Tuesday 28 June 2016

Underground Transgender Models to Transsexual Superstars





















Vintage Transsexual Pornography - The Early Years

In the late 1980s and early 1990s the 'shemale' was very much a niche pornography interest, you had to really go out of your way to see such material. I think I was 18 when I heard through a friend of the existence of shemale pornography. My friend had a tale to tale from a drunken lads night out in London, where in Soho, the seedy redlight area of London was explored to the full. The high light of my friends drunken trip was seeing magazine images of 'women with co*cks', on a variety of displays in the seedy sex shops. Naturally my friend had to express how freaky he thought the whole thing was.

My first exposure to shemales was on a day trip to France where I purchased a copy of the French edition of Paul Raymonds Club International magazine, this girly magazine was much stronger than the English edition. In the back pages near the small ads were a number of images of this pre-op transsexual called Shannon.
She was the first shemale I ever saw. I was completely fascinated and mesmerised by the duel male and female imagery.

Hard core pornography was banned in the UK during this time, although a thriving market  was growing through 'under the counter sales' in many unlicensed shops.

The first shemale video I purchased in a Soho sex shop, was indeed 'under the counter'. The assistant selling the video had to get a screwdriver out and unscrew the counter top, revealing the secret sash of illegal VHS tapes. I selected Trisexual Encounters No.6. (Trisexuality an early word for shemale never caught on) He then had to spend time reassembling his counter top. Needless to say it was a cash only transaction. Later trips to buy more shemale films at the same store showed a new arrangement. The store by this time was very busy and it was no longer practical to hide the films. I was even in the shop when the police raided. We where all pushed out by the police and the shop was closed for an hour. A small van arrived shortly after with new stock from the illegal duplication plant, and they were back in business. There was obviously so much cash to be made. Todays world is rather different.

Back in those days the early stars of such films were very thin on the ground. I just want to cover three of the most popular models used within the adult industry at the time.


Shannon as I have already mentioned, was a very young and pretty pre op transsexual model who appeared in many magazine runs and videos. Her most famous video was Twice a Virgin 1984 which featured her before and after her operation in a number of sex scenes.

Here is the synopsis of Twice a Virgin:

The supremely-beautiful and excitingly-erotic Shannon sizzles as "Twice A Virgin". This real life docu-drama is based on the actual sexual exploits of the world's most beautiful and sensuous human beings. "She" was born with a stick of dynamite between her legs and a sexual time bomb ticking in her soul.

At the home of a famous writer, Shannon bares all... graphically detailing, by flashbacks, her amourous exploits with a processing of beautiful females prior to her sex-change. This is followed by visual vignettes involving a series of male companions - each trying to outdo each other in bed.


I can happily report that Shannon is alive and well today. Judging from her Face Book page she lives a normal and happy post operative live. She has not aged at all either, she looks great.



Angelique Ricard (aka Sexy Suzy, Sensational Suzanne). Little can be found out about Angelique Ricard, but she did appear in a photo shoot with Tom Byron for Color Climax in the late 1980/early 1990s. She also appeared in a few films during this time. Her later shoots showed her as a shadow of her former self, and sadly she died of AIDS in the late 1990s. There are a couple of fan sites for her on Yahoo Groups.

Angelique Ricard With Tom Byron, part of a Color Climax shoot from the 1980's

Here we have the very pretty Angelique again as a maid, which
part of a maid fantasy photo shoot.

Sulka, born in 1962, lived in the Hollywood area and was as I understand discovered and promoted by Kim Christy and Jennifer Jordan (New Female Mimics owner).

Sulk's appearance was very striking as her looks were obviously supplemented by very early facial feminisation surgery. Her look was rather false and over feminine with oriental cat like overtones.

