Dear CES Sisters,

Sometimes our newsletters have a theme. This month Rebecca and I must have been thinking telepathically. We both wrote articles on our thoughts about who we should tell about our crossdressing. And we both came to the same conclusion.

This issue of The Rose has the remaining student comments from our recent outreach effort at Goucher. As always, the student's observations are insightful and interesting. After publishing the first half of the comments last month, one of the letters to the editrix suggested we might want to make the student's comments the subject of discussion at one of our meetings.

We are introducing a new feature this month, Ask Miss Chatelaine, thanks to the Erie Sisters Transgender Support Group. Miss Chatelaine is a regular contributor to Mirror Images, the Erie Sisters newsletter. Our thanks to Erie Sisters and the editrix of Mirror Images, Melina Stevens for sharing Miss Chatelaine with us.

With a tear in our eye, we bid adieu to Yvonne and Julie. They will soon be moving to New Mexico. Yvonne has been our webmistress for the last couple of years. We'll miss you both!

This newsletter is a labor of love for each of our contributing editrixes. Please join the staff by submitting your own insights into the world of crossdressing. You can send your input to RRBoyd@aol.com, or R. R. Boyd, P.O. Box 2252, Ashburn, VA 20146-9152.

Rachel Rene Boyd
Newsletter Editrix

Executive Committee Announces 2001 Schedule

The Chi Epsilon Sigma regular meetings will be held on the following Saturdays in 2001. Please note that the July 28th meeting will be a non-dressing event to express our appreciation to our spouses and S.O.s for their understanding and support throughout the year.

January 13
February 17
March 24
April 21
May 19
June 23
July 28 (DRAB)
August 25
September 22
October 27
November 17
December 15

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As I See It... Some Meandering Thoughts from Rebecca

By Rebecca Adams

I'd like to thank Grace, Yvonne and Terri for setting a great example as Chair during their tenures in office. Each of them was confronted by a number of different situations and each rose to the occasion setting an example of resilience, continuity of purpose, and vision. I can only hope to follow in their footsteps.

Also I think it is time to express our appreciation to Vickie for her three years as Program Chairwoman. She set such a blistering pace that when we discovered that the mold was broken after Vickie and no one stepped forward to do the legion service she did, we decided that it would take four of us to take her place. Fortunately we have three years of innovative, inventive, and invigorating programs to model this coming year after. Thanks again Ms Victoria Frost for your legion service to our Chapter!

Another continuing bright light over the past three years has been our Newsletter. And Rachel's efforts as Editrix have paid off month after month in terms of providing a newsletter that is frequently quoted in the Tri-Ess Mirror and in other chapter newsletters nation-wide. This is one area where you can and do make a difference. She needs a continual supply of material, material that is funny, serious, poetic, philosophical, social, whatever turns you on will most likely turn others on…so tell her about it so she can tell us--and the world--about it through the newsletter.

You gave us some great ideas last February in your survey responses and we have adopted literally 90% of them. We're setting unlimited time and a private space aside every meeting night for spouse interaction. We're publicizing the programs far in advance and we're focusing on socializing during the meeting nights. We're encouraging excursions on the part of more adventuresome sisters, ranging from en femme dinners before the meeting to participation in local education efforts and at regional and national TG galas and S.P.I.C.E. While maintaining our original sense of confidentiality and security, we are attempting to streamline the introduction process. Your ideas and suggestions made sense so your chapter is implementing them.

The bottom line is that we have gotten this far because of you and your efforts. And the only way we can continue and go even farther depends on your continued and consistent support. We were there for each other three years ago, we were there for those who have recently joined us, and we must be there for those who have yet to join us. Other crossdressers are out there and they will learn about us…we must be there for them when that time comes. Only through Supporting Service to others will we have the spirit of Serenity.

