Pantomime

By Penelope “Penny” Patience

A 2024 performance of pantomimed Cinderella in Durham, England

Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, we all know what a pantomime is, don’t we? Ah, our friends from the other side of the Pond are looking unsure. Well, for those who don’t know, a pantomime is a comedic musical theatrical performance with audience participation, usually loosely based on a fairy story or folk tale, which is traditionally performed in Britain during the Christmas season.

There are a series of conventions, which are an essential part of pantomime. The first and most important one is crossdressing. The male lead will be played by a young or shapely actress in a “breeches role” and there will be one or more female parts played by mature men as “dames.” For example, in Jack and the Beanstalk, Jack will be played by an actress and his mother by an older man. Similarly, in Cinderella, an actress will play Prince Charming, while two large men will play the Ugly Sisters.

With crossdressing being an essential aspect of the genre, you won’t be surprised to know that there are always lots of opportunities for double entendres. So, while small children are lapping up the fairy story, their parents and grandparents will be laughing at mild innuendos, which go over the heads of the tots.

A second convention is audience participation. This comes in various forms. The audience may be encouraged to join in singing a song with cast members. Or one of the villains may ask a rhetorical question of the audience and get into an argument with them. 

For example, an Ugly Sister might announce, “I will be the belle of the ball.”

The audience will respond, “Oh, no you won’t.”

The Ugly Sister will reply, “Oh, yes I will.”

“Oh, no you won’t.”

“Will!”

“Won’t!”

Another staple is “He’s behind you / She’s behind you.” Cinderella might be addressing the audience, when her Evil Stepmother appears behind her. The audience will shout: “She’s behind you” or “Look behind you.” Cinders looks over her right shoulder, while her stepmother is standing behind her on the left. The stepmother then moves to Cinders right shoulder and Cinders looks to her left and announces, “There’s nobody there.” The audience insists, “She’s behind you.” Only then does she look again, realize the threat and rush from the stage.

These conventions are so well known in Britain that, for example, MPs have used the “He’s behind you” gag a number of times in the House of Commons.

Pantomime animals are another staple of the genre, especially a horse or cow with one actor playing the front of the animal and another the rear end. The slapstick potential of an animal played by two actors is obvious.

In the pantomime Dick Whittington, poor Dick sets out for London to make his fortune accompanied by his cat, who, of course, is played by another actress. It is quite likely that Dick’s costume will include thigh-length boots and hot pants. And you can be sure that the scriptwriters will make full use of the potential for double entendres inherent in the name Dick.

Surprisingly, there is a core of truth in the story for in the Middle Ages there really was a Dick Whittington who was a cat lover and rose to become the Lord Mayor of London.

Another convention is that villainous characters will enter and leave the stage from stage left, while good characters will do so from stage right. Believe it or not, this goes all the way back to medieval passion plays when Hell was conceived as being off-stage left, and Heaven off stage right.

If you’ve never been to a pantomime, you really should go this year. “Oh, no I shouldn’t.” “Oh, yes you should.”

Wearing Ann Taylor

Paul O'Grady AKA Lily Savage pantomiming the Evil Queen in Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs on the British stage.

Stuff 97: Close Shave

By J.J. Atwell

Are you Hairy?

I am. It’s a curse that I deal with each day. It is an added complexity to me as a CD. In order to project a proper femme image, I need to get rid of hair in many, many places. It’s a pain. But it can also be affirming. Today let’s think about the various ways we can get rid of unwanted hair. 

Tools

OK, so basically I’m a guy and when faced with a problem, my mind immediately turns to tools. What kind of tools can I use to get rid of this curse? It turns out that there are many ways to get rid of hair. Of course, not all of those are practical for everybody. Or effective for that matter. Compiling a list of tools, you might wind up with this:

• Tweezers 
• Razor
• Depilatory 
• Epilator
• Waxing
• Electrolysis
• Laser

Not all of those choices would work for unwanted hair on each part of your body. Let’s explore some of the pluses and minuses of each.

Tweezers

Not the most practical things for large areas of the body. Basically, you’ll need tweezers for your eyebrows, ears and perhaps the odd hair growing in random spots on your body. You’ll probably need a magnifying mirror when you use these. Tweezers and their pain, are a necessary evil for us. 

Razors

The main tool for getting rid of unwanted hair on your body, I’ve been using a five-bladed razor and a foamy shave cream with good results, but you should stick with what works best for you as everybody’s skin and hair type are different. You may be aware that the manufacturers sell women’s razors, but did you know that they are essentially the same as men’s razors? Other than a specific handle design and perhaps a pink color, you can see that the blades themselves are the same.

For what it is worth, I’ve never found electric shaver that did a good enough job giving me a close shave. Though if it works for you then stick with it.

