In retrospect, Austin was ahead of the curve in progressive values and norms.  It was like having one foot in Mayberry and another in Beverly Hills 90210.  I had more than one gay friend in high-school and years later Facebook had confirmed I had known many, many more.  But the latest in California’s news of the weird reminded me of another enlightening moment in my early twenties.  My best friend’s roommate “Sarah” was getting married.  Sarah was in an emotional pickle.  She wanted her dad to walk her down the aisle, but Dad wouldn’t agree unless he could do so in a dress.  Her dilemma was compounded by the fact that dad’s wife presented as a man.  As Yahoo News reported yesterday, if Sarah’s dad and Stepmom lived in Palm Springs today, they could be making $1800 a month, regardless of any other earnings!  Who among us wouldn’t consider pretending to be transgender to make a little extra money these days??  Especially in a state where gasoline is over $7/gallon?  Is this sheer madness or part of an agenda?