Petra Finds the Courage

The twosome raised their sherry glasses yet again ,"A TOAST TO US!". They relaxed into their floral recliners and as Genie pulled out the ottoman she piped up with a little idea, "I was just thinking... how 'bout we hit the town girlfriend, whaddya say?"

"Oh.. I dunno doll... you know how self-conscious I get,"

"Petra hun there's absolutely nothing to worry about. Trust me, Sydney is a veritable paradise for girls like us! Ha ha. Let's try our luck eh?"

But where to go? The Taxi Club had long been a source of enjoyment for Genie but Petra had never felt comfortable in those kind of bars. Maybe it was something about those pert little Thai trannies, thin as toothpicks and uber-femme, everything Petra wasn't. She could never compete with that. She knew it and it hurt. She knew she was envious of those petite, pretty types. She wanted to be the one who the hot wogs lusted after at four in the morning on the bonnet of some hotted up car. Flirting with men and the art of the "pick up" was never Petra's forte and she couldn't bear the thought of coming home alone, high and dry.

After Petra explained all of this, Genie began by thanking her for her heartfelt honesty and continued by deciding it was high time that Petra learned a few home truths.

"Listen Petra, you can sit here alone moping about your lot like a martyr if ya want. That's your choice. Or, you can stop worrying about all that rubbish and start living! Do you wanna end up a bitter old bitch looking back on your life wishing you had the courage to be yourself? Cos that's where you're headed doll."

"I know you're right Genie. You always are. It's just..."

"I'll make a deal with ya. You throw caution to the wind for one night only and I promise I'll let you do me up as Diana. Whaddya reckon sister?"

"Hmmmmm... maybe you can twist my arm..." Petra teased Genie, fingering the rim of her sherry glass. Her dutch courage had surely kicked in by now, "What the hey! Let's doll up! It's a deal girlfriend!"

"Weeeeeee, " howled Genie as they fell back into their recliners laughing like schoolgirls, "What about the Shift then?" Not that Genie particularly liked the place. Too many optimistic faggy Asians on the lookout for a rich old rice queen, "The VJs there are always really good. They do Young Divas without fail and they play requests!" Genie pondered a moment, readjusting the buckle on her sandal, "Actually I have a better idea - how about a straight club?"

"Genie!"

"Oh c'mon you never know your luck in the big bad city girlfriend!" Petra noticed a little of Genie's endearing Russian lilt. This always happened after a few sherries and Petra was fascinated by it.

Petra pursed her lips in faux disgust, "Oh what the hey! Pour me another sherry!"

Connections, known to the locals as "Conneckies", attracted a more upper-class clientele. Sophisticated gentlemen with money - exactly what Genie was looking for...

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Genie's cherished Diana scrapbooks.

Some of Genie's Diana memorabilia.

Genie's portrait of Diana.

Genie gets creative and does Lady Di on Petra. For her birthday, Genie surprised Petra with an Allstarz glamour shoot package. Upon seeing herself in the mirror Petra felt that she had transformed from an ugly duckling into a graceful swan. Lights, camera, action! She imagined herself in Dodi's strong arms, swooning at the thought of being held tightly by that gorgeous, great, Arabian hunk. Her toes curled with delight. Genie marvelled at how slimming black really was and if truth be told she was a little envious of Petra's striking resemblance to the People's Princess.

Eugene (circled in back) with his teammates in Sydney during Diana's Australian tour in 1988. They presented Diana with a "Mother of the Year" award. Genie keeps this photograph on her bedside table. One of her favourite outfits is the copy she had made of this beautiful plaid suit.

Genie's next purchase and also a little outfit inspiration for a new "bold headpiece".

Genie would practice this pose at any opportunity - even when she was scrubbing the s-bend!

Genie heading out the door for a night on the town. She always preferred the high contrast of a black and white image - more flattering on the skin.

Genie loves to hang out at home in her casual Diana look, fantasising that Dodi would call at any moment. She was thrilled to pick up this blouse at her local thrift shop. By now she had the hair down pat.

Petra's gift to Genie - a limited edition Franklin Mint ceramic Princess Diana Bride Doll to add to her collection!

Recommendations - Famous Friends

"Witty, moving and at times confronting." - Margaret Pomeranz

"...beautifully illustrated." - SX Magazine

"An honest portrait of modern transsexual lifestyles." - Bert Newton

"This book taught me how to be myself darling!" - Jeanne Little

"I could see traces of myself in Genie." - Dawn Fraser

"I do not condone crossdressing and I never will." - John Howard

"You don't need to be a tranny to enjoy this book." - Carlotta

"We could all learn a thing or two about sisterhood from this inspired tale." - Kerri-Anne Kennerly

"I don't like it." - Pauline Hanson

Featured on Oprah's "Book Club - the Sisterhood Edition"