My Response to comments from Tranny Regret in the New Timess Article

I feel transsexuality in general has many characteristics and individuality, including behaviors, which Michael exhibited. For starters the isolation, stealthy, self loathing, along with the intolerance of our world, that we experience, creates many psychosocial disorders in the transsexual individual. I know many MTF's who correlate becoming a woman with shopping, buying expensive shoes, and over indulging in surgery. Most transsexuals experience obsessive compulsive behaviors to include FTM's. In my research, I have notice that transsexuals have many neurological issues all byproducts of the hormonal bathing that took place in utero. I was interviewed by Ashley, the reporter in the article, because she wanted my intake on the situation. I was very appalled by the religious group who intervened and took it upon themselves to be judge and jury, and played head games with someone who already had issues. I suggested legal intervention for they should be held responsible for their actions. I have read many comments regarding Michael online and on other forums, and I feel that people are being unfair and judgmental. There are no manuals that clearly dictates who is transsexual or not. Being subject to a continuum, transsexuality is clearly not black or white, but has many shades of grey.

Transsexuaity is subject to hormonal bathing, genetic structures, receptors and timing. Some individuals can go back and forth with their identity, yet this doesn’t make them any less of a transsexual than someone who knows there is no turning back. Our society basis everything on labels, and this is where we get ourselves in trouble. Nature has no black or white, humans are the ones that find the need to place people in boxes and place labels on them. I hope Michael gets the help he needs, and I also hope that his transgender brothers and sisters stop tearing him down. We need to remember that our roads have not always been easy, that we too have dealt with situations that were not always perfect. Some of us have had an angel on our shoulder helping us every step of the way, while others have had to go at it alone and with much difficulties. Let's take Michael's life and learn from it, instead of sensationalizing it like the media most often does.

I dream of one day where the world will finally break free from labels, where minorities will unite instead of tear each other down, were we will learn that it doesn’t matter the color of our skin, the gender we identify as or who we decide to sleep with. Instead we will see that we are all connected, one big macro organism that are here to make each others journey more pleasant and not distasteful.

Peace to all

Mark Angelo

Fearful Americans: In Disbelief We Are A Dying Nation

The fall of the Roman empire must have come to a surprise for many, how could such a powerful empire crumble down to it's knees? Simple, greed and the power hungry individuals that tipped the scale to the farthest point, will have history repeat itself. Our country once known as a proud and gleaming institution, we once shined as the stars on our flags, is now dim, and barely a dull glimmer of hope, shines our way.

What happened, how did the tables turn? Where did we go wrong? Let me take you back, the year 1963, a man who was filled with hope and inspiration, wanting to do great things for his country, was silenced forever. This man believed in freedom equality, peace and justice for all. Those responsible for his death and the turn of our nation, benefit from war, inequality, creating division amongst all that walk our country, so they can conquer and rule the world..

The federal reserve, having nothing to do with the government, instead a private institution, run by the most wealthiest of men, the independent bankers that control our world, you heard right, have ruined our great nation, and our the ones running the USA. So you think it is our incompetent President, President Bush, who has mastered mind all of the catastrophes we see before us. He is barely capable of putting two intellectual words together never mind, running 50 States and creating such chaos.

He was chosen by these cartel, because he fits the part, the leading role of the grand play, "Fearful Americans" He would be the one who would lead us to war, and blame, the camel riding, rug praying Biladin, so we would be angered and willing to go into battle. We must be patriotic, and support our great President, after all we have much to fear, the Terrorists are ready to terrorize us all in a heart beat. In addition he will convince the Evangelicals that he was re born and his old drinking ways were now things of the past, because he found the lost Jesus. The Evangelicals as nieve as the rest of us, embraced him, and funded his campaign, along with the independent bankers, who proved to be fruitful, even though he technically lost. It is amazing how money can buy you power and how an election could be swayed; how people can be lead to believe that our government is looking out for their best interest, even when all the signs point to foul play. But I guess just as the Christians believed there was a Jesus, and blindly listen to a book that has been tainted through out history, the people want to believe that our government will do right by all. If I have learned anything in the past couple of years, that the only God our government and it's surrounding people pray to, is the dollar bill.

