Interview with a Straight Crossdresser # 2 ~Gia

I recently reached out to everyone who 'like' the Straight Crossdressers & Friends Facebook page to see if anyone there was willing to be interviewed for the blog. A few people volunteered to. This is the first of the finished interviews. 

This interview is with Gia, a beautiful 32 year old crossdresser from NY.

*PP: I'm glad you agreed to be interviewed for my blog, its been awhile since I've done one. I wanna try to make it a regular feature.
(*PP= Pirate Pebbs aka yours truly)

Gia: aww, you're welcome. I'm glad there are blogs like this and appreciate you doing this.

PP: Thank you!

PP: Do you find it odd that a Genetic girl, like myself, is so passionate about wanting to straighten people out?

Gia: Interesting word selection. "straighten"

PP: lol, I'm punny sometimes.

Gia: I don't think it's odd, but I do think it is rare.  It is difficult enough finding genetic women who are attracted to people like myself who perhaps are more "open" about expressing their feminine side.  To find someone who outwardly supports it to the point of building your own blog and reader base is something else altogether. So rare indeed.

PP: I never really thought of it that way...

I see myself as more of a person who doesn't like to see people put down for how they feel

I want people to be Happy and if people have to hide part of themselves because others will think they are odd or something so they keep everything pent up inside...they'll never really be happy.* (*This doesn't apply to people who become happy by abusing others or indulging in highly illegal activities People who have abusive impulses should seek help by a trained professional to help them overcome their abusive thoughts & impulses.)

Gia: Hehe. That's a good philosophy. All I can say is keep it up and perhaps you might encourage others with similar ideals.

PP: I'll do my best.

Gia: I've made sacrifices for being able to express who I am. Some are fairly significant. I think Dan Savage said something along the lines of, "the most powerful thing anyone within the LGBTQ community can do for change is to come out."

PP: Indeed! Now I'll [finally] get on to the questions. 

First, What name shall I call you? Gia or is there more to the name that you'd like noted?

Gia: It's just Gia. The name is somewhat influenced by the movie and the model. And there is a closeness to my actual name, which I'll leave to everyone's imagination.

PP: Ah, I know of that Gia, cool!

About when did you become interested in or start crossdressing?

Gia: When I was just a little cross dresser. I used to sneak into my sister's closet when no one was home and play dress up in front of the mirror. Course I was a bit limited at that point, but the fascination grew.

PP: Is she older than you?

Gia: Yes, she's older. Which was good news for me since the clothes was a better fit. I wonder if I would have tried on her clothes if she was a little sister. That feels different for some reason.

PP: Have you ever been 'caught' [as a kid]? If so, by who?

Gia: Haha. Once, I think I unconsciously sabotaged myself. 

I was getting more daring and I was again rummaging through my sister's closet. This time it was in our weekend home, and there was this flowery dress that I used to love to wear. Well, it turned out that they were getting rid of it. I snuck the dress into my own closet and left it there.

Of course my mom found it, and gave me this completely embarrassing guilt trip about how boys shouldn't be wearing dresses.

That was the first and last time I was ever caught by my family. To this day, they don't have a clue.

PP: That was my next question, if your family knows you did, but I know that answer now.

Gia: Well, there was a minor incident when I still had a trace of eyeliner and my sister saw it, but I made up some story about being dragged out to a goth night by some girl friends. [so to answer the question] No, and I think I'm going to leave it that way. I'm sure my dad wouldn't really care. Well not really. But my mom, lovely woman, is a bit more old fashioned and would never get it.

PP: Have you /do you ever gone out crossdressed in public?

Gia: Yes, all of the time!

PP: When did you start going out [cross] dressed?

Gia: It took some getting used to. But I started to get dressed up on my own and going out after I finished college and moved out to my own apartment.

PP: Do you get someone to do your makeup? Did anyone teach you how to apply makeup?   Did you learn trial & error style?

Gia: Of course back [then], I relied on more help to get ready and didn't really know how to work it without looking like a cheap hooker with bad make-up. But I eventually developed my own style and with some coaching from my lovely make-up artist friends, I developed the basics for painting. I've had a long list of teachers.  Thank god for Craigslist and Myspace.

PP: Are you 'Passing' /is it your goal to be passing?

Gia: It's important to me that... I don't look like a guy in a bad wig.

Yes, passing is my goal, but I'm realistic. I'm a tall guy. Big shoulders, and there is only so much you can do. So, I do what I can to get as close as I can. But I have no expectation that people aren't going to know I'm a boy in a dress. At least after a 2nd or 3rd look.

PP: From the photos I've seen you look great! Passing or not!

Gia: Aww, why thank you.

I'm a cross dresser, but I like to refer to myself sometimes as a female illusionist. It's about creating a perception / image of being a woman. But I don't necessarily feel like a woman, or want to be one. It's also a bit like creating an alter ego where I can act a certain way that I wouldn't otherwise.

PP: Indeed!

