Regarding the catty and transphobic rant from Caitlyn Scott (”America’s Next Top Model features hot tranny mess“) last Tuesday in the LSU student newspaper, The Daily Reveille. I suppose Ms. Scott does not have too much to fear in calling Ms. Banks a “hot tranny mess,” but she needs to be careful in commenting on someone’s (”horrendous crimped”) hairstyle — just ask Don Imus …

Ladies and gentleman, the inevitable has happened — Tyra Banks has lost her freaking mind.

No, I’m not talking about the horrendous crimped hairstyle she recently wore to celebrate Vogue Italia’s first all-black model issue.

I’m not even referencing the recent reports that she kept an audience for her talk show waiting for two hours while she gabbed with stagehands around the snack table backstage.

I’m talking about Isis, Banks’ newest headline-snagging protégé.

Fourteen contestants are taking part in Cycle 11 of “America’s Next Top Model,” but only one of those 14 has the distinction of being born a man.

The 22-year-old aspiring model and Maryland native told Us Weekly that she is a woman who was born a male.

Now, I understand everyone is different — and transgendered persons have just as much right to be America’s next top model as anyone else.

But I personally find it a little hard to believe that Isis is more qualified to strut her stuff down the runway than the thousands of actual women she beat out for the part — including a bevy of Baton Rouge beauties when auditions were held in our fair city.

Which leads me to my next question — Is Isis pre-op or post-op?

She is tall, thin and leggy with boyish good looks that could lead to either conclusion.

Perhaps this is the final push in the campaign started by Twiggy in the 1960s and revived by Kate Moss in the 1990s of having runway models with the figures of 13-year-old boys.

Instead of having high-strung cocaine addicts who puke after meals as role models, young girls can idolize the bodies of modern- day eunuchs.

Perhaps Isis’ inherent testosterone will make her less of a cat-fighting attention whore than the other divas in training.

If Banks, the CW and co. want something to talk about, why not just allow men to participate in the show? Then Isis could stand and deliver without the surgery.

Do men want to be snipped at by noted fashion photographer Nigel Barker and runway diva extraordinaire Miss J. Alexander so badly that they’ll go to excruciating lengths to reach their goal? Are they aching for face time with Paulina Porizkova so hard that they’re willing to castrate themselves?

I wonder how Isis’ past will influence her performance on the show.

The ANTM judges have always expressed their love of androgyny in contestants like Cycle 5’s Kim. But what about Kim’s fellow castmate Coryn, who was frequently chastised for being too masculine?

I wonder if such comments directed at Isis would be considered offensive.

If this was a true attempt to be open-minded and progressive, I would applaud the ANTM team. But I call a spade a spade, and shameless plays for ratings make me reach for my Daily Reveille-issued shovel.

Plus-sized models are old news. We’ve seen scores of confrontational contestants. We’ve had race issues out the wazoo. There was even a lesbian hook up in Cycle 5. Now we’ve reached the final frontier of edgy reality TV.

Can a woman — born a man, but now a woman — make it as a top model?

This must herald the final chapter of “America’s Next Top Model.” How do they top this? Lizard people?

ANTM has a rich and diverse history of capitalizing on the differences of one girl each season.

Cycle 3 winner Eva was short – for a model.

Cycle 5 contestant Kim was a lesbian and Cycle 10 winner Whitney was plus sized.

They even had Heather — a contestant with Asperger’s Syndrome — on Cycle 9.

Banks recaps the chosen sob story at the front of every episode in an effort to strengthen the contestant’s emotional chokehold on the audience.

And honestly, if Isis is cool with being exploited who am I to contradict her? I’m sure this is the big throbbing break she’s been waiting for all her young life.

Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation president Neil Giuliano told Us Weekly this is “an unprecedented opportunity for a community that is underrepresented on television.”

I have to respectfully disagree with Mr. Giuliano.

Is he completely disregarding the character of Mrs. Garrison on South Park?

Besides, no one encompasses the phrase “hot tranny mess” better than Tyra Banks — and I see her on TV every day.