Rebecca Adams Chairwoman, Chi Epsilon Sigma

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Chi Epsilon Sigma Executive Committee

Rebecca Adams, Chairperson
beckyxd@hotmail.com

Marsha Edwards, Vice Chairperson
marshaedwards@aol.com

Grace Gardener, Secretary/Treasurer
grace-gardener@home.com

Terri Lynn Andrews, Past Chairperson
terrilynna@hotmail.com

Linda Sullivan, Spouse Representative
linda_sullivan51@hotmail.com

Mary Alice Barrett, Membership*
zoom@paonline.com

Rachel Rene Boyd, Newsletter Editrix*
RRBoyd@aol.com

*Non-voting members

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Minutes of the CES Chapter Meeting June 23, 2001

The June meeting was held on June 23, 2001 and the following were in attendance: Ashley, Danielle, Doneene and Marsha, Grace, Janet, Leslie and Martha, Mary Alice, Rachel, Rebecca, Shana, and Terri.

Terri opened the meeting at 7:30 following the Social Hour with a series of announcements. First she laid out Chapter activities outlined by the Executive Board for the following nine months:

July--En drab picnic in honor of our spouses and significant others; location and times to be announced by Rebecca at a later time.

August--Clothing auction on Saturday hosted by Mary Alice followed on Sunday by an en femme picnic hosted by Doneene and Marsha

September--Session by Dr. Kate Thomas--members and spouses are encouraged to provide Dr. Thomas with questions on which she can build a presentation.

October--Annual Crossdressers' Patron Saint Day--two locations--Rho Tau in Williamsburg and the usual meeting site…refreshments provided by Chapter.

November--Two locations--Erie Gala and the usual meeting site…the meeting site will sponsor a "Night at the Movies."

December--Santa Claus is looking for a place and a hostess

January--Fashion Show hosted by Rebecca

February--Suggestion was made to ask Heather to present a session on "Major Wig Care"…Rebecca agreed to follow up. And then the suggestion was made to ask Heather is she would consider the possibility of doing some makeovers prior to the August meeting…Rebecca will check on that as well.

Terri then presented the following slate of officers for the coming year: Marsha as Vice Chair, Linda Sullivan as Spouse representative, Grace as Secretary/Treasurer. The motion was seconded, discussion followed, and then a vote was taken with the majority present voting in favor of the board nominees.

Rebecca then read two e-mail messages received from members--Yvonne Martin who was leaving the area who expressed her appreciation for CES and wished us all the best, and one from Maureen and Liz expressing their thanks for the Chapter's concern and explaining all that has transpired with them over the past year.

Rebecca also announced the following list of participants for Dr. Thomas' class on July 18: Marsha and Doneene, Janet, Rachel, Shana, and Rebecca.

Mary Alice gave a status report on the progress towards membership by two candidates. And Grace reminded the membership that dues are due the end of July and that she would be sending a reminder out along with the updated list of members and their e-mail addresses.

Terri then turned the meeting over to Rachel who gave an excellent and professional presentation (complete with handouts) as what to plan for when going "out on the town." Rachel's efforts were soundly applauded and greatly appreciated; she was encouraged to provide portions of this presentation in subsequent issues of the newsletter.

Terri concluded the official portion of the meeting with her heartfelt appreciation for the support and cooperation she has received from all members during the year she served as Chair. And she also expressed her support in continuing on as Director, noting in the process the support and the example she received from Yvonne Sullivan who was completing her tenure of that position.

The meeting terminated about 10:00 with the remnants of the several pizzas being deposited with the front desk in appreciation for their efforts to "take care of us guys!"

Respectfully submitted,

Rebecca Adams

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Makeovers Available at the August Meeting!

Looking to improve your feminine presentation? Want to learn makeup tips that will make you the gorgeous person you know you are? You can do that with a professional makeover by Heather Anne of My Lady's Mirror in Hanover, PA. Heather has done makeovers prior to our meetings before….and the results are stunning.

Heather can be available for makeovers prior to the August 25 meeting. However, she needs at least three reservations confirmed with a credit card to make it worthwhile for her. If you are interested in making such arrangements, you should contact Heather directly at myladys_mirror@hotmail.com for details and arrangements. Her rate for each makeover is $75, a $10 discount from the normal price. You've seen many of us at our best--and those results are indicative of the wonders Heather can work.

