After my first night in Denver, when Amanda introduced herself to her mom for the first time in 33 years, I awoke to a new me. Literally. The barriers that previously existed between my alter ego and Amanda disappeared, and I was allowed just to be *me*. This "gender fluidity" was wonderful - and my mom was equally wonderful in allowing me to express myself however I desired at the moment. And when Amanda's pull beckoned me back to makeup and dresses and heels, her confidence filled me as never before... and I decided it was time to step out of the house.
Studio Lites is a salon in Denver that's been there for almost 30 years, and I've always regretted not arranging a makeover there when I was in school there 20 years ago. If the last 18 months has taught me anything, it's that I shouldn't let opportunities pass me by... and this was a wonderful chance to spend time in a safe spot with accepting people, and to help Amanda manifest fully in a way I'd not been able to do on my own.
Upon arrival, we were immediately greeted with warm smiles and kind words. The the next thing I knew, I was sitting in Chris' chair while he expertly doffed my poorly applied makeup, chatting comfortably with me the entire time. His demeanor is delightful - at once professional and congenial. And that's when the magic happened.
From a huge palette of colors, his brush found just the right shades of foundation, contouring, and blush for my face, and Amanda began to emerge. But it wasn't until he he applied the eye makeup - and false lashes which I'd never taken the time to apply - that Amanda leapt from the mirror and erased the last vestiges of my alter ego from the face staring back at me. It was the first time in Amanda's life that I didn't see some hint of him peeking through. Don't get me wrong, I think my previous makeup attempts hid 90% of him (I hope, and don't tell me otherwise!), but this was remarkable. And joyous.
The effect was so intoxicating and powerful that 30 years of fearful slinking in the closet melted away... and I actually stepped onto the street and into my first public appearance, like it was as natural as breathing!
More to come on my next installment, dear readers! Thank you for all the kind comments and wonderful support... you girls (and guys) are amazing!
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