A Transgendered FAQ

Frequently asked questions:

I) Intro

1) General

1.1) Why is there an alt.transgendered newsgroup?
1.2) What are the intended topics of discussion here?  
1.3) What is a gender dysphoric?
1.4) What is a pre/post/no-op transsexual?
1.5) What is a transvestite/cross-dresser? 
1.6) What is an intersexual?
1.7) What does Transgendered mean?
1.8) What is "Passing" and "reading"?
1.9) What is SRS?
1.10) What is RLT?
1.11) What is transition?
1.12) What does it mean to "Get clocked"?
1.13) What causes the urge to cross dress or to change your sex?
1.14) Can transgender urges be changed or cured?
1.15) Is everyone who wears articles of clothing from the opposite sex a transgenderist?
1.16) What is DSM-III? Is that that new star trek show?
1.17) What are the "Benjamin standards?"

2) Collected wisdom 

2.1) Where can I go to get clothes/shoes/makeup, etc? 
2.2) What are good ways to simulate breasts? 
2.3) What are good ways to get rid of unwanted facial/body hair?
2.4) I need help with makeup. Any tips?
2.5) I'm Balding! What can be done to stop it? Can it be reversed?
2.6) Besides hormones and surgery, how can I get a more feminine/masculine shape?
2.7) What are the effects of hormones?
2.8) At what point can hormone therapy be reversed?
2.9) What are the steps in a sex-change procedure?
2.10) Where should i go to get referrals/surgery done?
2.11) Where can i get hormones?
2.12) What is a good way to "Hide it/them"?
2.13) How long does electrolysis take?
2.14) What does not work?
2.15) I'm about to give a loved one "the talk". What should I expect?
2.16) Are there any Transgendered organizations in my area?
2.17) What computer-oriented services are available for the Transgendered community?
2.18) What Transgendered publications are available?
2.19) Are there any other addresses and phone numbers of importance?

3) Transgendered persons and Society

3.1) How long has Transgenderism been around?
3.2) Who is Virginia Price? Tula?  
3.3) How many transgenderists are out there?
3.4) What's up with the womyn's festival?
3.5) Are all transvestites gay? Are all transsexuals gay?
3.6) My SO is Transgendered, what should i do about it?
3.7) Are male gender dysphorics effeminate? Are female Gender dysphorics masculine?

4) Medical/legal aspects of Transgenderism 

4.1) Are there any special risks that transsexuals should know about?
4.2) What happens if i stop taking hormones suddenly?
4.3) What is the status of Transgendered people in society?

5) Transgenderism and entertainment

5.1) How many famous people are Transgendered? I've heard (fav. celeb) was born a man/woman!
5.2) What are the the Transgendered contributions to the entertainment world? 
5.3) What is Miss Gay North America?




i) Intro

        Due to the unavailability of Transgendered materials, much 
information in this FAQ is inaccurate, misquoted, misguided, incomplete or insufficient. Many of the sources used were second or third hand sources. 
        Because most Transgendered material available deals with M-F cross 
dressers and transsexuals, much information on F-M Transgenderism and 
missing or incomplete. 
        This FAQ was written from a north American viewpoint, and social 
attitudes/statistics may be different in other parts of the world.

1.1) Why is there an alt.transgendered newsgroup?
        
        In October 1992 a prankster at North Carolina State University 
created alt.sex.trans.  As individuals from IRC's #Crossdress and Transgen
were contemplating a newsgroup at that time they sort of took up the
idea quickly.  They decided that we now had the initiative, but that
a group in the alt.sex hierarchy would have limited distribution.
In a rush the name "alt.transgendered" was penned, a call for discussions
was placed, and Chris Dukes/Kristine Daniels sent in the message to
create alt.transgendered as a discussion area for transsexuality,
transvestitism, and related topics.


1.2) What are the intended topics of discussion here?

        This is a place to discuss issues related to transsexuality, 
transvestitism, cross dressing, cultural and social problems, support
groups  and forums, conflicts with sexuality, and just generally coming 
to terms with ones self and knowing that one is not alone.
        Porn is generally discouraged in this forum as well as transphobic 
statements.
        This forum is not a personals column.

1.3) What is a Gender Dysphoric?

        Gender Dysphoria is unhappiness with your given sex or sexual 
identity. There are mild to severe cases of Gender dysphoria. Many people 
will experience Gender Dysporia at some point in their lives. 

1.4) What is a Pre/post/non-op transsexual?

        These are all transsexuals in various stages of the procedure. 
Pre-op means Pre-operative transsexual, someone who has begun the hormonal 
and surgical procedures and is very close to the operation. These people 
are usually non-functional as males.
        A post operative transsexual is someone who has had the actual 
genital surgery done. It is very difficult to tell a m-f post op
transsexual  from a genetic female. Up to very recently, female-male 
transsexuals had no  effective surgical technique to create a penis. There 
are penile implants and grafts, but these are often easy to spot.
        "Non-op" transsexual is a new word that is floating around. 
Originally from a computer language, it means a person who has had all the 
hormonal/surgical treatments, except the genital surgery, and has no
desire to proceed with the surgery. GIDAANT is another term for this (Gender
Identity Disorder, adolescent or Adult onset, Non transsexual).

1.5) What is a Transvestite/Cross-dresser?

        This word has a few different meanings. In it's purest form, 
transvestitism means "Cross-dressing". However, many people make a  
distinction between dressing for sexual stimulation (transvestitism) and  
dressing for stress relief (cross dressing). Many people use the words 
interchangeably. The book DSV-III has definite meanings for these words, 
but not too many people have access to this book.
        There are many different categories of transvestitism. There are 
fe/male impersonators, who dress as members of the opposite sex for a
show; there are Fetishistic transvestites, who are stimulated by certain
objects; there are drag queens/kings, who dress with the intent to amuse or 
offend; there are shaman who cross-dress during religious/spiritual ceremonies; 
there are transvestites who dress only for an hour a week; there are 
transvestites who live almost full time as women or men. 
        There are people who present extreme clashing male/female 
characteristics (Such as a bearded man in a miniskirt and heels) That are 
called "Genderfuck". Extreme gender clashes are used by females quite often
and it is not frowned upon.


1.6) What is an Intersexual?

        An Intersexual is a person who is born between (inter) sexes,
having 
partially or fully developed pairs of female and male sex organs. 
        Intersexual is preferred over the word "Hermaphrodite".

1.7) What does Transgendered mean?

        Transgendered was a term put into general usage by Virginia Price. 
It originally meant a pre-operative transsexual who has no desire to have
the SRS. It later became a catchword for Transvestites, transsexuals, female
and male impersonators, drag queens, Intersexuals, gender dysphorics, and 
those that do not fit any gender label.

1.8) What is "Passing" and "Reading"?

        Passing is going out in public and being accepted as a woman. 
Reading is noticing that a person is Transgendered.
        It is easiest to pass around middle aged and older people. Children
and teenagers often read transgenderists. Women are more likely to read a
TG than a male is.
        The most important part of passing is called "Deportment" which is 
how a member of the opposite sex behaves in society. To improve deportment,
go to a shopping mall or public place and watch the people as they shop. 
There is a distinct difference between male and female behavior.
        There are several dozen books on passing and Deportment available 
from IFGE and several other sources.

1.9) What is SRS? 

        SRS stands for Sex Reassignment Surgery, the final stage in the 
sex-reassignment procedure. SRS will cost anywhere from 6000 to 50 000 
dollars. It may be partially or fully covered by some employers, government 
programs, or insurance companies.

        In north America, women are more likely to consider SRS than men 
are, but men are more likely to go through with SRS.

1.10) What is RLT?

        RLT stands for Real Life Training. It means you live as a member of
the desired sex for a period of time while still having the genitalia of the
former sex. This is to help the prospective transsexual determine if 
becoming a total member of that sex is right for him or her.

1.11) What is transition?

        Transition is the period of time between when the individual first 
starts the sex-reassignment procedure and when the individual is living 
totally as a member of the opposite sex 

1.12) What does it mean to "Get clocked"?

        Getting clocked is what happens when the SRS surgery does not go as
well as planned. In roughly 10 percent of all m-f SRS surgery, the individual
cannot achieve orgasm through stimulation of the vagina.

1.13) What causes the urge to cross dress or to change your sex?

        There is a great deal of debate in the medical community as to
what causes Transsexualism and transvestitism. Transsexualism is thought by
some to be caused by a area in the brain called the "Sexually Dimorphic
Nucleus". Others claim that it is caused by a hormonal imbalance during 
pregnancy.
        Some types of Transsexualism (xxxy syndrome) are genetic. 
        The two main types of Transsexuality are called "Primary" and 
"Secondary" Transsexualism. Primary Transsexualism occurs in young adults who
are gender dysphoric from a young age.
        Secondary Transsexualism occurs in older people in their 40's, who 
have not had very strong transgender urges in their lives. This is thought 
to be linked to the hormonal changes in the body at that time.
        There are also cases where people are forced into alternative sex
roles due to religious, social, or family pressures. Some men dressed as 
women to avoid draft or get out of the army. Very religious male
homosexuals 
may feel the need to change their sex in order to correspond with their 
religious beliefs. Parents may dress their children in clothing of the 
opposite sex because they wanted a child of that sex.
        Transvestitism has no definite cause. F-M cross dressers sometimes 
cross dress because it feels more comfortable than male clothing. Female
cross dressers are much more accepted than male cross-dressers.
        M-F transvestites cross-dress for stress relief, sexual pleasure, and
for entertainment. Male cross dressers are not very well accepted in
society. One possible reason for this is that a cross dressing male is
going down the social power scale, while a cross dressing female is going
up the social power scale.

1.14) Can Transgender urges be changed or cured?

        Usually, no. Some transvestites and transsexuals (usually male) go 
through phrases where they throw out all their clothes, makeup, shoes, etc 
and refuse to dress as women anymore. This is called "Purging". These
people frequently go out and purchase entire new wardrobes soon
afterwards. Some people do stop cross dressing altogether.
        Sometimes there is a physical manifestation of certain conditions 
that cause Transgendered behavior. Young males with XXY chromosomal 
structures may sometimes (infrequently) begin developing as females rather 
than as males. Many of these males are perfectly happy to be male and get
on hormone shots to achieve a more masculine appearance.
        Sexual identity is usually set for life at a very young age. 
Hormone injections or other treatments cannot alter sexual identity in 
Adults.


1.15) Is everyone who wears opposite sex clothing a transgenderist?

        No. Many people wear clothes of the opposite sex daily and are not
considered Transgendered. Men who work in very cold conditions routinely 
wear pantyhose, as it helps keep in the heat. This is an accepted practice 
in such professions. Many women wear men's clothing on a daily basis,
saying that they are more comfortable and cheaper.
        Some men wear silk panties because they are allergic to cotton 
underwear.
        There are many reports of Men wearing the full-body wraps worn by 
Muslim women in the middle east. This enables them to conceal guns and 
explosive devices and to smuggle them into restricted areas (Muslim women 
are not searched as often as men are). Gives new meaning to the phrase
"Dressed to kill".


1.16) What is DSM III? Is that that new star trek series?

        DSM is "The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders". It is the guideline that the American Psychiatric Association
publishes, and it details what is and is not a psychiatric illness.
Transsexualism and transvestitism are included in the list of Psychiatric
disorders. 

1.17) What are the Benjamin Standards?

        When sex reassignment surgery became available for the first time,
many men rushed to get the surgery performed. A great deal of these men 
later committed suicide or became suicidal-ly depressed after losing their 
penis.
        This situation was played over in many different countries. The 
medical community decided to enforce it's own standards of conduct
regarding sex reassignment surgeries. The Benjamin standards were Created
at a conference by Dr. Harry Benjamin and were adopted as the world
standard for sex reassignment surgeries.


2) Collected Wisdom

2.1) Where can I go to get clothes, shoes, makeup, etc?

        There are many sources of clothes and apparel for Transgendered 
people. Most department stores offer catalogue shopping, which will give you
the chance to purchase what you want without fear of embarrassment. 
        Mail order firms are best left avoided. Some Transvestite mail
order boutiques are grossly overpriced and prey on the Transgendered community.
        Sometimes, a young lady will offer her services to purchase
clothing, makeup etc for you for a price. Make sure she is reliable and
not going to run off as soon as she gets your money.
        Shopping for that special someone (you) always works. If you are 
worried that the cashier will catch on, go during a busy time. Christmas
is a great time.
        Makeup companies such as Avon, Mary Kay, etc will be more than happy
to sell to a Transgendered person. Again, this depends on the area, but most
salespeople will put sales ahead of their own feelings towards Transgenderism
        There are many stores that cater to Transgendered people. Smaller 
cities will most likely not have them. 

        Here are some companies and some comments about them. Please keep
in mind that none of these places have been checked out for authenticity or 
reliability.

Fem Fashions (Boutique)
9 west 31st street, #7r, New York, NY 10001
(212) 586-6823
Clothing, makeup, etc. Call for appointment.

