Trans* Lounge Folx Making Things Happen

TRANS* LOUNGE MEMBERS (AND INSTRUCTORS) MAKING WAVES…

 


TRANS* LOUNGE INSTRUCTOR & COMMUNITY LEADER LUCKIE ALEXANDER (HE/HIM) WROTE A BOOK! 

The In-Between by Luckie Alexander

Welcome to my mind. The mind of an black artist, advocate, activist, and family transman.
As you turn each page you will encounter a different piece of me.
Stories, poems, thoughts, and visual art from the innermost parts of my mind. There will be joy, anger, and epiphanies.
Art has always had a special place in my soul and I want to share it with you.
This book will make you wander through many dimensions of thought and emotion. Each piece peers into bits of my life.
My life through my art is a journey of gender, emotion, struggle and triumph.

Luckie Fuller (he/him), founder of Invisible Men and facilitator of the collaborative space The Exchangewrote a book The In-Between, and is hosting a book signing this Friday 12/9, 6-8pm! Also availabe for purchase online. Luckie is an accomplished community leader adn acitivist, and long-time collaborator of Trnas* Lounge, and we are so very excited to support his book!

By the book here!


TRANS* LOUNGE MEMBER WILLOW STARLING (SHE/HER) WROTE A BOOK! 

Tristana – a mysterious young girl linked to tragedy, rage, and fear. Who is she? What is she? Why does her mere existence drive everyone around her to insanity?

After a violent incident that claimed the lives of one teacher and roughly forty police officers, Tristana was captured by the infamous Ann Arbor University, where they faked her death and locked her away in a warehouse for research.

Dr. Tyrell Burgess is a highly intuitive child psychologist who’s like a father-figure to all his patients in his hometown of Ypsilanti, Michigan. Aside from work keeping him from his birth children and a mother unaccepting of his transition, Tyrell’s life is fairly livable until one day, when a rep from Ann Arbor University unveils their top secret warehouse project to Dr. Burgess. The rep takes care to omit details, such as Tristana’s supernatural abilities. Despite picking up on this deceit, Tyrell bites at the chance to work with the girl.

How will Tristana take to her latest doctor? What effects does Tyrell’s new doctor-patient relationship have on his personal life? Can the university keep control of their hostage much longer?

About the Author:
Willow Starling grew up in the sparsely-populated Hustontown, Pennsylvania, and eventually moved to Michigan, where she began her transition to female in December 2017. She has had a knack for fiction since she was a young child. She loves to incorporate elements of spirituality into her works. Ranging from the astral realm to the journey of a spirit inside a human vessel, Ms. Starling does not fear tearing into concepts that might, at first, fly over the average reader’s head! Ms. Starling also makes it a point to represent transgender people in the leading roles of all her works.

By the book here!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BJN8V34B/ref=dbs_a_def_awm_bibl_vppi_i1


TRANS* LOUNGE INSTRUCTOR HARMONY LEE (HE/THEY) OFFERS A FREE ONLINE SELF-DEFENSE PROGRAM

One of our amazing community members and Trans* Lounge instructors Harmony Lee (he/they) has been working hard to compile and incredible resource that is a FREE online self-defense program for trans and gender expansive folx. This program considers physical, mental & emotional self-defense. Harmony has incredible experience to offer for trans non-binary folx in embodied wellness, and we hope you’ll check out his work, which has been a labor of love for him to create

https://www.theythemfriends.com/


TRANS* LOUNGE MEMBER CLAY SLANG (HE/HIM) HAS FOUNDED A MUSIC COLLECTIVE FOCUSED ON ACCESSIBILITY FOR GENDER DIVERSE FOLX!

Switterbeat Collective is am amazing trans-operated collective for gender diverse musicians to increase accessibility to writing, recording, producing, and releasing of music!

Traditional recording studios charge musicians an arm and a leg for their premier equipment and experience.

The result? Many musicians who can’t afford exorbitant studio fees are gatekept from recording.

We are building a community of like-minded musicians:

  • who invest in long term development of the skills they need to grow their careers

  • who prioritize creative process over perfection

  • who provide each other mutual support in achieving a vision

Check out more info at their website: https://www.switterbeat.co/


TRANS* LOUNGE MEMBER ELLIE ANNE DOTE (SHE/HER) WROTE A BOOK!

