List of Officers:
President: Gloria Fenton
Vice President: Michelle Stuart
Sec/Treasurer: Sandy

Newsletter Staff:
Editor: Tanya Brown
Publisher: Deborah Lynnette Lee

I hope everyone enjoyed the discussion session we had at the October meeting. I tried to make it possible to cover a wide variety of questions and opinions that may not be discussed normally. I hope it succeeded.

For November, we ar planning to have a photographer for our speaker. It should be a lot of fun. Of course, December is our Christmas party. For January, plans are in the works to have Dr. Feo make a return engagement.

Your officers are checking into some other possible meeting places and, as usual, are always looking for new speakers, outside activities and things of interest for the group.

We are doing our best to make sure Alpha Omega is a source of pride for every member, as it has been and should be.

Remember - talk to, write or get together with your sisters. It's a wonderful experience.

Sincerely, Gloria

Hello Girls,

October has been a busy month for me as one of my close friends tied the knot with his love. A week before the wedding another friend, who was the best man, and I threw a bachelor party for the groom. There were fifteen of us guys who celebrated at my condo. We all had a good time, especially with the keg of beer we had to slake our thirst.

We were supposed to have a girl come over to dance for the groom-to-be but somehow things just didn't work out. (I should have gone up to Michelle's room, slipped into something racy, and really knocked the guys' socks off!) Anyhow, dancer or no dancer, we still had a good time.

Nowadays, it gets dark rather early and the garden is in slumber. Shoot. Are we ready for the dreary months ahead? Guess we have no choice but to make the best of it.

It is unfortunate at this time there are no really good nightspots we know of for a nightcap or two after a meeting. Some of the gay bars are rather disappointing as they can be quite insulting to the gay community when they have rowdy patrons who have had one too many. No wonder the general public has such a negative attitude toward the gay population. It's not just the sexual preference of the individuals. Society feels all gays must be animals based on what they know of the seedy bars some frequent.

I remember one nightspot in Chicago some sisters and I visited while attending the "Be All" a few years back. It was a gay bar and BOY was it seedy! Most of the patrons were in a drunken stupor and extremely explicit videos were playing on the televisions. Girls, it was sad. No respect. No dignity. No pride. I feel the majority of the gay community do not like this sort of thing and feel the actions of a few are only feeding the fires of misunderstanding and prejudice.

I know of a few gays at work who have self respect and are a pleasure to work with. I have never seen one of them in those bars which we girls have patronized. Perhaps a few of the "wild" gays behave the way they do because they have low self esteem. Perhaps the lack of respect is due to the negative Society placing guilt upon them for what they are. Perhaps they feel cursed, disdained by Society to the extent they feel it is meaningless for them to respect themselves. Perhaps they feel bad about themselves and figure "What the Hell? Who Cares?" Perhaps Society in general has helped create the seedy bars. It's certainly something to think about.

Anyhow, my lounge should be ready by the November meeting for any of you who care to make the trip to my place after the meeting. It's about a 25 minute drive to my condo and I will provide directions to our new watering hole.

I forgot to mention in my article last month some sad news I learned from Naomi when Jenny and I were in Chicago for the pageant. A dear friend in our community, Rita from Los Angeles, passed away recently. Rita had been a regular attendee at the "Be All" conventions for the past several years. I believe I mentioned in a previous article meeting her Saturday night when the "Be All" was here in Cleveland. Girls, she was one of my favorite people at conventions and I always looked forward to seeing her. She had a warmth and a heart of gold. She was fun and could she dance! I will miss her greatly and am sure many others who had the fortune to know her will too. My heart goes out to Rita....my friend.

See you at the meeting.

Love, Michelle

The October 10th meeting was called to order at 8:45 PM, eighteen members present. The first order of business was voting for Lady of the Year. Ballots will also be included with the November newsletter and are to be sent to Tanya. [P.O. Box 257, Windsor, OH 44099. ed.] The Treasurer's Report was distributed and discussed.

The revised wording of the proposed change in the chapter By Laws concerning non-spousal partners was determined: "A Non-spousal partner shall make an application to the General Affairs Committee for membership in Alpha Omega. The General Affairs Committee shall review the application and present their findings to the membership. A closed vote will then be held by the membership, approving or disapproving the application." The change will be voted on at the November meeting.

