
TGEA Christmas Banquet
By Diane Kaye
The Washington D.C. area has several Transgender
groups that meet on a regular basis, including a group known as TGEA. This organization is one of the largest and has monthly meetings. (You can reach TGEA through it's Home Page or via E Mail at TGEA@AOL.COM). Attendance averages around 40 members, S.O.'s
and guests and peaks to 70 for special events. The annual Christmas
Banquet is one of the most anticipated and this year drew 68 people form the
Maryland, D.C. and Northern Virginia area. We also had people
come from Richmond, Va. This year's guest speaker was Holly Boswell
from Asheville, Tennessee. She is the founder of Phoenix. She founded
Phoenix Transgender Support, and has since worked extensively
with the Southern Comfort Convention, IFGE and Chrysalis publications,
and North Carolina GLBT Pride. Most recently, she founded Kindred
Spirits, and hosts year-round transgender retreats in the Great
Smoky Mountains and at her Bed & Breakfast.
Anne Marie and I had planned to go to this special
event as far back as October, so when tickets became available,
we quickly snatched two up. With any formal event, a girl has
to start planning what she is going to wear well in advance. A
girl can't be caught at the last minute with uncoordinated accessories
and cloths. My first goal was to find a gown for the occasion
that wouldn't break the bank, and yet look great.
As luck would have it I found a lovely white gown
with a lace bodice at a local dress store being sold as is for
only $9.99. It was a size 14, so I grabbed it as fast as you can
wink an eye. The only discernible flaw was a minor cosmetic stain
on the front. A $5.00 dry cleaning solved that problem. With this
major hurdle over with, I concentrated on the shoes. Anne Marie
and I went shopping for them, and I ended up getting a pair or
gold wedges. Now came the part of accessories. Necklace, bracelet,
rings, purse, etc. all had to be considered. I decided that I
wanted to wear a pair of white opera gloves, so the need for a
bracelet became less important. I knew that when I was eating,
the gloves would come off, so I chose a small pearl and amethyst
bracelet and an engagement ring and wedding band. After all this
girl is married! The watch would be the usual gold Timex. Now
I wanted to go for something really unique for the necklace.
After much thought, I hit upon a ribbon with a pendant.
First I went shopping for the pendant. After some looking, I found
the perfect one. A ceramic oval shaped pendant with a picture
of a rose. Perfect to match my pearl drop earrings with the rose.
It had a gold heart hanging from the center. When fastened to
the ribbon, the heart hung down. The ribbon was a black background
with gold embroidery and was 1 1/2 inches wide. The perfect classy
touch. In addition it covered my slightly protruding adam's apple.
Finally nude hose by Hanes (they really are the best) and my white
body briefer. Well with everything sorted out, the big night came
all too soon. I went over to Anne's as usual to get ready. After
some chit chat, she showed me her choice, a mauve colored silk
dress with matching jacket. Simply lovely. High black patent leather
heels, off-black stockings ,matching pearl necklace and earrings.
As usual, Anne showed her talent for "simple elegance".
(Left: Leannette, President of TGEA)
Both of us must of been having a bad make-up day
as neither one of us could get it right. I messed up the lip liner
and nail polish, and Anne was having problems with the face in
general. Well after a few choice unlady like remarks, we got it
all sorted out. Anne had planned to get her hair done at the local
hair dressers, but as luck would have it, she got called to work
Saturday morning and missed the appointment. Well with all that
aside, we finally were ready to go. It was really raining out
so umbrellas were in order. I wore a white wool overcoat that
I had found at a local used cloths store. After dry cleaning it
really looked great. Anne had her black coat. We were suppose
to wait for another sister, but she never showed so we finally
left. The banquet was being held downtown at the Holiday Inn.
This made it good for in door parking and avoiding the rain.

(Right: Chris)
When we got to the banquet room, it was filled with
all those gorgeous ladies. Sequins, gold and black dresses, fabulous
jewelry, and long painted nails. Our girls really do know how
to dress for the occasion. This opportunity give a girl the chance
to dress to the hilt and flaunt it. When a girl dresses up it
makes her feel truly feminine. As usual, I managed to take pictures
of all my friends. This girl loves to chat, so I got my fill. Some
of the sisters had their S.O's which really makes the occasion
extra special. So often we hear of rejection and despair when
it comes to transgenderism and significant others, so here is
an example to show the two can work together. As we were leaving
the Banquet there was a lot of hugging and lady like mock kisses
as we all wished each other happy holidays.
The Law!
Well as with all things, the party came to an end.
Anne Marie was really getting tired as she had been up since 3:00
AM when she had to go to work. On top of all that, she also drove.
After a few wrong turns in the underground garage, we "found
light" and left.. As we were driving up 16th Street bound
for Maryland a police car pulled up along side of us at a light
with his window rolled down to tell us that the our lights weren't
on.
Anne Marie rolled down window on the passenger side to thank
the officer, and quickly turn the lights on. The officer smiled
knowing he was addressing two ladies, pulled in front of us and
made a U turn at the next traffic light. Neither of us were nervous,
but let out a sigh of relief. I guess he thought, "two women
driving with their lights off", so he felt some kindness
for us. I wonder what would of happened if we were two men in
the same situation on a dark Saturday night in downtown Washington,
D.C. Probably would of had to of at least shown our drivers license.
So I guess being dressed has its advantages. If push came to shove
and Anne had to show her license, she also had a letter from her
Doctor stating that she's under therapy and will be dressed in
her correct gender.. Well with that we went home, unwound, took
some more pictures including a few rather candid ones with a little
leg showing, and undressed. I packed my clothes, hung them up and
headed for home.
Gee, the only part of these evenings out that
I don't like is turning back into a guy. Sigh!
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