“I’ve known for ages about your sex change, hon, and couldn’t care less,” and, " . . . Figured out the transgendered thing awhile back" is what baffles me. Do you people have the world’s best “transdar” or was it just a matter of Dopefest gossip, due to that damned article?
Algernon—"I fall under that category of people he describes as not knowing or being aware of any TS people . . . " “How do you DO?” [Mad Russian voice]
Ellen Cherry—are you one of the Cherry Sisters, of vaudeville fame? Or, better yet, the unknown sister of Mary Cherry, my favorite “Popular” character?
Eve, as the recipient of nearly eight years of tap-dancing lessons, and having performed in muscials from Oliver! to Mame to George M, my eyes fill at being asked if I’m a member of a vaudeville trio! ::sniffle::
But alas, I’m merely the semi-anonymous Ellen who’s been around the Straight Dope since 1999 and who recently hoped to ratchet up her literary allusions a notch by making her name into one from a couple of Tom Robbins novels. Plus, it’s got that pseudosexual allure that makes one popular 'round here.
I’m sure everyone who’s ever attended an L.A. Dopefest would be willing to attest to the fact that you have never, ever, under any circumstances been fodder for gossip at one of our gatherings. Ever. And if you had been, it would have only been in regards to your wit, charm and faaaa-bulous personality. You’ve left a few hints here and there, but nothing so obvious that anyone could’ve guessed with absolute certainty.
As to how I found that article, it’s been so damn long that I can’t even remember anymore. I search all kinds of things all the time – and remember, it did mention some of the books you’ve written, or at least the subjects you wrote about, so it’s entirely possible that may have been how I stumbled upon it. And before you ask - no, I didn’t pass it around to anyone. I read it, I thought, “Wow. That explains some of the comments I’ve read by her on the boards.” And then promptly forgot about it and moved on.
Oh, except thinking how great it is that we have such a diverse group of people that includes several transgendered folks at SD. How often does one have the amazing opportunity to interact with such a broad cross-section of people? We’ve got everyone and everything represented here - how cool is that?
Eve, the people here adore you because you bring so much to this community. Absolutely nothing else matters.
I didn’t know about the rumors, in truth. Nobody ever tells me anything.
You’ve left a few hints around the boards, and trans threads are one of your magnet threads. It’s something that I pay more attention to than most people do (I’m the one who shouts “subtext” at the drop of a hat) and I just figured it out one day. I wasn’t entirely certain, but it was one of those “I wouldn’t be surprised if…”
Auntie, was that zinger deliberate? 'cause if so, yeow!
Eve honey, having seen you on TV, I can say for sure that I can tell you from Adam - although I wouldn’t care a fig (leaf) either way. grrrrrowwwwwwwl and leer
Oh, and gobear? Giving someone an Oscar for work other than the work for which he/she is nominated is award abuse - maybe it happens but it shouldn’t. But I’ll let it go 'cause you’re, like, cute and stuff.
I’ve known for ages, via a tidbit of gossip that was apropos of absolutely nothing in the conversation at the time, and therefore clearly of malicious intent by someone who, if they had any social graces whatsoever, should have known better. So I did what any good Doper would do, and promptly forgot it had any relevance to anything at all.
I’ve continued reading Eve’s posts, smiling and laughing and occasionally flirting, and not caring one good goddamn whit otherwise.
Welcome home, Eve. The place wouldn’t have been the same without you.
I didn’t think it was possible for me to gain even more respect for you, but to air your past on the board as you have, and to be willing to answer questions, has done just that. You are classy, brave, and all around wonderful. Don’t ever leave again, dear lady.
And, Cajun Man, you are nothing short of a prince for pursuading her to rejoin us. We all owe you a debt of gratitude. Thank you so much, sir.
(But I knew you were a great guy when you kissed my daughter’s hand in January. She liked that very much, BTW.)
Ah, don’t let 'em buffalo you, Eve. They don’t call this the Smartass Message Board for nothing.
If you started a thread that announced you were actually an intelligent St. Bernard who picked out her posts on the keyboard with the tip of her tongue and hit the Enter key with the butt end of the brandy keg, you’d get at least a half-dozen “Yeah, I’ve known that for YEARS” and “Nobody ELSE figured it out, but I did” responses.
Well, knowing what a blasé and cosmopolitan group we are, I didn’t think anyone would much care one way or the other (though I imagine the LBMB would have a thing or two to say to me!). What did give me the heebie-jeebies was when I found out that a handful of people were raking me over the coals at Dopefests and via e-mail. And I only know bits and pieces of this, as I’m hearing it all second- and third-hand. I know I have at least one enemy in the publishing biz, who refers to me dismissively as “that TRANSSEXUAL that writes,” as if we don’t have opposable thumbs!
I suppose if anyone has any questions, I’d be happy to either answer them, or to blush prettily and politely decline. We’ve already had several quite information-packed “Ask the Transgendered Person” threads, but I guess I am now officially the Grande Old Lady of that topic. Sort of a combination of Christine Jorgensen and Margaret Dumont.
Yay! Eve’s back! And a cheer for her front as well.
Place hasn’t been the same without you. Like spritle, I must affirm that I stand by all of my past (and anticipated future) flirting directed your way.
I was wondering, if Eve is a girl who used to be a guy, can we make any assumptions about other New Yorkery literary-type dopers? Ukelele Ike perhaps?
“I was wondering, if Eve is a girl who used to be a guy, can we make any assumptions about other New Yorkery literary-type dopers? Ukelele Ike perhaps?”
—Oh, ho, the things I could tell you about Ukulele Ike! I daren’t, though . . . He knows the REALLY interesting dirt on me, that you all STILL haven’t figured out . . .
Hmm. Y’know, Olentzero, now that I know, I think I’m gonna do that very thing, too.
Not only that, since she aspires to Margaret Dumont-hood, I may even start worshiping her. Polish up your lorgnette, my dear, and take those ropes of pearls out. You must be properly attired, you know.
I too was wondering where you were, Eve, but I figured you had had enough of this mosh pit and had gone on to bigger and better things.
It’s so good and comfortable to have you back! You seem like one of the main anchors of this board; it felt all wobbly and out of balance without you, deary.
How did you like the new Ab Fab episodes?
[Homer Simpson] Never leave again. Never leave again. Never leave again [/Homer Simpson]
