List of Officers:
President: Gloria Fenton
Vice President: Michelle Stuart
Sec/Treasurer: Sandy
Newsletter Staff:
Editor: Tanya Brown
Publisher: Deborah Lynnette Lee
Half of my second term as your president is now over and, I must say, there has never been a dull moment. It has been an adventure.
I am very excited that the date for another dinner at Tony's has been set and I hope there will be a good showing at the Halloween outing to the Carousel Dinner Theater. Michelle's slumber party should also be finally held in October. I don't believe I can ever stress enough how important outside-the-chapter activities are for our well being as a group.
Your officers, along with many caring members, have worked hard to provide meaningful and often thought-provoking meetings, great food, an excellent newsletter and a caring, supportive atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. But there is always room to improve and move forward.
I don't know how many times I have wished I had more time and resources to do more things for the chapter. Unfortunately, I have neither, so if some things seem to move a little slowly, I hope you understand. This group, and every one of you as individuals, mean the world to me.
For almost four years now, Alpha Omega has been an integral part of my life. In that time, I have progressed from a young neophyte to the tired old lady who tries to keep business meetings brief. But I wouldn't trade my experiences for anything in the world. I have shared laughter and tears with some of the most beautiful people I have ever known. I have felt the joy of feeling that maybe I had a few words which helped someone. I have also felt emotionally drained because I couldn't seem to find any words when someone needed them. I have always tried to listen, understand, care and, in my own feeble way, try to do what I thought was best. Sometimes I believe I succeeded; other times I felt I failed.
This office is not one of just duties and delegation of projects. Very few things are cut and dried. This office is filled with the thoughts and emotions of every member. Every member has expectations, wants and needs of their own. Trying to work a balance isn't easy and is probably impossible to do all the time. I can only say I have tried.
I have been disappointed at times when I just did not have the opportunity to get around and talk to everyone at a meeting. Each and every one of you is that important to me. And, naturally, I have felt the total frustration that can be a part of this adventure as well.
Alpha Omega is like a family to me - as I feel it should be and a meeting is like a family reunion. I love my family.
In the next six months of my term as president, I hope many of your suggestions, gleaned from Question of the Month answers, can be integrated into our program. I am asking for your support and efforts to make this happen because the other officers and I need you to become involved. We have come a long ways together. Together, the horizon is limitless. The adventure, though started, is only just beginning!
Sincerely, Gloria
Hello Girls,
I hope you are ready for Fall, now that it is here. Looks as though we had only three seasons this year. I wonder if we will get a lot of snow this Winter since it will likely get a head start? And not to mention the cold...bbrrrr!
I guess I will be ready for a cold one since I had my new heat pump installed. It cost me a nice little fortune. Oh the pain in my wallet - or should I say purse! I guess I won't be going to the Atlanta convention lest I really want to slash my savings more, especially when I am putting some dough into my little lounge I have been telling you about.
Speaking of the lounge, my extra furniture should arrive sometime by mid-October, so we should see a grand opening in the Fall. Perhaps we will kick off the new bistro with that delayed pajama party.
Jennifer and I went to Chicago Labor Day weekend to see the Miss Continental Pageant. We had a nice time and enjoyed the show. There were 31 contestants who performed the first night in the preliminary competition. That made for a long night as the show started around 7:30 PM and lasted to nearly 3:00 AM. With those tiny tables, little legroom and being squashed like sardines in a can, one is ready to call it a night at 3! Don't get me wrong girls - I don't mean to complain. I'm just saying it like it is. However, the performances of all those lovely ladies made it worthwhile.
The second night of the competition was the finals. The field had been trimmed to around a dozen contestants.
Jenny and I sat with Naomi from Chi Chapter and her girlfriend, Rachel, to watch the dazzling performances of the impersonators who had come to Chicago's Park West Auditorium from all over the country.