Florence's Fashions, Inc (boutique)
68 Albion St. Wakefield, Ma, 01880
(617) 245-1385
Seems to be geared slightly towards the fetishist. You can dress on 
premises.
  
Lydia's TV fashions (mail order, boutique)
13837 Ventura Boulevard, suite 2
Sherman oaks, California 91423
(818) 995-7195
Wide variety of merchandise, including fetish items. 
Also offers make-up lessons.

Headliners full service saloon (Boutique)
806 W. Higgins
Park Ridge, Il 60068
(708) 825-2404
Conversions, makeovers, full body waxing, dressing

Alter Image (boutique?)
????
(212) 475-1050
Personal makeovers

Vernon's specialties, Inc (Boutique, mail-order)
386 moody street,
Waltham, MA 02154
voice: (617) 894-1744
Fax:   (617) 647-4082
Clothing for all occasions, fetishist inc. Private appointments

Laine Alexander (Boutique)
1657 the fairway,
suite 190, Jenkintown, 
PA, 19046
(215) 635-TV58
Shopping services, transformation, make-up lessons

Transformations (mail order)
Transformation
box 459
Orange CA 92662
A mail order house for TV/TS, geared towards fetishist material and SMBD

Lee's Mardi Gras boutique 400 w. 14th street, New York,
NY 10014
(212) 645-1888
Lots of TV stuff. 

Crowning Glory Wigs (mail-order)
PO box 40366
San Diego, CA 92164
A mail-order house specializing in wigs. Also has other merchandise.

Fantasies (mail-order, boutique)
Central plaza
105 Nauset street
New Bedford, MA 02746
(508) 999-9852
Lingerie in large sizes.

Alicia's      (boutique, mail order)
5405 Arrow Hwy # 440
Montclair, CA 94763
(714) 934-4545
Clothing, shoes, wigs, etc

Creative design services (mail-order house)
Box 61263, king of Prussia, PA 19406
(215) 640-9449
Markets a line of merchandise designed for TV/TS people

Blossom C. Paster  (boutique)
28417 trident court, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543
(813) 973-0987
All purpose TG place. Makeup lessons, electrolysis, peer counseling,
dressing, etc.



CANADA

Ashley's (mail order)
19 St. John's road 
Toronto, ON
M6P 1T7
(416) 767-3518
Catering to Infantalists and TV's. Adult baby items, varied TV
merchandise. 

The underworld  (Boutique)
????
Beauty salon for TV/TS peoples
(416) 925-4141

Fantasyland  (Boutique, mail order)
274 8th street E. 
P.O. Box 682
Owen Sound, Ontario
N4K 5R4 (CANADA)
(519) 371-1215
A wide variety of merchandise, geared mostly towards fetish material. Mail
50$ for all 10 catalogues.
On site changing facilities, photo sessions, transformations.

Wildside (boutique, hotel, mail-order)
429c Dundas street east
Toronto, Ontario
Canada M5A 2A9
(416) 864-0420
One of the only TV resorts in the world. On site changing, makeovers, 
everything for sale. Highly recommended.


2.2) What are some good ways to simulate breasts?

        There are several methods available to give the illusion of a bosom.
Padded bras and stuffed bras will give the illusion of a full breast, but
the weight and texture may be difficult to work with.
        Old hose stuffed with birdseed is another method. This will make a 
breast form that will mold itself to your body, and will have approximately
the same weight and shape as a real breast. The texture may be similar to a
real breast, depending on what type of seed you use.
        Breast forms are used by many Transgendered people. There are good 
forms which will go for over 200 dollars, and cheap forms that cost under 
50$. Some are pure silicon and others are molded plastic and rubber.

SIZING CHART FOR SILICON FORMS
___________________________________________________
Cup/Bra Size |28|30|32|34|36|38|40|42|44|46|48
-------------|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|------
       AA    |1 |2 |3 |4 |5 |6 |--|--|--|--| --
       A     |2 |3 |4 |5 |6 |7 |8 |9 |10|11|12
       B     |--|4 |5 |6 |7 |8 |9 |10|11|12|13
       C     |--|5 |6 |7 |8 |9 |10|11|12|13|14
       D     |--|--|7 |8 |9 |10|11|12|13|14|--
       DD    |--|--|8 |9 |10|11|12|13|14|--|--



2.3) What are good ways to get rid of unwanted Facial/body hair?

        The easiest way is to shave. Take a hot wet cloth and hold it over
the affected area before shaving (non-electric razor only). This will 
minimize the chance of getting razor burn.
        Electric razors also work well, especially for legs. Shaving your 
arms and/or chest will make you very itchy in a few days. 
        Neet, Nair, and other chemical depilatories do work well, but they 
smell very bad and may burn sensitive skin. These chemicals must not be used
on or near the nipples, anus, or face. Facial depilatories are available that
are much different than that used on the legs.
        Bleaching small hairs will also work well, but be careful not to get
any into your eyes or nose. There are dyes made specifically for bleaching 
hair, do not use commercial bleach.
        Devices such as the Epilady do work, but they produce a great deal 
of pain the first time you use them. The pain will lessen with continued 
use. Be warned that such devices may not work or may jam on very tough or 
thick hair.
        Waxing is also another option. It is messy and painful with the 
first few uses. There are wax strips available for the face that are not 
messy. The body shop has a similar strip available for the legs, or at
least 
it is manufacturing such a strip.
        Electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal technique. A session
of electrolysis will cost anywhere from 17 to 50 dollars. Before you pick a
clinic, make sure that the people there are certified. Electrolysis has a 
few risks, such as scarring, acne, and infection. 


2.4) I need help with makeup. Any tips?

(Courtesy of Bill Jones)

MALE TO FEMALE makeup

        There is a wide variety of makeup materials available. If your
skin is beautiful and you don't have to hide a beard, women's cosmetic makeup 
may be all you need. You will have better luck matching your skin color
in a department store, because foundation makeup in a drug store tends to
be so heavily packaged you can't tell what color you're buying. Regular
cosmetics tend to be light and sheer.  If you want an opaque makeup to
even out your skin tone, and don't perspire heavily, I suggest Kryolan
Aquacolor makeup. It is a water based pancake type makeup which comes in a
great many beautiful colors. Aquacolor has a matte finish when it dries,
but after a few minutes the warmth of the body creates a beautiful soft, natural glow.
All of the Kryolan makeup is heavily pigmented, so it will cover beards and
dark shadows under the eyes without the use of other cover up products.

        I've discovered that many beard cover sticks give you an unnatural
orangey look. If you have to cover a beard, minimize roughly textured skin
or if you perspire heavily; I strongly recommend Kryolan Cream Stick plus
Dermacolor powder. The cream stick is an oil base makeup and comes in a
great many colors, so you should be able to accurately match your skin
tone. It is opaque enough to cover heavy beard shadow without using a
beard cover stick. The Dermacolor powder is pigmented so you need to buy
an appropriate shade.  It sets the Cream stick so that it lasts through
heavy perspiration. Several layers of Cream stick and Dermacolor powder
will effectively smooth out acne scarred skin. If you don't need the water
proof
 qualities of Dermacolor powder, regular translucent powder will work very
well to set the cream stick.
        To minimize large pores, particularly on the nose, a second coat of
foundation and a dusting of powder works very well.

Foundation

        No matter what type of foundation you choose, it should match your 
skin tone as closely as possible. Test the color on your cheek and your 
neck. You want the makeup to blend down onto your neck without a visible 
line. Hopefully you will only need a hint of foundation on your chest when 
you're wearing a low cut dress.
        If you are using a water base pancake makeup, it will probably go 
on easier with a small natural sponge rather than a synthetic one. A 
natural sponge is only slightly more money and will give a smoother
result. 
        Be sure to apply the color with as little water as possible, just 
use a damp sponge.
        If you get streaks, let the foundation dry before you try to
smooth it out. You will probably find the streaks will disappear as the
makeup dries. 
        Pancake makeup doesn't need to be powdered.
        If you are using a cream stick makeup, apply it with a piece of 
synthetic sponge. I use a piece of fake foam rubber (flexible urethane 
foam), the kind you find in the upholstery section of your fabric store.  
It's easier to thrown them away than to try to wash them. After  applying 
the foundation lightly and evenly all over your face, you may want to add 
a bit more to cover your five o'clock shadow. If you are covering a heavily
textured skin surface (like acne) you may want to blend cheek contour
color into the cream base before powdering. (Powder contour may emphasize
the texture.)  Now you're ready to powder to set the cream stick. Apply a
little extra powder to the moustache area and forehead, because the
perspiration is heavier here.  Allow the powder to sit on the foundation
for a few minutes before brushing off the excess.  This is especially true
with Dermacolor powder.  The instructions suggest waiting ten minutes,
before removing excess to achieve the maximum waterproof quality.  I find
about three minutes is sufficient.  A big, soft blush brush is ideal for
dusting off excess powder.

Corrective makeup
        I don't recommend a lot of heavy corrective makeup to change the
shape of your face.  If you're being photographed for a formal portrait,
then go ahead and sculpt your face; but for everyday, too much corrective
work can look artificial. There are a lot of books available to help you
decide if you are oval, square or heart shaped.  I think it's more
important to create a feminine version of whatever shape you happen to be.
Some men have a definitely square jawbone.  Trying to minimize it with
makeup is risky. 
        You may inadvertently emphasize your five o'clock shadow.  A soft
hairstyle is probably a safer way to underplay the jawbone. 
        A strong or prominent nose is another trouble spot. In general, 
don't use corrective makeup on your nose.  You may over emphasize it 
without meaning to. Instead, focus attention on your eyes or mouth.
        Some subtle work can be done to give yourself beautiful cheek
bones, 
if it's a little bit noticeable it's O K, because it's often obvious on 
women too.   To sculpt cheekbones, I use Mehron Starblend pancake makeup, 
dry, as a powder. A dry, clean blush brush will pick up the color and 
allow you to contour the cheek as easily as brushing on dry rouge. Be 
careful to never get the cake of Mehron wet or it won't pick up as powder.

        For Caucasian skin, number 2B brushed on the top of the cheekbone
as a highlight, and number 11B brushed on as a lowlight, works
beautifully.  If your skin is a darker tone adjust the colors
accordingly. I like 7C for slightly darker or tanned skin.  The highlight
color goes on the top of the cheek bone, and should blend up toward the
hairline. (If you have a wide face, don't go quite to the hairline).  The
lowlight or shadow color goes from the ear toward the center of the face,
and should blend out into the foundation subtly. 
        The Mehron powder also works well to emphasize your cleavage. 
Dust a bit of highlight on the top of the breast and brush a soft curved
RYS shape in the cleavage.  Keep it subtle. 

Rouge
        Select a rouge that is a soft pinkish shade similar to your 
foundation color. You can safely dust it on your forehead, chin and
cheeks for a healthy glow.
        If you use a strong raspberry or red shade you may have trouble
being subtle. You can soften the effect of rouge by first dipping your
brush in translucent powder and then into the rouge.  Rouge belongs on the
apple of the cheek, where you turn pink after you've been jogging.  Be
careful to keep rouge away from any part of your face you are trying to
minimize.  For example, if you have a wide face; don't brush the rouge all
the way out to your hairline.  Keep it more central, so you won't call
attention to the width. 

Eyebrows
        The shape of your eyebrow is probably the single most important
element of your face.  A woman's eyebrows are usually thinner and more
arched than a man's.  However a masculine eyebrow can be very beautiful on
a feminine face. Look at Brooke Shields.  Electrolysis or plucking will
allow you to make a major change in the shape of your brow, but clever use
of paint can do a lot.  Most people need to lift the brow slightly to give
it a prettier arch.  For the stage you can block out the brow with a
variety of materials.  For street wear you must be more subtle.  Lift the
peak of the brow with a few strokes of eyebrow pencil, and blur them
slightly.  You can bleach out a few hairs by painting them with
foundation.  You can pencil your brows lightly or use a small stiff brush
and brown powder to get a soft brow.  If you use a pencil, it helps to
brush the eyebrow with a tooth brush to blur and soften the pencil. You
don't want your eyebrow to look as if it was drawn on with a marking
crayon, so be gentle. 
        To determine the length of your eyebrow, draw an imaginary line 
from the tip of your nose up to the outer corner of your eye and up to the 
brow.
        That's where your brow should end. Remember, Eyebrows begin above 
the inner corner of the eye, and taper off to nothing.  They should not be 
heavy at the outer end.

