Vote As If ...

Something to think about, especially in light of last evening debate. 

I Love A Success Story - CN Lester

CN Lester is a writer, musician, academic, and leading LGBTI activist. Co-founder of the UK's first national queer youth organisation, they curate the trans art event Transpose for Barbican, and work internationally as a trans and feminist educator and speaker. Their work has featured on BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio 4, SBS, The Guardian, ABC, The Independent, Newsnight, and at Sydney Opera House.  

A singer-songwriter and a classical performer, composer and researcher, CN specialises in early and modern music, particularly by women composers. Gigs/engagements include work at The Barbican, Southbank Centre, Snape Maltings, The Royal Exchange, Fluid Festival, Queer Prides throughout Europe, and art galleries/bars/recital halls/book and coffee shops/universities throughout the UK. They have released three independent, crowd-funded albums: "Ashes" (2012), "Aether" (2014) and "Come Home" (2017) - all available via iTunes, Amazon and Spotify. 

"Trans Like Me" (Virago/Seal) is their first book, named as one of the three essential works on trans issues by The New York Times. With glowing reviews from The Times Literary Supplement and Publishers Weekly, "Trans Like Me" is a collection of essays on gender, society, history, and building better futures. The book is available on Amazon. 

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The music is haunting and beautiful!  See CN Lester web site for much more. 

Boat Neck - Not Just For Women

Boat Neck is one of my favorite neck lines.  In my estimation it is feminine and has so many wonderful variations.  Boat neck can be off-the-shoulder if wide enough.  It can have a collar for a 50' Mad-Man look or be draped to form a scoop look.  Very versatile.  And now not just woman's wear?



A very interesting web ad:

Buy Boat Neck T-Shirts Online India: 

Boat Neck T-Shirt features a Boat like a neckline which runs horizontally, almost to the shoulder points on both side of the t-shirt. The boat neck style derives from the sailor’s sweaters, often with deep navy and white horizontal stripes. The broad and plain neck was said to facilitate quick removal if a sailor were to fall overload. Coco channel first designed the Boat Neck style, and she received inspiration from the wide neck worn by French Sailors.

 At Indian Aurochs, you can find best collections of boat neck tee short sleeve, Boat Neck T-Shirts for Men’s (Boat Neck T-Shirts Mens India or Men’s Boat Neck T-Shirts), Boat Neck T-Shirts for Women’s (Boat Neck T-Shirts Womens India or Women’s Boat Neck T-Shirts), Boat Neck Long Tops, Black Boat Neck Top and much more.

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Rhonda's Political Week In Review 9/29/2020

 

On A Bad Day...

200,000 Nobodies...

According to CBS News: 

President Trump was speaking at a rally in Ohio on Monday evening when he said the coronavirus "affects virtually nobody."

On Tuesday, the U.S. reached the grim milestone of 200,000 COVID-19 deaths. The United States has for many months had the highest number of infections and deaths in the world, with more than 6.8 million confirmed cases as of Tuesday, according to Johns Hopkins University data.

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Because of ineptitude and an inconsistent response to the coronavirus, the United States has 20% of the total world's cases of the coronavirus.  These were all Americans citizens. Listed on Wikipedia is only a partial list of notable "Nobodies" that have passed. Reading the list is sobering and so sad.  

Do you know someone who died?  A father, grandfather/mother friend?  Was this person a "Nobody"?  

Thinking Casual for Fall

I am thinking casual for my upcoming Florida, still warm, fall outings.  This is a great mix-and-match choices for the beach, lunches out or just a walk at the mall.  Still, there ares few events to get out my best, so casual is the outfit of choice.   

I first put this together for the spring, but here in the semi-tropics I see wearing this collection, and similar, through November. I am such a fan of denim pencil skirts and believe the one above is Levi. The off-the-shoulder top is Ralph Lauren and the graphic tee is the Venus "Love Print" (still available)  This tee is so versatile I have used it as a beach cover-up over my bathing suit.  The fit is great!

