1|Page
A TransSask publication./GenderNews@TransSask.org.
In This Issue‌ Halloween
- by Liz Senecal
Holiday Survival Guide
- edited by Liz Senecal
TransSask Health Advisory Gender Identification Petition My Story, So Far
pg.3
-by Miki Mappin - submission by Mikayla Sky Schultz
- Lise Stevens
Screaming Queens / Movie review
pg. 5 -6 pg. 7-8 pg. 9 pg. 11-13
- by Stephanie Cox
pg. 14-17
Autumn’s World - by Autumn Lapointe
pg. 18-21
Moments of Silence
pg. 22
- Remembrance Day
Fun Pages
pg.23-26
Quick Go To Calendar
pg, 27-29
Advertisement information
pg.30
Gender News (TransSask's newsletter) is always looking for submissions for the next exciting issue. We are looking for stories, essays, pictures, graphics, comics, anything that could go into a pdf / e- magazine. If you have something you'd like to contribute, you can email GenderNews@TransSask.org, or contact our Creative Director, Autumn Faith Lapointe via her email, autumn_faith@hotmail.com. We are looking at a th first of January 2016 publication date, so the deadline is the 15 of December, 2015.
If you are interested in getting involved, please consider joining the editorial group. Email us at GenderNews@TransSask.org.
Of course, be sure to subscribe to Gender News... http://goo.gl/W6ebAw
2|Page
A TransSask publication./GenderNews@TransSask.org.
Halloween can be a really fun time of the year. Candy, costumes, food and parties. It’s a great time to get together with friends and a very special place to build memories for children. Historically, Halloween has been a time of laughter full of funny costumes. I’m sure we all remember getting dressed up in some absurd costume when we were young. Nowadays society has a bit more cultural sensitivity when it comes to Halloween. It is not considered politically correct to dress up as a First Nations person, someone from the middle east or to paint your face black to look like Aunt Jemima. These costumes are considered taboo now, and rightfully so. Cultural sensitivity is a great step towards showing respect for others. Now if only we were getting a bit closer with regards to gender identity. Earlier this year there was a large controversy when a Halloween costume went on sale. When Kaityln Jenner came out earlier in 2015 it was a huge moment for the Trans* community. Another celebrity to shed light on Trans* issues and visibility. The Vanity Fair cover went viral on the internet. However, a Halloween costume emerged this past summer which mimics the Vanity Fair cover, showing a male model in a obvious wig and tight white outfit with a sash saying “Call Me Kaitlyn”. Several online stores were selling this costume, with no thought to how transphobic it was. To be an ally means we stand with others when something is said or done which is offensive, harmful or dangerous. This costume is a perfect example of blatant transphobia and a complete disregard for the Trans* community. There was a very strong public outcry over the costume from both the Trans* community and many allies. The costume was pulled very quickly and I could not find it for sale anywhere on the internet. This is progress, the issue is that this costume was ever considered to be appropriate. To dress up in a disrespectful way and participate in a negative stereotype without and respect is not being an ally, it is being a part of the problem. As allies, our job is to stand with the Trans* community. To respect diversity and pronouns. To speak out when we hear a slur, and most importantly to listen. -Liz Senecal
3|Page
A TransSask publication./GenderNews@TransSask.org.
4|Page
A TransSask publication./GenderNews@TransSask.org.
The holidays can be a stressful time for gender variant people and their families, but there are several strategies that you can use to help reduce stress and create a happy Thanksgiving this year. Don’t assume you know how somebody will react to news of your gender identity — you may be surprised. Realize that your family’s reaction to you may not be because you are transgender. The hectic holiday pace may cause family members to act differently than they would under less stressful conditions. Remember that “coming out” is a continuous process. You may have to “come out” many times. Don’t wait for your family’s attitude to change to have a special holiday. Recognize that your family needs time to acknowledge and accept that they have a transgender family member. It took you time to come to terms with who you are; now it is your family’s turn. Let your family’s judgments be theirs to work on, as long as they are kind to you. If it is too difficult to be with your family, create your own holiday gathering with friends and loved ones. Be gentle with your family’s pronoun “slips.” Let them know you know how difficult it is. Before the visit... Make a decision about being “out” to each family member before you visit. It is best not to come “out” to family members during larger gatherings. Have alternate plans if the situation becomes difficult at home. Find out about local LGBTQ resources. If you do plan to “come out” to your family over the holidays, have support available, including PFLAG and/or TransParent publications and the number of a local PFLAG chapter. During the visit... Focus on common interests. Your gender identity does not have to be the main topic for discussion. Reassure family members that you are still the same person they have always known. If you are partnered, be sensitive to his or her needs as well as your own. Be wary of the possible desire to shock your family. Remember to affirm yourself. Realize that you don’t need your family’s approval. Connect with someone else who is transgender—by phone or in person—who understands what you are going through and will affirm you along the way
“With my crazy family, I make sure to have a friend on speed dial or someone I can text. Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed, and make sure that there’s at least one person you can turn to in case of a stressful situation.” – a transgender youth
5|Page
A TransSask publication./GenderNews@TransSask.org.
