On this week of Thanksgiving, just over a week removed from the Erie Gala, I find myself thankful of a whole lot of reasons. First, to my wife who has been more accepting and supportive than I could have ever imagined. Secondly, to my friends, to whom this article is dedicated and who will forever be my Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girls.
Like any good road trip there are adventures, setbacks, and new interesting folk to spice up the experience. As anyone in chat will attest, we started talking and fixating on this event months ahead of time; probably to the point where we annoyed some members, haha sorry. But anyone who has been to an event will understand and to those who have not, go. Being amongst others like us is water for a thirsty soul. Heck, I might even call it a Femininomenon.
The first, of many, memorable moments came when discussing my next outfit purchase with my wife. To my shock she offered up some of her outfits as an alternative and to save some money. This changed my outfit plans. Which led to a shopping trip where I openly shopped for women’s clothing alongside my wife. What was really cool was I was not the only guy doing that. A thrift shop or two later I was able to find the perfect pair of skinny jeans that I have deemed my Guilty Pleasure.
Now lets fast forward to the day the road trip begins. Before I leave for work, I double check all of my bags and line them up for an easy exit. I am the last person to join the caravan, so I was able to work a half day. Probably the longest four hours ever. I roll out of work. Shortly after that I receive a text detailing our first setback. A key garment bag was left behind and added multiple hours to the ride that was picking me up. No surprise to me, the other ladies stepped up and squeezed me into their ride that was now filled to the gills. All the girls were looking good, and I was in boy mode. Obviously, this could not stand. So, I completed one of my bucket list items. I did my makeup in the car. For the last few months, I was practising my makeup weekly. This was the first real world test of my skills and to be honest, I was very pleased with what I produced; especially when I think back and realize I was doing this in the broad light of day. Like it was just so Casual.
Prior to this trip the most I was in femme mode was two days and nights. This trip doubled that. Six outfits, not including back up or the one I bought, eight pairs of shoes, and a Tupperware container of accessories. The dance of sharing a room while getting changed was something to behold. By the time Saturday rolled around this was like a well-choreographed operation. Amongst many of the firsts on this trip was my first trip to a mall. This was something I was really looking forward to. One, it was going to push me out of my comfort zone, and two, it was crossing off another bucket list item. Shopping with the girls. Well in my excitement I got a little overzealous shaving my face and cut a mole. As the time neared for the mall train to leave, it became clear to me that I was going to miss it. This was devastating to me and I went into a real negative space. But its amazing what a kind word, a gentle touch, and a reassuring talk from a great friend can do for your self-confidence. With time my face regained its composure and make up was back on. After a quick drive and a deep talk, I was in the mall getting a smoothie. This hour and half, or so, of time might be one of the most significant hours of my experience. With it I learned I can be out and about in the “normal” world. I learned I have the power to overcome the worst thoughts about myself and even kill off those thoughts. This newfound confidence had me looking at the next couple days in a new light. I was Hot to Go!
The next two days were a whirlwind of activities and memories made with a bunch of sassy peacocks. From cramming into a third-row seat and serendipitously forgetting my ID to watching the Tyson fight at a LGBT club, never had that on my bingo card, so many wonderful memories were made. It was beautiful to see girls helping each other out with no hesitation. To share common experiences and getting to know each other better. From laughing at absurdity to making small talk. New friends were made, bonds were tightened, and experiences were plentiful. Stories that will be told for years to come. And remember, on the weekend, everything is better After Midnight.
Finally, I want to thank Tara, Alex, Kelly, Melanie, Melodee, and Trixie. Your friendships mean so much to me. You all made this trip possible. I am a better person from knowing you all. We are an eclectic group of amazing girls. Future adventures, planned and yet to be conceived, will be highlights of my days and years. The fun will be explosive like a Red Wine Supernova.
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I’m really happy for you Erika, it was a truly once in a lifetime experience for me as well. While I’ve seen plenty of women apply makeup in a car this was the first time I’ve seen a complete male to female makeup application, well done. It was fun to have a front row seat and thanks for letting me tag along. Let’s do it again and I’m looking forward to seeing all of you at Keystone 2025!
So happy you got to make it too. Tag along please. You were in the thick of it. That was a cool experience for me too. I remember looking to my right and realizing “I’m basically doing my makeup right in the open." Almost freaked out for a second but I was with you all and that allowed me to put on blinders to the outside world. Key is so on!
Thank you for sharing your adventure! I’m truly happy that you were able to do it. Your writing reminded me how this different side of us can lead us on my new adventures, and a few mishaps, but it opens ours eyes, gives us confidence in many things, shows us a world that’s right there in front of us. It’s beautiful!
Lea, thats so well said. And absolutely agree. The experiences I’ve had during my few times out and about are beyond what I could have imagined. So hope everyone else here will oneday get to experience that beautiful world.
Erika – thank you so much for doing this write-up. It truly was an amazing experience that I will be unable to forget. Within a few quick hours, surrounded by you gals, I felt like I was able to channel a whole new level of confidence and attitude! From shopping, to dancing, to sharing prepping secrets, to shooting pool in 8” heels, the whole event was a gold mine of memories. Thank you for including me in your group and your adventures. And thank you for being so inclusive of all of the other gals who joined us along… Read more »
I absolutely see that confidence in you. So loved hanging and getting to know you. And yes so many memories that I will cherish as well. And girl you arent just included you are one of. Agreed. Ive learned my leason about not being specific on the hair colors included in cover pics.