The November and December meetings will both be held on the first Saturday of the month rather than the second Saturday. Members are reminded to mark their calendars.

Coming events were then discussed. Members are asked to contact Megan or Pam if they are interested in attending the Carousel Dinner Theater on October 31st. Those interested in the Riverside Gale Weekend November 21-22 are asked to contact Pam Dresser. Michelle will be holding a pajama party at her condo on October 24th. Those interested should contact her for details. The Christmas party will be held on December 5th. Sandy is to contact the caterer to make arrangements. Further details will be forthcoming.

Gloria read the chapter's response (written by Megan) to Mrs. Sandstorm's article in the Plain Dealer several weeks ago. The members approved the content of the letter and it will be sent immediately.

Meeting adjourned at 9:15 PM.

Respectfully submitted, Sandy C.

November Meeting

REMEMBER! The November meeting will be November 7th - first Saturday of the month! For something a little different, a professional photographer will be present to record for posterity the feminine images of your choosing. Lady of the Year

At the October meeting a ballot was held for the lady most deserving of Alpha Omega's highest honor. Well, when the votes were counted, it was found two members tied. Therefore, a runoff must be held at the November meeting. Please consider the two candidates and vote for either Pam Fisher or Deborah Lynnette Lee.

Let me begin by saying I am going to miss you all November 7th. Due to another commitment (That's "commitment". Contrary to popular preference, I am not being committed!) I will be unable to attend the meeting. The next time you will see my smiling face - and rapidly expanding body - will be the Xmas party. In all seriousness, please know I will be thinking of you the 7th.

Actually, the crack about my rapidly expanding body isn't funny. Having quit cigarettes earlier this year, I'm discovering the wonderful side effects of not having one's thyroid gland, and thereby their metabolism, stimulated by nicotine. What used to be an acceptable caloric intake - one which kept things "status quo" - isn't such any longer. On the other hand, I'd rather be fat than dead.

There is an old saying, "There's nothing worse than a reformed whore." Well, this old whore has reformed and I'm not going to let you forget it. After 28 years of up to three packs a day, I quit in June. If I can do it, ANYONE can! Jennifer "took the pledge" in late August and is doing just fine. Donna Mobley smoked cigarettes as her femmeself while her maleself smoked a pipe. She has now given up the cigs but confesses he still sucks on the pipe though seldom lights it.

There are three (OK, 2 1/2.) "reformed whores" who, at last year's Holiday En Femme, contributed mightily to Chicago's air pollution problem. This year, Atlanta's air will be that much sweeter.

I am going to continue to harp upon those sisters I know who still smoke. I'm going to be a real "pain in the a**" to them but I hope they understand it is because I want them to continue to be my sisters for years to come. Jennifer and I have often kidded about going out on the town when we are in our eighties, sporting "blue" hair, orthopedic shoes, knee- high stockings, walkers and wheel chairs. In our elder years, we may have to give up the miniskirts and spike heels but at least we'll still be enjoying our feminine side. I want EVERY ONE of you to be with us!

Oh yes, one last comment on quitting smoking. There are a lot of rumors and wives tales concerning "The Patch" presently making the rounds. 99% of them are unmitigated bull. The one I enjoy the most is that you will have a heart attack if you smoke a cigarette while on the patch. In the words of one of my favorite television characters, "M.A.S.H.'s" Colonel Potter, "Buffalo Bagels!" People are afraid of trying nicotine patches because they are afraid they might feel the urge to cheat, smoke one cigarette and, as a result, die. No such thing will happen! Talk to your doctor or, better yet, a respiratory specialist. They know the "straight poop" on nicotine patches. 100% of my permanent shift at work have quit smoking with the patch. It worked for us and will work for you - if you let it!

I just received a letter from Pam Dresser advising there has been a revision in the format of the Riverside Gala Weekend. Due to popular demand, it is now possible to reserve a room for Friday night. The hospitality suite will also be open Friday evening to accommodate those sisters arriving early. For further information please contact The Erie Sisters, 2115 W. 8th St., Erie, PA 16505.