Sulka appeared in a huge number of magazines which featured pre operative transsexuals. She also made a few films in the 1980s too, such as Dream Lovers, Sensuous Sulka, Sulka and Candy, Sulka's Wedding and Divine Atrocities. Her SRS was covered in the film The Transformation of Sulka and her later film Sulka's Daughter suggested that her operation was so successful that she was able to give birth!!! She even worked with mainstream porn actors such as Ron Jeremy, as she did in Sulka's Wedding in 1983.

After her fame in the 1980s she became a recluse, she remained living in the Hollywood area but it is reported that she supplemented her income by providing crossdressing make overs. For more Sulka info and links see A Gender Variance of Who's Who
Angelique again on the cover of FMI magazine


Todays world is very different. The above ladies should be remembered as the originals and the first to start what could be a phenonimom. Perhaps they should be classed as pioneers?

The interest in shemale pornography has really exploded over the last ten years.

According to Game Link the most popular consumers of shemale pornography are based in California and New York.

Most consumers of this material consider themselves to be heterosexual as well. It's often thought that the sexual desire of the pre operative transsexual, hides a more deeper desire within the person who consumes it. Perhaps even a hidden transgender self, which the pornography allows the expression of it by proxy?







Tuesday 21 June 2016

Boy Meets Girl - 3 Transgender Based Films

Transgender Transformation Movies

1. Boy Meets Girl (2014 dir: Eric Schaeffer)  is a very successful independent film which examines the life of a young pre-operative transsexual. The film is a very enjoyable romantic comedy, which has its serious side covering peoples prejudice and ignorance of transgender issues.

Michelle Hendley play the title role perfectly, herself a young transgendered woman, proving that such parts should be played by those within the trans community - when possible. Although the film is a low budget movie, it is extremely well acted and polished. Everyone concerned should be congratulated.

Boy Meets Girl is a funny, tender, sex positive romantic comedy that explores what it means to be a real man or woman, and how important it is to live a courageous life not letting fear stand in the way of going after your dreams. (From IMDB)

You can read an interview with Michelle at the Advocate Website. The film is available on Netflix and DVD. This is a must see movie.

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2. Boy Meets Girl (ITV Series 2009) This television series is a body swap fantasy starring my favorite actress Rachel Stirling, and Martin Freeman. A perfect crossdreaming fantasy drama. I wonder if the makers of such a television series understand that such a story line is held as a deeply rooted fantasy by many crossdreamers out there.

Danny Reed (Martin Freeman) is directionless and dissatisfied with his lot in life. Working at a DIY superstore, he vents his frustrations on the customers when not pining for his co-worker Fiona (Angela Griffin), or foisting his encyclopedic knowledge of useless information onto loyal friend Pete (Marshall Lancaster). He is a world away from the successful and vivacious Veronica (Rachael Stirling), whose job as a glamorous fashion journalist provides her with a well-stocked bank account and an even better-stocked social calendar. Worshipped by her devoted boyfriend, Jay (Paterson Joseph), Veronica seems to have it all. When a freak accident traps the mismatched strangers in each other's bodies, the results are not pretty. As Danny and Veronica struggle with their new identities they begin to discover new truths about themselves. But besides learning to walk in high heels or being forced to 'slum it' with the working classes, the pair long to get back to their own bodies and, ultimately, their old lives. (from Wikipedia)

And here we have an interview with the very beautiful Rachel Stirling (she is Dianna Rigg's daughter). She also explains that she is no stranger to playing male parts.



3. Boy Meets Girl (BBC 2014) This BBC2 comedy series in six parts has proven very successful so much so that a second series has been commissioned and should be aired later this year. This series features transgender actress Rebecca Root, which adds to the whole realism of it all. Personally I found the series too light hearted for my taste, but don't let this put you off. The first series is available to buy on DVD.

