I am moving all my content over to Patreon with effect from December 25th, 2025. I hope you’re kind enough to follow me over there.
The way transgender issues are so brutally demonetized, and suppressed by mainstream search systems has essentially killed what was once a good place for the trans community. I’ve waqtched as other trans content producers have emerged, flourished and then slowly declined as FB, Google, and others have gradually moved attention away from our efforts to inform and support our community. Just as algorithms can prioritize content, equally they can deprioritize content, and that’s precisely what has been happening. To describe it as disheartening is an understatement.
Yet, we do not fade away entirely. I will continue on Patreon, and these days I find that if I put much greater effort into my local trans community it yields greater results How times have changed. Clothes Maketh The Man will continue, on my Patreon.
We will not disappear. We will simply adapt. These colors don’t run.
I am thrilled to have run this website for ten years. It’s been a good run. However, all good things do come to and end… Well, sort of.
I am closing the site, but don’t worry I am not disappearing permanently. I will be continuing my online presence on Patreon. This reflects the shift away from static websites, though that’s not the only motivation for this shift.
Over the years the FionaDobson.com website has evolved. It’s moved from a fetish based site, which I have to say was pretty misogynistic in content at times (something I am a little less comfortable with these days), to a transgender site covering trans news, support and politics. The stories have been immensely popular, and will remain on my Patreon. The success of Clothes Maketh The Man was beyond my greatest hope. Over 200,000 readers have followed poor Andy’s misadventures. They will continue, but they will continue on Patreon.
Over the years there have been changes in the online landscape, but also many changes in the transgender world. In the early days there was great optimism associated with the emergence of transgender life. In recent years we’ve seen our fortunes change. These days we are squarely in the cross hairs of political opportunists and bigots. We’re not going anywhere, but they sure don’t make life easy.
I’ve managed these things personally with care and generally pretty well while at the same time trying to provide a supportive environment for all my members. I’ve also seen one or two friends I work with come and go in the running of this site, including the terribly sad death of the voice artist, Suzanne, who provided the voicing of many of our recordings. If you’re interested in the story of the site you can read it in the Behind the scenes tier of my Patreon HERE. Everyone who has worked on this site has done so with a passion for the subject and genuine enthusiasm for what we’ve done.
The days of static websites are done, though. It’s time to move to other platforms and shift the focus of the site. My own personal development is such that I’ve also shifted my approach. I have transitioned and the truth is I am quite literally a different person to the person who started writing Clothes Maketh The Man a decade ago.
I don’t see this as a conclusion. It’s just a shift and Fiona will carry on – but on Patreon in future. I hope you will come with me on the continuing journey. I will continue to provide free content, as well as premium tiers.
I am very grateful for the loyalty my many members have shown on this site.
We mark today as both a reminder to stay committed to the task of ending the Aids epidemic, and as a memorial to all those who have lost their lives to this terrible disease. I’d like to encourage all my members to take a moment to remember the many people we have lost over the years.
In the US in 2022 transgender women accounted for approximately 2% of new HIV infections (source: CDC). This is a disproportionate representation, and while no mortality statistics are available illustrates very clearly the need for awareness of the disease in our community.
While the US is defunding many projects from the CDC the maintenance and upkeep of this type of statistic is likely quietly abandoned. Another Trump administration brick in the wall.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has committed over $3 billion dollars in HIV focused grants. While primarily directed to the issue at a global level, the benefits of this research are felt locally. While the likes of Elon Musk (billionaire and general asshole) strive to suppress the LGBTQ community of rights, health and a voice, there are other forces in play who value qualities of empathy and care. We are well advised to remember this, as things can look pretty bleak at times.
Mark today in anyway you can, a small donation within your own community, or to a community such as the Ribbon Community in Vancouver (https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/3205) or even a carefully placed lighted candle in your window as a mark of love for those who have passed.
Fiona
PS. In the early 1990’s one of the most prolific AIDS campaigners in the UK was Jimmy Summerville of the Communards and formerly Bronski Beat. I remember marching with him in London on numerous occasions, usually photographing the march for The Evening Standard. Enjoy this blast from the past.
