“We just want to live the lives we feel we should be living.” To live the life we desire, we all need to take the proper steps to do so. If you want to live the life of a lawyer, go to law school; if you want to live the life of a women, get the surgery.

'Recently, Freeman has been keeping busy with the activities of her new life. She started playing competitive pool in 2006".....competitive pool ?....That's great , nice to know she is enjoying a nice feminine pastime......I wonder what bathroom she uses at the pool hall ?

Good grief Charlie Brown! I would NOT let my 13 y/o granddaughter use the bathroom if I knew he was in there. My hat goes off to Denny's Resturant for doing the right thing.

It's not as black and white as you may think. Do you know that people are sometimes born with their genitals not fully developed and the parents pick what sex they are to be? I watched a whole documentary about it on Discovery and A&E. This child was born and the parents decided to make it a girl, since the genitals seemed to not be fully developed, the doctor complied and proceeded with a surgery where this child attained a woman's genital area. They sent the kid to therapy to make it feel like it was really a girl, the kid obviously did not do anything characteristic of a girl and showed traits physically early on of being a boy. The doctor and the parents tried to convince this child, for some time, that he was a girl. In the end, all grown up, this man recounts this story and how hard it was that he had to grow up as a girl. While not totally like this story, there are people who are born and once become acquainted with their feelings and old enough to understand things, feel like they should have been a different sex. Sometimes these people try to ignore these feelings, and carry on lives for many years as the sex they currently are. Sometimes, when these children are old enough, they just take it into their own hands and start dressing like the sex they are most suited to, and becoming very adamant about getting their sex change operations and all the physical therapies (such as hormones and hair removal, or breast surgery) that go along with it.

This woman went into a locked stall in a bathroom. She (as I am calling her this for respect of her feelings) was not openly exposing herself to anyone or putting anyone at danger or risk. Her intent was to use the facilities like any other person would do. To deny her this in an openly public setting all the while she is a patron of the establishment and not causing any public disturbances herself, is very unfair.

Peace.

the whole psychological thing doesn't matter to me. this 'person' has a penis. mens room. period.

Once upon a time, when the world was simpler, Maine had only one bathroom per facility. There was a pot, a sink, and if you were lucky, a toilet paper dispenser. Men put the seat up, and women put it down, I have no idea what Transgendered people do, nor do I wish to educate myself on the subject.

Now we have graduated to this. Personally, I'm not ready. I never felt at my best when I had to go, and a bathroom is not a place where I wish to meet the opposite gender....or something in between.

I hope we are not, but suspect we ARE, paying for this loser's (Because 'she' is a 'competitive pool player'. What the heck?) surgery.

He has had a hard time in life. Well...boo...hoo-hoo.

Someone has to feel sorry for her.

I wonder why they opened the comments back up for this article?

7:20 am, which bathroom do you use, Cole? Maybe you could help her out.

This is simply a case of fear of the unknow and/or predjudice/hate. I am saddened by the treatment of my trans-sister, bless her.

I am a trans-gender speaker who travels the country and publishes a weekly news letter. I am going to use my platform for both a boycott against Dennys Resturants and all products produced and exported by the State of Maine. I hope Denny's is sued and that your fine state will pass protective legislation for transgender people. We have such legislation in California and there are no reported cases of inaapropriate actions by trans people using the bathroom of there preference.

We ARE women and as such have no desire but to use the restroom like any other woman.

Many Blessings to your community, and the people who are needlessly in fear of us. As a FBI statistic we as a demographic commit fewer sex crimes than any other demographic group. Alternately we experience more hate crimes and violence than any other group including black males of the age between 17 and 25. It is sad and a major reason we live lives in isolation and fear. The statue of Liberty say give us your tired your weak your oppressed. It doesnt include an exception for trans people. For shame.

Yours In Peace and Love Jannie Anna-Lise

unless you have had the surgery, you are not a woman.

You should see the two beautiful ball gowns I bought today

Hilarious time trying them on in Macy's.

Coming out of the women's dressing area I opened the wrong door and set the store alarm off.

Everyone in the store found out a construction worker was trying on dresses.

I got two 169.00 gowns for 106.00 dollars a piece., so I saved 136.00. on the two of them.

I'm telling you there's fun out here in this world.

Of course, they are last season's so I'm going to have to wait until next winter to wear them.

It turned sad when the sweet helpful young sales lady told me she belongs to a Bible Church, and she found Jesus after years of sexual abuse by both men and woman.

She told me to come to her church, and when I asked her if she were allowed to have gay sex, she told me "no"

I don't know why I feel sorry for her as I'm not getting any, either.

I kissed and hugged her goodbye and told her I'd be back tomorrow for the other gown.

I feel pretty,

Oh, so pretty,

I feel pretty and witty and bright!

And I pity

Any girl who isn't me tonight.

I feel charming,

Oh, so charming

It's alarming how charming I feel!

And so pretty

That I hardly can believe I'm real.

See the pretty girl in that mirror there:

Who can that attractive girl be?

Such a pretty face,

Such a pretty dress,

Such a pretty smile,

Such a pretty me!

I feel stunning

And entrancing,

Feel like running and dancing for joy,

For I'm loved

By a pretty wonderful boy!

