Refashioning Gender



The Spirit of Transgender A Chorus of Mission Statements Who We Are Retreats, Circles and Vision Quests The Tree House Travelling Medicine Shows Joining Our Mailing List Poems, Prayers, Ceremonies, Stories and Essays Suggested Reading	Refashioning Gender Kindred Spirits Traveling Medicine Show by Holly Boswell, first performed Sept. 21, 2001 THE CAST: Drummers -- Dressed in BLACK, with a black headband (or scarf around the head), tribal face paint... The Couple -- The "Man" wears a suit and tie; the "Woman" an evening dress; both are well-groomed and chic. They can each decide who wears BLACK or WHITE. M.C. -- Black slacks, white blouse, red heels and bow tie The Rainbow Gender Models (in order of appearance): Two-Spirit Amazon Warrior -- RED -- Could be North or South American, very stern, strong provider, has several wives Elfin Satyr -- BROWN -- Furry, mischievous, horny - perhaps carrying panpipes &/or a wine flask The Nunk -- ORANGE -- An asexual, gender-less Nun/Monk in robes... austere and ascetic Glam Rock Star -- YELLOW – Aggressive, brazen gender-fuck, with raw femme drag exterior, ala "Kiss" Aquatic Anomaly (?) – LIGHT GREEN – Something "fishy", or otherwise mystically beyond the human genders Radical Faery Man -- GREEN -- From Short Mtn. TN, sweet earthy and gay femme, with gentle Goddess magic Techno Geek -- MEDIUM BLUE -- Nerd aesthetic with lots of gadgets all over the body, ala The Borg Snake-oil Salesperson -- INDIGO/LAVENDER -- Jamaican rasta sorcerer selling magic potions to undo gender Queer TeleTubby – PURPLE -- The children’s character in a furry body suit with television stomach and a purse Waltzing Goth -- DEEP PURPLE -- A morbid, unisex gender, pale face, severe makeup, with cloak & a dagger Transcendent Being -- VIOLET -- Amorphous, ephemeral, supernatural, beyond the veil... Alien Being -- SILVER -- A human visitation without gender, an entirely different mode of being THE ACTION: The Drummers enter from backstage and take their positions, upstage right. The Couple enters from the audience and begins speaking as they walk to their table, upstage left: Man: I hope we’re not late. Woman: No, I think we’re just in time. Man: But look at all these people! Woman: Yes dear, but I told you -- Man: [interrupting] You're always running late. [He seats her.] Woman: That speeding ticket didn't help. [She looks around while he seats himself.] Do you think we’re dressed up enough? Man: I certainly hope so. I had to rent this suit. Woman: I know. You look fine dear. But this is a fashion event. [taking out her compact] Do I look alright? Man: Of course you do. Woman: No, really – my hair isn’t right, and I know my makeup could be better. Oh sweetie, am I still the woman you married? Are you still proud to have me on your arm? Man: Of course I am. You look fine – really. Woman: [reaching over] Honey, let me straighten your tie. [She does so.] The house light fade down dim, as the drummers begin laying down a subliminal beat. Voice-over: "We are all longing to go home to some place we have never been. A place, half-remembered and half-envisioned, we have only caught glimpses of from time to time. Spiritual Community. Somewhere, there are people to whom we can speak with passion. Somewhere, a circle of hearts will open to receive us, will honor our power, and celebrate us. Community, gives us the strength to do the work that needs to be done. Arms to hold us when we falter. A circle of love and healing. A place where we can be free... "This is Kindred Spirits. "We are all on a gender journey. Do you recognize it as a spiritual path? Are we not spiritual beings having a human experience – fully capable of transcending gender? Our transgender ancestors are supporting us by their example, just as we will become the ancestors for future generations. It’s time we started realizing and sharing our special gifts. "Traditionally, we have been healers, mediators, and visionaries. But we are also jesters, clowns and tricksters – telling the truths that no one else may dare. The Traveling Medicine Show brings our sacred purpose into a worldly arena. Perhaps you will see yourself somewhere in this show. Let us journey together, and take our healing out into the world." Follow-spot hits all the drummers. Music builds (15-20 seconds) and ends big. M.C. enters (with a mike), crossing (in spotlight) toward center stage to start the show, when -- Man: Oh, miss. [motions her over, then to wife:] Are you ready, dear? Woman: Yes, I'd like the -- Man: [interrupting] She'll have a Fuzzy Navel. Scotch on the Rocks for me. MC: No, no, no. I’m not a cocktail waitress. I’m the Master-Mistress-whatever of Ceremonies. Enjoy the show. [formally, to the audience] Greetings, my fellow Gender Journeyers. I know you've traveled from far and wide -- "lost tribes" that we are -- to gather with your own kind. Have you found your Trans Clan yet? Have