IN NOVEMBER, the Texas Fourth Court of Appeals ruled that a post-operative transsexual woman, Christie Littleton, is legally male and therefore lacked standing to bring legal action as a widow. And since Texas law forbids marriage between two men, she could not have married Jonathan Littleton; hence, their 7-year marriage was retroactively nullified. This fall a transsexual woman and her female partner flew to England, which takes a position similar to the Texas court, and were married. Although legally man and wife, they are, to all appearances, lesbians. With state legislatures and the US Congress making laws restricting marriage to heterosexual couples, little attention has been given to how transgender people affect the issue. And, to further spice the mix, many transgender people identify as gay and lesbian. To help clarify the issue, we talked to Dana Priesing, a Washington D.C. attorney who works with GenderPAC.
IYF: What's the immediate consequence, if any, of the Littleton decision for transsexuals?
DP: It affects post-operative transsexuals with un-amended birth certificates who seek to marry persons of the same anatomical sex. If you are in that situation, and you want to marry your same-sex partner, you might consider doing so in a jurisdiction that does not recognize reassignment as changing a person's legal sex. Great Britain appears to be one such jurisdiction. At least one Texas state appellate court has taken a similar view.
IYF: If a post-operative transsexual woman marries a non-transsexual woman in a jurisdiction that does not accord legal significance to sex reassignment surgery, is their marriage valid?
DP: Generally speaking, yes, at least in that jurisdiction. Such a jurisdiction apparently would consider assigned birth sex irrevocable, and would consider the transsexual woman still legally a man. Consequently, in that jurisdiction, their marriage wouldn't be a same-sex marriage, but a heterosexual marriage. Now, it is questionable whether their marriage would be recognized in another jurisdiction that considered the transsexual woman legally a woman. In such a jurisdiction, their marriage would constitute a same-sex marriage, and likely would be unlawful unless the jurisdiction allowed same-sex marriages.
IYF: You're saying that a person who is, to all outward appearances, a woman could be legally male in one jurisdiction and legally female in another? Isn't there a single accepted standard for legally 'sexing' people?
DP: Not when the issue is legally sexing them at some point in life after their initial birth assignment. Typically an infant is visually inspected, with follow-up testing--and sometimes surgical sex assignment--for infants with atypical sexual anatomy. There is some diversity in the standards that have been applied in assessing if and when the law should acknowledge at some later date that the initial assignment is no longer accurate. For example, in the 1976 case of MT v. JT, the Appellate Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey considered psychological and physical factors, including the irrevocability of the medical steps taken and capability to have intercourse as a member of the reassigned sex, in holding that a male-to-female transsexual should be considered legally female. In contrast, the Texas Fourth Court of Appeals in the Littleton case refused to accept the possibility that one's initial sex assignment could be superseded by later events. Apparently Great Britain's position is similar.
IYF: What about the converse situation: a married heterosexual couple, one of whom undergoes gender reassignment. Is their marriage still valid?
DP: The answer depends upon the legal post-birth sexing standards of the jurisdiction where they reside, and perhaps of the jurisdiction where they were married, and/or the jurisdiction where the transsexual spouse was born--as well as 'choice-of- law' provisions that might be applied by whichever jurisdiction found itself addressing the issue. In short, we won't know until it happens.
IYF: How does this issue affect the debate over same-sex marriage?
DP: It demonstrates that same-sex marriage is in many ways already a fait accompli. Consider the couple who were married in Great Britain. Although they were considered legally man and wife when they married, day in and day out they live as and are taken to be two women.
It would be very difficult for the average person they encounter in the grocery store to see evidence to the contrary. (That would require a thorough pelvic examination and a chromosomal smear.)
So, if they or others like them are willing to be public about the fact that they were legally married, the fact that they don't appear to be man and wife, but lesbians, would encourage those they meet to re-examine their preconceptions about same-sex marriage and its consequences.
Kindred
Spirits Guesthouse Opening
Asheville, NC Feb. 2000
Edited by
Melissa Phillips
On May 13, this newly constructed "Nature Temple" on a wooded mountainside near Asheville, NC opens its doors to the T Community.
The spacious, sunny, 1500 sq. ft. space will be available to individuals, couples, and groups year-round.
Celebrating the growing traditions and visions of Kindred Spirits. Newcomers and veterans alike are invited to share in a rich, life-altering experience at the historic Sunnybank Inn, hiking, dipping in mountain streams, hot tubs, and fine dining.
