formal crossdressing
Each of us will leave a crossdresser legacy of some sort when the time comes that we assume room temperature. I believe each of us can contribute something to our fellow crossdressers before that time comes. You don’t have to write a blog or book, you need only help others. I doubt most crossdressers realize this but it can be as simple as attending a meeting. Chance encounters can have very rewarding outcomes for one or both people.
This was a Seattle crossdressing trip so it was back to the hotel to prep for the big night at Metropolitan Grill. Sherri has not been going out for too long and has been to some really good restaurants but I’m not sure how they compare with this place. I went there last year by myself and was treated very well so I had no concerns this time but Sherri might have had some.
Coming off my Keystone adventure last month I was ready for some truly big city crossdressing Seattle style. I planned to explore the Olympic Fairmont Hotel where I had dinner at Shuckers last year. I planned on staying at the hotel this time. Built in 1924 and known as “Seattle’s Grand Dame,” the hotel turned 100 last year. It is a truly elegant hotel and will be a welcome addition the my VINTAGE HOTELS section of this website.
For decades now I have been a fan of MAC crossdresser makeup because of the quality and coverage. I have experimented around with other products but always return to the MAC brand. MAC foundations are what I like best and I have experimented with most of what they offer. Liquids, creams and powders have been in my case over time. I have switched back and forth as they bring out new stuff experimenting with techniques I’ve learned.
Safely crossdressing also depends on when you go where you go as in less crowded areas. This trip I will be going to the downtown business district of a large city. There are many high end restaurants in the area which are not very busy on the weekends. That typically means better table, better service, and usually nicer people. The food and ambiance will be the same just quieter and sometimes friendlier. All bets are off, though, if there is a sports or concert event close by. These events can let out when I would be there. Too many crazy and often drunk people for me to safely crossdress there in my judgment.
I think the biggest advantage in attending an event like Keystone is knowledge that was not available decades earlier. The first events I went to were crossdresser party’s where many of us met our first crossdresser. Over time people realized the crossdresser label did not represent them and they wanted more. That led to the trans designation and all of its variations we see today. Beginners today can attend an event like Keystone and get answers to their questions learning the various options available. Besides the multitude of seminars they give everyone a guide book which is a tremendous resource with tons of information. The book is one place that Keystone stands out from my previous event experiences in a big way. It is the first time I recall any event doing one especially as comprehensive as it is. Its a valuable resource for not only the event but at home as well. Post event questions along with ones an attendee was uncomfortable asking in person can be done in private. Contact information for a wide variety of vetted resources are available in the guide. That takes the guess work out of the search for inexperienced Keystone crossdressers.
Friday was day 2 for me at Keystone and I signed up for the luncheon to meet some new folks. I ran into my friend Jennifer from Portland Oregon who belongs to the Rose City “T” Girls. I joined them in Portland in February for a joint meeting between CHIC and Rose City.
After about 25 years without attending any type of conference I decided to attend Keystone 2025 in Harrisburg Pennsylvania. I went for a couple of reasons. One was to connect with Vanity Club sisters I have never met face to face. The other was to observe the differences between Keystone and the Texas “T” Party along with Southern Comfort conferences. I attended both in the 1990’s then lost interest after 911 and nothing since. Once I got past registering as an OTHER at Keystone because there was not a crossdresser option everything went great.
Normally I write about my adventures starting with the 1st days adventure then the following days in order. I am doing it different for my recent Keystone crossdressing adventure because the last day was very significant. It has a tie in to a previous post I did HONORABLE CROSSDRESSER that I will link to later.