Throughout the coming weeks, consider engaging some of the following strategies for getting around potential sources of the "holiday blues": Keep your expectations for the holiday season manageable: Be realistic about what you can and cannot do-as well as what you want to do and don't want to do. Set realistic goals for yourself; make a list and prioritize the most important activities; ask for and accept help; simplify! Remember the holiday season does not banish reasons for feeling sad or lonely: During the Thanksgiving season, there's room for feelings such as sadness and/or loneliness to be present along with other more joyful emotions. Limit predictable sources of stress: If you feel the annual trappings of shopping, decorating, cooking and attending social events risk becoming overwhelming and stressful, use discretion and limit the activities you commit to. Don't fall prey to commercial hype: Recognize the ads and commercials as hype that manufacturers and stores have to do to benefit optimally from the season. You can show love and caring in lots of thoughtful ways which don't cost a lot and that make the holidays all the more meaningful and personal. Get together with friends and family members: As much as possible, share the holidays with friends and family members in person, as well by phone, e-mail, and mail. The holiday season can also be a good time to contact someone you have not heard from for awhile. Attend holiday community events: Most communities offer special events during the holidays, such as theatrical and orchestral performances, that can be enjoyable to look forward to and to attend. Join a social group: Feelings of loneliness and isolation can often be remedied by participating in activities with others. This can also help in opening up the potential for making new friends. Engage in volunteer activity: Helping others is a pretty foolproof method of making the holidays feel more meaningful. There are many volunteer organizations that need extra help during this time of year. Enjoy activities that are free: Financial strain can be the cause of considerable added stress during the holidays, however, there are many ways of enjoying the season that are free, including driving or walking around to admire holiday decorations, going window shopping without buying, making a snowperson with children, and attending free concerts. Don't abandon healthful habits: Don't feel pressured to eat more than you're accustomed to just because it's the holiday season. Make the time to get physical exercise: Exercising, for example, aerobics, walking, skiing, hiking, yoga, or swimming, can help burn away a lot of stress as well as the extra calories of holiday meals. Remember that life brings changes: As families change and grow, traditions often need to adapt to the new configurations. Each holiday season is different and can be enjoyed in its own way. Spend Time With Supportive and Caring People: In all of the ways listed above, it cannot be emphasized enough how important it can be to spend the holiday season in the company of supportive and caring people. Adapted from the Mazzoni Center's Holiday Survival Guide, 2009 http://mazzonicenter.org/publications/holiday-survival-guide-2009
6|Page
A TransSask publication./GenderNews@TransSask.org.
TransSask Health Advocacy One of the initiatives TransSask has been working on is to advocate for improvements to the health services available to transgender people in the province. In the fall of 2014 co-chairs Jett Brewer and myself, Miki Mappin, met with the Minister of Health, Dustin Duncan. We presented a prioritized and simplified list of demands: 1. Removal of the surgical requirement for the change of gender on birth certificates with Vital Statistics. 2. Providing information on the services available through Sask Health for transgender residents. 3. Promoting the education of health professionals on on the respectful treatment, specific needs and treatment of transgender patients, possibly through the Provincial and Regional Quality of Care Co-ordinators and the provision or approval of budget allocations. 4. Improving access to, and providing specific and important transgender health services that are presently difficult to access, not completely funded, or unavailable in Saskatchewan, such as psychiatric and counselling services, and surgeries. As a result of continued consultation with the Ministry during the winter, Sask Health has taken steps to comply with the second of our four demands, that of providing better access to information on the services Sask Health offers to transgender and gender diverse individuals. The result is a new page on their website, and the provision of information through the 811 telephone HealthLine and HealthLine Online. I urge everyone to consult the page, to follow the links, and especially to call the 811 number and other numbers provided to ask questions and
7|Page
A TransSask publication./GenderNews@TransSask.org.
express your concerns. No longer will they be able to say there is no demand for this information and these services. Don't be surprised if some of the people you contact are not really up to speed yet, be patient, and in response to your calls they soon will be. Please spread this widely and encourage others to contact these numbers as well. RING THOSE PHONES! http://www.saskatchewan.ca/live/health-and-healthy-living/health-topicsawareness-and-prevention/gender-identity-and-transgender-information We continue to press for progress on the other 3 points, both through Sask Health, and with service providers. You can help by giving us feedback on problems you are having accessing health care services, and difficulties you may be encountering as a result of not being able to change your Saskatchewan birth certificate in order to obtain ID that reflects your gender. Personal stories are very effective in helping to convince our elected representatives and health professionals of the need for change. Your name will not be shared. Please send your messages to: info@transsask.org. For complete anonymity, you can send a message to: http://sayat.me/TransSask Miki Mappin, Co-chair of the Board of Directors of TransSask Support Services Inc .