Do you Tuck &[/or] Shave when you crossdress?

Gia: Tucking is a general term. I wear briefs and 2 pairs of tights, and usually that's enough. I don't usually pick out outfits where it would be too tight in the wrong spots.

As for shaving, I do to varying degrees. Of course I shave my face. I usually shave my chest too, but the legs I usually hold off on unless there is a really good reason.

And I leave my arms and hands alone. Those are just too tough to explain. It's all about the long gloves. 

PP: I hear ya!

What makes you want to crossdress? How does it make you feel?

Gia: Haha. Good question. I think it's changed/evolved over the years.

I didn't know what to make of it at first. Yes, like a lot of cross dressers, it's a bit of a turn on, and I think that's primarily how it started. It was exciting to see how sexy I can get. I'd look at myself in the mirror and get turned on by what I saw, and I wanted to do more. It was the primary driver to buying new clothes and shoes and make up.

PP: Does [being] Gia make you feel more empowered? Less shy? Anything like that?

Gia: Well, yes. And that goes to the other reasons for my dressing. 

It evolved to the point where it wasn't about turning myself on. I've reached the point where I realized that it was more of a release. A chance to escape from the same old and be someone else for awhile. While at the same point be able to more freely express my inner feminine side - which is much easier to get to when you're in a dress.

Needless to say, there were some ups and downs along the way.

PP: [Unfortunately], life is full of those.

Gia: I've heard other stories about people essentially taking these deep introspective looks at themselves and basically trying to numb the need or desire to cross dress.

Twice in my evolution, I've tossed out full wardrobes in street corner trash cans, far away from my apartment. Out of disgust.

"This is not who I am. I'm a boy, I like girls, I'm confused, stop doing this to yourself."

But it always comes back. And it's really about accepting it to whatever level that you're comfortable. Whether that's wearing the occasional panty in bed, or in my case, full ensemble head-to-toe going out to bars and dancing. Or the occasional photo shoot.

PP: Ideally what percentage of your time would you prefer to be 'dressed'? like half the time, every once in awhile, every weekend etc?

Gia: It depends. Usually I'd go out 3-4 times per month in drag. It depends if there is a reason, and I don't typically dress up to just hang out in my apartment alone. That's boring. If I'm going to spend 2 - 2 1/2 hours getting ready - I want to be seen darn it!

PP: I hear ya!

Have you ever been caught by a girlfriend? If not, have you admitted to crossdressing to a girlfriend? What was the result?

Gia: No, never caught. And with my last significant relationship I was pretty upfront about it right away. It wasn't easy. But important. And we got through it, at least at the beginning.

I wish I could say that it was a positive in our relationship, but it wasn't. And although I don't think it was the only reason for why we eventually broke up, it was a big factor.

PP: I still think being honest up front is the best way to start a relationship

thats what I generally tell to all my CD friends & on my blog.

Gia: Exactly. So now, I've been very focused on trying to date girls who know about Gia right up front so there are no surprises down the line. Gia even has her own [dating website] profile.

PP: Is there an inspiration for your look?

Gia: I can't point to anything specific. But I like to be edgy. Bit more rock and roll versus country. Nothing against country. But my roots are in punk and maybe a little glam. It's funny to put names to it, but it's like a weird combo of David Bowie, Lady Gaga, Angelina Jolie and Sid Vicious.

PP: Cool!

Do you have a story or idea to share that you haven't previously shared here?

Gia: I want to express that if it wasn't for Gia, I would not have met some of the most interesting and special people in my life. She's opened up new experiences that I would never have had before, and frankly, makes life more interesting to live.

It's not easy being a straight cross dresser. But usually it's worth it.

PP: I feel like i've met a lot of cool interesting people through my blogging etc as well. I'm glad I was encouraged to start it.

Thank you for letting me interview you for my blog today. Would you like for me to put a link to your online profile or email, in case some lovely ladies are interested in getting to get to know you better? 

Gia: Yep, anyone should feel free to reach me at callmegia@mail.com. But I can't guarantee I'll be able to reply to everyone.

That was  Interview with a Straight Crossdresser #2. If you have any questions or comments feel free to comment below or you could email me or Gia. You can reach me at StraightCrossdressers@gmail.com , PiratePebbs@gmail.com or at the Facebook page Facebook.com/straightcrossdressers. I hope you all enjoyed learning a bit more about some of the wonderful people who inhabit our world who I happen to hold dear.