Eyes
        The eyes are the most fun to paint, but also possibly the most 
difficult to do well.
        First, avoid brightly colored and frosted eye shadows. I know 
they're fun, but they can age your eye.  Learn to contour your eye with 
neutrals like taupe, charcoal, brown and off white.
        The  upper eyelash line should be defined with a brush and brown 
liner or an eyebrow pencil, and lightly smudged with a Q-tip.  Even if you 
are older and don't plan to wear much makeup, you should softly define the 
eye.  To NOT makeup the eye is aging. The lower eyelash line can be dotted 
with brown and smudged, or defined  more strongly with a blurred line.
        To contour the eye, keep in mind the natural lights and shadows of 
the eye.
        There is a highlight under the brow bone under the arch of the
brow.  The crease above the eyelid is shadowed, and the lid picks up some
light and seems lighter.  This means the lid can be foundation color, the
crease can be darkened slightly, and a bit of highlight added on the brow
bone.  If you MUST use color, use color the same value as your
foundation, on your eyelid. This is the one spot you might get away with a
frosted color.  Use a deeper color in the crease, definitely not
frosted,) but use off white on the brow bone.  This combination will seem
more natural.  For major glamour you can use smokier color on your
eyelid. 

        If your eye is aging, and the upper eye is sagging, you have to be
careful where you put color; but you can very easily make the eye look
gorgeous! 
        Be careful that your brow bone highlight doesn't blend down so far 
that it highlights the sagging fold of skin.  Avoid shadowing toward the 
nose in the deepest part of the eye. That will sink and age the eye even 
more.

        The important thing to remember, is to shadow the sagging fold of 
flesh and keep any frosted colors away from the eye. Frosted color will 
spotlight the problem.  Your safest bet is a dark taupe or charcoal to 
minimize the fold of flesh.

        This will give you a normal, pretty eye.  If you wish you can vary 
the look in keeping with current makeup trends; for example, 50's style 
eyeliner.
        If you're going to wear false eyelashes, be careful to keep them
medium in length.  If your false lashes droop at the outer ends, you must
glue them ABOVE your natural lash line. 


Lips
        Keep your lipstick a soft red.  Bright fire engine reds can point 
up problems.
        If you have a problem with lipstick blurring, try outlining the
lip with a lip liner pencil, then filling in with color. Powdering the
first coat of lipstick then applying a second coat, will help it to last
longer.  Most men have thin lips and need to make them appear fuller. 
        Don't hesitate to paint your lips slightly outside your upper and
lower lip line. Women have the same problem.  But be careful to not overdo
it.  If your new mouth seems a bit extreme, try increasing the size
slowly, a bit at a time over a period of a few weeks, so you can get used
to it.  Using a softer red will help to keep your lips from looking too
showgirl. 
        The type of red you use can be coordinated with your skin tone and 
your clothing, (more peach or more raspberry); have fun playing with 
lipstick.
        Its fun to mix your own color by using several different
lipsticks on top of each other. Try putting a neutral light pink shade on
top of a deeper red. 


Taping
        You may want to tape to get rid of your naso- labial fold, 
overhanging eyelid or double chin. However  it is not ideal for all day 
wear. Taping is wonderful on some people. It depends on how elastic your 
skin is and whether you can place the tape so it will get rid of the fold 
and not show under the wig. It's important that the tape be hidden by the 
wig, because it's very difficult to cover tape with makeup so it doesn't 
show.  However, sometimes just a wisp of hair from the wig will cover the 
tape so you don't have to pull the wig to far onto your face.
        The easiest way to tape, is to securely pin a stocking cap to
cover your hair.  I like to be sure there are several pin curls at the
front of your hairline. This gives you something to anchor the wig to so
it doesn't slip back and allows you to tape onto your head without pulling
hair.  Johnson & Johnson surgical tape works wonderfully.  The more
complicated way is to use strips of silk gauze and spirit gum them to your
skin, and anchor the other end to the wig cap. Experiment to see which you
prefer.  They are both susceptible to perspiration, so are better suited
to occasional use not all day wear. 

Copyright ) 1993
by WILLIAM STEWART JONES
All rights reserved.


FEMALE TO MALE MAKEUP 

        For a female wishing to look Male, there are several ways to help
the face look more masculine through the use of cosmetics. 
        To simulate beard growth for a short time, cover the parts of the 
face you want bearded with Vaseline or some other sticky substance. Then 
apply loose tea leaves to the area. This will look like a beard from a 
distance, possibly close up.
        To make existing facial hair look denser, there is mustache wax 
available from many stores. It is similar to mascara, but is applied to the
face. 
        Making the lips look thinner and the eyebrows thicker can be done 
using techniques similar to those described above.


2.5) I'm Balding! What can be done to stop it? Can it be reversed?

        There are few ways to stop male pattern balding. For a male
becoming female, the hormonal treatments will slow down and sometimes
reverse hair loss. For a female becoming male, the hormonal treatments may
produce hair loss. It all depends on what your parents were like. 
        Minoxidil (Rogaine, Apogain) does work on some people. It does not
work as well on the front as it does on the crown, and for some it does
not work at all. Minoxidil (Rogain, Apogain) must be used on a ongoing
basis, at around 60-80 dollars Canadian a month. 
        Regular scalp massages will encourage hair growth.
        If all else fails, there are several types of wigs and hair
replacement options available. A good wig will cost you a fair bit,
between 300 and 1000 dollars depending on the type. The mail order wigs
available from tabloid magazines are generally of poor quality. 
        Hair weaving is a technique where the existing hair is interwoven 
with other hair. It looks quite natural and is popular among both females 
and males.
        Hair transplant surgery is effective, but it sometimes looks 
unnatural and has a risk of infection involved.
        Hair replacement involves attaching artificial or real hair to a 
person's head. This can be permanent or temporary, depending on the 
client's wishes. If done well, it looks very realistic and is hard to spot.


2.6) Besides hormones and surgery, how can I get a more feminine/masculine shape?

        There are several methods. For the F-M, the best bet is
weightlifting. Weightlifting will make the body assume a more masculine
shape. However, female transvestites should take care not to work the
chest area unless they are small-chested, as chest exercises will make
the chest stick out. There are also several plant sterols available which
will help you look more masculine. Gamma Orzanoyl and FRAC (both available
from health food stores) are reputed to have androgenic properties. Both
substances can cause surges of aggressiveness. 
        Avoid Yohimbe at all costs, as it is toxic.

        For the M-F, weightlifting is also good. There is a certain 
exercise called the decline bench press which will give the breasts a 
female contour without hormones. To do this, you have to lie flat on a 
weightlifting bench so that your legs are above your head. Then you press 
whatever you feel comfortable with, 10 times for 3 sets. This must be done 
with someone spotting you. After a time, the chest muscles will take on a 
feminine form.
        There is a substance called "Black Cohosh" that is reputed to have
estrogenic like effects. Effects range from breast and hair growth to no
effect at all. It does have some nasty side effects. The first time you
take a large dose (3* 240 mg, as the instructions recommend) you will most
likely be violently ill. 
        There is also a type of massage exercise that will increase the
breast size. It is done for 5 minutes a day and is intended to simulate
the suckling action of an infant. People doing this have reported small
gains. The hormone supposedly released by this exercise enlarges
lactating women's breasts, but only temporarily. 
        There are many girdles and busts that will push up breast tissue
and give the appearance of breasts. These should not be worn for extended
periods of time as they may damage the body. 

2.7) What are the effects of hormones?

        Hormones have a variety of effects on the human body, depending on 
what type of hormone, the dosage, and the length of time taken.
        Female hormones (Estrogens): During the first few weeks on
estrogen, a male may experience tingling in the breasts and slight growth.
Nails and hair may begin to grow faster. Hair may become softer and
thicker. The male may experience a slight "manic-depressive" episode as he
first begins hormones and his brain adjusts to the hormones. 
        After about six months, the male will most likely lose some or all
penile functioning. The body will begin to reshape itself. Muscles may
lose density and become slimmer. The hips may expand. Breasts may expand
further.  The sex drive is almost totally gone. Facial features may have
partially or wholly feminized. The skin may soften noticeably. The
testicles will have atrophied a bit. The lips will become thicker. 
        After a period of 1-2 years, the individual may appear totally 
female, except for a few minor differences. The testicles are very 
atrophied, and erection is difficult or impossible.
        Female hormones will NOT affect The voice, the size of the Adams 
apple or bone structure (except in very young transsexuals).
        Male Hormones (androgen): During the first few weeks on high doses 
of Androgen, a female may experience mood changes and acne. The skin will 
become less soft. The female will begin to develop muscle growth. 
Paradoxically, the female's breast size will look larger because of the 
increased chest muscle. Facial and body hair may begin to come out at this 
point. Sex drive will increase drastically and the clitoris will enlarge 
slightly.
        After a year, the female may have the physical appearance of 
a male. The clitoris will be enlarged, perhaps to 2-3 inches in length.
The 
voice will deepen. Beard growth will most likely be present. Menstruation 
will most likely have stopped at this point. Females may also gain a lot 
of weight around the middle, as well as male pattern hair loss.
        Non-transsexual females who take hormones are easily spotted, as 
they develop secondary male characteristics. This can be avoided by taking 
very specific hormones, as opposed to a wide spectrum of androgens. 

        Both male and female hormones will affect the kidney negatively.
It is important to make sure that the dosage you are taking is correct for
your body. Injected hormones do not damage the kidney as much as oral
hormones. 
        Male hormones must be injected. Female hormones work by being 
injected or taken orally.

2.8) At what point can hormone therapy be reversed?

        It can be reversed at any time. However, there will be some 
permanent effects. If a male takes estrogen for a short while before 
stopping,  it may be possible for him to impregnate a female. After six 
months, most men are permanently infertile.
        Breast growth and facial hair growth cannot be reversed. The voice 
lowering in a F-M is also permanent. The skin and body changes will 
disappear over time.

2.9) What are the steps in SRS?

        For M-F: The first step is to remove the testicles. The penis is
then inverted, creating a vagina-like opening. The scrotum is then used to
line the new vagina and create labia. Some of the penile tissue is used to
create a clitoris. The nerve endings in the penis are still intact, so
hopefully orgasm will be possible. There are other, optional surgeries
such as Removal of the Adam's apple, jaw scraping, breast implants, cheek
implants, collagen injections, liposuction, and others. 
        For F-M: The first step is a mastectomy and repositioning of the
nipples. This is fairly minor surgery and will not take you off your feet
for a long time. It is best to avoid straining the chest area for a few
months afterwards. The next step is a hysterectomy with bilateral
Salpingo-Oophorectomy (Removal of uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes). There
is at the moment no effective way to create a penis. Penile implants are
often used, unfortunately they rarely function adequately. Radical forearm
grafts and intestinal grafts are also widely used, but these leave scars
on some parts of the body. There is a new procedure that will give a
highly effective penis, but this is not widely available. 

2.10) Where can i go to get referrals, counseling or surgery done?

        There are many locations worldwide where you can get the referrals 
and the surgeries.
        There is only one place in Canada that specializes exclusively in 
Gender research, and that is the Clark Institute in Toronto. Many university
and medical schools have gender programs.
        The states have many different locations that will perform the 
surgery or give referrals. The most famous is the clinic in Trinidad, 
Colorado.

        Here are some addresses of surgeons, surgical and clinical
services.  Please be advised that none of these addresses were checked out,
and that some actively anti-transgender persons (exodus ministries) have
set up "clinics". 


UNITED STATES

Dr. Eugene Schrang, 
MD240 First Street
Neenah, WI 54956
Cosmetician who will perform SRS surgery

Jeanne M. West
450 San Antonio Road #50, Palo alto CA 94306
(415) 494-2952
Behavioral therapist

American Transsexual education center
ATEC, 1626 N. Wilcox Avenue, suite 584, Hollywood CA 90028
(213) 469-4709
Organization for TV/TS community, counseling, referrals, medical and
psychological help, newsletter

Gender crisis help line
3332 N. Romero Rd, #13, Tucson, AT 85705
(602) 293-3456  Karen Davis
Referral service for TV/TS people

People systems Potential
Niela Miller, MS ED
LCSW, P.O. box 132, 
Nagog Woods, MA 01718
(508) 264-4565
Counseling for gender confused people, cross dressers, SO's

Thesus counseling services
233 Harvard street,
suite 301, Brookline, MA 02146
(207) 623-2327
Counseling for CD'ers, TV's, marital stress where dressing is an 
issue in the relationship, f-m counseling.

Dennis Pearne, Ed.D
9 Alexander Ave,
Belmont CTR., MA 02172
(617) 484-0013
Clinical psychologist.

Outreach Professional education and referral network
OPREN, P.O. Box 368, 
Boston, MA 02215
(617) 277-3454
Provides referral services and education for Health care 
professionals involved in gender conflict and Gender dysphoria.

Nancy Strapko, PhD.
RFD 1, box 2081,
Plymouth NH 03264
Gender specialist, private couple and group therapy. Office is in
Concord, MA

Cheshire counseling associates
104 cross street, Keene,
NH 03431
(603) 357-5544    Ken DeVoid, EdD
TV, ts, and gender counseling available

Human Outreach and achievement institute
HOAC, 405 Western Avenue, Suite 345, 
South Portland ME 04106
(207) 755-0858
Educational group for all people involved in gender issues


Gender identity clinic of New England
GICNE, 68 Adelade rd, Manchester,
CT 06040
(203) 646-8651   Rev Canon Clinton R. Jones, Director
Provides screening for hormones and surgery for Ts peoples.

