• 
  
  
  In This Issue:
  Catching Up
  New Officer Speaks
  More Cyberspace
  The Picnic
  Resources
  About the Twenty Club

by Jennifer A.

Introduction: Controversy never lacks a home. Many years ago a close friend of mine (call him 'Otto') became associated in people's minds with what we termed the Universal Cosmic Question, "Why?" Things being as they are, it soon became for us the Universal Rhetorical Question: "Hey, Otto! Why?" This greeting would invariably elicit a knowing smile, that familiar rabbinical finger waggling skyward, and the firm declaration, "Because!" With even our best attempts to delve into such intractable mysteries as 'the meaning of life', they still remain fixedly unresolved, leaving us more confused than when we began. Short of pleading ignorance, then, until further 'scientific' data are acquired, humorous deflection may well offer the best approach to dealing with such problematical issues.

On a more local, personalized scale, we have our own special cosmic "Why?" questions. "Why me? How did I get to be this way? Is it Nature? Nurture? God's punishment? Did I really choose this, like some people say? What's going on here, anyhow?" And what can/should we do about it?

Marilyn Vos Savant:

Consider what Marilyn Vos Savant wrote concerning a closely related matter. Listed in the Guinness Book of World Records Hall of Fame for 'Highest IQ', she writes a weekly column for Parade Magazine. A reader recently (3/31/96) asked, "Do you think homosexuality has a genetic origin, or is it a choice of behavior?" Her answer is instructive. Permit me to abstract three passages from it:

1.) "I suspect that people I call true homosexuals...are born that way. (This is not the same as genetic inheritance. Homosexuality may indeed be genetic, but we don't know that yet.) I also believe there are other people, whom I call apparent homosexuals, who are not born that way but who develop gay behavior as a result of external influences. In neither case do I think it is a matter of choice."

2.) "Among the apparent homosexuals, I suspect most are neurotic. I also believe this group is responsible for giving all gay people a reputation they don't deserve. Sometimes I wish the true homosexuals - who are just as serious, responsible, and productive as the rest of us - would distance themselves from the bad actors and nut cases, but I know they don't want to appear intolerant. This is probably not to their advantage, but so be it."

3.) "Targeting homophobia as a problem wastes precious time and energy that could be directed at more fundamental problems - like simple intolerance. In short, I think some people are neurotic because they're gay (and straight people drive them crazy), and some people are gay because they're neurotic (and these people drive everyone crazy). But most are perfectly fine."

This bears for us some interesting implications, which we shall revisit shortly: issues of behavior, labeling, politics, and public opinion - the 'perception' problem.

TIME and the M.D.:

In a related vein, Time Magazine (11/13/95) published an article on transsexuality ("SCIENCE: Trapped in the Body of a Man?") which did report some recent scientific findings: "Transsexuals often claim they were born the wrong gender. Microscopic studies of a key region of the brain [a section of the hypothalamus called the BSTc (acronym for the central subdivision of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, which can only be examined post mortem)] suggest they may be right." To this was appended a feature box: "New Evidence of a `Gay Gene'," which reported finding among a sample of gay men (siblings) "a distinctive pattern along a segment of their X chromosome." Significantly, this juxtaposition prompted a letter to the editor, from an M.D., reproduced here in its entirety:

"I take issue with your choice of nesting the article "New Evidence of a `Gay Gene'" alongside the piece on transsexual men who feel they should have been born women [SCIENCE, Nov. 13]. While to many readers such an association of topics may seem logical, this connection merely serves to reinforce misbeliefs and stereotypes. The only common thread tying these two subjects together is that of the misunderstanding and prejudice that equate homosexuality with a man's desire to become a woman. Despite the developments covered in your report on transsexuality, it is considered a psychiatric disorder; homosexuality is not. Gay men are not transsexuals. By linking these two articles, you subtly provide justification for those who wish to view gays in prejudicial ways."

Here we have a veritable can of worms. (NOT Diet of Worms, 1521 - an entirely different can of worms. But I digress.) The doctor's basic premise ("the only common thread...") is clearly wrong: both articles presented advancements in "efforts to solve the riddle of human sexuality" by examining newly discovered biological factors.

