Greetings from the Keystone Conference! As I write this article, it is Saturday, March 22, and I’m in my room at the Harrisburg Hilton. I’m getting ready for —and looking forward to — the big Gala Dinner tonight! But I’m actually here to tell you about all the fun things that happened on Friday at the conference.
After a wonderful lunch, CDH held our annual Keystone Meet-Up. I swear, we had more CDH members per square inch in that room than at any time in our site’s history! Literally dozens of our lovely ladies were there, and everyone looked fabulous! Many were first time attendees — including myself! It was so overwhelming seeing people I have known for years — and meeting them for the first time! What a thrill!
Kelly Rhoads was our Mistress of Ceremonies. She started off by reading a welcome message, written by our founder herself, Vanessa Law. Here’s an excerpt:
Ladies, welcome to the Crossdresser Heaven get together at Keystone … A conference is a special time. A time to express yourself, make friends and build memories that last a lifetime. And as much as the world has changed, one thing hasn’t — the courage it takes to live an authentic life, to be who you are even if it’s met with disapproval by society. Each of you has shown the strength to be graceful. The fortitude to let your beauty shine. And the boldness to step elegantly into the world.
Following this, we had an award ceremony, where some of our staff received medals. Yes, my friends, CDH has medals! The “Guardian of Our Gals” medals (see photo). Starting last year at Keystone, we awarded medals to some of our moderators in attendance. Those who work so tirelessly behind the scenes to make CDH a safe and secure place. Here is a little more from Vanessa’s welcoming message:
Today there are many Crossdresser Heaven Ambassadors here with you. These are special ladies who volunteer their time to keep our community safe and welcoming. They help members new and old feel that our home is also their home. As you know, keeping a good home also involves less glamorous tasks, such as cleaning the dishes and taking out the trash. While you may not always see it, each of these wonderful ladies — and especially those earning medals tonight — have taken on these tasks to keep Crossdresser Heaven a place we are all proud to call a home.
This year I presented medals to Fran LaRosa and Kimmie for their work in Media. Melodee awarded a medal to Patty Williams for her work in Chat.
And the best thing about this Medal Ceremony? None of the recipients knew ahead of time that they were going to receive medals!
Surprise!
Immediately following the meet-up, CDH hosted a workshop: Tips for a More Feminine Appearance with Your Sisters from CDH. The participants were Alex Kline, Kelly Rhoads, and Trixie Valentine (see photo). And I have to tell you, I attended this workshop simply with the intent of writing this article about it. But I wound up learning a lot!
Alex talked about shapewear. I found her discussion of the use of adhesive in breast forms to be enlightening. She also took a deep dive into the basics of press-on nails. I don’t use them myself, but after hearing her talk about their advantages, I might give them a try!
Kelly talked about wigs, including the pros and cons of synthetic versus real hair. Plus a useful discussion of how to clean your wigs. Kelly also discussed accessories, and gave what I think was the most useful bit of advice at the workshop: the use of magnets to open and close necklaces. No more fumbling with those teeny tiny clamps and hooks!
Trixie talked about makeup, and it was eye-opening! She discussed makeup fundamentals I had never heard of. Things like primer, color-corrector, and setting spray. But what really opened my eyes was her advice to just go to makeup salespeople and simply ask for help — even in male mode — and how friendly and helpful they will be answering your questions and showing you what to do. Trixie also gave a tutorial on posture, movement, and confidence. I know full well that, regardless of how feminine you look, if you walk and gesture like a man, it’s a dead giveaway. Trixie didn’t just give great advice on all of this. She walked the walk. I mean … literally. She demonstrated the right and wrong way to walk as a woman right there in front of us.
Overall, it was a lively workshop, and the best part is that everyone was engaged. Not only did attendees ask important questions, but many of the audience members also provided their own useful tips. Truly, it was an event that was as fun as it was informative.
So that’s my report on a very vibrant and thrilling Friday at Keystone. Honestly, and I say this without exaggeration, it was one of the best days of my life.