It tells the story of the developing relationship between 26-year-old Leo (Hepple) and 40-year-old Judy (Root).[1] The script, by Elliott Kerrigan, was discovered through the Trans Comedy Award, a 2013 BBC talent search for scripts with positive portrayals of transgender characters.[2][3] Both Root and her character Judy are transgender, making this the first BBC comedy to feature transgender issues prominently, and the first sitcom to star a transgender actor. Sophie Clarke-Jervoise, the executive producer, stated "we always knew we had to get a trans actress – I don't think we auditioned anyone who wasn't trans for the role. It just didn't feel right." (From Wikipedia)




Thursday 16 June 2016

TomGirl Transgender Film

I just found this wonderful TG film which I thought I would share with you. TOM GIRL is all about a young non gender conforming young boy called Jake. You can find out more about this movie at facebook.com/tomgirlthemovie


TOMGIRL from Two Dollars Please on Vimeo.

Tuesday 14 June 2016

Transgender Cabaret - Romy Haag Queen of Berlin's Underground

Transsexual Cabaret Artist Romy Hagg

I recently created a blog entry about transgender actress Eva Robin's and Patrick Conrad's film Mascara (1987).  One of Eva's co stars in Mascara was the legendary Romy Haag who has been described as 'The Queen of the (Berlin) Underground'. You can see Romy performing 'Help Me Make it Through the Night', in the film Mascara if you can get hold of a copy.

Romy Haag in Mascara (1987)
Romy Haag was born January 1, 1948 as Eduard Frans Verbaarsschott in The Hague. According to some sources Romy was born inter-sexed and was bullied at school for her female like manner and appearance. Her early life did not stop her to become what she is today -  a very talented dancer, singer, actress and former nightclub manager of her own Berlin based club Chez Romy Hagg.

Romy Haag in Mascara 1987
Romy started the cabaret circuit very young. At 16 she was working as a female impersonator at  Club Alcazar and Le Carrousel in Paris. At 23 Romy opened her famous Berlin night club Chez Romy Haag, which featured many transgendered artists. One such performer who I believed worked at the club was Amanda Lear. Amanda Lear is a performance artist in her own right, Amanda is rumoured to be transgendered herself but this is another story. Chez Romy Haag was a 1920s style Berlin cabaret, but with so much more, the concentration being on art and performance.

The wild performances of gender fluid entertainment soon started to attract a lot of attention in 1970s Berlin. Many celebrities of the time attended the club such as Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, Mick Jagger, Bryan Ferry and of course David Bowie. Bowie was very attracted to Romy and Romy was soon to became his muse. Watch the video below to learn more about her relationship with Bowie.

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Romy with David  Mid 1970s 

She released her first single, “Liege-Samba”, in 1977, and her first album, So Bin Ich, in 1981.

Sadly Romy sold Chez Romy Haag in 1983, she toured the world and on her return she had SRS in Switzerland.   Since her SRS Romy has appeared in 26 films, and she has released 17 albums.

Romy has her own web site which you must visit which featured some wonderful images and info about her. Visit RomyHaag.de
















Here is a very interesting short video about Romy, her relationship with Bowie, Berlin and Chez Romy Haag.

Friday 10 June 2016

She-Man Feminisation : A Forced MTF Movie

She Man Forced Fem Video
She-Man Film Poster

Forced Male to Female Video. Gender Transformation

Here we have another rare and early attempt at transgender fantasy film making. This film features crossdressing, hormones, blackmail, a lesbian and a transgender dominatrix who controls everyone. The basic story follows a young man who is blackmailed, forced to take estrogen and become a full time French Maid for a very convincing crossdressed dominatrix called Dominita. I actually thought Dominita was played by a real woman when I first watched this film.

She Man Forced Fem Video

The film really tries hard to be serious but it will probably just give you the giggles, but this film is an important piece of movie memorabilia. The film is even introduced by a 'medical doctor' who tells us about the serious nature of transvestitism and a plea for tolerance of crossdressers.  A very low budget ensures that the acting is wooden and the script is cheesy. Having said this, the film is very watchable and a genuine curio.

Albert Rose (Leslie Marlowe) is a spoiled rich young man who receives a mysterious letter concerning a secret from his past. He is quickly flown to a hotel room in Florida, where he quickly realises he is the subject of a blackmail scheme. The blackmailer, Dominitra (Dorian Wayne) demands twenty thousand dollars and one year of servitude from Albert.