Metamorphosis
P.O. Box 6245, Broadway Station,
long island city 
NY 11106 
(718) 728-4615
Professional psychotherapy geared towards transsexuals.

Androgyny Unlimited
Box 4887, Poughkeepsie 
NY 12602
(914) 452-8405  Roger E. Peo, PhD
A private service providing counseling, research, and education

Persad Center, Inc:
5100 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh PA 15224-1616
(412) 441-0857 Randal G Forrester
Therapy, support and treatment for transsexuals

Sexology associates inc
H. Martin Malin, PhD
4835 Del Ray avenue, 

Bethesda, MD 20814
Counseling for TG persons

Center for gender Reassignment
Deborah M. Gilbert,
R.N. coordinator,
142 W. York street #915,
Norfolk, VA 23510-2015
(804)-622-9900
A clinic which performs SRS. 18 months of cross-living and 6 months of 
hormone therapy required before they will consider you for surgery.

C.O.P.E. Center, INC
P.O. box 607, DeFuniak Springs
FL 32433
Clyde E. Trautloff, MA, CAP, CAS, program manager
Individual, group, and family therapy

Adele Kates & Associates, PA
1 N.E. 168th street, North Miami beach 
FL 33162
(305) 651-6442
Transsexual voice change and gender identity. Makeup, clothes, 
hairstyling, etc. By appointment.

Center for contemporary counseling
2999 N.E., 191 street, suite 607,
Aventura FL 33180.
Coral L Schlosberg, Ph.D., LCSW, LMFT
(305) 936-8000
Sex therapist, recently started a group for TG-er's

Tampa Stress Center
4023 n. Armenia Ave suite 220, 
Tampa FL 33607 (813) 872-8631
Carl W. Bushong, Ph.D.
Counseling of TV/CD-ers and their spouses, support for transsexuals.

North Center Mental Health Services
1301 North High Street, Columbus, 
OH 43201 (614) 229-6600
Can provide counseling, references.

Helpline
Koala hospital of Indianapolis,
1404 south state street,
Indianapolis, IN 46203
(714) 248-5843
Helpline for all issues, including gender

Homestead Counseling Center
Sandra L. Samons, ACSW, CAC, 
1480 Shevchenko,
Ann Arbor MI 48103
(313) 663-7871
Counselor knowledgeable about transgendered issues.

Interchange counseling center, P.C.
Lee Padula, PhD 
37677 professional center drive, suite 110c,
Livonia MI 48154
(313) 953-3333
Licensed marriage and family therapist, certified sex therapist. 24 hr phone
line.

Milwaukee Transgender program,
Pathways counseling center, 
2645 N. Mayfair Road, suite 230,
First financial building,
Milwaukee, WI 53226-1304
(414) 774-4111 Gretchen M. Fincke, MSSW director
A therapy program for m-f and f-m transgendered people. Complete
treatment, from therapy to surgery.

Institute for psychosexual health
5594 North Hollywood Ave,
suite 204, whitefish bay 
WI 53217
(414) 332-1880
Charles A. Kiley, MSW, ACSW
Evaluation, emotional support, counseling, hormonal and surgical reassignment
services

Gender Dysphoria Program
Eli Coleman PhD. director
Coordinator, c/o program in human sexuality, 1300 south 2nd street,
suite 180, Minneapolis, MN 55454
(612) 625-1500 fax: (612) 626-8311
A professionally managed program based on the Benjamin standards. Provides 
assessment, therapy, hormonal treatment, sex reassignment and post-op care.

Alice Webb, MSW, CSW, ACP
Atrium crest building,
18333 Egret bay Blvd, Suite 560,
Houston, TX 77058
(713) 333-2278
Therapist formerly of the U of Texas medical branch.

Gender Identity Clinic
Tomye Kelly, MA, 
8972 Oberon Rd, Arvada CO 80004
(303) 420-9885
Psychotherapy, support groups, speakers forum

Gender identity committee
Department of psychiatry, university of Utah, college of medicine
50 north medical drive, salt lake city, UT 84132
(801) 581-7951.
No details available

John Turner Memorial Gender Identity Clinic
c/o Robin M. Mathy, M.A. 6330-1 E. Thomas road suite 210, 
Scottsdale AZ 85251
Counseling clinic lead by transsexual sexologist.

Roxanne Cherry, M.A.
937 W. foothill Blvd, Suite F, Claremont CA 91711
(213) 202-1820, (714) 624-6539
Therapist for children, marriages, families, gender dysphorics, and sexual
issues.

The prince institute
PO box 2916, Palm springs, CA 92263 Angela Prince, PhD, director.
Counseling for CD/TV's and their significant others

Gender dysphoria program of Orange County, inc
32158 Camino Capistrano, suite 203, San Juan Capistrino CA 92675
(714) 240-7020
Wm. G. Heard, PhD director.
A comprehensive program for Gender dysphorics, including hormones and 
surgery.

Gender community Advocates
GCA, Ms Tauria Linala, P.O box 6333, Santa Maria CA 93454
(805) 922-1309
Referrals, counseling, medical and legal services.

Gender and self-acceptance program
PO box 4447, San Francisco CA 94101
(415) 558-8058
Joni E. Israel, Director
Individual, couple and small group sessions focusing on gender and self 
acceptance.

Tenderloin self-help Center
191 Golden gate Ave, San Francisco CA 94102
(415) 554-0518
Serving the "Tenderloin" and "south of market" areas in San Francisco. 
Offers Training in peer counseling, support groups, job training,

Rebecca Auge, PhD
3637 Grand Ave, suite C, Oakland, CA 94610
(415) 426-0718
Clinical psychologist working with patients on gender issues.

Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association, inc
HBIGDA, 1515 El Camino Real, Palo Alto CA 94306 
(415) 326-4645
Resource for professionals who work with the gender community.

Pacific Center for Human Growth
Box 908, Berkley, CA 94701
(415) 548-8283 Hot line (415) 841-6224
Allyana Guenther, Ex Director
A united way funded agency that provides high quality service to all sexual
minorities

Anne Vitale, PhD.
D street counseling group,
610 D St., San Rafael CA 94901
(415) 456-4452
Psychotherapist specializing in Gender-related issues.

Sexual identity center
Box 3224, Honalulu HI 96801-3224
(808) 926-1000
Therapists, referrals, special support groups for TV/ts people.

The Ingerscroll Gender Center
1812 East Madison, Seattle WA 98122
(206) 329-6651
Non-profit counseling and referral service for the transsexual community 
in the northwest

Seattle counseling service
1505 Boradway, Seattle WA 98122
(206) 282-9314 noon-9 pm weekdays
Provides counseling for problems related to sexual issues.

CANADA

Genderserve
Box 291 station "a" Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 3C8
Susan C. Huxford director
Counseling, education, therapy and research services.

Gender identity clinic
Clark institute of psychiatry, 250 College street, Toronto, Ontario
M5T 1R8  (416) 979-2221, ex 2339
Assessment and counseling for gender dysphorics referred from any physician.

NETHERLANDS

Gender Team Amsterdam
Prof. Dr L.J.G. Gooren, internist/endocrinologist, Dept of endocrinology/
Andrology 
Free university hospital, PO box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Tel (31)(20)548 9111 ext 199
Fax (31)(20)548 7502
Treats gender dysphorics. Currently treating 1100 patients, covers 
everything including surgery

SCOTLAND

Trans-Trap
53/6 Bread Street, Edinburgh EH3 9AH
Tel 031-228 2231 (Mon-Fri 2pm-10pm)
Helps CD's and their families cope with transgenderism. 


NOTE: The SRS center in Baja was recently written up in several Tg
magazines as providing poor service.


2.11) Where can I get hormones?

        Hormones can be obtained from a doctor or psychiatrist. In most
cases you will have to be evaluated by several different health
professionals before you begin hormone therapy. 
        There is a lot of temptation for Transsexuals to get hormones 
illegally and self-administer them. This is not a good idea for several 
reasons.
        Female hormones imported from Mexico or from other countries will
not have the same ingredients as hormones from your native country. In
Mexico, there is no dept of Health and Welfare or FDA, as there is in
Canada and the states. There might be anything in the bottle. In most
cases, the contents are hormones. 
        Male hormones are easily obtainable from some health food stores,
gymnasiums, and farms. Most of these hormones are only 1 or 2 of the male
hormones and not the broad base of hormones you would get from a doctor or
physician. Injecting 1 type of hormone will result in some masculine-ization,
but it will also cause a reaction in the body that may release more 
estrogen. 

2.12) How can I hide it/them?

        To hide the penis, wear a skirt or a dress. Avoid tight pants or
pants designed in the female fashion. Skirts and dresses are very good at
concealing a *light* erection. There are also devices available that will 
restrain the penis and prevent erections. These can sometimes be painful 
if an erection does occur, however.
        To hide excess breast tissue, wear loose fitting t-shirts. For
wearing men's dress shirts, it is best to bind them to the chest. With a
little luck, it will look like you are muscular. Try not to keep them
bound for too long, as this may make breathing difficult. 

2.13) How long does electrolysis take?

        Electrolysis takes anywhere from 6 months up. It usually takes
about 2-3 hours per week. Electrolysis should not hurt. It is important to
get as far along with electrolysis as possible before starting hormones,
as hormones will make the hair finer and harder to get out. 

2.14) What does not work?

        There are many companies and people that prey on transvestites and
transsexuals. Here are some things you should avoid:
        a) Tablets made of "raw ovary" or other glands. The idea of eating
animal parts in order to promote characteristics of that animal has been
around for thousands of years, and it didn't work any better back then. It
is possible to get estrogen from the glands of female animals, but you
would have to have a fresh gland once per day. There was a court case in
England where a dealer of such tablets was arrested. 
        There are similar products for F-M's, containing such ingredients
as minced bull testicle. 
        b) Breast crèmes. Crèmes that you rub onto your breasts in order to
stimulate growth. These products do not contain enough estrogen to bother 
with. 
        c) Injectable silicon. This is a big one. Injected silicon will 
eventually either kill you or permanently disfigure you (elephant man 
style). It's not worth it.
        
2.15) I'm about to give a loved one "the talk". What should I expect?

        You should expect "The fit".
        In most cases, the news that a spouse or companion is
Transgendered is met with negative emotions. Shock, anger, and fear are
three of the more common reactions. In some cases, the wife will be
accepting of the males cross-dressing and support him. Wives of
Transsexuals often have difficulty accepting their husband's condition. 
        Men don't usually notice when a woman is wearing male clothing. In 
many relationships, the woman wears the man's clothes often and with his 
permission. Female transsexuals in male-female relationships are extremely 
rare. 
        Many transsexuals can tell stories about how they were beaten 
severely by their boyfriends after "the talk". This can be avoided by 
telling him over the phone, leaving him a note, etc. 
        Another way of reducing the risk is to tell him in a secluded 
public place, such as a restaurant booth. 
        Lesbians are sometimes accepting of transsexuals. Many bisexual 
females are attracted to transsexuals. Some lesbians are Transphobic.
        F-m transsexuals who come out to their girlfriends are frequently 
accepted.

        Teenaged transgenderists should beware. Many TG youth are tossed 
out onto the street after "Coming out". Make sure you have a place to stay 
before you announce that you are Transgendered. This applies to Intersexual 
youth as well, if the parents are unaware of their child's condition. Many 
Intersexual youth are dumped into the hands of social service agencies or 
thrown into the street.
        Children of Transgendered people react differently. Very small 
children (1, 2 yrs) will most likely not object to any change in the 
parent's behavior. Children around kindergarten age will have a few 
questions.
        Teenaged children will not be accepting at first. If it is public, 
such a fact could make the child feel embarrassed to be around the parent. 
        There are many groups that help relatives and friends of 
transsexuals deal with the transition and their feelings towards their 
Transgendered relative.
        

2.16) Are there any Transgendered organizations in my area?

        Here is a list of Transgendered organizations by area. Some areas
have no support groups listed because of security reasons. Phone numbers
for groups that appear to be home phone numbers are not listed.

CANADA

Quebec 

Entre Femme; Quebec Transsexual association inc
Mme Viviane Belanger, 
84 boulevard des allies, Quebec city, PQ
G1L 1Y2 (Canada)
French speaking group for M-F and F-M. Can provide counseling for hormone
therapy, counseling for parents, and referrals.

FACT-Quebec
Fact, c/o Mrs. Patricia Fisher, 
Box 293, Cote De Neiges post office, 5858 cote de Neiges Boulevard, 
Montreal, PQ
H3S 2S6 (Canada)
Support group for transsexuals, S.O.'s, relatives, friends, and
professionals 
in the field. Provides speakers to the public.

Transsexuals in Prison
Mrs. Patricia Fisher, 
Box 293, cote de neiges post office, 5858 cote de Neiges Boulevard, 
Montreal, PQ
H3S 2S6 (Canada)
Information network for Transsexuals in prison. Fights for Transgendered 
prisoners rights.