The contest was broken into three categories: swimwear, talent and evening gown. I like Christina Piaget's swim outfit the best. She wore an outfit that resembled a ship captain's jacket with cap and binoculars. She was a knockout and can steer my boat any time!
The three finalists ended up being Christina Piaget with her Barbie Doll performance, Amy DeMilo with her Army USO dance and, of course, Mimi Marks with her Cowgirl Capades. Mimi was crowned Miss Continental 1993. The talent, the beauty and the choreography was most impressive. If any of you girls can make it to Chicago some Labor Day weekend, I strongly recommend you see this event!
Jennifer took many snapshots so you could see what the Miss Continental Pageant is all about. If you haven't already, check out her photos. You will cry as how beautiful these gals are!
I'm sorry I will miss the October meeting, but I will be serving as an usher at a close friend's wedding. (Knowing my feelings on bridal attire, you can be sure I'd rather be serving as a bridesmaid!) It should be a good time as I always liked to go to wedding receptions. All that food, all that dancing, all that libation! Anyhow, I will be back with all of you in November.
Back in September, I had an experience which made me look at life with more respect. I had this pesky little rabbit which was eating the daylights out of my snapdragons and bushes in the garden. He made his home under my porch. Girls, I tried everything to get rid of him in a humane way: mothballs, animal repellant spray and plain chasing him away. He always came back.
Finally, one Sunday morning as I went out to get my paper, I saw the little rascal scurry under the porch after having his breakfast of bayberry leaves. "That's it!", I thought, "The straw that broke the camel's back!" I went into the condo and brought my archery gear out of retirement. I hadn't used it in years but used to hunt with it as a teenager. I found the little guy sitting deep under the porch. I crouched down low, took aim and let the arrow fly. The poor little guy didn't have a chance - he was instant history.
Girls, I had mixed emotions at what I had just done. I was relieved I had ended my problem. On the other hand, I had to take a life to do it - a life I could have never created in the first place. Life is something we cannot fabricate with our hands yet we can wipe it out in only a second. Life is indeed special - such a mystery. In most cases, it should be preserved at all costs.
After brooding over the magic of life, I debated what to do to dispose of the rabbit. At first, I planned to throw him in a garbage bag as rubbish collection was the next day. But, then, I thought the little guy deserved a decent burial. Sticking him in the garbage showed lack of respect. I decided to give him a proper grave in my back garden. I would have put him in the front garden, where he wanted to be, but there was no room. He's still with what he loved most, my edible plants.
Bye for now, Michelle
The September 12th meeting was called to order by Gloria, 21 members and guests present.
Gloria began by thanking everyone who brought food and utensils to the picnic. She then read the proposed bylaw changes. The first change, that concerning husbands and wives holding office at the same time, was voted on and passed 14 to 1. The second bylaw change, that concerning non-spousal significant others holding membership, was read and discussion ensued. It was decided the General Affairs Committee would reword the proposed change and submit it again for consideration.
The members were reminded that Tanya will be our representative at the Holiday En Femme in Atlanta. Members having concerns they want expressed to National are asked to pass them on to her as soon as possible.
The members were also reminded that the November and December meetings will be held on the first Saturday of the respective months (Nov 7th and Dec 5th) rather than the normal second Saturday.
Megan and Pam F. discussed the two outings they have planned, another dinner at Tony's and an outing to Carousel Dinner Theater in late October. If interested, members are to see them.
Pam Dresser discussed the Riverside Gala Weekend, which is scheduled for November 21 & 22, 1992. Please see Pam for details.
Members were reminded to send typewritten newsletter articles to Deborah Lee and handwritten articles to Tanya.
Michelle and Sandy are going to have dinner at "Behind the Woods" restaurant and then pursue the possibility of our holding our Christmas party there. They will report back at the October meeting.
The "Lady of the Year" ballot will be in the October newsletter. All members are asked to fill it out and return it as soon as possible.