She Man Forced Fem Video
Feminized as a maid for her mistress Dominita
Albert is then whisked off to Dominitra's home where we see other 'transformed' victims of the cruel Dominita. The rules are men must dress and act like women, and women must dress and act like men. Albert's is re-christened Rose Albert and put on a diet of female hormones. There is a love interest element too as Albert falls for another servant, Ruth (Wendy Roberts), and the two team up to try and stop Dominitra. Can they stop Dominita, will Albert reclaim his masculinity, will Dominita get her wig pulled off in the final scene?


The film is downloadable is from Something Weird Video, and it is also available on a region 1 DVD as a double feature with The Sins of Rachel.

Tuesday 7 June 2016

Self Help for Crossdreaming, Autogynephilia and Crossdressing


Crossdressing & Autogynephilia Fantasy Help & Support

There are many who find their cross gender thoughts distressing and at times hard to cope with. Particuarly those who are not in a position to at least experiment with cross gender expression (crossdressing)  or  transition.


Trying to understand yourself can be tough, but coming to a form of acceptance within yourself is the half way point to some form of peace.

I want to highlight the works of two people who have both analysed their own cross gender identities in their own unique ways.

Jack Molay Crossdreamer Guru

Jack Molay started his Crossdreamers blog many years ago. During this time he has created a vast archive of studies relating to the cross gender condition which he describes as 'Crossdreaming'. His blog covers all facets and niche areas within the subject. There is a lot to digest but it is well worth the read and can go a long way to helping you understand yourself.

Jack is also the creator behind the popular Crossdream Life Forum which offers lots of self help suggestions for gender dysphoria.

Jack is also the author of the very popular book A Creative Crossdreamer Vocabulary


A Creative Crossdreamer Vocabulary 

Jack Molay presents a collection of very short essays, reflecting on different sides of the lives of gender variant, transgender and genderqueer people, crossdreamers and crossdressers included.
These essays are presented as entires in a dictionary of real and imaginary words relevant to gender variation. He looks at the ups and downs, confusions and revelations, invalidations and affirmations experienced by trans and gender nonconforming people.

"We need words that can help us understand our lives, our identities and our place in society," Molay says, "not because we are to use all these words in everyday conversations, but because they can make the invisible visible to ourselves and others."

The book also includes an extensive glossary of transgender and queer terms, a glossary that may be of use to many who are trans, have trans friends or family members or who work with gender variant people.
The Crossdreamer Book : A Creative Crossdreamer Vocabulary can be downloaded from this link.

Felix Conrad & The Trancend Movement

Felix Conrad's blog  is pretty new, but already he has produced a vast number of very helpful articles, pod casts and books to help you. Felix's approach is very outside the box looking at the gender dysphoria condition from a very fresh angle.

The Transcend Movement is a chill-out cafe for transgender people of all persuasions, including crossdreamers, transsexuals, and gender nonconforming. It overlooks the mediterranean sea.

Although we militantly defend the right to surgery, our community is developing an alternative to transition known as fusion. The first step in this radical therapy is to take up coastal living.
I totally recommend both of the above sites. From my own personal experience both Jack and Felix have help me understand myself.


Felix has also written a number of very helpful books on the subject of cross dreaming / autogynephilia. You can download and read his books form his Transcend Movement Site.


I really feel that both Jack and Felix's research WILL help you to understand yourself better, and will go a long way to finding an inner peace without perhaps the need for a full transition.

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Friday 3 June 2016

I Want to To Be A Woman (aka Cambio de Sexo, Forbidden Love or A Change of Sex) Transgender Movie

Victoria Abril plays the young male who seeks GRS

Transsexual Male to Female SRS Film

I Want To Be A Woman 1977 dir Vicente Aranda with Victoria Abril & Bibi Anderson
In a small town, José Maria is a teenager with a big problem: He imagines that inside of him he is really a woman. His family environment makes things more difficult for him. His rude father is a male chauvinist who afraid of his son softness put him to work chopping wood and tries to force him to have sex with a prostitute. However, José Maria flees from that adventure feeling guilty.