Mainelyme:

Pretty funny...re 5:01 PM You are quite the storyteller.....although I realize this actually happened.....your time at Macy's today. I doubt things were quite so colorful at the Bangor Macy's today!!!

chersully2000

I got a whole new scene for one of my future screen plays.Things will soon be looking up at Macy's Bangor, too.

JannieAnnaLise:

Interesting to read your comments. It is so good you go and try to educate people as to the true nature of trans-gender people. More education is certainly needed.

Why folks get all in a tither about someone just wanting to use a bathroom , is hard to fathom. What they should worry about, and be concerned about, is the actual perverts out there....the pediophiles, etc. People seem to focus on the wrong things.

Anne:

Maybe they (BDN) wanted to remove the posts of certain one(s) on this article. Just guessing....

I couldn't believe the young black sales ladies put a full rack of clothes across the small space to cordon off my dressing cubicle from the others.

The religious one told me they didn't want to panic the ladies.

I told her she was flattering me as I haven't panicked any ladies in at least the past ten years.

She timed it so that she came back to talk to me when I had the white ruffled strapless gown with the black satin asymetrical cut over skirt on, and then a little while later when I had the jeweled cobalt blue umpire gown on.

I stood talking with the dressing room door open, separately wearing each gown with my tan work boots on.

Jesus said, ":Love everybody as I have loved you."

I honestly try.

I have to go now, as the sun is shining and I want to go to the park to feed the Raccoons.

A really fulfilling life.

You got to hand it to those Muslims - they know how to get 'er done!

\

\

Convicted killer beheaded, put on display in Saudi ArabiaStory Highlights

Man executed for kidnapping, killing boy and killing of the boy's father

Ahmed Al-Shamlani Al-Anzi was sentenced to death and then "crucifixion"

"Crucifixion" describes public display, but not connected to Christianity

Amnesty International condemns action; officials say it is a deterrent

updated 1 hour, 5 minutes agoNext Article in World »

From Mohammed Jamjoom and Joe Sterling

CNN

(CNN) -- Saudi Arabian officials beheaded and then publicly displayed the body of a convicted killer in Riyadh on Friday, an act that prompted a stiff denunciation by a leading human rights monitor.

The Saudi Interior Ministry said Ahmed Al-Shamlani Al-Anzi was sentenced to death and then "crucifixion" -- having his body displayed in public -- for the kidnapping and killing of an 11-year-old boy and for the killing of the boy's father, according to the official Saudi Press Agency.

Mainelyme:

Too funny...re 5:21 PM. I can just imagine the reactions and looks on some of those people's faces. Entertaining??

You may have the sun there now; we lost ours and got a lot of rain and wind in about 20 mins time.

David re 5:53 post....yeah ain't that somethin' ? No political correctness practiced in those Muslim countries...maybe that's a good thing, I don't know.

I still wouldn't dast go to mass at Saint Mary's Church tomorrow

Not unless I was wearing a bullet prove vest.

mainleymaine, Pride goeth before a fall.

That's bullet proof.

What's that saying?

"As California goes, so goes Maine?"

Land of the Fruits & Nuts!

.

Keep spending Maine's tax money on foolish religious referendums and Maine will be ruined financially, also.

Deep Cuts Threaten to Reshape California

In Los Angeles on May 22, health care workers and patients protested the proposed state budget cuts.

Published: May 30, 2009

LOS ANGELES — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger did not get the election results he sought. Now he seems determined to show California voters the consequences.

Skip to next paragraph

Enlarge This Image

Rich Pedroncelli/Associated Press

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, left, with Mike Genest, California’s finance director.

In a special election on May 19, voters rejected a batch of measures on increasing taxes, borrowing funds and reapportioning state money that were designed to close a multibillion-dollar budget gap. The cuts Mr. Schwarzenegger has proposed to make up the difference, if enacted by the Legislature, would turn California into a place that in some ways would be unrecognizable in modern America: poor children would have no health insurance, prisoners would be released by the thousands and state parks would be closed.

Nearly all of the billions of dollars in cuts the administration has proposed would affect programs for poor Californians, although prisons and schools would take hits, as well.

“Government doesn’t provide services to rich people,” Mike Genest, the state’s finance director, said on a conference call with reporters on Friday. “It doesn’t even really provide services to the middle class.” He added: “You have to cut where the money is.”

In less than two weeks, the administration has gone from warning residents that a vote against the budget measures would send the state — some $24 billion in the red — into utter turmoil to sanguine acceptance that “the people have spoken” and that the government must move on.

And so it is that administration officials have been sent off to talk to the Legislature and hold conference calls about the latest proposed blows to state programs, while Mr. Schwarzenegger largely tends to other aspects of governing. He was in Livermore on Friday dedicating the world’s largest laser system (for sustaining nuclear fusion), and has updated his Twitter feed. “Backstage at the Tonight Show,” one tweet said.

The measures proposed by the administration to balance the budget, including the $2.8 billion in cuts outlined on Friday, are unlike any proposed to the state’s social services in a generation.

Mr. Schwarzenegger, a Republican, is threatening to eliminate the Healthy Family Program, the state’s health insurance program that covers over 900,000 children and is financed with state and federal money, as well as the state’s main welfare program, known as Cal-Works, which provides temporary financial assistance to poor families and a caregiver for the severely disabled.