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Meeting Room Reminder

Should I Tell Bob?

By Rachel Rene Boyd

The students at Goucher College and Villa Julie College always ask insightful questions. In a recent session one of the questions was, "How do you decide whom to tell about your crossdressing?" Given the misunderstanding about crossdressing in the general public, that is a very important consideration. Tell the wrong person and you could lose a job, a friend, a spouse, a security clearance, or much more.

The easy answer is, "You tell only those people who need to know." Okay, but how do we decide who needs to know?

We may want to tell everyone, once we have come out to ourselves. We are relieved, joyful and even exuberant when we have finally admitted to ourselves that we are blessed with a special gift. But there are consequences to telling other people. We have to remember their needs as well as our own. Most people are going to be uncomfortable with crossdressing. Even those who accept us as crossdressers often do so only after a prolonged examination and consideration of what it means to be a crossdresser. They understand the motivations for crossdressing even less than we do. Those we tell have to make a special effort to understand, and probably never do completely understand our motivation. Some will reject us out-of-hand. Others will find the special effort too much to bear to maintain a relationship with us. So we have to be very careful in deciding whom we should tell about our special gift.

So how do we decide? Let's start with the one closest to us, our spouse. It is generally well accepted that our spouse needs to know. Keeping something this personal from our spouse risks disaster if and when she/he does find out. That creates feelings of mistrust and betrayal. "If he didn't tell me this, what else is he keeping from me?" That mistrust alone can be devastating to a marriage. So, notwithstanding the fact that many of us have kept crossdressing from our spouses, even for many years, it is best "fess up", and the sooner the better. Your spouse definitely needs to know.

How about telling our children? There is less unanimity on whether children should be told. Some people keep it from their children indefinitely. Others wait until the children are older, or even wait until they are adults. A few chose to tell their children and let them grow up with the concept. No one really knows what is best for the children. Just remember that whenever you tell them, it places a special burden in their lives. Their friends are not going to understand, so knowing you are a crossdresser is either a dark secret they have to keep, or a source of alienation from their friends.

So how about telling other family members? Do they really need to know? After all, they are family, and should make an effort to understand your little peccadillo. What you have to consider is whether your relationship will be improved by telling relatives. They may not want to make that special effort to understand, and may resent you for placing that burden on them.

Telling your friends can be especially risky. They do not have the same vested interest in maintaining a relationship with you that a family member does. They can simply choose to reject you. Do you know whether your friend knowing will improve your relationship? If you don't know, you had better not risk it.

That's a choice I had to make recently. I have gotten close to one of my friends from work. Bob and I have shared a lot of common concerns over the years. We talk about the pressures of work, the joys of our pastimes, the challenges of family, and much else. Bob jokingly kidded me when I wore a dress to a Halloween party he and his wife Patty were attending. Patty commented that my make-up was done too well for someone who had just experimented with crossdressing. Bob and Patty both hinted that maybe there was something more to my crossdressing than just the Halloween party. I took that as an invitation to tell them both.

I planned how I was going to tell them, and was looking forward to potentially being Rachel with my long time friends. Then I asked myself, "Do they really need to know?" Sure I would be happier, but would they be happier knowing their friend regularly engaged in a socially unacceptable behavior? I've kept my secret to myself all of these years. Is it fair for me to ask them to keep the very secret I couldn't keep from them? Will they want to tell others? A secret is only a secret if only one person knows it. Once it's told, it's no longer a secret.

That happened to Marsha Edwards. Marsha's alter ego told a good friend of his for reasons similar to mine. His friend was not upset by the news. In fact his friend proceeded to tell others in their community in a hurtful way. Marsha has now lost a friend and her privacy. This illustrates the point that you cannot control the situation once you choose to tell someone else.

