I started this entry a couple weeks ago. However the meat of it I made into a TG Forum column. Read that HERE.
However, since I had all the pictures together, here they are anyway.
2007: I was Clark Kent. Wife was Lois Lane.
2008: The next year, as I've written zillions of times, I was Lois Lane while Wife was Clark Kent.
2009: I wanted to do the Woman thing right. By then, I'd had almost a year of practice, and more "crossdressing" supplies, like hip pads, breast prosthetic, corset... I won the costume contest in a landslide.
I also attended the Henri David Ball for the first time, in a costume made by the incredible Lorraine Anderson.
2010: In another Lorraine Anderson creation, I was a St Pauli Girl at the Henri David Ball.
But for my coworkers and friends, I was God's Gift to women. I needed to "throw off suspicion."
2011: Lorraine made me an "Evil Queen" gown. It wasn't quite ready for the Laptop Halloween party, but it WAS ready for Beauty at the Beach.
For the friends' Halloween party, I debuted Mary Marvel. They would see this several times.
2012: This one I bought online, but Lorraine modified it extensively. I wore it to all parties, and it's one of my faves. At one party, someone asked if I was transitioning. 2 months later, I would be on HRT.
2013: A pure Lorraine creation- a Flamenco Dancer! This one was so much fun to wear! And, for the first time, those are my real breasts filling out the costume instead of forms.
For the friends' party, I wore Mary Marvel again. By this point, I'd told several close friends about my Truth. One person who DIDN'T know had a tradition of squeezing my fake boobs really hard every year. And she did it again- but they weren't fake. OWWWW! (After I came out to her, she apologized.)
2014: I went to Baltimore to hang out with my friends there. Once again, Mary Marvel.
However, this picture was more interesting. Here we see Sandy Empanada and Ashley Jane Morgan, standing at the same place where, 2 years before, Ashley and Lisa Empanada stood for a picture. There was no smoke, no strobe lights, no nothing. Yet this streak appeared...
For my friends' Halloween party, I had no idea what to do. After all, I was out and living as a woman full time, and didn't want to wear something old. So I tossed this together. I called it "Genderf**k." It was half my old suit along with a leather miniskirt and pumps. Not my best effort.
In 2015, I resurrected the Vampiress. (get it?) This time, I wore no fake breasts. All me. And I was happy.
So now it's 2016. I've been out as a Woman for Eight years. It's been eight years since that fateful night- the night that destroyed the life and lie I'd been living. That tore apart my Wife's world. I no longer wear any padding, but I still occasionally wear a corset.
So, on a whim, as the sun began to set on Halloween, I decided to dig out the outfit I wore that first night. The shoes, earrings, and wig are long gone. I couldn't find the belt. But the top, skirt, bra and necklace- I still had those. And so I put them on, and my roomie and bestie Linda was kind enough to take some pictures.
I tend to focus on everything I've lost over the eight years. However, what I've gained is VERY significant as well. I've gained a Community that Understands me. We are diverse, but we all have the same challenges. I have made some of the best friends I have ever had. I have accepted my Truth and had the courage to live it. I have had many gains, and yes, some horrific losses.
It's Halloween, and it's been Eight years. What will the next year bring? Will I live to see year nine? Where will I be? So many things can happen.
But, for tonight, I raise a glass to all those who have helped me to where I am today. Thank you all!
Be well!
However, since I had all the pictures together, here they are anyway.
2007: I was Clark Kent. Wife was Lois Lane.
This looks like a job for...
2008: The next year, as I've written zillions of times, I was Lois Lane while Wife was Clark Kent.
Just after the makeup was finished
"Monique" Makeup by Amanda Richards
I also attended the Henri David Ball for the first time, in a costume made by the incredible Lorraine Anderson.
Saving Snap, Crackle, and Pop. Makeup by Amanda Richards
2010: In another Lorraine Anderson creation, I was a St Pauli Girl at the Henri David Ball.
Anyone want anything? Makeup by Amanda Richards
2011: Lorraine made me an "Evil Queen" gown. It wasn't quite ready for the Laptop Halloween party, but it WAS ready for Beauty at the Beach.
Makeup by Amanda Richards
For the friends' Halloween party, I debuted Mary Marvel. They would see this several times.
Makeup by Amanda Richards
2012: This one I bought online, but Lorraine modified it extensively. I wore it to all parties, and it's one of my faves. At one party, someone asked if I was transitioning. 2 months later, I would be on HRT.
Vamping at the Henri David Ball. Makeup by Amanda Richards
2013: A pure Lorraine creation- a Flamenco Dancer! This one was so much fun to wear! And, for the first time, those are my real breasts filling out the costume instead of forms.
Flamenco! I did my own makeup
For the friends' party, I wore Mary Marvel again. By this point, I'd told several close friends about my Truth. One person who DIDN'T know had a tradition of squeezing my fake boobs really hard every year. And she did it again- but they weren't fake. OWWWW! (After I came out to her, she apologized.)
2014: I went to Baltimore to hang out with my friends there. Once again, Mary Marvel.
With that Webbed Menace
For my friends' Halloween party, I had no idea what to do. After all, I was out and living as a woman full time, and didn't want to wear something old. So I tossed this together. I called it "Genderf**k." It was half my old suit along with a leather miniskirt and pumps. Not my best effort.
In 2015, I resurrected the Vampiress. (get it?) This time, I wore no fake breasts. All me. And I was happy.
So now it's 2016. I've been out as a Woman for Eight years. It's been eight years since that fateful night- the night that destroyed the life and lie I'd been living. That tore apart my Wife's world. I no longer wear any padding, but I still occasionally wear a corset.
Live Long and Prosper: 2016
So, on a whim, as the sun began to set on Halloween, I decided to dig out the outfit I wore that first night. The shoes, earrings, and wig are long gone. I couldn't find the belt. But the top, skirt, bra and necklace- I still had those. And so I put them on, and my roomie and bestie Linda was kind enough to take some pictures.
I've come a long way.
I tend to focus on everything I've lost over the eight years. However, what I've gained is VERY significant as well. I've gained a Community that Understands me. We are diverse, but we all have the same challenges. I have made some of the best friends I have ever had. I have accepted my Truth and had the courage to live it. I have had many gains, and yes, some horrific losses.
It's Halloween, and it's been Eight years. What will the next year bring? Will I live to see year nine? Where will I be? So many things can happen.
But, for tonight, I raise a glass to all those who have helped me to where I am today. Thank you all!
Be well!
Very interesting post about the Halloween costumes. At some local home studios NYC I also had hosted a grand party on the Halloween day. It was so interestingly planned by my cousin who is a party planner. I will also be taking some tips from her on how to host fun DIY parties on a budget.
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