8|Page
A TransSask publication./GenderNews@TransSask.org.
Gender Identification Petition Deadline is October 31 Please have completed, original, paper petitions (no photocopies or electronic printouts) mailed to the following address no later than October 31, 2015: Gender Equality Society of Saskatchewan PO Box 3911 Regina, SK S4P 3R8 ... In Saskatchewan, it is the law that in order for someone to change the gender designation on their identification, they must undergo surgical sterilization (this is also known as eugenics), in essence forced genital mutilation. Although many trans people chose to have sex reassignment surgery, the truth is many trans people do not. Forcing a person to have surgery on their genitals is a violation of that person's human rights. This surgical requirement is mandated by the Saskatchewan Vital Statistics Act, and violates recent changes to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code which protects the citizens of Saskatchewan from human rights violations on the basis of gender identity. In addition to surgical requirements, there is a number of issues currently faced by the Sex and Gender Diverse Community of Saskatchewan regarding how or why an individual's gender is displayed on identification, including: lack of a third gender designation, for individuals who do not identify as male nor female (genderqueer/nonbinary), and for persons born with intersex. no option to have the gender marker removed from identification, for individuals with no gender (agender/genderless), a gender that is fluid, or those who do not wish to declare their gender publicly. no right to self-determination; trans and nonbinary people must rely on medical professionals to "prove" their gender identity to ID issuers before changing gender markers, either by surgeons performing invasive surgeries or psychologists/psychiatrists confirming a diagnosis of a mental health condition: Gender Dysphoria. persons not born in Saskatchewan have no recourse if their place of origin does not have regulations in place to change birth registration records, preventing newcomers to our province from ever being able to amend their Saskatchewan issued identification. there is no way of opting out of the publication of a name change in the Saskatchewan Gazette, a document freely available to the public, violating privacy and safety, and potentially putting trans and nonbinary person’s risk. persons born with intersex (specifically with ambiguous genitalia) are still forced into one of two categories, either male or female, and often are victims of genital mutilating surgeries and coercive medical treatments to "normalize" their gender to conform to constructed societal gender norms. for trans and nonbinary youth and children, there is no provision in current Legislation for changing their gender on identification, and very strict regulations that prevent self-determination of their name. To download a copy of the petition, and for information on these issues and more, visit the Gender Equality Society's page, graciously hosted by TransSask, at http://goo.gl/t5ULqT
9|Page
A TransSask publication./GenderNews@TransSask.org.
10 | P a g e
A TransSask publication./GenderNews@TransSask.org.
My Story, So Far. My name is Lise Stevens. I identify as somewhere between bi-gender/two spirit/gender fluid. I've known from about the age of six that I was different from others. Like most kids, I did have an "invisible friend", but she was always telling me I was to look and act like a woman. Being so young, I didn't quite understand this at the time. All I really knew was I had an overwhelming desire to wear feminine clothes and make-up, yet conflicted as I thought I was a male based on my birth assignment. Not having access to the internet, I thought I was a freak and the only one like this. Needless to say, it caused a great deal of depression at times, including the contemplation of suicide. There were a couple of times I was seen in a psych ward because my parents walked in on me during my suicidal states. Even with the doctors, I was too afraid to tell them of the feminine desire in me, thinking that I was an abomination and would be locked away somewhere. Through many struggles, I managed to sort of keep both sides together. Growing up I would be my male side by day, although suffering from some dysphoria. At night, She would be trying to convince me I would be happier as my true female self. I started buying feminine clothes for myself by the age of 13. I bought my first skirt at a flea market under the guise of birthday shopping for my sister. Slowly I started to amass a small collection of lingerie and clothes. At one point about the age of 17, my dad found my collection of clothes and make-up and flipped right out. He assaulted me and tossed me into the kitchen cupboards. Although I filed charges, nothing ever came of this other than a deep sense of hurt. Gradually we started to be civil to each other, never mentioning that incident. In my early 20s, my girlfriend at the time and I went to a presentation by a spiritualist. Not my cup of tea, but it was interesting. After the presentation, we went up to ask him a question. I asked him if he had heard of having two conflicting sides or voices inside of you. That is when I learned about the concept of Two Spirit. I did some research and started to understand myself more. As I
11 | P a g e
A TransSask publication./GenderNews@TransSask.org.
