Interview with Ar’lene D. Lafferty - Part 3

Monika: Christine Konda clearly holds a special place in your heart.

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 to Christine Konda.

As for Christine, we met five months after my GCS (SRS) in 1975 through a mutual lawyer friend. That same friend, who later became my haircut and styling client, also introduced me to Canary Conn. Christine and I became the closest of friends. We partied together, went nightclubbing, and spent time together like sisters. I even made her my Maid of Honor at my wedding in 1976.

In the 1980s, we lost touch when Chris moved to Tucson, Arizona.

Then, in November of 1989, I received a call from Marvin, the lawyer, the same mutual friend. I assumed he was calling for a haircut and style, but there was another reason. Yes, he needed his hair done, but he also had devastating news. He had just learned that Christine Konda had been brutally murdered. He shared many of the horrific details...

"Oh my God," I kept repeating. "Oh my God."

Her funeral had been back in February of that year. I had missed it. I wish I had known. And as time moved forward…

Ar'lene in Versailles, France.

Monika: You never forgot about Christine, did you?
Ar'lene: In 2005, I was at work in my electrology business in San Diego when I received an email from someone claiming to be Christine Konda's brother-in-law, David Henry. He said he was Joe's significant other (spouse). Joe was Christine's brother, who had been living in San Francisco at the time.

We later spoke on the phone, and David told me, "Joe died a year after Christine." He then shared details about the trial of the man who murdered Chris and even more of the gruesome circumstances surrounding her death (see my autobiography for the details).

I wanted to make sure Christine's story was known, especially since nothing about her could be found in the DOR (Day of Remembrance) website archives. Then it dawned on me, November 20th was just a few months away. I thought maybe I could volunteer for the DOR Planning Committee.

However, when I tried to have Christine's name added to the DOR website, the organizers ignored me. The two factions behind the site insisted that I had no proof she was murdered because she was transgender.

I pointed out that there were already people listed on the site who had been killed during robberies, with no clear evidence their deaths were specifically due to being trans. Still, both the DOR website and the committee refused to take me seriously.

So when the time came for volunteers to sign up for various tasks, I stayed silent. Eventually, the committee asked why I wasn't helping. I explained, once again, about Christine Konda and how the prosecution had pushed for a strong conviction. To achieve this, they deliberately kept Christine's transgender identity out of the courtroom, fearing what we all know too well: the so-called trans panic defense, which has historically allowed killers to escape justice or receive lighter sentences.

Only the San Diego DOR organizing committee finally relented and asked me to lead the march down University Avenue on the Day of Remembrance.

And so, on November 20th, 2005, I did just that. As for what happened in court, you'll just have to read my autobiography when it's published, whether in stores or online.

Monika: Tell me about "Our Trans-History, the Heroes." What inspired you to put that presentation together?

Ar'lene: The lack of knowledge within our community and the overall attitude toward those who paved the way for others inspired me. Our sisters and brothers should know who the heroes are, the ones who opened the door so we can benefit. I thought it was important to educate the community about our history. I presented this at three transgender conferences over more than a year, alongside knowledgeable and well-known community heroes. We even filmed one of the presentations back in 2009.

Ar'lene working on Shirley May.

Monika: As a professional electrologist, what can you tell me about your work, and how has the field changed over the years?

Ar'lene: I've been a state-licensed electrologist since 1977 and a cosmetologist even longer (since 1970). This makes me the first post-op electrologist in America. I recently retired from both professions to focus on writing my autobiography.

When I first entered the field, many electrologists were willing to work with us but were reluctant to welcome us into their professional circles, associations, or the industry itself.

Lately, laser hair removal treatments have become popular for targeting dark hairs. However, as of now, laser technology does not work on white, very light, or light red hairs. When laser treatments first appeared in the 1990s, electrologists in California were initially given the opportunity to work under doctors to perform the procedure. Unfortunately, the California Electrology Association dismissed the opportunity too soon, arguing that laser hair removal wasn't truly permanent. Within less than a year, they bowed out. Many electrologists in California even spoke negatively about laser hair removal, a major mistake. As a result, medical doctors took full control, allowing only registered nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and doctors to perform the service.

In many other states, trained electrologists can perform laser hair removal under a doctor's supervision. However, in California, many electrologists blame laser hair removal for the decline in their businesses. To adapt, some have pursued additional training as estheticians to offer skincare services.

Beyond electrology, I also worked in the tourism industry throughout the 1980s, primarily in California. I served as a step-on guide, tour guide, LA tour trainer, and coach driver. Traveling has always been a passion of mine, offering a welcome break from office work. In 1986, I spent five months traveling across Europe, an experience that was much more than just a vacation.

Monika: Let's talk fashion, do you have a passion for it? What styles do you gravitate toward, and are there any colors, fabrics, or trends you can't resist?

Ar'lene: Yes, I love stylish fashion that suits my age but still stays trendy. I adore boots and soft, elegant clothing, black, lavender, khaki-tone, jersey material, chiffon, sheer fabrics, and sexy, flowing dresses and skirts. However, most of the time, you'll find me in casual wear. I wouldn't call myself a fashionista, but I do love dressing ultra-feminine, within what my current budget allows. I focus on buying clothes that flatter me. I shop at J.C. Penney, Macy's, Nordstrom (for MAC cosmetics), Nordstrom Rack (for clothes, shoes, and purses), Bebe, H&M, Victoria's Secret, Burlington Coat Factory, and local small businesses if they have what I'm looking for.

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

Monika: How involved are you in your local LGBT community these days, and in what ways do you contribute?

Ar'lene: In my earlier responses, I mentioned my involvement with LA's TS Rap Group, facilitating peer counseling at the Gay Community Service Center (now known as the LGBT Center). I fought successfully to secure two "Trans" positions under the CETA program at GCSC, where there were previously no positions for transgender individuals.

When I moved to San Diego, it became a bit challenging due to jealousy and misunderstandings. However, many people, both clients and non-clients, came to my Mission Valley office for advice and treatments. Even now, I continue to be contacted for advice.

Monika: Would you call yourself a feminist?

Ar'lene: Some activism, yes, but specifically on feminism if it focuses on stopping transphobia, particularly against transgender people. I'm also passionate about anti-violence efforts, especially for trans women, no more killings or targeting of our community! Yes, I am!

Monika: So, all things considered, would you say you're 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 always 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, this has been such a pleasure. Thank you so much!

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