One thing I like most about the fair is the safety of Provincetown...And how so many people in town go out of their way to make us feel welcome! But most of all... it's the PEOPLE who come who make Fantasia Fair so VERY special... the sheer energy that runs rampant throughout the fair is truly electrifying and so much fun... By getting involved, you meet so many more people than just the people you "live" with, and you really learn so much. Both about others AND yourself!

"A million thanks" just doesn't seem adequate to thank you for FanFair 2003. To say that my experience at the fair was the most awakening experience of my life would be a gross understatement. To say that I enjoyed the fair immensely would not come close to the, almost spiritual, emotions I carry with me from the fair.

Slightly more than one week ago I stepped out of my closet for the very first time in my life; a strong, confident, fifty year old man on the outside, yet a scared, trembling, fretful little girl within, and virtually within hours, emerged the woman within me. That could not have happened any other place on this planet except at Fantasia Fair, nor in the company of any other people but those wonderful sisters who are lucky enough to be a part of the FanFair community.

Read Dallas's detailed diary of the 2002 Fair.

Go to Miqqi Alicia's site to read her Fantasia Fair Stories, some very interesting accounts of her experiences and ruminations about the Fantasia Fair experience from 1995  to the present. Or, read her 2002 diary right here.

Click here to check out her page about it (and a picture)

As far as what I liked best about the fair, I would say:

1. Sharing it with my wife.

2. Getting together with old friends, and making new ones.

I loved performing in the Follies (Showbiz is in my blood!) It's always great just to be there and be my real self.

I had a truly great time this year.

Well, once again, I'm sitting in the airport at the close of another T-event reflecting on the wonderful time I've had. This time is different - I am en-femme and have been so for the last 10 days. But many things are the same - the euphoria of a fantastic time and the sadness of leaving my very dear new friends.

It all started for me on a Friday when I left home with no male clothes. I drove to Atlanta, got my nails done, and spent the weekend at our Sig Ep meeting. But Sunday morning I woke in very nervous anticipation of my first time flying en-femme and also going to a new place alone. I didn't eat or drink anything to help avoid the bathroom issue and the nervousness "cleared" my system to help also.

I was amazed at the airport at the lack of an issue as I showed my male drivers license to check-in - not the slightest pause or raised eyebrow and a very nice "Thank you, 'Ma'am". I had a long wait so I ate and when the resultant nature's call came, I discovered another of the disadvantages of being a woman. There was a waiting line of about 20 ladies inside the restroom. I wasn't about to take that kind of scrutiny, so I quickly exited and opted to wait for another opportunity. It came as I boarded the plane, where I stepped into the lavatory and relieved my mind as well as my need. The rest of the journey was uneventful except for one of my suitcases being missing in Boston for a while causing me to almost miss my flight to Provincetown, but I kept my ladylike "coolness" and everything eventually worked out.

The week at Fantasia Fair was like "Fantasy Island". Provincetown must be the most openly accepting place for us in the world and even has laws to preserve that. A lot of townsfolk came to the fashion show where I enjoyed the thrill of modeling 4 "glam" outfits. Then my comfort zone was stretched when my new friend, Kim, persuaded me to participate in a comedy lip-synch act for the follies. I studied hard between activities to learn the words to "Wishin' & Hopin'" and devise and learn the choreography with Kim, Kate, and Lawrence. The act was a smashing success and once again I learned there is more suppressed inside me just waiting to emerge and be enjoyed. I further enjoyed myself over the week with en-femme experiences like voice lessons, hot-tubbing, jogging, walking the beach, and bicycle riding. In short, this week has been the time of my life and Saturday night when I was voted "Ms. Cinderella" of the Fair and paraded through town was an unimaginable high.

I simply have to return next year! Not only to pass on the "Ms. Cinderella" award, but also to see all my new and dear friends again. Next year will be a special celebration as it will be the 25th Fantasia Fair and will be even better. Won't you join me?

The Breakwater stretched before me, from the sand bar across the bay to the Provincetown Inn. I could see two figures in red against the blue sky, half-way across and heading for the town, their slow progress a contrast to the dynamic color of their clothing. I readied myself for the return journey, selecting a CD for the Walkman, deep breathing in preparation for the dash over the crazily paved Breakwater. Not that a dash was needed, I thought, ardour cooling in the languor of the afternoon.

Then one of the figures fell heavily and didn't rise. The other walked on, oblivious to the accident. Run! To the rescue! The downed woman stirred but didn't stand. She was just moving to her feet when I reached her. Blood covered one side of her face. I found tissues in my handbag and wiped away the blood. 'Only superficial - a graze, really', although wide enough to need medical attention, I though to myself.

My presence calmed her. 'Your husband?' I asked, pointing at the figure heading away from us, still oblivious to the accident. 'Yes', she said, crossly.

'Just like men - no awareness' I replied.

'Yes!' emphatically came her reply.

We started to walk back. She was shaky on her feet, and I supported her when the crazed rocks of the Breakwater demanded it.

After an initial silence we conversed. She told me they'd come out from Boston to enjoy the unusually good weather. I said that I'd come from DC to attend the Fair, personal development, therapy sessions, improving our feminine intuition and all that. No explicit mention of transgender stuff. I was interested in finding our what she knew. Coming from Boston she must have heard of Fantasia Fair. But she was too upset to say much. I left her at the end of the Breakwater, her husband (some realization dawning at last?) walking towards her.

She thanked me, fixing me with a sideways, quizzical glance. I started the two mile walk into P-town, my afternoon retreat over, to return to the full embrace of Fantasia Fair.

This week was one of the best weeks of my life. Absolutely. One day surfing on the 'Net I met the Fantasia Fair Homepage and I thought this would be a good place for start. After that, I tried to find some references or articles about the Fair and I found Miqqi Gilbert's Homepage. I read all she wrote about FF and then I said I must go there. Fortunately I took the right decision. All was new for me. First time ever dressed out of my closet, I discovered the most beautiful people I ever met. They all wanted to help me and I am very grateful for this. Too many emotions in too short a period of time.

Well, I should be able to explain many feelings, emotions, friends, supportive situations, etc, I discovered in Fantasia Fair, but probably they are the same that all have experienced in their first year at the Fair.

Thanks Robin and all the Fantasia Fair Staff for the support I received in Provincetown. Hope to be there next year.

I had such a great time! I have never danced before in my life and I danced almost all night, with a huge smile on my face.

I cant believe I have spent so much of my life being afraid of what I am, and as you asked me, in my room, I  am transgender  I was confused but I now know what I feel is true, it goes well beyond  any clothing.