began to understand more, my girlfriend decided she couldn't deal with it and left. Being pretty much a loner worked some what in my favor. Having my own apartment, I allowed myself to express the feminine side when at home. I did find that as my fem self I was more comfortable. However I was still too shy to go out and still thinking that I was somewhat "freaky", my dressing was reserved for late at night. I did occasionally venture into the apartment hallway at 3 am to check my mail and one night decided to take my garbage out as Lise This was an exhilarating .experience until a police officer decided to stop me as I was walking back to my building from the dumpster. The bad part of this is that I knew every police officer in the small town as I worked the graveyard shift in the local major coffee shop. This officer called me to the cruiser and when he noticed who I was, he had me sit in the cruiser while he ran the usual name and record check, as well as radioed for another officer to come see the "trollop" he found. As if this was humiliating enough, they did their paperwork over the the coffee shop and shared the event with my employer. Needless to say, I had to get another job then. Skipping many years, I have gotten used to being both male and female or a blend of each. I have found a great and supportive woman who is my fiancee. Now in my early forties, my fem side has still been confined to the house (minus one Halloween event/wedding for a lesbian couple I know), but that changed a couple years ago. I met up with a friend of my mom and we started to chat. Shortly after we exchanged facebook information--of course just my male account as I wasn't out to most people yet. I posted,a trans* ally post and when she shared it as well, I felt like I could let her in. We went to coffee one day and I mentioned it to her, that I was transgender and it didn't surprise her at all. She surprised me. She was the first person to hold me as a baby other than the doctors and my parents and she knew I was Two Spirit. Through our talking and telling her about dad's freak out she got upset. We both agreed that mom may have accepted it if I had come out to her while she was alive, but she was surprised that dad didn't accept. She told me about some of his proclivities when he was younger. This made me right riled. Not that he had any right to abuse me, but he had even less right after hearing some of his past and
12 | P a g e
A TransSask publication./GenderNews@TransSask.org.
verifying it. So it occurred over our third coffee that I mentioned I should go to dads grave as my female self and do a little dance on it to spite him. She said "Why not?" And we arranged a trip to go do it. I know it was disrespectful, but it felt good. This was my first time out in daylight as Lise. I was so nervous, but enjoying it with a supportive friend. After the little dance and telling dad off, she decided we needed to go for coffee. Not only was I out in public, in daylight, in a semi secluded area, but now she has me out for coffee in a crowded coffee shop. Nothing bad happened. It was actually fun and relaxing. This was the start to many more and continuing public coffees. As my confidence grew, I also started to go out to public events as Lise as well. The freedom Lise feels has allowed her to become so much more stronger, that my male side is more my false identity and is evaporating a bit more every day. The near future for me as Lise is looking bright too. My fiancee and I are planning two weddings, the legal male and female one for friends and family who do not know Lise, and then one for our friends where Lise is the bride! (I already have my dress!) Lise is also going to get to try her hand at doing g some modeling for a local professional photographer. This should be fun as I know the photographer through the cosplay community. She knows my male side and just friended my fem side on Facebook. She is as excited as I am for the modeling shoot. For anyone who is too scared to embrace your gender identity...just do it. I have never felt so wonderful, relaxed and natural as I do when I am myself. Lise Stevens
13 | P a g e
A TransSask publication./GenderNews@TransSask.org.
A review of Susan Stryker's "Screaming Queens: The Riot at Compton's Cafeteria" The first thing that struck me about "Screaming Queens: the Riot at Compton's Cafeteria" by Susan Stryker, was the picture on the cover of the DVD. A black and white photo of a riot going on outside at night time with, people's fists in the air. They were passionate and fighting for the same thing I was fighting for, the right to live my life as a transgender person out in public without fear. They were fighting for me. They considered transgender people so important that they were out there risking their safety to try and change the world. They considered you and I that important. It was also a picture of something real. The faces of those people were desperate, they really believed in what they were doing. Gene Compton's Cafeteria was a popular all-night hang-out spot in San Francisco in the 1960's. Trans women found a table and got cigarettes out and coffee and gabbed throughout the night. It was a favorite spot for people in the "Tenderloin", a word used by some people to refer to it's "vice laden" nature, to the amount of prostitution and drugs that went on in the area. Trans women would spend hours at Compton's Cafeteria, waiting for their friends to arrive.
14 | P a g e
A TransSask publication./GenderNews@TransSask.org.
That sounded so fun to me, to just sit there as the woman I am, talking with friends who view me as a woman and understand the things I go through. Hotels in other areas wouldn't rent to drag queens and transsexuals, so many of them lived in the Tenderloin district. Similarly, employers wouldn't hire them, so many of them had to resort to prostitution. "Cross dressing" in public was outlawed in San Francisco in 1863, remaining on the books until 1974. Many cities in the United States outlawed cross dressing in the late 1860's. The El Rosa Hotel on Turk Street was like a wayward home for some of these women. Their families had disowned them, so the girls began to be there for each other. One of the women in the documentary said "We sold ourselves because we needed to make a living, but we sold ourselves because we wanted to be loved". It was a reminder for me of how much the public doesn't understand the plight of transgender people in the world. Society tends to blame trans women for being prostitutes and ignores the transphobia that often leads to this kind of thing happening in the first place. The Tenderloin district was quite dangerous and very frightening. Violence was often committed against drag queens and transsexuals, particularly those involved in prostitution. As noted in the documentary, this is why many of them were on drugs in the first place, to numb themselves from their fears. Compton's Cafeteria served as a refuge from the violence in the area. A trans woman in the documentary said "we went there to gossip about what we did and to let people know we were alive, we survived the night". The police often harassed the trans women and put them in jail for "female impersonation". From the documentary, "If we had lipstick on, or mascara on, or long hair, we had to put it under a cap. Buttons on the wrong side." Another trans woman recounted that she "went to the grocery store once and got thrown into jail for being a female impersonator. And I've never felt like I was impersonating female, I felt, I am a female." According to a trans women in the documentary, they were often taken to the drunk tank and strip-searched for drugs. They were isolated on a tier with other transsexuals and on lock down most of the time. Their heads were shaved. One woman who refused to let them shave her head spent sixty days in the hole, in lock up.