Then there was a scene in the video "All Dressed Up and No Place to Go" (Cajun Films, 1996). This is a documentary video about four crossdressers, their families, and their lifestyles. At one point the wife of one of the crossdressers told how she had shared her husband's secret with her best friend of many years. Her friend said, "That may be okay for you, but I need a real man." You could see the hurt on this woman's face as she went on to say now her friend won't have anything to do with her.

You can never predict how a friend is going to react to knowing you are a crossdresser. Yes, there are stories where people have told someone only to find out that person has a similar proclivity. But I suspect that is extremely rare. Given the prevalent rejection of crossdressing by most people, you are more likely to lose a friendship than deepen it by sharing your secret. So when I ask myself the question, "Do they really need to know", I have to admit it is more my need than their need that drives me. Bob and Patty are still good friends, and they still don't know about Rachel.

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Kalina's Corner

by Kalina Mirev

I'm so glad that you've made a corner for me in The Rose. I feel proud of that. Thank you for appreciating my efforts in writing poetry in a non-native language. Here are two more of my poems.

"A Nightie in Roses" is one of my older poems, from November 2000. Reading it, my wife (she's also an English teacher) tore the piece of paper. She got angry with me. The second one was written yesterday. You maybe know about the war in Macedonia. It goes on in some 300 miles from my home, and about 30 miles from my parents' home. They live in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. It's 20 miles from the Macedonian border. Lots of people die and suffer there. I wrote "The War", under impression of the hot news from there. That's horrible! I hate wars.

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I Know Something You Don't!

By Rebecca Adams

Not only do crossdressers always seem to be "pushing the envelope" in terms of things to wear and places to be seen, but we also seem to have a fixation on "who else can we/should we tell" about our crossdressing.

Granted, the above characteristics do not apply to those who are still "in the closet" so to speak, either in terms of telling their spouse or SO or appearing en femme in public. But even those of us who are still "in the closet" need to give some thought to who they might share their secret with and how they will do it--that time will most likely come for all of us.

There are several categories about people and situations where we must tell or at least have prepared something that will explain our transgender natures.

First of all, for those of us with a knowing and supportive spouse, but with adult children who are not aware of their father's predilection for feminine apparel, a letter to be opened upon your demise would be a very helpful device for your spouse. If you have an "18-wheeler day" on the Beltway, she will have enough traumas to deal with besides trying to explain your matching sets of panties and bras to your children. Don't assume she'll hide them from your kids--having been there with my own parents and siblings as well as being a Survivor Assistance Officer dealing with deaths of service personnel there's too much going on for people to think clearly at such a time as this.

The same goes for a letter from your spouse if she is of the supportive nature. A joint letter to be opened in the event you both go down in an aircraft accident would explain a lot to your grieving children who may well have their spouses assist them in clearing up your belongings. There'll be a whole lot of explaining going on and who best to set the stage but you and your spouse.

Then for those of us without a knowing spouse, don't assume that we're not liable to have such a day. Accidents happen every day and that thin film of nylon on your buns is no protective device…the chances are that the medical crew on the scene or in the ER will note "inappropriate apparel" but you won't be there to explain. You definitely need to have a very comprehensive and compassionate letter in your files if you wear lingerie regularly or maintain a stash any place where it will be uncovered during the settlement of your estate. Anger is one of the stages of grief but it would be best not to compound that emotion by the discovery of said stash without some form of explanation. After all, one common situation she could envision is that you're keeping "another woman" on the side and this erroneous thought would be far more hurtful than the truth.

But is there anyone else who really needs to know? I know that we all have that secret wish as we work and deal with others that goes "if only they knew that under this suit and tie are panties and bra…." I guess it is sort of a game on our part--sort of an adult "I know something you don't know!" But think of it this way--what we are is--for better or worse--a secret from society. That's not saying that it should be but that it is. When you tell someone a secret two things happen. First of all you are placing a burden on that individual…and maybe it is a burden that person is not comfortable with or even wants to know. Secondly, you are taking one devil of a chance…a chance of anything from blackmail to a perverse sense of pleasure on the other person's part at doing you in. Are you ready to pay that price? Is your spouse or significant other willing to pay that price?

