Girl Talk Vol. 4 # 3 Magazine

ON THE COVER:
Veronika 's makeup by Bijoux Deluxe.
Dress by Countessa's Closet.
Photograph by Deborah Attoinese.

FEATURES:
8 SEE AND BE SCENE: Miss California Continental 2002
California Takes Glamour Gold
12 Special Report - All In The Family
Explaining The Theory Of Relativity
16 Icons - Women We Adore
Eartha Kitt - Purrfect
22 Sex With Lurch
Rockin' With LA's Most Notorious Band
26 Convention Mania
Denver and Phoenix Go Heel To Heel
30 Who What Where
34 COVERGIRL: Veronika Clark
Sultry Summer Beauty
COLUMNS:
43 BEAUTY BY BIJOUX
Deconstructing Mary
48 Behind the Eightball by Deane
50 A BITE OF THE BIG APPLE by Brianna
54 Go Ask Alice : Alice Novic
58 Ten Tips by Asia Vitale
60 Haute Couture by Countesses
62 Neon Nights With Naomi
64 Femail
68 The Big Easy by Cornet
72 COMMENTARY by Dr. Judy

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Scents of Humor
If you've been reading GIRL TALK for the last few year or if this is the first issue you've picked up, you'll probably notice one thing: our writing staff has a "scents" of humor.
Producing an international TG publication he to keep you in balance. Or you gain one fast after working with dozens upon dozens of cranky distributors. Okay, Tower Records and Mags Inc. are exceptions!
I've always believed humor to be a mandatory requirement for a GIRL TALK columnist, so we don't bore or depress our readers. Let's face it, if you're closeted, or living in a small town and don't have anyone to talk to or meet with, being a crossdresser can be a lonely life. So the last thing you need to read about is more depression, especially in a magazine based out of Hollywood. Our goal is to be entertaining and informative.
We don't apologize for being overly positive or being lighthearted at times. We don't dwell on the negative aspects of crossdressing or life in general. I know some magazines, websites and certain activists do. I talk to/hear from all of them. Oh Gawd, believe me! But we at GIRL TALK aren't fond of pickets and protests. Let's face it; there is always bad and good in life. So we decided from Day One to take the positive/informative role.
Being a crossdresser - yes, a guy wearing dress can be funny. Believe me, it can. I laugh at myself all the time. Once you meet yourself and your feminine persona head on in a mirror, you can lighten up a bit and release all the fear and negativity you've repressed.
In this issue you'll meet "Sex With Lurch': a LA rock/surf/goth band with a big sense of humor. Leader and vocalist Robbie Quine is a TV with the ability to laugh at him/herself. How many crossdresing surfers do you know? My favorite song on their upcoming CD is "Glitter Bitch." It's hysterical, and sums up the life of an out-of-control Hollywood crossdresser. "An exaggerated/coagulated version of me as I once was" states Robbie. Who has a... and let's all repeat that... "Scents of Humor".
Veronika Clark, our covergirl also has that "scents". Beyond being beautiful, she can laugh at herself and that's what helps project her positive message.
Articles in GIRL TALK are written by straight, bi and gay crossdresers, because being transgendered crosses all . sexual boundaries. If you're straight, accept others who crossdress. If you're married, tell your wife that some TG's are gay. If you're bi, you probably could care less. And if you're gay, accept others and try not to wear a purple wig. Go for a realistic color - PRIDE week is fleeting.
When we created GIRL TALK, we wanted a writing staff that included all of us, regardless of their sexual persuasion. Our motto is... "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." And "Don't Tell me" in particular 'cause I don't care and I don't want to know. This is 2002. If you're homophobic, buy the latest copy of Field And Stream instead of GIRL TALK. "Dressing" has nothing to do with sexual preference. That's an old myth that has to be once and for all... Trampled upon! Going to a gay bar, if you are straight, and because you are welcome has nothing to do with sexuality.
Recently I was asked to be a founding member in what I believe to be a revolutionary concept. A non-profit TG corporation to further our acceptance into everyday society. And to help one another in the TG world. The Institute for Transgendered Education has been formed to help TG businesses and individuals, one on one or in group settings. Your donations will be used to sponsor workshops and public speaking. No mysterious libraries you'll never visit or award ceremonies you can't attend. Just honest to goodness hands-on work wherever needed. Check out the info on page 7.
As always, do support our advertisers. We depend on them and they depend on you. Many have never advertised in a TG magazine until GIRL TALK. They believe in you. Don't let them down!
So remember; be positive and get a "scents" of humor. As soon as you lighten up and project a positive image, most people will care less if your transgendered. They'll just like you for who you are!
Get Dressed. Get Out, Be Safe and Have Fun!