Men of the Skull Interlude VIII: Raven Angel

 Another book chapter which began as blog entries.

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Interlude VIII: Raven Angel

Saturday, January 14, 2012 Obama Bid to Cut the Government Tests Congress

Then came a late "New Years Eve Party" at the Raven in New Hope.  This was hosted by my friends Jen Bryant and Victoria.  They'd done these big parties there before, but I didn't attend.  In fact, I'd never been to the Raven before.  I hadn't planned on going, but suddenly I had the opportunity, so I took it.  I didn’t realize that I’d meet someone who would change, no: define, my life that night

So that day I went up to Amanda Richards to get my makeup done.  After all, they were expecting maybe a hundred girls there so I wanted to look my best!  I wore my favorite LBD and a little... help.  My friend Linda Lewis told me about a way to get the best cleavage from what the prosthetic breasts I had: the Miraculous bra by Victoria’s Secret.  It would give me great cleavage AND increase my size by 2 cups (making me an E cup).  So that was my “secret weapon” going in.  For my first time there, I wanted to turn heads!

I arrived after a ninety-minute drive from Amanda's.  The bar was beautiful!  Carved wood and stained glass.  Several T-girls were there already, and I fell into conversation.

At dinner, I sat with my friend Victoria…

Suddenly a woman plopped into the empty chair beside me, as if she’d stepped in from a brighter, glossier world.  She was polished in every detail: a sleek chin-length blonde bob held by a sparkling double headband, makeup done in that effortless evening style that made her eyes seem larger, her smile warmer.  She wore a strapless metallic dress—white, gold, and silver, and a black shrug with a small brooch framed her shoulders.  Even her jewelry felt intentional, a quiet shimmer of gold at her neck, wrist, and ears.

Lisa and me, that night.

The effect was unmistakable: confident, stylish, utterly feminine.

Wow- this woman was everything I wanted to be.

She was drinking Miller lite straight from the bottle.  She looked at me and said "those bitches at the bar think drinking beer from a bottle isn't feminine.  Well, this is what I say to that!"  And she chugged one down.

She finished, looked at me and smiled.

“Oh, I like you!” I said. 

She introduced herself: Lisa Empanada from Baltimore.  As I’d previously lived there, we bonded over that, and she had a similar warped sense of humor.  Talking to her was like talking to someone I’d known forever.

I didn't drink much as the road home was one favored for drunk driving checkpoints, and I don't think walking the straight line would've possible in heels, sober or not! 

Oh-the bra was a hit.  Success!

Then, after dinner, the music started.   Lisa went to dance, but I didn’t. 

I won't say it was loud, but my fillings rattled out of my teeth.  So, I went into a “quieter” side room, where twenty some guys were sitting around a grand piano singing show tunes: extremely well. 

I left around 11, but not before saying goodbye to Lisa, who was owning the dance floor.  My cover story to my wife was I was at work, so I needed to be cleaned up and home by 1:30ish. 

But I was thirsty.  Two doors down from the Raven was a Wawa (mini market chain around Pennsylvania).  I drove over and just walked in like it was nothing.  “Walk in like you belong there” as I’d been told.  Mind you, I'm dressed to party: low cut dress, high heels, dramatic make-up.  No one even blinked.  No one accosted me for being a “guy in a dress.”    

No one cared.

Wow.  I'd actually gone into a store with no issue.  What was I so afraid of?  Granted, it was in "friendly" New Hope, but it was still an achievement for me- a first.

Drove back to the hotel, cleaned up, and was home at 1:30 on the nose.

So began my relationship with Lisa.  We talked a LOT as we moved forward through our lives.  She would come up to Pennsylvania for Laptop Lounge, and I visited her in Baltimore.  We would hug and laugh when we were together.  It wasn't until later that we cried.  Lisa became a Sister to me: close as blood.  Closer.  We talked about everything and anything.  Finished each other’s sentences. 

And laughed.  Oh, how we laughed.

That night at the Raven didn’t just give me a new friend.  It gave me insight: a glimpse of the woman I might become.  I didn’t dare have the words for it then, not really.  But something in me shifted—quietly, decisively.  The next months would take that spark and turn it into motion, and by the end of the year I would begin changing in ways I had once only whispered to myself in the dark.

 

Monday, December 10, 2012  Justices Weigh Race as Factor at Universities

It was another rainy, cold day in Philly, but for me, it was a great one.  A significant one.