Raven 14

This time I was able to bring one of my GG friends along for Saturday. Its nice to have more genetic girls in attendance who support t-girls. But Raven weekend starts on Fridays. On Friday Paula & I drove up to the hotel that the meet & greet was at. After changing rooms once we got Paula's makeup on & got her all dolled up. This time i got the make-up on her pretty well. I implemented something i had heard cosmetologists talk about as far as shading. It all worked well. We went to the meet & greet and saw some of our old friends and met some new ones. We had a really good time and retired just a few steps from the meet & greet to the hotel room, way better than driving for an hour + to go home. Next day had continental breakfast then I was off to pick up my GG friend, Felixia, from philly. Picked her up then headed to the franklin mills mall. I still had Nothing to wear to the main event. Saturday is the red carpet, dinner & dancing. Stopped in JCPenny (I work in the portrait studio of a JCP so I has discount whoot!) Found the perfect dress & accessories and even a dress for my kid (awesome!)! We headed back to New Hope. Paula started on her makeup before we got there (as planned) so I only had to finish the work. Paula was sooooooooooooo excited to wear the dress I made for her. We all got ourselves together (a bit later than we should have cause we had plenty of time, oops) we got there still with red carpet time. Paula showed off her awesome dress. Looked beautiful! Like the prom princess of Raven 14. She got shoes just for the red carpet....then off they came cause they were super uncomfortable, but like they say, beauty is pain.
After the red carpet was dinner. Food was awesome, as usual at Raven. Marty was there again this time, but not our waiter (yes I have total waiter favouritism). Still had a bit of a chat with him. Awesome person, you should totally chat w/him if you meet him. Next off to the dance floor. I...had to consume a few amaretto sours before I could dance (I have a bit of dancing shyness). Had a few drinks, danced and made some new friends. Saw more GG/CD couples this time than before, which I thought was awesome! Also met a girl named Samantha (who a couple weeks later we, Paula, Jerome and myself took out to the mall to shop for girl clothes), who was very sweet. Also spent a good half hour or so chatting with Mercury. Kinda made tentative plans to hang out...never panned out. Maybe next time. Sunday morning we met with Jackie at the breakfast spot at the eagle diner. This time with Paula in guy mode. (We saw a few of the other girls in guy mode as well) We had a nice conversation & a nice breakfast there. Next we headed off home after a fun weekend. All in all I always have fun at the Raven weekends. The Next Raven is June 1st. I already am bringing 1 other Genetic Girl who is interested in dating crossdressers. Hopefully she'll find the girl of her dreams there. I'm hoping to bring a few other girls. We'll see.

I Love you ALL!
~Pirate Pebbs

Sorry I’ve been away…Sometimes Life Happens

So yeah, sometimes life happens and I don’t get around to posting. Sometimes I’m sick, sometimes I’m stressed, sometimes I’m running around doing everything yet nothing, sometimes I’m spending time with my daughter, sometimes gardening, sometimes typing run on sentences…sometimes I’m just lazy and doing nothing cause I can. So here’s a lil update on me. 

I just got a new car!!! …ok New to me. It’s a 2009 Elantra. You may recall that I was in a car accident about 8 months back. I’d been in rental cars and borrowing cars for work. Insurance company…sucked majorly. I had to get a lawyer to get my insurance company to do their job….yeah….not fun. American Independent, worst insurance company ever! Ok, back to the present-ish.  

I also have a new camera because my old camera pretty much died. As you will see when I post the very few pics I took at the last Raven party (which I still need to blog about). The camera started dying at the end of a Raven party…so, yeah. So, now I pretty much have what I need to do more freelance photography, so that’s good at least. 

Let’s see…My garden is doing well, strawberries starting to flower, Kale is still alive, I think this is year 3 for them! I have much chocolate mint…and other things that no one cares about but me. My job has been veryyyyyyyyyyy part time for a long time so I’m also actively looking for other employment or a 2^nd job. Hopefully I can just do freelance to make ends meet. 

Shopping has been happening. Just the other day Paula, Jerome & I took a girl going through transition shopping for girl clothes out in a mall for the first time. That was fun.

I’ve been wanting to do a video blog post for a while. Every time I’m ready to do it something comes up to prevent me from actually filming. Random stuff…I’ll get it done eventually. I’ve been working on a logo design as well. 

I also co-host &/or photograph at Dr. Thunder Karaoke in Philadelphia. Lots of my nights are full of singing. One of my CD friends in Wisconsin decided to give me an awesome gift, a brand new Corset from Corset story!!! That should be coming in within the next few days. He wants me to do corset waist training with him. Will Do! I’ve been friends with him since about January last year. I really do appreciate it J. I wish there were something I could do for him but…I guess I’m doing what I can right now by blogging and talking to all my CD friends letting them know that it’s OK to crossdress. There are totally accepting females who are somewhere out there waiting for them. 

Back when I decided I wanted to start dating crossdressers I had no idea where to look. Most women who are into crossdressers don’t usually go out actively seeking them. Because I did I found sooooooooo many beautiful men out there. Lots of them have great personalities. Most are totally non-creepy. Most are respectful. Most I’d totally hang out with offline if they were local. Most were not local. One local CD though, I have had the pleasure of getting to know for the past year. I’ve been seeing him (mostly non-exclusively) for the past year. It’s been quite a nice experience. Way better than I’d expected. I had planned on doing another separate blog about the crossdressers I’d seen & dated but…well…I don’t even keep up with this blog so, who am I kidding? I won’t keep up with that. Maybe I’ll add some tidbits here & there about those few individuals. Won’t use names but if they’re reading, they’d know I was talking about them. Wow! This post is going everywhere. Well. I haven’t posted in a while and have had a lot on my mind. I think I’ll end it here-ish.