With the elite going into places like Bohemian Grove, part of the Bohemian Club and the Skull and Bone Society, these men who belong to these exclusive clubs which have been linked to child pornography, Satanic Rituals, and world domination are the ones running our country. I suggest you research these things, and watch a film which made an impact on my life, called Zeitgeist. We are heading for rough times, we have been enslaved, and lied to by those who claim to be on our side. Power, money and greed have destroyed many empires in the past, what makes us think we are inoculated from it ever happening again.

Transsexuality it's all about the Hormones

There is a curiosity as well as avulsion with transsexual people. The lack of information and the religious imposed guilt trip: "God doesn't make mistakes" can lead to the animosity towards us. I created this video to help answer many of your questions and I didnt hold back. This is just the beginning of the series I will create. I will have the videos available for download on my LULU account:

http://stores.lulu.com/markangelo

An Interview With A Transsexual Man

MARK'S EVOLUTION



The Mirror Makes No Sense: A Memoir Exploring Transgender Issues from Author's Personal Experience, his original & inspiring music, and where he is headed next… By Herb Sosa

When we last visited with Mark Angelo Cummings, he was promoting his autobiographical book revealing the personal story of a man who has made the necessary changes to match his body to his heart and mind. Born in Cuba as Maritza, biologically female, Mark Angelo Cummings has struggled with his gender identity for as long as he can remember. Now married, developing a successful personal training business with his wife Violet, writing and performing music and touring with his life story, Mark is on a journey that even he never saw coming. We revisit some of the questions we had in the past, and ask some new ones of Mark and Violet. The Mirror Makes No Sense traces Marks life and struggles, starting with a humorous tale of life's beginnings in the womb to the monumental life-altering decisions he has had to make in later years. He shares his childhood spent in Cuba as Maritza Delcarmen Perdomo in an abusive household. Wanting so desperately to please his mother, Cummings tells of suffering both from his own confusion and the violence within his home. Thru Marks personal story in this book he takes us on a trail of transgender issues and reveals his account of useful life guides for both men and women, such as how to "please a woman and satisfy a man" and brings a message for parents of transgender children of unconditional love. –excerpt from Mirror Makes No Sense. A Life Changing Transformation Mark life has been very public during and since his physical transition. Has this been a conscious thing, or did it just happen? Do you embrace the media and attention or regret it. "It took a life of its own. I never really meant for it to be this way but I am glad it did since I have helped many people along the way. I truly embrace the media; it is a major source of education and information for the transsexual community. I would do it all over again in a heart beat, no regrets what so ever." The transformation Mark has gone thru, most of us cannot even begin to imagine enduring, but for Mark, then Maritza, there was nothing else to do. What is involved psychologically, Legally & Financially? Was there support for you in the community, medical field or government? The physical changes are amazing with every passing day my male self engulfs my every being. My facial structure, voice, hair growth and body composition changes are incredible. I hardly recognize myself in the mirror. Psychologically it has been a roller coaster, the changes have been so dramatic emotionally and physically that one has hardly anytime to adapt, needless to say, as well as those around us. To learn to be a man from one day to the next without the proper guidance of a male role model as one would have growing up is not easy. The challenges one faces taking on the male persona and reasonability are also challenging. Legally the ton of paper work and dealings with bureaucracies in the governmental agencies is a task, especially having to educate those individuals who know nothing of the condition. They definitely make transgender individuals feel uncomfortable with their ignorance. Financially it is a burden to undertake the excess finances incurred by doctor visits, hormone treatment and surgeries. One would definitely have to take on a second mortgage. I have been blessed with having a successful business that allowed me to pursue my transformation. To date there is no support from our government; needless to say they are uneducated about the condition as well as the medical community. "Transitioning is a rather long process. Some people will always be in transition. It can take a person anywhere from 1 to 5 years to fully be complete, depending on the surgeries they are having done. For a female to male or transsexual man, the creation of the penis is the most costly and lengthy process. There have been reports of over 14 surgeries before the final product. The total cost can run anywhere