What Can I Do With My Voice?

What can I do with my voice, Windy? It is really raspy. My wife says speak softly, but can I be like a raspy woman or should I try and be higher pitched? Let me know, JodiArtemis

Dear Jody: Having a raspy voice certainly won't help you to pass as a woman, but it can be overcome in several ways. First, always make sure you make eye contact before you speak to someone - your image will reinforce the fact that you are female. I almost never get "read" in person, but I occasionally get taken for a guy over the telephone. Always smile when you speak, and keep it short and sweet (see my tips on "Stage Fright"). Remember that there are many, many women with raspy voices, not to mention Harvey Fierstein, so don't try for a higher pitch if it makes you sound unnatural. Speak softly, and be grateful for that wonderful wife of yours! Windy

The Best Hairdo For You

Dear Windy: Is there some sort of guideline to determine what is the best hair/wig style for our individual face shapes? For those of us who don't have the courage to walk into a wig shop and get consultation from a wig specialist, it would be nice to have some idea of what to look for in a wig prior to online purchase. Charlotte

Dear Charlotte: If you're like most guys you have a square face, but so do a lot of girls, like Minnie Driver and Rene Zellweger. Here is a link to a web site that may help you: Facial Shapes and a Solution for Each. I should add that I'm the last person to ask about hairdos! I learned a long time ago that the best look for me is a simple pony tail, with my wig pulled back by a scrunchie and some bobby pins. I go for the All American Girl look, which makes it much easier to pass in everyday situations. Windy

Beach Reading

Dear Windy: I love stories with crossdressing themes, but I'm afraid to order them for fear of giving myself away. Any suggestions? Vicky

Dear Vicky: Here are two books that have mainstream audiences so you can read them right on the beach! The Danish Girl is a true story about an artist who is encouraged by his wife to have the first sex change operation. And The Jessica Project is a romantic thriller about a crossdressing assassin and the beautiful agent who seduces him. Bring lots of tissues! Windy

Shaving Do's and Dont's

Dear Windy: PLEASE tell me more about the shaving process. I just shaved for the first time and WOW what a great sensation but now I'm dealing with razor burn. Can you help? CDNurse

Dear CDNurse: Congratulations for taking the plunge! To remove your hair for the first time, I recommend an old-fashioned double-edge razor (the kind that screws open so you can insert the blade) and a good supply of blades. Contemporary razors get clogged up. Pour a nice hot bubble bath, lather well, and take your time. Another alternative is a Panasonic Wet/Dry battery powered razor, which has a clipper that takes off arm and leg hair like a lawnmower - until the battery runs down! Don't despair if you get a few knicks and cuts, and go easy around your nipples and underarms. You'll be amazed at how much hair you take off - I always put a strainer over the drain. For your back, use Nair or Quick Off on a long handled sponge or backscratcher, and follow the instructions. Once you get your hair off, it's a snap to keep it off with a normal razor, and so much more enjoyable. As for that razor burn, pamper yourself with some moisturing creme, you've earned it! Every time you put on your nylons, you'll understand why girls put up with the hassles. Windy