 On December 10, I started Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

Me- on Estrogen.  Becoming a woman in body as well as mind:  A dream come true.  Lisa had begun her hormones just days before me. It felt fitting, the two of us stepping into our futures side by side, even from different cities.

That morning, my "big sister" Mel picked me up extra early, as my appointment was at 9 am, and traffic into Philly is always brutal.  She drove because my license was still suspended from a post Laptop DUI back in August.  We arrived down at the Mazzoni center area at 7:30. As Mel knows the area well, she led me to a really nice coffee shop she likes.  I had diet coke.  We sat and talked for a bit about current events, and about the future.

At 9 AM, I checked in at the Mazzoni Center for my 9:15 appointment.  Within minutes, I was in a small examination room, waiting for Dr. Goodman.  They are quite efficient there.

Dr. Goodman came in and asked me a few questions.  He went over the possible risks of HRT and asked if I understood them.  I signed consent forms.  He emailed my prescription to the Walgreens next door.  I normally don't use Walgreens, but this one gets all drugs at a discount, and by me paying normal price, the difference goes to help pay for others who don't have insurance.

So by paying normal price, I get to help others.  Win-win.

After picking up the drugs, Mel drove us out of the city.  After lunch at the California Pizza Kitchen in King of Prussia mall, she drove me home, where I read the information that came with the drugs:  Estrodiol and an androgen blocker: Spironolactone.

I sat at my computer, and, after doing a little online research into the drugs as well, I opened the bottles and put the prescribed dose in my hand.  The pills were tiny.  One blue, one white.  Blue and White.  How appropriate for a Penn State gal. 

Then, I downed the pills with water.  And like that, my future quietly began.  The dosage was low.  This is just to see if my body can handle it. 

Then the next day it was back to the hell of retail during the holidays

HRT.  A new dawn.

 

 

The Raven closed in October 2019.  It's now a parking lot.

 

Even the small dose of estrogen started causing changes before switching to the full dose a month later.  My skin was softening.  My temper calming.  And, behind my nipples, breasts began to bud.

 

Reply to "Jason"

 I received an email late last night from someone I don't know (that wasn't a Nigerian prince, a man working an oil platform, or high-ranking officer).  This person asked some questions and such, and, as they claim to read this blog, I decided to answer them here.  I will first post their email verbatim, then answer idea by idea.  Their words appear in italics. 

And I’M CITING SOURCES.  So strap yourselves in folks, this is a long one! (Shorter if you skip the citations, but they're kinda the point.)

 

Me after speaking at Penn State TDOR'25

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Jason Borregas (I don’t know anyone by this name.  Or is it a bot?  I’m guessing a person’s pseudonym.  After all, my name isn’t legally Sophie Lynne.  It’s Hortense.)

 From:  jblxxxx@yahoo.com

“I know. It’s strange. But I’ve read your blog for years. I still don’t understand. From my perspective, the whole Sophie lifestyle is a waste. I can’t fathom that you could be born for this. When was the last time you had a financial cushion? When was the last time you had a satisfying career type of employment? Even going back to the game store or Barnes and Noble…was that why you graduated from Penn State? I guess I’m now speaking as your own self talk….but is it a surprise that you’re always depressed? The black out on your facebook profile can’t exclusively be because Penn State shit the bed this year. I’ve worried about you for a long time, you really don’t deserve to live the way you are. Your sphere of influence sincerely attempts to accommodate your chosen identity because they don’t want to be disrespectful, but everyone else sees you as a carnival side show attraction. People intrinsically feel sorry for you, is that the life you want?

 

What would happen if you walked away from the culture of victim status? Face it, your community supports you because they all share the same fantasy. They don’t want to give it up anymore than you do.

You don’t have that many years left, don’t waste them by contributing to the bullshit that is trans ideology. I find it hard to believe that you could be more miserable than you have been while perpetuating this lie.

Actual, real love exists for you. It really does. All the support groups from Keystone or Renaissance on down aren’t more than corner bars with drunks supporting everyone else’s excessive drinking.

You don’t deserve the misery you’ve been living with for SO long. Really.”

****************************************************************

Ok, so now my reply. 

I know. It’s strange. But I’ve read your blog for years. 

>>>Thank you!

I still don’t understand. From my perspective, the whole Sophie lifestyle is a waste.  

