Kick Off

 

Wearing Ann Taylor

Tim Dashwood femulating on the Australian stage in Managing Carmen, a 2012 play about a crossdressing football/soccer player.

My wife dresses like a man!

Yes, my wife dresses like a man!

She says that she always dressed like a man, prefers to dress like a man and has no plans to change. But in this day and age, it is embarrassing to be seen out and about with my wife dressed like me.

When we first met, she dressed like a man just like many of her peers. But as more and more women began dressing like women, I assumed that my wife would follow suit. She did not and today, 25 years later, she still dresses like one of the guys.

Her boss has hinted that she may not get job promotions because she dresses like a man, but her boss has not pushed it because the law is on my wife’s side. Still, it would be nice if my wife toed the line, received promotions and increased out family income. But my wife is happy dressing like a man and I won’t try to stop her.

Our friends and acquaintances are accustomed to my wife’s appearance. But strangers find it a little odd when they realize she is really a woman especially since she passes so well as a man. In addition to wearing men’s clothing, she also has her hair cut like a man and wears all the accoutrements that men favor, like jewelry and makeup. She even carries a purse!

Lucky for me we wear different sizes, otherwise she would be raiding my closet. One time, she was so enamored by a new sexy bra I bought at Victoria’s Secret that she insisted trying it on, but it looked ridiculous on her because her boobs are bigger than mine. That put an end to her borrowing my clothing, although occasionally I do let her borrow a pair of my pantyhose.

And so it goes!

(Yes, this story is fiction.)

Wearing Elágia

Femulating in the 1968 documentary film The Queen.

What did you do in the war, Daddy?

Canadian soldiers femulating for a show during World War II

By Paula Gaikowski

“They say war is hell, but have you ever tried wearing a girdle and high heels for a day?"

(The names in this article have been changed to protect the privacy of the individuals mentioned.)

Femulate often features photographs from World War I and World War II, including images of prisoners of war and active-duty service members femulating. Some of these portrayals are remarkably authentic. Intrigued, I took a closer look and uncovered some fascinating stories.

The Army’s Special Services division partnered with the USO to develop guidelines for soldier shows. A significant challenge arose due to the wartime prohibition of women in combat areas, necessitating male performers to fill traditionally female parts. This irony was mirrored on the home front, where women, such as Rosie the Riveter, stepped into roles vacated by men who had enlisted.

All-soldier casts proved immensely popular. A special performance of This Is the Army for President Roosevelt drew particular attention, with a reporter noting the President's fascination with a Gypsy Rose Lee impersonator's striptease routine.

Army Special Services units were deemed essential for maintaining troop morale. These units often accompanied troops overseas. To sustain the illusion of female performers, Many of these men adopted female personas both on and off stage, presenting as women when off stage.

Many of the most celebrated performers in these soldier shows were gay men who had honed their craft in the vibrant nightlife of pre-war America. Figures like Liberty Belle, with their impeccable stage presence and undeniable talent, found a unique niche within the military. These individuals, often hailing from the world of vaudeville or burlesque, brought a level of professionalism and sophistication to the productions that elevated them far beyond mere troop entertainment.

While their performances were met with raucous applause and admiration, their personal lives remained shrouded in secrecy. The military, like society at large, was deeply homophobic. Yet, the talent and dedication of these performers were undeniable, creating a complex dynamic. Their homosexuality was often an open secret among their peers, a tacit understanding that allowed them to exist within a hostile environment. 

In contrast to the professional nightclub female impersonators, diminutive and unassuming Dixie Darling emerged from a small town. Younger than his 18 years and with a quiet demeanor, he was plucked from his sheltered life by the draft. Struggling with the rigors of army life, the young and immature Darling found an unexpected escape in Special Services. 

There, for the first time, he donned women's attire, embarking on a journey he never anticipated. Fear of combat, intensified by the traumatic loss of his cousin in the war, fueled his decision to avoid the front lines. While neither gay or transgender, Darling fully immersed himself in this new identity, living and working as a woman for over a year. Complete with long hair, manicured nails, and women's uniforms, his transformation was so convincing that he was often mistaken for a biological female.

