Using makeup most certainly isn't a problem just for transgender or cross dresser women. Just look around for all the makeup counters and commercials you see for us all.
Like so many others, I was convinced until I found a woman to do my makeup, I would struggle forever. While some would argue I still struggle, the first real professional makeup job I had was from a man.
I was a member of one of the early so called hetero cross dresser clubs in Columbus, Ohio in the 1980's and one of the meetings featured free makeovers by a couple of professionals. Most of the members there were too shy to wipe off all the makeup they applied and start over but not me.
Of course back in those days I had far fewer wrinkles to deal with and was blessed with smoother skin and the professional worked wonders. So good I barely knew me!
The true tests were to come later when the so called "A" list cross dressers began to compliment me and even invited me to tag along that evening when they went out after the meeting.
Finally, the evening came to an end with one of those "what if" moments when a real live guy ignored all of them and asked me to stick around for a drink. At the spur of the moment "Cinderella" decided she would leave with them and go back to the hotel.
In the days, weeks and years ahead I tried my darnest to copy all the makeup guy told me to not much avail.
Every now and then I have someone ask for advice and I always say if you have the budget, go to a professional and buy the basics only. If you don't, experiment and don't let the mirror lie to you. Plus you can read tons of tutorials on line which focus on value versus effect.
Rest assured the mystery of makeup does get easier but it takes work and most certainly the whole process is one of the most pleasureable parts of being a woman.
Thursday, November 17, 2016
VA Backs Out of Gender Confirmation Surgery
Citing money problems, the Veterans Administration reversed their former stance of approving SRS surgeries.
As with most things with the VA, timing is everything as the announcement came out during Transgender Awareness Week. This is also the government agency which has been routinely in the news for poor care or excessive spending elsewhere. So playing the money card doesn't make sense.
What does make sense is, with the new anti LGBT administration coming into power, we will have to circle our wagons to protect hard earned victories.
As with most things with the VA, timing is everything as the announcement came out during Transgender Awareness Week. This is also the government agency which has been routinely in the news for poor care or excessive spending elsewhere. So playing the money card doesn't make sense.
What does make sense is, with the new anti LGBT administration coming into power, we will have to circle our wagons to protect hard earned victories.
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Sarah McBride
McBride, 26, was the first out transgender American to address a national political convention earlier this year and as the spokeswoman of the nation’s largest LGBTQ rights group, has become its new face to the public, especially since the election of Donald Trump.
"There’s no question a lot of transgender students and their parents woke up Wednesday morning really scared,” McBride told the Associated Press on Sunday, speaking for HRC. “I’m feeling the way a lot of folks are feeling — worried that the heart of this country isn’t big enough to love us, too.”
On HRCs Facebook page, McBride appears in a video aimed at “combatting bullying and continuing the fight toward equality until we are all treated with the dignity and respect we deserve.”
To find out more about HRC’s new Parents for Transgender Equality Council, click here, and to see the training film addressing bullying of LGBTQ children, click here to watch, “What Can We Do?
Love It When a Plan Comes Together
Yesterday was one of those days. Like it or not I had a full day of appointments at the VA, usually the litmus test of my external acceptance as a woman. Over the years being transgender I have had my share of stares and comments from other patients (not staff). In fact in the case of some of my health care providers I have MtF transitioned in front of them as they prescribed my HRT.
Of course the success was a product of the two "c's" - clothing and confidence. From the ground up I wore my new boots, black tights and a lite sweater which dropped over my hips. For once I did just the right amount of makeup to look light I wasn't trying and my hair is still holding it's color and fighting back the gray.
Most importantly though, all my health appointments came through well. Without your health after all nothing else matters.
Secondly, I didn't receive many learing second looks and the only comments were "Ma'am" and "She."
The whole day was worth the old days of torment and turmoil I endured and I wondered why. I give credit to the boots giving me the support to improve my posture. Standing up straight has been such a hard habit to break. For such a long time I felt bending over a bit cut my height down. It did but gave me the poor posture most women don't have. Plus, even standing up straight still didn't make me that tall and more importantly made me look thicker. Not a good thing.
Finally, confidence is such a fragile thing. I for one would think as long as I have been out and about now, I would have plenty. Even still, confidence is my constant companion in my purse-good or bad. Yesterday it turns out I had plenty of the good kind.
Of course the success was a product of the two "c's" - clothing and confidence. From the ground up I wore my new boots, black tights and a lite sweater which dropped over my hips. For once I did just the right amount of makeup to look light I wasn't trying and my hair is still holding it's color and fighting back the gray.
Most importantly though, all my health appointments came through well. Without your health after all nothing else matters.
Secondly, I didn't receive many learing second looks and the only comments were "Ma'am" and "She."
The whole day was worth the old days of torment and turmoil I endured and I wondered why. I give credit to the boots giving me the support to improve my posture. Standing up straight has been such a hard habit to break. For such a long time I felt bending over a bit cut my height down. It did but gave me the poor posture most women don't have. Plus, even standing up straight still didn't make me that tall and more importantly made me look thicker. Not a good thing.