from 150,000-200,000 US dollars. Most transsexual individuals go out of the country to get a cheaper deal, but I say buyer beware. What you are saving up front will cost you at the end. There are many complications that arise from surgeries and one will have to get many revisions before you are finally done. Therapy if it where up to the therapist, it would be a life long ordeal. I personally only had to meet with mine for 5 sessions. But once she was satisfied that I was mentally stable and that I truly had gender dysphoria, she gave me my letter. To explain this further, a transgender person requires a letter from a gender specialist (psychologist or psychotherapist) that states they have gender identity disorder. The therapist must evaluate their client to make sure there are no other conditions like personality disorder, schizophrenia or bipolar conditions. In addition they need to see that the person is stable to undergo such drastic changes without taking their own lives or the lives of others. After all it is such a drastic life change, that even the healthiest of minds can crack. There is a guide line or protocol that was started by a man called Harry Benjamin, it is called the Harry Benjamin Criteria, it states that a transgender person must seek care from a gender specialist get the diagnosis, live the true life test (live as the gender you are transitioning to) for at least one year, before getting surgeries. They can go on hormones in the meantime. It is not written in stone and it is not law, but most surgeons will not touch you unless you have the letter from your therapist. I have mixed feelings on this, what does a Therapist know about me that I already don't know about myself. We are the true experts on transsexuality, not the doctors." The only regrets Marks say he has, is not to have done it sooner, but as far as the procedure, he wouldn't change a thing. "I have been blessed and feel my process went smooth" added Cummings. I recently attended the taping of the Cristina Show in Miami, where several guests appeared, including Mark and a 14 year old from Argentina was there with her parents. The child wants to physically become a girl. What was your take on how the program was handled, and at what age do you believe reassignment surgery should be a consideration? "I have been on many talk shows and very few of the hosts are well educated on the subject, Christina was no exception. I would like to see them become better informed prior to interviewing a transgender guest. Larry King wins the prize on the worse questions asked and the least prepared. I believe the transition should be done early in life, as to prevent the unwanted sexual characteristics that set in during puberty. It would save the person a world of heartache and psychological torture. If the transgender child were administered hormone blockers and then given the proper hormones, it would make the (transition) process a lot easier. The age should be person specific, but I believe the blockers should be administered before puberty and the correct hormone at around 14 years of age. This is up to the parent and the child, the health care provider should advice as best as possible." Brazil has just announced that it will provide sex reassignment surgeries free of charge thru its national public health system. The US & most other countries do not. "Most countries are well aware of our condition and know that it is a variation of nature; therefore they provide the services needed for the transgender person. The United States of America is run by religion and closed minded individuals who are not aware of fetal development and how things can go wrong. I suggest to our government to get with the programs and stop thinking with their bibles, but instead with their hearts and to look at the scientific facts. Other countries are funded to do research and have lots of information regarding this issue. Our country will not fund this research because the fundamentalist will not allow it. We are taught to think within the box, dare us step out. There are more than two genders, other cultures realize this and celebrate the multi genders in their circle. We are far behind and have lots of catching up to do." Having lived a significant part of your life in a female body, did you have relationships with men or other women? Did you consider yourself Lesbian at the time? How did that compare socially, to living in a Mans body today? "I have been attracted to both genders all my life but felt comfortable with females since that allowed me to feel closer to whom I was. The several encounters I had with males were not comfortable for me, because they did not see me as the man that I am. I really do not like labels, but I did frequent gay clubs and had many encounters with lesbian woman, I however preferred, heterosexual relationships that would allow me to feel as I wanted to feel. I never had a problem when I was perceived female socially, but I do agree it is much easier now as a man. If Violet and I were to part ways, I would definitely date men since I would now be perceived as I truly am." "I would date gay or bisexual men. It would have to be a man that enjoys being with men, since I now feel