Happy Fall!

  

 

   

I Love A Success Story - Never Too Late

...To Come Out As Transgender: Heartfelt Stories

A series of films about trans people's concerns about getting older and how they have navigated the NHS [UK]. This was made for the Trans Ageing And Care Project, to voice the stories and concerns of older trans people, a group who are finally able to grow old. We filmed with Dave and his partner Donna, with retired airline pilot Cat Burton, artist Annabelle and Fran, who no longer wishes to wait to live her life as a transgender woman. This project involved trans people every step of the way. Thanks to everyone involved. 

Schitt’$ Creek’ Just Broke an Emmy Record

Dan Levy was well suited for the event Sunday evening.

“Schitt’$ Creek” just broke an Emmy record for scoring the most wins for a comedy series in its last season.

Dan Levy - His LGBT Activism 
is part of many
story lines. 

Schitt’s Creek” just broke an Emmy record for scoring the most wins for a comedy series in its last season.

The show won two Creative Arts Emmys earlier this week, as well as seven Emmy Awards on Sunday night. The show’s nine wins passes “Frasier,” whose last season won six Emmys in 2004.

The show won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (Catherine O’Hara), Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (Eugene Levy), Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series, Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (Dan Levy), Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (Annie Murphy), as well as Outstanding Comedy Series.

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Last summer while in the Burlington/Toronto area I took a drive north to see the small Canadian town where on-location, outside taping is done - Goodwood ON. The show has literally put Goodwood on the map. Obviously "Schitt$ Creek" is not real and the majority of the show's scenes are done inside at a Toronto sound stage. Still, I felt an affinity with such a cute little town and had to visit. 

 

The photo here is taken sitting in the door of what would be shown as "David Rose's Apothecary". The town photos are: the show's "Bob's" Garage, the "Tropical Cafe" and the complete front of "Rose's Apothecary".

See the photos here - Schitt$ Creek - Where Everyone Fits In

Memories abounded as I thought back to my little town in Virginia that had three very similar buildings, no stoplight, and a garage. It was a delightful day. There are not many that can say they had lunch up in "Schitt$ Creek" - with or without a paddle.

If I was Your Girl - By Meredith Russo

By Meredith Russo

I just finished this book by Meredith Russo.  It is mainstream literature available on both Amazon and Audible.  It is written by a transgender woman and is a wonderful read that covers the complete spectrum of a teen growing up transgender. The emotional roller coaster is covered by flashbacks and the parents' WTF handling of the situation is realistic.  

Here is the synopsis from the Audible site:

Amanda Hardy is the new girl in school. Like anyone else, all she wants is to make friends and fit in. But Amanda is keeping a secret, and she's determined not to get too close to anyone.

But when she meets sweet, easygoing Grant, Amanda can't help but start to let him into her life. As they spend more time together, she realizes just how much she is losing by guarding her heart. She finds herself yearning to share with Grant everything about herself, including her past. But Amanda's terrified that once she tells him the truth, he won't be able to see past it. Because the secret that Amanda's been keeping? It's that at her old school, she used to be Andrew. Will the truth cost Amanda her new life and her new love?

Author - Meredith Russo

 In the epilogue, Meredith explains that this story is not autobiographical nor does it represent the totality of growing up transgender. However, in my estimation, it covers almost all of the bases - bullying, self-doubt, attempted suicide, support groups, hormones,  acceptance, friends, being outed, and falling in love.

This book works by describing the reality that all transgender persons face and will also help the cisgendered understand as well. This book is not a Pollyanna walk-in-the-park for Amanda although the book describes Amanda, as winning the genetic lottery of beauty and passing.  Just when you are brought to tears by the joy of Amanda's experiences, reality happens. Next, a very difficult event that is hard to read and has you screaming, "No! No!"

An author interview can be found at Book Dragon.

If you only read one book in "our" genre this fall, let it be this one.   

