RIP Natalie Cole

Another iconic singer from my childhood has gone.   Was shocked to hear that iconic singer Natalie Cole joined the ancestors last night at age 65 die to persistent health complications.

I remember when I first heard her breakout hit from her debut gold album Inseparable.  The Top Ten hit 'This Will Be' from that album was dominating my radio in May 1975 and I recall being surprised to hear that it was Nat King Cole's daughter singing it.  

She was born on February 6, 1950 in Los Angeles to musical royalty.  In addition to her father being one of the iconic singers of the post World War II era, her mother Maria sang with the Duke Ellington Orchestra.  She was singing on her father's Christmas album at age 6 and began performing at age 11.  But after her father's untimely death in 1965, she turned away from music and graduated with a degree in child psychology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 1972.
 
Cole was soon after graduation singing in small clubs with her band Black Magic, but refused to do her father's material.  She was discovered by Chicago based music producers Marvin Yancy and Chuck Jackson who wrote many of her early songs.

Cole would become an instant star, winning the first two of her nine career Grammys in 1976, when she won the Best New Artist Grammy and another one for Best R&B Vocal Performance Female for 'This Will Be'.    Her subsequent albums Natalie (1976) and Unpredictable (1977) hit gold and platinum status respectively and she was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1979.




Serious drug addition problems derailed that early success to the point Cole entered rehab in 1983, but she reemerged in 1987 with the comeback album Everlasting.  The success of that album, with three number one singles, set her up for the monster 1991 success of Unforgettable..With Love. 

That album featured the technology assisted duet with her late father singing 'Unforgettable' that helped her sweep the three major Grammy categories in 1992 and sold seven million copies in the US.




She's had persistent health problems due to a kidney transplant and battling hepatitis C, and had canceled several December 2015 events due to illness.

But like her father, Natalie Cole will be an unforgettable music icon to me and all the people who loved her music, and may she rest in power and peace.

     

Trans Icon Holly Woodlawn Passes Away

Been hearing the mounting bad news that trans actress, icon and Warhol muse Holly Woodlawn was ill with cancer, and her health had been deteriorating for the last few months.

Was sad to hear of her passing today at 3:06 PM PST in Los Angeles at age 69.

Woodlawn in addition to being a girl like us, was the inspiration for the Lou Reed song Walk On The Wild Side, and her life was chronicled in the 1991 documentary A Life In High Heels.

She was born in Puerto Rico in 1946 and raised in Miami Beach, FL.  She ran away from home and hitchhiked to New York, linked up with Andy Warhol and became one of his superstars.




Woodlawn starred in the 1970's underground classic movies Trash (1970) and Women In Revolt (1972) along with performing on the New York and Los Angeles cabaret circuits..  

While Woodlawn received critical acclaim for those film roles, she struggled to turn it into mainstream success and moved back to Miami in 1979.  She did make a comeback into public consciousness starting in the 1990's with the rise of queer and independent films, and most recently had a role on the show Transparent.

Rest in power and peace, Holly Woodlawn.

Rest In Power Juan Evans

Was shacked and saddened to hear the news that Atlanta based trans masculine activist Juan Evans has joined the ancestors at age 42 after suffering from as yet undetermined health issues for the last few days.

Evans was active in groups such as Blue House Family, the Solutions Not Punishment Coalition, Women on the Rise and the Racial Justice Action Center, according to Project Q Atlanta.

He was also active in Unity Fellowship Church, Greater Atlanta.

Evans died on Tuesday at Emory University Hospital Midtown and a cause of death has yet to be determined according to the Fulton County Medical Examiner.  Funds are being raised to help defray medical and funeral costs at this time.

The news was greeted with shock and sadness by the ATL activist community, who praised him as a fierce human rights advocate.  In addition to the legions of friends and colleagues mourning his loss, he leaves behind his wife Jacqueline Evans.

For those of you in the ATL who wish to pay your last respects to Juan, the funeral will be held tomorrow at  11 AM EDT at Virginia Highland Community Church.  Address is 743 Virginia Ave. NE, in Atlanta, GA 30306

Rest in peace and power, Brother Juan.    You will be missed.  

