One evening last winter as I was coming home from baby sitting I knew that there would be guests in my house. I knew that there would be about five couples. I knew that the males in these pairs were cross dressers. I did not know, however, or rather didn't realize, that they were all normal people (I still have my doubts about some just kidding!!!)

I was worried about what I would see when I walked in the front door. I remember taking the long way to the living room, biding my time as I walked through the computer room and the kitchen then finally to the room where the meeting was. The first thing I remember seeing as I entered the room was a man with white hair who towered above the rest of the people in the room. After that, I was just gazing blankly at everyone, not feeling quite comfortable, and just trying to fit in.

Eventually I loosened up. I was cracking jokes, making people laugh (hopefully not hurting anyone�s feelings). I really didn�t know what to say, but I wanted everyone to like me.

After that evening I decided that I enjoyed spending time with these people. Every time I hear that there is a family event I make sure I am the first one ready to go. Of course I�ve only been to the banquet and the camping trip, but I had a good time and I plan on going to some other events as well.

The banquet was kinda strange for me at first because I wasn�t really sure what it would be like. Yes, I had seen my father �en femme� a dozen times before, but not with anyone else.

It was an experience.

I sat at the dinner table and found someone just about my age to talk with. We commented on people�s dresses, shoes, and hair -- it was interesting.

The next family event that I went to was the en homme camping trip. It was a lot more fun than the banquet. I knew that there were no boundaries to what I could and couldn�t do. I had a lot of fun and learned quite a lot.

For instance, a very wise man (ahem... sarcasm anyone?) taught me how to swim through a wall of mud. It was rather disgusting, but educational nonetheless.

After everything I had done with these people I had felt like I truly fit in, or, fit in as best I could.

So, I wanted to attend a board meeting. Even though I got to see everyone, I don�t think I�ll be going to go to another one. Board meetings are one of those things that aren�t for the whole family. For me, the board meeting turned very quickly into a BORED meeting. But I guess business matters just don�t interest me like that.

This is a very interesting group and I feel privileged to be a part of the family. I�m starting to appreciate people for their originality, and it�s nice to know that I�m not the only one out there who has a family member who is �gender gifted� or one of those terms.

I�m always glad to join in activities with the wonderful friends of Tau Gamma and I�m looking forward to the Mad Hatter�s ball in October.

[ed. note: Amanda is 14 yrs old and the daughter of our Facilitator, Heidi]

Gender Blender Jun/Aug 98