The $1 billion in cuts to programs for the poor would be met with $680 million in new cuts to education and a 5 percent salary reduction for state employees, many of whom are already enduring furloughs.

These proposals, as well as those that would make cuts to state parks, the prison system and other state agencies, are winding their way through Sacramento now, where they will be voted on by committees and eventually the full Legislature.

Some of the proposed cuts are clearly saber rattling on the governor’s part, but there is a nervous acceptance among lawmakers, advocates for the poor and outside budget experts that the state is out of money and time.

If lawmakers sign off on closing the health insurance program for children whose families make too much to qualify for Medicaid, California would be the first state in the nation to close the popular program. Begun in 1997, the program, known as S-CHIP, reimburses states at a higher rate than for Medicaid to deliver health insurance to children and teenagers. With the cuts to Medicaid, the state would probably increase its number of uninsured people by nearly 2 million, the California Budget Project says.

“As the nation is debating how to move forward to provide broader health care coverage,” said Diane Rowland, the executive vice president of the Kaiser Family Foundation, “for a state to be scaling back coverage for children would be a major challenge. This program means a lot to working families. It is well run and well liked by people on both sides of the aisle.”

Further, the governor has gone after some spending not covered by mandates enacted by voters through ballot measures, a quirk of California budgeting that has helped create the mess the state is in.

“Certainly the programs that were targeted are not protected by the California Constitution or required by federal law,” said Jean Ross, the executive director of the California Budget Project, a left-leaning policy organization that analyzes the budget.

The Democratic-controlled Legislature has been uncharacteristically silent on most of the cuts, most likely because lawmakers know that tax increases are not politically palatable, that huge cuts in some form are in the offing no matter what, and that any program they wish to spare will quite likely have advocates among their ranks.

“There is no drawing lines in the sand,” said Alicia Trost, the spokeswoman for State Senator Darrell Steinberg, a Democrat and president pro tem. “Everyone knows we’re the majority, and we all know where we stand.”

Rich Pedroncelli/Associated Press

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, left, with Mike Genest, California’s finance director.

In a special election on May 19, voters rejected a batch of measures on increasing taxes, borrowing funds and reapportioning state money that were designed to close a multibillion-dollar budget gap. The cuts Mr. Schwarzenegger has proposed to make up the difference, if enacted by the Legislature, would turn California into a place that in some ways would be unrecognizable in modern America: poor children would have no health insurance, prisoners would be released by the thousands and state parks would be closed.

Nearly all of the billions of dollars in cuts the administration has proposed would affect programs for poor Californians, although prisons and schools would take hits, as well.

“Government doesn’t provide services to rich people,” Mike Genest, the state’s finance director, said on a conference call with reporters on Friday. “It doesn’t even really provide services to the middle class.” He added: “You have to cut where the money is.”

In less than two weeks, the administration has gone from warning residents that a vote against the budget measures would send the state — some $24 billion in the red — into utter turmoil to sanguine acceptance that “the people have spoken” and that the government must move on.

And so it is that administration officials have been sent off to talk to the Legislature and hold conference calls about the latest proposed blows to state programs, while Mr. Schwarzenegger largely tends to other aspects of governing. He was in Livermore on Friday dedicating the world’s largest laser system (for sustaining nuclear fusion), and has updated his Twitter feed. “Backstage at the Tonight Show,” one tweet said.

The measures proposed by the administration to balance the budget, including the $2.8 billion in cuts outlined on Friday, are unlike any proposed to the state’s social services in a generation.

Mr. Schwarzenegger, a Republican, is threatening to eliminate the Healthy Family Program, the state’s health insurance program that covers over 900,000 children and is financed with state and federal money, as well as the state’s main welfare program, known as Cal-Works, which provides temporary financial assistance to poor families and a caregiver for the severely disabled.

The $1 billion in cuts to programs for the poor would be met with $680 million in new cuts to education and a 5 percent salary reduction for state employees, many of whom are already enduring furloughs.

These proposals, as well as those that would make cuts to state parks, the prison system and other state agencies, are winding their way through Sacramento now, where they will be voted on by committees and eventually the full Legislature.

Some of the proposed cuts are clearly saber rattling on the governor’s part, but there is a nervous acceptance among lawmakers, advocates for the poor and outside budget experts that the state is out of money and time.

If lawmakers sign off on closing the health insurance program for children whose families make too much to qualify for Medicaid, California would be the first state in the nation to close the popular program. Begun in 1997, the program, known as S-CHIP, reimburses states at a higher rate than for Medicaid to deliver health insurance to children and teenagers. With the cuts to Medicaid, the state would probably increase its number of uninsured people by nearly 2 million, the California Budget Project says.

“As the nation is debating how to move forward to provide broader health care coverage,” said Diane Rowland, the executive vice president of the Kaiser Family Foundation, “for a state to be scaling back coverage for children would be a major challenge. This program means a lot to working families. It is well run and well liked by people on both sides of the aisle.”

Further, the governor has gone after some spending not covered by mandates enacted by voters through ballot measures, a quirk of California budgeting that has helped create the mess the state is in.

“Certainly the programs that were targeted are not protected by the California Constitution or required by federal law,” said Jean Ross, the executive director of the California Budget Project, a left-leaning policy organization that analyzes the budget.