 This unique experience granted him a perspective unlike any other, culminating in extraordinary moments such as strolling down the Champs-Élysées in Paris, a vision of femininity in high-heels and a pretty dress. 

"I couldn’t believe I was there, Paris! And there I was, a small-town boy masquerading as a woman, strutting down the Champs-Élysées It was a surreal dream.

The heels clicked-clacked on the pavement, each step a tiny rebellion against everything I'd ever known. The dress, a borrowed treasure from one of the girls, swirled around me, a colorful contradiction to the khaki the army had originally issued. My hair, long and soft now, caught the wind

I was Dixie Darling, not the kid from the farm. I was a mirage of femininity in a world of men. Women I passed offered, friendly nods and smiles, men’s eyes followed me. I felt a heady mix of exhilaration and dread.

Every nerve in my body was alive. What was happening to me? I didn't know. But one thing was certain: I was free. Free from the mud, the guns, the fear. For this one moment I didn’t care what anyone thought. And it was a damn good feeling."

Despite the guilt he carried for avoiding combat, Darling ultimately found a sense of purpose in his role as a performer, contributing to the morale of his fellow soldiers. 

After the war, Darling returned to his pre-war life, marrying and raising a family. To protect his family and reputation, he didn’t speak about his wartime experiences. Yet, the memories of that extraordinary period remained a complex and often contradictory part of his identity. For years, he lived with the weight of his secret, but he now believes it is essential to share his story to shed light on this often-overlooked chapter of history.

Among this mix of performers, individuals like Bonnie Bombshell emerged as emblematic figures. Growing up in the restrictive confines of the 1920s and 1930s, the concept of gender identity was a foreign notion. For Bonnie, the pressure to conform to societal expectations was immense, forcing her to suppress her true self. Yet, the world of entertainment offered a tantalizing glimpse of liberation. Joining the Army Special Services presented an opportunity to explore her femininity openly. The character she created, Bonnie Bombshell, became a shield, protecting her while allowing her to express the woman she longed to be.

Unlike Dixie Darling, whose experience was largely driven by his fear of combat, Bonnie's journey was a deliberate step towards self-discovery. The ability to live as a woman, even temporarily, was a dramatic experience. It provided a sense of belonging and authenticity that she had never known.

Years later, Bonnie found the courage to embrace her true self. In the 1970s, she became one of the pioneering participants in the groundbreaking gender transition program at Johns Hopkins University. This was a time of immense personal courage, as societal understanding and acceptance of transgender individuals were virtually nonexistent. 

These men, and women, who put aside their own personal needs at a time when the whole country banded together, showed that everybody has something to contribute. Their stories are a testament to the human spirit's resilience, courage, and the enduring quest for identity and acceptance. It is important that we honor their legacy by continuing to create a world where diversity is celebrated, and individuals are free to be themselves.

Wearing Cynthia Rowley

U.S. soldiers femulating in the play This is the Army by Irving Berlin, circa 1942.

Hair Affairs IV

By Norah Blucher

So once you have found that perfect hairdo to match your stunning personality, you are good to go, right?  Well maybe, but wig care is something you still need to think about to look your best and get the most life out of her and I would certainly hope you are not settling for an off-the-shelf look everyday. Oh no, not if we are going to stay friends here! 

When I was young, I remember being fascinated with hair clips and things like that. I was always fiddling with them and creating crazy styles. Cyndi Lauper was the end-all and be-all in my opinion, if that gives you any idea what I’m talking about. : ) I have since outgrown that, at least while anyone is watching, but after getting my first wig, it was not long before I started accessorizing it. 

She was rather cute, but did have a horrid looking faux skin part on top that I covered up with a headband. And even though I have much better wigs now that look great on their own, I was never one to color between the lines either. I still often like to change things up and accessorize or restyle a bit, be it for looks or practicality. Also, just as you would care for your skin or nails, your hair, even if it is synthetic, will require a bit of maintenance.

Care, Feeding and Other Fun Stuff

Wigs are certainly not cheap and are likely one of the most expensive accessories you own, so you have to take care of what you have so you can get a few in your lineup if you want. Hair accessories and styling can liven up the look of what you have as well. 