you connected? Do you feel like you belong? Well if you haven't, maybe this will help. Gentle friends, today we bring you... a different kind of Fashion Show. For your entertainment and voyeuristic indulgence, we invite you to feast your senses and inflame your imagination with a little pageant we call, "Refashioning Gender". [rapidly] Brought to you by the good faeries-witches-shamans-&-clowns of Kindred Spirits, where intention is trusted, form is negotiable, and shape-shifting is our business -- our only business. Because, we are simply: the Universe rearranging itself. [take a deep breath] And so, you may ask -- because we are all dying to know -- what will the best dressed "gender variants" be wearing this season? [walk toward dressing room door] Hello my beauties -- are you dressed yet? A Model: [from the doorway] Just a sec! I've got my bra strap tangled up with my jock strap. MC: Maestro, please. [Music begins. Amazon enters from Stage Right door.] Woman: [recoiling] Oh...... my...... Gah– [she suppresses nausea during the first model] MC narrates from 3x5 cards, as each Model struts their stuff "in character" with lots of attitude, playing to the crowd. When they walk the runway, paparazzi on either side flash their cameras. Each Model has about 45 seconds on stage, then exits off the end of the thrust to parade through the dining hall before exiting the Stage Left door. MC: Thank you, _____. Next we have _____. [Satyr enters. Woman grows faint. Man fans her.] MC: Hey there. You enjoying the show? Man: Uhhh... I dunno. Is this the Sheraton Colony Square? Woman: Southern Comfort? Crossdresers and transsexuals? MC: Yes, of course. Um -- excuse me. [Introduces the next Model] During the next Model (Nunk), the Couple whisper to each other, trying to understand what on earth is going on, but give up and settle in to watch. During the 5th Model (Monica), the Couple gets antsy, not getting it, ready to leave. As soon as this Model leaves, MC leans over to the Couple -- MC: So whaddya think? Man: We don't get it. What's the deal? Woman: Last year at Be All and Fantasia Fair, we saw the most fabulous fashions -- like Vogue and Cosmo. But these models are just like... way out there. MC: I know. Isn't it great?! [back to the show] Next, please welcome... After the 9th Model (Tinky Winky), MC returns to the Couple -- MC: How are you folks doing? Man: Who do you think you’re kidding? Woman: If these are "fashion statements", what am I supposed to wear this Fall? MC: I hear you, but this is avant garde. Don’t you feel inspired? [she considers it] Man: Pu-lease! Some of your models aren’t even human! Woman: Well I don’t know, honey. I have been looking for some way out of my fashion dilemmas. [confidentially to the MC] I really liked that Jamaican model. MC: Cool. Let’s get back to the show. The Couple resigns itself to watching the remaining models, and actually seems to enjoy certain parts. The last Model (Alien) finishes. MC: Thank you, _____. The Alien crosses back to stand in front of the drummers. MC moves down to center of thrust. MC: And now let's bring out the entire ensemble! Music becomes more showy and upbeat. Models all come out, in reverse order, and stand in a line. The spotlight is panning them as they enter, then envelops them all once they’re in place. MC: Take a bow. They bow together, each in a distinctive manner, and stand there. The music finishes big. House lights up. MC: Aren't they fabulous?! Aren't they inspiring?! Aren't they -- Man: [rising toward MC] Okay! We think we get it now. MC: What do you mean? Woman: [following him] We have a confession to make. Man: I'm an FTM, and I thought I had it made after I transitioned. You know? Like, now I'm "The Man"! But I can see how boring I've become. Woman: And yes, it's true. I'm MTF. I thought I'd love being "the little woman", but I gotta tell ya -- [in a mannish voice] it's really pissing me off! Man: Honey, we need a whole new outlook on this gender thing. Woman: [excited, starting down the thrust] I can’t wait to get out of these clothes! Man: [following] You wanna go see what they got down at the flea market? Woman: I was thinking more "industrial supplies" actually. Plus, we’re gonna need a whole new web site! Man: [ripping off his tie] I'm with you, babe. [exeunt through dining hall] MC: Well I guess that concludes our formal presentation. But what about your presentation? Aren’t you due for a make-over? Are you ready to show your true colors? I mean, who's gender is it, anyway?! [Cue drummers] A little traveling music, please. [Exit music begins.] [To the Models] Go ahead, take another bow. [MC bows, too.] Thank you all for shining your light. MC leads the Models off the runway and out through the audience, moving to the beat, saying things like: "Thank you all." "You all are beautiful." "Keep on shining." "Show your colors." Drumming ends when last Model has exited the hall.