The Democratic-controlled Legislature has been uncharacteristically silent on most of the cuts, most likely because lawmakers know that tax increases are not politically palatable, that huge cuts in some form are in the offing no matter what, and that any program they wish to spare will quite likely have advocates among their ranks.

“There is no drawing lines in the sand,” said Alicia Trost, the spokeswoman for State Senator Darrell Steinberg, a Democrat and president pro tem. “Everyone knows we’re the majority, and we all know where we stand.”

theothermaine

My "pushing my ways on you" is your sexual fantasy not mine,

At least come up with a better argument than that. These referendums are not even .1% of the budget, get real.

movethen

It's an awful lot of wasted time, effort and work on the part of the people who are taking the referendums out, passing them around, waving their arms and dancing insanely for the attention to get them signed.

All of this energy could be put to a better cause, like inproving conditions of the world for people who are much less fortunate then God made them to be, and thus enriching their own lives and minds as they do so.

Even the young Lesbian salesclerk who professes to love Jesus and is denying herself the gifts of life that God has given her told me vehemently,:" It's the ones who condemn others who will burn in Hell first."

Stinkweed

mainleymaine, Pride goeth before a fall. "

And here I've been thinking it was a big brass band."

donnelly - Thank you, thank you... Finally someone that makes total sense without jamming religion, personal opinion, etc... down people's throats.

Penis = men's room - Vagina = Ladies room - Fake breasts and long hair do not determine what facility, or for that matter, what sex you are.

When you are born the doctor looks at what you've got an says... "it's a boy!" or "it's a girl." Take his advice and use that designated toilet.

HippyKicker, donnelly, - Upon entering a unisex restroom with

various people inside there would be no problem as long as

everyone respected the privacy of others.. As far as anyone

entering a specific sex restroom I guess it would be up to the

people already inside to decide whether to tolerate or not to

tolerate... You see, tolerance is the key to acceptance.

Telefunkinu47

Don't ask me about an Adam's Apple

i'm all here-You're not!

karenlite - respectfully... I don't want my 10yr old daughter to be standing next to said person at the sink, when said person decides to re-set his genitalia to a hidden position behind his skirt. Biologics should determine which restroom they use. If there is such a problem with this, then there should be a law made to construct single bathrooms only - one door, one toilet, one sink, and a lock on the door. Now, another point - I'm not saying that this individual is a sicko, but what would stop a sick person from dressing like a woman just to get close to other women, female children, etc - while they are utilizing the facilities? Are you telling me that if I put on a dress and a wig, I can come listen to you pee and you won't have a problem with it? Thanks.

re 3:02 pm, I think this story is about whether or not any person should have to use a men's room. Men's rooms are disgusting, urine-soaked, germ-infested pig sties that stink to high heaven! No rational person would choose to use one.

This probably wouldn't even be an issue if men could learn to pee INTO the urinal. Instead they seem to have no control over their "stream" at all, like they're trying to put out a fire in some kind of manic, drug-induced hallucination!

I don't blame anyone for not wanting to use a men's room. They should be banned altogether.

HippyKicker, 3:02 PM, I knew you'd come back with a good one! Actually I

wouldn't mind if you heard me peeing as it's a common occurance to everyone.

I see your point on the adjustment issue although I don't think anyone young

or old would die from witnessing it, faint maybe or vomit! : )

When kids see something new, parents have the opportunity to explain in a

caring way that children can understand. I think it would be rare though that

anyone would make an adjustment out in the open instead of in the stall.

As time goes on and we all become 'adjusted' to new ways of life, this won't

be a big deal. We must continue to progress in being a loving society,

accepting one another as family, differences and all..

6:48 PM, anne_of_mdi, ROFL, haha.. You said it!

karenlite:

Thanks for more good remarks from you.

Anne:

I guess you heard about the killing today of the doctor in Kansas. He and his wife were in church at the time he was murdered! (she was singing in the choir.) I heard they have the suspect in custody.

7:14 PM, Thanks chersully2000. : )

Wtg Dennys, now the pay the transexual what she is gonna win for the discrimination

It is a shame that abortion practitioner was killed. It is not the right way to go about stopping him. But he was in church? Big deal....he kills babies which are alive, with a soul ,with a mind, with a life. How does he live with himself? How does he sit in church?

God does not make mistakes people nor would He create am man he intended to be a woman or vice versa! God help us!

One would hope that in this day and age, people would be somewhat more aware of transgendered people. During conception, we all start out as females - it isn't until later on that the sexuality of the unborn fetus is determined. I think it's during this process that something happens, and that is what may cause people to feel trapped in a foreign body. Their mentality, emotions, and desire in life, is not in sync with their bodies. Imagine how hard it must be for someone to grow up like that, and having to contend with the cruelty so many people show? I will never forget when I saw the Gwen Araujo story - Gwen Araujo was a young Latina, born male, but trapped in a body he felt was not his own. From the time she was a young child, a little kid, her Mother and the family knew that she was different and they tried everything they could to get Gwen to be a boy. They were a very traditional family and there was little understanding for Gwen - but their love for her was greater than their need to remain ignorant and refuse to accept that Gwen was transgendered - she lived her short life as a female and her young life was ended brutally - when she was beaten, strangled and horribly abused by some young males. Even though they were convicted, not one of them was ever charged with a hate crime. Don't we want to stop this sort of violent behavior in our society and try to understand that our heads are connected to our bodies and sometimes things happen. Why should a person suffer and live the way others want them to live when they are so miserable and unhappy?:

