Zer0 to 80

I am having a lot of fun using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create images for the blog. I find it interesting how AI handles request to depict crossdressers. The results tend to depict crossdressers who present well, so they have a better chance of passing.

I ran a test to compare how AI handles crossdressers of different ages, from 0 to 80. Not actually 0, but 18- to 80-year-old, male-to-female crossdressers wearing little black dresses and high heels. Here are the results.

18 years old

20-something years old

30-something years old

40-something years old

50-something years old

60-something years old

70-something years old

80-something years old

Like Father, Like Son... Not

Wearing Boston Proper

Enzo Cerusico femulating in the 1979 Italian film Excuse Me, Are You Normal?

Mom Dressed Me

 

Did your mother ever dress you up as a girl (whether you were willing or not)?

With me the answer is yes and no. I’ve told this story here before, so here is the short version.

About 6 to 9 years old, I wanted to be a clown and smeared my face with cold cream to simulate a clown’s white face. My mother saw the mess and volunteered to do better, but she misinterpreted what I was trying to do thinking I wanted a girl’s face. So she made me up and when I saw her handiwork in the mirror, I was horrified. To preserve my “masculine” persona, I insisted that she remove the makeup rather than going to my sister’s bedroom to find a dress to wear.

Dressing me as a girl never happened again, although I found out later that my mother knew that I was crossdressing and I am sure that if I asked, she would have helped me. 

If I had accepted my mother’s invitation and gone to my sister’s bedroom to find a dress to wear, I wonder how that might have changed my life. Would girl-time be a regular occurrence (rather than sneakily dressing en femme when I was home alone)? Would my mother’s support have accelerated my acceptance of who I really am?

I don't know, but I would love to hear your stories if your mother dressed you en femme when you were a youngster. How did it affect you? Did it make a difference? Inquiring minds want to know, so write in the comments below or e-mail me to share your story.

Wearing Bebe

Christian Clavier femulating in the French film Santa Claus Is A Stinker.

Men’s Night

Last minute Christmas shopping over the past weekend reminded me of “Men’s Night” when the local stores would be open one weekday evening during the holidays to cater to men who were at work and unable to shop during the day. I remember my town doing it back in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. Maybe your town did it, too.

One store in my town, Worth’s, took it a step further. They sent their female staff home for the evening and only used males as sales associates on Men’s Nights. The idea was that male customers would be more at ease buying gifts for their ladies if the sales people were male.

But Worth’s did not stop there. The males working on Men’s Nights crossdressed as female sales associates!

Evidently this stunt was very popular and Worth’s was very busy on Men’s Nights. Even my father, who hated shopping, took advantage of Men’s Nights and the next day, would mention the “sales ladies” at Worth’s. I always wondered if any of the male customers showed up as crossdressed female customers, but it being circa 1960, I doubt it.

I tried to talk my father into taking me along on Men’s Nights, but he never did because Men’s Nights’ extended past my pre-teen bedtime.

And so it goes.

Wearing Cynthia Rowley

Patricia Sánchez, Madrid, Spain

Merry Christmas

Wishing all my readers, “Merry Christmas!”

Love, Stana

Never Too Old

 

Wearing Marciano

Warratahs Mobile Theatre Unit’s female impersonator entertaining Australian troops in 1943.

Secrets, Socks and Self-Discovery: A Sugar Plum Haven Story

By Paula Gaikowski

In the early morning mist of 1635, the good ship Lollipop gently nudged the sandy shore of what would soon become the town of Sugar Plum Haven. Aboard this vessel were a group of pioneering souls, a diverse collection of individuals who sought refuge and a fresh start in the New World. As they disembarked, they clung to a vision of a better future, one where they could build a community that was not just tolerant, but truly loving and welcoming to all, regardless of their differences.

Before setting foot on the untouched land, they gathered to draft what would become known as the Sugarplum Haven Compact. This document was more than just a set of rules; it was a heartfelt promise, a roadmap to guide them in creating a place where diversity was celebrated, where everyone could find a home and build a life in peace and harmony.

Over the centuries, Sugar Plum Haven evolved into a haven for those who were considered different, particularly those who identified as gender diverse. The town grew, and its reputation for tolerance and acceptance spread far and wide. It became a sanctuary where people from all walks of life could find refuge, solace, and a chance to thrive. In this town, the spirit of unity and diversity flourished, proving that when people with open hearts come together, they can create a community that truly embraces the beauty of individuality.

Stana, a prominent figure in the town of Sugar Plum Haven, was not just a matriarch but a beacon of strength and resilience. She was a direct descendant of Captain Christine Jorgensen, the leader of the pioneering group that had arrived on the good ship Lollipop. Stana came from a long line of Femulators, individuals who had been at the forefront of championing gender diversity and equality. Her family's legacy was a source of inspiration for her and a reminder of the importance of acceptance and progress.

Stana was not only the editor and publisher of the local newspaper, “The Sugar Plum Gazette,” but she also served as the town's mayor, a role she had taken on with passion and dedication. Her leadership extended beyond her official duties, as she was actively involved in numerous civic affairs, from organizing community events to advocating for policies that promoted inclusivity and understanding.