Rhonda's Political Week In Review 9/20/2020

RUTH BADER GINSBURG, 1933-2020

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg dies at 87

A tireless advocate for gender equality, she became known as “The Notorious RBG” for her barbed dissents.

.  

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The Future Is......

Boston Proper

Why not?

Zoom Zoom

Selfie taken just before my VCU Zoom call.

This past week I participated in two Zoom conference calls.  I believe that most professional woman loathe these.  First, the camera up close is never going to be flattering. Second, these session can never be spontaneous as to timing - hair, makeup, and a flattering top all require forethought.

My meeting last Saturday was with my Mercedes Club.  All of the regional presidents and vice-president talked for about an hour to discuss coping. Events,  which are the purpose of the club, have been on hold since March.  Although membership has not fallen, many may question why belong if there is not socialization.  Second my section/club is made up with a good number of snow birds (seasonal-residents) who may or may not be back this fall/winter.  

Furthernote, Zoom meeting was for planning and outreach with my university (Virginia Commonwealth University - VCU).  My engineering school is seeking recognition for its many accomplishments for being know as: "The engineering generation that put man on the moon".  Again, this was a productive meeting that has landed me on the planning committee for either a virtual or in-person reunion come spring.  


I still have mixed feeling about Zoom meeting. However, I do see their usefulness during this time of limited socializing. Maybe the new normal.  How do you like Zoom meetings?  What is your preparation process? 

Below are some really good suggestions to make Zoom sessions productive.

10 *Quick Tips* to Look GREAT on Zoom 

(Look more professional on Video Chat, FaceTime, Webcam)

 

Where The Danger Lies

Republican politicians have been arrested for misconduct in bathrooms but trans people have not

According to The Hill Reporter: 

BY JAMES KOSUR
February 24, 2017

Republicans have long stuck to the claim that transgendered people would use the rule to enter public bathrooms and molest children of the opposite sex. It was that fearmongering that led to the now widely criticized “bathroom laws.”

As it turns out Dan Avery of NewNowNext pointed out in late March that far more Republican lawmakers have been arrested for lewd conduct in bathrooms than trans people.

For those of you keeping count at home.

Republicans – 3

Trans People – 0

Here is the Republican Hall of "Shame" on you:

Hinson, a Mississippi congressman, was arrested in 1981 after he was caught having oral sex with a government worker in a public bathroom. It wasn’t his first time being caught, in 1976 he was arrested for exposing himself to an undercover agent

Hinson eventually came out as an LGBT activist. He passed away from AIDS in 1995.

Craig, an Idaho Republican senator, was arrested following an incident in a Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport bathroom in 2007. An undercover officer said he attempted to solicit him in a sexual transaction between bathroom stalls.

Craig denied his attempt to solicit sex in a public bathroom and plead guilty to a lesser charge of disorderly conduct. He later tried to withdraw his plea and ended up not running for another term in 2008

Florida state Representative Bob Allen was arrested for allegedly agreeing to pay $20 to perform a sex act an undercover cop in a public park.  African American men hanging around.

After resigning from office this winner said he was only in the bathroom to high from a “scary” group of African American men who were hanging out nearby.

Avery brought up a good point following this strange case. “It just goes to show that for Republican politicians, it’s better to be thought of as a racist than as wanting to suck another man’s d*ck.”

Cross-gender Behavior In Youth

J Crew Ad

Problem With Sissy Boys?
Get Over It!

Pathologizing cross-gender behavior is culturally bound.


BY: Michael C. LaSala Ph.D., LCSW
      Posted Jun 13, 2011


Lately, there has been quite a focus in the media on sissy boys. A J. Crew ad featuring a toddler with pink painted toenails, a recent article in The New York Times about children with cross-gendered interests, and the surfacing of a tragic story about the suicide of Kirk Murphy — who as a boy received a harsh "therapy" to "cure" his girlishness — all suggests the beginning of a growing acceptance of sissy behavior in boys. As a gay man and former (and, at times current) sissy boy myself, I applaud this small but hopefully growing movement.