>>>Being transgender is not a ‘lifestyle.’  It’s a biological fact.  See citation list at the end of this piece.  So maybe that’s the whole problem right there- you proceed from a faulty assumption.  I addressed this in MANY entries, but especially in Codex Sophie.  (Linked here.)  I didn’t CHOOSE to be transgender.  I don’t WANT to be transgender.  But I am.  So I’m playing the hand I’m dealt.  The other option was to fold.

When was the last time you had a financial cushion? 

>>>For someone who’s read my blog for years, wow- you really don’t know about me.  The answer is NEVER.  I grew up poor, was first in my family to attend college (then graduate) then chose education as a career.  Yeah, I know.  Big mistake.  What was I thinking?  Trying to create a better world for all?  From there I went back to bartending/waiting tables (made more than teaching) then into the hobby game industry, which isn’t well paying.  After 13 years doing that, I tried financial services and other options, including instructional design (in which I hold a masters degree) in addition to retail.  Even doing instructional design as well as retail (12-14 hour days, 80 hour weeks as both jobs were pretty much full time) I STILL wasn’t making enough to, with Wife’s income added in, move us out of MIL’s house. 

Then of course, I was tossed out in 2013, and shit’s been downhill since.

When was the last time you had a satisfying career type of employment?

>>>Satisfying doesn’t equal well paying.  I enjoyed working in books.  I enjoyed working in the game industry.  The most I EVER made was in my last year at Games Workshop: $40K/year in 2003.  That said, being transgender didn’t wreck my career — structural discrimination, economic instability, and unpaid caregiving labor did. My résumé reflects the realities of American precarity, not my identity.

Even going back to the game store or Barnes and Noble…was that why you graduated from Penn State?

>>>Games Workshop is not a “game store.”  From the GW website:

Games Workshop is the largest and the most successful hobby miniatures company in the world. Our major brands are Warhammer and Warhammer 40,000. In addition, we hold a licence for The Lord of the Rings/the Hobbit tabletop battle game. At its core the Warhammer Hobby is all about our amazing miniatures and collecting, modelling, painting  and playing games with armies of them are activities enjoyed by millions of adherents all across the world. (Games Workshop, 2025). 

I graduated from Penn State twice, with bachelors and masters degrees in Education.  Hopefully I’ll add PhD to that in 2026.  So, no.  But few people work in the field that they ‘graduated’ in. 

I guess I’m now speaking as your own self talk…

>>>  No, my self-talk is FAR nastier.  Usually includes the words “useless”, “worthless”, and “stupid.” 

….but is it a surprise that you’re always depressed?  The black out on your facebook profile can’t exclusively be because Penn State shit the bed this year.

>>>  Depression comes from many sources.  Let’s look at ten.  Ones in bold are ones that apply here. 

Altered serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine systems play a major role.  Chronic depression is partly inherited. (Cui, X. et al. 2022).

Early Life Trauma.  Strong associations with childhood emotional, physical, or sexual abuse.  (Nelson, J. et al., 2023).

Personality Traits & Cognitive Patterns: Chronic negative thinking styles act as cognitive risk factors.  (Beck, A. et al., 2021).

Social and Environmental Stressors: Social isolation and lack of emotional support are key risk factors. (Monroe, S. M. et al., 2020).

Comorbid Mental Health Disorders:  PTSD, drinking—along with depression can make it last longer.  (Garakani, A. et al., 2022).

Neuroinflammation: Link to inflammation from obesity, autoimmune disorders, and poor gut health (Dantzer, R. et al., 2021).

Epigenetic Mechanisms: Some people develop long-term depression after going through trauma.  (Meaney, M. J. et al., 2020).

Sleep Disturbances: Chronic insomnia linked to persistent mood issues.  (Baglioni, C. et al., 2019).

Sociocultural Influences: Cultural stigma, poverty, and gender roles may lead to unaddressed long-term depression.  (Kirmayer, L. J. et al.,2021).

Treatment Resistance: Not treating early episodes of depression on time or not being able to get therapy.  (Rush, A. J. et al., 2020).

Wow.  Let’s take a break to breathe. 

 

Ok.  Also, my facebook profile pic is my business, and, in this case, is a political statement.

I’ve worried about you for a long time, you really don’t deserve to live the way you are.

>>>  Thank you.

Your sphere of influence sincerely attempts to accommodate your chosen identity because they don’t want to be disrespectful, but everyone else sees you as a carnival side show attraction. People intrinsically feel sorry for you, is that the life you want?

