Susan's Place Transgender Resources

News and Events => Opinions & Editorials => Topic started by: Shana A on January 12, 2014, 08:05:45 PM

Title: Why Men Come to Me to Be Transformed Into Women
Post by: Shana A on January 12, 2014, 08:05:45 PM
Adrian Acosta
Photographer, Website Creator, Drag Artist

Why Men Come to Me to Be Transformed Into Women
Posted: 01/11/2014 9:41 am

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/adrian-acosta/men-transformed-into-women_b_4564321.html (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/adrian-acosta/men-transformed-into-women_b_4564321.html)

Think of all the crazy things people pay money to do. Some people spend their money on skydiving, skiing, bungee jumping, paragliding, workout classes and the list goes on. Many of these things are downright dangerous. Think of attending the opera. I know, it's not dangerous but really think about it; sitting in a darkened room with strangers listening to fat ladies scream is downright ridiculous, yet people pay lots and lots of money for a two-plus hour front row seat.

When people express how crazy they find the idea of me doing Boy-to-Girl Transformations on my clients is, I ask them: "Is it as crazy as skydiving?"

There are many ways to get your thrills in life, and a Boy-to-Girl Transformation is one of them.

What is a Boy-to-Girl Transformation? A Boy-to-Girl Transformation is simply taking a man, giving him a makeover from head to toe, transforming him into a woman and documenting it with photographs.
Title: Re: Why Men Come to Me to Be Transformed Into Women
Post by: Jessica Merriman on January 12, 2014, 11:27:08 PM
Thanks for finding this story Shana. I liked it a lot.  :)
Title: Re: Why Men Come to Me to Be Transformed Into Women
Post by: Ms Grace on January 13, 2014, 02:51:51 AM
I see a new TV show in this... "Trans* Eye for the Cis Guy"... ;D
Title: Re: Why Men Come to Me to Be Transformed Into Women
Post by: LordKAT on January 13, 2014, 03:20:55 AM
I don't like it be done as a thrill. People will assume that is the only reason and it is not.
Title: Re: Why Men Come to Me to Be Transformed Into Women
Post by: amber1964 on January 13, 2014, 03:34:47 AM
Im with Lord Kat. It does nothing to enhance the publics perception of trans women.
Title: Re: Why Men Come to Me to Be Transformed Into Women
Post by: Jessica Merriman on January 13, 2014, 06:46:16 AM
I think of all the trans people out there wanting to transition, but are scared of passing. Programs such as these are viewed by the public, but just think of those trans people who look at the end result and say "Hey, I can do this". Trans people watch these shows as well and it may give them the courage to take the next step. Passing is a big issue for us, just look at all the topics we have here dealing with it. This shows them they can pass and have a successful transition as far as presentation wise. Once they understand presentation can be a reality they might relax enough to get into therapy and start the process without the demon of passing looming around all the corners. I think shows like this serve a purpose, either directly or indirectly and we have to stop being overly critical and looking for controversy all the time. I don't feel it pokes at us or belittles us in any way and it certainly didn't give me the impression of an attempt to make fun of us or any other agenda. I for one am in awe at some of the transformations these shows do as the artistry is incredible. They make great tutorials as well. :)
Title: Re: Why Men Come to Me to Be Transformed Into Women
Post by: amber1964 on January 13, 2014, 07:15:26 AM
Transformation services are fine. But I dont think we need a television program about them. It just gives cis people another reason to be confused about us.
Title: Re: Why Men Come to Me to Be Transformed Into Women
Post by: Nero on January 13, 2014, 07:25:45 AM
I haven't seen the show, but it looks like the article is about men who come to him for help crossdressing, many of whom have never dressed as women before. It doesn't sound like it's about trans women at all.
Title: Re: Why Men Come to Me to Be Transformed Into Women
Post by: amber1964 on January 13, 2014, 09:52:32 AM
Yes. Problem is we now use the term transgender to talk about all people including cross dressers. The general public, at least where I live, is not even close to understanding the difference between a cross dresser and a trans female. Especially when they both refer to themselves as transgender. Its not life threatening, but like Ru Paul it just takes our very muddy waters and stirs them a little harder.
Title: Re: Why Men Come to Me to Be Transformed Into Women
Post by: MiaOhMya! on January 13, 2014, 02:30:07 PM
Thanks for the article I really enjoyed it! 

Quote from: FA on January 13, 2014, 07:25:45 AM
I haven't seen the show, but it looks like the article is about men who come to him for help crossdressing, many of whom have never dressed as women before. It doesn't sound like it's about trans women at all.

I see what you mean, the title "Why Men Come to Me to Be Transformed Into Women" sure seems trans, but it's funny because before I read the article I thought to myself "I don't like the usage of the word 'transformed', as if transition is magic..". I then read the story and came to see that yes they are transformed, almost magically, and that they are not transitioning but instead they're just having fun.

I'd say this is definitely in the realm of transgendered though, and his "transfomation service" might really help his clients. I bet lots of the people who go to him are transsexual, questioning, or trans-spectrum.

Even if someone is only their desired gender for a day, how great is this quote!?!

Quote from:  the articleThere are many things I love about doing makeover transformations. I love my client's faces gleaming with delight as they see their femme selves in the mirror. It's like a child's face on Christmas morning. It's the kind of happiness that is contagious. I love that they are emotionally transported to an alternate universe where they are a beautiful, sensual female: The female inside they have suppressed for years. To tell you the truth, by the time I'm done transforming them, I have a hard time believing that they had been males just a few hours before they arrived in my studio.

How awesome is that? It makes me so happy for them! :)
Title: Re: Why Men Come to Me to Be Transformed Into Women
Post by: Nero on January 13, 2014, 04:11:45 PM
Quote from: MiaOhMya! on January 13, 2014, 02:30:07 PM
Even if someone is only their desired gender for a day, how great is this quote!?!

Quote from:  the articleThere are many things I love about doing makeover transformations. I love my client's faces gleaming with delight as they see their femme selves in the mirror. It's like a child's face on Christmas morning. It's the kind of happiness that is contagious. I love that they are emotionally transported to an alternate universe where they are a beautiful, sensual female: The female inside they have suppressed for years. To tell you the truth, by the time I'm done transforming them, I have a hard time believing that they had been males just a few hours before they arrived in my studio.

How awesome is that? It makes me so happy for them! :)

That is awesome!  :)