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Introducing Rated XX, a new weekly column by "Doll," Racked National's first transgender guest blogger.
Always secretly wishing he'd been born a Barbie, Doll was a young army brat who grew up and became a citizen of the world. After landing in Manhattan, he became a New York fashion insider, working in a high-powered industry position, living a life worthy of a feature film.
After mysteriously vanishing from the scene, Doll recently resurfaced and has embarked on a new roller-coaster ride of a journey. Follow his transformation, week by week, right here on Racked.
"We want to invite you to have lunch with us every day for the rest of the week!" —Mean Girls
Doll: Before beginning my transition from man to woman, I gave being gay a good try. I had boyfriends, I went to the gay clubs, and I bought Cher Barbie Dolls.
For me, the constant problem with being gay was that the type of men I attract and am attracted to tend to be straight or closeted bisexuals—meaning that, in my boyfriend’s life, I was always stashed in the back of the closet. I was never allowed to meet my boyfriends’ friends or families or have the relationship that I’ve always dreamed of. I know that in the future, once I’m complete, I’m destined to have this fairytale, fulfilling relationship.
The Gays of my Life are a trio—my support system. There’s Chi Chi, the first person who introduced me to dressing in drag. Chi Chi took me to my first transgender/drag bar in Manhattan. Years ago, he taught me to embrace my strong feminine side which, due to my intense Catholic upbringing, I’d always suppressed.
Then there’s Dr. Ken (read: he looks like a Ken doll). Dr. Ken is one of the most intelligent people I know. He attended Harvard Medical School and Columbia Business School. Of the Barbie Dolls and the Gays of my Life, he has the strongest opposing opinion about my decision to become a woman. Since he’s my best friend, he says he’s supporting me, but not encouraging me.
Dr. Ken’s on-and-off boyfriend is called Baron Von Fancy Pants—Baron for short. Baron is bicoastal and originally hails from Europe . He adds a flair for the extravagant to everything he does.
This trio helps me not to lose my true self in the process of my physical transformation. They keep me grounded and, along with my Barbies, they’re a vital part of my New York family.
My Barbie Dolls, the Gays of my Life, and I hit Monkey Bar the other night—it’s a favorite drink spot of ours, for reasons I will tell you some other time. Cher, Gwyneth, Monica, and Kylie procured free drinks with their feminine wiles while the gays discussed Baron’s tres chic plans to preview an apartment he’s interested in purchasing at The Plaza.
While the gay trio was discussing, I was intently studying the Barbies’ mannerisms and making mental notes of what worked and what techniques I’ll be sure to employ in the future.
The gays and I made plans for the next day to go with Baron to preview the Plaza apartment and make a pit stop at Louis Vuitton for Dr. Ken to make a purchase. As Dr. Ken says, “One can never own too much Vuitton.”
Being part of the gay trio is just like being part of the Plastics—“You wouldn’t buy a skirt without asking your friends first if it looks good on you.” Right?
Next week, it’s time to teach you about Oswald’s. For any girl working in fashion, it’s a survival must.
Until then, Au Revoir!
· Read all Rated XX [Racked]