If you have a knowing spouse, supportive or otherwise, she has a say in your telling someone else--she's viewed by society as your partner and helpmate. Remember back to the hey-day of the scandals of the last administration? Remember how there was serious concern on the part of various groups from right to left on the feminist issue as to what signal Hillary was sending by "standing by her man?" Society sends mixed signals…people read into a situation what they want to so give that some thought before sharing your secret with anyone else. Give her a say in the matter, please!

The bottom line is simple--and governmental in origin--tell only those who have a genuine "need to know."

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Goucher College Student's Reaction to Meeting Crossdressers

Nelson Kofie, formely Assistant Professor of Sociology at Goucher College has recently accepted a position at Prince George's Community College as an Associate Professor of Sociology. Dr. Kofie is currently conducting research on the marital experiences of heterosexual crossdressers and their wives or ex-wives. Couples and individuals who are interested in sharing their marriage experiences could contact him at nkwari@home.com. Two Chi Epsilon Sigma couples recently attended Prof. Kofie's class on Deviance and Social Control. Last month we published about half of the student's reflections on their encounter with crossdressers and their spouses/S.O.s. Here's the other half. Ed.

Dear Friends:
I thank you once again for your willingness to be guest presenters in my class. You provided my students and I with a priceless opportunity to engage in an intellectual feast on a significant, but misunderstood topic within our society--the marital dynamics of heterosexual crossdressing husbands and their wives. Needless to say, it was especially thrilling to have some of the wives account of their personal experiences being married to husbands who are crossdressers. As you know, in depth information on how wives experience and account for their marriages to crossdressers are hard to gather because many wives fear being stigmatized. I really appreciate Chi Epsilon Sigma wives for taking up the challenge to help dispel some of the myths about their marriages to crossdressers.

As you would notice in the following web board "discussions forum," the period we spend with you only whet our appetites to learn more about crossdressing. We spent the class session following your visit pondering, analyzing, and theorizing, only to end up with more questions. I hope the students' personal reflections and commentaries about what they learned (or unlearned) from your presentation serves as a reminder of the significance of your outreach initiative. As usual, your presentation has generated more discussion among students than you could ever imagine. As one student jokingly said to me: "Twenty years from now, we will remember the crossdressers you invited to our class, but not you."

Regards,

Nelson Kofie

Spring, 2001: Deviance and Social Control
Heterosexual Crossdressing Husbands and their Wives

Husband and wives forum
Posted on April 24 2001 at 11:00:02
When I look at the couples on the panel there seem to be a different attitude between the two end couples. Marsha and her wife crossdressing did not seem like away of life. It seemed like she was dressing for the fun of it. However, when you look at Yvonne and her wife it just seemed like this was a way of life. Maybe this is because Marsha has not been dressing as long as Yvonne. Yvonne's wife just seemed so comfortable and at ease (which might just be her personality). Whereas Marsha's wife seemed a little uncomfortable to be there. Just something to think about. In class we were discussing who wore the pants in the family. Did you ever think when someone called on the phone and ask, "Is the lady of the house at home" who do you think should come to the phone?

The Group
Posted on April 23 2001 at 10:34:23
The president of the group (Rebecca I think) said that their group was often a stepping-stone. She was referring to the fact that people who enter the group as crossdressers often move onto transsexual groups, or go farther than just crossdressing. I wonder if anyone has ever joined the group and then decided that crossdressing wasn't for them. I felt that some of the women thought of crossdressing as a hobby not a way of life. People tend to get tired of hobbies and try new ones. I am aware of the fact that the majority of crossdressers that spoke to us have been crossdressing their entire lives, but do people ever wake up one day and say to themselves that they are no longer interested in crossdressing anymore? Just like someone decides that they no longer want to pursue other hobbies? Just a thought.