743 Virginia Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

743 Virginia Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306.

Blake Brockington Commits Suicide

“I’m still a person, and trans people are still people. Our bodies just don’t match what’s up (in our heads). We need support, not people looking down at us or degrading us or overlooking us. We are still human.”
Blake Brockington

I have mixed emotions as I'm writing this post because I have the sad duty of informing you courtesy of QNotes that history making trans activist Blake Brockington took his own life March 23.

18 year old Brockington made history last year as the first ever African-American trans masculine homecoming king when as an East Mecklenburg High School senior he beat out 12 other nominees and raised $2355.55 for a school chosen charity to win the honor.

Since his graduation from East Mecklenburg HS he has been involved in the #BlackLivesMatter movement, a mentor to other trans kids and an outspoken advocate for our community.  I had the pleasure of meeting and talking to his at the Philadelphia Trans Health Conference to congratulate him on his historic win and tell him how proud I was of him.

And that's one of the parts that is pissing me off and literally has me in tears as I compose this.  Brockington is the third trans person of color youth suicide this year, and that unhappy trend must end.  22 year old Aubrey Mariko Shine jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge February 24, and was preceded by the February 11 death of 19 year old Melonie Rose of Laurel, MD.

And to add insult to both those deaths, the families of Shine and Rose added to the hurt and anger we feel over these death by deliberately erased their trans identities at their funerals

We lost another one of our trans younglings to the ramped up anti-trans violence and hatred.   If #BlackLivesMatter,  don't #BlackTransLivesMatter too?

Trans younglings, your best revenge is living well and setting the goal of living to see your 20th, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th and 70th birthdays.  If you need to talk to someone, find a trans elder or call the Trevor Project.  
It would have been interesting to see how Blake's life would have turned out, but we've been robbed of that opportunity.   

Rest in power, Blake


 For TBLG youth (ages 24 and younger) contemplating suicide, the Trevor Project Lifeline can be reached at 1-866-488-7386. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 can also be reached 24 hours a day by people of all ages and identities.

Leonard Nimoy Passes Away

Was saddened to hear that actor -director Leonard Nimoy, who any Trekkie can tell you played the iconic role of Spock on Star Trek died this morning at age 83 from complications resulting from COPD.

In addition to playing the iconic character and a long list of roles over his career, he directed Star Trek III: The Search For Spock , Star Trek IV : The Voyage Home and Three Men and A Baby, and lent his voice  to narrating the Ancient Mysteries TV series for its entire 1994-98 run

One of the sobriquets that was hurled at me that my tormentors quickly dropped was calling me Mr. Spock.  I embraced that like a badge of honor..

And Nimoy's half human-half Vulcan character struck a chord with biracial kids, when in 1968 a young mixed race female fan who identified herself as F.C. penned a letter expressing her frustrations about it.   

Here's the money paragraph in what Nimoy had to say to her in his lengthy response letter in which he explained how Spock dealt with a similar situation in his childhood.

"He said to himself: 'Not everyone will like me. But there will be those who will accept me just for what I am. I will develop myself to such a point of excellence, intelligence and brilliance that I can see through any problem and deal with any crisis. I will become such a master of my own abilities and career that there will be a place for me. People of all races will need me and not be able to do without me.' And that's just what he did. And when I see him standing there on the bridge of the Enterprise, facing danger and life-and-death problems so cooly and with so much intelligence, I'm sure he made the right decision."

I hope F.C took that advice to heart, lived long and prospered

You've lived long and prospered Mr. Nimoy and left a gigantic footprint not only in television history but also our imaginations.   Because of your iconic character, you inspired  kids of all ethnic backgrounds to look toward the heavens and imagine careers in the science and technology fields.

And you will be missed.

RIP Bianca Baxter

Sad news from the ballroom community courtesy of ELIXHER. 

On December 21 the House of Mizrahi suffered the untimely loss of their House Mother Bianca Baxter, known in the Ballroom world as Barbie Mizrahi.

