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My mother raised my sister and m in the 1950s, while my father worked two jobs to finance our raising. With my male role model out of the picture (or out of focus) most of the time, my mother became my role model and as a result, instead of raising a son and a daughter, she raised two daughters.

The older daughter (me) was her favorite and received more attention; I was babied, pampered and spoiled, whereas my sister often had to fend for herself. As a result, I turned out to be very feminine, whereas my sister was more independent and assertive.

During the 1950s, "there were two distinct shapes, the waif like gamine figure epitomized in movies by Audrey Hepburn and the more womanly hourglass figure represented by Grace Kelly, with tiny waists, padded hips and circle skirts." (Source: Glamourdaze.com)

My mother was in the latter group and I found myself in that group. too! I assume extra estrogen is responsible for my hourglass figure and predisposed me to embrace the feminine environment I found myself in.

I never felt that I was a female trapped in a male body. Instead, I was "me" trapped in the expectations of what being a "male" was all about.

Although I embraced some things considered "male," I also rejected many "male" things, while embracing many "female" things. As a result, friends and enemies consider me to be effeminate.

I never tried to be feminine just as I never tried to be macho, but society branded me "effeminate" nonetheless. I was just being "me," which just happens to be considered “feminine” in the eyes of today's society.

My birth certificate reads "male," as does my driver's license and all of the other official paperwork I collected during my life. That is just a convenience because I have presented as a male most of my life, but the truth is that presenting as a woman is a better fit for "me."

Actually, it is a perfect fit.

Helen wearing Romwe blouse, Ann Taylor skirt, Nordstrom scarf and sunglasses, Michael Kors bag and watch and Christian Louboutin shoes.

Rafael Torres femulates in the 2009 video Satin Dreams.

This is not a Femulate parody. It is an actual ad from 1969.Halloween is a day near and dear to the heart of femulators throughout Girl World and early on, I used Halloween as an excuse to shop for my lady wardrobe. (Didn't you?)"I'm going to a Hallowe...

If you are like me and celebrate Halloween in costume, you only have four weeks to get your getup together.I am all set. I just have to decide which office girl outfit to wear to work that day. But unlike me, perhaps you have no idea what cos...

Wearing Venus.

Tim Jo on the 2012 Halloween episode of television's The Neighbors.

When I was a youngster, one of my first favorite comic book characters was Katy Keene, the long-legged fashion queen with jet black hair. I was fascinated by her glamorous image and I loved cutting out the Katy Keene paper dolls and outfits that appear...

CoverGirl spokesperson James Charles

Just last Wednesday, I wondered if we are a tipping point regarding the integration of womenswear into menswear.

I asked, "Will men in skirts and dresses become common and accepted in our society real soon now?"

I answered, "I dunno, but anything can happen."

Well, anything happened on Tuesday when CoverGirl cosmetics announced their first male spokesperson, James Charles.

TeenVogue summed it up perfectly, "In the past year or so, we’ve seen a substantial shift in how our society approaches gender and the confining stereotypes that generally go hand-in-hand. For instance, long gone are the days of it being 'unacceptable' for boys to rock bold lipstick, a poppin’ highlight, or whatever makeup they fancy. Countless males have taken to YouTube and other social platforms like Instagram to show off their beauty skills — which are exceptionally legit — and we couldn’t be happier about this change in stride. And now it seems we’re breaking down barriers even further, and the proof is in Covergirl’s newest spokesperson: James Charles."

So young men are now using cosmetics just like young women did back in the day. But what about older men? When will they start making up their pretty faces?

"Never happen," you say.

Well, on last night's episode of ABC television's Modern Family, the Phil Dunphy character (played by 49-year-old Ty Burrell) raised some eyebrows by wearing lipstick and eye makeup in boy mode.

And so it goes.

Veit Alex, male womenswear model

A femulator having her face made up.

I canceled my Fantasia Fair trip because I can't leave my blind dog with my MS'd wife for a week.

I thought by now that my dog might be better acclimated to her blindness (she lost her eyesight July 4th weekend). She has improved, but not enough so that she would no longer be a burden. So I pulled the plug and will miss the Fair again this year.


On the other hand, I have an opportunity for a girl's evening out this Sunday!


A few days ago, I ran into one of my best friends from high school. We went to different colleges and our separate ways after high school, so we had a lot of catching up to do. It was great to see him again and it brought to mind the last time I saw him.

It was over 20 years ago. My wife and I were shopping in a department store and as we queued up to check out, I noticed my friend in the next queue. He was with his wife who was standing in line behind him watching as he placed his purchases on the counter and waited for the cashier to ring him up.

His purchases were a half-dozen women's dresses and he looked sheepish making the purchase (been there, done that). I did not say a word to acknowledge my presence because I did not want to embarrass him in case the dresses were for him.

How do you broach the subject with someone you suspect is one of us?

If I encountered him while I was out en femme, I would not think twice about saying hello. That sure would be an ice breaker!

Wearing ELOQUII.

Marcin Rogacewicz femulates Debbie Harry on Polish television's Twoja Twarz Brzmi Znajomo.

My Wednesday out en femme continued at the West Farms Mall, which in my opinion, is the premier shopping mall in Connecticut.When I was doing my makeup Wednesday morning, I noticed that my bottle of Avon-brand liquid foundation was at its end. I also n...

By Eve Taylor

My Southern Comfort Conference (SCC) experience last week wasn’t so comfortable. Maybe it's my age and experience (married and 60+), but I think I’ve outgrown the transgender conferences and meetings.

I have enjoyed the First Event in Boston the last few years; they’re well organized and attended. This year I thought it would be nice to be warm and tropical (Florida). That it was, but the hotel was just dismal and shoddy and in need of a refurb. I know it is the attendees that make the conference, but cigarette burns and mildew in the rooms… echh! The SCC people should re-think that venue location.

What was great was that that my wife and I skipped out of there ASAP, shot up to Vero Beach and had a fantastic time in the sun and surf on our own. Dressing for the beach, pool, dinner, breakfast, shopping!!! We made our own conference.

I, no, we, discovered how liberating it is to be on your own and out and about. Just a couple of gals out having fun. Everyone we met was so nice and friendly. We found out what many married CD’s have discovered… that two ladies out and about attract little attention other than the best wishes from all.

Next time you’re on vacation, pack femme, be free (and respectful of other people’s “sensitivities”) and enjoy yourself!!!

Wearing Ann Taylor.

Uku Suviste ready to femulate Beyonce on Estonian television's Your Face Sound Familiar.

Femulate Contributing Editor Susan King of Transitioning into Tomorrow fame joins us again with her collection of coats.Fall is here. It's time to pull out the fall and winter clothing. I love this time of year because the clothes cover up mo...