The Spirit of Transgender

A Chorus of Mission Statements

Who We Are

Retreats, Circles and Vision Quests

The Tree House

Travelling Medicine Shows

Joining Our Mailing List

Poems, Prayers, Ceremonies, Stories and Essays

Refashioning Gender

Kindred Spirits Traveling Medicine Show by Holly Boswell,
first performed Sept. 21, 2001

THE CAST:

Drummers --
Dressed in BLACK, with a black headband (or scarf around the head),
tribal face paint...

The Couple --
The "Man" wears a suit and tie; the "Woman" an evening dress; both are well-groomed and chic. They can each decide who wears BLACK or WHITE.

M.C. --
Black slacks, white blouse, red heels and bow tie

The Rainbow Gender Models (in order of appearance):

Two-Spirit Amazon Warrior -- RED --
Could be North or South American, very stern, strong provider, has
several wives

Elfin Satyr -- BROWN --
Furry, mischievous, horny - perhaps carrying panpipes &/or a wine flask

The Nunk -- ORANGE --
An asexual, gender-less Nun/Monk in robes... austere and ascetic

Glam Rock Star -- YELLOW –
Aggressive, brazen gender-fuck, with raw femme drag exterior, ala "Kiss"

Aquatic Anomaly (?) – LIGHT GREEN –
Something "fishy", or otherwise mystically beyond the human genders

Radical Faery Man -- GREEN --
From Short Mtn. TN, sweet earthy and gay femme, with gentle Goddess magic

Techno Geek -- MEDIUM BLUE --
Nerd aesthetic with lots of gadgets all over the body, ala The Borg

Snake-oil Salesperson -- INDIGO/LAVENDER --
Jamaican rasta sorcerer selling magic potions to undo gender

Queer TeleTubby – PURPLE --
The children’s character in a furry body suit with television stomach and a purse

Waltzing Goth -- DEEP PURPLE --
A morbid, unisex gender, pale face, severe makeup, with cloak & a dagger

Transcendent Being -- VIOLET --
Amorphous, ephemeral, supernatural, beyond the veil...

Alien Being -- SILVER --
A human visitation without gender, an entirely different mode of being

THE ACTION:

The Drummers enter from backstage and take their positions, upstage
right. The Couple enters from the audience and begins speaking as they walk to their table, upstage left:

Man: I hope we’re not late.
Woman: No, I think we’re just in time.
Man: But look at all these people!
Woman: Yes dear, but I told you --
Man: [interrupting] You're always running late. [He seats her.]
Woman: That speeding ticket didn't help. [She looks around while he seats himself.] Do you think we’re dressed up enough?
Man: I certainly hope so. I had to rent this suit.
Woman: I know. You look fine dear. But this is a fashion event. [taking out her compact] Do I look alright?
Man: Of course you do.
Woman: No, really – my hair isn’t right, and I know my makeup could be better. Oh sweetie, am I still the woman you married? Are you still proud to have me on your arm?
Man: Of course I am. You look fine – really.
Woman: [reaching over] Honey, let me straighten your tie. [She does so.]

The house light fade down dim, as the drummers begin laying down a
subliminal beat. Voice-over:

"We are all longing to go home to some place we have never been. A place, half-remembered and half-envisioned, we have only caught glimpses of from time to time. Spiritual Community. Somewhere, there are people to whom we can speak with passion. Somewhere, a circle of hearts will open to receive us, will honor our power, and celebrate us. Community, gives us the strength to do the work that needs to be done. Arms to hold us when we falter. A circle of love and healing. A place where we can be free...

"This is Kindred Spirits.

"We are all on a gender journey. Do you recognize it as a spiritual path? Are we not spiritual beings having a human experience – fully capable of transcending gender? Our transgender ancestors are supporting us by their example, just as we will become the ancestors for future generations. It’s time we started realizing and sharing our special gifts.

"Traditionally, we have been healers, mediators, and visionaries. But we are also jesters, clowns and tricksters – telling the truths that no one else may dare. The Traveling Medicine Show brings our sacred purpose into a worldly arena. Perhaps you will see yourself somewhere in this show. Let us journey together, and take our healing out into the world."

Follow-spot hits all the drummers. Music builds (15-20 seconds) and ends big.