And...the woman who made the comment about her fears of letting her 12-year-old relative use the restroom at the same time as this woman - that's the most ridiculous thing I've heard. We don't have to worry about our children around people like this woman - worry more about Uncle Charlie, the nice man next door, the parish priest or the boy scout troop leader - child sex offenders are most often people the family knows - relatives, etc., and not a transgendered individual who happened to be born in a male body. There was also a statement made here that is accurate - how some children are born with both sex organs, or the parents and doctor make a choice whether or not to raise the child as a female or male - but no one thinks about the brain - or the emotional end of it which is as important as the physical part.

People deserve to live happy lives and be who they are - as long as they are not breaking any laws, hurting anyone, etc., it's no one's business what choices they make for their own life. No one else is walking in their mocs. I wish this woman peace and hopefully the surgery she hopes to get - but it's a long process as I'm sure she knows - they just don't go ahead willy nilly and conduct these surgeries - they require that the individual go through a lot beforehand, to make sure that they are truly transgendered.

Imagine - being brutally murdered for who you are - not what you CHOSE for yourself - but who we are the day we enter this world.

Educate yourselves and through education will come understanding that no one would choose a life where they are ridiculed, hurt and face the very real danger of being murdered because of who they are. I'm glad she won the case against Denny's and glad she had the courage to file it. How dare they deny her the right to be who she is - do they check the underwear of everyone entering the rest rooms? Give me a break. No more murders like Gwen Araujo!

I saw the whole story about Gwen Araujo. It sickened me!! Maybe if people weren't so closed minded and unaccepting of others she wouldn't have been brutally murdered for being who she was. It saddens me that we are living in a world full of people who just search for reasons to hate other people. If people spent that much energy on loving and accepting people, the world would be a much happier place.

BDN. Quit calling HIM SHE HE is a MAN.As the father of two girls all I have to say is STAY OUT OF THE LADIES ROOM.YOU ARE A MAN.

We don't have time or money to waste on these types od people and issues. It's a mental problem they have when they change their sex. If he/she felt discriminated against, rightly so and too bad. Get a life moron.

She was in a STALL, it is noones business what her genitalia are, Transgenders are not freaks, they have a ligitimate reason for why they are the way they are, it has to do with the development of the fetus, do some research on the subject and quit being such ignorant Mainers, mabye that is why people think that Mainers are ignorant and don't know anything. Life will go on, believe me, and this woman will have her surgery, and NO Maine Care will not pay for it, as a matter of fact, I don't know of any insurance that will pay for gender reassignment surgery at this time. She used the woman's room, and she has every right to. I really think that Maine people should read and do research before they start to spout off about a subject they know nothing about. And just to answer the question I know ALL of you will be asking I AM NOT A TRANSGENDER, GAY, BISEXUAL OR LESBIAN I HAVE EDUCATED MY SELF TO DIFFERENT WAYS OF LIFE SO THAT I DON'T HAVE THE BIASED OPINIONS THAT I USED TO HAVE.

Bangor Daily News, cry me a freakin' river with this sob story. Your sleazy reporting at it's best. Stop exploting transgendered people for your gain. You guys do nothing but promote the degrading of the few morals and values left in this moonbat state!

hardworkingmom, it was a "he" not a "she" in the womans restroom. I think you need to further your education. Even us simple minded mainers Know what body parts mean what, and which restroom is appropriate to those particular parts.

For someone who was homeless not to long ago it sounds as though the finances are flowing smoothly.

WTG Denny's I wouldn't want my daughter exposed to that kind of choice, keeping her him out until the sex change

operation should have worked for everyone.

6:07 AM, hardworkingmom, Thank you x 100, Yes, we all need to educate

ourselves of the truth, especially:

7:59 AM, forHIMtoday and others, who mask their hatefulness under the guise

of religion, please educate yourselves on the facts of nature and what God

has made.

Religion just does not cover it.

Back to the original thought....how did the customer who complained at Denny's know this person was "dual" gendered? If this person was wearing women's clothing, looked like a woman, who would know? Who cares?

franseamans3, You got it right. Who cares..

As long as people, all people, are respectful,

they deserve respect in return.

The reaction of some of these folks makes me think that some of them might also have unresolved oedipal issues.....

I can't beleive all of the negative comments on this. This is what the people of Maine wanted a few years ago when we voted in the "Maine won't discriminate" law. We opened up pandoras box. So next time you see a man in a dress using your bathroom, smile and say "democracy at work"!! And now when a priest refuses to perform a gay marriage, he can be sued. A photographer who doesn't want to take pictures of a gay wedding can be sued. Oh I can't wait to see how this plays out!!

Southbound, The new law would protect people who

offer services from being sued if they refuse to give

those services. Personally I'd not frequent the

places that discriminate.