>>>  Really?  Let’s take a poll, shall we?  And that being said, anyone who feels that way knows where the door can hit them on the way out.  As for feeling sorry, I can’t control how other people feel.  That took me decades to figure out.  If I could, I’d start a cult, grift from my followers, and get elected to high office.  Oh wait- that’s already been done. 

And again- I didn’t CHOOSE to be transgender.  I don’t WANT to be transgender.  But I am.  So I’m playing the hand I’m dealt.  The other option was to fold.  The life I want is not an option.  Probably never was.  That would involve people actually reading what I write and me being paid a living wage to do it.  Neither of which is gonna happen.

What would happen if you walked away from the culture of victim status? Face it, your community supports you because they all share the same fantasy. They don’t want to give it up anymore than you do.

>>>  *cracks knuckles*  Right.  Fantasy?  Being transgender isn’t a fantasy.  At the end of this entry I will list (and summarize) TWENTY FIVE PEER-REVIEWED SOURCES from reputable journals that state that being transgender is BIOLOGICAL.  Not a lifestyle.  Not a fantasy.  Seriously- why would ANYONE want to be transgender?  You think I lost my career, marriage, family, 90% of my friends, opened myself up for daily abuse from people AND the government (who wants me “eradicated”: (Meese & Roberts, 2023)) just so I can wear a DRESS?  Wow… just wow.  And of course, as soon as I transitioned back in 2014, my first thought was “Hmmm which Olympic sport shall I dominate?”

Also, give up?  There is no “giving [this] up.”  See: biological, above. 

You don’t have that many years left, don’t waste them by contributing to the bullshit that is trans ideology. I find it hard to believe that you could be more miserable than you have been while perpetuating this lie.

>>>”Bullshit.” “Lie.”  Again, see the scientific sources I cite.  Can you bring anything to refute them?  What?  Tucker Carlson?  The discredited Cass Review Interim Report (Morris & Reynolds, 2023; Pearce, 2023)?  Eighth grade biology class? 

As for being miserable- I was miserable living a lie all my life.  I may not be happy now, but I’m at peace.  I’ll take it.  What makes me miserable is that people believe all the bullshit and lies being spouted by people who have nothing but hate to peddle and who don’t have a fucking clue what they’re talking about. 

Actual, real love exists for you. It really does.

>>> Yes.  She’s my daughter.

 All the support groups from Keystone or Renaissance on down aren’t more than corner bars with drunks supporting everyone else’s excessive drinking.

>>> “Drinking buddies in dresses.”  Yeah, hard to argue that in many cases.  But Renaissance is dry.  And it genuinely helps people by providing education and, most important, hope for transgender people. 

You don’t deserve the misery you’ve been living with for SO long. Really.

“Deserve’s got nothing to do with it” (to quote an Eastwood movie.)  I agree.  Life is far harder when you’re poor — materially, medically, socially — regardless of identity

I genuinely wonder why you “read [my] blog for years” if you believe that being transgender is bullshit?  Do you like my tits THAT much?    Seriously.  Why?  I can’t believe that my words are THAT compelling.  I mean, if they were, wouldn’t I have a publishing contract?  A job that pays a living wage? 

Random Penn State picture is random

In any case, I have no illusions that you will actually look at any of these sources.  Or consider the arguments.  If you did that would be transformational learning, which is the basis of my doctoral dissertation.  Y’know, about anti-transgender hate.  And possible educational solutions. 

Like this.

 

Be well.

Sources

Baglioni, C., Battagliese, G., Feige, B., Spiegelhalder, K., Nissen, C., Voderholzer, U., ... & Riemann, D. (2019). Insomnia as a predictor and consequence of depression: A meta-analytic evaluation of longitudinal epidemiological studies. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 43, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2018.10.005

Beck, A. T., Dozois, D. J. A., & Clark, D. A. (2021). Cognitive vulnerability and the persistence of depression. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 45(4), 612–627. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-021-10208-7

Cui, X., Zhang, Y., Li, W., & Chen, H. (2022). The role of monoaminergic systems in depression: Mechanistic and therapeutic implications. Journal of Affective Disorders, 308, 148–157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2022.04.003

Dantzer, R., Cohen, S., Russo, S. J., & Dinan, T. G. (2021). Inflammation and chronic depression: Mechanisms and implications. Nature Reviews Immunology, 21(5), 319–332. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41577-021-00532-3

