TopShelf Blogs

A word from our sponsor:

I am Captain America

In preparation for the movie coming out this summer Marvel Comics is releasing variant covers for the Captain America series.

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=32292

More than a few have racial or gender changes. I know that it's supposed to illustrate how there's a little of the hero in all of us, but I can dream! :) Some are very good.

Hugs!
Grover

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

Waterloo Road TG Episode!

I was able to download a programe called Expat Sheild, an can now access the wonderful and fascinating world orf the BBC. I say this seriously and in no way mean any ridcule to anyone.

The TG episoce is one hour long, without commercials, and is quite excellent. There are a half dozen sub plots and like someone else, I found the parts about the girl with a brain tumor, and the GID boy to be especially moving.

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

"One year, 52 weeks"

That's how long I've been here, according to my account info. Since that actually translates into being my second anniversary here, I thought I would take a moment to reflect on what how far I have come in those two years. Two years ago, I hadn't even dreamed of going out in public as Dorothy. I hadn't even really faced my rape. And now, I am a hair's breath from working as a woman.

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

Transgender discrimination costs Massachusetts millions

The Boston Business Journal has a short article about a study of the economic impact of transgendered discrimination in Massachusetts.

Story: http://www.bizjournals.com/boston/news/2011/05/11/transgende...

The study can be found at the Williams Institute website: http://www.law.ucla.edu/williamsinstitute

Press Release: http://www3.law.ucla.edu/williamsinstitute/pdf/MATransEmpDis...

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

Troubles with choice

I found out this morning that I have to go to a formal (dress code is: smart) dinner on Saturday evening, so I made an appointment to get my unruly tresses tamed (sounds better than getting a haircut) first thing on Saturday - my hair won't be tidy, it never is - it's very fine and flies about like tissue paper in the slightest draught.

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

Waterloo Road TG Storyline

It looks as though Waterloo Road (which bills itself as a "Contemporary drama series set in a challenging comprehensive school") is including a TG storyline in the current series.

From the synopsis of tonight's episode (already available on iPlayer): "A shy and effeminate year 12 pupil is branded a 'perv' when he is caught poring over a lingerie magazine - but the truth is far more complicated than Chris imagines." (Judging by the cast list, Chris is probably Christopher Mead, Deputy Head)

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

gave myself a scare this morning

Well, I managed to give myself a scare this morning. I tried to get a hold of Wal-Mart about the job, and was told I didn't get it, which almost killed me. Then I went to phone back to find out why, and realized, I was phoning the WRONG STORE! A quick recalculation got me the right one, and I was told they were just waiting to hear from my supervisor from my old store, and he will be in this afternoon. I'm praying he gives me a good reference, and trying to restart my heart at the same time.

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

Heads-up for Google Docs Users :-)

Just letting everyone know that, at least as of this posting, there's something strange going on with Google Docs. New documents are being saved, and you can link back to them directly if you share them or copy the link somewhere, but they are NOT currently being saved under your "Owned by me" area, or anywhere else that I can tell.

Some reports suggest some of the "lost" documents are appearing an hour later, but others never show up at all. Like I said they're being saved because you can link back to them, just not being added to the list. There's a forum thread at Google Support Here

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

Updates

New chapter edited and in the can, so that is good. Still nothing original done lately. Part of the new fun is the chronic pain, which seriously sucks but I doubt anyone believes otherwise. Most of the pain is in my right arm and wrist which makes even this little post a bit of a trial. Thursday I am having a pain procedure done which kills one of my pain nerves. It regrows but it takes a while and that gives me a great deal of relief. Having your dominant hand be a source of pain is not something I would recommend.

This means a new chapter Sunday at the least.

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

The Google Title whatsit

Just wondering if anyone else is as blown away as I am by the latest Google title thingie. These are often clever and interesting, but this one... I've sat and watched it several times in simple admiration. Whoever did this one is a bloody genius.

Wonderful tribute animation, style, movement ... brilliant.

I expect a bunch of you might have to wait a few hours till it clicks over into tomorrow. Time zones huh.

Kristina

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

a writer's challenge

I love the writer's challenges and contests here. Even when I can't come up with an entry, (which is most of the time), I love reading what others create within each contest or challenge. So I decided to create a personal challenge, just for me. I wanted to create a story with a title that began with the letter "z", and keep it under 500 words. You guys have read the result - "Zombie-Killer Girlfriend". And judging from the comments, it turned out pretty good.