Now, if you excuse me, I need to get ready for the big Gala Dinner tonight.
Where did I put my nail polish? …
@Angela Wagner Very well stated! I never think to do write-ups afterwards, let alone take notes during! I was so glad to meet you! 💖
Melodee, it really was fantastic meeting you. And you seemed to be everywhere! Beginning with running out of the hotel lobby, zipping right past me (with me in drab), trying to get to a car before you got rained on! The next day at the CDH Meet-Up, the workshop, Friday dinner at the Irish pub, and seeing you mingling with everybody at the Saturday Gala. Girl, you were everywhere! And then today, I find out that you went down to the pool at some point in a swimsuit! You obviously took advantage of as much as the conference could offer.… Read more »
@Angela Wagner I’ve always been that way. I expect a lot of it due to the fact that my father died at 42 and somewhere deep down I thought, “Well…I’m going to wring as much fun out of this life as I can in case my number comes up early."
Work will always be there. Tasks, errands, chores, etc. – endless. Fun though….fun is fleeting. Scoop it up by the bushel! 😉
@Melodee Well put Melodee. Fun IS fleeting. And time even more so. I left for KS a week ago today. Seems like only hours ago though. How could it be a week ago already? The quick passage of time is hitting the red zone on my speedometer. My foot’s not even on the gas pedal either.
Well it was a surprise to receive the B….. medal. Seeing all of us CDH girls is truly amazing. We had the Gorgeous Market cornered!
To those who never meet others in our community. Please try to attend one near you. It’s an eye opening experience! 🥰
In March 2024, I took a cruise in March to the Galapagos Island. Many often call that the experience of a lifetime. And it was fantastic and memorable.
In March 2025, I attended my first Keystone Conference. And I say, without hyperbole, it was also the experience of a lifetime.
We’re certainly a colorful group of girls. But not as colorful as the islands Blue Footed Boobies! 🥰
Not surprised at all that they crushed the presentation.
Agreed. It was a workshop, symposium, and tutorial all rolled up into one.
Thank you for sharing!
My pleasure, Leah.
And thank you for commenting!
I really do need to get there one of these years.
I highly recommend it, Sharon. It was an absolutely wonderful experience. You won’t regret it.
Sure sounds like something I should make an effort to attend next year> it sounds and looks like fun with folks I love to meet.
It was a great convention and a wonderful experience. Meeting so many of your fellow CDH sisters in person really is a lot of fun.
@Angela Wagner Oh Angela! Thanks it was to see you at Keystone. I lit up with joy when you recognize me at the gala. I was so happy to see you and I recognized you from CDH. I love your article. The presentation given on Friday, too bad, I could’ve been there. In typical form all the sisters listen intently, and gave their own life experiences. How wonderful is that. Once again it was so exciting to meet you. I will always remember my first keystone. The energy was amazing at the gala and I met so many new sisters… Read more »
So here’s what happened. It was a few hours into the Afterparty. I was very happy. I had met everybody on my list that I wanted to meet. So I was pretty much done (or so I thought). And as I was walking across the floor — I saw you! Right out of the blue. And I recognized you immediately. Kaitlyn, I had no idea you were going to be at Keystone. So what a delightful surprise it was to run into you and chat for a bit!
I love this and I truly felt your joy energy and love! Thanks for being an awesome “you” and recognizing me! Love, hugs & kisses – Kip
I have to admit that I didn’t do very many workshops this year. First of all, I slept in (I’m on vacation) and I take a bit to get it all together. Secondly, I got distracted a lot just talking to people. Which is fine since that is a lot of what I went for. Finally, most of the workshops covered topics I already have some familiarity with. That’s not to say that the workshops were not well done, or that I am such an expert that I couldn’t have learned something new. I’m sure I could have, but I… Read more »
I understand completely, Meghan. Although I noticed some interesting workshops and symposia that I might have been interested in attending, my first and foremost goal was to socialize. As this was my first Keystone, I was meeting so many CDH members for the first time. I really wanted to meet and chat with as many of them as possible.
Thank you Angela