But perhaps more troublesome is that he seems to be putting transsexual people down relative to gay people: since transsexuality is labeled as a "psychiatric disorder; [and] homosexuality is not," he fears that "linking these two articles" might unduly cause "misunderstanding and prejudice" to be directed towards gays. Does this represent a legitimate concern on his part, or is it merely another instance of bitchy (neurotic) peevishness?

If the former were intended, his expression is ill-chosen and misdirected; if the latter, it is an unseemly emotional overreaction - particularly inasmuch as an M.D. might be expected to display more intelligent understanding and compassion regarding these medical issues. Notably [and presciently], Time stated "...the subject matter is so charged from an emotional, political and even religious perspective that evaluating all the various claims dispassionately can be very difficult." The doctor's letter serves aptly to underscore this very point.

Implicitly, too, the specter is raised of another universal human problem, also broached by Ms. Vos Savant in Passage 2.) (above): namely, the concept of 'separateness' and 'distancing' - of 'us' versus 'them'; fear of 'guilt by association', as in "don't confuse 'us good guys' with 'them bad guys' (the 'bad actors and nut cases')." The doctor apparently regards us [transsexual people] as 'them'. Many unfortunate consequences proceed from such inappropriate assumptions and comparisons.

DSM: 'Psychiatric Disorder'?

Some people consider anyone classified as having a psychiatric disorder as 'different', automatically suspect, somehow less than human - as we are seen by many. These opinions reflect fear and ignorance, based on partial, incomplete information and unexamined conclusions. But they do exist, and we have to deal with them.

Consider this: in pursuit of de-stigmatization, gays struggled for years to have 'homosexuality' revised in, or even eliminated from, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Due to their efforts the subject has undergone a series of taxonomic modifications, from long-standing overt inclusion (DSM-II, 1968), to the more slippery 'ego-dystonic homosexuality' (DSM-III, 1973, 1980), to the current oblique designation as an 'example' under the amorphous heading 'Sexual Disorder Not Otherwise Specified': "Persistent and marked distress about one's sexual orientation" (DSM-III-R, 1987; DSM-IV, 1994). The word 'homosexuality' is not to be found! For gays, politically, these marked major steps forward.

But while gay people do not seek physical remediation of their condition, gender dysphoric people generally do, culminating in sex reassignment surgery (SRS). In order to obtain SRS, one must first establish medical justification before the [endocrinologist and] surgeon can, or will, intervene. For them to do otherwise, to [improperly] provide these services without such a medical [and legal] basis, would constitute malpractice, for which they could be held liable. Hence, absent any known definitive, economically feasible, physiological indicator, the diagnosis [and labeling] of gender dysphoria as a 'psychiatric disorder' is, according to standards and procedures, prerequisite to obtaining SRS.

Nevertheless, there are those in the transsexual 'community' who seek to have 'transsexualism' (DSM-III-R, 1987), or 'gender identity disorder' (DSM-IV, 1994), not be labeled a psychiatric disorder - despite distinctly counterproductive medical and insurance [non-]coverage ramifications. They have raised this as both a political and medical issue, arguing for complete removal from DSM. They feel stigmatized by such classification. Like gay people, they do not enjoy being labeled with a 'head problem'; to them it means being associated with the 'bad actors and nut cases' that abound in this world. As that doctor's letter to Time shows, their concern may be justified. It remains to be seen whether a description like 'persistent and marked distress about one's gender identity' would suffice to enable the requisite therapy - counseling, hormone administration, SRS - and insurance coverage.

The Politics of Identity:

We find ourselves dealing with other issues, as well, in the realm of politics and 'correctness' in the struggle to 'define' or 'position' ourselves. Not surprisingly, 'politics' implies disagreement - as often characterized by hot air as fresh air - in an environment fraught with uncertainty, confusion, and multiple [hidden] agendas. For example:

- Should we seek inclusion in the overall 'gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered' movement, or not? Do we want to be publicly identified with 'them'? (Whoever 'them' is - the 'bad actors and nut cases'?) As Ms. Vos Savant alludes, where do our best interests lie, along that fine line between discretion and tolerance?

