Say hello to Renée, our Eye Candy of the Month—a striking mix of elegance, confidence, and charm. Her path to embracing her femme self is filled with moments of discovery, reflection, and joy, and in this feature she shares the passions, inspirations, and styles that make her shine. From chic business looks to evenings out in heels, Renée gives us a peek into the world she’s created with grace and authenticity.
Let’s start by telling everyone where you are from?
I was born in New York City and grew up in the suburbs around the Big Apple. These days, I’m living by the beach several hours south of New York.
When did you first start dressing and how did it come about?
In my early teens, I came across a pictorial in an adult magazine featuring a man and a woman flirting and playfully swapping underwear (her panties, teddy, garter belt, and stockings; his briefs and tank top undershirt). It struck me as thrilling, romantic, naughty, and very grown-up. In the days and weeks afterward, I secretly tried on pantyhose and other items I found around the house, to see if I could figure out the secret the two people in the pictures were sharing. I began to feel guilty and feared getting discovered… so I stopped.
In my later teens, the idea of dressing up began to surface again. I would see women wearing sexy outfits, and my imagination would wander in ways that confused me. One weekend during college, I was at my parents’ home, alone. I was lean and fit, with the body hair of a competitive swimmer (i.e., none!). I felt an urge to try a little experiment. Referring to pictures and instructions from a fashion magazine (this was in the days before YouTube), I slicked my hair back and put on light makeup, a short summer dress, and cowboy boots. I turned and looked at my reflection, and my jaw dropped. A nice-looking 19-year-old girl was staring back at me. She could have been a college basketball, volleyball, or soccer player (judging by the legs!). A warm glow of joy, freedom, and recognition surged through my body. This was the day Renée was born.
I dabbled in this secret “hobby” on and off for many years. About 9 or 10 years ago, I had a “now or never” realization, and decided to get truly serious about exploring this side of myself. I was blessed to find a wonderful therapist who convinced me that I was not losing my mind; I simply needed some guidance and wisdom from a caring professional to help me manage this part of my life.
How did you come up with your Femme name?
I didn’t have one in mind until I thought about posting pictures on Flickr and realized it might be time for me to come up with a separate femme persona. The name Renée came to me after I visited the Web site of a beautiful crossdresser named Renée Reyes. I was inspired by her look and her stories, and thought her name sounded exotic and pretty; so “Renée” it was for me! A few years later, I was shopping for wigs in a beauty supply store. During a conversation with a lovely young woman who worked there, she asked to see some of my “drag” pics. I showed her and told her my femme name was Renée. She told me Renée was her middle name, and that it meant “reborn” in French. I smiled and realized I had made an excellent choice.
How often do you dress?
I fully commit (head-to-toe) perhaps four or five times per year; usually on business trips. In between, I let off steam by going out and about in what I call “Renée lite” mode: no wig or makeup, and outfits that tend to feature very short shorts and ankle boots.
Are you married/in a relationship? If yes, are you able to share your female self with your partner?
I am married to a wonderful woman who gives me time and space to explore my feminine side. She prefers, though, not to see me in person as the “full Renée”.
Tell us what goes into getting the perfect photo?
It must come from within. If you dig deep emotionally, and allow yourself to exude femininity, that’s probably more important than lighting and makeup.
What are some of your favorite outfits/fashions?
A classy corporate look works best for me these days, i.e., sexy but tasteful business attire, or evening glam. I often picture myself as a woman CEO attending a conference or making a presentation to the Board of Directors
Stockings or pantyhose?
Stockings… especially black fishnets!
Heels or flats?
Heels. I’m on the taller side, so I keep my heels to 2” or less. It’s amazing how aware you become of your hips when you practice walking in heels… the “sway” just sort of starts happening!
Favorite places to go when dressed?
I love taking my time wandering through shopping malls, looking at clothing and accessories… just feeling like a regular gal. When traveling on business, I enjoy having a quiet dinner in a nice restaurant where the staff is friendly and open-minded. I’ve also attended some classy, very well done drag shows (featuring celebrity look- and sound-alikes of Natalie Cole, Adele, and Patti Labelle), and had the pleasure of chatting with the ladies in between and after performances.
They made me feel welcome and inspired.
Go to accessories for a night out?
I alternate a couple of different purses or pocketbooks, depending on how I’m dressed. Jewelry is important: earrings, bracelets, rings, a nice necklace… These help me feel glamorous and super feminine.
Who is/are your female role model(s) and why?
I admire silver foxes like Jamie Lee Curtis, Sharon Gless, Gillian Anderson, and Maye Musk, and try to emulate their looks. They are well into middle-age or beyond, looking sophisticated and still drop-dead gorgeous.
Tell us some fun facts about yourself. What are your hobbies (either when dressed or not), likes, things you do in your spare time, or anything else you would like to share?
I stay active through swimming, hiking, bicycling, and sailing, and love the movies and music from my early childhood (late 1960s/early 1970s).
Any stories you would like to share about yourself and your journey?
I believe my crossdressing began as an answer to my youthful need to express my softer, feminine feelings in secret so I wouldn’t be considered unmasculine, while also transforming myself into someone who was magically attractive and sexy instead of unattractive and invisible (which is how I felt about myself the first time I gave any thought to crossdressing). It has evolved over the years into a way for me to experience joy in exploring and expressing my preferred self.
In reading through my journal writings from late 2019 and early 2020, I’m reminded that I was giving serious thought then to living full-time as a woman. Once COVID hit, and our empty nest suddenly wasn’t empty anymore (!), those plans went on the shelf… and never came off.
If you have social media, what is the best way for others to follow you?
Please visit my Flickr pages at Renée Gordon. You can comment on my pictures and I will respond, or you can email me through Flickrmail.
Before we go, would you like to send a message to your fellow girls out there or a closing statement.
The trans community is being subjected to lots of intolerance these days (particularly our youngest and most vulnerable members). Please stand up for our community in whatever way you can (while maintaining whatever level of privacy you need, of course).
And finally: Don’t ever let anyone convince you there’s something wrong with wanting to be the best version of yourself.
Hugs and Kisses,
Renée
Would you like to share your story and become an Eye Candy Girl?
Let us know by emailing us at[email protected] or message us on our Facebook page. And be sure to check out more great tips and articles on our blog!