Reunion Letters and Comments

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Island Goddess Reunion Luau July 13th 2004 in Las Vegas

left to right back: Kelly, Melissa, Shelley Dayna, Monica, Nalani, Sandy, Brenda, Jerrine, Nicole, Wendy, Patty
front: Kalei, Eka, Richard, Raquel, Lindsey, Lanaye, Annne, Anita, Reyna, Tanya, Lacie, Jackie , Tina

Reunion Letters and Comments

July 16th, 2004

A Gracious Aloha!

At this time I would like to send out a big Mahalo to everyone who had made this Reunion one of the biggest
successes in my life, or should I say our lives. The brining together of old friends and many new ones. Yes,
talking about yester years, sharing days that were lost. Today we return home with a new look for tomorrow.
Now that we have gone back in time with our friends, picking up where we left off and having wonderful
moments that we will cherish forever.

    And, thank you Las Vegas for your loveliness

   I cannot think of words to say to everyone how I feel today about the token of aloha I received.

Mahalo nui loa to those who spent so much time putting together the reunion.

I would like to remind everyone of the reunion set for 2007 in Hawaii.

I will close here (because I cannot hold my head up any more or keep my eyes open). Just one more thought:

"Keep Aloha in your heart and always have peace of mind. . ."

Aloha Oe my lovelies until we meet again,
Aloha and Mahalo Nui

Lindsey/Isadora

I'd just like to say "Thank You", and "Congratulations" to Lindsey, Shelley, Lanaye and Anita and all of the other
        wonderful people who contributed to the reunion with the delicious food and memorbilia, leis, buttons and a beautiful
        CD of Hawaiiana given to us by Nalani, for helping to make our reunion a huge success. It is no easy task to
        bring people together who are flung far and wide, together. And you are to be commended.

        Needless to say, it was great to see and reaquaint myself with girls I hadn't seen in almost 30 years. I must confess
        though that I didn't remember everyone, to those of you I may have looked at with a blank stare, please forgive me.
        You know how it is when you get to be my age. I'll do better next time.

        When I think about it, it still amazes me that something like this is possible. Although all of us have moved on
        and established ourselves in our careers and some of us have married and are raising families. Give yourselves a pat
        on the back. We've come a long way from the days of oppression and ridicule when we were forced to wear that
        infamous button "I AM A BOY GLADE". Now we wer it as a reminder that freedom from oppression and ridicule is an
        ongoing challenge for all of us. And still there is more left to be done before we can sit back and say it is finished.

        I feel that reunions like this are important because they established a common bond we all share as transgender men
        and women, and that we are now not alone. We must not forget our past so that we can work for a better future.
        To my fellow sisters and brothers, you have my love and respect. We are a testament to overcoming the obstacles
       in our paths.

       I look forward to Hawaii 2007. I know we're in store for a fabulous time. Be good to each other.
       With much Aloha, Dayna

ALOHA EVERYONE,

BETTER LATE THEN NEVER. BEING OLDER IT TAKES A LOT LONGER TO RECOVER FROM A TRIP,
ESPECIALLY THE ONE WE HAD. PLUS DRIVING TO SAN DIEGO & PALM SPRINGS WITH LINDSEY,
THAT REALLY WORE ME OUT. BUT I WOULD LIKE TO THANK ANITA FOR HAVING THIS VISION OF
COMING TOGETHER & FOR LINDSEY FOR ALWAYS TRYING TO KEEP TOGETHERNESS ALIVE. TO SHELLEY
& HER COMPUTER WIZ KNOWLEDGE. TO HEATHER WITH HER IDEAS & CONSTANT BUBBLY SUPPORT &
FOR THE HELP WITH THE BUTTONS. TO DAYNA FOR BRINGING BACK THE PAST WITH HER BUTTONS &
KEEPING OUR FEET ON THE GROUND, KNOWING WHERE WE CAME FROM. NALANI FOR HER GENEROUS
GIFTS, WHICH HAS TO BE THE BEST MIX OF HAWAIIAN SONGS IN ONE CD. TO ORLANDO & KENNY
FOR KEEPING ALL OF THESE MEMORIES ON DVD. YOU GUYS ARE REALLY THE BOMB! EVERYTIME I
NEED A GOOD LAUGH & CRY I JUST POP IN THIS DVD.TO JACKIE FOR HER SOUVENIR GIFTS FROM
BACK HOME. AND TO ILIMA & FINA, FOR MAKING THE BEAUTIFUL CROCHET LEIS THAT WE RECEIVED
WHEN WE ENTERED THE DOOR TO THIS FABULOUS LUAU.

