While recuperating from my surgery, I started watching Let’s Make A Deal. If you have never seen the program, audience members who participate in making a deal (winning prizes) dress in all sorts of costumes. After months of Deal costumes, I gave up waiting for a male audience member to show up en femme. Well, it finally happened – a guy showed up dressed as a drag queen. I don't know if he was the first drag queen to appear on the show, but it was a first for me. (RuPaul appeared on the show in the past, but not as a contestant.)
By the way, the host of the show, Wayne Brady, had a stint playing Lola, the lead drag queen in the Broadway musical Kinky Boots (photo right).
Update: Femulating John Ritter Dept.
February 22, 2022, the Femulator slot had John Ritter femulating in an episode of television’s Three’s Company. I mentioned in the caption that Ritter also femulated in an episode of his cop show, Hooperman, but I had only seen that episode when it was originally broadcast in 1988 and never saw it again on the tube, the Internet or anywhere else.
Well, I’m happy to announce that that episode of Hooperman is now on YouTube. (Thank-you, Anonymous for the heads-up.)
A Few Words From Tami Dept.
America is very much a live and let live country. If you doubt that consider how quickly the country accepted same sex marriage. There is reason for it and reasons why our population and peoples in other countries have difficulty with and push back on other changes having to do with trans.
The reason for acceptance is that same sex marriage was finally seen as not adversely affecting traditional marriages. Some may still take issue with it, but most polls show the large majority support live and let live.
Reasons for resistance to change are important, valid and need understanding. Societal changes that will affect and influence those who want to be left alone, are seen as force. And force is no way to win hearts and minds.
Anyone in the trans community should see themselves as an ambassador. That means carful and thoughtful conversation and actions with everyone, no exceptions. It is so much more enjoyable to have a pleasant conversation and answer questions sincerely. Conversely, it is repulsive to me to learn of trans people demanding unquestioned acceptance after their bad behavior or rude manner.
It also breaks my heart to know that some people may be reluctant to even acknowledge us for fear of being called out or called a name. Instead, it is a joy to be approached with those that are genuinely curious, kind, supportive and unafraid to interact. It is like having a wonderful conversation with a total stranger and both go away with a good feeling. We get more bees with honey than vinegar.
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| Wearing London Times |
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| John Ritter femulating in a 1988 episode of television’s Hooperman. |