15 | P a g e
A TransSask publication./GenderNews@TransSask.org.
The word "transsexual" was getting around in the 1960s and drag queens and trans women were hearing about it. They read about Christine Jorgensen and her sex change operation. Harry Benjamin also published "The Transsexual Phenomenon" in 1966. The book was a watershed moment for the community. As one of the women said in the documentary, "It was like a guide book to us." Benjamin believed a person's gender identity could not be changed, but that their bodily sex could. As mentioned in the film, "Many of the women in the tenderloin began to envision a better life for themselves, one that fit better with who they were and what they wanted to be." Many of them began to want hormones and surgery. They soon got together and, as one woman put it, decided they were human beings and should be allowed to dress any way they wanted to, whether society accepted it or not. At the same time, feminism and the war in Vietnam helped give rise to the Civil Rights Movement. This call for social justice helped inspire the women to stand up for themselves and advocate for their rights. "Vanguard" was an organization created by drag queens and trans women in an effort to change society at this time and they met at Gene Compton's Cafeteria. Management of Compton's Cafeteria didn't like the new brash attitude of the drag queens and transsexuals, many of whom were now members of Vanguard, and started kicking them out. The drag queens and trans women had enough. They organized themselves and picketed Compton's Cafeteria on July 18, 1966. It didn't resolve the situation and, as they had done many times, the police came to the cafeteria a few days later and tried to arrest them. A police officer grabbed the arm of one of the women, but this time she threw her coffee in his face. A riot started. Things in the cafeteria were thrown and smashed and as many as sixty people ran out through broken doors and windows into the street. A police car was soon destroyed and a newsstand set on fire. The riot caused a sea change in the atmosphere of the area. Police started to leave the women alone. One particular officer was employed as a liaison between the police and the community. He coordinated a network of trans activists and allies who came together after the riot to tackle many of the problems transgender people faced. According to the documentary, "We got programs started for transsexuals and then we began to get these people in
16 | P a g e
A TransSask publication./GenderNews@TransSask.org.
contact with other community services." A program for transgender people was started at a unit of San Francisco's Public Health Department called the Center for Special Problems. It was created to help trans women deal with the problems they encountered in everyday life. One of the things they did was supply trans women with ID cards that reflected the new gender of their clients. At the time, it wasn't possible to alter state issued ID cards, even after a sex change. Without proper ID, they couldn't find legal employment, but with these new ID cards, they could now pursue employment through the War on Poverty's training programs. One of the women in the documentary said "We can dress like women all the time. We can be who we are inside. We bought our women's clothes, we tried on our clothes in the women's store in the dressing room, which they wouldn't let us do before. So, it was a matter of coming together." Screaming Queens was unbelievably meaningful for me. Five decades ago trans women were dealing with the same problems I deal with today and they stood up to society and demanded to be treated with respect. These people, some of whom were still alive at the time the documentary was made, were talking about what was bothering them. Raw footage of them from the 1960's demanding to be treated with dignity. OMG they fought the police. And they didn't just demand respect from the world, they found respect for themselves. They recognized their own worth and decided that they deserved to be treated better. Their feelings meant something. What they went through, the pain they experienced, mattered to them and they didn't want to feel it anymore. Seeing trans women talking with each other, out in public, at a cafe, gabbing about whatever, like everyone does, was amazing. Why can't I do that? Forget that, I've asked that enough. I am going to do that. ~ Stephanie Cox. ______________________________________________________________ Screaming Queens: the Riot at Compton's Cafeteria is a documentary by Susan Stryker and is available at the Regina Public Library.
17 | P a g e
A TransSask publication./GenderNews@TransSask.org.
Autumn’s World Whewww,.. What a summer. So hot and so many mosquitoes!!