- Should we act to influence public opinion and thereby sensitize public interest in transsexuality? And if so, how? By marching in parades? Speaking out publicly? Meeting with legislators? Joining in public protest demonstrations? By leafleting on street corners?

- But it's a double-edged sword - as individuals aren't we trying to get through this incredibly difficult passage reasonably unscathed? Or as best we can, under the circumstances? Won't more publicity make each of us more insecure and vulnerable, more subject to people's scrutiny and our own individual fear of - horrors! - exposure? And social ostracism? Or worse?!

- If we should choose to do some of these things, in what role or capacity do we act? As 'transgendered' people? ('Transgendered?' What does that mean, exactly? Is that what we are?) As [formerly] 'transsexual' people? Or simply in dignity, as fellow human beings?

Words, Labels, Goals:

All these words, all these labels. All these stereotypes. As Eliza Doolittle shrieked to her suitor Freddy, "Words! Words! Words! I'm so sick of words!" Words are symbols, labels. They affect people's attitudes and expectations about things. They subtly affect our own beliefs about ourselves. They can clash, they can confuse us. And all too often, once glued on, labels stick, long after their freshness dates have expired.

In March, speaking at the event, Children from the Shadows, Mike illustrated this point with an excellent analogy. The word 'transsexual' (adj.) literally means 'in the process of crossing over from one sex to another'. Imagine yourself as an American traveling to Europe. While in transit you may be described as a 'trans-Atlantic' person, but only until your arrival. Once there, you may be pegged as a tourist - a sucker for street vendors, swindlers, pickpockets, hooligans, and the like - someone sojourning for business or pleasure, intending to return. Or you may desire to stay, to successfully blend in with the native population, to assimilate. (Conversely, are naturalized U.S. citizens who immigrated from Europe called 'trans-Atlantics'?)

By the same token, our goal in this whole affair is to get to that other side and move on with our lives: to become fully self-integrated - physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and legally - as the woman or man we set out to become. At that point, presumably, the 'psychiatric disorder' has been [surgically, etc.] corrected and no longer exists. Thus, one is no longer a 'transsexual' person. [Is it not noteworthy that a surgical procedure can relieve a psychiatric disorder?] A gay person, by contrast, will presumably remain gay the rest of his or her life.

Science, Politics, Religion:

In response to her reader's question, Ms. Vos Savant wrote: "...the subject has become political. This is inappropriate. The subject is clearly a matter of science, not politics." [Or religion?]

Science is a method of searching for truth, based on repeatable (testable) experience, together with the consistent body of facts that have been gathered and interpreted in the course of that search. Science affects politics. If science should determine that the cause, or causes, of gender dysphoria are linked to organic, or congenital, biological factors, then surely those findings would affect modalities of diagnosis, treatment, and public opinion regarding this 'disorder'.

Politics involves influencing others to bring about desired changes or, alternatively, to resist change and maintain the status quo. Politics can result in some groups imposing their convictions and control, to the serious detriment of people singled out [and scapegoated] for being 'different'. Unless afforded effective legal (political) protection, these people are susceptible to discrimination in employment, housing, and access to public accommodations. Further, they (we!) may become targets for other forms of abuse - 'hate speech', property damage, personal injury, even death - and through official intransigence be denied legal standing or recourse.

Sometimes this happens when either not enough science (knowledge) is available on a subject or close-minded people, through obstinacy or lack of wisdom, refuse to recognize the science/knowledge that is available. Sometimes it happens through simple lack of tolerance. In the meantime we can act, politically, to correct misunderstandings and misinterpretations of what we do know to be true, and to promote the joint cause of equality and freedom - the ability to make our own choices, to think our own thoughts, and to voice our own opinions without fear of recrimination.

