I have noted a number of fellow dressers who keep facial hair, and the mixed feelings they have about it.  I thought I would add an article about my own experiences and feelings in hope that it might be of some interest.

Growing up in the 60’s it isn’t surprising I developed an eye for short dresses and nylon clad legs.  In my teen years I secretly tried on pantyhose and a dress, and although I really enjoyed it, I followed my conservative upbringing and gave it up.  I finished high school and went away to college, where I decided to exercise my facial follicles and grow a beard.  I discovered I liked the way I looked and kept it.  I finished college, got a good job away from home, got married and started a family.  I also got involved in the hobby of Civil War Reenacting.  Ten years later, I changed careers, moved back to my home area and settled in.

All this while, I never completely rid myself of the urge to wear feminine clothes.  The most I did was occasionally buy a pair of pantyhose to slip on secretly or, very rarely, underdress.  The urge never left, and I still wanted to experience dressing, and seeing what I might look like as a woman.  I still regarded it as a vague fantasy or a passing whim, so I never discussed those feelings with anyone.

I continued to experiment when the opportunity presented itself, but always regarded it as a weakness or flaw in myself.  Then I discovered an online forum and felt a rush of excitement in the realization that there were other people who felt as I did, and acted on it.  I eventually got pantyhose, shoes, bra, panties, and a dress.  Although I was still bearded, I was greatly enjoying the feeling of dressing feminine, and took digital photos with my face cropped out.

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For the next several years I followed the cycle of acquire, dress, shame and purge.  In time, I made peace with myself about dressing and broke the cycle.  I came to the understanding that it was harming no one, and it was interesting, exciting, and fun.  I still had the unfulfilled desire to really transform to the appearance of a woman.  I tried using digital apps and photo-shopping,  and was encouraged by what I could do.

Then covid hit and I discovered that a mask could hide my facial hair.  A decent wig and eye makeup came next and I had gone as far as I could take it.  I was more than pleased with the results.  I looked and felt feminine behind the mask and I explored it further and began building a wardrobe.  I became so bold as to try venturing out dressed.  I first went to an isolated park and walked around in plain sight of passing cars wearing a little black dress, patterned tights and wedges.  Nothing happened – not dirty looks, ridicule, or otherwise.  I did more outings, each time daring closer contact and even interactions.  In one store I actually got a compliment!

In January of 2022 I got grudging approval to clean off the beard.  I did it in stages over a few days, leading up to the moment of truth.  For the first time in over 40 years I saw my clean shaven face, and was horrified!  I saw a weak chin, turkey neck, and the beginning of jowls!  Still, it would be worth it to see the real Geena.  But even that did not turn out well, much due to my poor makeup skills.  Disappointed in those results, I immediately set about growing it back.

Fortunately, I had taken plenty of photos and studied them frequently over the next few months.  In October, when a CD friend offered to meet up for over 2 days, I shaved again (staging an ‘accident’ to explain it to the family).  Being better prepared, I wasn’t so very shocked, and, thanks to my friend’s guidance in makeup, I looked much better as Geena.  I was so encouraged by this outing that I stayed clean shaven for the next 4 months and enjoyed more than a few Geena outings, including eating out and making friends with members of the social group in Grand Rapids.

I have since grown the beard back since I am still active in Civil War Reenacting.  I do harbor plans though, to clean it off in the fall for a repeat of last winter.

I am left with a dilemma, though.  While I very much like the look I have accomplished for Geena, I still do not like my drab shaved appearance.  I thought I would get used to it over the winter, but the best I managed was resigned acceptance.  Now I like my appearance, but Geena is again masked which precludes a number of activities.

I believe I have arrived at a happy middle ground in which, over the course of a year, I can enjoy both my usual bearded appearance, and be able to be fully Geena.  For the next few months I can do Geena, but masked, while enjoying my drab appearance.  Come fall I can again break out the serious makeup and really be out as Geena again.