Contact: Holly Boswell (828) 669-3889 hollyfairy@juno.com
Connecticut
Attorney Files Petition To Help Transsexuals Against "SEX" Discrimination
Hartford, CT. Feb. 16, 2000
Text is reprinted
excerpts from petition
Bruce A. Goldberg, Esquire, a Connecticut attorney has filed a petition on behalf of John/Jane Doe, for a declaratory ruling by the State of Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) that the statutory prohibition against discrimination on the basis of "sex" be defined to prohibit discrimination based upon a persons apparent gender, specifically discrimination of transsexual individuals.
There is within the State of Connecticut (and elsewhere in the United States) a class of people who are the constant victims of violent hate crimes and discrimination on the basis of sex. These people, victims, if you will, of a well documented gender identity conflict, are commonly referred to as "transsexuals." Transsexuals are often treated as loathsome and categorized with pedophiles, exhibitionists and voyeurs.
Please, lets offer whatever we can to Attorney Goldberg to ensure passage of this petition. Bruce A. Goldberg, Esq. can be reached at (203) 327-0395. A copy of the petition follows below.
PETITION
FOR DECLARATORY RULING:
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
SECTIONS 46a-60(a)(1); 46a-64(a)(1); 46a-64c (a) (1); and 46a-66 (a)
JANUARY 27, 2000
PETITION
ISSUE PRESENTATION:
Pursuant to the provisions of Connecticut General Statutes Section 46a-54-122(a)(2), I, Bruce A. Goldberg, Esquire, a Connecticut attorney (hereinafter referred to as the "Petitioner") hereby petition, on behalf of John/Jane Doe, for a declaratory ruling by the State of Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) that the statutory prohibition against discrimination on the basis of "sex" as set forth in the following sections of the Connecticut General Statutes:
1. 46a-60(a)(1);
2. 46a-64(a)(1);
3. 46a-64c (a) (1); and
4. 46a-66(a).
be defined to prohibit discrimination based upon a persons apparent gender, specifically discrimination of transsexual individuals.
BACKGROUND:
Chapter 814c of the Connecticut General Statutes prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex. The definition of "discrimination on the basis of sex" is specifically not limited in any way, but rather defined in such a way as to require interpretation. (1) There is within the State of Connecticut (and elsewhere in the United States) a class of people who are the constant victims of violent hate crimes and discrimination on the basis of sex. These people, victims, if you will, of a well documented gender identity conflict, are commonly referred to as "transsexuals." Transsexuals are often treated as loathsome and categorized with pedophiles, exhibitionists and voyeurs. (2) This gender identity conflict is referred to in
(1) §46a-51(17) provides "Discrimination on the basis of Sex" includes but is not limited to discrimination related to pregnancy, child-bearing capacity, sterilization, fertility or related medical conditions." (Emphasis added).
(1) §46a-51(17) provides "Discrimination on the basis of Sex" includes but is not limited to discrimination related to pregnancy, child-bearing capacity, sterilization, fertility or related medical conditions." (Emphasis added).
(1) See Americans with Disabilities Act 42 U.S.C. §12211 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. §705.
Yankee
Boyz
Maines First And Only FTM Transgender Support Group
A social/support group for those born female and which "woman" as an identity does not fit. Female to Male Transsexuals, Transgenderists, Crossdressers, TG Butches, Stonebutches and otherwise very masculine identified female "guys" of all sexual orientations are welcome.
Meets the second Sunday of the month. in Auburn Maine.
Next confirmed date is March 12, 2000 4-6 pm
A place to share ideas and experiences in an atmosphere where we do not have to fight for validation. Topics picked for each meeting. Video viewing, books, transition options, non transition options and more.
For further information and directions:
PJ: (207) 783-4630 or email: yankeeboyz@hotmail.com
Cutting
Edge Training For Mental Health Professionals
Chicago, IL. Jan. 10, 2000
AOLNews@aol.com
Edited by Melissa Phillips
Chicago Agencies to Launch Nation's First Psychotherapist Howard Brown Health Center, The Chicago Center for Family Health and Horizons Community Services to Collaborate on Cutting-Edge Training Program for Mental Health Professionals.
In the creation of a post-graduate program to train mental health professionals in the theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy with lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender (LBGT) families, clients and their families. The first of its kind in the country, the certificate program will provide in-depth training in contemporary theory and affirmative models of clinical practice. It will also address more specialized concerns such as ethics, trauma, youth, aging, relationships and addictions. The program is scheduled to launch in the fall of 2000.
"The American Psychological Association conducted a research survey several years ago, which found that negative attitudes toward LBGTs abound among practicing psychologists," said Barbara Kelly, Psy.D., one of the program originators. "Unfortunately, even current clinicians-in-training are not provided LBGT-centered developmental models, affirmative models of treatment or other information necessary for working appropriately with LBGT clients."