Science affects religion. There are those who, through their narrow interpretation and implementation of religious dogma, judge us as behaving 'immorally', as 'breaking God's Law'. If biological determinants of transsexuality [or homosexuality?] were identified in the course of scientific research, as seems potentially likely, then such religious or 'moral' pronouncements would, in consequence, be rendered untenable. In the meantime let us pray that tolerance, enlightenment, and goodwill arise in the place of discrimination, ignorance, and hatred.

At any rate, let us have faith and take heart: progress will come. You don't believe this? Why, just recently, in November, 1992, the Roman Catholic Church, concluding an investigation begun twelve and a half years earlier, in 1980, exonerated Galileo for his "accursed heresy" (the heliocentric model), as judged by the Inquisition in 1633. Perhaps in another 359 years, one can hope, as knowledge advances and beliefs evolve, they may get around to absolving us. Love cannot judge: it looks on all as one. The world is newly born, and we are all made free.

But... Why?

"But... Why?" I hear you ask, still vaguely unsatisfied. To this I can only attempt my Mona Lisa smile, raise that index finger (as if to indicate `We're Number One!'), and reply, "Because!" XX

http://www.zoom.com:80/cdspub/IYF.html IN YOUR FACE

Menace Pickets ABC 20/20's John Stossel New York City - January 23, 1996

Responding to a number of transphobic comments in a groundbreaking 20/20 segment aired Friday, January 19, members of the NYC chapter of The Transexual Menace leafletted ABC staffers as they went to work this morning. Reflecting a conviction that the segment was basically favorable and decent journalism, leafletting was deliberately kept low key and friendly. Some members of ABC, including one 20/20 staffer obviously sympathetic, stopped to chat with demonstrators. Said Riki Anne Wilchins of the NYC Menace: "We thought ABC 20/20's coverage was fundamentally positive and solid. Instead of the usual 'talking head', i.e. one transperson in a studio justifying themselves before nontransxual questioners, it showed us outside, organized, active and highly visible. That's a great change to see.On the other hand, we thought John Stossel's questioning of decorated 24 year Police veteran Lt. Janet Aiello was offensive and unconscionable."

"There is a disturbing in the media of targeting those who are most vulnerable, usually those still in transition. It's hallmark is implying that their looks are somehow anembarassment, and that therefore, they are somehow at fault for the prejudice and hurt with which they must cope, as well as for nontransexual expectations of us. This has to change, and has to be challenged. As long as it continues, the Menace will continue to show up to contest it."

The segment in question focused on the national organization for transgender peace officers, TOPS (Transgender Officers Protect & Serve), as well as the recent surge in transgender and transexual activism nationwide. The text of the leaflet, minus all formatting appears below.

Stossel at ABC Bites Transexual Cop! Film at 11!

John Stossel to fictional Burn Survivor: To somone like me, your scars seem unsightly and revolting. Can you see how you'd make people uncomfortable?

John Stossel to fictional African-American: To a white person like me, you seem to have funny hair, funny nose and funny lips. Can you see how you'd make people uncomfortable?

John Stossel to real Transexual Cop: "You seem to be a man.with breasts. Can you see how you'd make people uncomfortable?"
Well John, Lt. Janet Aiello was too civil and too well-bred to give you the answer you deserved. But the Menace is too *ill-bred* and *rude* not to, so here's our answer.

. "John, if I ever put my life on the line again, probably for some schlomozzle like you on the receiving end of a felony assault, I doubt you'll care what I look like, as long as I'm a uniform and a gun willing to protect you. The fact is, John, your question is deeply transphobic and completely offensive in its inception. It panders to the basest instinct in all of us: the prejudice that people who look different are somehow weird or embarassing, and therefore are somehow at fault for the discrimination and hurt they suffer every day. It deals in humiliation, and it traffics in titillation. And if it comes all to readily from the lips of one who has knows only the privileges of being a pretty, white, straight, multimillionaire media star, then perhaps I should not be surprised. But unless you intend to ask me for a date, why do you care *how* I look? Many of us have to cope with cruel, stigmatizing comments like yours every time we go out the door - but usually from illiterate slobs, not journalists."

In addition, the Menace notes in passing, that the closing moments of 20/20, usually noted for a genial dialog between participants, was marred by this unprecedented (and sophomoric) exchange:

HD: "These people are just... so weird... so extraordinary... so bizarre... so confusing... so..."

