In the local section of this mornings paper I found this.
Longtime Ferndale activast has new gender
A long time Ferndale activast & Green Party member made an unusual speech at city councel meeting.
He has allways been Tom Ness, copublisher with his wife of "JAM RAG" a rock&roll monthly tabloid. But this week - in Dress Earrings & Makeup - He has a new name, Stephanie Loveless.
"I'm here to reintroduce myself" Loveless told councel members. With his wife & about a dozen supporters in audience.
Loveless said hie gender change was "a special challenge from god" & that he was gratefull to live in Ferndale where it's "safe to be myself".

It will be interesting to see where his political life goes from here.

Hi Karen-

I have lots of respect for anyone who comes out and decides to be who they really are, especially someone in public life. I wish I had more courage along those lines myself. More power to her.

Hugs, Joni