Sure thing Karen. I trust all of our laws and the pork they stuff into them. Democrats and liberals have ruined this state and it's only going to get worse. And no, am not a fan of discrimination. As it stands right now we all have the same rights. All of us! Why spend millions of taxpayers dollars to give people "special" rights? We are the laughing stock of the nation up here.

So being accepted as a female makes "her" feel more complete. What about the feelings of people whoi don't want to share the rest room with a woman with a penis?

sad what the world is coming too. politicallyincorrect you said it perfect God does not make mistakes! He made man and woman end of story stay the way God made you

I know God doesn't make mistakes, beleive me. But how do we explain Dr. Phil????

Of course God doesn't make mistakes. Children are born with downs syndrome, cleft chins, born blind or with heart problems, conjoined twins and many other birth defects everyday. God didn't make mistakes with these children either. God has a reason for everything he does. We may not have the answers to why He does these things and we may never understand why. But we accept the challenges He gives us everyday and it is up to each of us to accept God's work and make the best we can of these things.

stacielynn2009, hardworkingmom, eveningrain:

So good to read comments from good, intelligent people like you!!

So um... Is Denys going to ask for proof of the surgery before they allow her into the womans room??? What if a female that happens to have more male-like features (minus the penis) heads for the womens bathroom. Are they going to ask to conduct a visual inspection to be sure that the person is going to the appropriate bathroom? Judgement isnt ours to pass, lets take a look at ourselves and where we need work rather than shooting arrows at other people.

Bigotry and hatred. I feel ashamed to live in this state.

I used to think that Maine people were great. I am begging to rethink that now. when people go to thr rest room they are on a mission, just one mission, to releive themselves. A normal biological function that we all have, no exceptions. We go to the restroom and relieve ourselves and hopefully wash our hands after we are done. Many of you have shared a restroom with a transsexual, that is the proper word by the way, and not even known it. They do not want to bring attention to themselves mainly because they have to much to worry about and they are human. they do not peek under or over the stalls, they will hopefully have their feet pointed the right way, and they will make their necessary adjustments before they leave the stall. They will not do anything to ruin their chances to complete their transition. They have to much at stake. Therapists have tried to correct their thoughts of being the opposite sex of what their physical body represents. They have done so with complete failure. They know now that they cannot change the mind to match the body so the only other recourse is to change the body to match the mind. Gender is between the ears. Yes they were born with a raw deal. It is more or less a birth defect, would some of you hateful people throw a downs syndrome baby to the wolves? It is a birth defect. It is hard living day to day knowing that you cant be what you were supposed to be so in order to take care of that problem they have to make a choice. they can commit suicide, the suicide rate among transsexuals is very high. you may ask why would they commit suicide? They do it because coming out as a transsexual is a decision that is very unpopular with many people, they know they can get assualted or murdered. They can also get the help they need and start their transition which is also not very popular but they could lead a somewhat normal life with that choice. Let these people who are just trying to live a somewhat normal life do just that. Do not add to thier problems. They are trying to save money for their operation which is more than likely going to cost them $20,000 or more. They are also trying to figure out how to handle bigots and hate mongers. Take the time to learn as much about a subject before passing judgement on people such as transsexuals. You will find they are not perverts. they are just people just trying to get well. No more no less. now i will take a que from hardworkingmom. Yes I was a transsexual but now I am a female. I used the ladies room both pre-op and post-op with no problems as of yet. I do however expect them now thanks to all you people who want to express your opinion without knowing all the facts. And we call ourselves human beings. What a joke. EVOLVE PEOPLE, WE ARE NOT CAVE MEN ANYMORE, WE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE BETTER.

As a society we must advance in positive ways that

encourage love and understanding. What will

negativity against the gay and transgender

population do? It will cause hate and discrimination.

And yet, in truth, no person is better than another..

Equal rights will prevail. The voice of the people,

gays and friends for equal rights for gays and

transgenders will be heard, in both church and

government.

~

The citizens of Maine must decide how to treat

the friends that walk among them. Those gay

and transgender friends may be the ones who

lend a helping hand in time of need. They may

save your life one day.

Think of how you would feel if you were the other

person. Be kind and loving.

There is one at Waldo County General Hospital wont' mention any names. I know some were offended by it but hey atleast he/she know how a women and a man feels I here he/she is a dam good doctor.

I don't see this as "hatred" for transgendered people. I think that it does open the door for the crazy, sick, sobs that get their jollies off going into the ladies room just to be there. It's not all black and white, hate or like, unfortunately for this female/male it is a case of rights. HER/HIS right to use a bathroom for a specific gender and MY/YOUR rights as keeping boys in the boy's room and girls in the girl's room. You can't blame Denny's for trying to do the right thing as they saw it, just as you can't blame her/him for having to pee.

anne_of_mdi - I see your point, and I wish that I could agree whole-heart-edly... Parents do need to do thier job explaining situations to their children as well as protecting them from things they feel they should not be exposed to.... but the problem is that now-a-days, there doesn't seem to be enough good parents around.

Take this example: There was a transgender person (appeared female... but still had buddy holly and the crickets) when I was growing up. "she" (for the avoidance of an argument) got kicked out of the local swimming pool - actually banned... Why you ask? Because "she" was changing in the open area of the changing room... the female changing room... females present of all ages (lets say 3yrs - 65yrs.). "she" felt as if "she" was female... though anyone could tell that she was not... Is this that different of a situation? Do you want some girls "birth defect" (as jjc1954 put it), twig and barries exposed to your child... or even to you?

