Editorial

Katherine Cummings

(The Gender Centre advise that this article may not be current and as such certain content, including but not limited to persons, contact details and dates may not apply. Where legal authority or medical related matters are cited, responsibility lies with the reader to obtain the most current relevant legal authority and/or medical publication.)

How very graphic we have gone with this Polare. We have yet another of Laura Seabrook's graphic art counselling sessions, dealing this time with depression, on the assumption, presumably, that her last piece managed to persuade us to put off suicide for the time being. Laura has written a piece on transgender comics to be found on the Internet and that can be found on page 14. Because Laura pointed me in that direction, I discovered an ongoing comic about a teenage transgender named Zoe. I find the storyline extremely entertaining and in many ways familiar, despite the strong American bias. The artist / writer's name is Erin Lindsey and the name for the series is Venus Envy .

The cover illustration for this issue of Polare was made for us by Erin, based on an early cartoon which really impressed me with its bitter-sweet truth. I have also included three pages of Zoe comic strips, which tell the beginning of her story as far as her coming out goes. I should add that, unlike a lot of transgender fiction, Erin does not neglect the female-to-male aspect and there is an F.T.M. character in the series to provide balance. For those with access to the Internet I recommend Venus Envy. For those without, printed versions of the comics are also available. Venus Envy appears two or three times a week. As a bonus, the Venus Envy home page also provides access to another strip called Girl Genius ... nothing to do with transgender but a marvellous romp anyway. There are other bonuses, including a forum where you can discuss Venus Envy, a page to place an album of photos - and an ongoing diary from Erin herself, who seems to have more than enough on her plate with the comic, her art studies and life looming large.

This issue also includes a useful overview of silicone breast implants, by Tracie O'Keefe, and an article on the effects of drug prohibition on Hepatitis C related discrimination, by two academics from the National Centre in H.I.V. Research at U.N.S.W.

There is a lot of news of interest this time, including an interesting story from New York, where shelters for the homeless have adopted a policy of admitting transgendered clients on the basis of self-definition, without regard to whether or not the transgender in question is pre-op, post-op or non-op (page 7). A humane attitude which contrasts with the less acceptable approach of some of our local shelters who have sought an exemption from the Anti-Discrimination Board allowing them to turn away any M.T.F. transgenders who are pre-op or non-op.

The last issue was very light on coming events, because it had to go to the printer before Christmas, but Sean has now filled the gaps with all kinds of social and support events, and we hope you will take advantage of them, and also suggest other ways in which the Gender Centre can help you live a better and more enjoyable life. I hope as many of you as possible will take part in these events and help us by suggesting sessions and events you would like to see us sponsoring on your behalf.

On the darker side there is an article from Western Australia which highlights the poor standard of treatment available for transgenders in that State. A cautionary tale which chills the blood.

Polare is published in Australia by The Gender Centre Inc. which is funded by the Department of Community Services under the S.A.A.P. Program and supported by the N.S.W. Health Department through the AIDS and Infectious Diseases Branch. Polare provides a forum for discussion and debate on gender issues. Advertisers are advised that all advertising is their responsibility under the Trade Practices Act. Unsolicited contributions are welcome, though no guarantee is made by the Editor that they will be published, nor any discussion entered into. The editor reserves the right to edit such contributions without notification. Any submission which appears in Polare may be published on our internet site. Opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor, The Gender Centre Inc.I, the Department of Community Services or the N.S.W. Department of Health.