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

Music Inspires the Savage Beast

I'm fairly certain I've blogged extensively in the past about how music tends to affect my muse in strange ways, but I just had probably the best example ever of this phenomenon while working on Boys Don't Cry today (Don't worry, I'm still working on Robin too :-) She'll be back soon).

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

Whatever happened to Aaron Smith? Chapter 1 revised

I've had someone helping me with my new chapter of AJ's story, and because of that we've gone over the first three chapters. The revision of chapter one is now up. I simply replaced the old chapter 1 with the new text. This will be the same thing I do with chapters 2 and 3.

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

'Corrective Rape'

The term Corrective Rape is one applied to the brutal sexual assault and rape of lesbians, gay and transgender people by thugs usually young men. It is purported to teach them a lesson but frequently leaves them devastated or even dead. It is a hate crime of the first order, and seems to be on the increase.

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

Roller-coaster of emotions

I feel like I'm riding a roller-coaster of emotions. One moment, I'm feeling pretty good about the choices I'm making, and the next I'm either wracked with fear that its all going to go up in smoke, or I'm beating myself up for being so selfish as to risk my relationship with my daughter over a couple of inches of flesh between my legs. Hopefully, the ride will smooth out soon.

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

Man Trapped In Women's Prison

There's fodder for a story here, somewhere! This news item first appeared last week, but I just tripped over it while poking around a news consolidation site.

BERLIN | Wed May 4, 2011 11:20am EDT
(Reuters) - A mayor in Germany helped rescue a man who became trapped in a women's prison after mistaking it for a shortcut to a nearby park, police in the northern city of Hildesheim said on Wednesday.

Hildesheim Mayor Henning Blum heard the man's cries for help while passing by the prison near the city center and notified police who came and freed the 24-year-old.

The man told police he was strolling through town and did not immediately notice he had walked into a prison. By the time it dawned on him where he was, the gate to the jail had already closed, locking him inside.

Police said they are investigating why the prison gate was open, enabling the man to wander in.

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

Notice of a probable BCTS BBQ in Northern Utah, June 19

Shelly/Shalimar and I are going to be moving east in the last half of June, and spending a couple of nights and one day, a Sunday, north of Salt Lake with Penny Cardon, author of ‘Educated in the Hills’.

We will be traveling with a couple of other BCTS members, Beth Williams, & Sparrowchild, so that will make 5, and I have already contacted one other BCTS member about it.

To make it a bit easier to get there, we are thinking we may hold a BBQ in the Ogden area, and invite anyone from this community, as we have twice, out in Walnut Creek, CA.

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

Dungeons and Dragons

I've been meaning to talk about my experience with Dungeons and Dragons for a while. I got involved in A D & D in my teens, and because I couldn't afford the books, a friend allowed me to borrow his. I copied out the Player's handbook, the DM's Guide, and the Monster Manual by hand, and then made a world. I used my love of map-making to create a series of maps for the main continent, covering climate, languages, races, and physical features. I also created two thousand years of "back story" to explain how things got to be where they were when the players would arrive.

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

One of my pet peeves

I watch a lot of movies, okay it's one thing I do to just relax.

But the thing here is, why, why do the women in those always keep their high heels on?

A real woman (and me when I was going through RLT) would get rid of them in a heartbeat if they had to move quickly, quietly, or were in the wilderness.

Sorry, was just watching a movie where both female leads kept wearing their heels in a damned jungle.

And I know, I know, it's sexy and all that. But come on here.

Maggie

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

Louisiana - crimes against nature - sex offenders.

I happened across this article on the Huffington Post, which has reference to transgender as well as biological women being labelled as sex offenders, possibly for life , because they had unnatural sex - ie they had oral or anal sex for money.

The article claims that black women and transgender people were being targeted by the police. It's worth reading even if it does show the authorities have a mediaeval approach to life - this is what the police do when they're not out hunting witches one supposes.

See for yourselves.

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

Looks like I might have a job as Dorothy

Well, I got a call from a local Wal-Mart, and I might just have a job as Dorothy. I had gone for the interview yesterday, and they called me today to come in to fill in a background check request and to give them permission to contact my references. Baring a bad review from them, I'm hired. The manager took a moment to tell me not only was I brave to do what I'm doing, but she told me I interviewed as well as anyone they have ever had. Pretty good news, yes? Plus, I wanted to send out a special shout-out to someone here. JennaFL sent me a couple of bras, and I wanted to thank her publicly.