and look like a man, I am very much attracted to men and feel a greater connection with them. It is true what they say about men and women we speak two different languages and are from a different planet." "I love Violet and she has been a constant in my life, but we are so different in every way. I truly understand the differences in gender since I have been blessed to live my life as both. Men we have a bond between each other that scares most men and makes them into homophobes. But they still have to feel that closeness whether it would be through contact sports or through their religious experiences (dating back in time where woman were just for breeding). It dates back to ancient time where great men like Alexander the Great had a wife, but preferred his male lovers for companionship and friendship. The fascination with the phallus and male physique is something most men run from, but you can't run very far. I truly believe we are all programmed bisexual. This is even evident in the animal kingdom. We fear our true inner drives and try to bottle them up, I say free yourselves and really live. There is no one out there who will condemn you, you are only condemning yourselves. Imagine how controlling religion has become in our life that we believe in an imaginary man in the sky who is waiting for us to break his rules and then send us to hell, but he loves us, right." In your daily life, do you find it more comfortable to blend in as a man or to be recognized as leader for all things transsexual? "I identify as a transsexual man, every chance I get I educate those around me. I have no need to hide or to pretend that I am someone else. I was born female bodied; there is no shame in that. As far as my comfort level, either way is fine with me. I am who I am, Mark Angelo Cummings a proud transsexual man." I have never had a problem with violence or hate crime. I present myself in the most professional manner and give respect to receive it back. I am a lover not a fighter, but if ever someone crossed the line and endangered my wife or me, may God have mercy on their soul. Mark has found an outlet for his feelings, not only thru writing and his many media appearances, but most recently thru writing and performing music. Seen by thousands on YouTube.com, Mark has compiled over 20 sings about love, understanding and acceptance, and is currently developing a CD compilation and hopes to tour with his music. Mark's music comes from his heart and soul "Sometimes I feel it is the Holy Spirit placing the words on the paper. My lyrics, I have been told are very healing. I want to help heal the world, one person at a time one song at a time. I write for my transsexual brothers and sisters as well as my gay and lesbian ones. I want to reach humanity, and help them realize that we are all one." I want to make this Album and start performing, first locally and then nationally. I want to reach people with my music, make them smile and feel better about themselves. I would like to write a few more books, and possibly have my biography made into a movie. The Mirror Makes No Sense would definitely be an interesting film – Mark Angelo Cummings What About Violet? HS: Does it ever become too much? Do ever feel you just want to lead a quiet life with Mark? Did you realize this would be a part of your life when you became involved? VC: The truth, yes it can get overwhelming, I am a private person and it has been difficult for me to be in front of cameras as much as we have. Yes I do, but with Mark that is impossible. No I have not, but I have gotten use to it HS: Tell me about friends, family, etc… Are they the same as before you & Mark became involved? What changed? VC: My old friends were confused at first, but slowly they got it and now think the world of Mark. We have maintained many of our old friends, but have made new ones along the way. My family was torn at first, but most love Mark dearly, those that don't we tend to stay away from. HS: What is the best thing about being married to Mark? VC: He knows what woman want and feel. He is sympathetic and understanding. I love that he is very organized and neat, after having slobs for boyfriends and ex-husbands, it is a pleasure to have a man who helps around the house. HS: What would you change? VC: Absolutely nothing, it wouldn't be Mark if I did. HS: Where do you see you both in 10 years? VC: I would like to move to the western part of the United States, we have talked about moving to Arizona or New Mexico. We like the mountains and the peaceful desert. I would like Mark to accomplish all his dreams, and then travel around the world. I would like to continue the advocacy and just grow old together. Violet and Mark Cummings pay bills, run a successful business together, keep a nice home, travel, inspire many and love each other. They are carving a new life for themselves- full of exciting adventures, common interests, monumental understanding, Love and faith in each other. What more could any of us ask or hope for, for a brother, sister, daughter, relationship or our partners? May their wonderful journey thru life continue and succeed -Copyright © Herb Sosa & AMBIENTE MAGAZINE. Do not reproduce without citing these sources.