Deborah Lee asked for a volunteer to respond to a recent article in the Plain Dealer wherein the author confused the terms "gender" and "sex". Megan volunteered. She will write a letter on behalf of the chapter and have it approved by the officers prior to sending it.
Mention was made of a partners only convention being planned for sometime next Summer. Further details are being awaited.
Tanya moved, seconded by Kathy and Cheryl, the meeting be adjourned. Motion passed.
Respectfully submitted, Sandy C.
October Meeting
The October 10th meeting will be held, as always, at the Manor. At the time of this writing, the evening's program is undetermined.
Meeting Reservations
Each month, reservation forms have been included with the newsletter for the convenience of the membership. It has been noticed, however, that only one or two girls mail the forms to Gloria each month. The rest either notify her by phone (Good) or just show up with no notification at all (BAD!!).
In either case, the reservation forms add an apparently useless page to the newsletter which could be better used otherwise. Effective with this issue, reservation forms will no longer be included with the newsletter. For those few girls who like to use them, contact Gloria and she will provide you with a supply to use in the future.
Date Changes
PLEASE REMEMBER: Due to scheduling problems brought on by the Holiday En Femme in November and Christmas in December, the dates of our November and December meetings are changed!
The November meeting will be held on November 7th. The December Xmas party will be held on December 5th. In each case, the meetings will be on the first Saturday of the month, not the regular second Saturday. MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
For all of you fine ladies who expressed an interest in going out more, here is a Golden Opportunity. On October 31, 1992 Pam and I have planned a trip to the Carousel Dinner Theater in Akron. The dinner is fabulous and you will see a fantastic performance of The King and I.
We must have your reservation and your money in by our October Meeting. So, if you are not going to the October meeting, please send your reservation and money to:
Megan Parsons
P.O. Box 5284
Willowick, Ohio 44094
The cost is $30.50 per person; $29.50 if 20 or more attend. (Make checks payable to Alpha Omega). Dinner is at 6:00 PM and the show is at 8:30 PM. We will reserve rooms at the Manor for anyone who needs a secure place to change. We can also car pool if anyone needs a ride. It is about a 45 min drive from Cleveland to Akron via I-77. We should leave the manor no later than 5:15 PM.
As Pam aptly put it at the September meeting, Halloween is a "holy day of obligation" to crossdressers. Join us for a wonderful evening of fine cuisine and stimulating entertainment.
Hi Everyone!
At the September meeting, I discussed the infamous PJ party with Gloria. I had been thinking about holding the slumber gala on Halloween night but Megan and Pam are planning an excursion to the Carousel Dinner Theater that evening. So, to avoid any conflicts, I decided to move it up to Saturday night, October 24th.
I figure on having the kickoff of the party around 7:30 that evening but you are welcome to come over any time after 5:00 PM to get ready and slip into your jammies.
I recommend flannel nightgowns and robes as it may be a bit chilly in my lounge (it's always cool downstairs). If you are daring enough to wear something from Fredericks, please don't wear something to revealing and gross us all out! Do bring your sleeping bag plus a pillow or two if you plan to spend the night.
Wives and significant others are, of course, welcome - if they don't feel uncomfortable about such a unique party.
I will provide refreshments and beverages but will appreciate if you would also like to bring your own favorite beverage or snacks. For entertainment, I will have a couple of videos; perhaps a horror film and a comedy. My stereo will also be available, if you wish. This should be fun and, for those who spend the night, there will be breakfast in the morning.
So girls, for those of you who plan to come, please see me at the meeting or drop me a note and I'll send you a map if you need directions.
Michelle Stuart
P.O. Box 33363
North Royalton, OH 44133.
Happy slumber! Michelle
When Deborah Lee joined me to form the Newsletter Committee, we knew everything we had to do would involve a team effort. Little did we know, however, to what extremes we would carry this concept!
