Bree’s Favorite Photo (of Bree!)

Bree's Bucket List Pictures

Step 1 - Get Out The Door! (June 2011 - Picture in the orange blouse)

It was only a quick run to a gas station to fill up the tank while on vacation in central Colorado, but it was one of the toughest doors I've opened in my life.

Step 2 - Go Overseas (November 2012 - Picture at the British Museum, London)

I was lucky enough to have my job send me to England for a week and since it was my second trip there, I had just enough confidence to bring Bree along for the ride. I shopped, visited castles, rode the tube, and toured London all while having an amazing experience.

Step 3 - Really Learn Makeup (December 2012 - Picture in the Silver Blouse)

I went to M·A·C and had them teach me how to do my makeup better. They did one side of my face and I repeated it on the other. Getting into the store in the middle of the mall without wearing any makeup other than beard cover was nerve-wracking! I still use almost everything I learned there whenever I go out.

Step 4 - Climb a Mountain (July 2013 - Picture Atop 14,036 ft Mt Sherman)

My alter ego had developed quite the passion for hiking 14ers while I lived in Colorado and Bree was dying to go. I made quite the adventure out of it with camping and climbing. What a view and what a rush!

Step 5 - To the Theatre! (April 2014 - Picture outside the Buell Theatre, Denver)

I'd been to a small and casual theatre with some friends before this, but this was the main attraction. A great friend was in from out of town and we went to see Rock of Ages. The show was fantastic and we had the time of our lives!

Step 6 - Out with Mom (July 2014 - Picture at the Mall of America)

This is otherwise known as "You can go home again." In the middle of my family's move from Denver to DC, I had a rare occasion to spend a few days at my childhood home while my wife and kids were at her parent's cabin. My mom had known about Bree for about eight months and we took the opportunity for a day of shopping at the Mall of America (where I worked during college). Mom bought me a few things and we had a wonderful day. 

Future Steps?

Who knows where I'll go, but I've been awfully fortunate to be where I've been and where I'm at. There are plenty of great opportunities for once-in-a-lifetime events here in DC and we'll just have to see what I can take advantage of!

 

 

 

Wearing Light in the Box.

 

 

 

Wife and husband dressed up to attend husband’s company Christmas party. (Wow!)

More Outreach Words

Professor Schildroth has only one human sexuality class this semester rather than two, so  I only had one class for outreach. I was joined by four other transwomen --- MaryAnn, another no-op, no-hormone woman like me and three post-op women, Amanda, Kailey and Michelle. I've done outreach with MaryAnn and Michelle many times; Amanda and Kailey were new to me.

As usual, there were a lot more women than men in the class... about 25 women and exactly three men.

Our "outreach" starts off with each of us telling our biographies in a nutshell --- about five minutes each. Then the class is divided between the no-ops and the post-ops so that the students can ask questions. Half way through the class time, the no-ops and post-ops switch sides so that each half of the class gets to question all of us.

I am not sure how effective this is as "outreach" because if the students don't ask the right questions or if we don't touch upon a particular point in our bios, then there will be holes in the students' understanding of what it means to be a transgender person.

However, reading the students' written comments after each session, I think we are making some progress. We usually are able to leave them with the knowledge that we are not freaks. Rather that we are just like they are, that is, human beings just trying to get along in the world.

Most of the students' questions asked of me were typical.

• How did you choose your female name?
• Do you present as a woman all the time?
• Does your spouse support you? Etcetera.

Then there were a couple of atypical questions.

• What was your favorite time growing up? (The late 1960s.)
• What was the weirdest question you were ever asked at outreach? (You just asked it.

Sometimes, I am a little nervous when I do outreach and come across as "sad" and/or "up tight," but on Tuesday, I was very comfortable and as a result, I was humorous and very effusive.

One student commented that I was "cute" in the way I told my story. Another commented about my prowess for walking in heels --- something she has yet to conquer. Still another came up to me after the class, gave me a big hug and said I was "very pretty."