Well here we are at the end of September! I love September, its nicer weather and less bugs. I hate the heat of summer and tho it means that winter is around the corner, I find it so much better that spring. Spring is nice, ohhh don’t get me wrong. But it’s always soggy and sometimes funky. Fall is nicer, pretty colors and crisp air that makes you feel alive. I don’t know maybe with a name of Autumn I am just pre dispositioned to like it. It’s my colors too!! I just love golds and browns, greens and tans. One of my favorite pastimes is shopping, tho I haven’t had much time to do much lately. I was thinking that maybe a blurb on shopping might be a good idea as some are unsure where to start. It surely can be a little,… no wait… hugely overwhelming! You go from thinking that you kinda have a pretty good idea of how things go… then you transition and… whammm. Everything might as well be in another language. Furthermore who do you ask? It can be downright frustrating at the best of the times. So here are a few things that I have learned so far. Not saying I am right for everyone, but it’s a good rule of thumb. Shoes…. Ok so it basically seems that there is a 2 size difference. MTF’s should think about the wider shoes. Pointed toes can be brutal unless you have smaller narrower feet. The same thoughts for FTM’s but obviously in reverse. Heels are nice but if you already have a height issue you may want to stay away from heels
18 | P a g e
A TransSask publication./GenderNews@TransSask.org.
as they will raise you even more. If you must have heels spend a lot of time at home with them on to get you heels legs under control and go slow when you go out. A lot of good women have gotten nasty injuries from heels. Also for FTM’s wishing to wear a slightly larger size you can easily add a toe insert to the end. Foster’s Shoes in Regina, on 7th street sells a huge variety of shoes n boots possibilities and is a gender friendly atmosphere. Men’s range from size 5 to 16 in stock and have ordered up to size 26. Women’s are size 5 to 12 in stock and able to order in sizes up to 16 and from 1 to 5. Also there they have a lab in the back that can do alterations, repairs, build ups and orthotics. They also have things like heel guards to keep heels from slipping and toe wedges to tighten up shoes. They also have private rooms if you wish to be served away from the general public. If you don’t feel comfortable about going into a store, there are other avenues like online. www.justfab.ca is a good reasonable priced site that offers free shipping. Kinda nice. They sell a lot of things there other than booties n shoes. Clothes,.. wow! There is a big area. Basically, until you find your style it will be crazy. I was shocked at the unfair markup of women’s clothes. Sometimes unisex is a cheaper cost. Men’s, it simple…. Small, medium, large etc. Waists are measurements of your actual waist… amazingly easy. Women’s on the other end I think a degree in physics would be easier. You have Canadian American, EU, China and who knows how many more variations. All I can say is look online at all the clothing sites to see what appeals to you. What look seems like you. Sometimes it’s best to pick things that are not far out there as it makes it easier to blend. Also a good idea is to look at what your gender is wearing when you are out and about. 99.9% of the women that are over 40 are NOT wearing hiked up mini-skirts. You have to wear age appropriate clothing otherwise you have unwanted attention. Shopping on line again is an easy way to attain that piece that you just have to have. Most sites are easy return or exchange, but you must read the small print. I tend not to shop overseas, but I have a girlfriend that has gotten me exquisite things thru www.wish.com. If you do go down this road make sure of exchange rates and possible broker fees. Not all things are allowed in Canada so if it is questionable just call customs Canada ahead of time. Personally I tend to find great deals at Value Village and other thrift shops. A lot of times you can find new
19 | P a g e
A TransSask publication./GenderNews@TransSask.org.
things that people have donated that they didn’t like or etc, never got it returned and just donated it instead. Social media is a good place too as in Facebook groups, but caution and safety is always stressed and buyers beware.
Make up, another scary area, All I can say is moderation… more doesn’t make it better. I will cover this later on as it’s a big thing. Some people believe that they have to have the best of the best. You could support the national debt with all that cost. Walmart and London Drugs are just as good and can be bought a lot cheaper. It’s not about being cheap. This stuff is expensive, and when you’re unsure what you want… it can sure add up fast. Learn what you want then upgrade later if you wish. As you get better at it, you also will find you use less.
Nail care, another area that I will cover next issue. I use gel at home and it’s simply easy and looks great!
Hair, some of you will want to grow your hair out, untill then you have options. There are reasonable cost sites that can directly mail to your home discretely. My first one came from a bridal shop from in Regina. Simple to find, on 4248 Albert St. I walked into Lots of looks boutique, Trinity and her staff was totally awesome with me and made me feel sooo relaxed about it. It was great to be able to have a curtain to close in the wig area, it made me feel more at ease. I have gone back for hair repair since and have been very happy with the service. They are a one stop shopping place that can take care of all your hair needs. She has been open for 7 years and has had transgender customers since opening. They are very LGBT friendly. Wig caps are a great thing to use as well. They will help keep the hair under in control and helps keep the wig cleaner from body oils. Still you need to learn to wash and care for it. After a few times, it will seem very natural. I can do a segment on this as well if people wish.
20 | P a g e
A TransSask publication./GenderNews@TransSask.org.
So people please don’t feel awkward about letting your inner person out. Be the person you want to be! It’s been trapped inside you far too long. This time is YOUR time! This is your journey. Enjoy the ride I assure you it will be incredible. It will seem like a lot sometimes but the end is worth it.
**** TO BE CONTINUED**** If you have any questions comments or concerns… please email me at autumn_faith@hotmail.com. I always appreciate a personal email.
21 | P a g e
A TransSask publication./GenderNews@TransSask.org.