The cause of death of the actress and model from Charlottesville, VA  hasn't been confirmed, but she was a popular and well loved figure in the ballroom world.

Every trans woman in the ballroom and pageant community is my sister, too. We have much to learn and teach each other, and need to do a better job in 2015 of connecting and working to solve our common problems together.  
And while  I'm saddened to hear about Bianca leaving us far too soon, the cool thing is there is plenty of video of our ballroom sister, and you can check it out here.

Stuart Scott (1965-2015)

"When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live."
--Stuart Scott, July 16,2014

It was a shock to hear that groundbreaking ESPN sportscaster Stuart Scott passed away this morning after a valiant battle with cancer at age 49.

As you TransGriot readers know I'm a big sports fan, and one of the channels my TV is parked on is ESPN.  I grew to love watching his Sports Center broadcasts and especially when her did highlights because he brought our cultural swag to it.

He' was loved by his colleagues, the professional athletes he covered, and his fans like me, and he's going to be missed.

Here's the speech that he gave at the 2014 ESPY's last summer when he was awarded the Jimmy V Perseverance Award

Maya Angelou Meets The Ancestors

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel
-Maya Angelou

One of the things I was saddened to hear about as we settled into City Hall to deal with a long day of HERO testimony was finding out that award-winning author, renowned poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou passed away at age 86 after a brief illness.

It was especially sad for us in Houston because she was scheduled to come here to accept an award Saturday.  

Her trailblazing life was an inspiration to me as well as several generations of women.   I have a Phenomenal Transwoman poem I wrote in the early days of TransGriot inspired by her Phenomenal Woman one, and I do from time to time draw upon her inspiring quotes, wisdom and words, do some hard solid thing about them to serve as inspiration for my own writing.

She made us all feel human anytime we were in her presence.  And that's why we will never forget her. 

Rest in power, Sister Maya!  

Matt Kailey 1955-2014

Was stunned to hear the news that one of my fellow bloggers and trans human rights activists in Matt Kailey passed away Saturday night-early Sunday morning of heart failure.

From Matt's sister: 

"I wanted to let you know that Matt Kailey, my brother, has passed away. He died of heart failure in his sleep Saturday night/early Sunday morning. His untimely and unexpected passing has been a shock. With the help of family and friends, I am currently working on processing this tragedy and making arrangements. I will post more information at a later time. Thank you for being Matt's friends."


Matt transitioned in 1997, and his Tranifesto blog was one of the destinations that people went to for information, advice and to get knowledge on the trans journey from the transmasculine point of view.

The Denver, CO based Kailey was the author of Just Add Hormones: An Insider's Guide to The Transsexual Experience (Beacon Press), a Lambda Literary Award finalist and Rocky Mountain News local bestseller, and Teeny Weenies and Other Short Subjects , a collection of humorous and heartfelt essays about his life before and after transition. In addition, his work has appeared in numerous publications, from anthologies to professional journals. Matt was also a media personality who appeared on local and national radio and television, in local and national print publications, and in five documentary films.

Mat Kailey will be missed in our trans human rights ranks and in our community.  Final arrangements are pending, and as soon as I'm aware of them the news will be posted to this blog. 

Rest in power and peace Matt. 

Christie Lee Van de Putte Dies

When I traveled to San Antonio for their TDOR last November, one of the people I was hoping to see but didn't that evening was Christie Lee Van de Putte

I was shocked and saddened to hear the news that Christie Lee Van de Putte passed away on March 15.

She was a San Antonio native born on March 29, 1952 and was a hairstylist for 35 years.   But what many of us in the community know her for was as the plaintiff in the 1999 Littleton v Prange case. 

As her obituary said, Christie Lee loved bringing out the beauty in everyone and she did.  She got remarried to Pierre Van de Putte who preceded her in death.   Christie Lee's funeral Mass was held on March 25 at Holy Family Catholic Church and she was laid to rest the same day at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.  

I had the pleasure of meeting her during a 1999 Texas Lobby day, and seeing her again on my end of I-10 for Houston Pride.  I stayed in touch with her even after my move to Da Ville until about 2005 and our lives went in different directions. 