Club Met
4113 Dorion street, Montreal, Quebec 
H2K 3B8
(514) 528-8874
Non-sexual support group for cross dressers, TS's, and their significant 
others. Publishes it's own newsmagazine

Ontario

Fact-Ottawa 
FACT, box 9155, Ottawa, Ontario K1G 3T9 
A support group for transsexuals, meetings every 3rd Saturday of each
month.  Contact the pres through Ottawa gayline (613) 238-1717. Arrange a
time for a callback. 

Transsexual transition support group
(416) 925-9872, ex 2124
A 24 hour support line for transsexuals.

Transition support
Transition support, c/o the church street community center,
519 church street, Toronto, Ontario, M4Y 2C9
Transsexual support group. Meetings are 7:30 pm on second Friday of each 
month, open to all.

Street outreach services
622 Yonge St. 2nd floor, 
Toronto, Ontario 
M4Y 1Z8
(416) 926-0744 (24 hrs)
A support group for young people aged 16-24 who are engaged in or drifting 
towards a lifestyle of prostitution. Aids programs, drop in centers,
welfare workers, etc.

Gender Mosaic
P.O. Box 7421, Vanier, Ontario
K1L 8E4
Social support group for TG persons and their companions.

Canadian Cross dresser's club
Canadian CDC, 161 Gerrard street east, 
Toronto, Ontario, 
M5A 2A4 (416) 921-6112
Support and social club, affiliated with Wildside Boutique

Monarch Social Club
MSC, Missuaga "A", PO box 386, 
Missusauga, Ontario
L5A 3A1
Private and public functions for TV/ts people, S.O.'s, and friends

Chrysalis
box 30, 12 water street,
Kitchner, Ontario
N2H 5A5
Support group.

Alberta

Phi Sigma Tri-ESS
Phi Sigma, Box 803, 6808 Ogden Road S.E. 
Calgary, Alberta T2H 1B4
Social and support group for heterosexual CD-ers and their significant 
others.

Illusions social Club 
Box 2000 
6808 Ogden Road S.E. 
Calgary, Alberta T2C 1B4

Illusions social club
box 33002 Glenwood PO,
Edmonton, Alberta
T5P 4V8

Both illusions are non-sexual social groups for TG people and their SO's.

British Columbia

Dream Girls
PO box 535, Kamloops,
British Columbia, V2C 5L7
Non-sexual support group for TG's and their S.O.'s.

Cornbury Society
box 3745, Vancouver, BC V6B 3Z1
Support group for heterosexual CD-ers


ENGLAND

Beaumont society
BM, Box 3084, London, 
WC1N-3XX
Social group for heterosexual transvestites. Also counsels and provides
legal assistance

WOBS-the B S partners group
BM, WOBS London 
WC1N 3XX        
A support group for partners and families of transsexuals

Seahorse Society
BM seahorse, Box 6093, London
WC1N 3XX
A social organization for hetero TV's and transsexuals.

Beaumont trust
BM Charity, London,
WC1N 3XX
Assists those who are gender dysphoric

FTM network
FTM, BM Network, London,
WC1N 3XX
Social support group for F-M transsexuals


TV/ts support group
The TV/TS support group, 2 French place,
Shoreditch, London E1 6JB
Telephone/Helpline 071-729-1466  8-10 pm
Support group for TV/ts, families, and friends.

Partners support group
telephone 081-204-4187 11 am - 11 pm
for female S.O.'s of transgenderists

The gender trust
BM Gentrust, London, 
WC1N 3XX
Helpline 071-730-7453 7-10 Thursdays for TS, 7-10 Tues. for TV
A help group for those that are TG

The gender dysphoria trust
BM, box 7624, London, WC1N 3XX
helpline 0323 641100
A self-help group for transsexuals

New Transessex 
P.O. Box 3, Basildon, Essex,
SS14 1PT  
0268-583761 wed and sun evenings 7:00-10:00
TV/Ts social club.

Liverbirds, Merseyside TV/TS group,
c/o friend Merseyside, 36 Bolton Street,
Liverpool L3 5LX
051 709 4745
A TS/TV group being run out of the Merseyside's place Fri. 8-10 pm

International Gender transient affinity
IGTAm c/o Miss Phaedra Kelly, Director,
1, Bank building, school green road, freshwater,
isle of Wight, P040 9AJ.
For educational, research, and information exchange. Not a support group.

The northern Concord
Jenny Baker
the northern concord, P.O. box 258, 
Manchester, M60 1LN
A support group for TV's, TS's, and their significant others.

Rose's
P.O. Box 339, Sheffield
S1 3SX
0742 342870
A Private house for TV's and CD's and their S.O.'s to dress and socialize.

SCOTLAND
Grampian Gender Group
3g, Aberdeen ???
For CD'ers and TV's. Wives are welcome in any case.

The Scottish TV/TS group
No address given
TV/TS support group

Crosslynx TV/ts group
Crosslynx, c/o SLGS, PO box 38, 
Glasgow, G2 2QF
Provides help and support to TV/TS/tg people, their families, and friends.

IRELAND

Belfast Butterfly Club,
P.O. box 210, Belfast, BT1 1BG
Social support group for TV/TS and friends.

UNITED STATES

Puerto Rico

Foundation for the advancement of Puerto Rico Sisters
Calle 2#288, forest hills, Bayamon PR 00959
TV/TS SO support group, non-sexual

Massachusetts

Sunshine Club
c/o Roberta Steel,
P.O Box 149, Hadley MA 01035
Support group for TV/TS people and SO's, non-sexual

AXA
c/o Zoe Durga,
P.O box 1331, W.Concord MA 01742
non-sexual support group for TV/TS and SO's

Transgender alliance
TGA, P.O. box 1331, west Concord MA 01742
A coalition of CD, TG, TS, and drag queen Organizations and individuals
in the Boston area.

International foundation for gender equity
I.F.G.E.
box 367, Wayland MA 01778
(617) 894-8340
Educational and service organization for the Transgendered community.

Alchemy
Raven Kaldera
IFGE, PO box 367, Wayland MA 01778
Support group for lovers, spouses, and significant others of transsexuals

Femina Society of England
Ms C. Deering, PO box 1873,
Haverhill MA 01831
A female domination group that places emphasis on feminized males. 

Tiffany Club of New England
TCNE, Box 2283, Woburn MA 01888-0483
(508) 358-2305
Social and educational group for transsexuals, SO's, beauty courses, etc.

Tiffany club wives support group
WSG, c/o TCNE, Box 2283, Woburn MA 01888-0483
(508) 358-2305
Support group for members of the Tiffany Club

Reflections
(617) 323-6082
A Boston-based group for the gender community

The Adam Society
c/o Dan Riley, PO box 367, Wayland MA 01778
Support group for F-M transsexuals

East coast F-M group
ECFTMG, PO box 38-3303, Cambridge, MA 02238
Support group for F-M transsexuals. Please write to obtain phone numbers.

Investments
Investments, PO box 2194, Orleans MA 02653
Support group for TV/TS and SO's

Maine

Transsupport
Box 17622, Portland ME 04101
Non profit, non sexual group for TV/TS people and friends.

Human Outreach and achievement institute
HOAC, 405 Western Avenue, Suite 345, 
South Portland ME 04106
(207) 755-0858
Educational group for all people involved in gender issues

Connecticut

Connecticut Outreach Society
COS, PO box 163, Farmington 
CT 06034
Social and educational support for TG people

The XX (twenty) Club
The XX club, box 387, Hartford 
CT 06141-0387

Harriet Lane's TV set
P.O. Box 4002, Wallingford CT 06492
(203) 237-1968 (ask for Harriet Lane or Joanie Lassin)
Hosts parties for TS people.

New Jersey

F2M
??????
A f-m transsexual support group, also compiling data on F-M transition 
process. 

Survivors of Transsexuality Anonymous
Jeffriana Cascone,
PO box 110, Norwood NJ 07648
Support group for TV/TS people based on the 12 step program. 

Monmouth/ocean group
PO box 8243, Red Bank NJ 07701
Open support group for all gender dysphorics

East coast couples network
ECCN, c/o MOTG, PO box 8243, Red Bank NJ 07701
Social and support group for couples who are comfortable with the 
cross dressing aspect of their relationship.

Northern New Jersey,
Ms. Lynda Frank, PO box 9192, Morristown NJ 07960
(201) 663-0772
Get togethers, presumably for Transgendered people.

Renaissance south jersey 
PO box 189, Mays landing, NJ 08330
(609) 641-3782
Support group for the TG community.

Sigma Nu Rho Chapter tri-ESS
SNR, PO box 9255, Trenton NJ 08650
Tri-ESS is a non-profit organization for heterosexual cross-dressers and 
their SO's

New York

Gender identity program
c/o Barbara warren, Lesbian and gay community services center, 
208 west 13th street, New York NY 10014 (212) 969-0888
Support group for Gender dysphoric individuals.

Metropolitan Gender Network
561 Hudson street, box 45, New York NY 10014. (201) 794-1665, ex 332
Open to all members of the TG community

Survivors of transsexuality anonymous (STA) 
c/o Barbara warren, Lesbian and gay community services center, 
208 west 13th st., New York NY 10014
Answering service 212-969-0888
A 12 step program for all gender conflicted individuals.

Cross dressers of New York/NYGA
CDI, 9 W.31st street, Suite 7R, New York NY 10001.
(212) 629-5750
Non-profit, Non-sexual social support group for TV/TS and their SO's

The Gathering
P.O. box 29, New York, NY 10021-0030
Non-sexual support group for Primary and Secondary transsexuals and their 
SO's

Eulenspiegel Society
Box 2783 Grand Central Station, NYC NY 10163
(212) 477-6588
Dedicated to the BD/SM side of Transgendered lifestyle

Chi Delta Mu of Tri-ESS
Chi delta mu, P.O. Box 477, Co-op station, Bronx, NY 10475
Hotline (201) 663-0772
For TG-ers and their SO's. 

Girl's night out
G.N.O., c/o Barbara Fortune, PO box 350369
Brooklyn NY 11235-007
Hotline (201) 794-1665 ext 202
An open social support group for CD-ers, TS's and their SO's

Long island Femme expression (life)
LIFE, c/o Vickie stone, P.O. box 31, Hempstead NY 11551
Social support group for heterosexual cross dressers and SO's

Transgenderists' Independence club (TGIC)
TGIC, Box 13604, Albany NY 12212-3604
(518) 436-4513 (Thurs 7-9 pm, or leave message)
Non-sexual support group for transsexuals, CD'ers, mates and families

Transgender Network
P.O Box 177, Tillison NY 12486-0177
A non-sexual support group got TV/TS/SO. Clergy and professionals also
welcome

EON (expressing our nature).
EON, 523 W Onondaga St., Syracuse, NY 13204-3226
Open support group for TV/TS people

Crossroads of buffalo
Vern, 2316 Delaware Ave. Suite-102, Buffalo NY 14216
Open support group for TV/TS people

Nu Phi Chi
P.O. box 473, Bridge station, Niagara falls NY 14305
Chapter of Tri-ESS

Rochester CD-network
CD-network, P.O. Box 92055, Rochester, NY 14692
(716) 251-2132
Support group for CD's, TS's, spouses

Pennsylvania

Transspitt
PO box 3214, Pittsburgh PA 15230
(412) 781-0257
Social organization for just about everyone


Erie Sisters
2115 west 8th street, Suite 261, Erie PA 16505
Non-sexual support group for CD's and friends of CD'ers

Renaissance- lower Susquehanna valley chapter
Renaissance-LSV, Box 2122, Harrisburg PA 17105-2122
(717) 780-1578 Brenda Davidson chapter leader

Cross dressers International
CDI, PO box 61, Easton PA 18044
Non-sexual support group for CD'ers, TS's and SO's

Renaissance- Greater Philadelphia Chapter
Renaissance PHL, PO box 530, Bensalem PA 19020
(215) 630-1437
Group for the gender community at large.

Renaissance Education Association
Box 60552, King of Prussia PA 19406
(215) 630-1437 (24 hrs)
Information service and support group for the TG community and 
Professionals in the community

Washington, DC

Washington Baltimore alliance
c/o R. Lewis, P.O. Box 50724, Washington DC 20091-0724
WBA hotline (301) 277-5475
Education and support group for TV/TS peoples

Maryland

Janus/DC
c/o H Martin Matlin, PhD 4835 del ray avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814
Support group for CD/TS people. Not to be confused with the Society of 
Janus.