AGAIN I HAVE TO SAY THAT TODAY'S TECHNOLOGY IS UNBELEIVABLE. BY USING THE INTERNET &
THE TELEPHONE WE PUT THIS WONDERFUL REUNION TOGETHER. WITH SHELLEY IN SEATTLE, TO
LINDSEY IN VEGAS, TO ANITA IN OAKLAND, ME IN HAWAII, & HEATHER IN ALASKA, THIS REUNION
ALL CAME TOGETHER WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. BUT BECAUSE EVERYTHING WAS DONE FROM THE HEART.
THAT IS WHY IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL OCCASION. NO REUNION IN THE FUTURE WILL EVERY COMPARE
TO THIS ONE. THE FEELINGS, & EMOTIONS WERE SO STRONG. THEY WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
AS FAR AS 2007 REUNION, ME & RAQUEL WILL BE MEETING & HAVE ALREADY GOT SOME IDEAS. ONE
IS TO HAVE LIKE A DRAG BALL NIGHT, WHERE EVERYONE SLAMS ON THEIR COCOS & CLUSTERS, &
RELIVE "THE GOOD OLD DAYS". MAYBE HAVE A SHOW WITH NUMBERS FROM THE GLADES, PERFORMED
BY THE ORIGINAL PERFORMERS. ALSO FOR THE SKELETONS IN THE CLOSET, MAYBE THEY MIGHT MAKE
AN APPEARANCE, LIKE SHERI, LINDSEY, FREIDA, EVEN CHANCEY, WHO KNOWS! IT WILL BE ANYTHING
GOES THAT NIGHT. I WILL DEFINETLY KEEP YOU GUYS INFORMED OF WHAT WE ARE WORKING ON &
PLANNING.

AGAIN MUCH MAHALOS TO EVERYONE WHO HELPED WITH & ATTENDED THIS REUNION. WITHOUT ALL OF
YOU WE COULD NEVER HAVE HAD A GREAT TIME AS WE HAD. I HAVE NEVER FELT THE LOVE THAT I
FELT DAY. SO STRONG, SO REAL.

UNTIL WE CHAT OR INTERNET OR VISIT EACH OTHER, I WILL ALWAYS BE THINKING & REMEBERING
THE GREAT TIME IN LAS VEGAS. LOVE & ALOHA, RICHARD

Aloha Tita,

I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the "Reunion" in Las Vegas. It was so wonderful to see my Titas
and spend time together remembering the "Good Old Days". We must all express our deepest gratitude & Aloha to
Dora, Anita, Shelley, Heather, Sheri Shane for all of their hard work in organizing this very special & most memorable
event. It was a perfect blend of laughter & tears.

Although our lives have moved in many different directions, it is always nice to remember our roots and the influence
we all had on each other. I am so glad that I came out when I did. We lived in an era of Glamour. It was a much
safer time, the perfect time to be a 'Queen'. The hairdos & the makas were simply fabulous & the Kanes were well
trained. It was nice being a sex symbol of the 70's. . . those days are over but never forgotten. The few days that
we spent together stirred up a lot of memories for me but it created so many more memories that I will always cherish.
Memories that will always remind me of how very special you are to me.

I just want to say, "Thanks for being a part of my life". Always remember to be proud & happy with who you are
because if you were not YOU I then could never be ME and it may have taken 30 years but I've come to the
realization that I like who I am and all that I will become. So be true to You because you are a very special human
being that I have the pleasure of sharing this great planet with. I love you very much. Well, I have to close for now.
Please, let's stay in touch. I hope to see you all in 2007, to welcome you home.