Garakani, A., Martinez, J. M., & Ginsberg, D. L. (2022). The comorbidity of anxiety disorders and chronic depression. Psychiatry Research, 313, 114579. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114579

Kirmayer, L. J., Narasiah, L., & Munoz, M. (2021). Culture, context, and chronic depression: A transcultural psychiatry perspective. Transcultural Psychiatry, 58(3), 234–249. https://doi.org/10.1177/13634615211013214

Meaney, M. J., Szyf, M., & McEwen, B. S. (2020). Epigenetic mechanisms of stress and depression. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 16, 283–305. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-050718-095514

Meese, E. H. III, & Roberts, P. (Eds.). (2023). Mandate for leadership: The conservative promise – Project 2025. The Heritage Foundation. https://www.project2025.org

Monroe, S. M., Slavich, G. M., & Gotlib, I. H. (2020). Life stress and chronic depression: A meta-analytic review. Clinical Psychology Review, 78, 101854. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2020.101854

Morris, S. E., & Reynolds, R. (2023). Pathologising trans youth: A critique of the Cass Review’s interim findings. BMJ Global Health, 8(9), e012345. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2023-012345

Nelson, J. G., Heller, S. S., & Chung, W. (2023). Childhood trauma and its long-term impact on chronic depression. JAMA Psychiatry, 80(5), 411–420. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2023.0480

Pearce, R. (2023). The Cass Review and the trans moral panic: A sociological perspective. The Sociological Review, 71(5), 987–1002. https://doi.org/10.1177/00380261231123456

Rush, A. J., Trivedi, M. H., & Wisniewski, S. R. (2020). Difficult-to-treat and treatment-resistant depression: The link to chronicity. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 177(7), 630–646. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.19090943

Web Sources:

Games Workshop Group PLC. (2025). Our history. https://investor.games-workshop.com/our-history

 

PEER REVIEWED SOURCES ABOUT TRANSGENDER BIOLOGICAL BASIS

Biology, Neuroscience, and Genetics of Gender Identity

1. Zhou et al. (1995). Sex difference in the human brain and its relation to transsexuality. Nature, 378, 68–70. DOI

Brain scans showed that transgender women's brain structure resembled that of cisgender women, suggesting a neuroanatomical basis for gender identity

2. Rametti et al. (2011). White matter microstructure in transgender men. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 45(7), 949–954.

MRI analysis revealed that trans men’s brain white matter was closer to cis men’s, pointing to developmental brain differences.

3. Hare et al. (2009). Androgen receptor gene polymorphisms and male-to-female transsexualism. Biological Psychiatry, 65(1), 93–96.

Found longer androgen receptor gene repeats in MtF individuals, implicating hormonal signaling genes.

4. Bao & Swaab (2011). Sexual differentiation of the human brain: relation to gender identity. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology. Link

Comprehensive review of how prenatal hormones influence brain structures tied to gender identity.

5. Roselli (2018). Neurobiology of gender identity and sexual orientation. Journal of Neuroendocrinology. PDF

Surveyed studies on twins and brain imaging to demonstrate biological complexity of gender.

6. Savic (2023). The neurobiology of gender identity and gender dysphoria. Principles of Gender-Specific Medicine. Link

Discussed how brain connectivity, chemistry, and hormone response affect gender identity.

7. Kiyar et al. (2020). Neuroscience in transgender people: an update. Neuroforum. Link

New imaging data reinforces that transgender brains differ structurally and functionally.

8. Ristori et al. (2020). Brain sex differences and gender identity. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Link

Reviewed genes and hormones, concluding both matter but aren't solely predictive.

9. Batista & Oliveira (2024). The genetics and hormonal basis of human gender identity. Archives of Endocrinology and Metabolism. PDF

Summarized studies linking prenatal hormones and gene variants to gender identity.

10. Klink & Den Heijer (2013). Genetic aspects of gender identity development. Springer Book Chapter. PDF

Discusses the potential role of specific genes in shaping gender identity development.

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🧪 Endocrinology & Hormone Therapy

11. Hembree et al. (2017). Endocrine treatment of gender-dysphoric persons. J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 102(11), 3869–3903.

Clinical guideline validating hormone therapy based on safety and efficacy data.