The bridge club
Bridge club, c/o Michelle Gerald, PO box 11737, Baltimore MD 21206-0337

My Choice
c/o Shana Roberts, 7 S. Broadway #1A, Baltimore MD 21231
(410) 732-4546
Support group for TV/TS people

Virginia

Black Rose
PO Box 11161, Arlington VA 22210
(301) 369-7667
Support group for submissive-dominant relationships. Singles and 
crossdressers welcome

Delta Chi Education Association (DCEA)
DCEA, PO box 16036, Arlington VA 22215
Social/support group for TV/ts people

Virginia's secret
PO box 3453, Richmond VA 23242
(804) 320-8737
Support group for CD-ers

West Virginia

Trans-VW
PO box 2322, Huntington WV 25724-2322
Support group for TV/ts and spouses

North Carolina

Triad Gender Association
Triad, c/o Stephanie Dula,
PO box 78082, Greensboro NC 27427-8082
Support group for TV/TS and SO's

GDNAC Support group
GDNAC, PO box 721, Albermarle NC 28002
(704) 982-1028
Support group for TV/TS people

Kappa Beta Tri-ESS
Kappa beta, PO box 12101, Charlotte NC 28220-2101
Support group for M-F heterosexual cross dressers and spouses

Chi chi rho, Tri-ess
Crystal coast rose, PO box 733, Bridgeton NC 28519
See above

Phoenix Transgender Support
Phoenix, PO Box 18332, Asheville NC 28814
support group for TV/TS/CD/TG/SO

South Carolina

Mid-Carolinas Gender Association
MCGA, Po box 3406, Rock hill SC 29732, Sherry Lynn Capps director
Open group for TG'ers and their SO's

Georgia

Montgomery Medical & Psychological Institute, inc
Jerry, Lynn, or Tommie, PO box 33311, Decatur GA 30033
(404) 603-9426 (contact April)
TS support group and educational facility. Annual convention.

Atlanta Gender Exploration (AGE)
AGE, PO box 1542, Roswell GA 30077
Helpline (404) 642-9652
Open to all with a gender concern

Florida

Sigma Epsilon, Tri ESS
Sigma epsilon, Po box 7241, Tallahassee FL 32314-7241
Social support group for heterosexual cross dressers

Gender information Network of Gainesville
GINC, Gail Driaper, (904) 332-8178
Spiritually oriented gender support group

Florida chapter Montgomery institute, inc
PO box 141133, Gainesville, Florida 32164 (904) 462-4826
Counseling, referrals, psychologist, electroygist, Info for m-f and f-m

Phi Epsilon MU/central Florida sisters
Phi Epsilon Mu, PO box 3261, Winter Park FL 32790-3261
Heterosexual CD/SO group

Reality
Reality/GLGS, PO box 533446, Orlando, FL 32853-3446
(407) 425-4527, Dori Morrison
Support group for Gender Dysphorics

Fantasia
c/o GLGS, PO box 533446, Orlando, FL 32853-3446
Social support group for TV/TS people

Serenity
PO box 307, Hollywood FL 33022
(305) 436-9477
Social support group for TV's, TS's and SO's

Animas
PO box 420309, Miami, FL 33242
Social support group for TV's, TS's and SO's 

Moving on, reaching and experiencing (move)
For the male cross dresser

Starburst
c/o J.L Hores, 1801-69 avenue S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712
Support group for transvestites and transsexuals

The southern Belles/Tau Sigma Beta Chapter of Tri-ess
Support group for male heterosexual cross dressers and their SO's

Alabama

Sigma Epsilion, Tri-ESS
Sigma epsilon, PO box 7241, Tallahassee FL 32314-7241
Social support group for male cross dressers

Sigma Rho Gamma Chapter of Tri-ESS
SERGA, PO box 16174, Huntsville 
Support group for Heterosexual cross dressers and their families.

Mississippi

Beta chi chapter of Tri ESS
Beta Chi, PO box 31253, Jackson, MS 39206-1253
Hotline (601) 982-7678

Tennessee

GDATN support group
GDATN, Nashville, TN, C/o GDNAC, Po box 721, Albemarle NC 28002
(704) 982-1028
TV/TS support group

Mu Sigma Tri-ESS
Mu Sigma, Po box 61, Jonesboro AR 72403
Support group for heterosexual Cross dressers

Kentucky

Louisville Gender Society
LGS, Po box 5458, Louisville, KY 40255-0458
Social and support group for Transgendered people

Ohio

Crystal Club
PO box 287, Reynoldsburg OH 43068-0287
(614) 777-0648
Open support group for TV/TS people. 

Alpha Omega chapter Tri-ESS
Alpha Omega, Box 954, Elyria OH 44036
Social support group for heterosexual cross dressers and families

Paradise Club
Paradise, PO box 29564, Parma OH 44129
Social and support for all TG and SO's, especially wives of TG's

CrossPort Updated 3/10/2004
P.O. Box 1692, Cincinnati OH 45201
(513) 919-4850
Support group for m-f and f-m cross dressers and transsexuals

Indiana

Indiana Cross dressers society
IXE, Box 20710, Indianapolis In 46220
(317) 894-8109
Social group for TV/ts people

Michigan

Crossroads chapter
Crossroads, PO box 1245, Royal oak MI 48068-1245
(313) 537-3267
Support and friendship for TV/TG/TS people

National Gender Dysphoria Organization and support group
N.G.D.O, PO box 02732, Detroit MI 48202
(313) 842-5258
support/educational organization for the TG community

Theta Omega Gamma-Tri ESS
Theta Omega Gamma, c/o tri-ESS PO box 194, Tulare, CA 93275 (temp address)
Social support for heterosexual cross dressers and their significant others

National Association of Cross dressers
NAC, PO box 497, Flint, MI 48501
Outreach and education organization

IME of western Michigan 
PO box 1153, Grand Rapids MI 49501

Iowa

Iowa Artistry
Box 75, Cedar Rapids, IA 52406
Support group for TV's and SO's, also tri-ESS branch

Quad-city society for sexuality Education
1236 W. 8th, Davenport IA 52802
(319) 324-6914
Social group for all genderists, gays, CD-ers, TS's and SO's

Minnesota

Minnesota freedom of Gender expression
MFGE, box 17945, St. Paul MN 55117
Open service and peer support for TG persons, their SO's, and interested 
persons

City of Lakes Crossgender Community
CCLC, PO box 16265, Minneapolis MN, 55416
(612) 229-3613
Social get togethers for CD'ers, non-sexual

Illinois

Chi chapter- Tri ESS
Chi chapter, PO Box 40, Wood Dale Il 60191-0040
(708) 364-9514
Support group for heterosexual cross dressers

The Sunday society
PO box 47056, Chicago, IL 60647
(312) 252-7024 Sheila L. Sampognaro or Louise L. Raeder
Transsexual outreach and support organization

Chicago Gender Society
CGS, PO box 578005, Chicago IL 60657
(312) 434-5445
Social and Educational group for TV/TS people

Central Illinois Gender Association (CIGA)
CIGA, PO box 126, Washington IL 61571
(309) 444-9918 JoAnn
Non-sexual group for m-f and f-m CD/TV/TS people and SO's

Missouri

St Louis Gender Foundation
StL G.F., PO box 9433, St. Louis MO 63177
(314) 567-8615 Voice mailbox
For CD's, TV's, TS's

Kappa Gamma Mu, Tri-ess
Kappa Gamma mu, PO box 98, Belton MO 64012-0098
Support group for Heterosexual transvestites

Transsexuals in Prison
Non-prisoners contact: Dee Farmer, 23288037, PO box 4000, 
Springfield MO 65808
Prisoners contact: Mrs. Patricia Fisher (see publication section)

Kansas

Cross dressers and Friends
CAF, box 4092, Overland Park KS 66204
Support for Cross dressers, transsexuals, and their friends.

Gender dysphoria support
Po box 15561, Shawnee mission KS 66215
(913) 371-0658 Anne Ogborn, Facilitator
Social and support group for pre/post op transsexuals

Witchita TransGender Alliance
Po box 315,  Kechi KS 67067
Non-sexual support group for transsexuals, transvestites, and SO's

Nebraska

River City Gender Alliance
RCGA, PO box 680, Council Bluffs IA 51502-0680
Educational, support and social group for TV/TS and SO's

Mu Sigma, tri-ESS
Mu Sigma
PO box 61, Jonesboro, AR 72403
support group for heterosexual cross dressers  & SO'S

Louisiana

Tri Delta Chi, Tri-ESS
Tri delta chi, Box 870213, New Orleans LA 70187-1300
Support group for heterosexual cross dressers & SO's

Oklahoma

Cross-dressers international
CDI, c/o Ms Gwen Pete, PO box 50192, Tulsa OK 74104
(918) 582-6643/835-5534
Social organization and support group for TV/TS people & interested

Texas

Recast educational and informational network
ReCast, PO box 22240001, Dallas TX 75222-4001
(214) 641-4842, Aaron Davis
FTM Support, research, referral, education

Delta Omega Chapter
PO box 1021, Arlington TX 76004-1021
Hotline (817) 261-3253
Social group for hetero TV's and their SO's

Tri-Plex Gender association
TPGA, PO box 381, Risel TX 76682. 
Info line (817) 867-1077
TG support group

Heart of Texas gender alliance/nw
HTGA-NW, c/o Marlina Dawn Murphy, PO box 30413, San Angelo, 
TX 76903-0413
(915) 944-1381
TG support group

Gulf Coast Transgender Community
CGTC, PO box 90335, Houston TX 77090
(713) 780-3553
For CD's TS's, TV's and SO's in the TG community

Tau Chi chapter tri-ESS
Tau chi, Box 1105, Alief TX 77411-1105 
(713) 988-8064
Social support group for heterosexual transvestites.

Women associated with TG support
WATS, PO box 17, Bulverde TX 78163
A genetic woman's group that explores women's feeling about cross dressing

Heart of Texas (eta tau) chapter Tri-ESS
Ht, PO box 17, Bulverde TX 78163
A group for heterosexual male cross dressers and SO's

San Antonio Transsexual Support Group
SATSG, PO box 12913, San Antonio TX 78212
Support group for TS only

Boulton and Park Society
Po box 700042, San Antonio TX 78270-0042
Help line     (512) 545-3668 (live wed 7-9 pm)
Fax/bbs line  (512) 545-4888 (6 am- 5pm fax, 5pm- 6am BBS)
Corporation for Gender Transposition, education. All welcome.

Austin Second Image
Po box 14965, Austin TX 78761
Hotline (512) 515-5460 wed 7-9 pm
Non-sexual education and social support for CDers, TS's, and SO's.

Alpha Chi chapter (tri-ess)
Alpha Chi, PO box 50266 Amarillo TX 79159
Helpline (806) 359-7714
Group for heterosexual CD'ers and SO's, Families

Colorado

Delta Chapter Tri-ESS
PO box 803, Evergreen CO 80439-0803
Support group for heterosexual cross dressers and SO's

Gender identity Center of Colorado, inc (GIC)
3715 West 32nd avenue, Denver, CO 80211
(303) 458-5378
Educational and affiliate service group. Has two chapters, one in south 
Colorado and one in North Colorado/Wyoming

Utah

Alpha Rho (salt lake city chapter tri-ESS)
Alpha Provesta, PO box 26711, Salt lake city, Utah, 84126
Heterosexual cross-dressers support for TV's and their families

Arizona

A rose
Po box 24623, Tempe AZ 85285-4623
Non sexual support group for TV/TS people and their wives

Alpha Zeta chapter (Tri-ess)
Alpha Zeta Po Box 24459, Tempe, AZ 85285-4459
Support group for heterosexual cross dressers and their SO's


Sorority
PO box  50151, Tucson AZ 85709-1151
Support group for TS, TG and gay CD's

Butterfly
PO box 17776, Tucson, AZ 85731-7776
Social and support for TV/TS people

New Mexico

Fiesta!  (tri-ess)
8200 Montgomery NE, #241, Albuquerque NM 87109
Social support group for heterosexual cross dressers

CD/TV/TS support group
PO box 26800, Suite 314, Albuquerque NM 87125
Open support group for CD'ers and Families

First Saturday for TV/TS 
Rudi Clarke, ST route box 886, Alamogordo NM 88311
(505) 434-5144
support for all area TV/TS people

Nevada

Jennifer and Friends
Po box 1284, Sparks NV 89432
Social support group for TV/TG and their SO's

S. California

Alpha Chapter of Tri-ESS
Alpha Chapter, Po box 36091, Los Angeles CA 90036
(213) 876-6141
Support group for heterosexual cross dressers and spouses

Androgyny
Rachel Irving, PO box 480740, Los angels CA 90048 
Social and support for those who cross dress

Club Cherchez la Femme
Po box 14521, Long Beach CA 90803
Private membership club for CD's and admirers

On the scene night:
Marlayna Lacie, 1856 cherry #608, Long Beach CA 90806
Party party party. All welcome, general parties and fetish parties

Cross dresser Heterosexual Intersocial club (CHIC)
CHIC, PO box 562, Duarte CA 91009. 
Information/ Speakers Bureau: (714) 993-7142
Heterosexual support group, professionals welcome

Cd social group
PO box 224 Montrose CA 91021
A group for CD's, write for info

Feminine image support
c/o Alicia M. Lichy, 5405 Arrow Hwy.- suite 110 Montclair CA 91763
(714) 931-1515
TV/TG/TS social club offering support

Neutral Corner
Po box 12581, San Diego CA 92112, TV/TS info line 236-1586

Phoenix Rising
c/o Kristen Dixon, PO box 632852, San Diego CA 92163-2852
Support group for TS in transition

National Ad-hoc medical Committee on Gender
NAMCOG, Sarah Seton, M.D., Coordinator, 1540 Burton Road, Suite 235, 
Redlands CA 92373
Group for Transgendered Physicians, Residents, students, and all other 
interested peoples.