So I guess I did good.

 

 

 

Wearing DailyLook.

 

 

 

Contestants femulating in the 2014 Mr. CC-E womanless beauty pageant in Spencer, Iowa.

Outreach Words

I have no problem driving my standard/manual transmission Subaru wearing high heels. But lately, I have been switching to flats when I drive unless it is a short ride to here or there.

The reason being that I discovered that driving scuffs up and scratches my heels more than when I drive wearing flats or shoes with a small heel. And unless I am trying to show off how fashionable I am, I don't necessarily switch to heels when I reach my destination.

For example, Wednesday, I drove the 30 miles to New Haven wearing my short wedges. When I stopped at CVS to buy a package of makeup wipes and other sundry items, I did not switch to my heels. (By the way, here is a tip for the frugal femulator: use baby wipes in place of makeup wipes. Baby wipes are cheaper, but just as effective as makeup wipes.)

After CVS, I continued on to the University and after parking my car, only then did I switch to heels.

There is a big construction project at the University that is eating away at the parking lot that is next to the classroom buildings where I do outreach. As a result, there was no room for my car in that lot, so I had to park at the next nearest parking facility --- a half-mile away from the classrooms.

So when I switched to heels, I considered carrying my short wedges (just in case) because I had a long walk on pavement ahead of me and my feet. But I decided against it because I was wearing my comfortable Karmen pumps from Payless.

It was a good test for my Karmens and they passed with flying colors. My feet were painless after the half-mile trek, as well as after the return half-mile.

By the way, in addition to my Karmens, I wore my black/dark gray/light gray color-block cowlneck belted sweater dress (from DressBarn), black opaque tights and for outerwear, my white fake fur jacket and a green fun fur scarf that my wife knitted for me.

Tomorrow, I will post more outreach words.

 

 

 

Wearing Kallia (footwear).

 

 

 

Actors Vic Ford  and Chris Sheen femulating in the 1949 British film Skimpy In The Navy.

Outreach Photo

The photo above shows me with the students of the Human Sexuality class at Southern Connecticut State University where I did outreach yesterday. I will post my words about yesterday shortly.

(Thank you MaryAnn for the photography!)

 

 

 

Wearing Jay Godfrey.

 

 

 

Actors Bradley Whitford and Jeffrey Tambor femulating in television’s Transparent (2014).

I’m Back

Welcome back as we return to our normal programming schedule! I hope your holiday (if any) was pleasant. I had a molar extracted the Friday before Thanksgiving and my jaw ached for over a week, but I managed to enjoy turkey with all the trimmings nonetheless. I have been taking advantage of the holiday sales --- updating some of my wardrobe and adding to it as well. Today, I will be at Southern Connecticut State University to do outreach at a human sexuality class, which is always interesting. And I plan to do a little holiday shopping for my family and friends before and after the class. You can expect a full report on my day out as a woman in a day or two.

 

 

 

Wearing Thicken.

 

 

 

Comedian Zach Cregger femulating in television’s The Whitest Kids U' Know (2007-12).

Your Favorite Photo (of Yourself!) Marathon

TV stations like to run marathons during holidays and this TV is no different, so I hope you enjoy the Femulate Your Favorite Photo (of Yourself!) Marathon through the holiday weekend.

Carollyn’s Favorite Photo (of Carolyn!)

Like you, Stana, I have so many pictures when I'm out and about at my favorite places, but here are two photos for your use.

The first is from earlier this summer at a lovely park near my home. I love going to this park to relax, read a book or watch the wild turkeys. 

The second is from earlier this year at my favorite up-scale outdoor mall, The Fountains in Roseville, California. I love wandering through the shops and enjoying the eateries. This is one shopping area where one can dress up a bit and fit right in with the other shoppers.

Thanks for all you do.

Your Favorite Photo (of Yourself!) Marathon

TV stations like to run marathons during holidays and this TV is no different, so I hope you enjoy the Femulate Your Favorite Photo (of Yourself) Marathon through the holiday weekend.

