Rebecca Romijn’s Alexis Meade character is that important, peeps. While Ms. Romijn isn’t transgender, her character, like Uhura 40 years before is a representative of a group marginalized in American society. Alexis is not only intelligent and beautiful, but is shown in a position of power and influence. The reactions of her family members ranging from her mother Claire’s total acceptance of her daughter to her father Bradford’s outright rrejection and her brother Daniel struggling with the changes in their relationship mirror what goes on in our lives.

Like the unknown positive effects of Nichelle Nichols’ Uhura that became apparent decades later, how many transkids who are being teased, tormented and bullied flip on Ugly Betty and are reassured by Rebecca’s character they aren’t alone, they aren’t freaks and they can one day BE Alexis Meade? How many of those transkids will be inspired to do great things because of this character?

“This volume contains 18 erotic short stories dedicated to the glory of crossdressing by both sexes.

From the allure of phone sex and pantyhose in Stan Kent’s ‘Phone Fatale,’ to the gender-bending, line-blurring exhibitionist romp of two costumed couples in Helen Boyd’s ‘Halloween,’ these tales of transvestism are sure to delight the sensual reader.” -Jay Marlowe

Here’s a bit from a post last month:

The main reason we were down in Portland was to meet with my doctor and make sure that everything was okay with me before starting on hormone replacement therapy. Everything went pretty well, though my liver function was a little off. They just want to keep an eye on it so I’ll have to do another blood test in a month or so.

I’ll be starting out with a fairly low dosage of estrogen (estradiol) and a testostorone “blocker” spironolactone. I’ve been taking regular aspirin to reduce the chance of any blood clotting but the Dr said I could just use the childrens chewable which is nice to know. So I have the prescriptions in hand now it’s just a matter of getting pregnant.

Check her out on her blog and website.

Here’s an interview with her about her role on the show at Gaywired (via Femulate)

“I happen to have several friends who are transgender so it’s something that is a very sensitive subject and it’s very close to my heart,” said Romijn, who plays Alexis on the show. “It’s something that I would never want to make any choices that would insult my friends. I also feel like I’m part of a movement of people that are sort of making it into mainstream society and don’t really have a voice yet or are still finding their voice. It’s kind of an honor. At first it just sounded like a really fun character to play. Now it feels a little bit more important.”

Those friends of hers in the community approve. “[They have been] super positive,” she says. “I’ve met a lot of transgender (people), which has been really interesting. They love it. Everything that I pick up for the character, I pick up for them. It can be a sensitive subject. To make that decision to change your gender is a huge decision so of course I would never want to offend my friends. Hopefully I have not and the writers are all very knowledgeable and supportive and sympathetic with the character.”

Here’s a YouTube montage:

Breakfast at Dunkin’ Donuts

When did I get knocked up? Test Shot 05

Mrs. Evelyn Burnham hates Christmas Shopping

October 25 2007: Ode to Chrissy Amphlett

And my personal favorite (though the Dunkin’ Donuts one is a close second, I just have a weakness for men wearing lipstick):

Happy Birthday David Johansen!

“Tranny space,” Metro Times Detroit

But it’s not exactly business as usual, because the proposed club will be for cross-dressing men and transgender people. Club owner Janet Law (a self-described tranny who legally changed her name from Tom to Janet) and her lawyer say the case is more about dirty politics, the First Amendment right to assemble and discrimination against transgendered people.

“There’s no sex here. There’s nothing like that,” Law says. “It’s a clean, discreet place for transgenders.”

“Officials keep club for cross-dressers shuttered,” The Detroit News

WYANDOTTE — Dressed for guests in heels and a short skirt, Janet Law sipped a drink alone in the private club she hopes to open for cross-dressing men.

In a standoff that’s caught the attention of advocates in the transgender community, Law’s lawyer, Guy Conti, says Wyandotte is violating her constitutional rights because the 1,400-square-foot club otherwise meets zoning rules.

The dates for this year’s Fantasia Fair have been announced: October 19-26. From their site:

Fantasia Fair is a week-long transgender event that attracts people from the entire range of the GLBTI community – crossdressers, transsexuals, intersex individuals, M2Fs, F2Ms, and their significant others are all welcome.

Couples find support, friendship and caring, and enjoy the opportunity to share and partake of workshops and sessions that explore and recognize the ups and downs of a TG partnership.

Here’s a photo from Karen Wendy Fox’s 2007 Fantasia Fair Flickr set:

And here you’ll find many more Fantasia Fair photos, including crossdressing brides, the subject of an upcoming post right here, so stay tuned.

There’s a lot more to crossdressing than simply a desire by men to wear women’s clothes, and this intelligent anthology covers it in thrilling detail. Yes, there are trannies here, most vividly brought to life in Tulsa Brown’s Temporary, the tale of an unexpected liaison between a drag queen and one of the kitchen staff in the sleazy venue where she’s performing. But there’s also a straight girl who fulfills her dominant lover’s request to dress as a boy (Alison Tyler’s Like a Girl), a butch femme who finally embraces her girly side by wearing a beautiful evening gown (Teresa Noelle Roberts’ Tough Enough To Wear a Dress), two couples who attend a fancy dress party as James Dean, Sal Mineo, Clara Bow and Joan Crawford and discover how much it is when boys will be girls and girls will be boys (Helen Boyd’s Halloween) and even a woman whose fantasy is to have sex while dressed as a Yeoman of the Guard (Lisabet Sarai’s Beefeater). Throw in an introduction from Veronica Vera, the head of Miss Vera’s Finishing School For Boys Who Want To Be Girls, and a high quotient of stories featuring men in panties (always guaranteed to keep me turning the pages!), and this is one short story collection which doesn’t need to be dressed up as anything other than really hot read. — E.C.

From blogger Evie-tv……..Adventures in Crossdressing (in a post titled Cake or death – love that):

So with a deep breath and summoning up all my courage I grabbed the display boot and strode inside. Actually I hovered about a bit, it wasn’t exactly a stride but you get the idea, the young assistant was serving a woman of Evans’ more regular demographic but when she became free I asked if I could have the other boot to make up the pair. Off she went into the back stock room and came out a few minutes later with a big box with my boots in.

Upon leaving the changing rooms, I mumbled a hushed apology to the assistant in case I had caused her any embarrassment but she wasn’t and showed none and instead she asked if there was anything else. I thought briefly about selecting a couple of dresses now that my secret was clearly out but I didn’t want to push it. Instead I bought my fantastic new boots and literally floated out of the store. This small probably seemingly minor incident left me with such an incredible natural high that lasted for days afterwards. The shop girl will probably never know the profound impact she had on me, though not intentionally, just by being there and playing your part sensitively you enriched my life. Thank you, I will never decry Evans fashion ever again.

I don’t know how I missed this film, but I can’t wait to see Flawless. I totally have a thing for Philip Seymour Hoffman, who seems to be everywhere these days, and seeing him in drag as Rusty only intensifies my little crush.

Here’s the trailer:

And here’s another clip:

And then a photo of him as himself, just because: