Bye bye 2023

I guess you could also have written that as helping, or at least, offering help. I feel a bit funny writing this as it seems strange to put into words. I am trying to say that I enjoy helping people – if they want help, that is. I know I have to be careful not to overstretch, meaning I’ve little energy left for home stuff.

This is an end-of-the-year post, from Lynn.  Kind of a potpourri, in blog form.  Everything from UK trans politics to wig modeling.  As is nearly always the case, from Linn, this post includes her subtle humor and a few photos.

The paragraph, above, is a taste of what Lynn Jones is all about... 

[This has been a happy and fullfilling, yet hectic year for me with not enough time to read blogs and feature them.  So far, it's looking like 2024, will be slowing down for me in the spring, giving me more time to feature out bloggers.]

Finaly Doing Something Good With My Life

......and probably for the first time in my life I feel I'm part of something I believe to be lasting and worthwhile, with a legacy.

To find out just what Jenny is referring to, you've got to read the post.  This is a MUST READ post!

Boot time

I’m very glad of Friday off. Mainly as this week has been a little too ‘fun packed’ – as in not at all. Nothing serious, just a lot of stuff. Lots of meetings, running errands, phone calls, etc. They all take up headspace and time.

 

 

Oh, have I been remiss in featuring Lynn's long-running blog and, indeed, one of my favorites.   This post is so typical of our girl's blogging style but, as always, a nice and easy read complete with photos!

Shopping fever - and Christmas is coming soon

And now the fever had really broken out and took me to the next shop.

 

It's getting cooler and Violetta needs to adapt her wardrobe accordingly.  Lots of nice photos!

 

Remember to use the translate function, near the top right of the page.
 

Dating as a Transwoman and other fun things!

As someone who has had zero romantic relationships since coming out it seems silly to write off an entire section of humanity as not my type when I don’t have any data to back that up, and I am still trying to understand how much of my attraction to femmes is based on learnt behaviour in order to hide in plain sight or because I was jealous and wanted to be them growing up.

 

DeeDee writes about entering the on-line dating world.  She also shares thoughts on her first resulting date.

Feminine Differential - Being Your Real Self Takes Courage

I feature "Feminine Differential" looks to encourage fearless dressing in your everyday choices. 

 

 

 

I have always loved Rhonda's very practical posts on clothing and presentation.  Here is another one.

I have been just crazy-busy over the past month without a lot of time around the computer.  All is OK.  Sorry for the infrequent posts.

Windows: The Stash, The Dream and The Wardrobe

Was I relieved as I started to flatten out the eight large Stash cardboard boxes.
I never thought I would get so far..
Well my dream become at last a reality.
My wardrobe was now in a wardrobe! 

 

 

OK, I finally had a chance to read this post that Abi did back in July.  It is well worth ready and quite amusing.  It's also a L O N G blog post.  Just get a LARGE cup of tea or coffee and enjoy Abi's discussion of her SSL (Stash Storage Logistics).  

Note to Abi: Oh yes, I do relate to those boxes!
 

The day my bra exploded

You know how sometimes you take your bra off at the end of a long day and give a sigh of freedom? Well, this time it was the garment, not me, that did so. So I lifted it out of the box …and it exploded - both barrels - sending gooey gel everywhere. Talk about seepage!

 

 Sorry about your bra, Sue, but this was hilarious!  Thanks for sharing.
 

People who know transgender people are far less likely to be transphobic

.....if cishet people learn to know queer and trans people, they will see them as living and breathing humans and not some made up stereotype of the weird and dangerous.
 

 

We all most likely know this, but it still makes for a very positive post.

Then and Now

If you are reading this, you likely have a story like mine.
 

 

 

 

 

Kandi tells us her story, which could just as well be my story, or your story....

Being Triggered

Someone says she has “concerns” about trans. That word could make the speaker feel she is being entirely reasonable, but the word triggers me. Arguments flood my mind.

 

 

 

I have followed Clare's blog for years and, I must say, this is one of her best posts yet.  It really defines the current trans climate in western countries.