Ellie Anne Dote (she/her) has written a memoir of how coming to terms with gender identity, and going from conservative Evangelical pastor to an out transgender woman working for inclusion of LGBTQ+ people within those spaces. A must-read for anyone with a faith background in Christianity or family members who don’t quite understand the journey that we’re on.

The book, “Walking Towards Cordelia,” can be found on Amazon at https://amzn.to/34PbIJ0

Ellie Anne Dote (She/Her)
OWNER, DESIGNER, & LEAD STORYTELLER FOR ELLIEGIRL CREATIONS
ELLIEGIRLCREATIONS.COM

 


TRANS* LOUNGE MEMBER PAU IS LOOKING FOR TGI/ENBY+ PERSPECTIVES FOR AN ART PROJECT

LOOKING FOR TRANS GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES

Hi Everyone! My name is Pau Pescador, I am a Los Angeles based trans fem artist and filmmaker. I am in the process of working on a solo exhibition which will open in late winter at Pitzer College. The show will include a video comprising interviews with trans employees and former employees involved at all levels of government throughout the United States and with cultural historians to better understand the challenges of working within this context as a trans, non-binary, gender queer individuals. The goal is to capture a better sense of what it means to understand working government for those who are trans as they navigate the complexity and conservative nature of government bureaucracy. I am asking around for those who work or have worked in government. If you or someone you know has this experience and are willing to speak with me, please reach out. I am happy to send over any questions I will ask prior and the project can be both anonymous or include the participant’s name. My email is [email protected]

 


TRANS* LOUNGE MEMBER SONYA (SHE/HER) IS PUTTING TOGETHER A COMIC! CHECK OUT INFORMATION BELOW FOR HOT TO SUPPORT AND LEARN MORE!

Yellow is the Warmest Color is a new full color queer erotic comics anthology that celebrates a type of kinky play that other books are too afraid to handle! Splashes of vivid yellow highlight this 80+ page book that showcases the works of 13 incredible creators, each presenting the color in their own unique ways. This will be the first publication from Trash Panda Fun Zone, a new Los Angeles-based comics imprint specializing in filthy adult fun. TPFZ was started by artist Sonya Saturday. Comic creator William O. Tyler is co-editor of Yellow is the Warmest Color alongside Sonya.
We are currently running a Kickstarter campaign in order to raise enough funds to print the book and pay the artists. Please check out our campaign and read more about the project at yellowisthewarmestcolor.com. Thank you!


YAMS (HE/HIM) IS OFFERING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COACHING SERVICES! CHECK OUT HIS OFFERINGS, AND POTENTIALLY FIND SUPPORT FRO YOURSELF AND YOUR GOALS!

Hi, my name is Kameryn Rose (he/him) and I am a black, nonbinary, and neurodivergent personal development coach. I’ve always had a natural curiosity that led me to look for answers to help me problem-solve situations around me. As a result, others would come for me for help containing and simplifying overwhelm. My innate desire to help others informed my path into the helping fields. For the obligatory credentials listing, I have a B.A. in Psychology and a M.A. in Couples and Family Therapy. (Which, due to the unfortunate naming of my degree, prompts me to say the following: I do not operate in a therapeutic capacity. Coaching is not a substitute for therapy when dealing with trauma, depression, or other clinical issues.)

Asking for help, gathering resources, and finding the energy to tackle goals is hard. Community is an important part of making all of that more manageable. And sometimes we could benefit from more focused, direct care to meet our needs. I know how it is to have those who are supposed to be equipped to help not understand, or completely invalidate, your experiences. I chose to be a coach to fully offer my services to help folks grasp the tools to mold their world and regain control when things aren’t going to plan. Whether you need an extra pair of eyes or ears, a new perspective, or help gathering resources; whether you seek to reevaluate some relationships, make and break some habits, or reexamine the direction of your life, I’m here for it. I will work with your individualized needs to create a plan or way forward that best fits your learning style and method of growth.

If you or someone you know could benefit from individualized coaching, feel free to check out my services at www.yamsrose.com

 


DID YOU KNOW OUR TRANS* LOUNGE MAKE UP INSTRUCTOR MELISSA MURDICK HAS A WEBSITE JUST FOR TGI/ENBY+ FOLX? VISIT HER WEBSITE AT http:ThePrettyFix.com FOR VIDEO TUTORIALS, FREE CLASSES AND MUCH MORE!! 

