A Night To Remember

Gloria A Lange

Like most of you, I've been crossdressing for many years. Over the years, there have been a few pleasant memories. I've been going out, sometimes as many as three times a week. Dinners and dancing have been the highlight. About two years ago, I became interested in doing a lip-sync performance in drag. When I finally got up enough guts, I picked a song and practiced for about a week. I thought I was okay. Well, at least okay enough to not make a fool of myself in front of other people. I did fine, but let me tell you it was a nerve racking experience. Since that time, I did it two more times. No, I never did come in first place but I never expected to. I just wanted to do it and I did. I thought that those performances would be the most memorable events in my life. Well, as wonderful as they were, they now take second place to the events of April 1991.

It was April 6 and I, along with several other Renaissance members, were just arriving at Gatsby's night club in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. We were sitting at the bar and I noticed a piece of paper. I also noticed there were copies of the handout all over the place. It was an announcement of an upcoming contest; the 1991 Miss Gatsby's contest. I didn't give it much thought at the time because I knew that this particular contest requires some sort of formal gown and great looks. As most of us know, when we look in the mirror, we are our own worst enemy. I am no exception. I didn't think I had the looks and I knew for sure I didn't have a gown for the occasion.

The following Saturday, the same group of people met again at Gatsby's and the announcements were all over the bar again. I looked it over one more time. I asked the bartender what he knew about the contest and if he would tell me more. He said it was basically a how-good-do-you-look-move-and-answer-a-question type of a contest. No lip-sync required. "Hmmm," I thought, "How do I convince my wife that I need to buy a gown?"-- Problem #1. The contest was on April 27, which happened to be the same night as the Renaissance 1991 Spring Ball -- Problem #2. By the time I left Gatsby's, that night, I was seriously considering entering the contest. I had to talk with some of my friends to see what they though'

In order to understand my concern, I must tell you that I have seen many drag-type contests. In each one, the winner has been gorgeous. Geez, the gowns would probably cost me a pay check just to touch. I didn't think I could pull this off.

The following Monday, I was at the Cartwheel night club in New Hope, Pa. There are some serious people there and if you ask them to tell you the truth, they will; whether you really want it or not. I asked several people if they thought I had what it took to enter the Miss Gatsby's contest. They told me to do it, but it wasn't until I ask one particular close friend that I received the most unbelievable response.

Danee Russo, who is the current Miss Gay Pennsylvania, is a dear friend. Danee said by the time she was finished with me I would have what it takes and a lot more. She said she'd not only do my wig and makeup but she'd let me borrow one of her gowns. I was in shock. All of a sudden, I felt some sort of pressure. A pressure to enter and win. Before I knew what was happening, Danee was setting a schedule for a dress rehearsal. Thoughts began to race in my mind. I always wanted someone who was familiar with stage makeup to show me how it is done. It seemed I was going to get it all in one big blast. Danee told me what I needed to bring. All I needed were new heels and long eyelashes. She had the rest.

The following Monday, April 22, I arrived at Danee's house at 7:00 pm. She wasted no time making me feel at home. I brought a change of clothes because after the dress rehearsal, we were going to the Cartwheel. Danee began my makeup and I learned some interesting techniques. She was fast. It took her 30 minutes from start to finish. (Oh, I forgot to mention that my wife was there too. She didn't want to see me until I was finished but as she began to watch she couldn't stop.) As Danee was applying the makeup, I kept looking at my wife for a sign that would tell me what she thought; it was a look of amazement.

After the makeup was applied, Danee showed me the gown she thought would look best on me. Great news too, we're the same size. She walked towards me carrying this white gown. The gown had a Spanish hem line, longer on one side, and I noticed that it was just about backless with a very low cut front. I thought, there goes the chest hair again. Danee helped me into the gown and told me how much it cost. "Good grief," I thought, "is she really going to let me borrow this." It wasn't until I actually had it on and looked in the mirror that I realized I was actually going to do it. I was entering a "Miss Something" contest.

The expression on my wife's face told the story. She was beyond pleased, so was Danee and even "paranoid" me could not believe the sight. It was like I was in someone else's body. It didn't look like me, at least not the me I was used to seeing.

As all good things come to an end, so did my vacation at the mirror. It was getting late and we were due at the Cartwheel. Danee lived about 5 minutes from there. When we arrived, not many of my friends recognized me at first. I have never worn my wigs up. The new makeup technique was also different for me. Everyone was pleased and strangers asked me if I was going to be in the show that night. Some other interesting things began to happen. In the past, I'd have to wiggle myself through a crowd. Not this night. People were giving me a path. The reason still eludes me. A couple of women told me that they wished that they looked as good (Geez, talk about being pumped up). I told them what I wished... Anyway, at least six people told me that I looked like Judith Light (Who's The Boss). My adrenaline was on a rampage.