As they are

One day soon, the way I grew up will be a distant memory and no one will be left to remember what it was like.

 

Like all of Joanna's posts, this one is short, sweet, and to the point. 
 

‘Celebrate Trans Flag Day’

We take a look at the history of the Transgender flag, and how it came to be accepted around the world.

 

 

 

When I read this post, I said to myself....."I didn't know that!"  For those, like me, who did not know the history of the transgender flag, go here.

Boys in Dresses: The Tradition

Until World War I, little boys were dressed in skirts and had long hair.

Interesting article; a re-post, from JSTOR Daily.  Thanks to Rhonda, for sharing.

Brighton Pride supports trans people

Despite strong wind and heavy rain, Brighton Pride was determined to party.
 

 

 

 

Clare has posted some nice photos from Brighton Pride.

Two Coasts, Four days, Six dresses

The tipsy 50th party women from the previous night turned up, and one of them was being very entertaining again.  A lovely CIS girl ended up being our official photographer and took quite a few group shots of us all, none of which I have yet though.

Nothing serious in this post and I loved it!  You will too!  Those UK girls just want to have fun....

Violetta alone on the Swabian Alb

My sweetheart came with me three times too - but she's had enough of it now and is letting me spend this week alone there. That's where I made my first public outings. And that's why I was looking forward to a few days enfemme again.

 

This is a really sweet post, and travelog, from Violetta.  She has included some very nice photos of herself and the beautiful scenery.   Where did she go to have some Violetta time?  You'll just have to read her post.

Remember to look for the "translate" tab near the top right of the post. 
 

The Ultimate Sacrifice

Back in April this year I made the ultimate sacrifice.

 

 

Go here to find out just what Charlotte sacrificed.  I think that only a transwoman can appreciate her sacrifice.

One Million

 

 

 Yesterday, the blog went over 1 million hits.
 

 

 

 

 

 

Yay Sophie!  Now, let's make it two million!

Not Celebrating

From social media to newspapers around the country, my daily dose is cis people debating whether I should be allowed to exist, speaking over us constantly. Telling me that my existence is harming them. That I am inherently evil for being authentic in myself. Enormous and dangerous lies are being told about trans people daily, leading to substantive harm, and nothing is really done.

It's Canada Day, but Joanne is not celebrating......(It's not just Canada, Joanne)

Transition – Not where I expected to be Today

Because of the worldwide circumstances and medical restrictions at that moment, I reluctantly declined the surgery! That really took strength to decline something that I had waited for so long to happen. However, I view things in a completely different light today and it is no longer an issue for me.

Sophie had herself booked for Gender Affirmation Surgery and declined at the last moment.  Read her well written and thought-out post to see why.

Hiding stuff again

I hate having to do so but after the devastating abuse and betrayal I had from a supposed friend and ally in 2014, I am no longer prepared to come out to persons older than myself.

 

Nice post from Sue, that I'm sure many of us can relate to.  It is a dilemma, isn't it.  Whether or not to out yourself to close friends.  I do relate.... 

Do check out her previous post, "Good and Bad Allies".
 

Endless Shortlist of Paradox(es)

I have thought and obsessed and given in to crossdressing less than ever in my life over the last year. I lived apart from my wife and alone (like a 3 month business trip!) and did not once purchase or wear girl’s stuff. I am now the “stay at home dad” and have access to all my wife’s stuff all day with impunity- and temptation over the role- nothing (yet)!

 

Interesting post on a subject we rarely see from our bloggers.

The Umbrella

Transgender is an umbrella and underneath it are a great many experiences and journeys. That is a beautiful thing.

Well said.  Go here to read the post.

Find a Way

Well, there’s the ongoing demonisation of people like me and our son. Not just in the press, but from ministers and other public figures.

 

 

I try to stay away from politics, but sometimes some things just need to be said.  I believe Lynn is of the same general frame of mind as me.  In this post, along with other stuff, such as the latest from the Chams, Lynn does comment on the growing transphobic climate in the UK and the US.  

My thoughts?  Just let us live our lives and leave us alone.

hopeless

Knowing that this is not healthy but also knowing you’d rather die than to be alone and apart of them.
 