M.C. enters (with a mike), crossing (in spotlight) toward center stage to start the show, when --

Man: Oh, miss. [motions her over, then to wife:] Are you ready, dear?
Woman: Yes, I'd like the --
Man: [interrupting] She'll have a Fuzzy Navel. Scotch on the Rocks for me.
MC: No, no, no. I’m not a cocktail waitress. I’m the Master-Mistress-whatever of Ceremonies. Enjoy the show. [formally, to the audience] Greetings, my fellow Gender Journeyers. I know you've traveled from far and wide -- "lost tribes" that we are -- to gather with your own kind. Have you found your Trans Clan yet? Have you connected? Do you feel like you belong? Well if you haven't, maybe this will help. Gentle friends, today we bring you... a different kind of Fashion Show.
For your entertainment and voyeuristic indulgence, we invite you to feast your senses and inflame your imagination with a little pageant we call, "Refashioning Gender". [rapidly] Brought to you by the good faeries-witches-shamans-&-clowns of Kindred Spirits, where intention is trusted, form is negotiable, and shape-shifting is our business -- our only business. Because, we are simply: the Universe rearranging itself. [take a deep breath] And so, you may ask -- because we are all dying to know -- what will the best dressed "gender variants" be wearing this season? [walk toward dressing room door] Hello my beauties -- are you dressed yet?
A Model: [from the doorway] Just a sec! I've got my bra strap tangled up with my jock strap.
MC: Maestro, please. [Music begins. Amazon enters from Stage Right door.]
Woman: [recoiling] Oh...... my...... Gah– [she suppresses nausea during the first model]

MC narrates from 3x5 cards, as each Model struts their stuff "in
character" with lots of attitude, playing to the crowd. When they walk the runway, paparazzi on either side flash their cameras. Each Model has about 45 seconds on stage, then exits off the end of the thrust to parade through the dining hall before exiting the Stage Left door.

MC: Thank you, _____. Next we have _____. [Satyr enters. Woman grows faint. Man fans her.]

MC: Hey there. You enjoying the show?
Man: Uhhh... I dunno. Is this the Sheraton Colony Square?
Woman: Southern Comfort? Crossdresers and transsexuals?
MC: Yes, of course. Um -- excuse me. [Introduces the next Model]

During the next Model (Nunk), the Couple whisper to each other, trying to understand what on earth is going on, but give up and settle in to watch.

During the 5th Model (Monica), the Couple gets antsy, not getting it,
ready to leave. As soon as this Model leaves, MC leans over to the Couple --

MC: So whaddya think?
Man: We don't get it. What's the deal?
Woman: Last year at Be All and Fantasia Fair, we saw the most fabulous fashions -- like Vogue and Cosmo. But these models are just like... way out there.
MC: I know. Isn't it great?! [back to the show] Next, please welcome...

After the 9th Model (Tinky Winky), MC returns to the Couple --

MC: How are you folks doing?
Man: Who do you think you’re kidding?
Woman: If these are "fashion statements", what am I supposed to wear this Fall?
MC: I hear you, but this is avant garde. Don’t you feel inspired? [she
considers it]
Man: Pu-lease! Some of your models aren’t even human!
Woman: Well I don’t know, honey. I have been looking for some way out of my fashion dilemmas. [confidentially to the MC] I really liked that Jamaican model.
MC: Cool. Let’s get back to the show.

The Couple resigns itself to watching the remaining models, and actually seems to enjoy certain parts. The last Model (Alien) finishes.

MC: Thank you, _____.

The Alien crosses back to stand in front of the drummers. MC moves down to center of thrust.

MC: And now let's bring out the entire ensemble!

Music becomes more showy and upbeat. Models all come out, in reverse order, and stand in a line. The spotlight is panning them as they enter, then envelops them all once they’re in place.

MC: Take a bow.

They bow together, each in a distinctive manner, and stand there. The music finishes big. House lights up.

MC: Aren't they fabulous?! Aren't they inspiring?! Aren't they --
Man: [rising toward MC] Okay! We think we get it now.
MC: What do you mean?
Woman: [following him] We have a confession to make.
Man: I'm an FTM, and I thought I had it made after I transitioned. You know? Like, now I'm "The Man"! But I can see how boring I've become.
Woman: And yes, it's true. I'm MTF. I thought I'd love being "the little woman", but I gotta tell ya -- [in a mannish voice] it's really pissing me off!
Man: Honey, we need a whole new outlook on this gender thing.
Woman: [excited, starting down the thrust] I can’t wait to get out of
these clothes!
Man: [following] You wanna go see what they got down at the flea market?
Woman: I was thinking more "industrial supplies" actually. Plus, we’re
gonna need a whole new web site!
Man: [ripping off his tie] I'm with you, babe. [exeunt through dining
hall]

MC: Well I guess that concludes our formal presentation. But what about your presentation? Aren’t you due for a make-over? Are you ready to show your true colors? I mean, who's gender is it, anyway?!
[Cue drummers] A little traveling music, please. [Exit music begins.] [To the Models] Go ahead, take another bow. [MC bows, too.] Thank you all for shining your light.

MC leads the Models off the runway and out through the audience, moving to the beat, saying things like: "Thank you all." "You all are beautiful." "Keep on shining." "Show your colors." Drumming ends when last Model has exited the hall.