Queen For a Day:

Or How to Make a Transperson Feel Like One

By Stacy M. Clement

Chances are that each and everyone of us would jump like the Energizer Bunny at the chance for someone to do our wig and apply our makeup, especially if that person is good and undoubtedly, if that person is Jim Bridges. Back in December when I finally got around to redeeming my makeover/photo session ("I'm Ready for My Close-up Mr. DeMille") gift certificate that Judi, my S.O., had given me, I was flattered to hear that Jim Bridges wanted to put me in a catalogue that he was creating. I kept the compliments and the catalogue in the back of my mind as I went through the Holidays and into the New Year, working on school and life in general. The end of February rolled around and I got a call from Jim's new partner, Larry, who was in charge of the catalogue production.

"Why yes, I am still interested in posing for the catalogue," I replied when Larry asked. I was eager to participate for a lot of reasons, not the least of which was the design of the fashions that Jim was asking me to model. These were not ladies wear from Macy's or Clothestime, but had been 'built' on measurements taken from guys! Longer shoulder to waist measurements, sleeves that reached my wrist, and cuts that didn't allow too much room in the hips, where we have not-so-much anyway. The prospect of being part of a line of women's clothes designed exclusively for men, was an exciting prospect. When, where, etc., were discussed and my voice broke in thrilled anticipation. The first weekend of March (Sunday and Monday to be precise) would be spent as a Cindy Crawford wannabe.

Nerves kept me awake as I anticipated the day, so I popped a Nytol® and slept the night away. A close shave (again, all over 'cause you never know), my nails a fire-engine red, my own bra/falsies and panty girdle in place beneath my guy-clothes, and off I went. We have all heard or seen or imagined a models' photo shoot and while I cannot say if this was anything like Crawford or McPherson experience, it met my expectations. The shoot took place using the Queen Mary Showlounge as a backdrop, which provided some very nice photos. Makeup and hair were done by Gayle, with the supervision of the photographer, his assistant, and of course, Mr. Bridges. Again, you can bet, I studied the process that she uses (she was taught by Jim) so that next time I'll be able to approach the same effect.

Members of the Company

There were, as you can see by the photos, four of us Gyrls doing the modeling. Gina (the red-head in the middle), Leah (the brunette on the left), and Katy (the blonde on the right) had been at it much of the morning by the time I got there. There was also a film crew there working on the shoot to chronicle the 'making of a drag-catalogue.' The photographer and his assistant, two handsome guys to prop as bartenders , and the lighting technician rounded out the entourage. For my money, it was every bit as Hollywood as anything that Shepard or Tiegs went through. I can also tell you that no matter what you have heard these ladies make per hour, it is not overpayment, especially not if they work as hard as we all did.

Makeup and Hair

I arrived a bit early and was immediately set upon by Gayle to beautify me. Her makeup touch and process are very similar to Jim's and I again took mental notes of the subtleties of her work. The cameraman from the video crew shot this and followed me as I went from "street-andorgyne" to "glamorous model" with his camera and sound boom this way and that in the makeup arena. I was strapped into my corset, finished with hair and makeup early, so I put my boy-clothes back on and walked over to watch the others strut their stuff for the camera. Posing the gyrls this way and that I watched the process much as a tourist watches the rich and the famous on Rodeo Drive (I have done just that, so I can relate). It was clear that they were nearly finished with their portion of the shoot and I needed dress and heels. I had not put on my hose (can you DUH? I can now!) so I had to struggle with the corset and pull the black pantyhose up my long legs (they seemed especially long as I was constricted by the brutal corset ribs). With shortness of breath and the concern of the camera crew and Gayle, I completed the monumental task and at last stood before them in a cowl neck, short blue party dress and black patent four inch heels. Yikes, I felt light headed - oh that was just cause I couldn't yet breath. Knowing that my presence would soon be required in front of the cameras, I gathered myself together and headed out the door.