The day of the contest finally came, Saturday, April 27. I kept telling myself, "Hey, enjoy it. Get some pictures. Have a great time." I knew that I'd love to win but I also knew that I'd be satisfied if I got through the whole thing without falling on my face. I arrived at Danee's house to find she was moving She had to be out by the next day. She had every right to say that she didn't have the time to help me but she didn't do that. True to her word, she had kept out the items that she needed to make me up. Everything else was packed. (Danee, I love you for that.) She'd told me if she had the time that she would go with me to Gatsby's. Unfortunately, she couldn't. She made me up. I put the gown into my car. Danee wished me luck and I was on my way.

I arrived at Gatsby's around 10:00 pm. When I registered for the contest, I was only the third entry. It wasn't until 11:00 pm that my wife arrived. We went into the dressing room and I slipped into the gown while the other contestants verbally admired it. It was "CIoud 9" time. I looked into the mirror. (Yes, again.) The dress was perfect. Down to the ankle on my right side and just below the knee on the left. Ruffles from the bottom right to the top left and up the side to my hip. The ruffle ended in a rose formation. The top was low cut and cleavage makeup had to be applied. The back was non existent down to my waist. The shoulder straps were the type meant to just slightly fall off the shoulder. They did, perfectly. The new heels were white 3" dyeables. Wig in place and makeup just right, we left the dressing room.

Again, I noticed that people would make a path. Strangers, many of them, were talking to me and telling me how great I looked. Let me tell you if there ever was a way to get ones feeling of oneself raised to absolutely new and illegal heights, I was now experiencing it. Winning the contest didn't much matter anymore. I was having the time of my life. If the night ended right then and there, I would have been more than satisfied, but the best was yet to come.

I was told that I would be the third contestant of 12 entries. The other girls looked fabulous. I couldn't believe I was in this group with them. Some of them I have seen in other shows and contests. I was standing with them and we were talking with one another. Geez, they were telling me how good I looked. What a rush!!! Naturally, I returned the compliment.

The first contestant was called. We all watched. She walked around the stage and the crowd cheered. She returned to center stage and made ready to answer her question. We all had to answer one question. I knew from past contests that you could count on one particular question; "How would you uphold the title of Miss whatever?" The first question was; "What does drag mean to you?" I thought, I'm glad I didn't get that question. The second contestant was called and her question was: "How would you uphold this title?" Aha, I knew it would be there! I was glad I didn't get that question. Number three, myself, was introduced and I went up on stage. The crowd liked me, they really liked me (I think I heard someone else say that). As I walked around the stage, people were yelling, "Great," "Go for it," "You got it made," and "Work that dress, girl." I walked by my wife, who was screaming as well even though I couldn't hear her voice.

I was ready for the question. Remembering the thoughts behind the first two questions, I was surprised at my question; who I thought was the most beautiful woman in the world? I was thinking this was too easy and that it had to be a trick. Then, all of a sudden, I realized my mind was blank except for the name of an actress that I admired, in my younger years and still do. I said, Raquel Welch." I realized I just gave away my age and that most of the crowd probably didn't even know who she is. Well, I've heard conflicting stories about my answer. It was probably not the best answer I could have given but I couldn't think of the Kim's, Kelly's or Kirsty's. Geez, I didn't even think to say that I thought my wife was the most beautiful woman in the world, even though she is in so many ways. As I left the stage, the crowd still cheered and I felt great.

I didn't win first place. I finished fourth out of twelve. Actually, I did win. I won the inner battle I was having with myself. The battle about how I looked. I feel much better about myself since this contest. No, I didn't get a crown, I wouldn't have fit on my head anyway.

I realized how important supportive friends are and that I have many of them, like Debbie, my wife. I don't know where I would be if it wasn't for her. She is the greatest. She's been supportive for all of the 23 years of our marriage. She's always told me that I look "fine." Somehow, it wasn't enough when she said it. I guess that's because she's my wife and my mind tells me that she's suppose to say that, regardless. It took me many years to finally believe her. I'll never forget her face as she cheered me on while snapping pictures. It was a look that I will keep with me for a very long time. It was a look that told me that she truly does support me. Thanks Deb, I love you too.

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