Dressing for the Weekend

Men Being woMenly

Choices

We make choices everyday.

(Boxers, briefs or panties? Yogurt or bagel? Bra or bra-less? Regular or decaf?)

Some choices are more important than others and some have long-term ramifications.

(Should I be a doctor, a lawyer or a fire chief? Should I marry her, him or it?)

Sometimes our choices backfire. Sometimes our choices are just plain wrong and we suffer the consequences, but we are still free to choose whatever we want.

So why can’t we choose our gender?

Despite all the scientific evidence to the contrary, the anti-transgender crowd claims that transgender folks choose to be transgender just like the anti-gay crowd claims that gay folks choose to be gay. And according to those crowds, making those choices is wrong.

I am naturally feminine. My feminine speech and mannerisms are a bad fit in boy mode, but in girl mode, they are a perfect fit.

I could man up and never wear a dress again, but I chose not to impersonate a male. So, yes, I made a choice to live authentically and not fit in with the boys.

But what if I was not transgender?

What if I was a guy with no gender issues, who carefully weighed all the options and decided that living my life as a woman was preferable to living my life as a man. And as a result, chose to live life as a woman.

What's wrong with that?

I say, “Absolutely nothing.”

It is just another choice. Admittedly, it is a big choice with a lot of long-term ramifications, but humans make important choices everyday. That’s why God gave us intelligence and free will ― so that we can make choices ― like choosing our gender.

Wearing Bebe

Patrick Walshe McBride femulating on British television’s Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators.

Someday Funnies

Wearing ModCloth

Rachel out and about in a sports bar.

Six Months Left to do Your Christmas Shopping

 

Wearing Boston Proper

Vincent McDoom

Stuff: Thoughts from Abroad

By J.J. Atwell

Abroad?

Did you think this was going to be about me referring to myself as “a broad?” Sorry to disappoint. Instead, I’d like to relate some observations from a recent trip abroad – observations about women’s styles of course. 

There is a Different Aesthetic

My trip included England and Norway. A couple of places that are similar, but very different. I’d also allow that the places I visited were more touristy, but did include some regular locations, with regular people, as well. 

Perhaps the most interesting thing I noticed was that the professional women I saw were frequently wearing skirts and hose – very stylish outfits for sure. The fact that they were wearing hose was the odd thing for me. You see, JJ lives in the south where the temperatures are pretty high. So we seldom see women wearing hose. It’s just too hot for that. But I understand the bare leg look is not uncommon at all even in the big northern cities in the USA. 

As an aside, when getting ready for one of JJ’s group meetings, I went looking for some dark pantyhose. It wasn’t an easy search. There were few options available here where the weather is hot almost all the time. It seems like here in the USA that the regularity of women wearing hose is fading away. Perhaps, Europe is behind the curve here.

Other Differences?

Yes, I noticed interesting styles. Especially in Norway where much of what was for sale was targeted more to the colder climates. Not surprising, you say. Well yes, except that the weather while we were there was in the upper 70’s and low 80’s. So obviously there should be a market for some lighter wear. Also, lots of clothing in Norway were knitted with interesting, intricate patterns. 

Sizes are also a bit different. It seems that it’s hard to find things in larger sizes when abroad. Marked sizes are only an indication of what the garment might be. In the US we often hear the term “Vanity Sizing.” That’s the practice of making clothing larger than the standard size or marking it one size smaller. That way people can proudly say they are a size 8 when in reality they are a 10. Or a 12. 

I noticed however that sizing in Norway especially seems to run pretty small. An XL size there might be equivalent to a M or L in the US. If you go shopping abroad be sure to hold up the clothing to get a better idea if it will actually fit. 

I’ll admit that most of the women I noticed were younger and perhaps my impressions are just my old, male bias showing through. But I did come away from the trip with a different perspective on style abroad. Maybe it is simply differences in the environment or climate in the places I visited. People adapt their clothing to suit where they live. 

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.

Wearing Nine West

Sture Lagerwall femulating in the 1934 Swedish film Adventures At The Hotel
(Äventyr på hotell).

His New Look

Wearing Cynthia Rowley

Veit Alex, male womanswear model

Breaking Ties

 

Wearing Madeleine

Meg of Call Me Meg fame

Yet Another Hemline Ha Ha

Wearing Cynthia Rowley

Ben Sander femulating on television’s The Brini Maxwell Show. 

Trans-cationing

Where is the best place for a crossdresser to vacation in the USA?

If you're a crossdresser looking for a welcoming and inclusive vacation spot in the USA, here are some great options.

San Francisco, California: Known for its LGBTQ+ community, San Francisco offers a vibrant atmosphere, Pride events, and supportive resources .

New York City, New York: With a rich history and a diverse community, NYC is a fantastic choice for crossdressers. Explore the city's nightlife and embrace your identity.

Portland, Oregon: A must-visit in the Pacific Northwest, Portland is known for its progressive mindset and LGBTQ-friendly environment.

Providence, Rhode Island: Providence offers excellent resources and a welcoming atmosphere for trans individuals.

Atlanta, Georgia: Atlanta's LGBTQ+ scene is thriving, making it a great destination for crossdressers.

Remember to check local LGBTQ+ travel sites for specific recommendations and events!

Outside the USA?

When it comes to transgender-friendly vacation destinations outside the USA, there are several great options to consider.

Greece (Greek Islands): The Greek Islands, including Mykonos and Santorini, are known for their LGBTQ+ acceptance and vibrant nightlife. Enjoy beautiful beaches, historic sites and a welcoming atmosphere.

Gran Canaria, Spain: This Canary Island is a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. It offers stunning beaches, lively nightlife and a diverse community.

Amsterdam, Netherlands: Amsterdam is renowned for its open-minded culture, Pride events, and LGBTQ+ scene. Explore the city's canals, museums and friendly cafes.

Berlin, Germany: Berlin is a hub for LGBTQ+ culture with numerous bars, clubs and events. Visit historical sites, art galleries and experience the city's inclusive vibe.

Bangkok, Thailand: Bangkok has a thriving LGBTQ+ scene especially in the Silom district. Enjoy street food, temples and exciting nightlife.

Remember to research local laws and customs and consider safety precautions when planning your trip. If you’re looking for a tailor-made luxury vacation, reach out to travel experts who specialize in LGBTQ+ travel for personalized recommendations.

Wearing Halston

Wilson Cruz femulating in a 1997 episode of television’s Aly McBeal.