in the dressing room become more and more feminine, and the manner- iams too. The gender gradually becomes feminine in conversation, also, and the wrists relax in gesticulation. It's great fun watch- ing them make the transformation, because they let themselves go as they submerge their maleness and the feminine sides come through.

When the eyes and lips and complexions are all in order, then they slip the elaborate hairpieces on. Suddenly they become beauti- ful, wondrously beautiful. Even before a bra is on a bare chest, the face and hair present too overwhelming a portrait of femininity to be contradicted.

Most of the gowns have falsies sewn in for quick-change conven- ience. In this respect the pro is not as adequate as his amateur counterpart. He doesn't indulge, onstage at least, in lovely lin- gerie. They all wear tights and briefa over them. If you want to be revulsed, think of a beautiful pair of legs in black tights and high heels, beautifully made up face, black waist cincher and padded bra, beautiful full wig to top it all off and what is his final piece of attire before climbing into a satin and sequin gown: Jockey shorts! Ugh!

The appearance on stage is devastating, and you have to pinch yourself at times to remember they're not real girls up there. Even during the costume changes backstage during the show I was amazed. The boys that I'd been talking to for two days while doing the story were suddenly glamourous girls and I was nervous about approaching them as they shrugged out of tight-fitting gowns.

All in all, it's a rare and wonderful treat to watch them pre- pare, and the secrets that are theirs in becoming women for an even- ing on the stage would make for several volumes. One important fact struck me, and it should gladden TV's everywhere: despite loud pro- testations that it was all "only a job", I found in every instance a distinct pride in feminine appearance.

Don't let anyone ever tell you differently, pro impersonators are just as happy to feel those skirts around their legs as you are. I know they're all underpaid, and it's obvious why: they love the job. They're so happy dancing across that stage in those lovely silks and satins, made up to beat the band, why they'd pay to be part of that show.

It's not surprising, raally, wouldn't you?

Linda

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