EnFemme

More Articles by Geena Kirkland

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    Isabelle O'Malley
    Lady
    Active Member
    9 months ago

    Thanks for sharing Geena! If I ago two weeks without shaving I have what appetite be a reddish brown gray fungus I my face . I find it easiest to simply shave every three days or so…with a throat cutter no less (gives me the closest shave) . Hugs and kisses!

    Last edited 9 months ago by Isabelle O'Malley
    AnnaBeth Black
    Duchess
    Trusted Member
    9 months ago

    I had a mustache all of my adult life until 4 years ago I shaved it off so I could dress and try makeup for the first time ever. It was fun, exciting and overwhelming. I was scared to death someone would find out. I deleted the pictures and burned the clothes and not only grew back the mustache but a beard as well. I hid behind that beard for the next 3 years but AnnaBeth wouldn’t be denied she came back stronger than ever in the fall of 2022 I started dressing again and then shaved completely. It might… Read more »

    Dani
    Lady
    Active Member
    9 months ago

    I finally got approval to shave, pre-covid. I have always had a full beard. I mean always, like since high school. My wife laughed at me. And so did my youngest daughter. I was devastated. I was angry. They can cut their hair or change their look anyway they want. But I can’t. Really ticked me off. But I have a week on my own coming up and I am shaving. I really envy you that can be beard-less. What software is easy to use to “modify" facial pictures. I do have an additional burden – I am very good… Read more »

    Jill Edina
    Lady
    Active Member
    9 months ago

    Great article Geena i really enjoyed reading it. I also struggled with shaving my facial hair after 30 years I finally shaved it off that was probably 8 years ago, now I shave my face daily and use a facial cream religiously I no longer have any type of razor burn and the skin on my face looks better than it did ten years ago moisturizing really helps. Your article has me reflecting back on how far I have come I keep my legs and chest hair free also and never plan on growing any of it back! Geena, do… Read more »

    DeeAnn Hopings
    Member
    9 months ago

    A year or so after I graduated from college, I grew a beard and mustache. This would have been ‘73 or so. I kept it for a few years. I shaved it all off when my daughter was 3 or 4. She would follow me around the house but not say anything. She would just stare. I think in her mind, I sounded right, but I didn’t look right!?!?

    Hippie
    Lady
    Active Member
    9 months ago

    I always wear a beard. I don’t look right without one. I shaved it off from time to time, usually because I messed up trimming it. But I also never had to need to look feminine, I never did wigs and make-up (not true, I played with make-up once and while. Found out make-up is not for me.) I rather go out in public with my beard and ladies wear and say screw the world. I don’t need to impress anyone. I think it was harder for my wife to accept me doing this, then me. But I was CDing… Read more »

    Last edited 9 months ago by Hippie
    Claire Claire
    Duchess
    Member
    9 months ago

    There’s a person that i have admired and respect. She was pretty much one of the pioneers of the dual gender look. ( please excuse my ignorance about the right term) Her name is Conchita Burst. She was one of the contestants in the Eurovision contest. The equivalent of The Voice in North America. She revolutionized the concept of fluid or cis gender looks like. She looked stunning, wearing perfect makeup up and gown to the occasion. But wearing a few days grown facial too and totally owned it. My point is we should evolve as humanity in the context… Read more »

    Diane Jones
    Lady
    Member
    9 months ago

    I unfortunately can’t stay clean shaven due to hair bumps. But once a month I shave and enjoy the 2 days I have with no beard

    Ashley Konners
    Lady
    Trusted Member
    8 months ago

    Great story Geena, I hear you on the mask thing as it helped me as well during Covid with heading out in public as I have some facial hair also. I have shaved off my moustache a few times for outing and want to lose it for good but my wife likes it so I normally grow it back shortly after . With my wife being understanding and supportive I like to work with her so I don’t push the issue to much.

    Missymay
    2 months ago

    Hi I’m missymay in Madisonville tn looking for friends to talk with,get a cup of coffee or go to a movie, I’m not looking for dating or anything like that. At this time anyone up to finding a new friend.

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