Mimi’s Favorite Photo (of Mimi!)

Attached is a photo of me; I would be honored if you posted it on your blog. It was taken by Katie Wannabe, who used to run a TG/TV/CD makeover studio north of Philly. She has since moved to Florida. I went to her for makeovers whenever i could, even though she was quite a distance from me. Her salon was upstairs from a 'regular' salon and she also had GG customers.

On this particular visit, she did my nails (acrylic tips and polish), makeup and wig-styling. Then we went to a fashion show that she was hosting for all of her clients and I was one of the models, who were all Femulators.

I wish I had photos of the show itself; I must have modeled about four or five outfits. The audience was other TG/TV/CD Femulators and a mixed crowd.

This was taken in October of 2003, but it's still my favorite photo of me en femme. I have a few others that are also among my favorite from that day: one full-figure, outside holding a purse in a very lady-like manner. It's in my photo album on flickr.


In response to my open invitation to send your favorite photo along with the story behind it and the reason it is your favorite photo, I received a lot of photos and stories that I am posting in the the order I received them. My invitation still stands, so don't be shy, send me your photos!

Your Favorite Photo (of Yourself) Marathon

TV stations like to run marathons during holidays and this TV is no different, so I hope you enjoy the Femulate Your Favorite Photo (of Yourself) Marathon through the holiday weekend.

Nancy Ng’s Favorite Photo (of Nancy Ng!)

Just me in the quintessential little black dress, though blinged up with sequins. I'm at our TG support club, Xpressions in Toronto annual Christmas party back in 2002.

I like that my smile is subtle, ‘cuz I'm usually grinning like a Cheshire cat in most of my other photos. Our Christmas parties have always been great since you get to really dress up… from gals wearing cocktail dresses to full ballroom gowns. A few club members will bring out their spouse and families to join us. Lots of dancing is involved too.

Always a great time.


In response to my open invitation to send your favorite photo along with the story behind it and the reason it is your favorite photo, I received a lot of photos and stories that I am posting in the the order I received them. My invitation still stands, so don't be shy, send me your photos!

Your Favorite Photo (of Yourself) Marathon

TV stations like to run marathons during holidays and this TV is no different, so I hope you enjoy the Femulate Your Favorite Photo (of Yourself) Marathon through the holiday weekend.

Jane’s Favorite Photo (of Jane!)

Here is a photo which came out better than I expected. I wore this to protest the city council passing a law requiring landlords to take a class on how to run their rental properties. Never mind the fact many of us have been doing it for years.

They decided to have the local police department conduct the class at the local college. I decided if I had to attend this asinine class I would do it as Jane. If anyone was to object, I would tell them I am properly dress to get ****** by them.

Strangely, no one protested my manner of dress; I think they were afraid to protest. I did get many compliments and I think I did relieve the boredom of the class which lasted all morning. There was over 300 people at the class.

I did fill out a questionnaire and I was not complimentary. I even got a call from the police department about it; they were not too happy with my comments.


In response to my open invitation to send your favorite photo along with the story behind it and the reason it is your favorite photo, I received a lot of photos and stories that I am posting in the the order I received them. My invitation still stands, so don't be shy, send me your photos!

Your Favorite Photo (of Yourself )Marathon

TV stations like to run marathons during holidays and this TV is no different, so I hope you enjoy the Femulate Your Favorite Photo (of Yourself) Marathon through the holiday weekend.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Stephanie’s Favorite Photo (of Stephanie!)

Like you have mentioned, we girls love pictures. They capture a moment in time when everything comes together as we had hoped with our look, a dress, make-up, and sometimes a great experience.

I always dress to pass in public and have been doing so since 1979. The reason I picked the picture of me on the couch in the beige chiffon cocktail dress is simple for me. It is from a Connecticut Outreach Society Holiday Party In Avon (CT) around 1998 and you were also there, as pictured. It’s amazing but you still look the same after all these years.

