By Nora Simone
The following article is posted here with permission of the author and Transliving International, the world’s leading magazine celebrating gender diversity.
Click the photo below to read a wonderful article, by a dear friend, about a dear friend!
8 Responses
Nora,
I often think of it more as a veneer , at times a very thin one but it’s all we need to achieve our goal , which for many is as Alexandra describes . I recall the time when I was dressing just for the moments when I socialised with others , when the clothes , the makeup transported me into the female World for a few memorable hours . Sorry there is a BUT ! because it’s an idealised World , there is no such thing as a perfect woman .In saying that is there really harm done in tasteful mimicry , something wonderful to experience for a short time ?
My thoughts are now guided more by gender unlike Alexandra and have been since taking the decision to go full time . Some may ask the question do I still get those feelings she descibes ? Well it’s a YES and NO answer , for everyday it has to be NO but like most women a special dressy night out gives them the same pleasure we feel . On a recent coach holiday to Cornwall I was just one of the girls during the day but I soon got noticed for the evening meal because I made more of an effort than most others .
Nora many thanks for posting this excert , we are all different but reading other people’s stories gives us the opportunity to consider where we fit in the CDing/transgender situation , they certainly helped me to consider my options and what I might achieve .
Teresa,
Thank you for sharing your perspective and expressing appreciation for my writing. I count every minute writing, even this moment, as precious Nora time. For me, it is a state of mind. Nora
I met both Nora and Alexandra on separate occasions. They are two classy ladies. I first went out in 1978 and over the years I have met so many interesting and very nice people.
Hi Terri,
I’m honored to be lumped with Alex as classy ladies. However, to be clear, Alex has never considered himself as a lady. Indeed, the article consistently uses make pronouns throughout to be accurate. Alex, I believe, considers his presentation as an art form – and is really good at that. Interesting? Nora
Nora,
I always enjoyed reading what Alex had to say about experiencing life presenting as a woman. I admired how thoughtful and honest he was when discussing his thoughts and emotions while dressed. And yes I believe he did consider it an art form, one which, when the presentation no longer fit his image of what it should be, he had the strength of will to put Alex side, possibly forever. A very interesting individual.
Fiona
We all have different feelings of who we are and how we deal with this side of us. I gave up years ago looking for answers of why and what I am. I just try to live my life the best way I can. We all have different situations and what is right for others may not be right for you.
As someone who considers Nora and Alex among my closest friends, I am delighted to read this fabulous article. I have always been amazed about how similar my and Alex’s approach to dressing is, among other interests we share in common. She has always been in the art of feminine illusion and her style and presentation are always impeccable, just like a top diplomat wife! I am glad that you presented her to a wider audience in such a beautiful manner, Nora.
Nora,
Sorry I missed the point Alexandra makes about it being an art form , something he rather than she indulges in . I understand the concept of a woman’s presentation could be considered an art form , it can be quite a learning curve for a man to appreciate how makeup and clothes are carefully combined to create a beatiful image . What I find almost alien is he achieved it rather than she , if I didn’t have gender dysphoria I would have no desire to present myself as Teresa . I admit I live in a black and white World , my transition has come at a price , it would have been insulting and upsetting for my ex-wife and family to call my need to dress a hobby or art form , Terri M commented she had no reason to explain her needs , I feel it’s important to know so we can understand ourselves and hopefully explain it to others , we must repect them for that explanation .