Female Impersonation

Many people don't realize how different things were in the past. I've seen dramatic change in my lifetime. Here's an example.

It was illegal -- a crime -- for men to dress in women's clothing in New York as recently as the 1970's. "Female impersonation" was against the law and used as a reason to toss thousands of men into jail. (The law was rarely enforced against cis-gender women.)

Gender presentation laws started in American society in 1848 when Columbus, Ohio enacted an ordinance forbidding people from wearing “dress not belonging to his or her sex.” In decades that followed more than forty American cities passed similar laws limiting the clothing people are allowed to wear in public. This wave of laws was specifically aimed at gender presentation.

In many parts of the world, it is still illegal for men and women to wear the clothing of the opposite sex. Even where legal, social opprobrium punishes those crossing the gender line -- condemnation which includes harassment and physical violence.

A surprisingly interesting academic paper from 25 years ago is available here. (Ullman, Sharon R. "'The Twentieth Century Way': Female Impersonation and Sexual Practice in Turn-of-the-Century America." Journal of the History of Sexuality 5, no. 4 (1995): 573-600)

Obviously if you're reading this blog, you don't have a problem with me violating custom (and a former law). Why do you think society previously outlawed cross-dressing? What were people scared of? What were they trying to accomplish by forbidding it?

An Experiment

There are many female experiences I've never had -- and want to. I strive to acquire them wherever possible.

I saw this dress in a vintage store and thought, "Hmm, that's new." I've certainly never wore anything like this. It's odd but interesting. What do you think?

My Letter!

Outside magazine is one of my favorite periodicals. Not only does it focus on outdoor adventure but it does so with intelligence and insight. Recently the magazine expanded to cover social issues reflected in outdoor activity, like sexual harassment of female tour-guides at national parks.

Last month I wrote a letter to the magazine appreciating their support of a transgender rock-climber whose story is linked here. They published the letter in the new issue released today. Here's the page on which the letter appears followed by a close-up that's easier to read.

Coney Island Mermaid Parade

I attended the Mermaid Parade in Coney Island today. It's always fun. Do you see any favorite costumes?

That's singer Arlo Guthrie in the first picture; he was this year's King Neptune.

Women In The Woods

I observed something that struck me as odd but I'm not in a position to judge it. If I try, I'll probably be wrong. So let me ask for your thoughts.

I went on a group hike last month with a bunch of strangers (through a local MeetUp). The hike was in the woods, about two hours long, and a little strenuous; certainly an athletic activity where you sweat, quite a lot.

The group of hikers was 90% female. Most did not know each other so there was no coordination among them on what they wore, how they prepared, etc.

What surprised me was more than half of the women wore full makeup -- foundation, lipstick, powder, etc. They all wore appropriate hiking clothes but their faces looked like they were attending a dinner party. Again, this was an athletic hike with inevitable sweating.

I wondered -- and now ask you -- why would someone wear full makeup to such an event? I can easily imagine a half-dozen possible reasons but, not having lived a female life, I can't get into the heads of these women to figure out theirs.

Your thoughts?

Flying Booties

I spotted some cute white booties last week at Nordstrom Rack. I buy shoes there because it is one of the only retail stores carrying large sizes. (I'm a 12.) The booties were on sale for $40.

I made a special effort to showcase the beauties. I kicked up my heels, stretched my back muscles and used a tripod with remote shutter-release. Here's the result. What do you think?

Birds

... or as we say in Brooklyn, "boyds."

At the lofty summit of Mt. Pemigewasset I saw majestic birds swooping in the air. They were quite large. I don't know what type they are. Falcons? Do you know?