Last month the City Council and mayor of Hamtramck, Michigan voted to expand that city’s antidiscrimination protections to include discrimination based on one’s sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.

When such protections have been enacted in other places in the country, such as Montgomery County, Maryland, it’s much too often the case that opponents are firm and unyielding in their opposition.

But, not in Hamtramck, where Ypsilanti resident Jay McNally has displayed such a generous grasp of the meaning and spirit of compromise to the locals , according to today’s Detroit Free Press [emphasis added] …

To Randy Groseclose, an antidiscrimination ordinance passed last month by the Hamtramck City Council sets a dangerous precedent.

“There’s concern about what impact an ordinance like this would have on traditional family values,” the 31-year-old married resident said, noting, “I definitely don’t support any kind of discrimination.”

To others, including Mayor Karen Majewski, the ordinance is a sign of compassionate governance. “The intention … is simply to recognize and ensure basic human rights, basic equality of treatment under the law for every resident of Hamtramck.”

The ordinance prohibits discrimination in housing, employment and city contracting against a wide range of groups, but its inclusion of protections covering sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression has put the city at the center of an ideological battle.

In addition to local interest, outside groups such as the American Family Association of Michigan and the Triangle Foundation have taken a strong interest in the debate.

Groseclose was one of several people who collected signatures for a petition that could allow residents to vote on the ordinance. The group needed 417 signatures from registered voters and collected close to 600. City Clerk Ed Norris said he expects to finish the certification process by Monday. If the group collected enough valid signatures, the City Council would be able to repeal the ordinance or put it on a ballot.

Sean Kosofsky, spokesman for Triangle Foundation in Detroit, said the fight in Hamtramck is the latest skirmish between those who support gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender rights and those who oppose them. He cited fights over similar ordinances in Ann Arbor, Ferndale, Ypsilanti and other Michigan cities.

He said opponents’ claims that the ordinance would target groups such as the Boy Scouts, Salvation Army and others because of their stances on gay rights are lies. “They’re going to try to pit neighbor against neighbor,” he said.

But Jay McNally, a former Michigan Catholic editor from Ypsilanti, disagreed.

McNally, who considers himself a member of the American Family Association, said council members likely did not understand “the disastrous implications of what the Triangle Foundation has in mind.”

Still, he offered what he considered to be a compromise: McNally said he could support the ordinance without references to sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, points Majewski said were “nonnegotiable.”

Rights ordinance stirs debate

Asheville’s a much smaller place compared to, for instance, Autumn’s home town of San Diego. That means that AVL just doesn’t generate as much news, but it doesn’t mean that things are not happening transgender-wise here. Kudos to Zeke and Tranzmissions. From the UNC-A student newspaper today …

The Heart Breaker’s Ball broke free from the archetypical dance formal to create the ultimate night to remember: Queer Prom, a benefit ball for transgender, transidentity charities.

“The Heart Breaker’s Ball is awesome, because so many people felt really awkward at their prom or didn’t go to it. It’s great that a fancy dress event can include people of way different genders,” said Kyle Korbas, a 22-year-old resident of Asheville.

The Heart Breaker’s Ball was a benefit for Tranzmission, a group dedicated to raising awareness and support for people of transgender and transidentity, and Tranzmission Prison Books, which sends trans-identified prisoners books and sets up pen pals as part of a support system.

“A lot of time when they are in prison they’re pretty much alienated and don’t have anyone to talk to,” said Christine Stroud, a 21-year-old literature student.

The benefit held last Wed. at the Joli Rouge was a big success, according to Tranzmission officials.

“We raised around $600. We had about 15 to20 books donated, which is really awesome. We can use regular Prison Books’ books, but a lot of their books aren’t directed to gay, queer or trans subjects. All the money goes to postage and buying books,” Stroud said.

With a large trans-identified population, a lot of Asheville residents continually come out to support these events, according to Tranzmission.