I LOVE YOU ALL!

~Pirate Pebbs~

Email me your & questions, comments. Let me know what topics you want me to discuss. Your participation will help feed my fingers

StraightCrossdressers@gmail.com

Facebook.com/StraightCrossdressers

Happy (almost) New Year!

Ok, so I haven't posted all month...and only a bit last month. I'm Sorry...I'm really Horrible with New Years Resolutions but...I mean...I was good about posting most of the year...and...ok...I got Nowhere in my calendar. My problem is that i'm very long winded with my posts. Also...well...I still don't have enough hot Straight CDs willing to be in my calendar...(I wonder if Jessica Who would be in it???) Maybe I should start doing video posts...or something. Speaking of. There is a Wonderful Awesome Straight Crossdresser who goes by the name Jessica Who who always posts the BEST videos for Straight crossdressers. I have 2 to share with you. :)

The first: Its OK to be a Crossdresser!

 Next one is a bit longer and goes a bit more in to things. Basically a Straight Crossdresser PSA. :)

Jessica Who is doing what I want to do as well which is being a voice for the voiceless...a Beautiful Bold Face for those hiding theirs from the world. Maybe at some point I could work w/Jessica on some sort of project to get the word out about Straight crossdressers. Jessica...probably doesn't need my help, but...I am a GG who thinks its OK so...maybe thats something. Hmmm...Maybe we could go on the Ellen DeGeneres about it. LOL Ok, I kinda dream that one day I could go on there and talk about Straight Crossdressers. Though...sometimes i wonder if it'll come of anti-gay because i'll be like, "...dude...they're not gay...not that there's anything wrong with that....er...Next question...heh heh..." Ah well.

I'll try to be better at posting more often next year. I Love you ALL!!!

Pirate Pebbs
ARRRRRR!!!!

Paula's Perspective - CD learns how to apply Make-Up

I had Paula do a write-up on her perspective of the whole make-up situation (CD learns how to apply Make-Up). I think it's good to hear both sides of whats going on. Since I'll never truly be on the other side, I find it interesting to know how one is feeling about the same situation. And so I present another 'Paula's Perspective' which will probably become a regular feature as Paula continues her adventures in crossdressing.

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I should apologize first I think I’ve been holding up Pebbs blog. I’ve been meaning to write this since we had our trip to the store but between the excitement of the raven party and a rough week at work haven’t had much time here we go though :).

I think I went into Monday totally looking forward to it and totally panicking at the same time. I haven’t been outside dressed other than the first raven party, and even shopping Pebbs has carried the clothes to cover for me. This one was going to be obvious that I was getting made over. I was really nervous about it but I stayed calm since no one I know goes to that mall, and Pebbs was there helping keep me calm.

It actually was pretty awesome they showed me a lot of tips. The woman helping us was really nice too she was polite and helpful. She showed me good ways to brush the makeup on instead of just trying to sell it to me. (I’ll admit I need a lot more practice to get better at it) It was pretty subtle most of the way which was tough for me. I have a double disadvantage in addition to being new to dressing up, I’m color blind so a lot of shades look identical to me. They were pretty nice though and helpful even there doing there best to pick out colors I could see a difference in. The blush was pretty easy to see, and the eye shadow was a pinkish and dark grey color it made it easier to see where they were doing all of the makeup to try and make a note of how they put it on.

It was totally cool though I could see the face getting smoother and the contours as she worked at it but there was one point without the wig that I had trouble visualizing it. I thought I looked a bit like the joker from batman… once Pebbs insisted I try the wig on and I looked in the mirror wow… what a change I could totally see girl mode sitting there… despite my guy shirt hehe. Pebbs wanted me to wear the makeup out but I was getting nervous there had already been a few people who came in the store, they didn’t say anything or act weird but I felt pretty self conscious already. Did have the weird feeling I haven’t had since I was a kid playing around with whatever makeup I could get my hands on. Where I’d take it off but then feel certain that it was obvious I’m still wearing it like my lashes looking girly, lips looking fuller… I know it wasn’t true and I looked normal but still made me nervous until we got home and I could finish scrubbing hehe.

Then I got to go back to Pebbs place and get all dressed up in my new dress, try on some stockings, and Pebbs made me awesome jewelry to go with it. I couldn’t wait for the raven party now, but that will be an update for next time. A weekend of dancing and having fun with pebbs in girl mode deserves it’s own post. :)

In the meantime I better get back to practicing I want to be able to do more of my makeup by the next raven party so that Pebbs won’t have to work quite as hard at doing hers and mine.