At the October meeting, the subject of crossdressing and the law came up. During discussion it came out that the first article I wrote for the "Alpha Omega Outreach" back in 1988 concerned those laws which might affect us. It was asked that the article be re-run in the November issue of the SILHOUETTE. I dug the article out of the archives and found it needs updating, especially concerning postal regulations. Because of time and space constraints, it will not appear until the December issue at the earliest.

Well, I've gotta go if I want to get this issue out in time.

See you in December!

Love, Tanya

Name one outside activity you would like to see planned for this coming year.

Part I
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times"... That immortal opening describes our recent trip to the Wildside Inn in Toronto. And it certainly seemed we were in two different cities, one very easy-going and accepting on Friday; the other curious, at times rude, generally nerve-rattling place the next day. Of course, we never actually left the lovely city of Toronto but we certainly had many up and down experiences. Where should I begin?

First off let me tell you Wildside is a charming place, albeit a bit cramped. And, with only one bathroom, what's a girl to do? It is run by two of the most engaging, lovely people I've had the pleasure to meet. Paddy and Veronica were perfect hostesses in every way, making us comfortable in body and spirit. I encourage anyone to make the trek to Toronto and the Wildside just for the joy of spending time with these two wonderful ladies. And the girls of the Canadian Crossdresser's Club were genuinely friendly and seemed to really enjoy our company as much as we enjoyed being with them.

Now let's get to the juicy part. OK, so maybe our expectations were a little high. Maybe we were a little too self-confident. I know I went to Toronto fully believing two myths: #1. I would be fully and openly accepted as a woman no matter where I went. And #2. I would actually pass easily as a woman. Wrong on both counts. Myth #2 was destroyed almost immediately Friday afternoon. We arrived at the inn mid-afternoon after a pleasant drive. Kristen and Pam (let's call Pam F. "Pam #2" as Paddy did) met at my house as planned Friday morning early. We drove to Erie and picked up Pam #1 (Pam D., of course) and we were on our way. I have to say the six hour drive passed quickly in anticipation of what was ahead for us in Toronto. On arrival I was ready to begin my transformation but was delayed as Veronica was doing some repairs in the bathroom. The other girls made the trip dressed, so they were ready to go. Well, finally my big moment came. I shaved, washed, put on my best face, and dressed in casual jeans and a sweater. It was wonderful just knowing I would not be forced to change back into a man for nearly two full days. Pam #1 suggested we venture out right away and we were willing partners. Wisely, I thought then, I had chosen flats for we would be walking through the city to find something to eat, maybe do some shopping, or just stroll around. The inn is directly across from a lovely little park. As we entered the park, we encountered our first passersby. I looked up and right into their eyes. No reaction. Wow, I was doing it! They didn't even know! This was going to be a breeze. Then it happened. Pam #2 leaned to me and said "They looked over their shoulder at us and whispered something to each other." So, I didn't pass after all. Or was it one of the others that didn't? Why that must have been it! So, undaunted, I faced the next few walkers with renewed confidence. I had been wrong. It was all of us they were reading. I thought, "So what? So they read us." They weren't hurting us and we weren't hurting them. Neat, I could accept the idea I wasn't passing and still have fun.

We walked several blocks to a cute little outdoor cafe, almost exactly like the one my mind had pictured during the weeks leading up to our trip. It was in the gay section of the city and we were barely a curiosity to anyone in the place or on the street. We seated ourselves outside as the weather was exceptionally nice. I insisted we sit under the trees, a decision I regretted after a bird left his calling card on my sweater! Lunch was fair, but the time was fabulous. We ate, talked and shared our dreams for what we were experiencing. Pam #1 suggested that, after lunch, we stroll a little; maybe over to Yonge Street, the shopping district in town. Of course this sounded good to us so off we went. I barely noticed the tinge of pain that my feet were giving me as we set off.