Depilatories

There are a few brands of depilatories such as Nair or Veet available for hair removal. Be aware that these have some harsh chemicals that may irritate your skin. Read the instructions carefully and then follow them! Failure to do so could result in painful skin conditions. Each brand has its own formula. If one irritates you, you might have better luck with a different one, so don’t be afraid to try. A caution with these products is to be sure you thoroughly moisturize the area when you are done. 

Epilator

I’ve got an epilator, but I’m loath to use it. Yes, it works but to me the intentional torture of ripping out my hair is a bit much. I’d rather just shave or even wax those parts of my body that need it. Oh, and don’t try an epilator on your face!

Wax

I’ve ventured into the waxing salon a few times. Yes, it hurts, but don’t let that stop you. The pain is gone in seconds, but the results are long-lasting – as long as a month in my case. I’ve had my back, arms and legs waxed in separate sessions. I have not dared to try my chest, which I understand is more sensitive than other areas of the body. Underarms can be waxed too, but it seems pretty easy to just do those with a razor when you are in the shower.

Electrolysis and Laser

I’ve had no experience with either of these options. From what I’ve read, they are expensive and at times, painful. I’d be interested to hear from those who have actual experience with either method. I’m tempted to try them sometime.

I’ll Be Back

I hope you found this hair-raising column interesting and helpful. I welcome comments and suggestions here on Stana’s page or by email at Jenn6nov at-sign gmail dot com.

Wearing Marchesa Notte

Peter Outerbridge femulating in the Canadian film Better Than Chocolate.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Missus

“Boys’ Night Out” Gets a Makeover

The Fad Sweeping the Nation as Men Go Clubbing as Women

By Lila Moretti, Nightlife Correspondent

November 2025 — New York, Chicago, LA, Atlanta, Seattle, and seemingly everywhere in between

Walk into any major city’s nightlife district this fall and you’ll see it: groups of young men—lashes fluttering, heels clacking, lip gloss shining—heading into clubs dressed not in the baggy streetwear of past years, but in figure-hugging dresses, cute tops, pleated minis, and perfectly coordinated handbags.

What started as a niche TikTok challenge barely six months ago has exploded into a full-blown cultural moment. The trend, widely known as “Girlmode Clubbing,” has turned Friday and Saturday nights into runway showcases of youthful, exuberant femininity performed by men—some ironically, some sincerely, and most somewhere in between.

From Meme to Movement

The fad began, according to internet lore, when a group of NYU students dressed as “girls’ night out” characters for a joke video. The effect was surprisingly convincing—and apparently addictive. Within weeks, #GirlmodeClubbing had millions of views, with young men across the country documenting their transformations: contouring tutorials, wig-styling mishaps, frantic attempts at walking in 4-inch block heels, and triumphant mirror selfies of outfits that look straight off Zara’s front page.

“It just felt fun,” says 21-year-old Ethan from Boston. “My girlfriend did my makeup for a party. I thought I’d look ridiculous, but people kept telling me I looked cute. Then I realized I liked the vibe. Guys get to play with a whole new palette of expression.”

The Clubs Are Loving It

Nightclubs, quick to spot a trend that brings in enthusiastic patrons, have leaned into the movement. Some host “Fem Fridays” with discounted entries for anyone in femme attire, regardless of gender. Others offer makeup stations near the coat check for final-minute touch-ups.

“We’ve never seen energy like this,” says Tianna Rodriguez, manager of Pulse in Miami. “The dance floor is happier, people are more open, and honestly—everyone looks gorgeous.”

Bartenders report that the atmosphere feels strangely more polite on Girlmode nights. “Guys in dresses tip better,” one joked.

The Fashion Industry Joins In

Retailers have not been slow to catch on. Urban Outfitters, ASOS, and H&M have quietly launched “fluid femme” capsule lines aimed at men seeking club-friendly femininity: stretchy minis designed to accommodate broader shoulders, heels with slightly wider widths, and crop tops with more forgiving cuts.

Beauty brands are partnering with male influencers for collab lines of glosses and shimmery eyeshadows. Tutorials such as “Makeup for the Masculine Jawline” trend daily on TikTok.

Notably, many of the biggest promoters of the trend are straight guys with girlfriends who love the makeover process.

“It’s like having a life-sized doll,” said Jade, 23, while applying eyeliner to her boyfriend Noah before a night out in Chicago. “He gets more compliments than I do now, which is rude, but also adorable.”

Not Just Irony—A New Social Space

Though the fad started as a joke, many participants say it has become a genuine and liberating form of self-expression.

“I don’t even think of it as crossdressing,” says 19-year-old DeShawn in Atlanta. “It’s just dressing. And honestly? Miniskirts are way more comfortable on the dance floor than skinny jeans.”