It is important to recognize that pathologizing cross-gender behavior is culturally bound. In contrast to Western society, there are indigenous cultures in which cross-gendered behaviors are respected, even revered as markers of intellectual and spiritual superiority.

For certain Native American tribes, a man who acts like a woman or a woman with manly characteristics is seen as having "two-spirits" and is believed to be imbued with mystical holy powers. As a matter of fact, in many of these cultures, children were sometimes encouraged by their parents to "fake" a tendency to act like the opposite gender so that the family could get the benefits of having a holy member. Elaborate tests would be conducted to make sure that a young son, for example, wasn't feigning "sissyhood."

Getting back to our own culture, it would be nice to think that our world is finally wising up and seeing that, at the very least, it is no big deal if a boy acts like a girl. However, make no mistake: We are not there yet.

The growing backlash, particularly to the toddler with the toenail polish, suggests that the norms governing gender role behavior and appearances are still so firmly entrenched in our society that it can be deeply troubling when people violate them. We are uncomfortable with short-haired women with deep voices who wear masculine clothing and work in construction. We are perhaps even more discomfited by males who sway their hips when they walk and wear cosmetics and feminine clothing (Hmmm...is that scent in the air the smell of misogyny?).

...  (read the whole article here) 

Nevertheless, the more recent movement toward accepting and embracing feminine behavior in boys is cause for optimism. Perhaps someday we will all realize that rejecting or pathologizing a "sissy" reflects a problem in society rather than a sickness in the brave young man who chooses to act and live the way he was meant to. I, for one, hope that day comes soon.

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I personally have been encouraged by many of my resent "I Love A Success Stories".  It is wonderful the support and encouragement the parents have provided. This is certainly different from how I was raised, although I was never punished or demeaned by my grandparents for my girlish pursuits. However, I was teased by others for being a sissy.  

How were your early years? Please comment...

   

Why Do You Dance In Heels? Why Not!

THIS IS NOT A DRILL. I REPEAT, THIS IS NOT A DRILL.

Three sexy French men dancing to the Spice Girls in high heels.

I Love A Success Story - Loiza Lamers

Loiza Lamers

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Height    6 ft 0.5 in (184 cm)
Hair color    Blonde

Eye color      Blue

Nationality    Dutch

Occupation   Model

Loiza Lamers (born 9 January 1995) is a Dutch model, best known for being the winner of the eighth cycle of Holland's Next Top Model, and the world's first transgender winner of the global Top Model TV-franchise.

Lamers, a Gelderland native, was born in Driel in 1995. Lamers expressed her gender nonconformity early in life, beginning her gender transition early in her childhood. At the age of 10, Lamers was featured in a 2005 documentary by Charlotte Hoogakker titled Van Lucas naar Luus (From Lucas to Luus), which focused on her transition. Lamers underwent Sex reassignment surgery at the age of 18, two years before her appearance on the Dutch adaptation of Top Model.

Loiza Lamers: 

Woman first, trans second. 

Lamers worked as a hairdresser prior to auditioning for the eighth season of Holland's Next Top Model in early 2015. She was ultimately chosen as one of the final thirteen contestants. Producers of the show were unaware of her status as a trans woman until she disclosed the information after rumors circulated on the internet.

On 26 October 2015 Lamers was voted the winner of the competition by the Dutch public in the show's live finale. Her prizes included a modelling contract valued at €50,000, which she rejected.

Loiza Lamers and Andrzej Cibis
perform on stage during the 1st show of the
 13th season of the television competition
 "Let's Dance" on February 28, 2020 in Cologne, Germany.

In 2019 Lamers was guest jury member in the twelfth season of Holland's Next Top Model.



January 2020, Lamers was confirmed to be one of the contestants on Let's Dance Germany 2020.

Rhonda's Political Week In Review 9/13/2020

Do More...

