kind; of person about whom you'd be forgiven for not being surprised that a member; of the Ku Klux Klan once tried to recruit him in the parking lot of; Wal-Mart.; But in the documentary Southern Comfort, that the 52-year-old Robert was; actually Barbara until age 35 isn't trumpeted like a novel's punch line or; the front page of a supermarket tabloid, nor is it revealed through a; nostalgic journey back in time. Robert doesn't even directly say he used to; be female; the point where it becomes clear he isn't a biological male is; when he says he's dying of ovarian cancer.; Southern Comfort chronicles the last year of Robert's life through the; seasons--from spring, when he falls in love with Lola Cola (who used to be; John); to summer, when he knows the visit from his biological family could; very well be their last; to autumn, which brings with it the annual Southern; Comfort, the most prominent social gathering for transgendered people in the; United States; to winter, and his death just before Christmas. But Southern; Comfort is neither the politicized or sentimental portrait of a taboo; community nor is it a sensationalized freak show. What it is is a portrait; of courage and how the spirit of a dying man transcends his physical; deterioration, a document that chooses compassion over provocation to tell; its story. This definitely isn't the stuff Jerry Springer episodes are made; of.; Director Kate Davis submerges herself in Robert's chosen family, which; comprises Lola; another transgender couple, Max and Corissa; Cas, another; female-to-male "trans" and his wife, a biological female; and the people who; assemble at Southern Comfort each year. There's also Robert's biological; relations--one of two sons from his previous marriage as a woman, who says; he'd choose his mother to be his best man at his wedding; his young; grandson; and his parents, who tell people Robert is their nephew and who; refused to give their names or be photographed for the film.; It's a tangled family tree, but the director not only maps out its structure; with astounding clarity, she also articulates the meaning of "family" and; what Robert's two families represent. On one hand, there's the family of; which Robert is a patriarchal figurehead whose experiences and example are; looked up to, while on the other, there's his own father, who claims to be; proud of him because he knows that in Robert beats the heart of Barbara.; This despite childhood photos that reveal a little girl who looks more at; ease with an archery set than a plastic baby doll. "Those were my; cross-dressing days," Robert jokes, as he cringes at a photo of himself in a; frilly dress and white gloves.; Robert's candidness makes scenes like these difficult to watch, mainly; because the subject refuses to see himself as some kind of martyr, and in; return, the director never wavers toward nostalgia. Robert's openness; creates a sliver of a line between verite and intrusiveness, but Davis never; crosses it--her camera lingers ever so slightly on intimate scenes before; turning away, a show more of respect than sympathy or pity.; But the cost of realizing biological identity can be heartbreaking. When; Robert and his female-to-male "trans" friends compare their; mastectomies--which have resulted in gaping tissue scarring in place of; nipples, along with deep slash marks that will never heal--to those of; breast cancer patients, it's hard not to think such injustice is anything; but a cruel, cruel joke, But the cruelest joke of all is that the only part; of Robert that was female is what eventually killed him.; The movie is currently playing.; Copyright 2002 The Yomiuri Shimbun
Top: [20]UK: Hello sailor!
Top: Sourc: Brenda Lana Smith R.af D.; Guardian Unlimited | The Guardian | TV review; http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv_and_radio/story/0,3604,803352,00.html; Review --Hello sailor!; Rupert Smith; Thursday October 3, 2002; The Guardian; There's an ancient affinity between drag queens and sailors - where you find; one, you will usually find the other at no great distance. Thus it came as; no real surprise that Chief Petty Officer Spence Bowdler, fresh out of the; navy, and veteran transvestite Dave Lynn got on like a house on fire in; Faking It (Channel 4). This warm friendship was not without its birth pangs;; Spence, like any robustly heterosexual member of the armed forces, was; nervous at the thought of being transformed into a female impersonator.; This, however, was the pact that he had signed with Channel 4 - he had four; weeks in which to learn the stagecraft, mannerisms and dress sense of a drag; queen. Seeing as this involved tucking his "orchestra" down between his legs; with a restraint-gusset, his anxiety was understandable.; Spence was initially alarmed that his mentor would be "bitchy and prancing; around". "I like my gay men straight," he claimed, which makes you wonder; what goes on at sea, but that's probably a subject for another programme.; His first visit to an East End gay pub left him quaking with horror, his; fight-or-flight instincts in overdrive, wondering why he'd agreed to this; bizarre project in the first place. And we were wondering the same: what; would possess a lad like Spence, with medals for his service in Bosnia and; the Gulf, to undergo such a journey? Before you start waggling your eyebrows; in that knowing way, Spence had a long-standing girlfriend tucked away, so; there was none of that sort of nonsense going on. His only explanation was; that he liked a challenge - and he certainly got what he was looking for.; Dave Lynn proved himself an able Virgil through the transvestite underworld; - warm, empathic and always ready to butch it up a bit whenever Spence got; really nervous. It almost went belly up when Spence got his first sight of a; frock; he stopped the filming and bolted for the door. But the navy breeds; them tough, and before long he was back, submitting to a full body wax and; learning how to tuck the Bowdler family jewels out of sight. For this alone; he deserves another medal.; Heartwarmingly, his final trial as one of four drag queens competing to; impress a panel of judges went well; not one of them picked Spence (alias; Britney Ferry) as the fake. His artifice, it seemed, was genuine enough -; more convincing than that of rival Miss Vanity Case, 10 years in falsies but; fingered as a fraud by the panel. But what made Faking It so gratifying were; the clear, measurable results of the experience for both student and mentor.; Spence was euphoric in his realisation that life is a great big fruit salad,; and that "prejudice is just balls" (and therefore best tucked out of sight).; Dave Lynn, the hardened old pro, softened up and admitted that he'd learned; even more about his place in the world. The two bosom buddies closed with a; duet of Stand By Your Man; seldom have the words "sometimes it's hard to be; a woman" rung so true.; Social worker Hayley was also finding it hard to be a woman in What Not to; Wear (BBC2), and preferred to dress like a demented child. Rainbow stripes; and a Shaun the Sheep shoulder bag were most definitely what not to wear,; but of course Trinny and Susannah went further than that. "May I be frank?"; asked Susannah (when is she not?) "You look like a hunchback." All this from; a woman who had the audacity to wear a hideous denim jacket with fur collar; and designer stains. Fashion physician, heal thyself!; The "reveal", with Hayley in a grown-up wardrobe that made the most of her; hourglass figure, was also, in its way, extremely moving, and spoke volumes; about the power of a good haircut, for which genius crimper Richard Ward; must take the credit.; On BBC4's literary panel game Before the Booker, the judges pondered the; relative merits of Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, Vanity Fair and Dombey and