Sophie explores her femininity around the world

Today it’s Sophie’s turn to share her experience at Transbeauté. However, you will discover that her testimony is somewhat different.

Indeed, Sophie travels the globe and visits other studios around the world that support travestis and transgender people in the art of makeup and beyond. Sophie gives us the wonderful gift of also sharing addresses and her experience!

Sophie explores her femininity around the world

Can you introduce yourself? age, gender, family situation, profession, city.

Hello everyone, it is always very hard to introduce oneself, but briefly, my name is Sophie, I’m 52 years old, married. I have been a Parisian for a very long time and I work in an IT company.

I would have difficulty defining myself precisely and I don’t like categorizing people into boxes. So to define myself, I don’t really like the term travesti, because it’s rather pejorative, but I don’t think I’m totally transgender either, so let’s say I’m somewhere in between.

How long have you wanted to feel more feminine?

It’s hard to say, but I think it dates back to adolescence. I started by secretly wearing my sister’s clothes and I found it very shameful, but little by little I learned to love it.

By the way, when I was little, people often mistook me for a girl and it made me uncomfortable, that has changed a lot since.

Afterwards, these desires to become more feminine became more and more real with age and I had periods when I wanted to dress more than others.

As I’ve gotten older, I feel these desires have multiplied.

Is this a temporary desire, and what does it give you?

I think it is a temporary desire, but one that also evolves with age, I would say. At first it was just putting on a few clothes, now I like the full look with makeup, shoes, etc…

I like the feeling of being feminine, wearing pretty things, discovering in the mirror a completely different person. I feel different as a woman.

I also discovered the feeling of being attractive, even though I’m not attracted to men.

When did you decide to take action, that is to crossdress for the first time? On what occasion? What did you feel?

I don’t have very precise memories, but around 13-14 years old I started secretly wearing my sister’s plaid skirt. It was both a deep desire but also very repressed.

It took me time to accept it like that.

Do you have fears regarding society, your family, etc… any apprehensions or any discomfort?

Yes of course I have fears like many people like us. I have never dared to go out dressed as a woman in public yet. I would like to do it, but I’m still very shy.

I would be afraid of being discovered or attacked, but on the other hand I think it’s good that people like us become more visible and understood in society.

There is still a lot of confusion and prejudice between being gay, travesti, or transgender.

What are the next steps in your feminization (if any), or desires you haven’t tried yet but would like to?

Yes, I have more and more desires with age: being able to do my own makeup more easily, maybe I should take lessons with Jennifer to improve, meeting girlfriends and sharing moments of friendship, being able to go out in broad daylight, maybe accompanied at first, then alone.

My professional duties have allowed me to travel to several countries around the world and I was able to explore transgender beauty salons notably in Great Britain and Japan.

In London, it’s the salon Boys Will Be Girls.

The makeup artist there, Cindy, is also very talented (like Jennifer) and offers an incredible number of outfits (including wedding dresses) in all possible sizes.

It is also an unforgettable experience that I recommend to everyone. https://boyswillbegirls.com/

London Dressing Service | Boys Will Be Girls

In Japan, I also had the chance to try the Artemisu salon in Yokohama,

Their service is also very professional but the makeup is very Asian, so not necessarily adapted to European girls. https://ameblo.jp/artemisjapan/

I like being able to try feminine outfits during my trips and compare salons. I will continue doing that in the future.

Why did you call on me, and what did I bring you at this stage of your life, if I brought you anything?

I saw your ads on Facebook and since there are few initiatives like this in France, I decided to come visit you.

I discovered a very warm and open person. I felt immediately at ease.

You had the great idea to do my makeup without letting me see the result in the mirror. So I was surprised to discover my face with a wig, and I was very pleasantly surprised.

I don’t think I have ever been so well made up since my visit to Cindy’s studio in London.

Jennifer also told me that I was completely different as a woman compared to my normal self.

Then for the photo session, you found angles and poses that brought out my beauty I think.

I am delighted with my visit to you and I can’t wait to come back soon to continue our exploration.

I would like advice on how to do my own makeup and to find the style of clothes that correspond to my body shape.

See you soon,

Final word from Jennifer

“Thank you Sophie!” There are other studios, in Spain too, and of course in France, proof if there is any that you are not alone and will be recognized.

I am convinced that all of us are eager to support you as best as possible towards this experience for some, this life choice, or even this fulfillment for others. You will always be welcome!