“I think that the Heart Breaker’s Ball is one of the most beneficial charities I’ve ever given money to. I don’t even believe in charity, but I feel all right giving to this one. Also, I didn’t even know if I had any queer books, but I found out I have every David Sedaris book, and that technically counts,” said Kendra Eaves, a UNC Asheville student double-majoring in classics and history.

The entertainment ranged from local punk rock bands to burlesque to a full-on dance party.

Attendees won raffle prizes from local businesses such as Harvest Records and Rosetta’s Kitchen, and a consistent line of people waited for their turn in the ball’s Polaroid photo booth, which was complete with a romantic black backdrop decorated with hearts.

“I think as far as in the community we get a lot of support. Just for the benefit, we had so many businesses donate gift certificates for the raffle. All the businesses in town seem really supportive, like Rosetta’s, Mayfel’s, Doc Chey’s, all the places like that,” Stroud said.

People at the ball agreed community events and organizations keep Asheville alive and localized.

Visitors might think of Asheville as weird. After all, this town is a major tourist attraction, but Asheville culture revolves around community.

“I’m an organizer of the Heart Breaker’s Ball. It’s a project that is very dear to my heart. I feel like trans-work in this town is really important right now. Any projects we do to forward that work is great. If we can make way for more awareness and community surrounding Tranzmission all the better,” Heather Steele said.

Endless Bummer and Nasty Ponies both performed, and DJ Abu Disarray provided a variety of dance tracks throughout the evening.

When a bunch of Asheville people get together for an event like a queer prom, they bring it.

“It’s about lawless love,” said Crysta Brock, a 22-year-old literature student.

With organizations like Tranzmission, Asheville benefits from diversity and support for a sustainable community, producing the recognized counter-culture that draws people to the area.

“I always like working with Tranzmission. They’re one of the best crowds we work with. The performances are great. I love throwing events that aren’t standard but good for the community and help people out,” said Jacob Levinsohn, the 30-year-old partial owner of Joli Rouge.

UNCA students made a presence at the ball, however most in attendance have no affiliation with the university.

“There could be more support at UNCA. It seems like they want to move toward that, but they could be doing more. I know of at least one trans-student at school,” Stroud said.

Tranzmission hosts Queer Prom

Local transgender awareness group raises funds to support transgender prisoners

“Counter-culture”?  Who can forget that? Growin’ old. 

I guess I’m just being one of those “homosexual activists [who] have seized on [the] Lawrence King case,” but the California Catholic Daily’s really picking on a scab as far as I’m concerned.

The CCD published a story today (about which they were “scooped on” by the WorldNetDaily, which reported about it on Feb. 12, before the murder of Lawrence King) called “No escape from sexual indoctrination”, which refers to remarks that Randy Thomasson of the Campaign for Children and Families made in Los Angeles on Feb. 11 …

One of the laws, SB 777, prohibits public school instruction and activities from “promoting a discriminatory bias” against transsexuality, bisexuality, and homosexuality for all grade levels, including kindergarten. There is no “opt out” clause for parents who do not want this for their children.

The other law, AB 394, requires that schools provide publications, wall posters, web curricula, and handouts on anti-discrimination and anti-harassment training. Thomasson believes these are, in effect, indoctrination to promote various sexual lifestyles — especially since AB 394 fails to define the term, “harassment.”

(It seems to me that Thomasson might be comfortable with a definition that says, in essence, “no lives lost, no harassment.”)

Now, I was just taking a look at the home page (Daily News) of the CCD, with the news they’ve reported on since Feb. 12.

I see one item, “To promote respect and acceptance”. I see another, Five lives spared on Wednesday (from Family Planning Associates in San Diego).

I don’t see anything about Larry, a youngster who had “no escape” and no “opt out clause.”

… for trans people (real and fictional) was the topic of a number of items in the news this morning.

First, there’s the respect that a trans or gender-variant person hopes he or she will receive when they face a medical or emergency situation (Autumn, a couple of days before her recent surgery, mentioned the case of Tyra Hunter in D.C.). A letter-writer today in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review thought that Rebecca Hare at least received that paramount respect …

I wish to thank Chief James Holman and the City of Pittsburgh’s Emergency Medical Services, River Rescue Unit, for the professionalism and respect they showed Rebecca Hare as they rescued her from the cold river on Feb. 7 (“Divers pluck woman from flooded Downtown basement,” Feb. 8 and PghTrib.com).