The new program intends to establish standards in working with the LBGT community, according to Bruce Koff, LCSW of The Chicago Center for Family Health.
"There is a real need to ensure that those mental health professionals who work with les/bi/gay/trans clients have adequate training to do so," he said. "We are hopeful that this program will accomplish just that and will provide quality training in this under-developed area."
Still in its planning stages, the program will likely offer courses on a weekly basis taught by a variety of practitioners. "We plan to build a faculty which is predominantly comprised of mental health professionals, but hope to include a broad spectrum of experts from the various social sciences," said Howard Brown's Theo Pintzuk, LCSW, one of the program's coordinators. She and the other coordinators hope to tailor the program to include input from a variety of specialists, such as anthropologists, historians and sociologists, in order to provide students with a comprehensive, integrated curriculum.
Participating agencies are seeking input from mental health professionals and educators to help them shape the program. Coordinators have created a questionnaire and hope to survey a broad cross-section of professionals in the field. To obtain a survey or for more information about the program, contact The Chicago Center for Family Health at 773-321-6040, or email Theo Pintzuk, LCSW at theop@howardbrown.org.
The Millennium March on Washington for Equality has announced a two-day event, the Millennium Festival, which will take place Saturday and Sunday, April 29-30. The Millennium March on Washington for Equality is scheduled for Sunday, April 30, 2000.
The first-of-its-kind festival will take place on eight blocks of historic Pennsylvania Avenue, and will feature a variety of gay-friendly vendors, booths for community groups, food, drink and entertainment. The event will also feature two dance areas, a family area, along with wellness and cyber pavilions.
"This national festival will celebrate the diversity of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender community and our friends," said Jose Ucles, executive director of Millennium Productions, LLC, producers of the festival. "This event will showcase the very best of our community, featuring outstanding performers, community groups and gay-friendly businesses from all across the country."
The Millennium Festival will take place from 11am-7pm on Sat., April 29, with a dance at the festival grounds from 8pm-midnight. On Sun., April 30, the festival will again open at 11am and run until 8pm. A celebratory tea dance will take place there after the Rally on the National Mall, which is scheduled from noon-6pm. Admission to the Millennium Festival is a $5 suggested donation to support the Millennium March on Washington.
"The Millennium Festival is a perfect complement to the Millennium March and Rally," said Malcolm Lazin, co-executive director of the Millennium March on Washington. "The festival promises to be one of the most accessible and exciting events of the Millennium March weekend."
For more information about the Millennium Festival, call (202) 776-0100 or check out the festival website at www.millennium-productions.net
Sex
Tests in Women's Sports Prove Controversial and Nothing More
Written by Li Anne W. Taft
Editor: Clare
Howell, clare@gpac.org
Ref. on text: TRANSGENDER Tapestry Magazine
What is a man? What is a woman? The International Olympics Committee (IOC) has tried to define those human qualities for over 35 years with no success and a lot of controversy. IOC recently announced they have suspended the long debated 'sex testing for the men Olympians. After nearly 40 years of ‘nude parades’ and DNA screening, female athletics competing in the 2000 Olympic games will not be put through the dehumanizing "sex tests." Because athletes and sporting federations around the world had threatened to boycott the required tests at the upcoming games in Sydney, plans for the mass screening has been scrapped. Olympic bosses report that the its ‘no sex test’ policy is ‘conditional and just an experiment’ for the 2000 games. The angry protests over the sex tests began in 1988 and by 1996 a multiple-factor (MF) test was proposed to be used in place of the single actor DNA test.
(Note: A multi-factor test is based on the scientific knowledge that no individual is 100% male or female. Such a test would look at the wide combination of gender/sex self-identity, legal identity, body appearance, and hormone levels.)
In a related case in Hawaii, a decision is pending by the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission on the validity of "Gender verification test being imposed up selected women paddlers in the islands. The Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (HCRA)’ is named as the defendant in a case of discrimination based on sex. The investigation, ongoing since Jan. ‘99 after a complaint was filed by a TG woman paddler, is focusing on the validity of how HCRA is defining gender and also whether or not a nonprofit education organization open to the public participation can alter their rules to limit certain individual from full participation.