I'm hearing community chatter there might be a memorial service, so if that turns out to be the case, I will pass that information along to you.

Nikki Araguz Loyd commented upon hearing the news, "Rest In Peace Christie Lee Littleton Van De Putte. I hope you knew your case had been overturned and I will always remember you, as our lives are forever intermingled in history."

So do I and everyone else who had the pleasure of knowing Christie Lee.  

Rest in power and Peace Christie Lee.  We will miss you.  

Jaci Adams (1957-2014)

For many of you who didn't know Jaci Adams, she was typical of many of the #girlslikeus who do the activist work in our community. 

They are not only wonderful people, but fierce advocates known and beloved locally.  They do their work not only on behalf of the trans community they represent, but to make the city, state and the region they love better.

Sadly, they don't get much national recognition for it, but thanks to the The Trans 100, that paradigm is starting to change a bit so that people like her get their recognition and deserved accolades while they are still around to hear it.   

Speaking of accolades, they are still pouring in for our sister Jaci on her Facebook page which is still up at this time.  Please take the opportunity to leave a condolence message on it.   

The Philadelphia TBLG community is still saddened concerning the loss of one of their iconic personalities, and a team of people is planning a memorial service for her.   The memorial service date, time and location is still being arranged, an as soon as I get the details, I will pass them on to you.
 
Thanks to Gloria Casarez for sending me the link to the Philly.com obituary article that ran yesterday about Jaci that I will share with you in this post..

Jaci was loved by a lot of people inside and outside the Philadelphia metro area, and she will be missed.  

Jaci Adams Passes Away

Per several sources in Philadelphia, I have been advised that longtime Philadelphia trans activist Jaci Adams is now with the ancestors after losing her valiant fight against cancer.  

The 56 year old Adams passed away this afternoon at 3:15 PM Eastern time.

Jaci rose from trying circumstances and hardships to become a beloved and award winning leader in the Philadelphia metro area.  She was a founding member of the Temple University Community Advisory Board, served on the planning committee for the Philadelphia Trans Health Conference and the Morris County Planning Committee.   Jaci was a long term volunteer with the AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania, a member of the Philly Police Department LGBT Liaison Committee Team and was a founder of the 2004 People With Hope Trans Conference. 


As soon as I get the information concerning the funeral arrangements or memorial service, I will pass them on via these electronic pages for those of you who wish to attend. 

You can also leave a comment on her Facebook page.

When that memorial service happens, as a final tribute to the work Jaci did on behalf of the community she loved and spent her life working to make Philadelphia a better place for all, please fill up whatever venue that service is held at to show your appreciation. 

We'd also like you to be there filling up the venue and representing those of us from the national trans community who loved her and would like to be in the room but won't be able to.

Rest in power and in peace, Jaci.    

Minister Bobbie Jean Baker Passes Away

I was stunned to hear moments ago from Louis Mitchell of the sudden passing of Minister Bobbie Jean Baker.

She was born in Memphis, TN, and overcame some challenging circumstances in her life before moving to the Bay Area in 1992.   She became an ordained minister at the City of Refuge UCC in San Francisco and served as the West Coast Regional TransSaints Minister of the Fellowship of Affirming Ministries, and Lay Minister at Transcending Transgender Ministries of CORUCC. 

She was the lead singer of the world renowned all transgender member Transcendence Gospel Choir for a decade

I had the pleasure of meeting Min. Baker during the TransFaith in Color conference in Charlotte in July 2012, and we touched base with each other from time to time via Miss Major.  . 

Min. Baker in addition to being a seminary student at the Pacific Religion School, was a sought after speaker and workshop leader.  She worked for several Bay Area non profits as a peer advocate, case manager, supportive housing manager, with certification as an HIV Risk Assessment Counselor and Domiestic Violence Specialist. 

Minster Bobbie Jean Baker will be missed by her ministerial colleagues in the trans faith ranks and all who loved and admired her in the Bay Area and beyond.

Rest in power and peace, sis.

As soon as I find out the details of what happened and the date, time and location of her homegoing service, I will pass them on to you.