Last Wednesday at Oh-Dark-Thirty, I was hauled into the local hospital emergency room with a severe case of pneumonia. Later that same day, Deb went to her local hospital emergency room with possible heart problems! I was released Saturday. Deb just got out today (Tuesday). Happily, her heart is fine. Anyhow, how's that for a team effort?
Well, your Newsletter Committee has certainly outdone itself in preparing an excuse for anything that might go wrong with this issue! In all seriousness, it probably will be a couple days late and on the thin side. Sorry.
Later in this issue is an article by Janet McCue, PD columnist, concerning feminine menswear. In it she makes the comment about the guy in a skirt illustrated, "...this man would have a tough time selling cars or life insurance..." I would imagine such is patently obvious but let me put forth another thought on the subject.
You walk into a bank to see about obtaining a mortgage to buy a home. There are two bank officers available. One is an attractive blonde lady dressed in her "mankilling" best clothing that reeks of femininity and sexuality. The other bank officer is also an attractive blonde but dressed quite conservatively, possibly to the point of appearing almost frumpy. While your hormones might direct your attention to the first bank officer, I will be happy to put money on the fact you will gravitate toward the second. Why? This is the most important money deal of your life. (I know it was mine.) "This is serious. I don't want sex; I need help!" Feminine is frivolous, frumpy (masculine) is serious.
You are shopping around for that mortgage so you try another bank. Again, two officers are available - both male. One is impeccably dressed and groomed. The other looks like a slob. Chances are good you will gravitate toward the one who looks like a Brooks Brothers ad. Why? A sloppy dresser will likely be sloppy with my finances. A sharp dresser is just that, sharp.
Two men, two women. Both the men are dressed masculinely so you choose the one who is dressed impeccably. On the other hand, both the women are dressed impeccably. The difference here is one is dressed more femininely and the other more masculinely, so you choose the more masculine one. And, if the four were together in the same bank, guess which one would be approached last?
I've said nothing profound here. The above are stereotypes we all know of. What bothers me, however, is I am willing to bet that, placed in the same situations, 90% of crossdressers will make exactly the same choices. And we're the ones who keep crying that Society won't let us express who we are. Well, we are part of Society and we're just as guilty as everyone else.
The newspaper writers can write about it all they want. You aren't going to see any bank officers dressed like the guy in the photo attached to that article. Even on a female, feminine is at the bottom of the list when it comes to a business setting. And, to be frank, that stinks.
Love, Tanya
The third of the nine archetypes is the Lady of Light. She perhaps personifies one of the strongest of human needs, the need to belong. She is like the light of a single candle burning in the darkness. Her soft light chases away the darkness and, when in groups, radiates a light that can only be matched by the Sun.
There is a difference between masculine and feminine light. The feminine light comes from within and radiates outward in all directions. Masculine light is intense, beamed and focused. Men are directed to specific goals and tend to be task oriented. The woman is concerned that all the elements in her life are in harmonious balance and her circle of light, of which she is the center, touches them all.
When women are together there is a sense of collectiveness they have, and from which they can draw strength in their lives. A light which radiates from this source can dissolve personal limits. How then does this apply to us?
Our womanhood and femininity are unique in that most of us are only half of the whole woman. The other half is masculine. There exists a dichotomy, then, between the strong beamed light of the masculine and the diffuse, all- encompassing light of the feminine. We are like the flashlight that can give off a diffused light which illuminates a large area or can be focused to intensely light a small area. We are in a constant state of flux, changing from diffused to focused. This can often times create a disharmony in our lives, a conflict between the masculine and the feminine; possibly between what we are and what we want to be.
The Lady of Light represents a collectivity of sisterhood, the qualities of which are companionship, friendship, support and understanding. Women enjoy these qualities when in a group. Have you ever noticed the same qualities exist when we get together, if we let them? Or is the light of our masculinity too focused to allow us to partake in these wonderful qualities?