Between Jim Bridges' Boutique and the backdoor of the Queen May, is perhaps 100 yards of sidewalk, alley, and parking lot. As my high-heeled foot hit the sidewalk at the bottom of the porch stairs and I turned to walk toward the QM, I was confronted by three wide-eyed yuppies. The father was pushing the stroller, the mother was holding his arm, and the child was enjoying the ride. They saw me at the same instant that I saw them and if they had been able to move by sheer will, they would have transported themselves to the other side of the street in a single leap. Not having instant displacement as an option, their eyes widened, their mouths fell open, and their step quickened . In a futile attempt to remain calm and collected, I smiled and said "Hello!" Well, you know some people just can't stand to see 200 pounds, stacked to six feet, with great legs, walking towards them, go figure. Anyway, I breathed in deep and continued my progress to the waiting camera.

Once inside the door, I once again began to breathe; not because I had stopped, but because I was not used to wearing a corset and I was finding it physically difficult to fill lungs that are quite used to a full compliment of oxygen with each breath cycle. Trooper that I am, however, I began my modeling career with a vengeance (and shortness of breath).

The first shot was the four of us gyrls and Mr. Bridges in something of a Bond-esque pose. Then came a series with me at the bar, the bartender leering over the bar at my nylon-clad legs. Then a long dress with similar collar and a long slit up the front. Next a new wig and some close-ups to show off the hair and then the same outfit to highlight the dress, a red, short party ensemble. Finally a change to the purple party dress, new earrings and the shot by the pole.

As you can tell by the photo here, I was having a great time - loving the attention, the flash of the camera and the snappy repartee with the folks assembled.

Though I have viewed all the photos taken of my by way of slide and magnifier, this one in the purple dress is the only print I have viewed so far. I was and remain, very happy with the photographic results. In fact, the photographer thought I had a very feminine presence in front of the camera.

"Well", she said humbly, "I did take a course in modeling and did a little runway work several years ago."

I was mildly disappointed when the shoot came to its conclusion. I had to take off the makeup and the heels and especially the pretty dresses, but tomorrow was another day and this one had been forever immortalized on both still and moving film for all to see...yikes!

Monday, I was needed on the set, this time a real studio, as PA (production assistant) which is a pretty name for a gopher, but that was fun too. I caught myself a couple times, thinking how I could get used to this sort of lifestyle, only to remind my fun loving girl inside that I had a doctorate to finish and student loans to payoff.

Reflections

In retrospect, I have to tell you that being wigged and made-up was a natural thrill and modeling a very unnatural pleasure. Being with caring professionals like Michael and Lesa (the photographer and his assistant/fiancee), the video crew (John and Stephan), the others of the cast and crew, but especially my fellow models was a tremendous high for me. I got, and gave, support from the other models, encouragment, and praise all around.

Would you do it again?

Hmmm, let me see. Would I let someone put on my makeup, dress me in a beautiful outfit, style my hair and shod me in high heels? Well, ok, but just as often as you want! Seriously, the answer is YES and in fact, we will be doing it again. As part of the Unity Convention in Long Beach in April we will be in a benefit fashion show. I believe the date is April 17th and the show will benefit AIDS organizations. The four of us, at least that

is, tentatively, will strut our stuff and show off these creations. You will, no doubt hear us say that the dresses are fun, not just because they are party dresses, but because they fit. I will always be 6' tall and my shoulders will always be broader than the typical woman's. I will also always be able to by clothes off the rack, but I will be forced to deal with sleeves that are too short, or hips that are too wide. But now that Jim has launched this line of clothes, I can wear a dress to a special event that fits just right, cause it was constructed with me in mind. All the hormones in the world won't make my shoulders smaller, but a cute dress from Jim Bridges, might help the illusion.

Mr. Bridges and his Catalogue

While this article is not intended as a commercial for the boutique or for Jim, I must reinforce my support for the catalogue and the products therein. I know Jim to be a strong and honest supporter of the gender community and I encourage the members of TG Forum to support him. I hope to see many, many of you at the fashion show on board during the IFGE Convention on the Queen Mary this week so you will be able to see for yourself just how great these dresses look!

Print this page, clip this form, and send it in to Jim (go here for the address off of the TGF Shopping Tips page)to see the full line of pretty things!