 

 

 

 

 

Jaclyn needs some loving comments.

Kind of Curiosity

“He’s over there?”
“Where?” his wife said.
“See the woman in the red jacket?”
“Yeah.”
“Next to her on the right.”
“I only see a woman.”
“Yeah, that’s him. That’s a man.”

 

I just love this girl's posts!  Enjoy it yourself, by going here.

All Good Things Come to an End

As recently mentioned, over an eighteen day stretch, I was dressed for fifteen of those days.

 

 

 

Nice post from our very active blogger, Kandi.   She has a few comments about her recent trip as well as a lot of fabulous photos.

Kate Collins: a tribute

I am heartbroken to have to write that my friend Kate Collins passed away the other evening. 

 

 

Sue has a tribute for her good friend, Kate, who recently passed away.  For those who may have known Kate, Sue has a few nice pictures to remember her by.  Even if you didn't know Kate, you're free to shed a few tears for her when reading Sue's post.

 
 

Exceeding Our Programming

Not so terribly long ago the boogeyman of polite society was the homosexual. A huge part of humanity lived in fear of discovery. They died rather than be castrated by the state. These were good people who would never have harmed anyone else. Quite the opposite, they desired only to be allowed to do what they would want for others; live as they were made and as they desired and leave others to do the same. 

 

This post, unfortunately, tells it like it is in today's society.  In reference to the paragraph, above, "yesterday's" boogeyman was the homosexual.  You probably know where Halle is going with this post...."Today's" boogeyman is.......  Be sure to read this one, and leave a comment on Halle's blog.

Cloud 10

Very much a night to remember 💜

 

 

 

I just loved this very positive post, from Lynn.  Her line, above, says it all.  Among other things, it involves hair, which is always a popular subject with me!

I Go

Beyond your neighborhood, you might think that you are safe, but I always remember driving on I-90 in Boston, 125 miles from home, when a car passed me by blowing its horn and seeing my cousin waving as he passed by. (I was en homme at the time.)

 

 Some thoughts on driving "dressed" from Mega-T-Blogger, Stana. 

 

MAN IN A SUIT AND STILETTO HEELS AT WORK

In an interview, Ashely says he received the most criticism from the gay community.  That surprised him but he doesn’t let it get to him. 

 

 

 

This is a re-post, from Pretty Business World. Thanks to Rhonda, for sharing.
 

Are men hard wired to be sexist?

For years there has been laws and education to change people's mindset, and to a fair extent this has worked and continues to do so. But I still wonder why when young lads get into the pub they can't resist making sexist or lewd comments as a lady walks past.

 

Good post, from Andrea.  She has some comments regarding the question, above, and asks for your opinion.
 

Random Thoughts on Nine Years "Out"

Still, on a deeper level, am I better off than I was nine years ago?

 

 

 

 

Long time blogger and friend of T-Central, Sophie, shares some random thoughts after nine years of transition.  As for the answer to the question, above, you will just have to read her post .

city ​​and park

At the Rituals in the Rathausgalerien, I asked again about my favorite perfume, Poem d'Azar. Unfortunately, they obviously took that out of the repertoire. Incomprehensible to me - it was simply stunning.

 

Although Violetta is new to T-Central, she certainly is not a new blogger, since she's been blogging since 2017.

Violetta is from Austria, and you'll notice that her blog is not in English.  There is, however, a translate button near the top right of her home page.

Do enjoy her blog.  in the latest post, city ​​and park, you find plenty of photos of Violetta along with some beautiful scenery.
 

Resetting

Let’s say 80% of the time I’m looked after. Then maybe 15% being awesome service: awesome, as in the assistant is chatty, funny, really helpful, etc. The other chunk? Ignored, blanked, shrugged at, ‘busy’ talking to a colleague, etc.
 

 

 

Lynn had a nice day of shopping.  Living the US, I'm not familiar with the shops she visited.  Read the post to see what she bought!  Also note her shoe size (about two sizes smaller than mine, translating US to UK women's sizes).