Ladies Knight Out (LKO) Updated 3/10/2004
A cross-dressing club for couples that are married or in a committed relationship
E-Mail: LadiesKnightOut@hotmail.com
Web Site: www.LadiesKnightOut.com


Omega Chi (tri-ess)
Po box 9091, Anaheim CA 92802
Social support group for cross dressers and their significant others

Powder puffs of Orange County (PPOC)
PPOC, PO box 1088, Yorba Linda CA 92686
Hotline (714) 779-9013
Open, non-sexual support group for CDers and their SO's

Tri-Chi
PO box 194, Tulare CA 93275
Social and support group for hetero CDers and their SO's

Society for the second self
Carol Beecroft, Box 194, Tulare CA 93275 
(512) 438-7788
Heterosexual only TV group. Headquarters of Tri-ess

N. Carolina

Educational TV Channel 
ETVC, PO box 426484
San Francisco CA 94142-6486
Hotline (510) 549-2665
Social group for TV/TS/TG people and SO's, 400+ members

Significant Others Support
SOS, c/o ETVC, PO box 426486
San Francisco CA 94142-6486
Hotline (510) 549-2665
Group for significant others of transvestites and transsexuals

Gender identity Anonymous
No mailing address
TG support group

Diablo Valley Girls
DVG, PO box 272885, Concord CA 94527-2885
(510) 849-4112
Social support group for TV/TG people and friends

Female-to-male
FTM, 5337 college avenue #142, Oakland CA 94618
Support group for f-m cross dressers and transsexuals

Thursday irregulars
c/o Joan Sheldon, PO box 6541, San Jose CA 95150-6541
A group of tg people that meet every Thursday for lunch. 

Rainbow Gender Association
RGA, Box 700730, San Jose CA 95170
Support group for TV/TG/TS peoples of all sexual orientation

Sacramento Gender Association
SGA, Blue rose chapter, PO box 215456 Sacramento, CA 95821-1456
(800) 585-7742
Support organization for all TG-ers, newsletter

Society of Janus
c/o PO box 13852, Sacramento CA 95838-3582
s/m b/d and d/s oriented group, TG-ers welcomed

Northstate Gender Center
NSGC, 13522 Highway 36 East, Box 10, Red Bluff CA 96080
(916) 529-2201
Support group for CD'ers, TV's, TS's

Sigma Sigma Beta
Sierra Silver Belles, PO box 19933, S. Lake Tahoe CA 96151
Heterosexual TV support group

Hawaii

Hawaii Transgendered outreach
HTGO, 777 Kapiolani Blvd, Suite 3114, Honolulu HI 96813
(808) 923-4270
Social and support group for TV/TS people

Oregon

Northwest Gender Alliance
NWGA, PO box 4928, Portland, OR 97208
(503) 774-8463
Social organization for Cross dressers.

Rose city Gender center
RCGC, PO box 12714, Portland OR 97212
(503) 230-1036
Support group?

Capitol City Chapter
PO box 3312, Salem OR 97302
Tri-ess group for heterosexual cross dressers only

Salmacis
The equalitarian Feminist Social Society, Box 1604, 
Eugene OR 97440-1604
Support group for all females or those wishing to become female

Salishon
The womyn's information network, Box 1604, Eugene OR 97440-1604
information network for alternative-style womyn, inc TS's

Washington

Transsexual Lesbians and Friends
TLF, Seattle Washington
(206) 292-1037
Social group for transsexuals and lesbians, open to TG-ers and gays 
as well

Emerald City
PO box 31318, Seattle, WA 98103
Hotline (206) 284-1071
Support group for Cross dressers

Omega Alpha
PO box 876, Stanwood WA 98292
Tri-ess group for heterosexual cross dressers and SO's

Alaska

The Berdarche Society
c/o Nora Jean York, PO box 203134, Anchorage AK 99520-3134
A support group for TV/TS people


FRANCE

Association Beaumont Continentale
Gaby Linsig,
2 rue des charpentiers, 68270 Wittenheim
(See "Beaumont society" in England)

Doteurs de France
Chateau de al Frogerie, 45240 Ligay le Ribault, France 
Phone 3845-4100
French doctor's assoc.

SWITZERLAND

Kontaktforum Femme Travestie
8023 Zurich, Switzerland Postfach 6788
Very Active social group in Switzerland

NETHERLANDS

Destichting reborn
Maria Danneelserf 10, 2907 BD Capelle a/d YSSEL
social group for tv/ts people and their SO's

GERMANY

Transidentitas
Menschen Mit Abweichender Geschlects Identitat, 
Postfach 10 10 46, 6050 Offenbach 
phone 069 800 10 08
Support group for Tv/Ts peoples

TV club Hamburg
Postfach 26 14 26, 2000 Hamburg 26
phone 040 250.13.13
???

Transvestitengruppe
c/o mannge, friedrichhstrasse 165 (Haus Der Demokratie) 
1080 Berlin 
030 208 21 57
Support group for men who like to cross dress.

NORWAY

FPE (northern Europe)
FPE-NE, Postboks 1968 Vika, N 0125 Oslo 1
A Group for heterosexual transvestites.

SWEDEN

FPE (Sweden)
FPE-NE, Box 11107, s-500 11, Boras
A group for heterosexual cross dressers

DENMARK

FPE NE
FPE-ne, boks 192, DK-2600, Glostrup, Denmark
A group for heterosexual cross dressers

TURKEY

There are at least 2 TG groups operating in Turkey. For security reasons,
The addresses are not being posted.

PAKISTAN

Khusra of Pakistan
Muhamid Aslam Khusra, Ex-Candidate, PF-34, Abbotabad, C/O Hockey stadium,
Abbotabad, Pakistan
Non-underground TG group operating in Pakistan

JAPAN

Elizabeth Club
5-32-18 Kameido, Kto-ku, Tokyo 136, Japan
For tv/tg/ts peoples and all other gender-types

Elizabeth club
1-1-9 Kujo, Nishi-ku, Osaka 550, Japan

AUSTRALIA

The seahorse society of New South Wales Inc
The secretary, box 146, Ulladulla, New South Wales 2538, Australia
Support group for TV's and their families.

Seahorse club of Queensland
Denyse Stewart, PO box 386, Wooloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
????

The seahorse society of Victoria
SSV, C/O GPO box 2337v, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Carousel Club
c/o Lana Allen, box 721, Cowandilla, South Australia 5033
Support group for TV/TS/TG peoples and their SO's.

The Elaine Barrie Project
EBP, Box 405, Altona, Victoria 3018, Australia
Self-help group for TV/TS people, Newsletter

NEW ZEALAND

Hedesthia
Hedesthia Central, Box 78-026, Grey Lynn, Auckland, New Zealand
Group for Heterosexual TV's

The Minorities Trust and Transcare/New Zealand
The Minorities Trust, Box 2983, Wellington, NZ
A lobby group for T-people & support group


2.17) What computer-oriented services are available for the Transgendered community?

        There are many networks, BBS's and mailing lists available.
        
        Networks:

        TGnet is a large TG-oriented network with many different echos
on a variety of topics such as m-f and f-m support echos, SO echos, 
transvestite echos, and others. It was founded by Beverly Copeland and 
believe it or not, the entire net is run off of her boat.
        FIDO has a very good echo called "Gender". It is a non-sexual forum
for discussions of all gender issues. Moderated by Heather James.
        CompuServe and Genie both offer transgender related forums.
        There are numerous adult-oriented TG echos around as well.

        BBS's:

        There are many TG oriented/supportive BBS's around the world.
Some are listed below. These boards may or may not be operating at any
given time  (boards go up and come down at an alarming rate). 

        Puss n' Boots           (214) 641-1822
        Jersey shore system     (609) 693-8849
        alternatives            (212) 349-2845
                                (212) 349-3064
        New woman's sub-board   (301) 317-1868
        Passing Fancy           (703) 765-6290
        Ixe BBS                 (317) 784-6975
        Gdatn                   (615) 333-0816
        Tri-ess BBS             (404) 922-2414
                                (404) 785-9216
        TV/TS gender forum      (616) 676-2429
        Carolyn's closet        (612) 452-2676
        Us too                  (312) 252-7024
        The other side          (512) 545-4888
        Crosslink               (303) 665-3746
        Searchlight             (805) 549-0961
        Feminet                 (408) 335-4387 largest TG BBS operating
        Cross-connection        (818) 549-0529
        TerraNet                (714) 248-2836
        Raibow gender assoc     (408) 248-4162
        The Honey Board         (301) 933-1467
        The honey board         (301) 933-1655
        The TV Room             (615) 877-3041
        Cross Roads             (301) 540-3965
        Crossroads!             (412) 334-2750
        Stehphanies Playhouse   (619) 569-8788
        Purgatory BBS           (719) 846-0140
        
        England:        
        GNET                    +44 (0) 438 746470      


        There are also several mailing lists available on the internet, such
as the CD forum and Transgen.
        

2.18) Are there any Transgendered publications available?

UNITED STATES

Tapestry
IFGE inc,
P.O. Box 367, Wayland Massachusetts, 01778 (617) 889-5703
Subscription info: 4 issues yearly, 40$ us, 55 1st class/can/overseas 
surface, 65 overseas airmail. Sample issue 12 dollars.
Deals with issues of concern to M-f and F-m transsexuals, transvestites, 
CD'ers, SO's, etc. The premier magazine for the TG community. Non-sexual 
content.

Petticoat junction magazine
P. J. publications, 
PO box 30413, San Angelo, TX 76903-0413
Sub info: 12 issues yearly, 20$ us, 29$ Canadian and Mexican, and 44$ 
overseas. Sample issue 2 dollars.
Monthly magazine, also publishes Texas T party photo annual. 

The journal of Gender studies
Outreach institute, 405 Western Avenue, suite 345, South Portland ME 04106
Sub info: 16 dollars a year (Can/Mex overseas ?)
Published twice a year, official publication of the Human outreach and 
Achievement institute.

Rosebuds
TCNE inc, PO box 2283, Woburn MA 01888-0483 (508) 358-2305
Sub info: 25$/year, 4$ per sample issue.
Monthly newsletter of the Tiffany club of New England. 

Transformations
Joy Helms PO box 1355, Princeton, NJ 08542
Sub Info: None available
A quarterly newsletter dealing with the religious/spiritual aspects of 
transgenderism

Feminique
12423 hedges Run drive suite 144, lake ridge VA 22192
Sub info: 5$ for sample issue, 35 per year. 
A bi-monthly newsletter dedicated to all aspects of Transgenderism.

The transsexual voice
Box 16314, Atlanta GA 30321
sub info: 2$ an issue, 12 per year
Newsletter written by and about Transsexuals.

Changing Men
Editorial offices and subscriptions, 306 N. Brooks St., 
Madison, WI, 536715
An international magazine dealing with gender and politics.

TV/TS connection:
The connection, 2197 s. K.K. Avenue, Milwaukee WI 53207
Sub info: Subscriptions only, 20$ a year
Monthly publication of personal listings. 

SCD publishing  (publishing house)
1401 Melrose Ave, Minneapolis MN 55426-1843
Publishes TV/TS talk bi monthly. Life Penthouse's "forum", but TG related.

"Help me....accept me"
Dallas gay alliance center, 
2701 Regan street, Dallas TX 75219
Publication about Gender issues

Cross-talk
PO box 944, Woodland hills CA 91365   (818) 776-8503
sub info: 2$ sample issue, 21$/year, 42$/ 2 yrs
News and entertainment for the TG community

The crossdresser's quarterly
John Moran photo-graphics (JMPG),
PO box 7217, Burbank, CA 91510-7217
Sub info: 7$ per issue.
News, events, fetish fashions, shopping resources, personal, vendor and
club profiles.

Focus
No address or sub info available at this time
Newsletter for F-M ts's.

Genderflex
c/o bille jean jones, 3430 Balmoral Drive #10, Sacramento CA 95821
Sub info: Given away free in person, back issues available 2$ each
Monthly newsletter about all kinds of gender issues

CANADA

Transsexuals in Prison
Mrs. Patricia Fisher, Box 293, Cote de Neiges Post Office, 
5858 cote de Neiges Boulevard, Montreal, PQ   H3S 2S6 
A newsletter by and about the TS inmate.

The Transie Times
T.T.T., 566 Parliament Street, Toronto, Ont. M4X 1P8
sub info: 6$ for a sample copy
A monthly tabloid covering TG's.

The Canadian Cross dresser
429c Dundas street East, Toronto, M5A 2A9
sub info: Send a SASE for subscription information, or 6$ for sample issue
Non sexual publication devoted to TG's


NEW ZEALAND

Transcare
The minorities trust, PO box 2983, Wellington New Zealand
Some sort of magazine?

