While gays and lesbians have many social avenues in Philadelphia, the transgendered (TG) community is rarely invited to the party. Living as a TG person means you closely identify with the opposite sex, and sometimes dress accordingly. Unfortunately, it also means you run the risk of being ridiculed or ignored at many nightlife venues. The reasons for this marginalization vary—while some embrace those who live as TG people, others unfamiliar or uncomfortable with the lifestyle completely dismiss it.

New York has held TG-friendly social events for years, but the Philly scene is surprisingly barren. Angela Gardner is doing her best to change that. This past April, the vivacious blonde T-girl (her operational status is undisclosed, as she likes to "maintain mystery" with fans) created TG@L2, a monthly party at South Street's L2 Restaurant. The party is typically held on the second Saturday of every month, although December's event will temporarily move to Shangrila in Devon.

The last party, a celebration for Gardner's birthday, took place Nov. 12. "The whole point was to create a place where TG people know that everyone in attendance is totally cool with [their lifestyle]," says Gardner, who works in media production when she's not planning events. While she always knew she was transgendered, Gardner didn't start cross-dressing until several years ago, when she "woke up to the fact that she couldn't hide or deny it anymore."

One person in attendance last month was local T-girl Kalina Isato, proprietor of Center City's Awesome Makeovers and Web mistress of www.transvamp.com, one of the longest-running TG Web sites on the Internet. Her company provides consultation services for both straight and transgendered people. Isato has also noticed discrimination toward those who share her lifestyle. "It's funny, because I feel that it's easier for the straight community to accept TGs than the gay and lesbian community," she says.

The entertainment for the evening came courtesy of Jeffrey Marsh, a close friend of Gardner's and the host of Le Cabaret Mélange. Marsh, who exists somewhere between TG and amazing, wore a bowler, fringed skirt and fishnets as he belted out several pitch-perfect tunes from Chicago. He seconded Isato in saying that TGs often feel unwelcome at conventional gay venues. "It's as if you are invisible," he says. "There's not even a negative reaction. At least they could admit that you exist."

"As the gay population gains acceptance, they tend to distance themselves from transgendered people," he added. Marsh thinks TG@L2 is a valuable first step in halting this negative progression. "We are all looking for a place to be ourselves. It's wonderful to have this opportunity."

While there are several TG workshops and support groups in the area, TG@L2 is not about contextualization or breaking barriers. The overall motivation is simpler than that: It's a good time. "There are so many events available if you want to 'fix yourself,'" says Marsh. "But if you don't want to fix yourself, this is the event for you."

Angela's Laptop Lounge, Sat., Dec. 17, 10 p.m., $10, Shangrila, 120 W. Swedesford Rd., Devon, www.tgatl2.tv.