Re: The group
Posted on April 23 2001 at 13:45:53
In reply to The group posted on April 23 2001 at 10:34:23
I certainly think that Nick has a valid point. The wife of Marsha, (the last couple to arrive) seemed not to take the whole matter seriously. To me it seemed like she felt it was a phase Marsha was going through and to a degree it was fun because they could switch clothes. It was almost like she really did not want to dig deeper into the crossdressing issue. If this is just a hobby I would like to know why they chose it. Our visitors did explain how and when they started crossdressing, but if it was just a hobby there would have to be other reasons as well.

Something that I find to be very interesting is the fact that there were no women crossdressers. I have heard from some of my friends about drag king shows and I would be curious to see where females impersonating males come into play. To my knowledge none of the group mentioned anything about females, just their spouses. Is it still considered to be crossdressing when females do it? Is there another branch of this group that is strictly reserved for women who like to wear men's clothes? Or maybe because of women wearing jeans and other clothes that are typically defined as "masculine" not much attention is paid to them.

For a final comment I think its great that the wives of these men are so supportive. I think for many people this would be something that was very difficult to take, since many people associate crossdressing with homosexuality. None of the couple's seem any worse for wear, which I am sure wasn't always the case.

Double Standards Again
Posted on April 22 2001 at 12:13:33
As I was listening to these men who were describing why they liked to dress in women's clothing, I couldn't help but reflect on my own comforts as a woman when it comes to the clothes that I prefer to wear. While these men would prefer to wear skirts or dresses, I prefer to wear jeans or shorts. I like pants and button down shirts or tee shirts. I have short hair and don't often wear make-up. However, I am not stigmatized or labeled by society because I choose to wear clothes that, if you look back far enough in history, have been labeled as men's wear. Yet these men are looked upon by society as being less masculine when they put on women's clothing. I don't think that they need to change but rather, to state the obvious, society does.

Wife Husband Relationship
Posted on April 22 2001 at 11:09:08
It was interesting to see the interaction of husband and wife especially while the husband was dressed. In the two instances were the wife accompanied the men it was nice to see how involved they were with there husbands dressing. Such as giving them tips on how to pass more effectively and just embracing their alternate ego. As opposed to the other men whose wives didn't mind it but it had to be done in a more secretive manner because the wives were not comfortable with it. It seemed as though they could only do it when they were going to get away with it.

Husband & Wife Issues??
Posted on April 21 2001 at 09:24:57
I must say that I was amazed at how well some of them looked dressed as women. In the situations where the wife came with the husband, I was curious if there are ever any jealousy issues over who looks better as a women.

Also, it seemed that crossdressing has brought Marsha and her wife closer together since they can now talk about girl things like make-up and hair, and go shopping together. But does this also add extra strain to the marriage. You are married to not only your husband but your best girlfriend as well.

Re:Husband & Wife Issues??
Posted on April 22 2001 at 00:00:41
In reply to Husband & Wife Issues?? posted on April 21 2001 at 09:24:57
I agree with wondering how the wives felt about dressing as a woman, and I too wondered what that would be like. I have a few gay guy friends and it is always weird when they are like, "oh honey, guys like it when you do it this way, or try this next time men love it!" It is sorta weird to talk about that stuff, and I can only assume that it would be even weirder talking to your husband about girlie things.

Re:Re: Husband & Wife Issues??
Posted on April 22 2001 at 04:56:22
In reply to Re:Husband & Wife Issues?? posted on April 22 2001 at 00:00:41
In any marriage in which the husband and wife are worlds apart in discussing their bodies is nothing short of lukewarm relationship. The sociology of this type of matured marriage--in which the husband a crossdresser--is that these couples not only challenge our rigid notions of gender and sexuality, but they are revising, devising, and extending them. Their marital relations offer them a range of behavioral fulfillment and meaning beyond what most couples derive from their traditional marriages.

Re: Husband & Wife Issues??
Posted on April 22 2001 at 11:15:13
In reply to Husband & Wife Issues?? posted on April 21 2001 at 09:24:57
I think that it would make for a greater family dynamic if both parties can find common ground such as make up and shopping. But shouldn't the woman feel more of a need to learn masculine things. So that they could relate on that level as well.