CD learns how to apply Make-Up

A month or so ago I stopped by Bare Escentuals to price some replacement make-up. While I was there I decided to inquire as to whether or not they apply make-up to males. I explained that I write a blog about straight crossdressers and that I was impressed with their teaching me how to apply make-up 4-ish years ago, and I wondered if they’d do the same for males who want to look female. They told me that they do and have. They even went on to tell me a few stories. I was quite pleased that I would be able to bring men there to learn how to make themselves look girlish without the use of make-up with harmful chemicals. They told me the best times to come are Monday-Thursday evenings. There are usually less people in the mall and even less in the store. I was told to call in advance for an appointment.

 The original plan was to take Paula to Bare Escentuals on Wednesday night. I called and set the appointment explaining I was bringing in a male to have a makeover. …then I remembered that I had work Wednesday night. I called Paula up and asked if *he were free that night (Monday) and he was. I called back and set the appointment to just a few hours from the time I called. I picked Paula up and we headed to the Christiana Mall in Delaware. Paula brought along his new dresses (which had come in the mail that day) and his wig…in a duffel bag (ah the trusty duffel bag that every crossdresser has, or at least has had, for storing his girl things). We headed to the store and told them who we were and the lady there started on his face.

She started out with their basic ‘Get Started’ kit which included a foundation, mineral veil, brushes. She even showed how you can cover up the old 5 o’ clock shadow with just a few strokes using the concealer brush. That’ll totally come in handy. She showed him how to do some natural looking contouring on his face. It was quite interesting to see. Since, at that point, paula was unsure of  what color dress he’d be wearing to Raven 11 (either a red dress or black one) the make-up artist decided to go with a light pink & smoky eye combo that she figured would go great with either color. After she was done I took a picture of Paula’s face …but… well… I couldn’t really see if it looked right w/o the wig on. So I pulled the wig out of the trusty duffle bag and put it on Paula’s head and took another picture. Now I could see it and it looked Great! Before we left… he took all of the makeup off, we were in a populated mall after all and he was dressed as a guy. I would have loved to have him stay in the makeup so that I could see him in his new dresses all made up, but that wasn’t to be. We did go back to my place and had him try on the dresses. One was way too big. The other one was just right. I fashioned some accessories for him. I made a pair of my favorite earrings into clip-ons for him to wear. I also made a necklace, and extended the chain of an anklet. All he needs now is a ring and maybe a  bracelet or two and his look is complete…though…he really doesn’t need either of those and he’d still look great. On Saturday I and all in attendance at the party will see how well he learned how to apply make-up from the lady at Bare Esentuals. …but if it doesn’t look great…I’ll probably help him out. I mean, he is still a beginner. I’m amazed he agreed to actually go into the place…inside of a mall, to learn. He’s definitely got guts! …Or maybe he just really trusts that I won’t let anything go wrong. Well…I guess we’ll know if I can get him to write about his perspective of the experience. J

*(The reason I used the pronoun ‘he’ is because he was in guy mode most of the time and he doesn’t care what pronoun is use when referring to him. I asked)

Jen Bryant's Fall Fantasy (Raven 11)

Paula & I Plan on attending our 2nd outing to this CD/TV/TS/(insert preferred acronym here) & Admirers event in a CD friendly town. The first one we went to I posted about Raven 10. We had a Blast! I also met a few people who read this blog (Awesome!). If all goes well I will be at this one in the dress I talked about in the previous post (in its soon to be altered state). Last time I was there my guest contributor Lisa Empanada was there as well. I hope to see you there! I shouldn't be too hard to recognize. I'll most likely have a camera in my hand most of the time. 

(Copied from the event posting from Meet-Up group T-Girls United) 

Jen Bryant's Fall Fantasy (Raven 11)

• 
  

  Saturday, September 22, 2012

  9:45 PM
• The Raven

  385 West Bridge Street, New Hope, PA

  
  

  You couldn't miss us if you tried

  
  
• Yes Raven 10 is over, and I hope that everyone has finally recovered and gotten on with there lives...I know that for me it was really hard going back to the real world after spending 3 days surrounded by the most amazing group of people one could ever meet. As one friend put it...it was surreal...so many smiles...so many good vibes...and mostly so much kindness shown towards one another. This was not an event my friends...it was more like the beginning of a movement. We were seen at swimming in the pool, we were seen at McDonald's, we were seen at the Diner, we were seen throughout Main street...yes my friends we were seen!!!...we took over Sliders (so called straight bar)...straight bar my ass...we owned it!!!...yes, we were seen, but not only that, we showed a whole community how beautiful we are. We show respect and ask nothing but the same...we smile at others and now find we get smiles in return. Surreal?...yeah for sure...but here's the thing...get used to it, New Hope looks forward to our events now, and the next event will be bigger and better than any other. Sooooooooo many plans are being worked on and will be announced as we get closer to the date. So, that being said, I am pleased to announce The Fall Fantasy (Raven 11) will be held on September 22nd at the Raven Resort. If possible try and come out Friday night as well. For those of you that have attended in the past, please try and make it, YOU are part of something great, and for those that have not yet attended, WHAT could you possibly waiting for? Don't you deserve a lil' happiness?
  