Like makeup, no one routine or set of rules works for everyone, but here are some general tips I have learned over the years which have helped me out.

A few things every wig wearer should own are a wig drying stand, a Styrofoam head for storing or styling your wig and a clamp base to clamp the head on a counter or table. If you are a size large or a larger size average, be sure to get the larger “male” foam head. Trust me, it will just work better. Also get a wide-tooth wig comb. Regular combs and brushes are likely to damage the wig fibers with regular use.

I wash my synthetic wigs in a small basin with Woolite. After rinsing, I use a basin with some perfume and dye-free fabric softener as a conditioner. I just wet the hair in it, not the cap, as it could loosen the knots attaching the hair. Then I place it on a drying stand overnight without rinsing and comb it out in the morning. I make no guarantees, but it works great for me, keeps the hair from tangling and also cuts down on the glossy shine that synthetic hair can have. 

Never comb a wet wig and always work from the ends of the hair up. A detangling spray works well in between washes to help things out as well. A holding spray made for wigs can also help hold things in place when you need it. (Stana Notes: For synthetic wigs, use a spray made for wigs as hair spray for natural hair can damage a synthetic wig.) 

I strongly encourage wig caps as well. These are inexpensive little stocking caps made out of a nylon pantyhose-like material. They keep your bio hair neatly tucked in if you have it, keep your wig from chafing your head if you don’t and also provides a base color under your hair part if your wig has one. Most importantly, they keep your wig a little cleaner longer. It is much easier to wash the little cap frequently than the whole wig.

Does your wig fit a bit too snug for your liking? Give it a soak or a wash and place a towel over the foam head and put the wig on the head to dry overnight. It won’t work miracles, but stretches it just a bit.

Hair accessories are a lot of fun to use to achieve different looks with the same wig. Just use extra care so you don’t damage your wig. I love headbands, but use cloth-covered ones with no teeth so I don’t damage the cap. Synthetic hair is also more delicate and does not have the texture that real hair does, so clips can tend to slip, but you can find ones now that have a grippy rubber coating that do a wonderful job.

If your bio hair matches your wig color,or the root color and is not super short or non-existent, you can use the end of a rat tail comb to gently pull some of your bio hair around the edges of your wig to look more natural. This won’t work for everyone, but helps blend things if you can do it.

I add wig clips to almost all of my wigs. One small one on each side tab and one or two larger ones in the back. I like the ones that snap lock and buy them by the bag and sew them in. This firmly secures my wig to my bio hair and keeps it in place as I go about my day or do backflips... as soon as I learn to do a backflip.

If you wear a lace front and/or mono top/mono part wig, take a small brush and apply some powder foundation onto your hair part and the front of the lace to hide the knots and blend the lace into your forehead. A good wig should look natural on its own, but this helps to add a little extra touch of realism.

Use caution if wearing a synthetic wig while cooking, even a heat resistant one. Having your head too close to an open oven or a grill flare-up can quickly cause a bad hair day! Owning more than one wig is never a bad idea for whatever calamity may befall you.

That’s the Topper!

So there you have it. I have so enjoyed sharing my favorite topic with you, and hopefully I have bestowed upon you some new knowledge to go out and get the hair you always wanted, and be the Siren you were born to be! 

Much thanks goes to J.J. Atwell, of “Stuff” fame here on the blog, for her encouragement and assistance with everything. My appreciation goes out to Stana as well, for allowing me some space in her blog and for always encouraging all of us to be our best selves. Questions and comments are always welcome below or e-mail me at nblucher at-sign proton dot me, so don’t be shy.

Wearing leena for Mac Duggal

Rachel celebrating her 75th birthday at Milwaukee’s Pfister Hotel

Hat and Gloves

Wearing a hat and gloves for my
Jackie Kennedy Halloween costume

When I was home alone in the 1960s fine-tuning my female presentation, there were two things that I thought were important to my womanly wardrobe that you seldom see these days. My mother was my model and whenever she dressed up, she wore a hat and gloves – not to fend off the weather, but as fashion accessories. Fashionable hats and gloves were essential accessories for women. These items were not just about style but also about social norms and etiquette.