TransGriot Update:  According to Bishop Yvette Flunder's FB page, she and Deacon Bobby Wiseman were struck by a hit and run driver after Watch Night service. Deacon Bobby is in the hospital at present and reasonably stable. Min. BobbieJean passed away at the scene of the accident.

Rest In Power, Madiba!

"Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do."
--Nelson Mandela"

Talk about irony.   As the movie based on his autobiography Long Walk To Freedom starring Idris Elba as him is set to premiere on multiplex screens around the world, we get the sad news moments ago that Nobel laureate Nelson Mandela, the first democratically elected Black president of South Africa, (at 8:50 PM South African time) has passed away today at age 95 after a long illness at his home in Johannesburg.

He has been under round the clock care since being released from the hospital after fighting off a lung infection, but the iconic human rights warrior's own Long Walk Home happened today.

Nelson Mandela has been around in my life as long as I have been on the planet.  At the time I was born in 1962, South Africa's African population chafed under the intolerable oppression of apartheid that he, the ANC and a coalition of anti-apartheid activists there and around the world fought mightily to end.   I was a mere three months old in August 1962 when he was arrested and later sentenced to five years in prison for inciting workers strikes and leaving the country without permission.

After the Rivonia Trial, which started October 9, 1963 in which he and his ANC comrades were charged with four counts of sabotage and conspiracy to violently overthrow the government, he was sentenced to life imprisonment on June 12, 1964.   He was subsequently sent to Robben Island to serve 18 years of the 27 total years he served in prison until due to international pressure he was released from Victor Verster Prison by South African President FW de Klerk in February 11, 1990.

As our right-wingers called him a 'terrorist' and flung the C-word at him, (Communist) he was busy along with a multiracial coalition there negotiating the agreements that would end apartheid.  He was also building the consensus that would result four years later on April 27, 1994 in him being elected president of South Africa.   

During his presidency that lasted until 1999, he put South Africa on a path of unifying the country and building a multiracial democracy until he stepped down from that position.   .

There are his critics on the left who call him out about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that they charge allowed too many of the crimes committed by people during the apartheid era and their perpetrators to get away with them without punishment.

As President Obama said in his remarks concerning the passing of Nelson Mandela:
     

Today he's gone home and we've lost one of the most influential, courageous and profoundly good human beings that any of us will share time with on this Earth. He no longer belongs to us; he belongs to the ages. Through his fierce dignity and unbending will to sacrifice his own freedom for the freedom of others, Madiba transformed South Africa and moved all of us. His journey from a prisoner to a president embodied the promise that human beings and countries can change for the better.

His commitment to transfer power and reconcile with those who jailed him set an example that all humanity should aspire to, whether in the lives of nations or in our own personal lives. And the fact that he did it all with grace and good humor and an ability to acknowledge his own imperfections, only makes the man that much more remarkable. As he once said, "I'm not a saint unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying."

South African president Jacob Zuma said in his remarks to his nation:

"Our nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost a father. Although we knew that this day would come, nothing can diminish our sense of a profound and enduring loss. His tireless struggle for freedom earned him the respect of the world.

That it did and it's obvious from all the people around the world now commenting in the wake of his death he was loved.  As someone who fights for the human rights of transpeople, I draw upon his words for inspiration at times and try to live up to his example.      

Two of my favorite quotes from him are, "For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the rights of others."

The other Mandela quote that has particular resonance for me as an African-American trans person is, "'To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity'



There is no doubt that we have lost a revered human rights champion. South Africans have lost the revered father of their nation.  Like millions around the world, we African descended Americans loved and admired him just as much as he did African-Americans, our culture and our concurrent human rights struggles here in the USA.  

Rest in power, Madiba.   You've more than earned it.

Mississippi Silicone Pumper Tracey Lynn Garner Trial Date Set

In the latest news surrounding the Tracey Lynn Garner silicone pumping case, the 53 year old Jackson, MS trans feminine pumper is now facing two depraved heart murder charges in the March 2012 deaths of 37 year old Karima Gordon of Atlanta and the January 2010 death of 23 year old Marilyn Hale of Selma, AL due to silicone butt injections that went horribly wrong.