Finally, confidence is such a fragile thing. I for one would think as long as I have been out and about now, I would have plenty. Even still, confidence is my constant companion in my purse-good or bad. Yesterday it turns out I had plenty of the good kind.
Monday, November 14, 2016
Information
Recently I received a message from a representative from Junomedical.com who has put together a comprehensive world wide guide to Sexual Reassignment Surgery (SRS).
The guide is very informative and I thought you may want to take a look the same as I did! Follow the link above.
The guide is very informative and I thought you may want to take a look the same as I did! Follow the link above.
Cyrsti's Condo Monday Edition
Due to my continued ease of non access to a computer, I have decided to do a Monday edition today which (obviously) will replace the Sunday Edition from yesterday. It's a bright chilly fall day here in Ohio, perfect for a hot cup o joe or tea! Let's get started.
Page One-The Week that Was or Wasn't: Of course the elections have come and gone and although I don't think anything is as bad or good as it seems, I still carry a fair amount of paranoia. At the least, the far right is mounting an effort already to repeal any rights we have gained as an LGBTQ community. I do wonder how many people protesting Trump in the streets actually voted when 47% of the populace didn't.
Page Two-Yesterday's Coffee: Other the scrambling for computer time, I was able to do a bit of succesful seasonal shopping. I did manage to find a wonderful pair of calf high charcoal grey boots in my size which fit perfectly! I wear an 11Wide, not exactly the most popular size in the world of women's shoes. Of course, such a nice pair of boots would have to have plenty of leggings to go with them, which I already had. What I didn't have though were long sweaters to complete my outfit. I also found one of those yesterday plus one I didn't know I had in an old closet. My goal is to have a couple sharp outfits to chose from for Liz's company party and New Years Eve.
Page Three-TDOR: Don't forget Transgender Day of Remembrance is coming up this Sunday, November 20th. I am helping with the greater Cincinnati event and don't think for a moment we all don't have worries about increased security. To run and hide at this point of my life would be the greatest injustice of all.
Page Four-the Back Page: There you go William! Thanks for asking about the Sunday Edition :).
With a little continued good fortune, I will be back in the internet saddle again on a regular basis soon.
Luv ya all!
Jessie
Page One-The Week that Was or Wasn't: Of course the elections have come and gone and although I don't think anything is as bad or good as it seems, I still carry a fair amount of paranoia. At the least, the far right is mounting an effort already to repeal any rights we have gained as an LGBTQ community. I do wonder how many people protesting Trump in the streets actually voted when 47% of the populace didn't.
Page Two-Yesterday's Coffee: Other the scrambling for computer time, I was able to do a bit of succesful seasonal shopping. I did manage to find a wonderful pair of calf high charcoal grey boots in my size which fit perfectly! I wear an 11Wide, not exactly the most popular size in the world of women's shoes. Of course, such a nice pair of boots would have to have plenty of leggings to go with them, which I already had. What I didn't have though were long sweaters to complete my outfit. I also found one of those yesterday plus one I didn't know I had in an old closet. My goal is to have a couple sharp outfits to chose from for Liz's company party and New Years Eve.
Page Three-TDOR: Don't forget Transgender Day of Remembrance is coming up this Sunday, November 20th. I am helping with the greater Cincinnati event and don't think for a moment we all don't have worries about increased security. To run and hide at this point of my life would be the greatest injustice of all.
Page Four-the Back Page: There you go William! Thanks for asking about the Sunday Edition :).
With a little continued good fortune, I will be back in the internet saddle again on a regular basis soon.
Luv ya all!
Jessie
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Milestone
This morning was a milestone of sorts in my transgender Mtf transistion. It was the second time I voted with my bright and shiny (almost) feminine drivers license (I.D.) here in Ohio.
To seemingly finish the moment off with an exclamation point was when I waited for a second to hold a door open for another woman coming in the polling spot. She said "Thank you Ma'am."
Doing my duty as an American citizen couldn't have gone better!
To seemingly finish the moment off with an exclamation point was when I waited for a second to hold a door open for another woman coming in the polling spot. She said "Thank you Ma'am."
Doing my duty as an American citizen couldn't have gone better!
Monday, November 7, 2016
Safe Haven
Once a month I try to attend a group dedicated to providing safe havens for anyone who may need them- from LGBTQ to beyond. People dealing with drug, weight, abuse and cutting problems to name a few.
I have a tendency to show up at the meetings with a chip on my shoulder of sorts. Sure, growing up transgender was no piece of cake, but few lives are. It seems my heart has been broken almost every meeting. Why do I go? It seems (unless there is a transgender speaker), I am the lone transgender regular to make an appearance.