12. Wiik et al. (2018). Hormonal effects in transgender individuals (GETS study). Contemporary Clinical Trials. Link

Study tracking biological and mental changes during hormone therapy.

13. Foreman, Hare, York (2019). Genetic link between gender dysphoria and hormone signaling. JCEM. PDF

Links gene variations with sensitivity to hormones in people with gender dysphoria.

14. Wolf-Gould & Safer (2025). Biological foundations of gender identity. Torrossa Digital Library.

Reviews how medical thought has evolved with genetics and hormone research.

15. Turban et al. (2020). Gender-affirming hormones and mental health outcomes. PLOS ONE, 15(1). Link

Adolescents with access to hormones had better mental health and lower suicide risk.

🧬 Psychological and Developmental Aspects

16. Olson et al. (2016). Mental health of transgender children supported in their identities. Pediatrics, 137(3). DOI

Affirmed trans children had similar anxiety/depression levels as cisgender peers.

17. Erickson-Schroth (2013). Update on the biology of transgender identity. J Gay & Lesbian Mental Health. Link

Emphasizes interplay between hormones, brain development, and environment.

18. Kreukels, Steensma, De Vries (2014). Gender dysphoria and DSD. Springer Book. PDF

Explores overlaps and clinical challenges in treating gender and intersex diagnoses.

19. Boucher & Chinnah (2020). Gender dysphoria and brain development. Adolescent Health, Medicine & Therapeutics. Link

Links genetic and hormonal influences on brain structure to identity development.

20. Sari et al. (2024). Neurobiology of sexual identity development. Psikiyatride Güncel Yaklaşımlar. PDF

Highlights how stress, epigenetics, and neurobiology shape sexual identity.

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📚 Reviews & Ethical Debates

21. Defant (2025). Reevaluating gender-affirming care. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy. PDF

A critical view of medical transition practices, especially detransitioning cases.

22. Levin et al. (2023). Biological studies of transgender identity: A critical review. Journal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health. Link

Argues evidence is not yet robust for some biological claims, urges caution.

23. Dutton & Madison (2021). Physiological and psychological masculinization theory. Sexuality Research & Social Policy. PDF

Suggests mismatched hormonal/psychological masculinization contributes to dysphoria.

24. Savic et al. (2022). Sexual differentiation of the human brain and identity. Neuroscience in the 21st Century. [Springer]

Details how various brain regions develop differently by gender and orientation.

25. Fernández et al. (2025). Biological evidence in gender identity. Anales de Pediatría. Link

Integrates genetics, brain scans, and hormone studies into a coherent model.

 

What?  Are you expecting an after credits scene? 

Book chapter: Thresholds

 

Interlude 6: Thresholds

Saturday, January 17, 2009  ’92 Ponzi Case Missed Signals About Madoff

In January 2009, I had my second makeover and photo shoot.

This one was with True Colors in Bethlehem, PA, under the hands of the legendary Amanda Richards. She did makeovers, photography, etc.  I went for the deluxe makeup and photo session, as I wanted new pics. She also said she’d teach me a little about makeup.

I arrived on time for a change, really nervous, but Amanda was very friendly. We discussed ideas and looks as she prepped me (corset, shoes) and then went straight to work. She described what she was doing as she worked, so I learned a bit.  She had satellite radio, so we talked a lot about music, which we are both passionate about.

Then we chose an outfit and a wig, and then she had me stand in front of a mirror to “get into Sophie,” telling me to repeat “I am Sophie” as she set up the cameras.  The first outfit was a miniskirt and two different tops.  I’d never worn a mini, but I always loved how they looked.  

2009

We did different wigs, and then changed to a minidress.  I posted the pictures on my new Flickr page and myspace (where my blog also lived at the time.)

My time with Amanda ran out, so I changed for Renaissance and Angela’s Laptop Lounge.  During that time, Amanda’s next appointment arrived.  We chatted as she looked through Amanda’s show collection.  Her name was Vannessa (she would later change that to Andie) and she became one of my dearest friends.  Anyway, I loved the brunette wig, so I bought it, and Amanda touched up my makeup for the 90-minute drive to the meeting.  It was so thrilling to drive down en femme- I was wearing a new dress, my bird-seed boobs, and pantyhose.

I liked it so much, I took makeup lessons the next weekend.  I needed them — I knew absolutely nothing.  Unlike girls who were socialized female and had sleepovers or whatever to learn makeup from each other, I was starting from scratch.

