Kappa Beta Serving the transgendered community since 1988

This article is a follow up to one I wrote a few months ago. I wrote about, "What’s in a label?" Well this article adds on to the last one.

When I was at Kari and Marilyn's wedding last month I was asked the question again, "What are you? A TS, TG, TV, or CD?" Well, I didn’t respond to the question as I felt that the individual who asked me came across as being arrogant!

Being in a community that is so often assaulted by labels being used in a derogatory manner (see Diana's article above), many of us despise the use of labels for any reason. But not all labels are bad.

For example, picture yourself walking into a dress store and finding a darling dress that is within your price range. You are a size 14 and the dress is labeled a size 14. Do you immediately snatch it off the rack and run to the register to buy it? No, in order to make sure it fits, you have to try it on.

We often say to ourselves, "I wish I had known then, what I know now", or we ask ourselves why we let let so many years pass by before we did any number of things.....hormone therapy, transitioning, SRS or simply accepting ourselves for the unique individuals we were created to be. We may lament the fact we have such a short amount of time left in which to achieve our dreams.

From a different perspective, what if we think of "time left" as though it were a noun, a tangible object to which we relate each day.

I allude again to the events of 9/11. When those 3,000 lost people woke up that morning, they had their entire lives ahead of them. They were not to know their "time left" was to take on an entirely different meaning than they ever dreamed.

Margaret Stumpp has gained notoriety as a successful woman who transitoned while in her position of  Senior Vice President with Prudential Financial. In an interview, she said, "if 9/11 has taught us anything, it is that each day is precious and we owe it to ourselves to live it to the fullest."

This month I would like to bring a musician and a CD to your attention. Some of you may recognize this artist but probably have never heard of this CD, even though it was released in the mid 80’s. The artist is Pete Townshend (pronounced Town – send) and you may know him as the driving force behind one of the biggest rock bands of the 60’s – 80’s The Who.

He has written some of the most memorable songs in rock music, songs like "Behind Blue Eyes," "Who Are You," and "Pinball Wizard" to name a few; and two very popular rock operas "Quadrophenia" and the extremely well known "Tommy".

In the 80’s he set out on a quite popular solo career as well as remaining with The Who. His much-anticipated solo release entitled "All The Best Cowboys Have Chinese Eyes" had limited success.

The reason I highlight this CD is because of the TG-related songs included on it. To the average fan the lyrics on some of the songs left many questions that didn’t seem to make a lot of sense.

2006 has been an eventful year and one that will live in my memory for life. Due to diabetes I lost my leg. I accepted this without reservation and I am thankful for the blessings I received.

I married Kari. Kari has been so understanding and helpful in bearing with me under the circumstances.

I have also been blessed by joining Kappa Beta and meeting some of the nicest people that is my privilege to have as friends. Kappa Beta has been a delightful experience with the meetings and socials but it also has been an elixir of healing.