Sociologists are beginning to take notice, describing the phenomenon as part of Gen Z’s broader dismantling of rigid gender codes. “This generation treats gender presentation like fashion—dynamic, playful, and situational,” says Dr. Melissa Groves, a culture researcher at UCLA.

A Night Out Reimagined

A typical scene outside any major club now features:

• Groups of boys carefully matching their handbags
• Freshly-waxed legs comparing heel heights
• Guys fixing one another’s wig bangs before entering
• Lip gloss being passed around like gum
• Young men complaining about how hard it is to keep a purse organized
• And at least one group nervously practicing how to pose for pictures in their new outfits

Inside, it’s a mix of laughter, admiration, flirtation, and the occasional newbie face-plant from heels that were “cuter than they were stable.”

Even traditional jock types have joined in. “My whole frat does Girlmode Saturdays,” says Trent, 22, from Arizona State. “I thought I’d hate it. But man, when you hear people say you’re pretty—it hits.”

Where Is It Headed?

What happens next is anyone’s guess. Some say it’ll fade like a million trends before it. Others think this might mark the start of a lasting shift in how men understand fashion, beauty, and identity.

For now, though, one thing is certain: America’s nightlife has never sparkled quite this brightly.

And as one newly converted clubgoer put it, smoothing his pleated chiffon skirt before heading inside:

“Once you feel the wind on your legs, there’s no going back.”

Wearing Retrofête

Noah Galvin femulating in a Halloween episode of television’s The Real O'Neals.

Klinefelter Syndrome and Male Femininity

A week ago, I asked AI to talk about Diethylstilbestrol (DES) and its connection to male femininity. After that post, a reader asked about Klinefelter Syndrome (KS) and its connection to male femininity. Whereas I knew something about DES, I knew very little about KS, so I asked AI to fill me in and here is what it had to say. 

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) — typically the 47,XXY chromosomal pattern — is one of the most well-documented biological conditions in which male femininity naturally emerges from a mix of genetics, hormones, and social experience. Many accounts come from men who grew up not knowing they had KS, only discovering it in adulthood after years of feeling “different” in their bodies or gender expression.

Here’s a clear, human-focused overview:

1. What Klinefelter Syndrome Is

Klinefelter syndrome occurs when a male is born with one or more extra X chromosomes — most commonly XXY.

This leads to:

• lower testosterone levels
• reduced fertility
• mild differences in physical development
• sometimes differences in cognitive or emotional traits

KS is not a disorder of identity — but it naturally produces traits that many societies interpret as “feminine.”

2. Femininity in the Body

Because testosterone production is lower, KS often brings softening of typically “male” features:

Common physical traits with feminine associations:

• gynecomastia (natural breast development)
• slimmer shoulders
• wider hips or a more pear-shaped silhouette
• softer skin
• reduced facial/body hair
• long legs relative to torso
• lower muscle mass

Many KS men describe feeling like their bodies were “between male and female,” even before diagnosis.

“I wasn’t fat — I just had a woman’s shape. Nobody knew why. Later I found out I had XXY, and suddenly it all clicked.”

Breast tissue development is especially significant: around 40–60% of KS men develop noticeable breasts during puberty.

3. Emotional and Psychological Femininity

Many KS men describe themselves using words that align with stereotypically feminine temperament:

• gentle
• empathetic
• emotionally intuitive
• less aggressive
• socially attuned
• conflict-avoidant

These aren’t deficiencies — they’re natural variations shaped partly by hormones.

“I cried easily as a boy and was more interested in friendships than competition. Other boys saw it as weakness; I see it now as a gift.”

Some clinicians note that KS boys tend to prefer the company of girls, creative interests, or quieter pursuits.

4. Gender Expression and Identity

While most XXY individuals identify as male, a significant minority report:

• gender fluidity
• nonbinary or androgynous identity
• attraction to feminine clothing
• crossdressing as self-comfort
• a lifelong feeling of “not fully male”

Not from fantasy — but from the actual lived experiences of people with KS.

This isn’t universal, but many KS men say that their body differences made traditional masculinity feel unnatural or alien.

“I tried so hard to act like a man, but it felt like I was playing a role written for someone else.”

Some later in life lean into androgynous or feminine presentation because it feels more authentic than forcing masculinity shaped by testosterone they never fully had.

5. Identity Awakening After Diagnosis

A common narrative is the powerful re-interpretation of the self that occurs after finding out they are XXY:

Before diagnosis:

• “Why is my chest soft?”
• “Why don’t I have body hair?”
• “Why do other guys seem so effortlessly masculine?”
• “Why do I feel more comfortable in sensitive or expressive roles?”