Blanchard debunked: Surveys show that all kinds of people experience "autogynephilia

Anyone who follows the intense anti-trans propaganda of the day, will have made note of the way the "autogynephilia" theory is used to invalidate transgender women and other gender variant people. "Gender critical" TERFs love the theory, as it allows them to present trans women as perverted predators. 

I do believe that most trans folks, especially those under 40 years of age, have never heard of Ray Blanchard.  In my earlier years, when I did lots of reading to try to figure myself out, I came across his writings and was appalled by much that he wrote.  In this post, which is well worth reading, most of his theories are thrown down the proverbial drain and, for that, I say amen.  

A nice assortment of links is included at the end of the post.

In the pink

A couple of times this winter (here and here) I've noticed a trend in designer shop windows for an all-over pink look, specifically cerise, which is the colour of this font. I said I'd comment in more detail one day and that day has arrived ...

 

It's a fashion post, from Sue.  She has even included a photo of her in pink!  Go here for an easy read, all in pink.
 

Coming to terms with the 'Female' brain

Today a very good lady friend of mine is celebrating her birthday, for various reasons I can't be with her or send a card, but we did have a video call this morning and I was able to show her the card I had bought for her and read the words I had written inside. After thanking me for the card and the words she said "How could you have ever thought you were not female?" and went on to say "a man would never write words like that".

 

I totally get this post and many of you will too.
 

A Bit Tied Up

I’ve not worked anywhere that required a shirt and tie as a minimum in many years but it always irritated me. For me the shirt and tie was the absolute opposite of what it was to be a transwoman, or a woman, even though I wasn’t open about the whole gender thing.

 

 

 

 

This is a nice post, from Emilia.  She ponders just how "we" should dress and how "we" may be perceived by others by what "we" wear.

Deciding how to get dressed can be hard for me

For most people, it's easy to figure out how to get dressed for the day.  For me, things are a little more complicated.

 

Can you guess why it's more complicated?  Go here for the answer.  It's short; it's sweet; it's from Marian!
 

An Observation

How is it that for so many of us, the very first time we tried on some item of feminine apparel we know. We know that our unknown path forward has changed, usually we do not know how the change will affect us or why, we just know it to be true. Time and age are constant, but the urges seem to grow stronger when we gain the age of understanding, normally in our teen age years.

 

This is a lovely guest post, on Rhonda's blog, from Janet Stickney.  It's short and sweet and well worth reading.
 

Bad apples

This week has seen two events that have sickened me. One was a person who was exposing themselves in a shop in Nottingham. The other was the conviction of a rapist. In both cases, the criminals in question identified as trans.

 

 

It just sickens me when I see someone identifying as trans committing crimes, as mentioned above.  I often wonder if a male, charged with rape or a male charged with indecent exposure can even be trans, at least by my definition.  To see the press use the word, "transgender", in conjunction with someone charged with a crime such as these just makes me sick.  We seem to be seeing more and more of this in our society, and while the crimes committed are dreadful and immoral, what they do to society's perception of those who are truly trans is just tragic.  If you haven't already read Bad Apples, please do.

Next steps!

For those of you who are new to this blog or have not yet taken the time to read through it, here is a short wrap-up and some “statistics”:

 

 

 

 

T-Central welcome's Franziska to our family of bloggers.  In this post, she tells us a bit about herself.  

If this is the first time you have looked at Franziska's blog, leave a comment and let her know you stopped by.
 

Transgender Safe Spaces

......I had the police called on me when I tried to use the restroom. I easily explained my situation to the cops and was sent on my way.

 

 

I really enjoyed this post, from Cyrsti.  It speaks of real-life situations that, I'm sure, many of you can relate to.

Too many nots spoil the chance

If this is the time you want to do more about your trans nature – wherever you may be under that big ol’ Trans Umbrella  – try not to listen to the List of Nots. Feel the fear, perhaps, but do it anyway. Go as far as you need to and know you can always change direction.

 

It's the new year and, with that, comes resolutions.  Perhaps one of those might just be regarding your "trans nature"?  It's a good post, from our friend, Lynn Jones.