14 Skills Every Crossdresser Should Master

Esquire magazine had an article last month about all the skills every man should master. I’m sure Cosmo has some equivelant, and since TGForum is the authority for the trans world, it seemed only fitting that we come up with a list.

Our list may not be definitive, but it’s a start. So, without further ado, here’s what you need to know in order to be a t-girl in good conscience:

1. Do your own makeup. This is just common sense. One should know how to apply foundation, eyeshadow, blush and lipstick, and look presentable with it. If you’re not there yet, there’s only one way to learn: practice.

2. Accessorize. You should know if those shoes go with a certain outfit, or if the earrings are too garish for a particular look.

3. Know what to order at a restaurant and know how to eat it. It does not become a lady to order chili dogs with extra onions. And no matter what you get, you should be able to eat it without most of it ending up on your chest.

4. Tuck. There’s nothing more uncomfortable than a bad tuck. And there are few things more unsightly.

5. Pull on pantyhose/stockings properly. This means being able to put them on without getting runs.

6. Edit a digital photograph. Everyone and their dog has a digital camera these days, and the editing software that comes with them is simple enough that even your grandmother could figure out how to trim off the blank space above your head, or remove red-eye.

7. Know your best angle for a photo. For most of us, the camera should be slightly above us, looking down, because if you’re looking up at the lens, you’re going to minimize any double-chin issues you might have.

8. Dance in heels. This one, I’ll admit, I have trouble with. But only because I can’t dance in flats either. It may never come up, but if it does, you should at least be able to shuffle in a small circle without falling over.

9. Paint your toenails. Start at the base and move the brush toward the end of the toe. Repeat on each toe.

10. Wash, dry, and block a wig. Wigs do get dirty, and without regular washings they start to smell. And they become difficult to style when they’re in poor shape. A wig can be a big investment, so you might as well take care of it.

11. Carry on a face-to-face conversation with a stranger. And it should be about more than what you’re wearing, how much your feet hurt, or what kind of engine was in your first car. Make the conversation all about your new friend. Ask them questions. If you’re closeted, or shy, or they’re a loon, the conversation about them keeps them from asking about you.

12. Sit. Yes, you should know how to sit properly. This means legs crossed at the knees. Under no circumstances should one be able to fit a yardstick between your ankles.

13. Decline an offer politely. So, that creep at the bar wants to buy you a drink/dance/take you home. You should have something ready that deflects their unwanted attention without being insulting.

14. Know what ENDA stands for. You may not have much interest in politics and civil rights, but when someone asks you about it, you’ll want to appear intelligent and well-rounded. And at least, talking politics can be a great way to get rid of that creep at the bar.

Category: Transgender Opinion