I had arrived early and was sitting just outside the dining area for our private party when others started to arrive. Eventually, a couple had arrived and it was somewhat obvious that it was a wife with her crossdressed husband. She looked a little uneasy, but I was also impressed that she had made the effort to accompany her husband to support him. She scanned the waiting area and when her eyes met mine, a big grin crossed her face.

She said something to her husband and then left his side and headed toward me. She sat down beside me and introduced herself. I did the same staying in my character as Stephanie. She chatted that she was so nervous being here, but she wanted to support her husband. Then she said she was so happy that I was also here because she thought that she would be the only GG (genetic girl) at the party.

Then it hit me that all this time she thought I was also a GG. Before I could reveal myself she asked me which “gurl” was my husband. Well, I have to tell you I was incredibly flattered, but I also felt bad because I was going to have to let her know that she was still alone in that category unless another GG showed up. So I simply said in my lady voice, “I came alone.”

At first she looked at me as to say, “Why would you come alone?” And then the realization of what I had said hit her.

At first she was stunned and then she said, “I’m so sorry. I thought you were a real woman.”

I must have had the biggest smile ever when I replied, “What are you sorry about? You just gave me the best compliment ever.”

She put her hand on my leg and started to laugh. “I guess you’re right. You really do look lovely and that dress is perfect.”

I do think another wife came, but whenever there was a break in the festivities, she would come my way and simply do girl talk. It was a wonderful night and I wish I knew her now to say thank you for a great evening.”


In response to my open invitation to send your favorite photo along with the story behind it and the reason it is your favorite photo, I received a lot of photos and stories that I am posting in the the order I received them. My invitation still stands, so don't be shy, send me your photos!

Your Favorite Photo (of Yourself) Marathon

TV stations like to run marathons during holidays and this TV is no different, so I hope you enjoy the Femulate Your Favorite Photo (of Yourself) Marathon through the holiday weekend.

Amber’s Favorite Photo (of Amber!)

Amber wrote, “This may not be the sort of thing you are looking for. Not exactly street friendly sort of photo. You and the other ladies all would seem to pass quite easily. I am so jealous. Let's just say that I hide my face for the betterment of all.”

In response to my open invitation to send your favorite photo along with the story behind it and the reason it is your favorite photo, I received a lot of photos and stories that I am posting in the the order I received them. My invitation still stands, so don't be shy, send me your photos!

Tuesday Tip: Keep Your Makeup Where It Belongs

One of the dresses I bought at Fashion to Figure last week had a very narrow collar (see photo). Sans zipper or buttons, it was impossible to put the dress on without transferring some of my makeup onto the dress.

I loved the dress and bought it despite the collar issue. But I did mention the problem to the sales rep and she offered a solution.

Put the dress on before doing your makeup. Then put on a smock or old loose shirt over the dress to prevent the makeup from getting on the dress during application. 

In the past, I tried something similar with a towel, but the towel kept falling away. Now I can put some old boy mode clothes to good use. 

By the way,  hand-washing the soiled part of the dress for about three minutes readily removed the makeup.

 

 

 

Wearing Madeleine.

 

 

 

Actor GerardMcCarthy (left) femulating in British television’s Hollyoaks in 2006.

Lemonade Redux

In response to Wednesday’s Lemonade post, Janet Lynn Stickney wrote, “The sour sounding article that was published here does not, in my opinion express the truth or anything even close to the truth. Except one thing. The writer was absolutely correct about hair length.

“First, I am approaching age 70, and have been going out since I was 12, and I have the pictures to prove it. I was around back when Virginia Prince started her sororities called Tri-Ess. Lets say... 1963, which gives me some insight to the progression of our community. The suggestion that we throw away the cameras is short sighted, demeaning, and without the slightest bit of merit. I myself use a camera to help me better my presentation.

“I have the pleasure to say that I was the very first director of the first Be-All convention, and after that I was involved in 9 more in some capacity. Which means that I have seen all levels of competence of how we present ourselves as females. Some of us are quite lovely, some not, but the drive to present ourselves as females is exactly the same for all of us.