BW: "Absolutely the strangest story we're covered up `til now. Except for our segment last week, which was strangest story we'd covered up `til then. And, of course, our opening segment this evening, which was the strangest story we'd covered all night.

HD: "...so unusual... so spooky... so fantastic... so different... so unusual... so..."

BW: "I mean, Oy vey! Vas ist los mitt deez meshuginah boychicks??"

HD: "...so exceptional... so uncanny... so alien... so unnatural... so abnormal... so..."

JS: "But it *must* be about sex. How could it *not* be about sex?"

HD: "...so disconcerting... so odd... so puzzling... so eerie... so confounding... so..."

BW: "Hugh! Get a life!"

So to Hugh & Barbara we say: we find such naive and nonplussed anchors a bit weird, too, but we don't say so in public. And to John Stossel we say: Next time, spend some time with us. Stoop to learn a little about the challenges and complexities we face. And don't assume you can just waltz into our lives and ask any question that pops into your head without first doing the homework your producers did. Oh, yeah.. and while you're at it, learn what it feels and to be publicly humiliated on national televsion. 20/20 producers did the transexual community a great service by taking us seriously and showing respect for our lives; you did a corresponding disservice by not taking us seriously, and treating the most vulnerable of us as little more than side-show freaks. The Transexual Menace. Just your average group of guys with breasts and women with dicks, trying to get along with their lives while still living up to John Stossel's aesthetic standards. We're here. We're queerer.* Get used to it. (* Except for Krissy, who hates the word "queer." )

Resources The following organizations are known by the editors to provide valuable support to the gender community. This does not constitute an official endorsement by Twenty, The XX Club or the GICNE. However, you are encouraged to investigate any and all resources and judge their value to yourself. Updates and additions are welcome. Regional Resources The Connecticut self-Help Mutual Support Network 389 Whitney Ave., New Haven, CT 06511 phone(203) 789-7645 Non-profit CT state organization with knowledge of over 400 support groups of all types.

Connecticut Outreach Society P.O.Box 163, Farmington, CT 06034 phone(860)657-4344 Meetings: 2nd Saturday and 4th Wednesday of each month in West Hartford, CT TS & TV Support and social group.
Crossroads of Buffalo 2316 Delaware Ave. Suite 102, Buffalo, NY 14216 TS & TV Support Group.
Renaissance Education Association P.O.Box 552, King of Prussia, PA 19406 phone(215) 630-1437 TV & TS Support Group and newsletter
TGIC - Transgenderists' Independence Club P.O.Box 13604, Albany, NY 12212-3604 (518) 436-4513 meets (Thursday 7-9pm) TV & TS Support and social group.
The XX Club, Inc. - "That's Us!" P.O.Box 387, Hartford, CT 06141-0387 TS Support group and newsletter National Resources GICNE - Gender Identity Clinic of New England 68 Adelaid Rd., Manchester, CT 06040 (860) 646-8651 Provides coordinated services for help with attaining SRS through adherence to the Benjamin Standards of Care.
Aegis - Chrysalis Quarterly P.O.Box 33724, Decatur, GA 30033 phone(404) 939-0244 (eves and weekends).Publisher of a TS Newsletter.
HBIGDA The Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association, Inc. The International association of gender professionals. Establishes the standards of care.
IFGE - International Foundation for Gender Education TV/TS Tapestry Journal. P.O.Box 367, Wayland, MA 01778 (617) 899-2212 and (617) 894-8340 (weekdays 2-10pm). Provides communications, outreach and networking for entire TV/TS community. Publishes TV/TS Tapestry.
J2CP Information Service P.O.Box 184, San Juan Capistrano, CT 93693 TS Info and referrals.
Ingersoll Center 1812 East Madison Suite 106 Seattle, WA 98122-2843 Support for TS and TV. Provides coordinated services for help with attaining SRS through adherence to the Benjamin Standards of Care.
The Eden Society P.O.Box 22742, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33335-2742 (305) 791-2476 TS Support.