Melissa Murdick (she/her) is a celebrity makeup artist whose versatile style has led her to work with some of your favorite faces. From Selena Gomez, to Kim Petras, Tamera Mowry and many many more, Melissa is known for making individual beauty shine. Melissa’s work has been featured in V magazine, Flaunt, & Galore, as well as on countless music videos and ad campaigns.

Melissa also currently runs www.theprettyfix.com, a trans-friendly website dedicated to teaching wearable makeup, solving beauty dilemmas, and simplifying your approach to beauty. You can also follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the_pretty_fix/ or subscribe to her YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc9WqQKTEynNPkBcjuyAz7Q.


TRANS* LOUNGE MEMBER AND FACILITATOR CALISTA TERMINI HAS STARTED A PODCAST! 

Please see this message from Calista…

My ex-partner, Jennifer and I have developed a YouTube series/podcast called, “The Rage.”

At its heart, “The Rage” is about a family breaking apart and coming back together after the realization that dad is a transgender woman.  Follow us as we reimagine our relationships as we navigate the challenges of life, love and co-parenting.

Our goal is to make videos that de-stigmatize gender identity as well as provide an inside look into the struggle a formerly married couple faces when their traditional, hetero-normative family comes undone. We’ll share with you our path to friendship, family, and co-parenting with informative, funny, and occasionally painful content.

Our first two episodes launched on Friday, February 12th. New episodes will air each week at the same time. Check out our teaser on YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.  We’ve also provided some handy links for you to click on below. We would love for you to help us grow our community.  So please view, comment, share, and subscribe to The Rage.

Thank you!
Calista and Jennifer Termini


Watch on YouTube:
The Reveal:
In our first episode, we share with you our story of the day that Calista told Jennifer that she was a transgender woman. https://youtu.be/iY1KFHNQhfQ

FFS: It’s the night before Calista’s Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS).  She and Jennifer share the emotional impact of crossing this point of no return. https://youtu.be/2HiEnPtZDZ0

Listen to the Podcast:
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/7FyEqBF6l7gOsyJ5Hd58m7

Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rage/id1539061973

Support Here:
https://www.patreon.com/therage


TRANS* LOUNGE MEMBER PARIS LEE IS MAKING A PODCAST! WITH ORIGINAL ART FROM HELEN!

If you have ever attended our Show, Share, & Tell on Wednesday, you may be aware of the epic story unfolding at the hands of our very talented members Paris & Helen!

LISTEN HERE:
https://helenoftheironhorse.podomatic.com

SUPPORT HERE:
https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=45603570


TRANS* LOUNGE MEMBER CORETTA MONK (SHE/HER) HAS RELEASED AN ALBUM!

Coretta Monk is also known as Simo Love, and the album is aptly titled “Counterculturally Black” and it is available on all streaming platforms!

Coretta is a transplant from North Carolina and has been singing since she was a child in her Church choir. She majored in Theatre Performance at Appalachian State University and additionally graduated from the Pacific Conservatory of Performing Arts in Santa Maria, California.

The album is all about her experience as a black trans woman and includes songs about the Trans is Beautiful & Black Lives Matter movements, copping with being single, interracial relationships, HIV and toxicity. “I also titled it “Counterculturally Black” so that I could define what black means myself. I’ve always felt that black culture was a counterculture to mainstream culture and as proud as I am to be a part of that counterculture, I wanted to release it so that I could grow because I am so much more than just black.

It is not always about race. Sometimes it is about despair. Sometimes it is about the things around the blackness like light. Sometimes it is about darkness. Sometimes it is about the hope that President Barack Obama ran on and a better Soul for America. I intentionally include genres that may not be necessarily mainstream to black artists because music is colorless and oh so colorful.

The album is very eclectic and spans from spoken word to hip hop, pop to R&B, Tropical House with jazz, soft rock, grunge, synth wave, electronica and even funk with afrobeat influences. Coretta, or Simo Love, is very proud of the album; as it was a 12 year process.

“I wanted to not be stuck in my emotions and depression after I was diagnosed with HIV. I was unsure if I was hell bound for being trans and I just needed an outlet. So I began to write songs reflecting my mood and my hopes and dreams. There is a certain freedom I feel as a songwriter that I do not necessarily feel in my everyday life. It is like I am able to have a clarity of thought that I do not normally possess.”

