And yet, some folks in that community have denounced and rejected him

Yeah, I don’t really understand that. What’s wrong with wanting to have a baby and bring her up in a loving family? Sure it’s unorthodox but you’d think that the trans community in general would be very tolerant and understanding toward one of their own. I don’t see how this issue could be giving them bad press. Huh. I’ll have to research what some of them are saying because I’m honestly curious.

am I the only one who thinks that Oprah looks disappointed when she can’t get the family and neighbors to rant uncontrollably over these controversial guests?

Yeah, and she seemed really uncomfortable with the whole issue but hey, if she’s willing to listen to them, put them on her show and help them tell their story, even if she is uncomfortable with the issue at least she’s doing more than those doctors who refused to help them.

What really amazed me was how so many doctors turned down handling his pregnancy

Hearing this really saddened me, actually. It’s not that I know there’s a lot of ignorance and intolerance toward trans individuals out there but usually doctors are so good at being objective. Don’t we always hear stories about doctors helping enemy soldiers during wartime? Unless they really didn’t feel qualified or were afraid for their jobs (so the intolerance isn’t all coming from them). But the doctor who treated him said that because he’d stopped taking testosterone for 2 years before trying to conceive, his hormone levels were normal and is capable of having a perfectly healthy baby. Thomas seems like a very responsible, empathetic person who is very concerned with his baby’s welfare.

Thomas indicated, IIRC, that his hormone treatments allowed him to grow a penis of sorts from his clitoris. But wouldn’t that make it just too sensitive to wear outside without a coat, so to speak? I’m sorta confused about that aspect of his transgendering process.

Yeah, me too! I was like, “But isn’t a clitoris more sensitive than a whole penis?” Or maybe it got less sensitive as it got bigger and more like a penis? I’m really curious, too, because I had no idea that testosterone could grow you a penis. I always assumed that trans FtoM individuals had to do without a working penis. I like being a woman but I’ve always wondered what it would feel like to have a penis. ^_~

Oh, and I second–since I only just got up the nerve to try the whole toy thing a year and a half or so ago, lol–it’s much better to get something basic and inexpensive to start with. The Rabbit looks great and is famous, but until you know if you’ll even enjoy toys in general don’t spend the money. I bought a plain bullet-shaped one to start (I am SO glad I’m anonymous)–you know, the kind they advertise as a “back massager”? I think it was £5 or something. It’s not waterproof or flesh-colored or any of that, but it was great to start getting comfortable with (mentally I mean.) Now I’ve branched out a little bit, but I’m glad I didn’t scare myself with some monster contraption! (Plus if you’re planning on using them with a partner, small and sleek is better, IME. Not so intrusive.)

Some people like the tempered glass dildos that can be put through the dishwasher. It’s up to you to explain to your grandmother what it is though when she goes to put dishes away.

ROTFL!

Oy, my mom comes to my house every day. And she always likes to sort things for us. Maybe I better rethink this “broadening my horizon” thing.

Eden Fantasy
Vibe Review
Spicy Gear

I’ve used all of those and been, er, satisfied.

I think the thing to do personally is to start cheap with a few things that look interesting, and you’ll figure out what works. Then you’ll want to invest in something better quality.

And watch for allergies. Some people are allergic to different materials and lubes, and that’s not fun. :(

And it’s really really important to keep them very clean so getting something easily washable helps (most are, and many toys are waterproof, but some aren’t). Some people like the tempered glass dildos that can be put through the dishwasher. It’s up to you to explain to your grandmother what it is though when she goes to put dishes away. XD

I think he’s a great role-model for the trans community.

And yet, some folks in that community have denounced and rejected him (and as a side observation, am I the only one who thinks that Oprah looks disappointed when she can’t get the family and neighbors to rant uncontrollably over these controversial guests?), which I hope changes now that he’s gone public with his story. What really amazed me was how so many doctors turned down handling his pregnancy, unless they simply didn’t feel they had the medical experience or knowledge. He and his wife seem like such incredibly gentle and loving people, don’t they.

I did have one question, though, which is sort of related to the Cho story. Thomas indicated, IIRC, that his hormone treatments allowed him to grow a penis of sorts from his clitoris. But wouldn’t that make it just too sensitive to wear outside without a coat, so to speak? I’m sorta confused about that aspect of his transgendering process.

There’s a huge (haha) industry around male sexual enhancement, but it’s mostly aimed at performance (Viagra and penile implants and all that stuff).

