Travesti

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.