In Flanders Field In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields. ~John McCrae~
22 | P a g e
A TransSask publication./GenderNews@TransSask.org.
Crescent Cinnamon Rolls Author: Leslie Green - The Hungry Housewife. A semi homemade cinnamon roll made easy with a tube of Crescent Rolls Prep time: 5 mins Cook time: 10 mins Total time: 15 mins Ingredients: 1 tube (8 count) Pillsbury Crescent Rolls, unrolled and separated Filling 5 tablespoons butter, softened ¼ cup white sugar 2½ teaspoons cinnamon Glaze 2 tablespoons butter, melted ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons powdered Sugar ½ teaspoon vanilla extract Instructions: Preheat oven to 375 Place the unrolled and separate crescent rolls on an un greased rimmed cookie sheet (one with sides). In a small bowl, mix together the butter, sugar and cinnamon Evenly spread the cinnamon butter over the crescent rolls and roll up tightly. Place tip side down on the cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes. In a small bowl, mix together the butter, powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Place in a zip lock bag and snip a tiny corner off. Drizzle the glaze over the cinnamon rolls. Notes: Some cinnamon butter will leak from the crescent rolls while cooking. This will not affect the taste. Recipe by The Hungry Housewife at http://www.thehungryhousewife.com/2012/03/crescent-cinnamon-rolls.html
23 | P a g e
A TransSask publication./GenderNews@TransSask.org.
Pumpkin French Toast Recipe Source: Cooking Classy Yield: About 9 slices Ingredients: 3/4 cup milk 1/2 cup pumpkin puree 4 eggs 2 Tbsp packed light-brown sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 1/4 tsp ground ginger 9 slices Texas toast (or other white bread such as Challah or French bread) Butter, for griddle Directions: In a mixing bowl whisk together milk, pumpkin puree, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger until well combined. Pour into a shallow dish. Butter griddle and dip bread into egg mixture (allowing a few seconds for it to absorb mixture. I also squeeze gently to soak the mixture to center), then rotate and coat opposite side. Transfer to griddle and cook until golden brown on bottom, then lift, butter griddle once more and flip french toast to opposite side and cook until golden brown. Serve warm with butter and maple syrup. http://www.cookingclassy.com/2014/08/pump kin-french-toast/
24 | P a g e
A TransSask publication./GenderNews@TransSask.org.
Cereal Bar Recipe
(makes 12 or 24) 1/2 cup peanut butter or other nut butter 2 bananas, mashed 1/2 cup whole nuts (choose your favorite) 1 ½ cup total of dried fruits (cherries, cranberries, apricots, raisins, coconut, etc.) 1 cup rolled oats 1 tsp vanilla (optional) Pinch cinnamon (optional) 1/4 cup pumpkin or sunflower seeds (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 F. In a food processor, coarsely chop nuts and dried fruits. Mix nut butter and bananas until a paste forms. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix. Spoon into lightly greased muffin cups and bake for 15 minutes. Can be stored in refrigerator for 5 days.
For one granola bite (12 in recipe) = 190 calories, 8.4 g fat, 26.7 g carbohydrates, 5.4 g protein, 3.1 g fiber, 52 mg sodium, 5 Points+
25 | P a g e
A TransSask publication./GenderNews@TransSask.org.
26 | P a g e
A TransSask publication./GenderNews@TransSask.org.
TransSask's Quick Reference Calendar HOLIDAYS (Religious & Secular) LGBTQ+ OBSERVANCES IMPORTANT DATES EVENTS
OCTOBER LGBT HISTORY MONTH 02: Gender News (CJTR 91.3FM, Regina) 03: TransSask Coffee Group (Regina) 06: Gender Revolution (Saskatoon) 08: Social Club: Movie Night (Regina) 08: Coming OUT Party (OUTSaskatoon) 09: Gender News (CJTR 91.3FM, Regina) 10: TransSask Coffee Group (Regina) 10: Queer Community Thanksgiving (OUTSaskatoon) 11: National Coming Out Day 11-17: Ally Week 11: Thanksgiving Potluck (Regina, Q Nightclub) 12: Indigenous People's Day / Thanksgiving 13 – 21: Navarati 13: Gender Revolution (Saskatoon) 14: Moose Jaw Pride Formal Fall Fundraiser 15: Spirit Day 16: Community Cafe (Moose Jaw) 16: Gender News (CJTR 91.3FM, Regina) 17: International Day of Action for Trans Depathologization 17: TransSask Coffee Group (Regina) 20: Gender Revolution (Saskatoon) 23: Gender News (CJTR 91.3FM, Regina) 24: TransSask Coffee Group (Regina) 25 - 31: Asexual Awareness Week 26: Intersex Awareness Day 26 – Nov 8: 14 Days of Intersex 27: Gender Revolution (Saskatoon)
27 | P a g e
A TransSask publication./GenderNews@TransSask.org.
