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Renaissance LSV August Newsletter 2006

Edited by

Ellen Davidson

New Renaissance LSV Website

There will be a meeting of Renaissance LSV on Saturday, August 5, 2006 at the MCC Church on Jefferson St in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The doors open at 8:00 PM and the meeting is scheduled to begin at 8:30 PM.

News from the Directors Chair:

It’s been quite a month with the Hot weather here in the area. However the parade and festival at Pride was even hotter. We had 6 of us at the parade and Ellen, who worked with the Pride staff rounded out our group. It was my first march for our Organization. We also had 40 different groups in the parade. It was so cool to see every one as we marched down the 13 blocks to the end and protesters.

I give a big thanks to Jeanine for setting up the parade, Kristen for the booth, and Ellen for the canopy that covered our heads. I am grateful to all of you.

Now I have some not so good news to tell you. This will be my last meeting as your Director. I am needed at home. I will still help Jeanine when she needs and wants my help; I just will be a distance away. I will still keep my screen name for anyone that wishes to chat with me.

I hope and wish for all of you to take care and have safe wind's as you fulfill your dreams as I have in mine. This will be short. But I will see you all at the meeting.

God's Speed

Angela K. Garner

Managing Director, LSV

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No matter how 'good' you pass, there are days (or moments) you don't. This causes major depression, or, at least, a lot of self- questioning; but one has

to carry on. But one wonders what 'gave' you away? How convenient it would be to be a fly on the wall to hear the gossip. In my case, it has come from other women.

I do not know if it was the young ones, as I suspect, but it has come to a head twice at two stores I had worked in. It is very disturbing, to say the least. But, as luck would have it, soon afterwards, I get a good interchange from a guy, giving me the affirmation I need. It is hard being trans, and we have to live with it many years before we are totally 'stealth'. Be strong my sisters and brothers (although you guys pass so quickly, you.....!!) the time will come. Just be open to criticism when you can get an honest opinion, and understand if you are getting 'funny

looks' often, look into changing your presentation. This is an important part of our journey. Remember; be open to change. As you know (all to well!) change is good!

Pam Hirschhorn

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Ellen’s Corner

I hope everyone had a great time at the Pride Fest last weekend: I know I did. I helped with vendor check in and set up on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. About 6 of our members participated in the first Pride parade, which had about 600 marchers and 1500 spectators. Governor Rendell also marched in the parade and got a great reception. In spite of the heat, over 90 degrees on the riverfront, Pride attracted about 5000 people and the ever-present protestors. Renaissance LSV had the opportunity to share information with interested people regarding transgender education and resources. There were lots of good and interesting food stands and a wide variety of vendors and entertainment. Check out the Pride website for an update and report on the success of the event. http://www.harrisburgpride.org/events/index.htm#32

Congratulations to Shania Shaine who was a contestant in the Miss Delaware America Illusion National Pageant last Saturday night and was named First Alternate for 2006.

Way to go girl! If I can find some free time, I hope to get back into the drag shows. It’s a lot of fun but hard work too.

Try to stay cool in spite of the heat wave. One of my favorite activities is shopping….What girl doesn’t like to shop? I’m going to let you in on a few tips for crossdressing on a budget. I decided since I am only a part time girl it doesn’t make much sense to spend a lot of money on clothes and shoes. Ellen only gets out a couple times a month.

This may take a little courage, but make friends with the owners of the consignment shops. I know several people who put things back for me and call me when they have something they think Ellen would like. I also regularly visit flea markets and shop yard sales and thrift stores. Nobody really cares what you purchase. The Good Will stores in our area have adopted the practice of 50cent bins. Items that have not sold after a period of time are moved to the bin store. I recently found a perfectly fine Sequin Queen top that originally sold for between $50-100 in one of these bins. Also another place to search for dresses, lingerie, jewelry, wigs and shoes is E-Bay both in the crossdresser and Drag Queen categories

Many women will wear a new dress or outfit once or twice and put it away never to be worn again. Eventually when they purge the closet or switch clothes for the season many of these items are given to the thrift stores. I also have found brand new clothes at Good Will and Salvation Army stores for a fraction of the retail price. I would never do this myself, but I understand one of our group is a confirmed dumpster diver and regularly visits after hours and roots in the dumpster for the gems and sexy things that have been thrown away.

One new place to try is the Ramirez Consignment Shop, 26 West Main St. Mt Joy. Dolly Ramirez is the owner and the phone number is 653-5323. She has New York style dresses at a very reasonable price and sexy shoes and is TG friendly.

It’s Coming and it’s about time! Club XS in York is due to open before the end of this month.

The National Council for Transgender Equality has suggested 52 things you can do for Transgender Equality. I will state some of them here and add more in future issues of this newsletter.

# 25 Break a Gender Rule

# 26 Make a restroom more accessible to trans people

# 27 Collaborate with another group on a community project or social event

# 28 Work to pass a Nondiscrimination policy at your workplace

# 29 Connect with PFLAG’s TNET

# 30 Write a regular column for a publication

# 31 Plan to Come out for National Coming Out Day on Oct 11.

See you at the meeting,

Ellen Davidson

Ellen Davidson