By January 1995, I had been regularly attending support group meetings for over 5 years, but I was still closeted, that is, not going beyond the safe confines of the support group’s meeting place.
A few gurls in my support group attended First Event, an annual transgender convention held in the Boston area and recommended it to me as a way to expand my horizons. I was ready, so I registered for the convention and when the big day arrived, Elaine, another ham radio gurl who I knew as a ham long before I knew her as a gurl, drove us to the convention hotel in Natick, just west of Boston.
After settling in, I began exploring the hotel and here I am in the photo above, trying out the catwalk that was set up for the First Event fashion show. Wow, my hemline is short! I guess some things never change!
Later that day, I sat in and watched Hollywood makeup artist Jim Bridges perform a makeover on another First Event attendee. The transformation was amazing. I was so impressed that I made an appointment for a makeover late Saturday afternoon, so I would look my best for the Saturday night banquet.
It was my first makeover and I was a little nervous going in. How would I look? Would I be disappointed?
Jim's transformation of me was as impressive as the transformation I witnessed earlier. I literally did not recognize myself when he was finished. "Is that really me?" I wondered when I looked in the mirror for the first time after the makeover.
After the makeover, I returned to my room to get dressed for the banquet. I was anxious to show off the new me and when I finally made my grand entrance, my friends and acquaintances did not recognize me either… in a good way.
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| Wearing ML Monique Lhuillier. |
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| Singer Jordan Gray |
Oh my gosh, this post makes me cry - for happy. I can't imagine how much courage it takes just to walk into a public space dressed, but then to have a makeover that really fits you so well must be unbelievable. What a wonderful memory this is for you, thank you so much for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteFirst time attending a convention in a public place, I was uncomfortable whenever a civilian was in the area and it did take some courage. Today, i don't think twice about courage!
DeleteDear Stana,
ReplyDeleteYour historical photos are beautiful. You've always been a lovely woman. Brava!
Love,
Sheila.
Thank you, Sheila. I just wish I had not been so closeted for all that time.
DeleteYou have always emulated a very feminine image. I love some of the hairstyles on you. The black cocktail dress image is amazing! You could've danced all night!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Michelle.
DeleteOMG what a time is was, I was floored by your makeover, wish I had a chance to get a makeover by Jim B. Stana you look so pretty and so much like a natural woman.
ReplyDeleteThat makeover was a game changer for me.
DeleteIt is a touch sad and scary that 1995 was 20 years ago but you look Marvelous.
ReplyDeletePat
Worse - it was 21 years ago! Yikes! LOL
DeleteYou are gorgeous at any age and an inspiration to those of us who are still closeted even in this welcoming day and age.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tina.
DeleteThanks for sharing, and you look great!
ReplyDeletesara
interesting that as we age we do this better. As good as you look in these pictures Stana you look even better today because you seem much more comfortable in your own skin.
ReplyDeleteI am definitely more comfortable today, Joanna. Back when those photos were taken, I was very uncomfortable out in the real world.
DeleteLove the red curls!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cyrsti. I often think about going red again.
DeleteYou looked and look great! Very womanly.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Billie.
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