Oceans of Love, With a kiss upon every Wave. . . . Nalani

Aloha Queen of Hearts,

I'm sorry that I didn't write earlier, but you've all been heavy on my mine. I guess
this will sound repetitious But I need my turn to say it too.

I'd like to thank Anita(for her dream), Shelly(for putting it together for all to see),
Richard(for sharing the word and help making it happen), Isadora Sei(for being that
purpose of togetherness, Lanaye(and my Lanaye for being so supportive to everyone).

I honestly can say that this is and will be always one of the hi-lites of my life. I
have not seen so many genuine happy faces in such along time. I thought all that went
out when the Glade died. But it never left it just was hidden away in our hearts for a
long while just waiting for the right moment to have that release. You all showed that
on that very first nite it was a room full of loving memories and a friendships just
yearning to connect again,and you know what!! ..................WE DID IT.

We were all like a bunch of children just so happy to see the friends we left behind
from the school year before and when summer was over we reunited a new school year.
Thats how we are just leaving for the summer and returning the next year.

I can look at each one of your faces and have memories and a story to tell, but it would
take the whole fricken web page. So we'll save that for our next Reunion that I'm pretty
sure will bring alot of our oooooold titas out and our younger generation together and
maybe share what was and what is to come.

I love you all and I have a funny feeling inside of me which I guess its the kind of feeling you get when you love and miss someone very special in your life.

Raquel

PS. I guess Nalani said it best when she said,"Thanks for being a part of my life"

Aloha My Exotic Flowers, Mere words can not describe the feeling of love I have for you. The mana & sisterhood of
the reunion were beyond my expectations. We all took time from our busy lives to be together for 3 days. Some of us
   traveled near & far……with different paths of in lifestyles…….some are mothers , small business owners, show
business entertainers, or just everyday hard working & tax paying individuals. We just made time for each other. What
   made it so special were everyone who attended the reunion with an open heart & mind.

We shared heart felt stories……We honored our sisters who passed on….We laughed until our belly hurt…We cried
with emotion from our soul. I WILL NEVER FORGET OUR REUNION AS LONG AS I LIVE. Mahalo my exotic flowers
for making my dream come true through you.

I would also like to take this time, to thank everyone who help with the reunion. Without you this would not be possible.
Mahalo for the Aloha that were expressed with donations/pledges of the Koa Bowl. Thank you Nalani for your aloha to
all, your beautiful hula, your prayer/blessing of the reunion, and the search and hand carry of the Koa Bowl. Lindsey as
our Vegas host and Shelley as web page editor.

The next reunion will be in Honolulu 2007. I encourage you to spread the word and take part with the next reunion. Join
the various committees that will range from a Picnic , Dinner . and Show. Richard will be the Host in Hawaii , Raquel
    Frannie will be his right hands in the planning. Also feel free to submit your ideas to either Richard or me. Would love
to hear from you. Or perhaps computer skills ? Shelley and I could use your help with the web page.

Though the Vegas 2004 reunion is just a beautiful memory, our web page will continue . We are here for all as a network
   for sisters to keep in touch .We will also feature a recipe corner , newsletter , reunion stories, photos, trivia , and more.
   This web page is for all generations of the transgender/ gay sisters……we all come from a unique, rich , colorful &
   beautiful mahu subculture of sisterhood.

Remember …spread the aloha in your world……..embrace & love the goddess within you.

Puka Panty Auntie, Anita

Aloha Island Goddess's,

   Unforgettable, that's what you are. I was extremely honored to have attended the first Island Goddess Reunion
    in Las Vegas. Anita's dream finally came true. Anita and I go back a long time when we shared a lot of hard times
    and good times. She is truly the most sweetest person I know and has made a tramendace impact in many of our
    lives. We have not seen each other for twenty years since our get together in Las Vegas in 2002.