Presentation Thoughts
Posted on April 20 2001 at 11:32:26
I thought that today's presentation was very interesting. I actually was more interested on the psychological level than the sociological aspect of the whole ordeal because of how often they change their identities. I thought that it was interesting to see how when they dressed as females that their spouses called them Marsha or Rebecca, but when the clothes came off they were Glenn or Matthew or Mark. It sort of marks two separate identities. One, the male, realizes that there is this female side of them, but the "female" side sees itself as a female, and no male parts there. It was sort of intriguing to see. Overall I thought it was a great experience, and I was amazed at how well they transformed themselves.

Re: Presentation Thoughts
Posted on April 21 2001 at 09:15:18
In reply to presentation thoughts posted on April 20 2001 at 11:32:26
I was also interested in some of the psychological effects as well, especially on the young children of Yvonne and her wife. As you said, when the men are dressed as women they liked to be referred to as she, well the two questions that I had were do they dress in drag around their children and if they do are they referred to as mom or dad?

I also would have liked a little more clarification as to why they were women's clothing...do they were the clothing because they feel as though they are a woman trapped in a man's body or do they just like the feel, comfort, and look of women's clothing?

Re: Presentation Thoughts
Posted on April 21 2001 at 09:33:18
In reply to presentation thoughts posted on April 20 2001 at 11:32:26
Also, what are the psychological effects on the wives? When the wife is deciding whether to support her husband and crossdressing she must question her own sexual identity. I think that if I was in that situation I would ask myself, if I like him dressed as a woman and find him attractive in the panties and clothing does that mean that I have some homosexual feelings? Does that mean that I find women attractive? I can't help but think that these questions have to of went through the minds of the wives....

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Ask Miss Chatelaine

Q: I need a new exercise video, but I'm sick and tired of Jane Fonda. Can you suggest a tape that emphasizes cross-training?
T. Turner, Atlanta

Dear Ted:
The video I'm recommending not only features cross-training, but crossdressers too. Dragercise, an idea cooked up by Miami-based screenwriter Scott Kasdin, is in post production as we speak. The low-impact workout tape features four transgendered South Beach models in their mid-20s. Miss Chatelaine doubts Blockbuster will be stocking Dragercise on its shelves anytime soon, though. In the meantime, I suggest renting Tootsie and hitting fast forward when you get to the scenes where Dorothy is walking.

Q: Isn't Ann Landers getting a little old to be doling out advice?
D. Abby, New York

Dear Dear:
Ann's hairstyle may be circa 1855, but that doesn't mean the old gal is out of step with the times. In a recent column, a New Jersey woman asked my dear colleague to settle an argument with her daughter over whether crossdressers should be allowed to use public women's restrooms. It seems a rather husky T-girl walked into the same bathroom the woman was using at a fast-food restaurant. Ann ruled in our favor and said crossdressers should be permitted to use whatever facilities we want. What Miss Chatelaine wants to know is why any crossdresser would go to all the trouble of getting dolled up to visit the local McDonald's. Next time, shoot for something more chic and upscale, such as Wendy's! McPlease!

Q: Do you wear Steve Madden shoes?
N. West, Los Angeles

Dear Nine:
Miss Chatelaine first heard the name of shoe designer Steve Mad-den while shopping with a former girlfriend many moons ago. Steve's named popped up again recently in a news story reporting on his pleading guilty to federal charges of security fraud and money laundering.
Miss Chatelaine wouldn't be op-posed to wearing a pair of Madden heels, but she prefers to stick with shoe designers without criminal records. And if Mr. Madden doesn't like it, let him shoe me!

Q: Does God crossdress?
H. Holiness, The Vatican

Dear His: Miss Chatelaine isn't sure, but the next time I see her, I'll ask.

Miss Chatelaine is a feature of Mirror Images, the newsletter of Erie Sisters Transgender Support Group. Visit them at www.geocities.com/eriesisters, or email your own questions to Miss Chatelaine at eriesisters@yahoo.com.

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