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

new gutters

I have a new roof now ,, I cry at the cost, now they have stared after a few day to put up the gutters ,, LOL it has rained so they did not want to put them up LOL LOL LOL Gosh houses cost alot to repair and for up-keep lucky me most of my frount yard is moss and very little grass so I have not had to mow yet hehehe the weather-guy said there might be a chance of frost around me Ouch had to cover some plants and my strawberrys yummy I have enjoyed a few stories the last few days they got me hooked but I love to read have a nice nite all

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

DSM V Comment Period

According to the CNN web site, the newest edition of the DSM (the "bible" of psychiatry) has been posted for comment. The comment period runs through June 15.

The story can be found at http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2011/05/04/psychiatry-bible-st...

The revised edition can be found at: www.dsm5.org

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

Teh Crazy... it comes!

So, I have been running around being far too busy for someone who is unemployed for the last two weeks. As a result still no writing. The issue is part time and part technology, as my laptop is busy messing up whatever I type, dropping the beginnings or endings of sentences at random. Thus I am still behind on things. No update for this week but I am hoping to have one for next week.

I can feel the beginnings of non-writing crazy starting up so I need to take care of that soon, before it gets bad.

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

Ms Frankenstein 1 & 2

I have been thinking about cleaning up some of my unfinished stories. After Ch 4 of Lt Katia, I was going to write the final chapter of MS Frankenstein but when I looked at the comments and reads, discovered that it just did not sell that well. I had thought it was a very good story but perhaps not. So, I guess I will ask for input from the readers.

Is this story worth finishing? If I get a few comments saying that it is, perhaps I'll do the final chapter. If not, I will just let it die a natural death.

Much peace

Khadijah

MS Frankenstein

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

More breaking news!

Hi everyone.

I'm pleased to announce an Ebook version of the latest Gaby release available here - http://www.lulu.com/product/ebook/gaby---changes-part-1/1564... .

In the course of the coming weeks i will endeavour to get all of the previous Gaby books as well as all the other Scaramouch releases converted to ebooks so there will be no excuse in not reading my wares anywhere!

Mads

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

job interview tomorrow

Well, I have a job interview tomorrow. Wish me luck Meanwhile, my mom almost let things slip out with my daughter. She bought me a Dorothy outfit, and came back just as I was feeding my daughter. She then pulled it out and asked me to try it on while my daughter wondered why she had bought me a skirt. Fortunately, my daughter has very short attention span, so probably not much chance she will be telling her mom. Maybe its time I came clean, but I would rather be working in case she makes me fight to see my girl.

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

my mom almost let things slip with my daughter

Well, my mom almost let things slip out with my daughter. She bought me a Dorothy outfit, and came back just as I was feeding my daughter. She then pulled it out and asked me to try it on while my daughter wondered why she had bought me a skirt. Fortunately, my daughter has very short attention span, so probably not much chance she will be telling her mom. Maybe its time I came clean, but I would rather be working in case she makes me fight to see my girl.

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

How Others See Us

We were visiting friends last week, and were having an Easter feast outdoors in the mild weather. I happened to be with several of the wives, including my own, and we were discussing movies, past oscar winners and others. Several nice movies were mentioned, and Notting Hill came up. We mentioned The King's Speech, and I mentioned that I like Colin Firth in Love Actually.. One of the ladies said, "You keep mentioning chic flicks. You're a girl inside, aren't you?" I said I guess so, and my wife said yes, while nodding in agreement.

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

Guardian: 'Homophobic attacks increase in London'

While we feel life is becoming more tolerant - could we be labouring under a misapprehension. West London seems to be having an upsurge of attacks on gay men.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/may/02/homophobic-attack-h...

Why people can't live in peace, I'll never understand.

Angharad.

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

My muse's story

Well, my muse refuses to give a lot of details about what she's been up to - just some hints about snogging some girl named Pippa at a wedding .... But, now that she has recovered from a hangover, she is pouring ideas into my head at a furious pace. Its too bad my daughter doesn't type, maybe I could offload some of my workload .....

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

My muse came back

Well, my muse came back. Minus a shoe, ripped hose, her dress covered in stains from I don't even want to know what, but she's back. I've got two stories burning right now, my first and probably only entry into the "years worth of challenges", and a new Phoenix story. I wonder which one will get done first?

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

Labels (no, not T* & friends!)

As a counterpoint to the discussion over T* related labels, I thought it might be interesting to have a more light-hearted discussion of the various other labels we may apply to ourselves (i.e. not related to gender, sexuality or political affiliation) to describe certain aspects of who we are and what we do.