However, I don't think these people should be mistreated; actually the complete opposite... Give them facilities of their own. Raise taxes so that everyone can be provided for. There is a male bathroom, and a female bathroom... so why isn't there a transgender bathroom.... ???

Screw it! I've changed my mind yet again...

Banish all bathrooms. Since it's such a natural act, as stated by many on here (though I get a kick out of the people who are using the "natural" argument with a topic based on unnatural gender reassignment surgery) we should partake in it together... OUTSIDE! In plain view! Come on... Everyone poops right!?

If someone is completely changed... That's a different story also. "No surprises, no problem"... I would like to know what brought attention to this individual that was removed from the rest-room? What made the people at Deny's aware that this "lady" wasn't what "she" appeared to be? Actions, appearance, etc?

karenlite - thanks for the good argument. You know I live for the debate right? Take care.

to happykicker In a situation lick a changing facility for a pool no pre-op transexual should change there unless there are accomoditions for privacy such as a locked changing stall but if it is all open then it is wrong to change there. It would not be right to expose the genetic females and their children to that. The bathroom situation is completely differant. You have stalls with doors and hopefully locks that work.

sorry HippyKicker got you name wrong in my last post

Ignorance and bigotry are two things that are most common in Maine. What's next? We have an all white state? I'm moving to better places, where people are people, no matter who they are.

meljo52, I highly recomend it. lower taxes, warmer climate,far more services. Maine is 15 years behind the rest of the country for sure.

Yes, we are ignorant bigots, and WE LIKE IT!

On 6/2/09 at 11:22 AM, meljo52 wrote: Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Ignorance and bigotry are two things that are most common in Maine. What's next? We have an all white state? I'm moving to better places, where people are people, no matter who they are.

Quite a broad statement. I bet you really can't back it up.

Some people just don't like fruit cakes thats all.

If you don't like it then move.

Look at Dave, he hates everyone... LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"I bet you really can't back it up."

In all fairness steveydee, There was that story recently about Maine being th oldest, whitest state...lol

Good post Hippykicker.

Stevey - Are you trying to say you're not an ignorant bigot?

can anyone here back up that all transsexuals/transgendered individuals are fruitcakes as Telefunkinu47 has suggested?

Some women can pee standing up. Should they use the mens room? Or the wall in back behind the Denny's building.

In response to karenlite - 5/31/09 at 6:50 PM - I almost forgot... We need to set this thing up. I'll bring the dress and the wig.... we'll meet a Deny's... Just make sure you drink a lot of fluids. Call me. lol

SpecialEd - all depends what "tool" they are using to pee with.

Of course I'm not an ignorant bigot Dave....

Just a bigot LOL!!!!!!

I once worked at the Center for Human Reproduction and Reproductive Biology at Harvard University. As many as 1 in 5000 people are born "intergender"; that is, the doctor CAN'T look at a newborn and say "congratulations, you have a boy" or "congratulations, you have a girl". Thirty years ago, the doctors would routinely "correct" the problem, often WITHOUT even telling the parents there was a problem. I was upset when my boss did this with one hermaphrodite child; my boss made the child male because the parents were hispanic, and my boss felt that hispanic culture was male-oriented. This may or may not have been the right choice; I was upset because the parents were not consulted. They were considered basically uneducated and incapable of giving meaningful input. What racist, elitist arrogance!

Today, it is rarer that doctors play God and make unilateral decisions like that.

Note I am not talking about psychology. I am talking about people born with physical intergender characteristics. 1 in 5000; think about it. Much more common than most people think.

I think that what is going on here is that she/he wants to be a she but was born a HE. Not that he was born with the option of both and someone chose for him to be a he.

One or two one seaters in any establishment wouldn't be a bad idea. Most turnpike rest areas have what they call a family bathroom.

This subject is not going to be good for the "gender based abortion" rights that are coming our way....I mean , a woman is carrying a girl and she and her husband want to abort it because they want a boy........well maybe that girl baby is really a boy trapped in a woman's body ....a transgender child.....things could get really complicated.

If gender reassignment makes her happy, I say go for it - however, I'd like to know where the money is coming from for this expensive procedure if she was homeless when she decided to make the change. Knowing Maine, I'd be displeased, but not shocked, to find out taxpayers are footing the bill.

Wow, and yet again, I am not surprised at how many narrow-minded idiots there are in the world.

Some insurance carriers will pay for genital reassignment surgery but most do not. Usually the patient has to pay for it themselves. As far as I know Mainecare does not pay for it. If the surgery is preformed in the states it will cost in excess of $20,000. As more is known about Gender Identity Disorder more insurance carriers will cover it just as it does at the present time cover many many other things that in the past was considered inappropiate but considered necessary now. Most experts in the field consider it vital to the wellbeing of the patient now but the insurance carriers are the ones holding back. Medical insurance carriers cover breast reconstructive surgery which could include breast implants for women inflicted with breast cancer. They do this to give the women some sense of well being and dignity. That surgery could be considered plastic surgery. It really has no medical purpose other than to give the women back some of their dignity and purpose. The taxpayers pay for that. I am not against that as a matter of fact I am all for it. How is this so differant than Genital Reassignment Surgery? People inflicted with Gender Identity Disorder deserve their chance for some dignity and purpose and a sense of well being even if it means getting the surgery either through their medical insurance carrier or at the taxpayers expense. Right now it isn't happeniong so much because of bigotry and the lack of knowledge on the parts of the general public. If people would actually learn about something through reliable sources they might see things differantly. Then they can actually post something knowing that they have the knowledge that what they posted was something that they actually knew something about. Instead some people throw out their opinions that have no basis of fact. It often comes out hateful and discriminatory in a case like Gender Identity Disorder.