What I would like to see is a Native American Indian representative talk about the faded influence of twin or two spirited individuals in the tribal systems. If you aren't familiar, "Two Spirit" is not interchangeable with "LGBT Native American" or "Gay Indian";[2] this title differs from most western, mainstream definitions of sexuality and gender identity in that it is not so much about whom one sleeps with, or how one personally identitfies; rather, it is a sacred, spiritual and ceremonial role that is recognized and confirmed by the Elders of the Two Spirit's ceremonial community."
So far, I have not been able to hear such a person and my friends of Native American Indian descent have very little knowledge of the history.
There is a small TV cable channel called Vice now in it's fourth year. On it's "Gaycation" series, they mentioned several transgender issues, including "two spirit" individuals. Who are crucial to any study of trans history.
All any of us can do is try to influence what we can. Even the "repeat" Halloween appearence can trigger positive responses from co-workers. (Oh!, she (you) could be one of those!) Plus, being one of 'those' to the average cis-woman is not a bad thing-unless you are her 'man.'
So, safe spaces are tough to come by and the holidays make the situation even worse. If you have the chance to help...please do.
I have a tendency to show up at the meetings with a chip on my shoulder of sorts. Sure, growing up transgender was no piece of cake, but few lives are. It seems my heart has been broken almost every meeting. Why do I go? It seems (unless there is a transgender speaker), I am the lone transgender regular to make an appearance.
What I would like to see is a Native American Indian representative talk about the faded influence of twin or two spirited individuals in the tribal systems. If you aren't familiar, "Two Spirit" is not interchangeable with "LGBT Native American" or "Gay Indian";[2] this title differs from most western, mainstream definitions of sexuality and gender identity in that it is not so much about whom one sleeps with, or how one personally identitfies; rather, it is a sacred, spiritual and ceremonial role that is recognized and confirmed by the Elders of the Two Spirit's ceremonial community."
So far, I have not been able to hear such a person and my friends of Native American Indian descent have very little knowledge of the history.
There is a small TV cable channel called Vice now in it's fourth year. On it's "Gaycation" series, they mentioned several transgender issues, including "two spirit" individuals. Who are crucial to any study of trans history.
All any of us can do is try to influence what we can. Even the "repeat" Halloween appearence can trigger positive responses from co-workers. (Oh!, she (you) could be one of those!) Plus, being one of 'those' to the average cis-woman is not a bad thing-unless you are her 'man.'
So, safe spaces are tough to come by and the holidays make the situation even worse. If you have the chance to help...please do.
Where Did She Go?
I haven't been able to post much lately due to continuing technology issues...so here we go.
Not much has happened since the last time we communicated except I finally got my hair colored and not another DIY (do it yourself) job. Liz did it this time and I went with a dark burgundy red. Just the confidence I gained back was unbelievable!
Also (finally) it is election day tomorrow. Although I am not seeking to change your mind, I just can't vote for a man who repeatly dispected women over the years at a time when abuse to my sisters is increasing. Since I am in Ohio, a key election state, I certainly won't miss this chance to vote my mind and even though I have voted for a third party candidate in my past, I can't risk a chance my vote would be wasted. Enough said!
On a lighter note, we are having a spectacular (!) fall around here and hope you are too. Halloween has come and gone with a chance for many cross dressers/possible transgender women to show their true colors. The best example is "Stana" over at Femulate who number one looks great and brings her looks to work with her every Halloween!
I never did get out to the second big Witches Ball Halloween party we had planned to go to so I have the fond memories of the first one to fall back on.
Since Fall has officially arrived, it's time for me to think about picking up another pair of boots for the season and beyond. Always a good time and I am having breakfast with my very busy and supportive daughter this week, so life is good.
As I said, not much exciting is happening. In so many ways, I have reached my own version of stealth without thinking about it.
Not much has happened since the last time we communicated except I finally got my hair colored and not another DIY (do it yourself) job. Liz did it this time and I went with a dark burgundy red. Just the confidence I gained back was unbelievable!
Also (finally) it is election day tomorrow. Although I am not seeking to change your mind, I just can't vote for a man who repeatly dispected women over the years at a time when abuse to my sisters is increasing. Since I am in Ohio, a key election state, I certainly won't miss this chance to vote my mind and even though I have voted for a third party candidate in my past, I can't risk a chance my vote would be wasted. Enough said!
On a lighter note, we are having a spectacular (!) fall around here and hope you are too. Halloween has come and gone with a chance for many cross dressers/possible transgender women to show their true colors. The best example is "Stana" over at Femulate who number one looks great and brings her looks to work with her every Halloween!
I never did get out to the second big Witches Ball Halloween party we had planned to go to so I have the fond memories of the first one to fall back on.
Since Fall has officially arrived, it's time for me to think about picking up another pair of boots for the season and beyond. Always a good time and I am having breakfast with my very busy and supportive daughter this week, so life is good.
As I said, not much exciting is happening. In so many ways, I have reached my own version of stealth without thinking about it.
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