Angel…a little boy’s inspiration

Just a little blurb I wrote about Shelley Hack on Tumblr, submitted for your perusal my dear WordPress chums ^_^

So…in case anyone was wondering…why all the sudden Charlie’s Angels-related posts? It’s not just because I’m super-psyched about the September boxed set release of the entire series, though believe you me, I AM!! There’s something more. Allow me to explain.

When I was 17 and I began questioning my gender identity and exploring my own inherent femaleness more deeply than I’d ever been allowed to before, I took some time off to just meet myself for the first time. While living this life of leisure, my daily ritual included some Wai Lana Yoga at the crack of dawn. One day, after finishing my yoga session, I flipped through the channels and saw that a Charlie’s Angels re-run was playing on…TNT I think it was, or maybe TV Land. Either way, I’d always been intrigued by the show, having heard from my mother, aunt and grandma how much they enjoyed it during its original run in the seventies. My very first episode was a season 4 Shelley Hack episode, I can’t remember which but I know she wore a stunning wine red jumpsuit which made her jump out at me. It was my first taste of seventies fashion which would eventually come to influence a lot of my own looks.

I just thought she was spectacular…such a model of grace and sophistication. So, I kept watching and became enthralled by the series and later on in life, once Wikipedia had become a “thing,” I read a lot about the Angels, especially my favorite and was surprised to find Shelley Hack was as unpopular as she was. I couldn’t understand why, I thought she was very talented and in my opinion, lovelier than the other two (though of course they were also stunning). Anyway after reading more Charlie’s Angels-related material than I care to admit, I learned that it was all just a very poorly-handled business tactic; Hollywood ever in need of the proverbial scapegoat. Having always been something of an underdog myself…this only made my admiration for Shelley Hack and her character of “Tiffany Welles” that much stronger. She was someone I could identify with and strove to be like. Then I learned about all the fabulous causes Ms. Hack’s been a part of throughout her life, about how she strives to aid war-torn nations by utilizing media as a way to introduce impartial democracy to them, about her part in aiding numerous women’s organizations, and her advocacy of higher education above all. Coupling that with the winning smile, sumptuous seventies fashions she wore in her hey-day, her fondness for the Supremes, apple pies and the fact that she portrayed a transgendered housewife in an episode of Tales From The Crypt…well, if there was ever any doubt in any detractors’ minds…Shelley Hack IS an Angel, in more ways than one.

Head on over gang…to…The Lady-In-Waiting Fashion Files!!!! YEAH!!!!

Trans-piration

Hey you guys…no this entry is not about transgenders and perspiration…it’s about transgendered individuals or characters who have inspired me throughout the years during my own personal quest towards womanhood. I realize many of you don’t really have any pertinent role models, that is…other transgendered people in positive places, at least not directly in front of you…which is fine, neither did I. So that’s what the internet is for! ^_^ I did some research and compiled an internal list over the years of the most inspirational, kick-ass trans-sisters and it’s a list that makes me feel like I can see myself through the dark forest that, as trans-folk, we inevitably must walk through several times throughout our lives…so without further ado.

1) Akihiro Miwa.

Japanese transvestite, singer, actor, author, director, composer and generally awesome television personality. Miwa was the muse of author/film director Yukio Mishima and starred in his 1968 camp-tacular film, “Black Lizard,” among others, which you can see here and which was my first introduction to this elegant talent. Also recommended: any of the numerous YouTube videos in which Miwa’s superb, velvet-smooth vocal stylings can be heard.

2) April Ashley.

British trans-supermodel and the first to be publicly outed as such by the tabloids. Her story is a poignant one and her beauty and grace, timeless. Proof that a positive outlook, class and perseverance can see you through whatever storms life throws at you. Learn more about her by reading her book! New, it’s kinda expensive, but used it’s quite reasonable and a book you won’t want to put down.

3) Harisu.

A Korean popstar, actress and happily-married wife. Harisu’s dazzling persona is only matched by her keen talent for comedic and dramatic acting. From her eclectic and ultra-glam fashion sense to the example she shows us all with her amazing career and marriage that continues to thrive against all the odds originally stacked against her, Harisu is a true trans-piration!

4) Dana International.

Israeli pop singer who won the Eurovision singing contest back in 1998 with her song, “Diva.” Her bubbly, yet formidably direct aura shine through in music videos for some of her songs such as “Love Boy,” and “Seret Hodi.” Even without any knowledge of the Hebrew language, one can appreciate the artistry of Dana International and the stellar skills she continues to bring to the forefront of the Israeli music industry.

5) Li Jing.

Taiwanese television personality involved in variety shows, shopping shows, advertisements and the like. Regrettably, I don’t know much about her, but I love her fashion sense and how gracefully she seemed to handle her exposure in the media. The uplifting optimism that surrounds her on-screen should be an example for all of us to emulate in our day-to-day lives.

6) Isabella.

Yes, she is a cartoon character. And no, I don’t care. Isabella from the “Paradise Kiss” series was a caring, maternal part of the cast with a deep understanding (perhaps deeper than any other character, actually) and appreciation of love and all its permutations. If only we could all integrate such depth of insight about our experiences, we’d all be better off. Her signature style was charming, old-fashioned, yet all her own reminding us to retain our individuality even through our constant attempts to pass in society (for those of us who do make that a priority ^_^). Portrayed by Shunji Igarashi in the live-action film.

7) Birdo.

Yes, Birdo from Super Mario. Primarily because Birdo is a positive portrayal of a trans-character in the gaming world which tends to not usually mention such subjects. So thanks Birdo for opening some doors that weren’t open before…or busting them down with a projectile-vomited egg.

So that does it, I hope you all enjoyed my little list and start supporting/continue to support the public figures I listed and the creators/project developers that took the time to create trans characters and imbue them with personalities and their own unique stories. Do you have a personal trans-identified role model/idol? If so, who and why? Comment! ^_^