The XX Club, Inc. The Transsexual Support Group of the Gender Identity Clinic of New England, Inc.

The Twenty Club, Inc. P.O.Box 387 Hartford, CT 06141-0387
phone (860) 646-8651
http://www.pcnet.com/~elspeth/xx.html

Nature: The XX Club is the transsexual support group of the Gender Identity Clinic of New England, inc. Our purpose is to provide knowledgeable information and ongoing peer support to transsexual persons through the many stages of their transition as well as information about the Gender Identity Clinic of New England, Inc. Friends and relatives are encouraged to attend in the hope of gaining a greater understanding and acceptance of their loved one's gender dysphoria. The XX Club, Inc. is non-profit and non-sexual. We are not a religious organization and have no affiliation with any religious denomination. We hold no prejudice against any other group of people.

Services: The XX Club, Inc. publishes a bi-monthly newsletter, Twenty, serving persons with gender dysphoria and helping professionals. We meet twice a month as indicated on page 10 of this publication. Meetings are structured to provide support, information and open, accepting understanding. On Occasion we have professional speakers on educational and medical subjects of interest to gender dysphoric persons. Additionally, we have social get-togethers, club parties, outreach to New England and New York gender organizations, and a speakers bureau. Smoking is not allowed during our meeting. Local ordinances restrict smoking to outside the building. During the course of the meeting we enjoy a half hour break during which people are encouraged to get to know one another and to help themselves to food and beverages. Please feel free to bring food and/or beverages to share with our group.

Security: We are a peer support group, not a dating service or an instant source of new best friends. Persons interested in attending meetings are welcome to come so long as they have a personal interest in gender dysphoria, understand the supportive nature of our group, and are willing to respect the anonymity of all persons attending. At no time may another persons name, address, telephone number, or any personal information be given out without the full permission of that individual. Cameras, recording devices and members of the media are not allowed at our meetings.

Membership Dues and Meeting Fees: Annual membership dues for The XX Club, Inc. are $20 (US) per year. Dues include a one year (6 Issues) subscription to this newsletter. Members and visitors are encouraged to contribute $1.00 per person at each meeting to help defray our expenses. Dues and meeting fees are applied to facility costs, newsletter production and distribution costs, and refreshment costs for XX Club and GICNE meetings. While these contributions allow us to remain self-sustaining, no-one will be turned away due to inability to contribute.

The Newsletter "Twenty" is published bi-monthly as a service of The XX Club, Inc. All original material may be reproduced with proper credit to the author and to "Twenty, The Official Newsletter of The XX Club, Inc." The opinions and views expressed in articles are not necessarily those of The XX Club, Inc.,its newsletter, or the Gender Identity Clinic of New England, Inc. Newsletter articles referring to specific programs, services and/or products do not necessarily constitute an endorsement by The XX Club, Inc. or The Gender Identity Clinic of New England, Inc. Articles involving medical aspects of gender dysphoria are not intended to be medical advice and readers are cautioned not to make any changes in treatment based upon such information without consulting a physician.

Newsletter submissions may be mailed to The XX Club at our address shown above, or submitted at a club meeting. Whenever possible, please submit contributions on an MS-DOS or Mac 3.5" computer disk using any ASCII text format. This newsletter staff reserves the right to print only submissions of relevance to the transsexual community. Due to various constraints, submissions may not be printed immediately. The newsletter cannot be responsible for returning submitted materials. When submitting contributions, clearly state what personal information you want/don't want included with your article. Contributors personal Information will remain confidential. Be sure to credit any sources appropriately. Photographs must be accompanied by a signed release from all individuals shown. The staff appreciates all contributions. All materials submitted will be considered for publication.

Change of Address: Please send changes to the address shown above. Include both the new and the old addresses and zip codes. XX and Twenty are registered trademarks of the XX (Twenty) Club, Inc., Hartford, CT The XX Club, Inc. The Transsexual Support Group of the Gender Identity Clinic of New England, Inc.

XX and Twenty are registered trademarks of the XX (Twenty) Club, Inc., Hartford, CT