For example, as I'm more knowledgeable than average about computers, and actively enjoy using them, I consider myself a "Geek" (although according to some definitions, I'm actually closer to "Nerd").

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

Gaby Book 8 - first part published

Hi everyone

If you go to http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/gaby---changes-pa... you can now obtain the first 10 chapter part of the new Gaby book, Changes.

Rather than keep you waiting until all 40 chapters are finished which might not be until late summer i thought i'd release it in smaller lumps, i think you'll like this new stuff!

Prices are  £5.99 for the dead tree version and  £3.99 for the download.

Book 8 cover

TTFN
Maddy

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

sitting here with tears in my eyes

I'm sitting here, with tears in my eyes, and shaking so hard its hard to type. Wave upon wave of self-hate is hitting me, and I'm not sure I can swim. I am battered on all sides with self-doubt, one moment fearing that I could be a woman someday, and then a worse moment when I wonder if my sister-in-law is right that I am just .... rejecting my male identity.
 

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

The Royal Wedding Night

The wedding night of British royalty is steeped in as much tradition as the public ceremony.

It is the custom for the bride, when she is finally undressed and ready for the nuptial bed, to say to her new husband;

"Sir, I offer you my honour."

He replies;

"Madam, I honour your offer."

Then he's on 'er and off 'er all night.

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

Should the word transgender really be used as an identity?

I am one of a growing number that are unhappy with the use of the word transgender. For me it isn't really about a dislike for other marginalized groups it is instead about a sense of identity. The word is supposed to be an umbrella term that covers diverse groups but in its current usage I think really does all groups involved harm. I think it loses it message and pushes others out that the word was originally meant to include like crossdressers. Speaking of those marginalized groups where are they in the supposedly large LGBT and Transgender groups?

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

I Mighte Be Related To Kate!

Eh what with all this talk of family crests and such, it prompted me to explore mine a bit. If the "Sun" can invent outraveous lies then I ought also.
So I went looking on the Internet for the "Boucher" place of origin and family crest. Gads, we actually have one! It looks like they were part of the Norman invasion around 1066.
http://www.houseofnames.com/boucher-family-crest

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

I should be celebrating,

my name change became legal, finally, yesterday. Instead of celebration, what I feel is somewhat empty. My family really could care less about this, and most of my friends are gone... either moved far away, or passed away. Frankly, I've never felt quite so alone as I do right now.

So I'm now, officially, legally, Catherine Linda Michel. Hooray for me.... I guess.

Cathy

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

Avoiding the Royal Wedding

Well, I managed to avoid most of the coverage of the Royal wedding. My reasons for this were not because of any Republican sentiments I may carry, but more raw emotions. I couldn't have born seeing that beautiful bride and that exquisite gown without being almost lost to envy. I have a wonderful girlfriend, but its hard to imagine that I will ever be a bride. But, I have to be grateful for what I do have, don't I?

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

Spare a Thought

The devastation in northern Alabama seems to have affected our member Stanman who has not been onsite since early Thursday morning. Let us hope that it is just disruption of internet or electricity and that Stan is okay. There may be other BC members who are having connectivity problems in this extreme weather, remember them also.

Hugs to all,
Erin

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

royal wedding

yes she is cute but please eat some food in the next 60 days please
I guess he is handsome not my type but maybe with one of mummies dresses hehe I'm burnt out over wedding 2011 way too much money ... here we go how about a quickie in a VEGAS chappel !!!! OK OK some of the hats are cool . I got a bunch of dvd's and a few books just in case but 4 am now way Betty not me hope they make it.... true love rules

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

going to a group interview as dorothy

Well, today there was a hiring fair for a health care company, and I went as Dorothy. We had a group interview, which was kinda different, but cool. The company looks great, and it looks like they would have no problem with me coming to work for them as Dorothy. The best moment was each of us was asked who they would hire, and one of the other people picked me. Wish me luck that they hire me.

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

Soldier of Missfortune

It's taken me hours to sort out a suitable picture to go with the caption. Today's part two is a bonus episode - was literally waiting for paint to dry - it's true, honestly. Anyway, don't expect two episodes of stuff every day--this is very much a one off(or should that be two off?).

The plot is working up nicely, so I hope you enjoy. Comments are appreciated.

Angharad.

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

How Would You Describe Yourself In A Story.