Garner pled not guilty in a June 18 hearing in Hale's case, and a trail date hasn't been set for it.  

There has been a date set for the start of Garner's trial in the Gordon case, and it is scheduled to begin March 17, 2014 after two postponements.

Natasha Stewart is also facing charges in the Karima Gordon death and pled not guilty in January to charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.  Stewart is an online model with a 48 inch pumped behind.courtesy of Garner's handiwork.

If Garner is convicted on either charge of depraved heart murder by the Hinds County jury, she is facing life imprisonment. 

George Duke Passes Away

Was stunned to hear the news via the TJMS that another fave musician I grew up with passed away August 5, a year after his wife Corine died of cancer on July 18.

Legendary keyboardist, composer, producer, jazz artist, R&B and soul funkmeister and versatile musician across a wide variety of musical genres George Duke passed away in Los Angeles at age 67.  

As a matter of fact, Duke had recently released a new album called DreamWeaver on July 13 that was a tribute to his departed wife.

The Grammy award winning artist was born in San Rafael, CA on January 12, 1946 and starting from his 1967 graduation from the San Francisco Conservatory he played with a who's who of legendary musicians from a number of genres including Miles Davis, Frank Zappa, Cannonball Adderley, Michael Jackson, Jean-Luc Ponty, Billy Cobham, Jill Scott, his cousin Dianne Reeves, Anita Baker,  Deniece Williams, George Clinton, Jeffrey Osborne, Joe Sample, Rachelle Farrell and Sheila E. over his six decades in the music business.

I was introduced to him via the 1977 album Reach For It but it was his chart topping song 'Dukey Stick' on his 1978 LP 'Don't Let Go' and the 1981 release of The Clarke/Duke Project album that permanently solidified my love for his music and made him a 'must buy' artist for me when I wanted to add to my expansive music collection.   I still love the songs 'Sweet Baby' and 'Winners' from that album and 'Dukey Stick' to this day.

Cause of death as of this writing hasn't been determined, but to borrow the words of jazz flutist Bobbi Humphrey, "Heaven just got a little funkier."

Rest in peace and power, George Duke.

Texas Drag Icon Whitney Paige Dies

We Texans have already dealt with the shocking death of Erica Andrews to a lung infection back in March. 

I'm unfortunately just now finding out the news that another one of our iconic female illusionists in Whitney Paige has passed away .

Whitney was born in Little Rock, AR raised in Tennessee and eventually moved to the DFW area and lived there for over two decades.  The Fort Worth based Paige was nicknamed 'The Eyes Of Texas' for those hypnotic grey eyes of hers. 

While I never met Whitney, I was aware of her as because her career started back in the 80's,   Paige was immensely popular in Dallas, Houston and other parts of the state and in the female illusionist world as the outpouring of grief that ensued after her death was a testament to how beloved she was. 

Paige held a long list of titles that included winning Miss Gay USofA at Large, Miss Gay USofA Classic and most recently Miss Continental Plus 2013 in addition to being a runner up for Entertainer of the Year twice.

Paige passed away June 25 after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer.  A memorial service was held June 30 at Fort Worth's Rainbow Lounge and this memorial video popped up to pay tribute to her as well.

Rest in peace and power, Whitney.  You are going to be missed by all the people who loved you inside and outside the community  

Speak Out and Vigil For Diamond Williams In Philly Tomorrow

For my trans family in Philadelphia and our allies, been advised by Nika Jewell, one of my Philly area TransGriot readers there will be a Speak Out and Vigil for Diamond Williams, the girl like us who was horribly murdered in the Strawberry Mansion section of the city by Charles Sargent.

There will be representatives from GALAEI’s TIP (Trans-health Information Program) and Mazzoni Center’s Trans* Wellness Project at this speak out and vigil designed to honor the name and life of our trans sister who was lost to violence, and issue a call for justice and respect.

Violence against trans women is unfortunately a harsh reality in the city of Brotherly Love as evidenced by the murders of Stacey Blahnik Lee and Kyra Cordova.