Just a few blocks and we were on Yonge St. It was crowded with people, as I had expected it would be, but I was perfectly confident and my attitude had changed so that passing took on less importance than just having a good time. And, after all, the people who passed by seemed just to notice that something was curious about us, but they were in no way intimidating or unkind to us. Suddenly, I spotted a store called "The Body Shop" across the street. It was a makeup/skin care kind of place. I just had to go in and try out this new devil- may-care attitude I was sporting. We strolled around the place a bit and then with a bolt of lightening, I was moved to speak. I walked right up to the clerk (a cute girl - mid twenties) and asked if she could show me a facial mask. She was wonderful! I was shown three products as she described how each one worked and the way they left your skin feeling smooth and soft. She actually treated me like any other customer. I made my selection, paid for my purchase and left with complete contentment and confidence.

Next stop was a fashion shop where, again, we were treated with respect and dignity as women shopping in a women's store. How lovely it was to take things from the racks and actually look at them in a way I find I'm not able to do at home in male garb. The items were quite expensive so no purchases were made. We exited as we had entered - confident that we could go anywhere. Strolling some more I began to feel more acutely the nagging pain in my feet. The flat shoes I had chosen for comfort were rubbing the backs of my heels raw but I was determined not to let it ruin my afternoon. People were looking at us curiously as we passed but there was no gawking or rude stares, just casual curiosity. Soon we decided it was time to head back to the inn and begin to prepare for the evening.

Now the pain was getting serious but I was sure it would go away if I just got off my feet for awhile. Therein was to be my undoing.

We returned to Wildside and rested for a time before beginning our preparations for the evening. We chose to have dinner at a restaurant just a few blocks from the inn called Pimblett's. It had a quaint English atmosphere and the food was good (not great) and reasonably priced. The owner is very accommodating to CD's and we felt perfectly comfortable dining outdoors.

After dinner, Pam #1 suggested a bar in the gay section where we might go for a little entertainment. We decided to take a taxi since I wasn't alone in my "Agony of De-Feet". The bar was like others of the class - noisy, smoky, crowded, with nowhere to sit. After just a few minutes Pam #2, Kristen, and I chose to leave. We said our goodbyes to Pam #1 and caught another cab back to Wildside. The three of us sat up until wee hours chatting and reveling in our hugely satisfying and successful day. We went to bed anxious for Saturday to be even more of a wonderful time. I was sure I would wake in the morning with the huge blisters on my heel miraculously cured.

We awoke to another lovely day and prepared for Day Two of our adventure. I took care to do myself up right so that nothing would be amiss. I chose to again wear casual clothes and my flat shoes. I could barely get the shoes on because of the severe pain I was now experiencing from my heels. Pam #1 suggested we head straight to the shopping mall for new shoes and I was quick to agree. I was certain I could walk a couple blocks, pick out some new sandals (in October, remember) and be ready for the day. Well, the couple blocks turned out to be more like a half mile, the mall was hot and my heels got worse. My face was contorted with pain. In that state I might just as well hung a sign around my neck proclaiming "BAD CD". I wasn't just read, I was giving away my secret!

Sincerely, Cheryl

Back at the end of July, Elaine and I had the (opera)tunity to combine our wedding anniversary and Elaine's birthday into one occasion, a vacation. The destination was Toronto, Canada to attend a performance of the "Phantom of the Opera." I was, at first, taken aback by the price of the tickets. I forgot the price was in Canadian dollars, therefore somewhat less than first thought. But price was never a consideration once we left the Pantages Theater after the performance. I was left in tears of joy and sadness and I had some idea what the emotions were about. What I didn't understand till later was how the performance had engraved itself on my mind. It touched something inside, creating a crack in my hardened shell and giving birth to another dimension of both Deborah and Doug.

A few months back (Sorry for my neglect in getting articles in.) I wrote an article about integration of the feminine and masculine characteristics that are within each of us, whether born male or female. I was having one heck of a time with myself since I did not want to have anything to do with Doug. Doug was the reason Deborah had not lived out in the open before now. Doug was the weak and cowardly part of me that was afraid to admit who we really were. It was Doug who buried the femmeself so deep it was a major effort to allow Deborah to momentarily surface. Yeah, that SOB Doug!

Oh Boy! Did I ever get a dose of reality when Dr. Feo pointed out that I, Deborah, was doing the very thing my parents and Society did to Doug: to make Doug feel inadequate, dehumanized, unloved, not worthy to be considered in Deborah's life. Little did I realize that Dr. Feo was absolutely correct. Many of the attributes and characteristics I attributed to Deborah in her debut on the scene were also displayed as my maleself. I had become so narrowly focused I threw out the baby with the bathwater.