It makes me proud to live in Pittsburgh.

This is a stark contrast to other cities, where the treatment of transgender people has been horrendous. This is another sign of the support the city has toward its lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender population.

But …

However, I was disappointed with the news media’s reporting of this incident. Their reference to Ms. Hare as a man was a blatant form of disrespect to her and to the transgender men and women living in Pittsburgh.

The only reporting agency that showed some respect was the Trib, and for that I do thank you.

(The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, in their article on the rescue, did not refer to Hare as a “man.”)

I don’t know if we’re making progress here, yesterday it was “garbage,” today’s it’s “slop” …

It looks like The Telegraph has reached a new low. The Sunday front-page, lead story could be a story found in any underground paper. (Part 2 of our series on New Hampshire’s transgender community.)

The Telegraph chose to put this slop on the front page. Isn’t this the type of story that can be found while waiting in checkout lines at the food store?

When is the editor going to understand that not everything that can be printed is worth printing?

When is the editor going to choose to stop downgrading the paper, or is this the type of “reporting” that we have waiting in store for us?

On a more positive note, as quoted today in the The Times (Munster, Indiana), Olympia Dukakis on Mrs. Madrigal …

Viva life!

Olympia Dukakis won best supporting actress for playing Cher’s sarcastic ma in “Moonstruck,” but her heart belongs to another character. Her favorite role to date: Anna Madrigal, the pot-smoking landlady in the 1993 miniseries “Tales of the City.”

The quirky transsexual “was extraordinary,” praised Dukakis, in town directing “Botanic Garden” at the Victory Garden Greenhouse Theater. “She was a woman who survived herself, who dared to say ‘Yes’ to life and look at the obstacles. It’s incredible how brave some people are — and have to be — to say ‘Yes.’ “

I can’t say I’d care to be referred to as “garbage” … Jeers …

My annual renewal for The Sunday Telegraph came in the mail recently. On Sunday morning (Feb. 10), The Telegraph devoted the front page to alternative transgender lifestyles for the second time within a month or so.

Why is this news?

There is so much garbage in the media that is thrown at the population. In order to not be subjected to it, I turn off TV shows, change the channel, walk out of movies, and I am selective about the radio stations I will tune into.

Mr. Editor, due to your decision to publish the transgender series, I have canceled my subscription to The Telegraph.

What is your agenda? Do you feel the need to enlighten the population about this lifestyle? I do not share your agenda and do not want it shoved down my throat.

If more people are disgusted with this garbage being passed as news, I hope you to will cancel your subscription to The Telegraph.

This is the only thing they will understand. Send them a message loud and clear that this is unacceptable. The transgender stories are not news.

