PTown’s Fantasia Fair : The Original Transgender Week

To those in the LGBTQ+ community who think the ‘T’ part is a relatively new dialogue will probably be shocked to know that this week sees Ptown’s Annual Fantasia Fair that has been in existence for 46 years now.

Back in 1975 the Fair was conceived by Ariadne Kane and others in Boston’s Cherrystones support group in response to a need for a safe space for crossdressers and transsexuals to gather. “There is a tremendous need for crossdressers and transsexuals to learn about themselves in an open, socially tolerant environment,” said original co-founder Betsy Shaw. 

Provincetown was picked as the host city because of its reputation for tolerance and because it was a center of gay and lesbian culture. Its location at the very end of Cape Cod provided isolation and therefore peace of mind for frightened first-timers. Plus October is the so-called shoulder season when the town has already said goodbye to its summer tourists

In those early years, twenty years before the term transgender came into common use, the Fair served as a model for trans events all over the world. Even today, Fantasia Fair is recognized for its leadership in increasing the well-being of transgender and nonbinary people.

Events during these early Fairs were a combination of workshops geared toward improving personal appearance and social events where Fairgoers could practice what they were learning in the workshops. Workshops covered topics such as voice modulation, building a wardrobe, and beauty and makeup. Symposia were held in conjunction with the Unitarian Universalist Church, with the primary purpose of educating the public. 

Now having been part of the trans and Provincetown communities for more than 40 years,  the Fair has grown and evolved.  It has gone from being a holiday experience for transgender people to a mix of practical, social, and educational opportunities designed to enhance the personal growth and awareness of one’s own gender expression. 

The packed schedule for the 2021 Edition that kicked off on October 17th  starts with Epic Reunion Kickoff Brunch and is literally non-stop until the Farewell Breakfast on October 24th.

Seminars and Workshops include Hormone Therapy , Substance Abuse, Demystifying Gender Affirmation Surgery, Learning to Define and Communicate Your Needs and Negotiate with Your Partner Fairly, and Financial Planning.  Equally important are all the very welcoming social events such as Common Threads Fashion Show, After Hours  Party at Tin Pan Alley , Comic Bingo Festival, and Fantasia Fair Follies etc.