So what has this at all to do with the "Phantom of the Opera" you ask? Plenty! At a session with Dr. Feo I asked him why I had an infatuation with the music and drama of the "Phantom." I didn't get an immediate answer and, in fact, I didn't get an answer at all. What I did receive was an assignment to pick out the characters I felt an association with and write down the qualities of the character and perhaps I would understand. You see, there was no question in Dr. Feo's mind why I became nearly obsessed with the play. I took the time to write the assignment, mostly through curiosity at first, and became entranced. I wrote about three of the characters and I wrote the paper in first person. It seemed the only logical method to approach the dilemma of associating with the characters. I chose Raoul, the Phantom and Christine (of course). I will not go into detail about what I wrote but I want to point out there can be, at any time, a stimulus that opens locked doors and sets a major portion of your pain and agony free. It is difficult to predict what that stimulus might be. For me, Raoul was the one who imagined a perfect love and lost that love (in his case temporarily) to a phantom, a lothesome character in the eyes of Society. The love could have been Deborah or perhaps my first wife. Don't ask about who the Phantom was. That's a long story.

The Phantom was the next character I closely associate with. According to Andrew Lloyd Weber's account in one of the last songs, the Phantom was born with facial defects. He was rejected by his mother, father, relatives and would most assuredly be rejected by Society if they were given the chance. "No compassion" was the cry of the Phantom, no compassion because he was different, yet a master of music and a compassionate person to those who know him. Unfortunately his only audience was a captive one in the form of Christine. After a period of time Christine was able to make her own observations and make a judgement for herself. Her reply to the Phantom after his disclosure of his tortured life was that the distortion of the face could be overcome but the twisted distortion of his soul was far more serious than the physical defects. This is where I was able to draw the conclusion that Doug, though not as "beautiful a spirit" in my own eyes, was nevertheless a spirit that was "beautiful" in his own right. It was Deborah's distorted view that was starting to poison her and, if left unchecked, she would become as distorted as the Phantom and would end up in a place where no one deserves to be. There were other correlations to be made but my objective is to sew the loose ends of my previous spiel together. I hope I am doing that.

I said of Christine earlier the phase, "of course". I mean, after all, who would not want to be picked out of the chorus, that area where you simply blend into the woodwork, contribute but never recognized as being an integral part of the whole. You know what I mean. Are we not part of the chorus of life? For most we are the sound in the background. Perhaps singing off key will get us recognized? No, our song must be pure and sung with all the might of a Prima Dona. Christine was taken out of chorus when her talents were discovered in a tight spot for the opera. Once her voice was heard, she was recognized, though not a finished Prima Dona. It was someone special who came along and took the diamond in the rough and with hard work and diligence polished that diamond to a dazzling creation. Kind of like our chapter, isn't it? We were jewels in the very rough and with compassion, diligence and labor we have become more stunning. Perhaps not in the physical department but dazzling souls, dazzling personalities who are worthy of being Prima Donas and have their songs to the world. A world that is at a loss without ever hearing these songs. I pray that the songs will not stay silently sung in the future.

I could go on and on about this experience but I would encourage anyone who has the chance and the resources to attend this play. Maybe it won't change your life as it has mine but one never knows from where the stimulus comes that will light the flame of the soul so it may start to shine for others. Others to have the opportunity to gain sight in a darkened world and possibly a little warmth also.

Bless you all. You are very dear to me. Thank you and Dr. Feo for starting me on a journey to becoming myself, an integrated Human Being and hopefully a shining soul.

Love, Deb

The fourth of our feminine archetypes is the Queen of the Night. She is perhaps one of the most difficult archetypes to correlate to our unique existence. For us to exhibit the traits of this archetypes we must totally put aside any semblance of masculinity. With the Queen of the Night the differences between the masculine and feminine are diametrically opposed.

For those of us who seek to live totally in the feminine role, or as close to it as possible, we may enjoy the mysterious traits she possesses. If we have two distinct genders we may never enjoy the mystery. The Queen of the Night represents the dark side of femininity. Not that it is evil, but she is in touch with forces that are only at work in the darkness. "She is knowledgeable, magical and primitive." She possesses a power that is beyond standard convention. She operates at night when the work of the day is done.