The fuse was lit in Dec. ‘98 when HCRA’s passed a ‘gender verification’ rule that required women who are protested after participating in a state championship race to produce a birth certificate or submit to DNA testing to ‘prove their birth sex.’ Local paddling clubs and island associations representing 3500 paddlers statewide have allowed for over 50 years the use of other government issued picture Ids and passports to prove age and gender. For the Transgendered individual, a birth certificate can be the most difficult to change. Forty-five states do allow birth certificates to be reissued or birth records changed but and ‘no change’ but five (5) US states and many foreign countries allowed not change or reissue. (Editors Note: Statistics do not exists on how many transsexual and intersex women are active members of women sport teams in Hawaii or other states as well-estimates in Hawaii range from 1 to 2 per 350 women athletes. The transsexual condition reportedly exists in 1:20,000 people across all cultures and 1:2000 babies are born with ambiguous genitalia).
Mortality
And Morbidity In Transsexual Subjects Treated With Cross-Sex-Hormones
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
van Kesteren
PJ; Asscheman H; Megens JA; Gooren LJ
Department of Andrology, Free University Hospital
Edited by Melissa Phillips
The following is an abstract from a medical Journal (Clin Endocrinol), published in England.
OBJECTIVE: The optimum steroid hormone treatment regimes for transsexual subjects has not yet been established. We have investigated the mortality and morbidity figures in a large group of transsexual subjects receiving cross-sex hormone treatment.
DESIGN: A retrospective, descriptive study in a university teaching hospital.
SUBJECTS: Eight hundred and sixteen male-to-female (M-F) and 293 female-to-male (F-M) transsexuals.
INTERVENTIONS: Subjects had been treated with cross-sex hormones for a total of 10,152 patient-years.
OUTCOME MEASURES: Standardized mortality and incidence ratios were calculated from the general Dutch population (age- and gender-adjusted) and were also compared to side effects of cross-sex hormones in transsexuals reported in the literature.
RESULTS: In both the M-F and F-M transsexuals, total mortality was not higher than in the general population and, largely, the observed mortality could not be related to hormone treatment. Venous thromboembolism was the major complication in M-F transsexuals treated with oral oestrogens and anti- androgens, but fewer cases were observed since the introduction of transdermal oestradiol in the treatment of transsexuals over 40 years of age. No cases of breast carcinoma but one case of prostatic carcinoma were encountered in our population. No serious morbidity was observed which could be related to androgen treatment in the F-M transsexuals.
CONCLUSION: Mortality in male-to- female and female-to-male transsexuals is not increased during cross-sex hormone treatment. Transdermal oestradiol administration is recommended in male-to-female transsexuals, particularly in the population over 40 years in whom a high incidence of venous thromboembolism was observed with oral oestrogens. It seems that in view of the deep psychological needs of transsexuals to undergo sex reassignment, our treatment schedule of cross-sex hormone administration is acceptably safe.
Gender
Films / Documentaries
Reprinted from GAIN
Edited by
Melissa Phillips
Gendernauts is Directed by Monika Treut, and stars Sandy Stone, Stafford, Jordy Jones, Texas Tomboy, Susan Stryker.
Treut's newest film "Gendernauts" takes her to the Bay Area of San Francisco, the proclaimed mecca of gender fluidity, to explore "cyborgs" people who alter their bodies and minds with new technologies and chemistry in "gender elimination phenomena." She introduces us to San Francisco's leading gender mixers who have made the change from female to male or male to female. Treut records the hormone treatments, love stories, and lifestyles with performance and video/web artist Jordy Jones-who created a website devoted to Brandon Teena in the early 1990s. Sandy Stone, self-proclaimed "Goddess of Cyberspace" and author of "The War of Technology and Desire at the Close of the Mechanical Age", along with author and transgender expert Susan Stryker, provides an academic perspective for the film. Interviews with video artists Stafford and TexasTomboy give insight into the day-to-day lives and create expressions of transgendered people. Ex Penthouse centerfold model Tornado, who has been a lover to some transgenders and a surrogate mom to others, and sex goddess Annie Sprinkle explain their long-standing support of transgender people. We also meet Hida, an intersexed (hermaphrodite) woman, and founder of ISNA, the Intersex Organization of North America, who happily inhabits the middle ground between male and female. We view subjects of "Gendernauts" as they undergo regular estrogen and testosterone treatments under the supervision of the Transgender Clinic, as well as celebrating at ClubConfidential.
An
Independent Film Troupe - Showcasing Trans-Artists
Kensington, Maryland
Edited by
Melissa Phillips
The Berdache Company - An Independent Film Troupe, is currently in production of a dramatic short called AMMY. The screen play was adapted from an award winning 1996 one-act play "The Berdache" by trans-playwright Cheryl Ann Costa.
A spokesperson for the director has confirmed that the screen adaptation was written by Ms. Costa. It was also confirmed that an as yet unnamed transsexual actress has been cast in the lead role of Ammy. The production is expected to be released in the fall of 2000, in time for the 2001 Film & Video festival season.
