Fantasia Fair Week

It’s been a hectic week at work this week. (BTW, for any new followers reading this, I was a 20+ year diner waitress in Texas until I decided to move to Cape Cod a few weeks ago to pursue my dreams. Until they come true, I’m working at a dessert cafe on Commercial Street in Provincetown.)

First off, I’m concerned for my friend and fellow drag queen co-worker, Ashley. She didn’t come in for her work shifts two days in a row, didn’t pick up her paycheck, and nobody’s heard from her. Of course my hope is that she met some new and fabulously wealthy sugar daddy who whisked her off to the Bahamas before she could so much as shed an eyelash. But my fear is that she’s been chopped up into pieces and buried in the sand dunes. So, Ash if you’re out there, let us know you’re OK, okay?

Having to cover some of Ashley’s shifts made me crankier than usual this week, PLUS it’s Trannie week here in Ptown. Actually, it’s called Fantasia Fair, and it is a week-long conference and vacation for Transgender & Trans-sexual men & women. Now, y’all don’t get me wrong– I love all my Trans sisters & brothers. Just another color of the rainbow. It’s just that they’re so damned stingy with their tips! Worse than the Lesbians of Women’s Week. (Although generally less demanding than the Dykes.) I guess they’re stingy because they’re saving up for the next surgery or new outfit. One day, tips totalled less than $8 for the entire day! Come on, girls! Seida’s got to make a living too! I need new outfits (and wigs, makeup, etc.) too!

This week wasn’t my first experience with members of the Trans community, but it was novel for me to see so many at once in town and at work. Many of them seemed surprised at the level of acceptance in Ptown, which is why they’ve been coming here for so long for the conference (20+ years).

I know traditionally there has been some animosity in the GLBT world between drag queens and trannies (what’s the difference? That’s a whole ‘nother post!) There are some things they could learn from one another. Trannies could use some style tips… Makeup, clothing, hair, accessories, etc. from the queens. If I saw another 6′ “gal” this week in ugly flats, boring black business skirt and mis-matched blouse, topped by a most atrocious polyester matted wig, I thought I would abduct her, take her home and glamorize her! Maybe that’s what happened to Ashley… She found a Trannie to train! I mean, you came to Ptown to live a full week as your alternate gender self! Live it up! Let your hair down (or put it up). Everybody here knows you’re Trans, and we love you anyway and call you by your girl (or boy) names. Even if you never tip and still walk like a lumberjack.

What could Drag Queens learn from the Trans people? Maybe a little humility and dignity. Queens are infamous for letting it all hang out (so to speak) no matter who’s watching–the more the merrier. But Trannies are always aware of who’s watching (and judging) them.

I didn’t see Provincetown’s most famous trans-resident all week long: Ellie. I hope she’s here and having a blast. Ellie is the unofficial mascot of Ptown. She’s almost 78 years old, and has been “Ellie” for about 10 years now. Most warm days, Ellie can be seen in front of town hall singing for tips. I love seeing her, and always stop for a few minutes to chat & listen and leave a buck or two in her bucket. Here’s a little music video of Ellie singing Cole Porter’s “Night and Day“

I’m very excited that Halloween is only a week away now! I expect to see lots of great costumes and party-goers next week! Y’all send me some pictures from your Halloween fun, y’hear?!

Love ya, hon!