  Please RSVP NOW
  Warm Hugs,
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Jen Bryant

Raven 10, Paula's first CD night out!

This is Paula's point of view of Raven 10.

Even though I knew when Pebbles and I went shopping (also see CD Shopping Day part 2) that we were planning on going to this party, It didn't really feel real until I found myself standing outside all dressed up. Getting ready was awesome as Pebbles helped me out with everything especially the corset. I think she likes torturing me a little bit :). Then she took care of my makeup and nails. I'd never had long nails before and I guess it's something you have to get used to. I quickly realized, the long nails made it hard for me to do just about anything with my hands. Between the corset keeping me from bending and the fact that i'm not super good in high heels, I was totally helpless, but Pebbles looked after me :).

Stepping outside was a total first for me. I knew this was the part I was going to get most nervous. I'd never been outside dressed up before. You'll probably hear that alot from my posts though since so much of this is firsts for me. I could feel my heart racing when we stepped through the front door. I know the area was pretty quiet since it was early and no one was around but I felt panicked anyway. Then we got to the car and the keys were still inside the house. I don't think I was able to calm down until we were sitting in the car. Once we were sitting in the car and on the road I felt fine again.

The ride was pretty fun though. We got to listen to some good music and I had a moment where I realized the duality of my existence as I was explaining why I like UFC better than boxing while I was wearing a pink dress and high heels. Once we reached the Raven we went inside to the dining area and I felt really comfortable there were so many people dressed up and I got to meet Jennifer Bryant and Lisa Empanada right away, they were both really friendly. I introduced myself to them as Paul at first... okay i'll admit a rookie mistake but I've been introducing myself that way for 31 years... They didn't give me too hard of a time about it though :)

The only problem was that there wasn't anywhere for us to sit inside and eat with the others. So we went to sit and eat outside, but there weren't any other cd's out there so I started to feel a little exposed though, I probably would have chickened out if not for Pebbles but it was cool and everyone was really polite. A drag queen who wasn't dressed up time came over and helped out with my wig a little bit. Once we finished eating we went inside and hit the dance floor. It was fun being around everyone. I think I described it to Lisa when she asked about me dancing that i'm a bad dancer normally and that adding a dress and heels doesn't make me better. :) Still had fun though and got to spend a good while dancing with Pebbles, as long as I was getting to dance with her I wasn't really focused on whether i'm a great dancer or not :)

We took a quick trip out to the car to get Kandice a water bottle and I finally surrendered to the feet and went barefoot most of the rest of the night. That was a new record though for me, i've never worn heels for that long.

It was totally an awesome night I got to be dressed up all night, meet alot of great people, dance with a gorgeous girl, and even got a really nice kiss good night. Can't think of a much better night than that. I cant wait for the next party on 9/22, hope that we're able to make it and get to see everyone again :)

Car Accident

Ok, so Monday July 30th, I got into a car accident. Since then I have not had time to update my blog or even post my Otakon Pics. I decided to take Pics with as many genetic males in skirts or dresses (kilts count) as i could (I don't know if any of them are or aren't crossdressers or if any are straight or not, though I believe one of the guys in a kilt said he was gender queer). I had this idea pretty late into my weekend, Saturday night, but I decided to run with it anyway. In my next update, hopefully within the next few days, I will post pics, which I have yet to upload. Please forgive me for not being prompt in my uploading and blogging, i've just been very busy/stressed/in pain. I'm not seriously injured, thank GOD for side curtain airbags!!! (My car was hit...I didn't take pics)

Talk to ya soon!

Raven 10

On Saturday last week I attended Raven 10 with my friend
Kandice & the lovely CD that I took shopping, Paula. Paula picked up Kandice up from her brothers house and headed to my house. Once there Paula went about prepping her face for the make-up. Next I showed Paula the necklace I put together for her (we also made clip on earrings on a previous occasion). I did a little bit of last minute shopping on my way home from work and got Paula a large heart shaped ring that went well with the necklace she was wearing. (I got stockings for myself)
The ring was a lil small so I used my jewelry crafty skills to make it fit better. Next I painted her toenails a silver color I had sitting around. I...am not a makeup artist, but I tried my best and applied some makeup to Paula's face. Next on with the corset that we made a few weeks back. (When I saw him last I demonstrated how to put on a corset without assistance) I pulled it nice and tight. She's not quite ready to do it on her own. Next on with the dress, wig & accessories. Paula wore her pink shoes to accent her pink dress perfectly. We left the house a little later than planned (so we missed the red carpet). Now was the part that made our dear Paula the most nervous... Actually leaving the house for the first time fully dressed and made up as a girl! So, I ushered everyone out of the house and realized I left the keys in my house. This made Paula more nervous because she had to stand outside my car (with Kandice) and wait a minute or 2 for me to grab the keys and get back outside. Fortunatly for him, my neighborhood was dead. No one was outside at all. Once we were in the car Paula felt much more at ease. Next a 1.5 hour drive to New Hope. We got there at about 7:30pm. We put our lipstick on, put everything we needed in my bag and got out of the car. We got inside Raven and looked around for the dining room. It was quite crouded in there. We walked around the dining room looking for 3 seats together. While looking I spotted Lisa, my guest blogger who wrote How to 'PASS', Guaranteed!!!. I also spotted the event organizer Jennifer Bryant. I introduced Lisa to Paula and Kandice. Lisa and Paula exchanged a few words and we were off to look for seating again.