After diagnosis:

• “My femininity isn’t weakness — it’s biology.”
• “I don’t have to apologize for not fitting the stereotype.”
• “There’s a reason my body and emotions feel the way they do.”

Many men describe the diagnosis as a huge relief.

6. The Social Impact: Femininity in a Male Body

Klinefelter syndrome challenges the idea that male and female are rigid categories.

In many ways, KS men embody a naturally occurring form of androgyny:

• male
• but softened
• sensitive
• and, in certain traits, biologically feminized

Some embrace this openly:

“I’m a gentle man in every sense — not less of a man, just a different kind.”

Others explore feminine dressing or aesthetics because it matches their body more comfortably than traditional masculine styles.

7. In the Community

In online XXY groups, you frequently find discussions about:

• embracing soft masculinity
• wearing clothes that fit the body (sometimes women’s cuts)
• navigating breast development
• choosing whether to treat or embrace gynecomastia
• exploring nonbinary identity
• finding empowerment in their natural femininity

The tone is often one of self-acceptance after years of confusion.

Wearing Ann Taylor

Grzegorz Wilk femulating Amanda Lear on Polish television’s Your Face Sounds Familiar.
Click here to view this femulation on YouTube.

Stuff 96: Down For Maintenance

By J.J. Atwell

Down For Maintenance

Ever go somewhere only to find that it is currently down for maintenance? 

It seems that a lot of things in life require some amount of maintenance. Nothing is more true than the female of the species. Except perhaps the male who wants to dress like a female. 

Nails

My wife and I go to a nail salon every two weeks. We get manicures each visit and every second visit we add pedicures. My wife gets gel nails with a color that her tech picks out for her. I get clear polish on my nails. When we go for manicures it takes about 30 minutes. When doing mani/pedi it’s more like an hour plus. 

Looking around the salon it caters almost exclusively to women. They book their appointments ahead of time so it fits into their schedule. It’s very much a feminine surrounding. Interestingly enough, on a recent visit in the course of casual conversations with other patrons several mentioned that their husbands/boyfriends also liked to get mani/pedis. So I guess I’m not alone in the maintenance requirement.

Hair

Your crowning glory, male or female, does take a bit of maintenance. But here again it’s easier for guys. All they need to do is shampoo in the shower and let it dry. Perhaps run a comb or brush through it. Once every month or so we stop at a barber shop to get it cut taking about 20 minutes. 

Women, however, seem to spend much more time on their hair. If they have long hair, and especially if they color it, a hair appointment can take two hours plus. Not only that, but the regular maintenance of their hair style requires things like curling irons, hot rollers and many minutes in front of the mirror getting it to look right. 

CDs who wear wigs have it a bit easier than women do. It only takes a couple of minutes to put on the wig and brush it out. Plus, if we want to change color or cut, it’s a simple matter of picking up a different wig. Still, there is some periodic maintenance needed on wigs, so I suppose we need to add that into the pipeline. 

Body

About the only thing most guys do to maintain their body seems to be a shower, shave their face and perhaps some physical exercise. Maybe we watch what we eat as well, but we don’t quite have issues with overstuffed clothing that women need to watch out for when they gain weight. 

Women seem to need time in the shower shaving many spots. Underarms, legs and perhaps some more sensitive areas. They also tend to use moisturizers or body lotions afterward, which most guys don’t do. Since women’s clothing is often cut more closely to the body, many women find that they need to carefully maintain their weight or perhaps, have two sets of clothing for those “fat days.” So they have almost daily attention to their diet unlike most guys. 

I’ll Be Back

Once I finish my required maintenance, 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.

Wearing Mac Duggal.

Peter Alexander femulating in the 1961 Austrian film Die Abenteuer des Grafen Bobby.
Click here to view this film on YouTube.

It Still Seams To Me

A few weeks ago, I mentioned that I was getting on board the time machine and planning to wear seamed hosiery like I did when I started exploring Mom’s wardrobe (until she switched to seamless hose). But first, I had to buy a pair, so I poked around Amazon and found a three-pack of On the Go black seamed thigh highs at $22.99 ($7.66 per pair), which is a reasonable price for thigh highs these days. 

I promised that as soon as they arrived, I would try them on and let you know what I think. That was nearly four weeks ago and I forgot to tell you what I think, so better late than never…

Being on the high side of six feet, I worried that the thigh highs might not be long enough for my long gams, so I ordered the longest size available (L for Large) and crossed my fingers.

When the thigh highs arrived, I uncrossed my fingers and tried them on. I am happy to report that they were long enough and also that they were soft and smooth and looked great once I straightened the seams! 

And so it goes.

Wearing alice + Olivia

Brian Charles Rooney femulating on stage in Bedbugs!!!

Someday Is Here!