    This is what inspired her to pursue in making the Island Goddess Reunion a success. I also would like to thank
    Richard, Shelly, Lanaye, Lindsay, and Nalani for organizing the Island Goddess Reunion and putting it all in place
    and for those who put the food together for the LUAU. WOW LAU LAU, JUST (FABULASH-Monica's
    Dictionary). It was amazing to see everyone get together and just show their Love and Aloha for one another. Little
    did we all know that there was so much talent in one room.

    Most of us have received a letter from Nalani, well as soon as I opened the letter there was a picture of her and I,
    we must have been at least 20 years old. I started to choke up and cry just thinking of all the great times we had in
    those days. Thank you Nalani!

    I will always cherish the laughter and fun we had at this event for as long as I live. It will be the conversation piece
    for years to come till the next one in 2007. We have all come to realize who we really are and where we all come
    from.

    As we continue to keep turning the pages in our live, I wish each and everyone of you the best in health and
    happiness for the future. Till we meet again, I love you all.

    Aloha, Anntoinette

Dearest Titas,
    It is with my deepest sense of appreciation that I write this letter to all of you my eternal brothers and sisters. Words
    cannot begin to express the heart felt treasured moments I experienced when we were all honored in the sharing of each
    other's company and energy again. To think that everyone took time out of their very busy schedules to come together
    again for a few days in Las Vegas is really a touching thought in itself. It was (10 hours of sleep in 5 days) a
    whirl-wind-cavalcade of laughter, tears, memories and the bonding of old and new friends. All stirred and shaken by the
    great spirit of Aloha. Surely our connections to each other are more profound than the eye can see. It truly was a dream
    come true for me to be with so many of my Sisters after such a long time. And although so many of our beloved Sisters
    have already gone on before us they will always live in our hearts and in our future Reunions.

    My gratitude to all the Las Vegas kids who contributed in making us all feel at home. The web site, Sister Shelley has
    worked so very hard to put together for us all and continues to steadfastly upgrade, is quickly becoming the most valuable
    tool and connection to us all, to date. Sister Anita kept us all informed and played a roll as an inspirational and all
    encompassing 'cheer leader'. And continues to do so. I love it. Who can ever forget Nalani's Hula. To this moment I can
    still feel that moment when Sister Nalani danced for us and for our passed Sisters to Castles by the Sea. Brother Richard
    who made the new reunion buttons. Sister Dana had copies of the old Glade button made and handed them out to every
    one at the reunion. That was a real blast from our pass. Raquel and her girls came in support of everyone. Kelly and
    Kalei flew in from the East Coast. Dana and Eka drove in from San Francisco. Anntoinette came in from Nebraska. Many
    thanks to my old cast buddy Orlando and Kenny who flew in from Chicago. And who captured the reunion on DVD ( thanks
    to you were all on diets for-the-dayz now...) Of course I welcome Joe, the newest member to our family who was so very
    endearing and generous in spirit, words and actions during the reunion. Also to every one who's name I did not mention,
    you know you played as big a part as anyone else. For there were many busy hands in making food, leis etc. All the
    behind the scenes labor and efforts I did not mention, are all deeply appreciated. Seeing everyone's faces was the biggest
    contribution and reward of all. And now we come to our Queen Mother Dora who was in her element in the mist of all our
    daily activities. Rushing here and there, checking in on this one and that one. Making sure everyone was comfortable and
    feeling at home. And it did feel like being home. Home with the family of my titas who I have always adored and respected.

    To admire and cherish each one of you, all these years, has always been effortless, for each on you have touched me so
    deeply in so many ways with the magic and wonder of your Aloha and Mana. I'll never be able to thank you as properly as
    I would like. But I will always be able to shower you with an abundance of my love, pure energy and support. Please know
    this, no matter what I am always here for all of you day and night. We have all gotten older but one thing I noticed at this
    reunion was the perpetual youthful energy every one still has. The desire to 'carry-on', talk-story and scream like little girls
    still pervades. Now our sights turn to Brother Richard and Sister Raquel. When in 2007 they will have the honor and the
    task of organizing the next reunion. Knowing these two Titas I am assured that it will absolutely be Gatchu for-the-dayz !
    I would be remiss if I failed to express my sincerest appreciation for my Drag Mother MuMu Hand Tina. With who's
    encouragement and support led me to the Glade's stage. I will be eternally grateful and honored to always claim MuMu
    Hand Tina as my Drag Mother. Mahalo Nui Loa, Sister Tina for everything your friendship has given me. And the rest is
    History...Hugs & Kisses Forever, Miss Lanaye' Abraxas