Yep. But that’s all geared towards male pleasure, and has nothing to do with making the man more visually agreeable to the feminine gaze,… which is why bedroom lights have an ‘off’ switch.

But if you wanted a couple I like, you could email me at janatdearauthor@gmail.com.

::taking notes::

Gwen G–wasn’t he just the biggest sweetie-pie on earth? I just found him so sweet and honourable and endearing. He and his wife are so brave and I know they’re going to make fantastic parents. I like what he told Oprah, “I think love makes a family.” How true. I was surprised how attractive I found him. I think he’s a great role-model for the trans community. :)

Robin, Margaret Cho and Lewis Black on the same stage? I’d buy that ticket in a heartbeat!

I don’t know that I should give out names of sites here.

I don’t know; given the nature of what women seem to be willing to do to themselves, it might be a public service (and a helluva lot cheaper!).

Jan, take me shopping. :-)

Seriously? Online is a good way to go. There are many discreet shops geared towards women with reviews by women (and some men), and prices usually ranging from around $10 to over $100. I don’t know that I should give out names of sites here. But if you wanted a couple I like, you could email me at janatdearauthor@gmail.com.

I lost all shyness about it after being dragged by a French friend of mine to such a store in RL. She was delightfully blunt and open, and I just couldn’t look at the things the same way since. ;D

But I want to know this — why aren’t men bombarded with similarly insane beautification programs, or being pressured into surgically invasive vanity procedures?

There’s a huge (haha) industry around male sexual enhancement, but it’s mostly aimed at performance (Viagra and penile implants and all that stuff). In fact, I’ve often ranted about how so much medical attention is paid to male sexuality, but women have really been shortchanged in so many ways. For example, hysterectomies are still terribly over-recommended and performed, and many women lose their ovaries when all they really need to have removed is their uterus (and the difference is really monumental, since the ovaries continue to produce essential hormones, even in the absence of the uterus). And then there’s the fact that Viagra is so often covered under medication insurance policies with low co-pays, but as of 2008, affordable birth control prescriptions for women available on college campuses are a thing of the past.
And let’s not even get started on the battles over the morning after pill.

As for the exploitation of women through plastic surgery, amen. Although I am torn because I think women should pursue anything that makes them feel better about themselves and is not unreasonably harmful (I mean, all surgery has risks, so it’s not 100% safe). But the fact that our society feeds women’s insecurities, thus fueling the abundance and variety of these procedures is whacko, IMO. Although Margaret Cho is so damn funny, I’m still cracking up at her post (of course I happen to think Cho is comic genius — her imitations of her mother are hysterical; I’d pay big bucks to see her and Lewis Black perform together). One can only imagine what she’d do with the subject of anal bleaching . . .

I just found the article interesting because from the way the media and romance novels portray it, if you have a good sexual partner, vaginal stimulation happens to every woman! There are stars! You see another universe!

So I’m actually really curious now whether we’re all propagating a myth. I think a survey should be done. Inquiring minds want to know.

I’m also convinced that the whole ‘magic g-spot’ thing is largely a myth designed to sell more copies of Cosmopolitan. ;D

Oh, Lord. That’s what I get for posting just before bed, after reading the article to my husband. Who was too appalled to speak, BTW.

Obviously, I meant “piercings in intimate places.” Although I supposed one could interpret my goof to mean having one’s nipples pierced in an intimate setting, or something.

I’ll shut up now.

Sex toys are fun to use alone and with a partner. These days many are made to hone your pleasure. They’re not the old standard white vibrator anymore.

Jan, take me shopping. :-)

I like your idea of plumping up the men with vibrators. Heck everyone would enjoy that. Unless the guy’s vibrator malfunctioned in a meeting and he acquired another pointer.

Snicker. Oh, this brings back memories. Not personal ones, mind you. But the ex’s. He was a agriculture major. Had a animal science professor who had an extremely unusual pointer someone had made for him to use. Use your imaginations. Think equestrian, though.

Hey, I’m not spelling it out any more than that ’cause I’m a gently bred Southern la-dee.

Oh, shut up. ;p

As to the real topic here, I don’t even have pierced ears. Think anyone’s going there with a needle?!? I don’t think so. Nope. Ain’t happening.

But I want to know this — why aren’t men bombarded with similarly insane beautification programs, or being pressured into surgically invasive vanity procedures?

‘Tain’t fair.

‘Tain’t right.