Since the demise of Twitter I have been posting the trials and tribulations of my existence in my ‘Behind The Scenes’ section. Generally content on my site is meant to be light hearted and informative. However, the Behind The Scenes content includes some of the darker, more difficult sides of transgender life.
It’s not the main theme of my site, by any means. There’s plenty of sites out there detailing the challenges of being trans. However, this is a place in which I get to vent. And some of my members let me know they’d like to have a window into that.
So, if you can handle it, take a look at the real experiences of this trans gal progressing in a difficult world. It’s only $9.99 a month and you can quit anytime.
In accordance with the platforms restrictions in content I am posting content here that is ‘Safe For Work’.
Congratulations to Imperial Crown Prince Vincent Rice and Imperial Crown Princess Glimmer on their great success last night at The Curtain Call Ball, and their fundraising for The Dogwood Monarchist Society.
Email me on vanbc1963@yahoo.com to get copies of these images.
My transition story is only one, and frankly every story is different. I’d love to learn about yours. Tell me a little of your experience in the comments below. Jules.
I spoke with Jules today. She’s so excited, having just finished working on the 2026 Calendar. Jules shoots a lot of the drag shows down at The Junction.
The calendar has some great photography, including a good spread of different drag queens performing at The Junction. She’s really a very good photographer. Pity she’s so emotional.
She’s had her heart broken again. If that’s not bad enough, it’s by the same woman – again. And they’re practically suicidal over it. It’s sort of gruesome to see that pain on someone you care for. I’m sure she will be ok.
In the meantime all the funds from the sales will be donated to Saige Community Food Bank in Vancouver. That’s rather cool. It’s not just the profits, it’s all the funds.
If you’re looking for a warm, lively space to connect with wonderful people, our moderated WhatsApp chat might be just the place for you. It’s an open, engaging community where genuine friendships have blossomed.
Conversations flow effortlessly, from archery and beekeeping, to gender exploration, style discussions, and makeup magic. There’s truly something for everyone.
If you enjoy connecting through WhatsApp and want a fun, uplifting way to meet new friends, this group is a perfect fit. Simply join my Patreon and choose the Elite WhatsApp Group tier. At just $10 a month, it’s an inviting doorway into a supportive circle where laughter, learning, and lasting connections await.
To keep this space supportive, kind, and enjoyable for everyone, please keep these important guidelines in mind:
Keep our chat civil, kind, and fun.
Respect everyone’s privacy. Only send direct messages to another member if you have their clear and ongoing permission. For example: Gina: “Jenny, is it okay if I message you privately?” Jenny: “Yes, Gina, that’s fine.”
Photos are welcome, but please avoid anything overly explicit. Many of us are in work or family settings when we check in.
No abusive behavior ever.
These guidelines help us protect the safe, welcoming space we’ve created together. Violations will result in an immediate ban.
The life of a busy transgender advertising executive is never dull. Why, just this very morning my intern, Candi, was in my office spreading things out on my desk that I have no choice but to get stuck into with some urgency.
And this on a day which, as Moral Officer of the company, I have organised a fun morning of activities in the boardroom, to chivy all my co workers along. The recreation breaks are proven to add to productivity. And they’re so much fun! With a loss to the Dodgers, tariffs, and closing a major client account, it’s no surprise spirits here need a little lift. And all this happening while my neighbour is away for a few days, and I am exercising her dog. I really lead a busy life!
I should explain about the account we shut down. Epiphany, Rainbow’s girlfriend, is working in the White House. She let me know that one of our clients is working on the construction of The Epstein Ballroom. Yes, Canadian spies are everywhere! Now, obviously we can’t have a relationship with a company that is winning contracts like that. Who knows, my very own public relations efforts could lead to someone working underneath the rapist in chief. I can’t be party to such things, so we fired the client. It’s a bit of a hit, but then again, we like to be able to live with ourselves. It’s nice to be able to look yourself in the mirror with a smile. Hell, it’s Canadian.
To lift the spirits of some of the staff I came up with the wonderful idea of a game of charades as part of the games for today’s activities. In these games a staff member is drawn at random to try and perform the title of a film, a book or a song without the use of words. My neighbor’s son, Max (a lovely boy), is working here now in the tech department and is currently presenting his charade. As I was pulled out of the meeting to answer a call from Amanda, I left a blank faced group of staff trying to figure out what appeared to be an imitation of a severe seizure, on Max’s part.