Synopsis:
"AMMY" ( Under 70 minutes) -- [American filmmaker Tashi Dorje] Ammiel "Ammy" McLellen is a middle aged bi-gendered person, born of mixed sexuality/gender, who embraces Native American two-spirited spiritual beliefs and shamanic practice. Ammy has a visitation while on a vision quest, from a Native Spirit, who directs Ammiel to seek a path of teaching and study with the Priests and Nuns in the monasterial experience to share the joy of spirit! The churn starts when the Catholic Friars won't take Ammy because "he's too female" and the Catholic sisters won't take Ammy because "she's to male." With doors dramatically closed in Ammy's face, the story ends on an uplifting note with other doors opened.
FDA
Approves Diode Laser For "Permanent Hair Reduction"
Brookline, Ma Feb. 17, 2000
Story by Melissa
Phillips
Recently the FDA approved two types of lasers to advertise "Permanent Hair Reduction".
The Rockoff Center in Brookline, Ma. performs Permanent Laser Hair Reduction with the Coherent Diode Laser, one of the two types that were approved by the FDA. The instrument is state-of-the-art, and offers fast, comfortable, and effective treatment for getting rid of unwanted hair. According to the Rockoff Center, "results have been outstanding". "Permanent Laser Hair Reduction" can treat (as an example) an entire face/beard in approx. 30 minutes, with near complete Permanent Hair Reduction in as little as 3-5 treatments. According to the Rockoff Center results vary based on the individual. And, don’t let the phrase "Permanent Hair Reduction" fool you. Many Physicians and Nurses who administer these Laser Treatments have little doubt that the FDA will eventually allow them to advertise, "Permanent Hair Removal". These medical professionals base this on their clients, most of whom are very pleased with their "Hair Reduction".
For over 100 years there have been many methods that have challenged traditional electrolysis. Finally as we enter the new Millennium there is now a method worthy of the challenge, "Permanent Laser Hair Reduction". Which is now available at a fraction of the time and cost of traditional electrolysis.
Dr. Rockoff is on staff at Beth Israel, St. Elizabeth's, and Newton-Wellesley Hospitals. Dr. Rockoff has performed thousands of laser procedures, lectured to physicians and other health professionals, and appeared on many TV programs, discussing such subjects as skin cancer, acne treatment, and laser therapy for blood vessels, brown pigmented lesions, and unwanted hair. As a certified preceptor for the Coherent Laser Corporation, Dr. Rockoff has trained physicians in laser therapy from all over the world.
Rosemarie Rogers, R.N., is the Rockoff Center Clinical Manager. Rose has assisted Dr. Rockoff in the training of physicians, nurses, estheticians, and electrologists from around the world in laser hair Reduction and other laser procedures and she is one of the first nurses in the Boston area to use the LightSheer Diode Laser. Rose is currently a member of the Massachusetts Nurses Association, is the co-author for the CEU program in laser hair Reduction for 1998 and is certified by the Laser Institute of America as a Laser Safety Officer.
The Rockoff Center offers free consultations, and is located near Coolidge Corner in Brookline, Ma. (617) 739-7101.
A warm hello from Melissa Phillips, editor of "TWENTY." Recently I was talking with a TS sister who expressed her disappointment in society for not being more acceptable and trusting of TS people. I suggested to turn that anger and frustration into something positive, as negative thoughts don’t help anyone. I said, if trust is the issue volunteer your time to the Red Cross, A Hospital, Soup Kitchen, Homeless Shelter, The Elderly, or something that you have a personal interest in doing. You want people and law makers to protect you, and you haven't given them a reason why they should (other than the obvious to us!). Trust is the foundation of every relationship, whether it's business or personal, without trust you have NOTHING! And, when trust is present, acceptance is usually there too! So, get out there and show the public that we're not all the ideal guest for the Jerry Springer Show. Show the general public that we are real people, with real feelings, who care and want make a difference too. Show them that we are no different from any other human on this planet, we just want to live, be happy, and with a little luck (and time) be an accepted member of society!
As always, I would like to give credit and thanks to Nancy Cain from IFGE, Rose from the IFGE book store, and Penni Ashe from Gender Advocacy Internet News (GAIN), a free Internet news service. Penni is also co-chair of ITA, "It’s Time America", and is director of "It’s Time Massachusetts. She is also on the board of directors for GEA, Gender Education and Advocacy. I hope to keep you well-informed with good credible news, information, and education. Please keep in mind, this is our newsletter, and submissions for publication from XX Club members will take precendence over other resources! The newsletter staff reserves the right to print only submissions of relevance to the transsexual community.
Respectfully,
Melissa Phillips