JAPAN

Ant Trading Company
4f Daisan Kosei Building, 3-27-3 Kamazawa, Sumida-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Publishes Queen Magazine, Japan's premier CD'er magazine. Price varies

2.19) Are there any other addresses and phone numbers of importance?

        Surely!

American Educational Gender Information Service (AEGIS)
AEGIS, PO box 33724, Decatur, GA 30033-0724
Business line: (404) 939-2128
Help line     (404) 939-0244
Professionally managed national clearing house for TG information, 
referrals, publications

South-Central Transgender Alliance Region (STAR) Connection
Po box 700042, San Antonio TX 78270-0042
Help line     (512) 545-3668 (live wed 7-9 pm)
Fax/bbs line  (512) 545-4888 (6 am- 5pm fax, 5pm- 6am BBS)
Support group for other TG support groups in Texas. Co-ordinates regional
activities.

The Valley Girls
c/o crosstalk, PO box 944, Woodland hills CA 91365   
(818) 776-8503
Information on other groups and for ongoing events in LA.

San Francisco Gender Information
SFGI, PO box 423602, San Francisco CA 94142-3602, Christine Beatty
Maintains lists of TG resources for SF bay area

Transgender Archive
TGA, C/o DR. Richard Ekins, Ulster University, Magee College,
Northland road, Londonderry, BT48 7JL, Northern Ireland
Accepts articles, news clippings, personal accounts, etc from all members
of the TG community. Publishes "Archive news". Access to research material
granted by Dr. Ekins subject to his decision

The San Francisco bay gay and lesbian historical society
box 42126, San Francisco CA 94142
Reference library for lesbian, gay, tg persons


3) Transgendered persons and Society

3.1) How long has Transgenderism been around?

        The idea of a being having characteristics of both sexes predates
the human race. Cave paintings and artifacts found in Cro-Magnon and early
homo sapiens Sapiens settlements show Transgendered figures.
        It is difficult to say to what extent Transgenderism was found in 
earlier societies. Men wearing skirts and bright green eye shadow would be 
considered Transgendered in modern society, but in some parts of Egypt 
skirt like garments and eye shadow were worn by many men.
                       

3.2) Who is Virginia Price? Tula?

        Virginia Price is the co-founder of Tri-ess, a heterosexual TV 
support group. She was instrumental in bringing transvestitism into the 
public eye and getting cross dressing decriminalized. She also helped to
put forth the notion that not all TV's are gay or bisexual.
        Tula is the stage name of Caroline Cossey. Caroline was a model 
working in England, and had done many modeling jobs around the world. She 
also appeared in a James Bond movie.
        A few years ago, she was publicly out-ed as being a post-operative
transsexual. In weeks, numerous tabloids and TV shows had her picture 
plastered everywhere you could think of. Her marriage to a Greek shipping 
tycoon fell apart, after his family forbid him to wed her. She became very 
active in the transsexual community in England and around the world.
        Today, Tula has resumed her modeling career and has remarried,
this time to a Canadian (she announced her engagement on the "Shirley" show
about a year ago). She has an autobiography called "My story"

3.3) How many transgenderists are out there?

        There are no actual statistics on the numbers of transvestites, 
transsexuals, or Intersexuals in the world at large. Due to the nature of
transgenderism, a accurate count cannot be made. The estimated ratio of 
m-f TS and genetic males is between 1:2000 and 1:80 000. The estimated 
ratio of female to male transsexuals to genetic females is between 
1:2000 and 1:125 000.

        Researchers estimate that the percentage of men who have cross- 
dressed is quite high, perhaps as high as 50 percent. Female cross dressers
are comparatively uncommon (cross dressing meaning someone who dresses in 
male clothes and attempts to look male.)

        There are numerous other unverified statistics floating around in
the world, such as: less than 1% of all people saying they are transsexual
ever have SRS; 7-12 thousand sex changes have been performed in the USA, 
half of them m-f; There are 4 times as many female transsexuals in Europe as
there are in America; 90 percent of all transvestites and transsexuals live
in large cities.

3.4) What's up with the Womyn's festival?

        There is a festival called the "Michigan Womyn's Music Festival" 
that is held annually in the states. Recently, the board of directors for
that group enacted a "Womyn born womyn" policy that barred post-operative 
transsexuals from attending the event.

        This quickly spiraled out of control. Womyn at the event were 
admitting they were transsexual and leaving of their own free will. Other
women at the event passed around petitions to get the policy revoked. Some
of the security guards refused to expel transsexual people at the event.

        During one incident, someone took the literature from a booth that
was set up to distribute pro-TS information and threw it in a river. There
were threats made that any transsexual going into the festival would be met
with violence.

3.5) Are all Transvestites gay? Are all Transsexuals gay?

        Most transvestites are heterosexual. Tapestry magazine did a survey
on the sexual orientation of it's transvestite readers, and found that 75
percent of them were heterosexual. Tapestry does attract a lot of 
heterosexual readers, however, so this test may not be accurate.
        There are several groups exclusively for heterosexual
transvestites 
that have very large memberships (Tri-ess, etc).

        Many psychologists say that transvestites are no more gay or straight
than the non-transvestite segment of the male population.

        The male-female transsexual population is roughly 50 percent 
oriented towards males. The Female-male transsexual population is more 
oriented towards females, but many F2M's have relationships with gay men.

3.6) My Significant Other is Transgendered, what should I do?

        There are several support groups that can help you deal with a 
cross dressing male spouse, a transsexual/Intersexual spouse, or a 
Transgendered girlfriend/boyfriend.  
        If your spouse's Transgendered activities are interfering with your
sex life, a marriage counselor might help you. Transsexuals and 
transvestites in married situations sometimes remain with their wives as 
sort of a "Sister" figure. In some cases, a transsexual spouse spells the 
end of a relationship.
        Hetero males involved in relationships with m-f transsexuals or
gay transvestites may feel that their manhood is at stake. Some may get
angry at their girlfriends, yelling and sometimes hitting them, and then
feel guilty about it afterwards. Being in a relationship with a m-f
transgenderist does not mean that you are gay in any sense of the word,
nor does it mean you are somehow "less straight". In a sense, your
girlfriend was born with a birth deformity. 
        Heterosexual women involved in relationships with f-m 
transgenderists are often very accepting of their boyfriend's condition. 
Many female transsexuals have married and adopted children. Some women 
involved in such a relationship leave because they want to have children. 
As with the above example, being in a relationship with a female transsexual
does not make you any less heterosexual. 
        Intersexuals and post-operative transsexuals are a special case. In
many cases, there is no way for a person to know that his/her spouse was an
Intersexual or transsexual. Having your spouse tell you this is a symbol of
trust and commitment. She (most often female) could have easily not told 
you and you would have never known. 
        Children of transsexuals often feel upset over a parent's
decision to change his or her sex. Children may feel guilty, neglected,
or hostile towards the parent. Sometimes, the transsexual parent will
leave the family altogether. This does not mean that the parent has
stopped loving you.  Sometimes, especially at the beginning of a
sex-change, a person will feel very guilty and have a lot of self-hatred.
They will feel "unworthy" to be a family member and may feel obligated to
leave. The parent still loves you, but he or she cannot bring himself to
face you. Eventually, the guilt will fade. It is important to maintain a
relationship with your parent and let him or her know you are interested in
maintaining a relationship. 
        Parents of Transsexuals and transvestites feel a range of emotions
towards their children, ranging from disbelief ("It's just a phrase") to
anger and disgust. Some parents will be upset at the prospect of no
grandchildren. Many parents who cannot deal with their children simply
tell the child to leave the household. You should remember that your child
is going through an incredibly rough time, and needs your support now more
than ever. 

        Above all else, remember that you are not alone. Many other people 
have gone through what you are going through right now. It is okay to feel 
angry, disgusted, or sad; those are natural emotions to feel. It is not 
okay to feel guilty, unworthy, or ashamed. You have done nothing to 
justify such feelings.
        There are support groups for children of transgenderists, spouses 
of transgenderists, girlfriends and boyfriends of transgenderists, and 
parents of Transgendered youths.


3.7) Are all male gender dysphorics effeminate? Are all female gender dysphroics masculine?

        Not at all. Many male transsexuals are captains of the football 
team types. Some males with xxy or xxxy genetic patterns may look somewhat 
feminine.
        Female transsexuals are just as feminine as any other woman. There 
are several former female models who have become men ("Stratton" is one 
who pops to mind). Some females have genetic structures such as xo or 
conditions such as hirituism which may make them look more masculine.

4) Legal/medical aspects of Transsexualism

4.1) Are there any special risks that Transsexuals should know about?

        Yes. M-F transsexuals taking estrogen need to avoid carcinogenic 
substances such as tobacco. Estrogen increases the risk of cancer quite a 
lot. As well, estrogen will destroy many of the vitamin B complex vitamins.
        This may lead to vitamin B deficiency diseases, even though the diet
is "adequate". Taking a time release vitamin B pill should counter this 
effect. A possible side effect of estrogen usage is that alcohol may have a
stronger effect than before (vitamin B helps to lessen the effects of 
alcohol).

        All transsexuals taking injected hormones should be very careful to
use clean needles and follow medical procedure if they are 
self-administering the shots.

4.2) What happens if I stop taking hormones suddenly?

        If you miss taking your estrogen pill for one day, it will not
make a significant difference. You may feel mood swings, as hormones tend
to effect the mood cycle. If you miss a estrogen shot, you will most
definitely feel a mood swing. 
        If you stop taking estrogen, your body will begin to
re-masculinize.  Breast increase will be permanent. Your penis will regain
functioning within 6 months, unless you have been on hormones for a very
long time. Hair loss will begin again. The female facial contours will
disappear. Electrolysis is also permanent, and zapped hair will not
re-grow. 
        Stopping androgen treatment will cause facial hair growth to slow.
It will not stop completely, electrolysis is the only way to get rid of
the facial growth once started. The muscles will shrink as the body
produces more estrogen. The voice change is also permanent. Hair lost to
male pattern baldness may be lost forever. Breast enlargement may occur
(unless you have had a mastectomy, of course). Menstruation will begin again. 

4.3) What is the status of Transgendered people in Society?

        Transgendered people are not very well accepted in most parts of
society. In north America, people in transition are often the target of 
hate crimes or bigotry. There were 3 Transgendered people murdered in 
Atlanta. A Canadian transsexual politician was forced to resign her post 
due to threats of violence.
        Depending on the area of North America, it may or may not be legal 
for a transsexual to marry. In Canada, a transsexual may marry a partner of
his/her choice before the operation. A Canadian transsexual must be legally
divorced and over 18 before getting SRS. A recent legal decision in Canada
made it illegal for a pre-operative transsexual spouse to claim benefits.
        Post-operative transsexuals may marry members opposite to their new
sex and raise children without any problems in Canada.

        In the united states, each state has it's own individual laws 
regarding Transsexualism. A transsexual may not be fired during transition 
in Florida. In Colorado, Oregon, and some other states, transsexuals may be
stripped of their rights. 
        New York had/has a law outlawing cross dressing.

        In Europe, Transgendered people are more respected. 
        
        In some parts of the middle east, Transgendered people are jailed, 
fined, or beaten to death on sight. This is particularly true of strict 
Muslim countries.
        Other middle eastern countries are very accepting of Transgendered 
people. There are some religions in the Middle East/Asia that are centered 
around Transgenderism or involve Transgenderism.
        
        In England, Transsexuals do not have any legal status. Transsexuals
may not marry males. Transsexuals may marry members of their former sex, 
which has made for some interesting court challenges from other 
transsexuals and lesbians who wish to marry females.

        Young transgenderists have an especially bleak outlook. Many young 
transvestites and transsexuals are thrown out onto the street. They miss 
out on school, employment opportunities, and lose self-esteem. As many as 
40 percent (according to an Australian study by Diana Alan) inject drugs. 
The same study claims that 80 percent have worked in the sex trade.


5) Transgenderism and Entertainment

5.1) How many famous people are Transgendered? I've heard  was born a man/woman!

        Almost every popular media personality has been accused of being a
transsexual or transvestite at one point or another. Some of the
accusations are pretty flimsy. 

        Many male actors have Cross-dressed at some point or another. Some
of the actors include Jack Klugman, Anthony Perkins, John Candy, Rodney 
Dangerfield, and Michael J. Fox. 
        There are quite a few famous females who have cross dressed, Notably
K. D. Lang, Cindy Crawford, Madonna, And many models.

5.2) What are the Transgendered contributions to the entertainment world?

        There have been several instances of Transgendered people making 
significant contributions to the art and entertainment community, in fields
such as music, dance, comedy, theatre, and sports.  

        It is widely rumored that a great deal of the fashion models working
around the world are transsexual. There have been many all-transgender 
fashion shows in the States and in Europe.

5.3) What is Miss Gay North America?

        The Miss Gay North America pageant is one of many Transgender 
oriented beauty pageants in North America. There is also miss gay LA, The
goddess pageant, Queen of the universe, and many others.