There is perhaps an age old drive in women to use the night for expressing a forceful side of nature which the social customs of day prohibit. This is the closest correlation we have to her. Night is the friend of most transgendered persons. By night we can go about our business with the knowledge that we are secure from being recognized. Hence, the security of that closet which holds us captive for so much of our lives.

But, the Queen of the Night is much more than that. She personifies within the feminine psyche a primitive, wild quality that needs to draw from the power of nature, using the senses of the night, when the clear thought and vision of the day sleep.

#3 These dark forces represent the primitive need to survive and reproduce. Often, a woman may find that she has a sort of, Jekyll and Hyde, personality. One that is caring, nurturing and loving by day and vain, conniving and tyrannical by night. This then becomes the root of intuition. When a woman is in touch with the primitive currents of the night force, she may gain insight not possible by the light of day.

All of this may sound like witchcraft and indeed it is. Women in the 15th century were persecuted for being witches. This came out of earlier belief that women had magical powers and were often the soothsayers and mystics of old. The power of a woman was something to be reckoned with.

Women have a certain communion with nature. They can communicate with animals in a way unknown to men. They are not hunters. Only the males are hunters, warriors, plunderers and rapists. I know you are thinking there are women who do these things. However, they are few and far between. A woman would choose to co-exist with the wild animals and share with them her plenty. Men on the other hand feel it necessary to dominate and, therefore, choose to destroy the beast of the field in an effort to show who is tougher. In many ancient cultures there is a representation of women known as the Mistress of the Beasts. A woman will use her power to rule the animal kingdom in a manner which benefits them and her.

Unfortunately if you stop to think about it, it is the males of our civilized society that kill for the sport of it then brag about the trophy on the wall. It is the males who wage war, rape, plunder and do their best to control the whole world. However, women are the power behind the throne. In ancient times many a battle was fought based on the intuition of the king's wife.

Let me relate a story that happened to me recently. Lately I have had much trouble getting a good nights sleep. I often fall asleep thinking about numerous things. When this happens I awaken frequently during the night. I tend to dream very little, or at least I cannot remember then later. Recently I moved my stereo into my bedroom. One night I put on a CD of gentle music. As I laid there listening, I fell asleep. That night I had the most vivid dreams I can ever remember. Could it be I had set my mind free from the worries of day and began to touch the power of night?

Night for us can also be the specter of crossing the gender line. Many times we cross and come back. Some cross and never come back. Others hover at the edge of night, fearful of crossing as they may never come back. Others still sit by the light of day and cower because inside thy want to cross into the night but they fear the unknown. They fear the change. What is it for you? Do you welcome the night or do you fear the unknown? Can you shed your masculine restraints and reach out into the night and touch the primitive power all women possess?

"Where do you seek danger? When do you enjoy taking risks? There is something in you that loves the wild, the primitive; you will pursue it even at the cost of what you cherish. How far will you go with convention before you are compelled to break out of it? What does darkness mean to you, and what powers can you call upon to see and know when the light of day has gone?"

"Each of us has to make her own journey into the world of night. We go there with different motivations: to discover knowledge, love, or power. Entering that world with conscious intention reduces the risk that we shall be lost, or overwhelmed, but we must still be ready to face the unexpected."

Next month "The Great Mother."

Until recently, there was a young fellow who worked in sales at the same car dealership I work at. He was 18, just out of high school, about 6' tall and had a crew cut - an ex football player type. He wasn't a bad kid but sales definitely wasn't his forte. Additionally, he was rather unique for our ultra-conservative dealership. His uniqueness stemmed from the fact he wore more makeup than all nine of the women who work there put together.

A few years back, another young guy was fired from the dealership for refusing to remove the stud earring he wore in his left ear. So, the fact the fellow with the makeup didn't have considerably more problems is rather surprising to me. Times change, I guess. Anyhow, he really was a sight when his mascara, eyeliner and foundation began to run due to either perspiration or rain. It was difficult not to laugh or tease him about it. There was considerable talk behind his back, even by the female sales staff. I am not sure why he wore the makeup, especially to work, but he did. Apparently it was something quite normal for him to do. I wonder if this is quite common with other young men nowadays?