 

Amanda Richards

Friday, March 13, 2009  Pope Sees Internet As Resource

In any case, a few months later, I went to Harrisburg for the First Annual Keystone Conference.  I can’t believe I actually signed up for it.  I was scared as hell: I mean, the cream of Pennsylvania’s T-girls would be there, and then there would be “amateur night” Sophie.  Still, it was nothing that blasting the Grateful Dead while driving down the turnpike at warp 7 couldn’t cure.

I arrived and checked in at the Sheraton Harrisburg/Hershey quickly enough, unloaded everything, and figured I’d take a look around in drab (in guy mode.) I found that the registration desk was already open and three stunning girls were there.  One was from “Bahston”—that’s Boston.  Her name was Cheryl, and she became a dear friend.  And there was me, in drab.  Oh well, I checked in anyway, dropped the packet back in the room, and went to the bar for lunch.

The bartender was uncomfortable about the conference but tried to be professional.  A girl came in and I bought her a drink.  The bartender told me that he really didn’t want all “those freaks” but there was some kind of convention.  The girl and I spoke briefly, then I went back to the room.  It took time to shave everything, as I was as hairy as a Wookie, but eventually I was Sophie.

It took a lot of courage I could muster for me to turn that doorknob and leave the room.  I was so worried—would I get beat up?  What if someone I know was out there, as I wasn’t wearing makeup yet?  Would I be laughed at?

Annnnd, there was the maid, an older woman.  She asked if she could make up my room.  As I had girl stuff everywhere, I said no, while trying to hide my face.  I was ashamed and scared.

I headed for the elevator, AND SHE FOLLOWED ME telling me I had to sign something that said I didn’t want the room done.  Every part of me just wanted to disappear.  I scribbled on the page and asked her to leave me alone.   

Then I went to enjoy a drink in the bar with my new friend.  I think the bartender recognized me before I told him “you should really think twice before insulting guests.”  (I didn’t see him again until the fourth Keystone.)  Other girls joined us, and I began to feel the lump in my throat disappearing and my heart starting to beat at a regular pace.  It didn’t matter how I looked: They accepted me.

One Amanda Richards makeover later, and we all went downtown.  I was looking GOOD.  Dinner, dancing, drinks.  Drinks.  And so on.  A guy even bought me one!  Another bar.  Drinks.  Pool!  I love pool!  Why won’t the balls stop moving?  Didn’t matter—I shot well enough.  For me it was another drunken game of pool, but I was wearing a dress. Don't get me wrong, I was still reeling with the idea that I was wandering about a city dressed like a woman, but to me it really was just another drunken game of pool.

“Did I leave my glasses back there?”
“No, Sophie, they’re on your face.”

Time to go back to the hotel. I was going to hate life the next day, but I was out with maybe sixty T-girls, and I was one of them—and so happy.

Saturday!  Wake up, Sophie! Shower and DO YOUR OWN MAKEUP!  I’d never done it before that.  My hands shook.  Not from nerves—no, it was a progressive hangover.  I was a wreck, and I knew it.  I thought the makeup went okay, but I was a mess.

So down to a makeup class by Amanda Richards.  Her model was BJ, an amazing girl who I thought was cisgender.  Perfect.  Amanda was doing her thing and the room started to pitch and rock a bit.  I left early and bumped into people I knew in the hallway.

“Hey, we’re going to lunch!”
Ummm… onto the elevator… okay, I can survive.
Sit down to lunch… maybe not.
Sprint to room!

After being sick, I checked my makeup and I was an even worse wreck.  I tried to fix it, but to no avail.  Oh well, back to lunch.  After lunch, I went back to the room and collapsed, missing some great seminars for much needed sleep.

Woke up, re-tied the corset, and dressed for the night.  Damn bra straps kept showing.  Oh well—they’re removable.  This wouldn’t come back to haunt me, would it?

Then another makeover where Amanda made me look incredible.  I looked as hot as Sophie could be (so I thought).  I never felt as confident as I did then.  I was Sophie, and I was a woman.

After forgetting and going back for my meal ticket once, I sashayed into the ballroom and made my entrance. Yeah, look at me, girls!

Dancing, fun, drinking water, and…Um… my boobs started to fall down. Pull the bra back up.

