RANSVESTIA

She said, "Darling, your problem is you don't know how a real woman acts. They act and do everything the same as a man, only in a more grace- ful manner."

That one statement hit home, and really made a girl out of me. From that time on I not only looked feminine, but felt as a real girl should. I thought of myself as a GG, not an FP, and my actions followed suit. I didn't try to prove to anyone that I was a girl. I was and am a woman while dressed.

We shot more movie footage and this time there was an exotic type of woman on the screen, performing the miracles of the masters of magic. The transformation was magic in itself. I was thrilled and felt a warm glow of inner satisfaction, seeing myself on that screen. I knew I could put the act over without any problems.

The one thing we hadn't figured out, however, was how to release the act. Brother was well-known in the realm of magic throughout the world. He was known as a "Magician's Magician," and had over a score of tricks on the market. How would his compeers take to the act? Also, what would neighbors and friends think?

But after all this work it would be a shame not to go the whole way with it. So, in August 1971, Brother released the act. He let it be known that he had perfected the world's first straight female impersonation magic act.

A stage name had to be adopted. So the name “Charmaine, the Exotic Sorceress," was chosen. Business cards, brochures and publicity pictures were all made. A lot of money was invested, more than Brother could afford, and it was a tremendous gamble, with no guarantee of the out-

come.

A few minor club dates were booked for the act. All were smashing successes. I can't relay in words the feeling I had while on stage. Here I was, me, Stephanie, under the cover of “Charmaine” doing what I loved, magic, and doing it as the person I loved to be, the femme-me. I was passing, without being read, and deceiving hundreds of people.

The applause was the sweetest sound any girl could want. To be able to express yourself, as you desired, gave a glow of inner warmth and satisfaction beyond compare.