Transsexual Documentary called: Dont Hinder My Gender

It is time people learned the truth about gender and fetal development, transsexuality is not a sin, a crime, nor is it deviant behavior. We are a hormonal imbalance created at 8 weeks time inside our mothers womb, where the brain and the body failed to communicate. Because of this there are hate crimes, suicide, family break ups, and over all bigotry amongst Religious Groups. Remember this: " God created all living creators, and as part of Gods creation, I stand before this world and plead. Please stop hating and start understanding, open up your hearts and your minds, and realize we are God's children too.

Transsexual singer and performer Mark Angelo Cummings singing his original I wonder

Time To Give Transgenders Rights, not Ridicule

Time to give transgenders rights, not ridicule
Michael Mayo | News Columnist
August 5, 2007


Last summer, when my cholesterol count came back high, my wife signed me up with a personal trainer. "You'll like him," she said. "He's got an interesting story."

Off I went to Bodies Under Construction, a fitness studio in Hollywood run by Mark Angelo Cummings and his wife Violet.

Mark was short, balding and had a beard. He had a big smile and a quick wit.



During my first workout, Mark told me he was born with a "birth defect."

"Really," I said. "You look perfectly healthy to me."

He explained that he was, after surgery and years of therapy.

"I was born the wrong sex," he said. "I was born Maritza."

I looked at his hairy arms and chest and did a double-take. He showed me pictures from when he was a little girl and a competitive female body-builder.

Cummings, 43, has taught me a lot about gender dysphoria and transsexuals over the past year. As gender identity has come up in the headlines — a Largo city manager was fired after he announced his transition to Susan, a Los Angeles Times sportswriter I used to drink beers with at the Olympics caused a stir when he became Christine — Mark gave me a first-hand account of the desperation that led them there.

"This is not a choice," he said Friday. "It's something you try to deny and hide, but as time goes on, as you become more miserable in your own skin, you just can't take it anymore."

Cummings said he was 3 when he realized he was born in the wrong body. His parents didn't understand. After they came to South Florida from Cuba, Maritza gravitated to boys' activities, like weightlifting, and she joined the Army. It didn't help. She abused drugs and alcohol, attempted suicide in her 20s.

Then she found out that there was a medical explanation and there was something she could do about it. Maritza became Mark.

First there was hormone therapy and extensive psychological preparation. Then, on Dec. 22, 2003, he had gender-reassignment surgery. He considers the date his real birthday.

"It's like being sick and finally finding a cure," Cummings said. "I'm complete."

Cummings calls himself "a trans man on a mission," trying to educate the general public about a condition mocked and misunderstood.

"People hear transgender and they think, Rocky Horror Picture Show," Cummings said. "They think we're freaks and perverts."

Because of the widespread fear and ignorance, he said it's time gender identity is added to the list of protections in Broward County's anti-discrimination ordinance.

"We're more discriminated against because so many of us can't hide," he said. "I'm lucky because I blend in very well, my transition went well, and I have my own business. But others have to risk losing everything — their jobs, their families, their friends."

But what if a teacher transitions, and students and parents protest? What about a private business that doesn't want to risk losing customers with a worker who shows up a different gender?

"I say grow up and get educated," Cummings said. "It's still the same person underneath, doing the same job. They're still human."

Broward's human rights board has recommended adding gender identity to the anti-discrimination ordinance. But some in the gay community are resisting the change, fearing a backlash that could lead to a countywide referendum and the loss of their protections. It led to a heated meeting last week, when transsexuals confronted Robin Bodiford, a gay rights activist who wants to delay the transgender addition.

"I understand that you're trying to get gay marriage and gay adoption and I applaud you for that, but how dare you!" said Tiffany Arieagus, of Fort Lauderdale, a transsexual. "Gay, transgender, it doesn't matter. We all deserve the same rights."

Michael Mayo's column runs Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Read him online every weekday at Sun-Sentinel.com/mayoblog. Reach him at mmayo@sun-sentinel.com or 954-356-4508.