The Telegraph is not a newspaper, but is a liberal, socialist rag.

~~~~~

See …

Group a place to be open

When one thinks of Wall Street and “Trannies,” one might think we’re talking about …

But, no, today we’re talking about Goldman Sachs … When you can bankroll, package and sell subprime crap and then famously sell it short (interesting story there), you may have a few bucks to lavish on “rare diversity” …

Goldman Sachs bankers and traders enjoy famously big bonuses and, this year, a little extra job security thanks to their firm’s ability to steer clear of the worst effects of the subprime mortgage debacle.

Now, they can add something else to the list of reasons why life is great at Goldman: free sex-change surgery.

Fortune.com reported Friday that Goldman added coverage of sex-reassignment surgery to its medical plan last year. The article was part of a sidebar on “unusual perks” that came with Fortune’s latest ranking of the 100 best companies to work for in the United States. (Goldman was No. 9, up significantly from No. 36 last year.)

Goldman employees can undergo the procedure, which normally costs anywhere from $5,000 to $150,000, and have it paid for entirely by their medical insurance.

…

Another Goldman Perk: Sex Changes

Priceless, and, for most everyone else, there’s Wal-Mart.

This morning to people like Matt for his (tongue-in-cheek) comment at Towleroad (”Advocate Reveals New Findings from HRC ENDA Poll“) …

What a stupid poll. Talk about gaming the results. Transgender people deserve protection but I’m not persuaded they have anything to do with gay people. Of course, saying this is verboten but it’s just my (gay) opinion.

Posted by: Dan | Nov 9, 2007 1:52:58 PM

Dan,

Of course transgendered people have something to do with gays. They are the gay communities ugly stepsister. We only bring them out when we need to be entertained at a bar or need them to stand up for our rights why [sic] we slack.

Posted by: Matt | Nov 9, 2007 2:02:33 PM

Cheers and thanks to Barbara Lee (-41:15), Jerrold Nadler (-26:40), Dennis Kucinich (-14:45), Carolyn Maloney (-9:40) and Rush Holt (-8:00) who spoke on behalf of the Baldwin Amendment and transgender inclusion during this debate today on H.R. 3685.

“I will not rest until their right to lives their lives free of fear, discrimination and intolerance is the law of this land.” — Rep. Carolyn Maloney (N.Y.)

Birch might be more to the liking of Hilary White (and fellow travelers) writing in LifeSite today …

On October 25, the School of Law at Santa Clara University, a self-described “Jesuit, Catholic university,” honoured one of the US’ most famous homosexual legal activists at its fourth annual “Celebration of Diversity” gala.

A news release said Birch, a graduate of the school, was president and executive director of the Human Rights Campaign, “the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) advocacy organization,” from 1994 to 2004. Californian Catholic reports that under her tenure, Human Rights Campaign increased its membership from 100,000 to 1.1 million supporters, and its revenues from US $6.5 million to almost $30 million.

Santa Clara University is a well known problem spot to campaigners seeking to reform Catholic higher education. The Cardinal Newman Society, a Washington-based Catholic advocacy group that seeks to restore an authentic Catholic character to such schools, included Santa Clara in its 2006 list of US colleges claiming a Catholic name that opposed Catholic teaching in areas like promoting homosexuality or abortion.

In 2005, the school hosted the first “Out There” conference, the purpose of which was to “promote opportunities for gays and lesbians at Catholic colleges.” Officials of the University defended the conference saying it was “the Catholic way to act.” The 2005 conference attracted 150 students and faculty from 40 different Catholic colleges and universities and was praised by gay activists as opening a new door between the homosexual activist community and the world of Catholic education.

However some folks (for example) may feel about Ms. Birch and her tenure at HRC, or about the Society of Jesus (who liberally educated me a long time ago), kudos to SCU for … bestowing … well, never mind any of that … for irritating these folks. Go Broncos!

The swift and the proud …

…

Nevada Senator John Ensign, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, disagreed with Specter during an interview on ABC’s “This Week” program.

“It was probably best” for Craig to resign, said Ensign. “It was best for himself, best for his family, and best for the institution of the Senate.”

Craig “admitted guilt,” said Ensign. One of the things that made him “proudest” of the Republican leadership in the Senate was the “swift action” taken to call for an ethics investigation …

Specter Says Larry Craig Should Fight Restroom Case

… and the not-so-swift …

A GOP leader Sunday denied a double standard in pushing Sen. Larry Craig to resign after a sex sting guilty plea, while remaining silent over GOP Sen. David Vitter’s involvement with an escort service.

A senior Democrat said a double standard by Republican leaders is exactly what occurred.

Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., the Senate Republican campaign chairman, said Craig “admitted guilt. That is a big difference between being accused of something and actually admitting guilt.”

“David Vitter never did that. Larry Craig did,” continued Ensign on ABC’s “This Week” program.

Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt. and chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, expressed a contrary view on “Fox News Sunday.”

“One, I say there’s a double standard,” said Leahy. “Secondly, I don’t think they’ll ask him (Vitter) to resign because, of course, he’d be replaced by a Democrat. It’s easier to ask Larry Craig to resign because he’d be replaced by a Republican.”

Idaho has a Republican governor who will appoint a successor to Craig. Louisiana’s governor is a Democrat.

…

GOP Touts Swift Action on Craig

Today’s cheers to management consultant and columnist Lynne Curry, who gave this advice to a letter-writer whining about her “rights” …

You have rights — but not the right to tell Frances what sex she is or what restroom she uses.

…

Although many share with you the strongly held belief that changing one’s sexual identity is a moral issue, three thoughts may help you come to terms with the fact that you work with Frances.

First, those who feel at home in their own skin ordinarily perform better than those who always feel not quite right. Some of Frances’ former odd behaviors may fall away now that she has the chance to present herself to the world in the sexual identity that she feels is hers.

Second, although you feel put out by Frances’ transformation, can you imagine what it must have been like for her to have felt in the wrong body and sexual identity since birth? No one elects the painful and rigorous surgery needed to change sexual identity without having experienced severe anguish over the situation.

Finally, as you employer apparently feels, Frances and Frank possess the same skills. In the workplace, that’s what matters.

Lynne’s column can be found in the Anchorage Daily News.

Remember Ron Sanders … ?

“Mr. Stanton is not a role model. He’s proven that. I think for the sake of our young people today, you need to do what’s right, and that’s terminate him. … If Jesus was here tonight, I can guarantee you he’d want him terminated. Make no mistake about it.”

Well, here’s the latest from “God’s man in Largo” …

The Bible says in Proverbs 14:34 “Righteousness exalteth a nation but sin is a reproach to any people.” I believe America has ceased to be good and is in serious trouble with God. I believe this country is guilty of murder before God. The sixth commandment says: “Thou shalt not kill.” Since Roe v. Wade millions and millions of babies have been aborted (murdered) in the name of liberalism. Homosexuality and the transgender lifestyle are an abomination (extreme disgust) to God (Leviticus 18:22, Deuteronomy 22:5) and have become accepted in the name of liberalism.

Thank goodness, I never promised you good, gentle — and reasonable — people any such thing here at the Heights.

But, I will almost guarantee that most reasonable people anywhere are happy for the Chungs …

A judge on Monday ruled in favor of a dry cleaner that was sued for $54 million over a missing pair of pants in a case that garnered international attention and renewed calls for litigation reform.

Dry Cleaner Wins in Missing-Pants Case

And, I will almost guarantee that there will a bit of time before any litigation reform. So, I hope the Chungs have a shot at Judge Pearson. It just doesn’t seem like “costs” are adequate recompense for what he did to these people.

A couple of reactions to the verdict …

Too bad Judge Bartnoff couldn’t find some way to have Pearson reimburse all of us …

Fortunately, the plaintiff (a wackjob who gives Larry Seidlin a run for his money) failed in his self-imposed goal of “suing the pants off” of the offending cleaners.

… to the progressive and enlightened organizers of the Miss Spain beauty contest, for so graciously allowing mothers and transsexuals to compete for the title.

The move comes after the contest’s decision to dethrone a 22-year-old
beauty queen in February when it emerged she had a young son sparked
criticism of the pageant’s organizers from the press and the government.

… and for the subtle and tactful manner in which they explained the decision to bar mother, Anna Bustillo, from the contest.

Pageant organizers justified their rules at the time, arguing that
fathers, unlike mothers, `do not undergo substantial physical changes
that would impede them from carrying out duties such as travel and
taking part in parades that are required of pageant winners.’

… and for so unhesitatingly taking the initiative.

They decided to change the rules as well to allow transsexuals to
compete in both the Miss and Mister Spain contest in the wake of a new
law which came into effect in March that allows transsexuals to change
their name and official gender without the need for a surgical operation.

… and, again, for their subtle and tactful manner.

`Of course, their morphology must match their civil status,’ the
pageant organizer said.

(Disclosure: Stephanie, who knows a thing or two about the Bronx, and cheers, is a bit morphologically-challenged and has not contacted any travel agents about a stay in Ibiza.)