Her presence in the town was a symbol of the values that Sugar Plum Haven held dear – a commitment to love, tolerance, and embracing the diversity of its residents. Stana's life and work were a testament to the idea that progress and acceptance could be achieved when individuals like her, carrying the legacy of their ancestors, worked tirelessly to create a better, more inclusive world for everyone in their community.

Seymour Fraud, a right-wing politician known for his divisive rhetoric and messages of hate and intolerance, had gained notoriety with his aggressive stance against various groups, including the LGBTQ+ community. One of his primary targets was the town of Sugar Plum Haven, with its annual Sugarplum Fairy contest during the Christmas festival drawing particular attention.

Seymour had made it his mission to campaign against what he viewed as "indecency" and an attack on traditional values. In his fervor to support his cause, Seymour had a devoted young mentee named Paul Gaikowski. Paul was enthusiastic and impressionable, and he ardently believed in Seymour's messages, particularly those directed at Sugar Plum Haven and its mayor, Stana. 

To read the rest of the story, click here.

Wearing Venus

April Ashley, circa 1960

Perfect!

Wearing Joie

Waiting in the restaurant for the other ladies to arrive for our luncheon last week, I took this selfie. Not bad for a 72-year-old, soon to be 73-year-old lady. The gold herringbone necklace was my mother’s and I wear it whenever I go out if it works with the rest of my outfit.

Femulators and Mobsters

By Paula Gaikowski

When I'm not at my desk here at Femulate Headquarters doing my nails, I enjoy reading about the Mafia and watching organized crime movies. Carmela Soprano, with her glamorous style, big hair, makeup and her nails, oh yes! While doing so I found a fascinating and unlikely connection between the machismo world of the Mafia and the feminine world of female impersonators.  

In the 1950s and 1960s, at the height of the Mafia's influence, an unusual alliance formed between mobsters and the underground drag and gay club scene.

Stana has penned insightful articles detailing the vibrant nightlife of Club 82 in New York City. This drag club, known for its female impersonators, primarily catered to a cisgender audience. Surprisingly, it attracted Hollywood elite like Frank Sinatra, the Rat Pack and prominent politicians for both entertainment and possibly, illicit activities.

The venue was managed by Anna Genovese, wife of Vito Genovese, head of the Genovese crime family. In an era where homosexuality was denounced and essentially illegal, securing loans for such ventures was nearly impossible. Obtaining a liquor license posed another hurdle, not to mention the constant threat of police raids. 

The Mafia stepped in to address these issues, providing loans, ensuring protection from police raids through their connections and turning these clubs into tax-free income sources. The back rooms of these establishments became hubs for illegal dealings, offering gangsters discreet meeting spaces where politicians or celebrities could meet with the underworld.

Moreover, the Mafia used these clubs for extortion and blackmail, leveraging compromising situations to manipulate patrons including influential figures. According to Columbo underboss Sonny Franzese, J. Edgar Hoover may have fallen victim to such tactics, possibly explaining his reluctance to prosecute the Mafia during his tenure as FBI director.

There was a positive aspect to all of this, a refuge where transgender individuals could authentically be themselves and find community. 

In the unique world of Club 82 and similar establishments, the female impersonator acts of that time differed significantly from the theatrics of todays’ drag. These performers infused a refined, femininity into their acts, often mimicking famous female celebrities or developing their own female personas. Singing in their own female voices, dancing, and even incorporating comedy, these acts reflected a subtler form of expression.

Working in these clubs was demanding with performers often required to do three shows a night. Despite the grueling schedule, the band leaders and producers maintained high standards, expecting dedication and expertise from the performers. Many of these individuals, underpaid and overworked, lacked alternative options but found in these clubs a space to reach their potential and make a living within a supportive community that truly understood them

The Mafia played a role in providing protection from harassment. One transgender individual, working as a female impersonator, shared the profound sense of safety she felt while navigating the streets. Knowing that the Mafia would swiftly respond to any mistreatment, she felt a reassuring shield against potential harm. It was a unique blend of defiance and security that characterized this underground scene.

It’s important to note that the Stonewall, the site of the historic Stonewall riots, was also operated by the Mafia. Following the riots and the rise of the gay rights movement, the necessity for these underground clubs lessened. However, the partnership between the Mafia and these places persisted well into the 1980s. As transgender and gay individuals integrated into mainstream society, the power dynamic shifted and the Mafia’s involvement was less relevant. Today, shows like RuPaul's Drag Race have propelled drag and female impersonation into the mainstream as recognized art forms.

Understanding the covert and underground nature of being transgender or gay just a few decades ago is enlightening. The younger generations might not fully grasp the challenges faced and the hard-fought battles for LGBTQ+ rights. It serves as a reminder of the struggles endured in a culture of suppression.

(Click here if you are interested in learning more.)

Wearing Venus

Paula Gaikowski channeling her inner Club 82, compliments of Jamie Austin