“I am so proud of the album cover. It is an homage to the trans women of color whose lives have been taken, which may trigger some darkness and sadness, but I hope to bring more awareness to them and people like us.”

Link to stream and buy “Counterculturally Black” Below!


TRANS* LOUNGE MEMBER VALERIA RODRIGUEZ HAS A JEWELRY SHOP!

I’m Valeria and I am the owner/creative mind at Jaguar Rose. I make jewelry suitable for transgender people like myself. If someone with thick wrists wants girly jewelry (like me!) my shop is the place. I also do custom jewelry and I can meet clients at virtually any safe spot. My shop is fiercely pro immigrant and pro trans. I would love to meet fellow transgender sisters and help them make their statement with artistic jewelry!


TRANS* LOUNGE INSTRUCTOR MARTIN VITORINO (HE/HIM) LEADS THIS GROUPF FOR TRANS/GNC/ENBY FOLX

This is an opportunity for people who identify as transgender/Gender Non-Conforming/Non-Binary to practice meditation together, build community and explore the experience of transition.

All people under the trans umbrella are welcome no matter where you exist along the gender spectrum or binary, as well as those who are questioning their gender identity.

Sunday, March 7, 2021
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM PT


TRANS* LOUNGE INSTRUCTOR RYLAND SHELTON’S TRUEVOICE VOCAL DEVELOPMENT

Ryland Shelton (he/him) has been a valued member of our Trans* Lounge family since February 2018. We present his online workshop every 6 – 8 weeks through Trans* Lounge but Ryland is also available for private sessions.

TrueVoice is a vocal development program for the TGI/ENBY+ community that utilizes musical instruction and technique to access and introduce new aspects of a person’s voice, to illuminate possibility and create room for new habits as applied to a speaking voice that aligns more closely with one’s self-identified gender.


TRANS* LOUNGE INSTRUCTOR MONIQUE OFFERS ORACLE CARD READINGS AND MUCH MORE!

By breaking down binary ideas, we honor the multidimensional and fluid nature of being human. Holding space for our own complexities, internal contradictions and intersecting identities.

Monique, an Los Angeles QTPOC, is an improvisational musician, motivational speaker and Oracle Card Reader, who roots these beliefs into each modality. Knowing that all beings are worthy of their truth being witness, held and honored. Knowing all beings are worthy of love.

If you would like to book a private 30 or 60 minute Oracle Card reading with Monique, click the link below…

And Monique’s music can be found here: https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/S8mWcnADPa8bJcfB7


NON-BINARY ARTIST & TRANS* LOUNGE MEMBER MOLLY ALLIS’S NEW BILINGUAL CHILDREN’S BOOK, “HOORAY, WHAT A DAY!/¡VIVA, QUÉ DÍA!”

“Hooray, What A Day!/¡Viva,Qué Día!” is a bilingual children’s book by non-binary artist Molly Allis. It follows ten-year old Frankie and their best friend Jesse through a joyful day in their queer and colorful community. Join Frankie and Jesse as they go to a parade, make DIY projects together, and help out at the neighborhood garden. Along the way Frankie learns to celebrate the people in their life that they get to call their chosen family. People of all ages can enjoy this uplifting look at identity, self-esteem and friendship.

Hooray, What A Day!/¡Viva, Qué Día! will also be part of Gender Inclusive Classrooms’ resource list of books for teachers who want to foster safe, welcoming gender-inclusive classrooms. To learn more about Gender Inclusive Classrooms’ mission, click here.

Lastly, Molly is available to connect with people about this book! If you know anyone who might be interested in featuring Hooray, What A Day!/¡Viva, Qué Día! on a blog, podcast, or other types of media, please feel free to reach out to us at Trans* Lounge and we will get you in touch.


TRANS* LOUNGE INSTRUCTOR AUNJEL FULLINGTON

 

 


TRANS* LOUNGE MEMBER JODY VACLAV HAS A NEW BOOK OUT!

Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Inside-Out-Jody-Frances-Vaclav/dp/0578245183/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=jody+vaclav&qid=1614025642&s=books&sr=1-1


TRANS* LOUNGE MEMBER ELI’S NEW VENTURE IN SUPPORT OF THE GENDER EXPANSIVE COMMUNITY