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Tony Curtis:
Back in Drag

By Elayne Wylie

January 13, 1998

Once again, NBC (Now Broadcasting Crossdressers) has aired what I believe to be a tasteful look at crossdressing in American culture. Suddenly Susan (8:00 p.m. Mondays, NBC)

One of three stories last night revolves around Peter (Tony Curtis), an older gentleman who advertises his sporting goods chain in the publication that Susan (Brooke Shields) works for. Susan sets Helen (her grandmother) up with Peter, only to run into him 'en femme' while shopping for an outfit for Helen to wear on her date. Peter explains to a shocked Susan "I need to do this every once in a while, to express my feminine side".

Susan expresses some discomfort, but agrees to let Peter do the explaining to Helen. Remarkably, Peter arrives for his date, dressed very tastefully as a woman, and looking quite similar to Barbara Bush. Susan is flabbergasted, but Peter insists this is his way of revealing this private side of him.

In explaining to Helen, Peter admits, "You may enjoy wearing pants. I enjoy wearing panties. A lot." Susan leaves the two alone to talk, and to go out on their date. Helen seems to have some reservations about his lifestyle, but is willing to discuss them over dinner.

Alas, the two were not meant to be together. Why? "He's a Republican." Helen admits. "And I can't stand it when my date has nicer legs than I do."

Overall, the show presented a member of our community in a positive light, allowing the lead characters to interact and display feelings of acceptance towards crossdressers. I appreciate NBCs increasing acceptance of the multi-faceted transgendered community, and their willingness to reflect a portion of America not usually given a voice onto the small screen.

Yours truly,
The Diva of Divan,
the Armchair Correspondent
Elayne Wylie
holly_day@hotmail.com



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