The Lady of Light can be represented as a guide, a teacher or a saint. Women need a guiding female principal to relate to. This then becomes representative of their own aspirations, ideals and future. In a way do these not represent us as women? If the noblest of all professions is to teach then to guide is the second noblest. It is incumbent upon us to teach and guide those with less experience than we have. It is also incumbent upon us to guide each other as we struggle to find our way in an uncertain society.
Be ever watchful, dear friends, for you may encounter the Lady of Light and not even know it. She may be your wife or a close friend. She may cross your path for only the briefest moment, yet you will know her for her light will penetrate to your very soul.
So, let your light shine from within and let us know each other from within.
A special message for Lori's Karen: The unknown can be a fearsome thing. Fear not the unknown for we sensed the Lady of Light is with us when you are near. You are special to us as are all the wives and friends.
Next month, The Queen of the Night.
Love and Peace, Megan
If you knew that tomorrow crossdressing would be instantly and totally accepted by Society, name one aspect in which this might change your life as it is today.
Here I am at another of those times, pen in hand and mind a complete blank. This is a terribly frustrating situation for me as I'd like to be able to issue forth with profound words which would change the universe as we know it. However, the universe will have to stay as it is for a while longer.
There hasn't been much time to call my own lately and that has been frustrating too. In fact, other than meetings, this gal hasn't been around hardly at all for a few months now.
For some time I have felt tired, with no energy it seems, and I have been discouraged beyond belief. I have also gained weight and "Omar the tent maker" has had to work overtime just so I could find something to wear. I feel uncomfortable with myself and am confused as to why I feel this way. It is very difficult to talk to anyone about how I feel or what I think because I am not sure of how I feel or what I think.
Everyone gets a little down at times. This isn't the first time I've been in a down mood and I know it won't be the last. But knowing this doesn't make it easier to handle when it does happen. I have heard it said a measure of our character is how we pick ourselves up during times like this and then move on with our lives. Well, I have always been accused of being a character so I know it is only a matter of time before I'm feeling more optimistic and am raring to go again.
Certain things have been very ironic in the last few months. Not only have I had one of my very worst months in sales but I have also had one of the best months I have ever had. I've been passed up for two promotions (because management knows I may be leaving to start a business with Kathleen and some friends), yet I have been told how very valuable I am (because of the workload I handle) as an employee to my company. I have helped train new salespeople, trained my new manager and picked up the workload they couldn't handle yet while still increasing the productivity of my own position.
The one certainty in all this has been some very long hours with my coming home so tired most nights I could just drop. My continual home remodeling has come to a screeching halt, my lawn looks like a tropical rainforest and I am behind on letters and phone calls. I feel frustrated that I am not getting anything done.
Life sure does get crazy at times. I am feeling a little down right now but I also know things will get better. As I keep telling Kathy, I'm the most optimistic pessimist I know! So, Lord willing and the creek don't rise, everything will work out for the best and this tired old gal will spring right back. I guess I'm just too dumb to stay down for too long.
Well, I have let off a little steam here and it does help to talk to your friends. So, until next time, take care, God bless and I love you all.
As ever, Gloria
To the Food Committee again for a wonderful repast. Alpha Omega appreciates so much the wonderful people on this committee and all those others who bring in extra goodies. Words will probably never really be adequate enough but Thank You anyways!
To Jennifer for a very thought-provoking discussion relating to the program "Brain Sex" presently being shown on the Discovery Channel. Your hard work is appreciated.
To the Erie Sisters for inviting our members to their mini- convention and Gala in November. I hope it works out wonderfully. Good luck, Pam!
To Megan and Pam F. for setting up another dinner outing at Tony's and for arranging the Halloween dinner theater excursion. Join in - I know you'll love the experience.
To my fellow officers for the many ways you help me and Alpha Omega.
To those who have written me lately, a special Thank You. One of these days I will write back but, until then, please know I cherish these letters and comments from my friends.