During the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s, hats were a staple in women's wardrobes. Styles ranged from the elegant pillbox hats popularized by Jacqueline Kennedy to wide-brimmed hats and smaller, more decorative options. Hats were often adorned with ribbons, feathers, and other embellishments, reflecting the wearer's personality and social status. Wearing a hat was considered a sign of respectability and was almost mandatory for formal occasions and church services.

Gloves were equally important. Women wore them to complement their outfits, especially for formal events, social gatherings and  even casual outings. Gloves came in various lengths, from wrist-length to opera-length, and were made from materials like cotton, silk, and leather. They were seen as a symbol of elegance and sophistication.

The decline of these fashion staples began in the 1960s. Several factors contributed to this shift.

Cultural Changes – The 1960s brought significant cultural and social changes. The youthquake movement emphasized individuality and freedom of expression, leading to a more relaxed approach to fashion.

Practicality – As lifestyles became more casual and practical, the need for formal accessories like hats and gloves diminished. Women started prioritizing comfort and convenience over strict fashion rules.

Influence of Icons – Fashion icons and celebrities began to adopt more casual styles, influencing the general public. For example, the rise of casual wear and the popularity of hairstyles that didn't require hats contributed to their decline.

By the late 1960s and early 1970s, hats and gloves had largely fallen out of everyday fashion, becoming more of a niche or occasional accessory rather than a daily necessity.

Personally, I adopted hats and gloves in my wardrobe. My mother had a nice selection of both to choose from including gloves in a variety of colors. But at six feet six in my mother’s 4-inch heels, the low overhead was even lower wearing a hat and I kept losing my hat passing through doorways. So I stopped wearing hats. However, gloves were a perfect fit and I wore them often and I even bought a few pairs myself. 

These days, I seldom wear gloves as a fashion accessory, but I do wear them to fend off the weather.

Wearing Cynthia Rowley

Long time Femulate.org reader, Mindy

Stuff: Ladies’ Room Etiquette

By J.J. Atwell

When you need to go when you are out

Those of us who go out in public as our girl self will need to answer the call of nature at some point.  When dressed, there are a couple of options, but the most obvious is to use the ladies’ room. I suppose you could use the men’s room, but that might not be safe. You might also look for a companion or single-sex facility, but that might not be an option at the time. 

So what should I know?

It will most likely be cleaner than the men’s rooms you are familiar with. That’s nice. You’ll find a bunch of stalls, a lot of sinks and mirrors. Exactly what you probably expect to find. You might also see a floral arrangement and tissues. There might also be a dispenser for various feminine products. 

Depending on where you are when the need arrises, you might be faced with a line to get in. It shouldn’t come as any surprise to you that women do take longer in the bathroom than guys do. Somehow that fact has escaped the notice of most architects when they design buildings and there are just not enough ladies’ facilities. This is especially true if you are at a sports stadium, theater or concert venue where there is a rush during breaks.  

OK, so there’s a line. Don’t let that bother you. Assume your place in the line and once you get to the front, the next stall is yours. Hang your purse on the hook on the back of the door and sit down to do your business. Once done, double-check to make sure you’ve rearranged your clothing correctly. Step out of the stall and go to the sink to wash your hands and perhaps, inspect your makeup. It might be time to reapply some lipstick. But try not to monopolize the facilities. Others need it, too. Just do a quick check and then go back out the door. And do check out yourself in the full-length mirror to be sure everything is in order.

Respect

Remember, this is traditionally a women‘s-only place. They typically view it as a safe place. You are an interloper. Be polite and considerate. Don’t shake that view for them. 

Sometimes there will be people talking in there while other times it’s silent. My GG friend Alicia says for her it all depends on how many beers or glasses of wine she’s had. 

You might find that somebody starts a conversation with you. Women sometimes talk openly to strangers. They might offer a compliment about your outfit or the color of your dress. A return compliment is always a nice gesture. These conversations are a nice way of giving or getting support. Embrace the occasion, but don’t hold up progress. 

I’ll be back

I’ll be back with more Stuff in the next installment. Comments are welcome either here on the blog or by email to Jenn6nov at-sign gmail dot com. JJ is always looking for more stuff so let me know what you would like to read about.

