TGIF... not!

April Ashley

Ever notice how "TGIF" loses its luster when you are on vacation?

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Here is something from Media Matters to file away for future use when the next yahoo gets up on his or her soapbox about the bathroom issue: Texas experts debunk the transgender "Bathroom Predator" myth Ahead Of HERO Referendum.

Have gender identity/transgender public accommodations protections resulted in increased sexual assault or rape in women's restrooms? The answer is a resounding "No."

Read all about here.

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One of my first transgender heroines was April Ashley. Her first 15 minutes of fame occurred about the time I was trying to sort things out. Her story taught me that I was not gay, but rather that I was probably transsexual (a fact that I denied most of my life).

Anyway, on her recent 80th birthday, Ms. Ashley was given the Icon Award for her services to the LBGT community. A Liverpool Echo article about the award also mentions that Ms. Ashley had previously received an MBE from Prince Charles... something I did not know (yes, you do learn something new every day!)

Wearing Ann Taylor.

Rihanna's Liza Minelli 2013 Halloween costume

Two years ago, I was Liza. That was really fun. I deliver meals on wheels and we were encouraged to wear costumes, so I did. I had delivered to a particular older gent before, and he hadn't always made too much sense. He came to the door, looked at me, and said, "Well, you must be John Wayne!" I said in my best lady voice, "Yes, yes I am." He took his meal, I wished him a good day, and left.

I had scheduled things a little tight that day, with a doctor appointment in the early afternoon, so off I went. I can't describe how much fun I had with his nurses and office staff. It made my day, even a little better than winning the costume contest at the party that night.