Interview with Ar’lene D. Lafferty - Part 3

Monika: I know that the story of Christine Konda is important in your life. Could you elaborate on your friendship with her?

Ar’lene: A few of the autobiographical chapters I’ve devoted and dedicated specifically to California AB 385 (Birth Certificate Law), Joanna Clark (Sister Mary Elizabeth), Jude Patton, and one for Christine Konda.

As for Christine, we met five (5) months after my GCS (SRS) in 1975 via a mutual lawyer friend. The same friend (who became my haircut and styling client) introduced me to Canary Conn. Christine and I became closest friends. We partied together, did night clubbing and we would hang out like sisters. I made her “My Maid of Honor” at my wedding in 1976. In the 1980s, we lost touch when Chris moved to Tucson, Arizona.

In November of 1989, I received a call from Marvin the Lawyer, the same mutual friend. I thought he was calling for a haircut and style, but it was twofold. One, yes, his hair and the other to tell about Christine Konda that he was just informed about. He stated Chris was murdered brutally... He gave many of the gory details... “Oh! My! God!” I kept saying, “Oh! My! God!” The funeral was back in February of that year. I missed it. I wish I had known. So, as time sped forward...

Ar’lene in Versailles, France.

Monika: You never forgot about Christine.
Ar’lene: In 2005 I was at work in my electrology business in San Diego. I received an email from someone claiming to be Christine Konda’s brother-in-law David Henry. He said he’s Joe’s significant other (spouse), Christine brother’s who lived in San Francisco at the time. We chatted on the telephone, David said, “Joe died a year after Christine”. He continued to tell me of the “Trial of the man who murdered Chris and additional gore of her death (see my autobiography for the details). I wanted to make it known since nothing in the DOR (Day Of Remembrance) website archives was on her.

Then it came to me that November 20th was just a few months away. I thought maybe I could volunteer for the Planning Committee of DOR. The organizers were ignoring me when I tried to place Christine on the DOR website. They the two (2) factions stated that I have no proof that she was murdered because she was “Trans”.

I explained that there are people on the website that were killed because of robbery and not due to “Trans” reasons. They both (website DOR and Committee) continued not to take me seriously. So when it came time for volunteering for different tasks or duties, I stayed silent. The committee finally asked me why I’m not helping. I explained again about Christine Konda, that the Prosecution needed a strong conviction. So they did not want the courtroom to know about Christine being a Trans-woman (post-op).

In other words, keep the knowledge from the Jury, which means that they were in fear of what we all know about the “Trans Defense” that most killers get off or end up with a lighter sentence. Only the DOR San Diego organizing committee finally gave in and asked me to lead the March down University Avenue on the Day Of Remembrance. So on November 20th, 2005, I just did that.

In order to know what happened in Court, you will just have to read my autobiography when it’s published and in a store or on the Internet for purchase.

Monika: You are the author of the educational presentation titled: "Our Trans-History, the Heroes". What inspired you to develop such a presentation?

Ar’lene: The lack of our community’s knowledge and their overall attitude of the people before them who paved the way for others. These sisters and brothers should know, “Who the Heroes are that opened the door so we can benefit. “I thought it’s important enough to educate the community about “our history”. I presented this at three (3) Transgender Conferences for more than one year with knowledgeable known community heroes. We filmed one of them back in 2009.

Ar'lene working on Shirley May.

Monika: You work as a professional electrologist. Could you tell me more about your work and recent trends in electrology?

Ar’lene: I’ve been a State Licensed Electrologist since 1977 and a Cosmetologist a bit longer (1970). This makes me the first post-op in America to be an Electrologist who recently retired from those trades to write my autobiography. At that time, when I began the profession, many electrologists would be willing to work with us, but not let us into their circle, their profession, and associations.

Lately, it’s Laser Hair Removal Treatments that have been popular for treating dark hairs (at present, does not work on white, very light, and light red hairs). Back in the 1990s when laser began showing up on the scene, California’s electrologists were first given the opportunity to work under doctors to perform treating with the laser on patients.

The California Electrology Association decided, unfortunately, to flush this opportunity down the toilet. After less than a year of evaluation, their argument then was “it’s not permanent”. So they bowed out. Many of them in California decided to bad mouth laser hair removal. A big mistake! California Medical Doctors decided to only allow registered nurses, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners, as well as doctors to perform the service on patients.

In many states, laser hair removal treatments are done by a trained professional electrologist under a doctor’s supervision. Electrologists in California blame Laser Hair Removal for their business loss. They subsidize by adding service through training as an aesthetician (skincare). In the 1980s, I also worked in the Tourist Industry, mostly in California as a Step-on Guide, Tour Guide, LA Tour Trainer, and Coach Driver.

I love traveling, taking a break from the office. In 1986, I traveled five (5) months throughout Europe; it was more than a vacation.

Monika: Do you like fashion? What kind of outfits do you usually wear? Any special fashion designs, colors, or trends?

Ar'lene Yes, I love the fashion of style for my age, but it must be trendy. Love boots, soft-looking clothes: black, lavender, ka-tour, jersey material, chiffon, sheer, sexy flowing dresses, and skirts, but mostly you’ll find me in casuals. I’m not much of a fashionista, but I love dressing ultra-feminine. It’s what my present-day budget can afford. I buy clothes that flatter. Shop at J.C. Penney’s, Macy’s, Nordstrom’s (for MAC cosmetics) and Nordstrom’s Rack (clothes, shoes, and purses), Bebes, H & M, Victoria Secret, Burlington Coat Factory, and local small business, if they have what I want.

San Diego 2005 Day Of Remembrance
- Ar'lene in light green on the right).

Monika: Are you involved in the life of your local LGBT community?

Ar’lene: In the early answers, I wrote about LA’s TS Rap Group, facilitating and a peer-counseling at the Gay Community Service Center (former name, now LGBT). I fought successfully to get two (2) “Trans” jobs under the CETA program (at GCSC). Where at that time, there were “0” for “Trans-persons”.

When I moved to San Diego, it became a problem there, because of jealousy and misunderstanding. However, many others, like my clients and non-clients came, to my Mission Valley office for advice well as treatments. Even today, I’m contacted for advice.

Monika: Are you a feminist?

Ar’lene: Some activism yes, but on feminism, if the feminism is on stopping the Transphobia based explicitly on Trans-people. Also on Anti-Violence, especially on Trans-women! No more killing and targeting our community! Yes, I Am! 

Monika: Could you say that you are a happy woman now?

Ar’lene: Happy that I’m a woman? Yes, 110 %!!! Age has slowed me down, but the hot gal (me) has been an affectionate independent woman. I show love for my Trans-family. Love you ladies, you are my sisters! Love you, Gentlemen! “I’m always a lady first!!!”

Monika: Ar’lene, it was a pleasure to interview you. Thanks a lot!

Ar’lene: You are more than welcome Monika, baby-doll! Thank you for asking the right questions! Please be on the lookout for my autobiography. Hugs and nose wiggles, Darlings!!!

All the photos: courtesy of Ar’lene D. Lafferty.
© 2013 - Monika Kowalska