Thanks everyone for coming to the reunion and making it so memorable. I spent time with my sisters, renewed lost
freindships and formed new ones. We should have done this a long time ago. The photos and video will keep reminding
me of the unity we shared. This old queen feels surrounded by love from just about every corner of the country and across
the ocean from Hawaii. I'm anticipating the next reunion to meet the high standard set by Lindsey and Las Vegas. No
doubt our island home is up to the challenge. Rachell has told every friend at summer day camp of her trip and the
many people she met.

Today, in Seattle, I'm thinking I should have had more of the poki tako, kalua pig & poi, another serving from the buffet
at Mandalay Bay, more sushi from Todai, hugged you a litttle longer and sat with you to talk story.

Aloha ahui hou! Shelley and Rachell

     Anita, 

     l know l've said it a thousand times, But Mahalo again. You've made alot of people Happy. As l watched each and 
     everyone hug & kiss, laugh and show each other the love we have for each other, remember when family wouldn't 
     stand by us, each & everyone there would. l had one of the best times in my whole life. l too could look in the bunch 
     and see people who have touched my life and who shared my special times. Eka & l cried when it all ended. 

     So again l thank you for making this trip something l'll keep it my heart forever. It was so fast, l wish we all had more 
     time, but now we can all hope to share another great time in 2007. 

     Anyway, back to the straight world, start back to work tonight, flight was delay ,suppose to have arrived at 6pm
    didn't get in till 11pm then its a two hour drive to my house,got  to sleep on plane,and clean house, now it's back to 
    work . 

     I'm so happy we finally met. I've heard so many good thing about you, and there all true . You are one special
     lady.You have a heart of gold. & your Aloha flows out of you like and endless water falls, my the love you share to
     others flow  from sea to sea. l love you.

     Aloha, Kelly & Clay

     GOOD MORNING;
 
     FIRST I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME BE A ART OF THIS MOST FANTASTIC AND MEMORABLE
     EVENT.THERE ARE NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE THE FEELINGS AND EMOTIONS I HAVE HAD BEFORE AND
     AFTER.  BUT I  ASSURE YOU THEY ARE AS ONE CAN PUT IT!!!!!! "FABULOUS" THE ENERGY AND LOVE THAT
     WAS PUT OUT AMONGST FRIENDS WAS OVERWHELMING AS WELL AS GUININE. I HAVE SEEN FREINDS I
    HAVENT SEEN IN MANY YEARS AND TO TOP IT OFF THE PEOPLE WHOM I'VE KNOWN NOW WAS THERE ALSO
    JUST AS IF I SAW THEM YESTERDAY... THE FEELINGS AND EMOTIONS WHICH  SPARKED UP IN EVERYONES
    EYES AS EACH ONE OF US MEET  WAS TOO MUCH. YET AT THE SAME TIME VERY EXCITING.

     I GIVE A BIG SHOUT OUT TO ANITA, RICHARD (SHARI), ISADORA, AND ALL WHO HAD A HAND IN ARRANGING
    THIS EVENT.... YOU GO GIRLS... AND IN 2007, YOU WILL BET THAT IT WILL BE A BIGGER AND EVEN BETTER 
    REUNION.

    AGAIN I TIP MY HAT OFF TO YOU AND  FOR  ALL YOPU DID TO MAKE THIS EVENT SUCESSFULL. I LOVE YOU
   WITH ALL MY HEART AND WILL NEVER FORGET WHAT WE SHARED TOGETHER.........
   WITH ALL MY LOVE.  MS JERRINE "CHANEL" JEFFERIES