We couldn't find any in the main hall, so we were invited to sit out in the outside seating area.  There weren't any other cross dressers out there, but the weather was nice and we were all together...so we dealt with it.  We ordered some appetizers, wine, and soda for Paula (because she was our designated driver.)  Eventually another person sitting at another table came to talk to us.  It turns out he was a drag queen and didn't know that the Raven event was happening that night.  The drag queen guy teased Paula's hair with a fork to make it less wig-like. After we finished eating we went back to the main restaurant and then to the dance floor.  We found a seat and put down our cameras and bags.  Kandice started belly dancing, mostly to an empty floor and showing everyone up.  I started taking some pictures outside, mingling, met a few people and gave my cards out to those people.  Went back in and did a little dancing myself.  Went out to the car and got some water, went back in...more mingling more dancing...etc.  Finally got my picture with Lisa though!  Took pictures with and of a few other people, some who read my blog.  Chatted with Rena, who was starting to read my blog a few weeks ago and was commending me on my work for the community.  Reena was talking about life, etc.  Had so many kind words about my blog that night that I truly felt appreciated, and that my blog actually means something.  I'm just glad that my words are not useless.  If nothing else they make people feel good :)  Eventually it was over and we had to go.  I didn't get to meet my friend that I planned on meeting, maybe I'll see him another time.  Thankfully I didn't have to drive home because frankly...I didn't feel like it.  Paula drove home and Kandice slept in the back of the seat.  Came back to my house, everyone passed out after that.  The end! (ok...i might add to it...eventually...like more details...sleepy time)

CD Shopping Day part 2 - Paula's Perspective

This is another Guest Post. This one is from Paula. This is Paula's perspective of the CD Shopping Day. Paula, you have the floor!
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Dressing up has been an on and off thing since I was in high school, but it’s also been pretty private none of my friends or family know. Which is fine because it’s not really their business anyway, but also since no one has ever known I’ve never really gotten much help or bought things so I know less about everything than I guess most other cross dressers. I’d met Pebbles a few times and we’d had fun hanging out so when she offered to help me shop for some things I was pretty excited. I’m not saying I wasn’t really nervous but Pebbles being with me made me feel ok about it. On my own I would never EVER have gone out to do something like this. She picked me up and we headed out to the first store checking out some dresses. Pebbles carried everything most of the time so it wasn’t embarrassing and the store wasn’t real crowded either which was a plus, once we got to the step of trying them on I started to get a little nervous, but Pebbles stood right outside the door keeping watch. Still had a jolt of fear each time we opened the door a crack so she could see how they looked. It went smooth though and no one noticed or said anything and three of the dresses were pretty great. Including a pink one that I think she uploaded a pic of on here that I wore to the Raven party.

We picked them up out paid for them and a makeup case and it was on to the next part of our trip and I think where I might have been my most nervous. We got to a shop that Pebbles knew about to try and find the right wig. I probably should have expected to try one on since I mean we’d need to know how it looked to get the right one. However, I hadn’t really even considered that and when she asked which ones I wanted to try on there was probably an audible GULP sound effect. Pebbles told the sales lady that it was for a costume party and she didn’t seem to mind if we tried them on as I sat down I honestly felt like everyone was staring at me… To be honest I don’t have any evidence to suggest that anyone other than Pebbles and the sales lady were in fact looking at me at all, but whatever I was nervous and paranoid… It went ok though and we found a wig that we both really liked. So after an eternity… (probably 2 minutes maximum in not scared time) we picked up some lashes and a wig cap and hit the road.

We had another quick stop to get a bra and some things we needed to make a corset, and a nice break to get some dinner, before heading back to her place for dress up time. I would have been super nervous to be getting dressed up at all it’s something I’m very used to being embarrassed about, but Pebbles obviously already knew and let me know that everyone in her house knew and was ok with it. First we tried on the wig and then Pebbles got to work taping me up to make the corset, I kind of expected it to be tight and a little harder to breathe, but I didn’t think about how hard it would be to move, bend, and sit… It made putting on the dresses a lot easier since I fit them better, but also made putting on my shoes impossibly difficult since I couldn’t even reach the buckles. After a while though Pebbles and Kandice finished doing my makeup and I got to see myself all dressed up for the first time and got to show the three dresses while Pebbles took some photos. It was totally awesome, I kind of never expected to ever do anything like it. It was weird I’ve never really been able to look anything close to feminine and really didn’t imagine I’d look even ok. I thought I turned out really nice. I was actually a little disappointed to have to go back into guy mode, but… I would have had to answer a lot of questions if I showed up back at my house in that pink dress, and I’m not interested in letting my room mates in on things. Totally without question the best Monday in history.