I think back to when, about eight years ago, my ex-wife and I visited friends in upstate New York. Their one daughter had just returned from a class trip to Montreal. She told us of their visiting a club one night where she had noticed many of the guys were wearing makeup. Her most striking comment was, "Those guys used makeup better than us girls do."

Times they are a-changing and all kinds of things are happening around us.

Some fashion designer recently came out with another line of skirts for men. Like before, this will end up as another feeble fashion statement by some designer - mostly because the skirts they design are so ugly it's pitiful! Why would anyone want to wear something ugly?

In many ways, we are all slaves to the whim of fashion. And, with men's clothing, there doesn't seem to be much area for experimentation, or wildness, which will be tolerated. Oh sure, there are some softer colors and fabrics used by some manufacturers, but the majority of men's clothes in the stores - the kind people can afford - are of the same old stuff.

Remember the bell-bottomed slacks from the early 70's? They were perhaps the wildest thing ever to hit men's fashion. A lot of people laugh at them today as something really silly from the past.

Women's fashion has much more flexibility in color and style, to the point of outrageousness. Women are encouraged to be different.

I'm going to be a little facetious here and make a somewhat off-the-wall statement: Could it be the reason there isn't more wildness in men's fashion is because of that #1 evil, money?

Visit any mall anywhere. You might find one or two stores catering to men but many times that number for women. In those stores which serve both genders, the ladies department is usually FAR larger than the mens department. The same applies to shoe stores. Could this be because women buy more clothes and shoes than men and, therefore, are catered to more?

If such is the case, the answer is simple. Men need to begin spending millions, if not billions more on clothing, shoes and toiletries. Then, perhaps, we will be catered to also. Remember, the market responds to a need - especially if it means big money.

This is just an opinion and I could be quite wrong. Perhaps, though, there is some validity to the thought.

I recently read an article which originally was published back in 1984 in the "style" section of a national newspaper. It stated that, within ten years, men would be using makeup, wearing very ornate hairdo's and both men and women would be wearing dresses of some type. Well gals, it is almost 1993. We have only a little over a year to make this prophecy happen. Let's see what we can do.

Love always, Gloria

In last month's issue we were treated to a vivid description of masculinity and machoism. The great white hunter executes the lowly rabbit for a few morsels of food.

How sad this was and how uncaring the act. We are all supposed to be women. In that role we must endeavor to preserve what gifts God has given to us. It is unfortunate that the males in our society destroy not for survival, but for pleasure or to prove that they are macho.

It angered me that the killing of the rabbit was senseless. But, that fact that it was spread upon the pages of our news letter I find appalling.

In earlier times hunting was necessary for survival. The men of the household were responsible for feeding their family. In today's world, hunting has become nothing more than a sport to prove ones masculinity. Although to be fair, some hunters do use the game to feed their families and are very conservation minded.

To spread upon the pages of the SILHOUETTE the demise of the rabbit, shattered the feminine facade that most of you are trying desperately to convey to the world.

I hope that in the future we as a community can help perpetuate conservation of our natural resources and encourage only responsible and necessary hunting.

It was so wonderful to be back with the girls at the October meeting. Everyone looked so lovely. The meeting was very informative and so many people expressed their opinions. This, I feel, is great. The meal was fabulous.

It was charming to spend Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning with Debbie and Elaine. It was fantastic to be treated like a lady the whole time. After Elaine retired for the evening Saturday night, Deb and I engaged in conversation until 4:30 in the morning. Being unable to attend any meetings since April made me appreciate how much you all mean to me. Alpha Omega is very dear to me and has become my main source of social activity. I have a couple commitments to honor in November and December but, beginning in January, I plan on being very active and offer to serve where I am needed.

I love you all and God bless you.

Love, Rhonda

To Diane N. for a fabulous meal. She spent a lot of time and effort to provide us with fantastic Chinese stir-fry under very limiting circumstances. Beautiful job, Diane! To all the others who brought food: Sandy & Cheryl, Cheryl & Megan, Pam F., JoAnne & Kristen and Kathy. And to all who helped set up the elaborate dinner and clean up after. A great job was done by all.