“I will also add that not once have I seen a sister be asked to leave a meeting, a convention, or an event for lack of talent in her presentation. Every single group that I know of accepts us all, regardless. Is help offered, yes. Is it done with a kind word, yes. But they are us, and we are them, and if nothing else, the transgender community accepts everyone like us, offering friendship and a smile.

“Dr. King and my mother gave me the same message. Rely on the content of their character. Do not rely on the length of their hair, what their dress choice is, or how big they are. I have found that within our community, which is really quite small, less than 5% of the population, every single major event, from the Be-All, Southern Comfort, and Fantasia Fair, all of them accept everyone. They do not ask for a picture ahead of time to see if you fit in. Just being there makes you part of the larger whole.”

***

In response to the Comments to Wednesday’s Lemonade post, the writer of the original e-mail that precipitated this (Paula C) wrote, “I wish that I had been able to understand what your correspondent ‘Unknown’ was on about and how to reply to his comment directly but the system beats me. We have a word – a phrase - in English ‘Gobbledy – gook’ which is a kind way of describing rubbish. I have no bile (that’s one of the few words I understood) in me and it is a breath-taking arrogance to presume that there might be! Just because I dared criticise.

“If nothing else; please try and explain why firstly so many TV’s take photographs of themselves in such extraordinary quantities and then, to me, incomprehensibly, want to display them to the World and his Wife. It is deviant behaviour and plays no part in real life if one is a woman. I feel SO sorry for those who so far have submitted their photos which they are proud of. What do they really see when they look at themselves, I have to ask?

“For a number of years I held quite a senior voluntary position here in the UK within the Beaumont Society and also spent quite a lot of my time TRYING to explain ‘transvestism’ to Wives who sought help. (I founded the WOBS, the group trying to help the Wives of transvestites). I also talked to Samaritans groups throughout the south of England, so I do know what I am talking about. I also remember well Virginia Prince in the ‘Sixties’ coming to the UK with missionary-like zeal to teach us poor backward English how to deal with and revel in our transvestism. Not a person I took to. A veritable cross-dressing Billy Graham.”

 

 

 

Wearing DressBarn.

 

 

 

Femulating at the Porchester Hall drag ball in London, circa 1985.

Wardrobe Malfunction

Wearing Sheinside.

Professional femulator in 1932

Paula Gee Goodwin's Favorite Photo (of Paula Gee Goodwin!)

I actually find that as I grow in self confidence and am spending more and more time presenting my true self to the world I am taking less selfies. Keeping a blog going is like feeding an angry animal in the way it consumes photos and all too often, I forget to take any.

I think this is my favorite photo. It's not a sefie but one taken by my friend Justin David, a photographer, writer and generally very clever boy. It was part of a series he took as publicity shots for my orchestra, the London Gay Symphony Orchestra.

I am the only trans member of this particular LGBT group and was very pleased to be asked to be part of the photo series. We were asked to wear something that we thought was elegant or our idea of stylish; I went for this backless evening gown which was a bit odd at 11 o'clock on a Sunday morning.

I love the way the photo makes me look comfortable, confident and happy with myself. I like the black dress against the black background, so I almost seem to emerge from the blackness and I love the sparkle from the dress bodice and the shine of my trombone (precious).

This was one of the first photos ever taken of me,and certainly one of the first after I started to wear my own hair, so in many ways, it is a very early photo showing the real me, no disguise, no hiding, no trying to be somebody else, just me and my trombone.

In response to my open invitation to send your favorite photo along with the story behind it and the reason it is your favorite photo, I received a lot of photos and stories that I am posting in the the order I received them. My invitation still stands, so don't be shy, send me your photos! And by the way, there are currently 20 girls' photos in the queue.

Wearing Light in the Box.

Comedian Flip Wilson femulating on television's The Dean Martin Show in 1967.