Paula

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I am Proud to have been part of the 'BEST MONDAY IN HISTORY!'
I think Paula looked Great!
Hmmm... Maybe this could be a side venture. Taking closet CDs out shopping. LOL, would be fun for me :)

See Ya Next time!

Pirate Pebbs!

Event I will attend: Raven 10

Jen Bryant's Summer Sizzle (RAVEN 10)

http://www.meetup.com/patgirls/events/66112342/

I will be attending this event for the First time this coming Saturday. This will be happening in the town of New Hope, PA, which I have been told is very Trans-friendly. I will be attending with one of my Close GG friends, Kandice, and I will be bringing with me the lovely Gurl that I have had the pleasure shopping with and dressing up in my previous post. These parties are once a season and everyone Raves about them. I can't wait to go! Though...I still have not decided what to wear. Maybe I'll have it all figured out in time. 

Anywho, check out the the page. It's a FREE event. Party is at 9:30pm, there are happenings before then, like dinner, but...thats not free.

See you there!

CD Shopping Day!

A couple of weeks ago I promised a local straight CD I'd take him shopping. Finally settled on this past Monday as the day. I had found articles on making low cost diy style corsets using a t-shirt and duct tape.

I picked him up a lil after 5pm and we drove to on of my favorite discount clothing stores JoMar (there are several locations in the philly area) looked through the dresses area for a while till we found a few we liked. I carried around the dresses most of the time to be less conspicuous. We got about 5 dresses and headed to the changing room area. No one was really manning that area so he went in one of the lil rooms and I gave him the dresses. he tried them on one by one and he opened the door a bit so I could see the dresses on him. We liked 3 of them. At the register there were make up kits. We grabbed one as well. Next we headed to a wig store. The one I was used to going to relocated a few blocks away. (had to call my mom to find out where) the new store was Huge! Went in and looked at wigs. after about 20 minutes of looking (and several girls asking if I needed their help) we finally settled on 2 we liked. I finally let one of the girls help us. I explained to her that we were going to a costume party (kinda true, we're going to a CD/TG party on the 14th, more info to follow) and needed the wigs tried on him. She was like, "fine with me, as long as he's secure in his masculinity" ... or something like that. Of the 2 wigs, one stood out and looked Great on him. Things were starting to come together. Before we left there we picked up some wig caps and eyelashes. Next off to another JoMar location. We forgot to get him a bra! We found a bra with removable straps so that we could replace them with clear straps. We also got a t-shirt. Got a pink one for the inside of his duct tape corset. Next...we had to stop by boston market for some food. Not too much for him, he was gonna be taped in pretty tight soon enough. Next we went to lowes to get the duct tape. Then back to my house to put it all together. Fortunately for him...everyone in my house already knows of my interest in crossdressers so there is no weirdness. Everyone includes my visiting aunt who stayed in the guest room the whole time. My younger male cousin who dressed as a catgirl for halloween last year (yes i helped dress him...he was wearing my clothes), and my friend who is staying for the summer which is the one who did his makeup. 

First we put on the wig, next we made the corset. It worked out really well. Next we put the bra on him. It was a lil snug, we'll just buy some bra extenders at some point if need be. Didn't have any falsies available so we stuffed his bra with socks...it worked for the moment. Next he put on his pink platform shoes, which he discovered is much harder to put on while corseted. Finally, On with the Dresses!!! The first was a light pink cocktail (i think) dress with a plunging v neck line and a darker pink sash around the waist. It looked nice on him. While he was wearing it my friend applied some make up to his face. Her transformation was complete. This was the first time she saw herself completely in female form & she Loved it! Next was another pink dress. this time a darker pink halter style dress that looked even better than the first. Lastly a long blue strapless dress that was quite fetching on her. I took a few pics of each outfit on her then it was time to get out of the girl clothes. Last thing to do was to cut off the corset (then he could breathe normally again). Next I took him home. He was extremely grateful for the experience and help. This was his Best Monday EVER! I'm glad to be a part of it :)


Here are some Pictures... YAY!!! I got permission to post them as long as his face is not fully shown....Guess I can add additional pixilation if requested.


First the Duct Tape Corset, since that's what we started with (besides the wig)

Next on to the main event...er...the Person of the Hour!

I did photoshop the shoes.
body hair removal also.

Let me know what you think. Feel free to comment here or on the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/straightcrossdressers


You can see us Both in New Hope this Saturday at: Jen Bryant's Summer Sizzle (RAVEN 10) Details to follow in next blog entry.


See you soon!

Pirate Pebbs