Feminine Differential - What Heels Convey

'She Wrote Her Own Rules': Kerry Washington's 'Little Fires' Role Reminds Her Of Mom

September 3, 2020 1:17 PM ET
NPR - Heard on Fresh Air
TERRY GROSS, HOST:

This is FRESH AIR. I'm Terry Gross. Today, we have interviews with two Emmy nominees. The winners will be announced at the Primetime Emmy Awards September 20. Our first interview is with Kerry Washington. She's nominated for four Emmys...

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The interview proceeded along typical line discussing family, career and the characters Kerry Washington portrays.  Washington also starred in the hit ABC series "Scandal" as a political fixer who has her own crisis management firm and is having an affair with the president of the United States. She always dressed the part of a DC political insider and her comments on what heels mean to the character are very revealing.      

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GROSS: She had very good posture.

WASHINGTON: She actually - she did have very good posture, but she also has a little - I won't call it a slump because she's far too graceful and elegant to call it a slump. But she protects her heart when she sits, and so there's a slight curvature to her shoulders in the way that she protects her heart and doesn't let people have access to her innermost heartfelt feelings and identity. And in her...

‘Scandal’ Star’s Top Shoe Moments

GROSS: Wait. Wait. Stop a second. I love the way you've turned her body, her posture into a metaphor.

WASHINGTON: Well, it is. I mean, you really - you know, you know you can study Alexander Technique, or you know how people move in the world says a lot about who they are. I used to go to rehearsal for "Scandal" in sweatpants and a sweatshirt, but I could not do the scene unless I had the shoes - high-heel shoes on, four-inch heels because Olivia Pope had a walk. And she had a posture, and she had a stance.

And I couldn't rehearse a scene in flip-flops or sneakers. Even when I was nine months pregnant playing Olivia Pope, I was in four-inch heels, sometimes wedges. But I still had to have that heel because that extra height and that extra lean forward and that extra tightness in the belly and the core that a heel requires - that's part of the steeliness of who Olivia Pope is. So I always say I don't know who a character is until I know what shoes they're wearing, until I figure out the walk, until I figure out how they stand.

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Addressing Juno Beach Town Council

(Juno Beach, Florida) - At Tuesday evening's meeting (September 8), the Juno Beach Town Council gave initial approval to the Juno Beach Civil Rights Ordinance. The ordinance will go into effect upon Final Reading on September 23rd.

The Juno Beach ordinance prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, as well as on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, marital status, veteran's status, age, disability, pregnancy, familial status, and genetic information throughout the Town, which is home to more than 3,700 residents. 

The Town Council considered the civil rights ordinance at the request the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council (PBCHRC) - Florida's oldest, independent, non-partisan, political organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.

PBCHRC Board Member Rhonda Williams addressed the Town Council at this evening's meeting.  (see photo below) 

"The ordinance will inform residents and visitors that the Town of Juno Beach values and protects the rights of women and minorities," said Williams. "It will direct them where to go for help if they feel their rights have been violated."

"In these challenging times, comprehensive civil rights laws truly make a difference," added Williams.

Over the years, PBCHRC's "Palm Beach County: You're Welcome!" campaign has encouraged elected officials in Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Greenacres, Lake Worth Beach, North Palm Beach, Ocean Ridge, West Palm Beach, Wellington, and Westlake to enact LGBTQ-inclusive municipal civil rights laws.

PBCHRC is currently working with the City of Riviera Beach and the Town of Haverhill to enact LGBTQ-inclusive civil rights ordinances in the upcoming weeks.



"While the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation and gender identity is prohibited nationwide, there are no federal or statewide laws in effect in Florida which protect LGBTQ people from discrimination in housing and public accommodations," said PBCHRC President and Founder Rand Hoch. "Therefore, until Congress or the Florida Legislature takes action, we must rely on local officials to fully protect LGBTQ people from discrimination."

Out of 411 cities, towns and villages in Florida, only 32 have enacted LGBTQ-inclusive civil rights ordinances..


For a copy of the Juno Beach Civil Rights Ordinance, click here.

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Photo from Council Meeting