A Town Hall Dialogue on Transgender Issues

Mark Angelo Cummings and Susan Stanton





Friday August 3rd 2007
GLCC South Florida


My wife and I decided to attend the Equality for All meeting after receiving an email and invitation to partake in the event. It was Friday night and since we do not go out often, we figured lets support our local organization and off we went.
I was impressed by the turn out and the friendly faces around me. It was incredible to see so many transsexual brothers and sisters in one room along with love ones and supporters. Tracee McDaniel the Executive Director and Founder of Juxtaposed Center of Transformation, Moderated the meeting, held by The Human Rights Campaign along with several co sponsors that night. Susan Stanton was very elegant and well spoken as usual, by her side was Blue, a young transgender advocate who also served as one of the speaker in the panel.



Many topics were covered to include a brief education on what it meant to be transgender and how we suffer from discrimination. The main topic was how the federal law currently provides only limited protection to transgender people and how we need to change that. There were plenty of political figures in the house, sometimes I wonder if they really care or are they there to get our votes. But in the long run, as much as I hate politics it's a necessary evil to get things accomplished. Overall, it was a great meeting and I felt good at the end, I think we are heading for better times and we will get our civil rights. As transsexuals we need to be heard and not hide so we can make changes not only for ourselves but for the future generation.

Free Me

A transsexual mans Eulogy of his old self

That was then this is now

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A song written for my FTM brothers

Showing my Pride

The hot sweaty bodies where everywhere in site, bears, smooth, flamboyant, young and old alike where strutting their stuff and showing their " Gay pride ". My wife and I where there showing our support and the fact that I identify as a bisexual/transsexual man and she a bisexual woman married to a transsexual guy made us feel right at home and welcomed. We walked with honor with the Equality of Florida holding sign in hand and saying our mantra: Make Florida great don't discriminate. Tobias Packer a fearless leader organized the troops and gathered many signatures for the petition, say no to the marriage act. Well any hoot here are some pictures of the event, I hope you were there, sweating as we were, downing gallons of water in attempt to rehydrate my sweaty, hairy body.

transsexual man in love with his wife

Vows are taken lightly, I wrote this song for my lovely wife, it's called Only You.

Another Transsexual Discrimination

As usual we are either losing our jobs, being kicked out of our homes or losing a love one. Lets add a new one to the list, not being allowed to enter a contest with our true identity on a You Tube Contest called Speak New Words. Take a look at this video that explains it all.

What have we done?

Here my voice

What have we done

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The Transsexual dilema

Love and Sex tend to be two very important factors in peoples life. To be lonely or alone is one of the most devastating moments humans en-dour. But I find that most people attract loneliness by pushing themselves into a lonely abyss. We cannot all be perfect 10, out going or the worlds greatest lover, but we can however, demonstrate a loving outward persona, that will attract those we long for.

I believe in the power of the mind, the law of attraction. You will get what you think and be surrounded with how you feel. I get asked many times, how did you find your wife? My answer is I imagined her, and I got exactly what I created in my mind.

I find most of my transsexual and transgender brothers and sisters are afraid of those around them, they are even afraid of themselves. Having little to know self confidence which they developed from those around them. I chose to end the victimization program and decided instead to take control of my life, my feelings and those around me. You can do that too, I guarantee it. Stop allowing the world to dictate your happiness. Take the bull by the horn and show them who is boss.

It may sound cocky and overly confident, but hey, I am happy and haven't had a lonely day in my life. You too can have that, I promise. Ask and you shall recieve, think and it shall materialize, do not settle for less, and stop being a victim. There is that special someone waiting to be swept off their feet by YOU...

THE MIRROR MAKES NO SENSE SONG FOR TRANSSEXUAL MEN

A song I wrote for my transsexual brothers

The Truth

view and give a green light to bring the truth to the world.

18th ANNUAL GLAAD AWARDS

A good time had by all. My lovely wife Violet and I enjoyed the evening at the JW Marriot Hotel in Brickell Avenue, what a wonderful event it was.

TRANSSEXUAL PERFORMER MARK ANGELO CUMMINGS

Mark Angelo Cummings performing live at the Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival Center piece party in South Beach Florida.

The Mirror Makes No Sense: One Man's Journey