When I was 15, my sister worked at the Minnesota Renaissance Faire and we went to visit her. Seeing all the women moving about in their period accurate costumes sparked a dream in me to one day attend a Renaissance Faire in a similar costume.  Well this past weekend, at the invitation of a friend, I finally realized that dream!  Of course the experience was amazing, I was properly gendered throughout and if anyone did clock me, they didn't let on and I didn't notice. Even got a few seconds to flirt with the super cute knight after the jousting tournament.  All in all a great day, definitely better than I even expected.  I did have one revelation in particular though that I found quite freeing and affirming.

Like any other county or state fair, these Ren Faires usually have different games and some of them are feats of strength type games (High Striker, Jacob's Ladder, etc.). This faire was no different. In the past, walking past these games in male skin, I felt an odd pressure to take part in these games.  An internalized need to prove how manly I was, how I fit in as a male, etc. 

However, this time my experience was very different. While my sister and I were in a shop looking at dresses, I noticed the Jacob's Ladder game next door.  As I watched a guy try to climb that swiveling rope ladder, I noticed I wasn't feeling that same pressure. I was there in a dress, no way could I try that game.  But more importantly, I didn't want to and definitely didn't feel a need to. I was a a realization of another part of my former male persona that I'm able to let go of.  It's ok for me to not be burly and strong.  I can be more vulnerable and weaker without shame or fear. The feeling was truly eye opening for me. I even stopped my sister long enough to tell her what I was feeling.  It was so great!

So I know "Pictures or it didn't happen" right?  Well here you go, here's a picture of me in costume at the RenFaire on Saturday:

Completely awesome!

I bet you would really love steampunk. I always wanted to dress in Victorian costumes. You look lovely. Most of all you look happy.

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Yeah,  one of my first outings en femme was in one of these fairs. If someone is shy and not ready to come out dressed as a female in public, this place is totally a good one.
You'll fit in whether you dress in historical or just regular dress.

Quote from: AlyssaJ on September 05, 2017, 02:37:14 PM

Seeing all the women moving about in their period accurate costumes sparked a dream in me to one day attend a Renaissance Faire in a similar costume.  Well this past weekend, at the invitation of a friend, I finally realized that dream!

Jealous jealous jealous!!

I've had that same dream forever. Maybe some day...

Steph

You look wonderful Alyssa!! I'm going to the Kansas City RenFest later this month. I wish I already had a dress like that ready, but I'll be shopping for one there. I'll also be hunting down some old friends who've worked there forever (and I hope still do!).
If the Minnesota RenFest is anything like KC's, then a good percentage of the people working there are LGBT+ or LGBT+ friendly, so even if you were clocked I seriously doubt anyone would say anything.

Quote from: DawnOday on September 05, 2017, 03:54:02 PM
I bet you would really love steampunk. I always wanted to dress in Victorian costumes. You look lovely. Most of all you look happy.

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Ooh, me me me.  I have been to so many steampunk outings as a mad scientist, but never my true self.  I'm going to design a costume now that I can.  Thanks for bringing that up.

I love that dress, I wish I had one.  Maybe next year.  I love Ren Faires Always loved the dresses, they look so pretty.  Especially when compared to modern dresses.

You look fabulous, Alyssa!  I love the costume, and you look very sweet.

Like Steph, I am so jealous.  I went looking for other costumes.  Th less conservative ones show lots of cleavage.  Am reconsidering my boob size. 
Alyssa, you are just the cutest and look like you have been dressing that way for at least 40 years.

My daughter made one of those dresses. Wonder if I could wear it lol?

Alyssa, you are fetching!

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Quote from: KathyLauren on September 05, 2017, 08:02:54 PM
You look fabulous, Alyssa!  I love the costume, and you look very sweet.

And the 1600's-era smartwatch perfectly completes the ensemble! [emoji16]

Steph

WOW Alyssa

That is great, I love what you are wearing and I understand how it feels to make those kind of connections. It is great to find some peace with yourself

Those kinds of fairs are not common here but I would love to go to one, as I grew up reading about the knights and Ladies. The great flowing dresses always captivated me.

Alyssa you look great! Your body is on point and also is your hair, makeup and that smile!! I can see that you are very happy! Congrats.


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Beautiful and rocking it. X

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Holy mother of macaroni! I FREAKING LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!  And forget Ren Faire, you should go out like that every day.... (So what if people look at you funny hahaha... And least they wouldn't be looking at you trying to figure out your gender.) I do not see how ANYONE could clock you, hun... You shine, look happy, just ABSOLUTELY RADIANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But most importantly, I am soooo happy you felt like you didn't have to go and do those things that 'men should do'.  I think that is a HUGE thing to celebrate.  So, when's the party? 

I'm just in sheer delight at how amazing you look, the obvious confidence you exude, and how much fun it looks like you had. So congrats!!!!!!

Quote from: Bari Jo on September 05, 2017, 06:31:17 PM
Ooh, me me me.  I have been to so many steampunk outings as a mad scientist, but never my true self.  I'm going to design a costume now that I can.  Thanks for bringing that up.

You're welcome. Seems like it would be fun.

I had forgotten about this resource until a new catalog for them showed up in the mail today. The Pyramid Collection sells all kinds of apparel: renaissance, steampunk, goth, etc. I don't have the skill to make my own, so if I ever get to do what Alyssa's done, I'll have to buy.

I've got no connection to the company. I don't think I've even actually bought anything from them. No idea about the quality. I think I started getting their catalogs because I bought some stuff from an affiliated company. Not sure about links yet, so pyramidcollection dot com.

Steph

Wow beautiful [emoji312][emoji313][emoji378][emoji179][emoji179][emoji179]

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I agree!

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