UK Film Poster
He escapes to the city where he tries to be accepted as woman with tragic results. While working as a hair dresser he meets, Bibi, a transvestite who works in a cabaret and José Maria goes to work with her. He is not José Maria anymore, but Maria José. In the cabaret, he falls in love with Durán, the owner of the bar. Durán, reluctant at the beginning, nevertheless starts a relationship with Maria José, who wants to go all the way, and plans to travel to London to have a sex change operation. (synopsis from Wikipedia)
Intimidated by his father. "You'll cure yourself of this.."




Living as a woman 



'I want to be a Woman', is a very rare and hard to obtain Spanish movie from 1977. English language editions are limited to the early VHS tapes from the 1980s. I initially saw the film trailer (see below) when I was about 13 years old. I so desperately wanted to see the movie and by the time I was old enough our video hire shops in the UK had suffered the Video Recordings Act (1984), which meant that many obscure films were lost.  I always had this film at the back of my mind as something I had to see.



[Click if you want to watch male to female transformation an feminisation films now!]


I spent years searching for an old VHS copy. Remember this is the days before the internet and I had to rely upon visiting film fairs or boot sales were old VHS tapes were traded.  It took about 11 years to finally find an old original VHS copy of the film.
Victoria Abril in 'boy mode'

The film was initially released in the UK in 1977 under the title of 'Forbidden Love', alternate titles were 'I Want to be a Woman', 'Change of Sex' and the original Spanish title 'Cambio de Sexo'.

The original UK film poster doesn't really give you an idea of what the film was about. 'They Broke All The Laws Of God And Man', states the poster. Forbidden love always suggests homosexuality not transgender issues. Perhaps   the original title was simply too much for public display in the UK at that time. By contrast the UK video release used the tag line "WARNING A true and disturbing story of sexual confusion. Contains surgically explicit scenes".

Jose decides to castrate himself to become female

The fact that a real female plays the part of a young boy who becomes female may put many off this film. After all Victoria Abril is far too pretty to be a passable male, but I feel she does pull it off to an extent. The film also stars Bibi Anderson, who befriends the young male and introduces him to performing in the striptease and dance shows of 1970s Barcelona. Bibi Anderson is herself a post operative transsexual, and the film features her nude before and after SRS. The film is very sincere and covers the prejudices that are faced by a young transitioner.  Rejection of the father, school life and lovers. Some scenes are rather amusing, such as the sequence when she is depressed and she decides to throw her hormones on the floor and crush them with her high heels. Then there is the wincing moment when she takes a cut throat razor to her penis and ends up in hospital. I also found the hypnosis sequence interesting, testing her to know if she really is a transsexual or not. The hypnosis reveals that she feels 'safe and comfortable in women clothes', so a genuine transsexual LOL. There is footage of SRS via a slide projector and cartoon animation in the doctors office, demonstrating what will happen during the surgery.



Here is the trailer:

UK VHS Tape Box
The film does have a happy ending, albeit rather glossed over and fantasised. When you consider the limited public information about transition and transgender, at the time it was made, they have done very well. My biggest problem with the movie was the soundtrack. It's really  awful, I would say it has the worst music ever used in a movie. The 1970s disco music sinks to new depths, but I guess this was popular at the time but now sounds so out of place today.

The film is now available on BluRay but it is the original Spanish edition. No English audio or subtitles. This is easily available on Amazon or via eBay. So unless you understand Spanish you're stuck with trying to obtain the UK video release from the early 1980s.




Are you affected by crossdressing? Do you have cross gender feelings that you find difficult to talk about? Why not try Cross Dream Life at http://crossdreamlife.lefora.com

Crossdressing support group