Stana’s Note: Different jurisdictions in these United States have different laws, regulations  and ordinances regarding males using female bathroom facilities. In some jurisdictions, you can literally end up in jail for sitting to pee. On the other hand, in some jurisdictions, if you present as a lady, than it is OK to use the ladies’ room. At a minimum, you should know what is legal in your home town/county/state, so that you can make an educated choice before entering a ladies’ room. Similarly, you should find out what’s what in any locales you travel to or vacation at. So click here to find out what’s what any place in the USA.)

Wearing Stuart Weitzman (boots)

Paul Lambert femulating on British television’s Emmerdale.

Our Female Future

Wearing Venus

Bob Sagat and David Coulier femulating in an episode of television’s Full House.

Someday Funnies

Wearing Reformation

Philip Seymour Hoffman femulating in the 1999 film Flawless.

My Sister

Sunday’s post moved Elise to comment, “I love today's funny! I often wonder, if I had a sister, what would have been the odds of me trying on her clothes? I totally know it would be >100%! And what would have been the odds that I didn't put something away correctly and/or she would have caught me? Probably close to 100%. I’m curious if those who have a sister can confirm if my percentages are correct.”

I replied, “My sister is two years younger than me and I wore her (and my mother's) clothes whenever I was home alone. I had a couple of close calls, but she never caught me.”

Although my sister was younger, she was tall, so lucky for me, most of her clothes fit me. My mother was also tall and even though I had full access to her wardrobe, her wardrobe was more mature, whereas my sister’s wardrobe was youthful and more desirable by a girl my age. Not that I abandoned my mother’s wardrobe; her wide range of foundation garments outshined my sister’s, so when I crossdressed, I usually wore my mother’s bra, girdle and nylons under my sister’s dress.

My sister was messy and she probably never noticed if something was out of place, so as far as I know, she never suspected I was getting into her stuff. On the other hand, my mother was neat and very organized and I assume that clued her in to what I was doing. My mother used very little makeup, whereas my sister had lots, so my sister’s stuff was more attractive to a young girl like me in that regard, too.

Besides my sister’s youthful, circa 1970 wardrobe, she also had a beautiful prom dress that my mother sewed for her. It was the most body-conscious dress she owned and when I wore it with the proper foundation garments, I looked fabulous!

Regarding being caught, I had one close call. Home alone, I was crossdressed when I heard the garage door open. Mom and Sis had returned from shopping much earlier than I expected. 

I had some time to switch from girl mode to boy mode because we had a manually operated garage door, which meant that my mother had to get out if the car to open the garage door, walk back to the car, drive the car into the garage, get out of the car, close the garage door, then gather up whatever she had purchased and carry it upstairs (the garage was under the house).

I managed to switch modes and return miladies’ wardrobes to their original state before Mom and Sis climbed upstairs to our living quarters. I was pretty pleased with myself because I had dodged the bullet. But a few minutes later, after Mom entered her bedroom, she asked, “Stanley – why are my shoes out?”

Nuts! I forgot to put her high heels back in her closet!

I had to think fast. Back then, I was drawing a lot – a cartoonist in the making – so my very lame excuse was that I borrowed her shoes because I was drawing shoes and I needed a model.

She bought it and I was very relieved. But years later, I figured out that she knew about my crossdressing and I imagine that the high heel episode was just more evidence of my secret identity.

Mom never confronted me about my crossdressing, although on countless occasions she asked, “Is there anything you want to tell me?”

I realize now that she was reaching out to me, but I was a clueless idiot and always said, “No,” which I now very much regret.

On the other hand, my sister was clueless and probably did not suspect anything until she saw me crossdressed for Halloween. Some years later, I came out to her and it did not go well, which surprised me because she is a big supporter of LGBTQ+ people… except for me. 

It hurt especially since we were so close. We are still very close, but my crossdressing is the muzzled elephant in the room.

And so it goes.

Wearing Elágia

Femulating guests at Casa Susanna, circa 1962. The lady on the left is Darrell G. Raynor, the author of A Year Among the Girls, the book that revealed to me that I was not alone.

No Man's Land

Wearing Cynthia Rowley

French World War II Prisoners of War (POWs) femulating in German prison camp, circa 1943.