So tonight after I got home from my volunteer job in Cleveland, my roomate had fixed Matzo Ball soup and then we sat around talkig about the school year and how happy they were that it was almost over. All this made me begin to think about my own life and how I would describe it.

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

Petition to help transgender woman fight to avoid prejudice

This is a petition to help Dr Rachel Tudor who is being discriminated against by her colleagues because of her transition. The universities manual was rewitten after their action was initiated to make it easier to fire her. Southeastern is in the Bible belt of Oklahoma.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/help-rachel-tudor/

Below is a link to Rachael's blog with more information and a recent award for distinguished scholarship.

http://rachel-s-friends.blogspot.com/

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

My prayers that you all are safe in all these major storms

Hi all, I just wanted to take this moment to say I pray that you all are safe during these major storms rocking across the Midwest, Southwest, the South, Southeast and Eastern seaboard of the US. My heart goes out to Arkansas, where that State has had approx 20 persons killed, and millions and millions of dollars in damage done. Altho we see large storms this time of year; these have been majorily bad in all aspects. Take care and stay safe. Jan

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

easter and the great weather

Hello everyone I hope one and all had a wonderful time the last few days and had fun and a nice visit from the cute bunny no matter bad boy or good girl (hehehe LOL ) also I hope ereyone stays safe and dry ,, as in the last week I got so much rain I found my roof needs to be redone too many leaks and the shingles were at end of live span and with so much ice over the winter I also need new gutters it will be over $20,000 cry cry cry darn I just had drivway redone and now I will have a 30 yard dumpster in it darn I hope it will not crack the new drivway that is over 100 yards long

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

France's oldest TS turns out to be a Brit.

The Daily Wail does it again. Apparently this one wrote a book about herself, so is I suppose fair game. I wouldnt have thought 60 was that old - or is that all about personal perspective - the closer you get the younger it seems?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1380687/British-ex-p...

Comments are the usual unhelpful sort, but there seems to be some effort to ger pronouns right.

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

Am I the only one fed up with The "Royal Wedding?

THE FOLLOWING IS AN ANGRY RANT. NO OFFENSE IS MEANT TO ANYONE, SO PLEASE, NO FLAMES?

All the pomp and circumstance is making me violently ill! 30 MILLiON dollars for security and God KNOWS how much for the actual wedding! EVERYWHERE I turn, on TV, in the papers, even on the internet, this thing is wherever I go! Maybe there isn't enough "girl" in me to be able to appreciate the supposed romance and all the preparations, etc, that go into an event like this.

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

I Got A Surprise Phone Call Today

I got a surprise phone call today from the hiring coordinator for the company I recently did Customer Service training for. The IRS is hiring for positions beginning January 2012. The training starts September of this year. I went through a phone interview and I have been given a conditional letter of hire, pending a background check. I am wondering if those Federal agencies like the IRS would refuse to hire you if they find out what your former status is during the background check?

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

Texas May Strip Away Transgender Marriage Rights

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/04/25/texas-transgender-m...

AUSTIN, Texas – Two years after Texas became one of the last states to allow transgendered people to use proof of their sex change to get a marriage license, Republican lawmakers are trying to roll back the clock.

Advocates for the transgendered say a proposal to bar transgendered people from getting married smacks of discrimination and would put their legally granted marriages in danger of being nullified if challenged in court.

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

the true little me.

Curtsy everyone.

The true little me is a sweet little girl of 4 trying to poke out in the big real world. I have been to a number of adult little girl camps. Where i have meat a couple of writers on here aka Piper and cat. I look after a sweet writer calle allie elle.

As you are aware in real life unforntally i am a 33 year old male (soon to be 34) but i just love to be a sweet little girl.

I have loads of pictures of me on my flickr page but i think the perfect one for easter time would be this one http://www.flickr.com/photos/sissysamantharebecca/2536836130...

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

Conference Cancelled

According to the transgender blog in The Guardian, trans-activists caused a conference to be cancelled because they felt it was unrepresentative and that two of the speakers were either anti or unsympathetic to 'the cause'.

I'm not sure what I feel, other than it seems to prove that modern technology can effect change and that the opinions of minorities can be made louder than they otherwise might, especially in the past.

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

back from church as Dorothy

Well, I'm back from church, and it was wonderful. They had a choir from Germany was was simply angelic. After the service, I went for coffee with a couple of guys from the welcoming group, and it was pretty good. Makes me wish I could do this every Sunday instead of having to go to my ex's church in male mode. Ah, well.

Taxonomy upgrade extras: 

Author: 

Pages