Most insurance companies drag their feet paying for common procedures.

CPSLady - I don't know which side you're on, because I haven't read any of your other posts... But Just about everyone on here, inlcuding myself is a "narrow minded idiotl;" doesn't matter which side of the argument you stand on. We both hate to hear someone disagree. As long as you realize you are cut from the same mold. Labeling someone without considdereing their position - seems pretty narrow minded to me.

Get rid of public bathrooms. If you have to go, go home. Work bathrooms should be unisex or single stall. Sometimes I wish I could fly like an eagle, or climb like a monkey, or swim like a dolphin. Anyone out there doing transspecies operations???

When asked what she wanted to be when she grew up,my neice said,"a cat"...Wonder if she will have to use a litterbox?

Only in Maine "life, the way it should be!!"

NYTimes.comDanny La Rue, Female Impersonator, Dies at 81

Published: June 3, 2009

Danny La Rue, a female impersonator who became one of the highest-paid performers on the British stage by bringing sophistication and spectacle to a form of entertainment previously regarded as dubious, died at his home in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, on Sunday. He was 81.

Tom hustler/Camera Press

Danny La Rue, above, sans drag about 1969, and, below, in the 1970 film “At the Palace.”

Danny La Rue as Joan Collins (Youtube.com)

Photofest

The death was announced to The Associated Press by his spokeswoman. He had been suffering from cancer.

Mr. La Rue,who called himself “a comic in a frock,” set new standards for glamour with his expensive wigs, ostrich-feather fans and elaborate dresses. His act blended comedy and song, interspersed with dead-on impressions of film stars and celebrities like Marlene Dietrich, Joan Collins and Elizabeth Taylor and creations like Lady Cynthia Grope, “the hoary toastess of the Conservative Party.” In the 1980s he made room for Margaret Thatcher in his repertory of send-ups.

His nightclub appearances at Danny La Rue’s, the Mayfair club he opened in 1964, led to phenomenally successful runs in West End musicals and revues and a regular part in the long-running television series “The Good Old Days.” In 1984 he stepped into the role of Dolly Levi in “Hello, Dolly” on the London stage, becoming the first man in modern times to play the female lead in a major stage production.

Mr. La Rue began his shows by growling his catchphrase, “Wotcha mates,” and ended in top hat and tails, singing “On Mother Kelly’s Doorstep,” reminders that he was, despite appearances, a man. Onstage, he insisted, he never thought of himself as a man or a woman but as an actor playing a woman.

“Women love me,” he once said, “I don’t degrade them. Sleazy impersonators get their laughs by having people laugh at them. I do the reverse. I love laughter, glitter and glamour.”

Daniel Patrick Carroll was born in 1927 in Cork. His father, a carpenter, died when he was a baby and his mother took the family to live with relatives in the Soho neighborhood of London. When their home was wiped out in the Blitz, the Carrolls moved in with relatives in Devon, where Danny appeared in plays at the village hall.

After leaving school at 14, he enlisted in the Royal Navy in 1944 and served in the Far East. He made a big impression on his shipmates as Tondelayo, the native girl, in a performance of “White Cargo.” He worked as a department-store window dresser after leaving the Navy and performed in a series of drag revues made up of former servicemen. In 1954 he stepped out of the chorus in a small but choice role in the revue “Men Only,” using the stage name Danny La Rue for the first time. His performance led to extended bookings at top nightclubs.

At Danny’s, his own club, he entertained show-business royalty, like Judy Garland and Noël Coward, and royalty of the other kind, like Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco and Princess Margaret, the sister of the queen.

He made drag family entertainment. “It was all irresistible fun, in the true tradition of British music hall, bawdy vulgarity, littered with innuendo, double meanings and everything thrown in for good measure,” he wrote in “From Drags to Riches,” his 1987 autobiography. “But it was never smutty, or dirty, or snide. No one ever found it obscene.”

His West End debut, in the 1966 musical “Come Spy With Me,” was a resounding success. The show ran for two years. He followed it up with popular pantomimes, which traditionally include a drag role, and “The Danny La Rue Show,” a revue seen by more than a million people in its two years at the Palace Theater. He also acted in films, including “Our Miss Fred” (1972), in which he played an actor fleeing the Nazis in France by dressing in women’s clothes.

Mr. La Rue, who lived lavishly, fell on hard times in the 1990s when his real estate investments went bad and partners absconded with his money. He depended on the kindness of friends and the Grand Order of Water Rats, the theatrical charity, which named him King Rat in the 1980s. He was cared for at the end by his longtime wardrobe mistress, Annie Galbraith, who shared her house with him.