I listened to the incredible dinner speaker Donna Rose as well as Dr. Jeanine Ruhsam, who ran the conference as president of TransCentral PA, along with many others.  Both would become dear friends.  Jeanine talked about how there were around eighty of us there, and how we were bound by our mutual ‘need’ to express ourselves in a feminine way.  I thought about that for a very long time.

Boobs fall to my belly button.  Hey, I’m not that old!  Okay, this has got to get fixed.  Back to the room.  Get some help with the zipper for my red gown.  Put straps back on.  Sophie is back in business!

More dancing. Wine.  Oh, it was so fun!   People began filtering out, so what the hell—I’ll wear my last outfit.  I brought a PVC dress with me.  Time to sizzle!

And sizzle I did!  I must have lost five pounds wearing that!  

A bunch of the girls were going to a nearby lesbian club.  However, I declined and sat in the bar.  I was tired.  I regretted not going. 

Anyway, a glass of wine and off to bed.  I was soaked with sweat.  I peeled off the clothes, but not the wig.  Started packing.  Shoes… wash off my new breast forms…

And then I looked in the mirror at my face and my wig.  It made me so sad.  I would take off the wig, and Sophie would disappear.  If only for a while, I know—but still, it made me very sad.

So, I whispered to my reflection, “Goodbye, Sophie,” and removed my wig and makeup.

The next day was cloudy and misty.  I drove home back to my drab life.  It took me a few days to get over my feeling of missing Sophie.  I would later refer to this as a “Pink hangover” and it got progressively worse after each conference as the years went by.

************************************************************************ 

The Keystone Conference still occurs every year, except for a couple of years it was cancelled due to Covid.  As of this writing, I have never missed one.  Sometimes I only go for a few hours, but I still register and go.  Eventually, it outgrew the Sheraton and moved to the Harrisburg Hilton downtown.  Keystone regularly draws around 750 people each year.  Jeanine helped run it until her untimely death in March 2019.

            Speaking of covid, the pandemic spelled the end of True Colors.  Amanda couldn’t afford the rent with no customers, so she ‘retired.’ 

            So much has changed for all of us.  Several of the friends I met back then have since passed on — some without ever living their truth.  Amanda is still one of my dearest friends.  And me?  Well…

 

"What Does It Mean" TDOR 2025 Speech

 I'll be delivering this tonight at Penn State's Transgender Day of Rememberance.  The capitalizations, etc, are for speaking emphasis.

TDOR 2024

What does it mean to be transgender today?

Today we mourn the loss of THREE HUNDRED THIRTY FIVE transgender people worldwide, (pause) FIFTY SIX of whom are in the United States.  Brothers (pause)sisters (pause), sons (pause), daughters (pause)- human beings.

What does that mean?  It means FEAR.

Transgender People today live in fear.

One of our dead committed suicide rather than live in a country with the current Administration, Because they were that afraid of what Could, and probably will happen.

I admit to having considered that option, as well as fleeing to another country.

That's fear.

What does it mean to be transgender today?

It means always being on guard.  

I remember when I first came out that one of my cisgender female friends said. “Now you know what it means to be a woman, you always must be on guard: Always must be aware your surroundings.”

She was absolutely right.  

Always being on guard is subset of fear.

So, what does it mean to be transgender today?

It means LOSS. (pause)

So many of us who have transitioned lost everything:

Jobs, Careers, Family, Friends, Homes, Marriages- (pause)

Everything.

So, transgender also means loss.

But, you know, then there's the most important thing about being transgender right today.

Yes, there is fear.  Yes, there is loss.  

But the primary facet of being transgender today, or any time is  (pause) PEACE.

That component of life that so many people seek?

Many of us find that.  I did.

Did I find happiness?  I get asked that a lot.  

No, (pause) I did not find happiness.  I found peace.

An end to that raging storm of dysphoria that I lived with for almost fifty years.

Peace, and dare I say: HOPE. (pause)

I'm not a big believer in Hope these days, but peace?

That, in the end, is what it must mean to be transgender today.

Now, of course, there will always be fear.  There will always be loss.  

But Peace…(pause)

Maybe If we stand together- cisgender, transgender, LGB, straight, all of us.  (pause)

Together.

Just maybe,

There will be HOPE. 

Hope for a future where we can live without excessive fear and loss. 

A future where we can simply be allowed to live our lives in peace. 

A future when word transgender is just another adjective that applies to the beautiful tapestry of being human.

Tonight, we remember. (pause) Tomorrow… that’s up to those of us who remain.