Needless to say the events of September 11th 2001 put a certain pall over my whole organization. Even so, people were looking forward to the Halloween party and "...what do you think "he'll" wear this year" was the subject of many conversations. Of course having my picture on the poster announcing the party didn't hurt. Funny though, one new woman who works for me had a poster outside her door for nearly two weeks and didn't connect that one of the three women in the picture was actually her supervisor.
I wore a floral
dress that appeared in last year's Transgender Forum Back-to-Work
pictorial (without the hat) with a black cardigan sweater and
ballet-style flats with neutral hose. I wore a long brown wig that I
had worn the year before as part of the Wonder Woman costume, but
combed it out so it kind of softly fell at my shoulders. Arriving at
work was uneventful, except that we had been cautioned not to have
any "really full" costumes on so that our identity could be verified
with our picture identification card. So I was 'dressed' (even with
makeup) but without a wig until I parked my car and walked in from
the parking lot.Peoples' reactions were mixed, in that those who had seen me last year were trying to feign non-interest, while those that hadn't were quite surprised and vocal. I had work to do that took me around the building and so I just tried to go about my business as I otherwise would (Ha!), but I didn't seem to get read by people in the hallways which made me feel good. Of course peoples' reactions were different from how they had dealt with me the day before…that's to be expected… but generally after a few minutes they calmed down and could actually connect that the person inside hadn't changed...only the outward appearance. Of course, I did sense more of a connection with the women, in terms of body language and verbal cues. The ladies about our age kidded me about being in such good shape and making them look bad in comparison...all in fun though.
One lady I know was extremely curious and asked some really pointed questions that were peppered with the right words of someone who knew the transgender subject, or at least the jargon, which surprised me. It would have been so easy (and I was so tempted) to let the cat out of the bag, but I stayed in character as "...this is just for Halloween...you can keep the pantyhose" mode.
The co-owner of our on-site hair salon agreed to do my nails and she was really nice (she had done them for me previously). All of the staff there knew that I was changing into Elvira for the party and they each had a part in getting that look ready when I came back after lunch.
Small moments were the most memorable. One lady in our travel office saw that my dress was having a "static cling" problem, and grabbed her can of anti-static spray and said "...you really need to keep a can of this stuff at the office," almost making me feel like I'd be dressing like this (for work) often. Another was almost like an older sister telling me to "stand up straight...you look so much better that way."
Being in the
character of Elvira was a hoot for the party. Beforehand at the hair
salon I had two ladies working on my hair and another doing my
makeup. It felt good to be preened over, getting looked up and down
with really critical eyes. They actually were transforming me into
the "E" character in others eyes...not as a guy crossdressing, but
looking like another woman doing an impersonation of someone
famous.The party was being held in an antechamber of our cafeteria which held about a hundred people, which required me to walk in and then over past everyone. As I came in all eyes were trying to figure out "who is that." with even people I knew not realizing who it was until I came within 10 feet.
Of course the subject of my "ample" cleavage became a topic in its own rite when I actually came into the party. The women's' reaction was actually shocking to me...it was as if I didn't have a face...they couldn't take their eyes off my chest. As I talked to a group one of the women (who I've known for the last 15 years) actually put her hand on my boob and announced "...oh my God - they're real!" I can honestly say I've never (ever) before been treated so much like a sex object rather than a person...be careful what you wish for when you don that pair of heels. A really weird sensation!
The costume
contest was almost anti-climatic in that while others had dressed up
it was like, "...Andee is first in all categories and then we'll pick
the runner ups." In the end I opted out of some contests so that
others would have a chance, but I did win best look-alike and best
overall...with candy and movie tickets as my prizes.I ended up spending the rest of the day as Elvira, which took the work out of being at work…even if the guys eyes were always trained on my chest which was a little unnerving. The planned "after-work-drinks with the girls" event bombed out because the instigator had to get home to do Halloween with her kids. Removing my costume and makeup, changing into a golf shirt and khaki pants, and heading home to do "candy duty" was without regrets. It was truly another great Halloween day. Now…what do I wear this year…
Copyright 2002 by Andee W - 10 October 2002