“Amanda, I’m sorry but I’m rather busy,” I said into the phone.
“I wonder if I could have a quick word with Max, I need him to take a look at my computer,” she said sounding a little flustered. As you know, Amanda is the editor of Pig and Pig Farmer weekly, and as such needs her computer to work.
“I’m sorry, Amanda, I can’t interrupt Max. He’s busy in the boardroom finishing off ‘Twelve Good Men’,” I replied.
There was silence at the end of the phone.
You know, even though she is my wife’s best friend, Amanda really can be quite judgemental at times.
She was about to say something, when I cut in and said, “Amanda, I really have to go. If I don’t I’m going to get home late, and I promised to pop next door to my neighbour’s and let her whippet out.”
One of the great benefits of living in an international city like Vancouver is the abundance of quality nightlife options we enjoy. There’s few things I enjoy more after a hard day avoiding work at the advertising agency, than going down to The Junction on Davie Street and enjoying the evenings’ entertainment.
Bernard, my photographer, often joins me and takes a few pics of the drag shows. I will post some of his pictures. I was remarking to Sylvester just this morning how much I enjoy dropping in there and having a gin and tonic after work. There really is nothing like a mouth full of Gordons to start the evening. He made some vulgar comment when I said this. You know Sylvester really can be quite coarse at times.
The city attracts some very impressive international performers. Sylvester and Sebastian were terribly disappointed recently when they learned that a particular Japanese dancer they’d hoped to see on stage had to cancel her appearance. Clutching photographs of this vision of beauty they had hoped to get signed they seemed very downcast, but quietly slipped off somewhere and pulled themselves together. Poor dears.
All these international performers provide a wealth of cultural entertainment. Of course, there are sometimes misunderstandings, as we witnessed at a dance competition the other day. It seemed the Polish dancers and the contingent from Lapland had misunderstood the nature of the contest – but provided an interesting experience all the same. They surprisingly finished the evening in a leading position.
I am appalled by the misogynistic chatter that sometimes takes place between Sylvester and Sebastian, often right in front of me. It’s very disrespectful. I am, after all, a trans woman of some sophistication and expect a certain level of respectful discourse.
When Sylvester asked Sebastian ‘Which particular Lap dancer he would like to have a sex romp with’ I was disgusted.
“For god’s sake, Sylvester!’ I replied. ‘It’s ‘with whom’ you would like to have a sex romp’.
I don’t know where to put myself sometimes. I am, after all, just an innocent trans woman trying to make my way in the world. At the end of the day I sometimes feel I just want to be flat on my back in my apartment, not letting the world get on top of me. But you know me. I give and I give. If I were to stop I am sure most of my friends would wonder what had come over me!
Before I go I should remind you that I’m currently posting An English Country Garden on my Patreon. I am also currently writing a Behind The Scenes piece about how this story came to be written, for those of my members who are in the Behind The Scenes tier of my Patreon. Be sure to check it out.
As dawn creeps across London, two lost outcasts meet in the darkness, more afraid of themselves than each other. As the sun begins to rise, and the veil of night is lifted, the pair are forced to look at themselves and face the harsh reality that life is sometimes what you make it, and that in the cold light of day, it takes more than the eyes to see inside a soul.
As you likely know I work in a busy advertising agency handling all sorts of accounts. We have companies of all kinds, political parties, and marketing companies.
It happens to fall to me, among other things, to look after one of the political campaigns, and the Cheese Marketing Board, among many others. My role does involve me working closely with the senior management of these organizations. I even sit on the cheese board – a curious position as you can probably understand – especially when it comes to an awkwardly placed cocktail stick.
The Cheese Marketing Board is really a lot of fun. We have many imported cheeses as well, of course, of the wonderful Canadian cheeses. Perhaps you are aware that American cheeses are ‘processed milk product’, while Canadian cheeses are natural textured cheese. Canadian regulations prohibit the use of artificial growth hormones (rbST) in dairy production, which is not the case for all US milk.