To all who offered topics for our discussion and to everyone who shared their thoughts.

To all the women who attend our meetings and give us all support and friendship. You are so much a part of the chapter.

To all those who have called or written to me, offering your insights and encouragement.

To everyone - as always, my best.

Gloria

The following, according to the October 1992 issue of Allure, are new on the fashion front:

Pantyhose that look like boots with four bows up the front of each leg.

Sheer and vented skirts that put your legs on display. Sorry girls you'll have to shave and no slips under these skirts!

An eyelash curler from Europe that curls your lashes rather than crimp them. For any of you Arnie fans its picture looks like Arnie posing in body building contest. Wow what an imagination!!

Take off make-up remover that comes in a box. These are cloths that are ready to use. Keep them handy in case the boss comes over when you are feeling femme.

Gillette Sensor for Women. For those of you who shave this is the greatest thing since that torture device for women, what's it called? I can personally recommend this one, it works great!

A new perfume called, of all things, Joop. It sort of rhymes with "goop". Believe it or not it comes from Europe and smells rather nice.

Chanel has come out with precision definers for lips, eyes and brows. I am not so sure that I would like to be defined with precision. After all it would leave nothing to the imagination, right?

There is now an answer for those of you who would like your perfume to last more than four hours. You can either use Wrappings by Clinque or buy fragrance for nails. A New Jersey chemist has found a way to put fragrance into a clear nail polish. Just think what it would mean, some morning when you cannot make up your mind what to wear, you could have ten different fragrances on at once. Wow!!!

One more thing before I go. Check out the CD's on page 54 of the October issue of Allure. And I'm not talking about compact disc's!

The Spouses And Partners International Conference for Education will occur in July, 1993 in Dallas Texas. This conference is intended for spouses and significant others of crossdressers the world over to learn more about their loved ones.

Although the crossdressing partner is not excluded, crossdressing will not be allowed. Couples are encouraged to attend together for there will be programs specifically designed for them.

The cost for the program, less hotel expenses, will be about $95.00 to encourage participation.

All those with experience in organizing or coordinating conferences are asked to contact Cynthia Phillips, the conference organizer, to help and give support to her. Tell the girls at Delta Omega of your talents that could be a help. Dallas locals are especially encouraged to help in this endeavor.

Write: The Texas Rose, P.O. Box 17904, Irving, Tx. 75017

THIS NEWSLETTER IS COPYRIGHT 1992 BY ALPHA OMEGA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ARTICLES AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS NEWSLETTER MAY BE REPRINTED BY OTHER NON-PROFIT CROSSDRESSER'S ORGANIZATIONS WITHOUT ADVANCE PERMISSION, PROVIDED A COPY OF THE ISSUE CONTAINING THE REPRINTED MATERIAL IS SENT TO ALPHA OMEGA WITHIN TWO MONTHS AFTER THE MATERIAL IS PUBLISHED AND PROPER CREDIT IS GIVEN TO AUTHOR AND SOURCE. THE OPINIONS OR STATEMENTS CONTAINED IN THIS NEWSLETTER ARE THOSE OF THE AUTHORS AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF ALPHA OMEGA.

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ALPHA OMEGA IS A NON-PROFIT SUPPORT GROUP FOR HETEROSEXUAL CROSSDRESSERS. SPOUSES OR SIGNIFICANT OTHERS ARE WELCOME AND ENCOURAGE TO PARTICIPATE. ALSO, MEMBERS FROM RELATED ORGANIZATIONS, HELPING PROFESSIONALS, AND APPROVED GUESTS ARE WELCOME WHEN CLEARED THROUGH ALPHA OMEGA'S OFFICERS.

MEETINGS ARE THE SECOND SATURDAY EVENING OF EACH MONTH UNLESS A SPECIAL EVENT IS SCHEDULED THAT TAKES THE PLACE OF THE REGULAR SCHEDULED MEETING. THE LOCATION OF THE MEETING OR EVENT(S) ARE ONLY RELEASED TO MEMBERS OR OTHERS WITH THE APPROVAL OF AN OFFICER.

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