27: Positive Space Workshop (UR Pride) 30: Gender News (CJTR 91.3FM, Regina) 31: Samhain / Halloween 31: TransSask Coffee Group (Regina)
NOVEMBER Oct 26 – Nov 8: 14 Days of Intersex 01: TransParent Day 01: TransParent Day Brunch (OUTSaskatoon) 03: Gender Revolution (Saskatoon) 05: Anniversary of Court Ruling on Same-sex Marriage in Saskatchewan (2004) 05: Gender News submission deadline (pub: Nov 15) 05: Parent and Spouse Support Group (Regina) 06: Community Cafe (Moose Jaw) 06: Gender News (CJTR 91.3FM, Regina) 07: TransSask Coffee Group (Regina) 08: Intersex Day of Remembrance 08: Intersex Solidarity Day 10: Gender Revolution (Saskatoon) 11: Diwali 11: Remembrance Day 13: Gender News (CJTR 91.3FM, Regina) 14: TransSask Coffee Group (Regina) 15: Gender News – TDoR Special Edition 17: Gender Revolution (Saskatoon) 20: Transgender Day of Remembrance 20: Gender News (CJTR 91.3FM, Regina) 20: TDoR Event (Moose Jaw Pride) 20: TDoR Event (Regina, TransSask) 20: TDoR Event (Saskatoon, USSU Pride) 21: TransSask Coffee Group (Regina) 24: Gender Revolution (Saskatoon) 25: International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 25 – Dec 10: 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence 27: Gender News (CJTR 91.3FM, Regina) 28: TransSask Coffee Group (Regina) 29: International Women Human Rights Defenders Day
28 | P a g e
A TransSask publication./GenderNews@TransSask.org.
DECEMBER UNIVERSAL HUMAN RIGHTS MONTH Nov 25 – Dec 10: 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence 1 - 5: Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week 01: World AIDS Day 01: Rosa Parks Day 01: Gender Revolution (Saskatoon) 03: International Day of Persons with Disabilities 03: International Freedressing Awareness Day 03: Aromantic Asexual Day 03: Parent and Spouse Support Group (Regina) 04: Community Cafe (Moose Jaw) 04: Gender News (CJTR 91.3FM, Regina) 05: TransSask Coffee Group (Regina) 7 – 14: Hanukkah 08: Saskatchewan Gender Identity Bill Anniversary (2014) 08: Gender Revolution (Saskatoon) 10: International Human Rights Day 11: Gender News (CJTR 91.3FM, Regina) 12: TransSask Coffee Group (Regina) 15: Gender Revolution (Saskatoon) 15: Gender News submission deadline (pub: Jan 1) 17: International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers 18: Community Cafe (Moose Jaw) 18: Gender News (CJTR 91.3FM, Regina) 19: TransSask Coffee Group (Regina) 22: Yule / Winter Solstice 22: Gender Revolution (Saskatoon) 25: Christmas Day 26 – Jan 1: Kwanzaa 26: TransSask Coffee Group (Regina) 29: Gender Revolution (Saskatoon)
29 | P a g e
A TransSask publication./GenderNews@TransSask.org.
TransSask's Gender News Advertising Information
Description: e Magazine style newsletter distributed electronically to all members of TransSask Support Services, Inc. and subscribers to Gender News. Published on the 1st of every second month: Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep, Nov. Circulation: ~250 Readership: 500+ Mechanical Measurements: 2 column format. 8½ x 11 inches. Tabloid. Distributed PDF Suggested Donations / Per Ad / Per Issue (per year, 6 issues): 1/8 page (2.25” x 2.75”): $10 ($50) 1/8 page banner (8.5” x 1.375”): $10 ($50) 1/4 page (4.25” x 5.5”): $30 ($150) 1/4 page banner (8.5” x 2.75”): $30 ($150) 1/2 page horizontal (8.5” x 5.5”): $45 ($225) 1/2 page vertical (one column) (4.25” x 11”): $45 ($225) Full Page: $75 ($375) Advertisement Format: Please ensure all advertisements are 300dpi and in JPEG, PNG, or PDF format. Special Services / Production Charges: Minor design work, revision, and typesetting are provided at no extra charge. Custom design work can be provided at $30 per hour (1 hour minimum). Classified Advertising: Suggested donation of $10.00 per insertion of 100 words or fewer. Above 100 words, please consider a donation of $0.10 for each additional word. These donation suggestions cover one insertion. Please ensure all spelling is correct, as no proofs or tearsheets will be provided. No extra charge for boldface or ALL CAPITALIZED wording. Advertising Deadlines: Dec 15, Feb 15, Apr 15, June 15, Aug 15, Oct 15. Conditions: TransSask Support Services, Inc. reserves the right to reject any copy deemed unacceptable for publication. Advertising that resemble editorial material must be clearly labelled "Paid Advertisement." TransSask, at this time, cannot issue tax receipts for donations. To place an advertisement, or if you have any questions, please contact Gender News at GenderNews@TransSask.org
30 | P a g e
A TransSask publication./GenderNews@TransSask.org.