This speak out and vigil event is an opportunity for Philadelphia community members to gather, speak and organize against the violence that continues to claim and threaten the lives of transgender women in Philadelphia.

People who will be speaking at this vigil are:
Aamina Morrison– TIP Co-Director
Samantha Jo Dato – Trans* Wellness Project
Christian Axavier Lovehall – Philly Trans* March
Sade Ali –Philadelphia Deputy Commissioner Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services, Morris Home Founder
Gloria Casarez - Director of LGBT Affairs, Mayor's Office

The event will take place at LOVE Park, 1599 John F. Kennedy Blvd in Philadelphia, PA from 5:30-6:30 PM EDT.  Hope you can attend it and pay your respects to the name and memory of Diamond Williams.

Rest In Peace, Michelle C. Myers

Was saddened to learn yesterday of the passing in her sleep of another one of our trailblazing leaders on June 17 in Michelle Claire Myers.   She was president of TATS for several years in the late 90's when she lived here in Houston and I was on the board of the organization, and I had much love and respect for this kind woman who was missed in H-town when she moved to San Antonio.

She was a retired chemical engineer who spoke three languages, knew several computer languages and served on the boards of several organizations in San Antonio.   She had some health challenges recently prior to her death.

Her memorial service was held June 22 and I wish I'd known about it so I could have paid my respects to her well lived life and posted about Ms. Myers at that time. 

Better late than never.   

Michelle was a beloved figure in San Antonio and also on our end of I-10 who mentored, guided and advised many people who were embarking on this gender journey with wise counsel that she role modeled every day.

She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.  Rest in power and peace, Michelle.  

Trans Pioneer JoAnn Roberts Dies

I was shocked and saddened to read the TG Forum and Chrysalis posts from Angela Gardner and Dallas Denny announcing the June 7 death of one of the pioneers in the trans community in JoAnn Roberts at age 65 due to lung cancer.

JoAnn Roberts was one of the five founders of the Pennsylvania based Renaissance Transgender Education Assn., the ill-fated GenderPac, and served on the boards of IFGE and AEGIS in which she was the board chair from 1992-1996.

She also was one of the persons who helped give us a major boost in the founding and formation of NTAC in 1999.

She was an early trans political activist and major leader during the renaissance of trans activism in the early 90's.  She authored the Bill of Gender Rights in December 1990 that was subsequently expanded into the International Bill of Gender Rights at the 1993 and subsequent ICTLEP conferences.

JoAnn appeared on many television shows to discuss our issues including the Donahue talk show and served as the founding owner/publisher of TGForum.

'Cousin JoAnn' as I affectionately referred to her as in addition to publishing 'Art and Illusion-A Guide To Crossdressing' also published a 'Who’s Who of the TG Community' and was the driving force for The Second International Congress on Crossdressing, Sex and Gender hosted by Renaissance in suburban Philadelphia in 1997.

I met JoAnn during the 1999 Southern Comfort Conference.  I have fond memories of sitting outside the Buckhead area hotel that used to host SCC with her, Polar, Pam Geddes and Dawn Wilson drinking a 21 year old bottle of scotch while discussing a wide range of subjects.  

Our conversation was interrupted when the chartered bus arrived from an SCC convention excursion to an Atlanta club called the Chamber.  The persons on the bus began stumbling off of it in various stages of inebriation and hilariously and unsteadily attempted to negotiate in their 5 inch heels the distance from the spot where the bus was parked to the hotel's front door..

She had wound down her interaction with the trans community in recent years to spend more time with her family and work on her beloved model train set when she was diagnosed with cancer in February.  

She'd undergone chemotherapy treatment that appeared to successfully halt the cancer spread in her lungs and liver.  Radiation treatments were begun to deal with a tumor on her spine but were halted last week when it was determined that the tumor there had spread and she opted for hospice care where she passed away on June 7.

There is a Facebook page that has been set up to commemorate her life and in which people who knew JoAnn can pay their respects.  But I'm sad to report that one of the early leaders in the American trans community and a trans community pioneer has moved on.

Rest in peace JoAnn, you will be missed.