Last but not least, a Thank You to everyone who makes being a part of Alpha Omega a very special part of my life.
So far, I haven't had a single male complaint that it's absolutely outrageous to have women going around dressed like men. On the contrary, the guys think it's kind of cute when they see us done up in double-breasted pin-striped pantsuits, white shirts and fedoras. Even when they know we're filching neckties from their side of the closet, they still drop whatever they're doing in the morning and try to teach us the art of executing a proper Windsor knot.
So what do you think about that fellow on the cover of today's Style section - the hunk at the top of the page who's wearing a plaid sarong skirt (a mini at that) and absolutely nothing but a piece of jewelry under his jacket. Obviously, he's some L.A. weirdo all prettied up for a day at Venice Beach, right?
Wrong. This photo was taken a few weeks ago in New York when Seventh Avenue's mainstream designers showed their spring '93 menswear collections. And this particular outfit is Donna Karan's interpretation of "a new sophistication in menswear brought on by women's fashion."
Sophisticated or not, this man would have a tough time selling cars or life insurance and would definitely get funny looks from anybody who sat next to him on an airplane. But fashionmakers seem to have gotten this notion that if women's lifestyles and attitudes have changed and/or advanced to the point that they can dress like men if they want to, then it should be able to work the other way around.
While skirts may be the most dramatic departure from the traditional male wardrobe, designers are suggesting other feminine touches as well. Sheer shirts opened up under sport coats to show a substantial amount of decolletage. Heads wrapped in brightly colored scarves or kitschy snoods. Sandals with gray flannel suits. Gingham-checked trousers and gold leather jeans.
Fashion has pulled off some pretty crazy stuff in its time, though, so I'm not sure that skirts and so forth for men couldn't just make it one of these days. I doubt if my husband will ever want a black pleated skirt like mine for his very own, but what would be so shocking if he did? After all, men wore skirts long before they wore pants, and sarongs are still a sort of unisex item in a lot of tropical climes. And outside of fending off a lot of curious females who want to know what he has on underneath it, the Scotsman hasn't had any problems with his kilt and has still managed to keep his macho image intact for centuries.
My real concern over this whole business is purely a professional one...frankly, I just don't want to deal with a double dose of hemming and hawing over skirt lengths each season. If his are long, will hers be short? Or will they both go up and down at the same time? Will pants be the fashion- saving option for him as well as for her? Give me a break.
Honestly if I were a man, I'd be more concerned about people tampering with my underwear. Liberated or not, I can't believe any of you men are ready for bodysuits yet - T-shirts with briefs attached. If you are, you're finally going to find out why it takes us so long in the ladies' room.
And even as we speak, Jockey International is selling a masculine version of a long-line panty girdle, so you, too, can now experience the joys of Lycra spandex - "personalized fit which contours without constriction." Don't fall for this like we did, fellas. By the end of the day, it's as if your whole stomach is encased in Saran Wrap.
And heaven help you if Cole of California, which is planning to come out with a line of inflatable bras, should cast an eye your way.
Blow-up briefs, that's what!
[Courtesy the Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 10, 1992]
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.
CONTRIBUTIONS OF ARTICLES ARE WELCOMED, BUT MAY BE ALTERED IN THE EDITING PROCESS, WITH THE AUTHOR'S INTENT RETAINED, OR MAY BE REJECTED, WHETHER SOLICITED OR NOT. ABSOLUTELY NO SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIAL WILL BE ACCEPTED OR PRINTED.
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.
WE WILL EXCHANGE NEWSLETTERS WITH ANY OTHER SIMILAR GROUP. FEEL FREE TO INCLUDE A DISK VERSION IN ASCII FORMAT IF POSSIBLE EITHER ON 5.25 OR 3.5 FLOPPY DISK. SEND ALL CORRESPONDENCE TO: ALPHA OMEGA, P.O.BOX 954, ELYRIA, OHIO 44036