We often have product tasting afternoons which we pair with one of our BC wine clients. It’s a fun account to handle. Today I was organising a tasting in one of the board rooms. Sylvester, my friend and mechanic, managed to inveigle his way into this event, surprising as may seem. It appears even the Neanderthal taste buds appreciate fine Canadian cheeses.
While some clients, and various hangers on at the agency enjoyed the tasting in the main board room, I was left to handle a small public relations situation. Apparently one of our political clients on the left of centre had got themselves elected (wonder of wonders) on one of the small Gulf Islands, and to everyone’s surprise would take his place at the next sitting of the provincial legislative assembly – the ‘state legislature’ to my American friends. Yes, Lester Martins was thrilled with the work I’d been doing on his campaign.
A newspaper with a grinning photo of ‘Red Lester’ delivering his acceptance speech lay on my desk as my wife’s appalling friend Amanda burst into my office uninvited.
“I’m looking for Sylvester,” she said all afluster.
“What on earth’s the matter, Amanda’” I asked.
“Oh, I have to give him the keys to my truck. He said he’d take a look at it,” she replied.
Amanda’s eyes drifted to the newspaper on my desk as she read the headline – Red Lester Wins! Amanda, in case you don’t know, is the editor of the well respected organ of the Pig farming community, Pig and Pig Farmer weekly.
“About now I think Sylvester is probably pushing Red Leciester, down his throat,” I said, thinking Amanda might join the party in the boardroom.
She turned on her heel and left my office in a huff. I really don’t understand her sometimes.
Anyway, that’s not the main reason I am writing tonight. I thought I’d just wish you all a happy Halloween and remind you that there’s some great Halloween stories on my Patreon at http://Patreon.com/fionadobsonCD Be sure to join the Patreon for exclusive content.
When Jeff returns to his old apartment he finds more than he bargained for. This ghost story was written for http://Fionadobson.com – the transgender blog you’ll love even if you’ve never tried on your sisters panties.
Fiona
PS – If you haven’t signed up for my basic program you can do so absolutely free below.
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Join my Basic program and begin your path to feminization – it’s free. You’re going to love the way you look.
So many of my female members love to dress their partners. Sandra, for example, tells me that after making up her husband, who has the femme name ‘Alexis’, she took a couple of headshots, she found a thoughtful way to surprise him.
She ordered a lovely ceramic cup with his headshot and the name ‘Alexis’ on it. Imagine his reaction when she gave him a nice cup of hot chocolate in the cup for the first time. Of course, Alexis loved it.
I am no detective, but when you know Auntie Kittie is making jam, and the top of the cooking sherry is sticky… well, it doesn’t take much to know she’s getting into my stash of wine.
And speaking of your favorite auntie, she has some nephews from New Zealand staying, and she’s teaching them all about making jam. She told me this morning that she’s trying to get her hands on some plums, and possibly a cherry or two. She tells me she’s got plenty of fruit, though she did say she’d finished off her kiwis.
As you probably know I record some great hypnosis tracks, and having such a nice recording set up I allow some of my friends to use it for their own recordings. When I poked my head round the door just now I found Mistress Meg’s little helper, Stacey making a new recording for our Seahorse members.
I was quite shocked by the things she was saying. I had to listen, just for a moment. Stacey is so innocent looking. I was most surprised.
“You’re going to love dressing up for me tonight, aren’t you?” she said into the microphone.
“I know you’ve wanted to for a long time, but this time it’s something you’re desperate to do. And you know, I’ve known about it for a long time, I just enjoy you being awkward about it. But I also know that the longer I make you wait, the more desperate you’re going to be to do just exactly what I want.
And what I want is very important for you, isn’t it?
You want to serve me. You want to do whatever I tell you. Don’t you?”
I thought I’d better leave her to it after that. Well, you lucky Seahorses will be hearing from Stacey before long, I expect.
🙂
Fiona
PS – I thought I’d add this great track from Def Leopard especially for all my fellow diabetics.
Jules gives us a quick look at the journey from crossdressing to transitioning as a transgender individual. This will help anyone who thinks they may be trans, or friends and family of people who have chosen a transgender life. Enjoy it and let me know what you think.
