What I’m about to say is nothing that should come as a great surprise to anyone who knows me, follows me or reads this newsletter: I’m a prissy boy. (Don’t everyone gasp all at once.)

I like pretty things, and I think that gender norms, whatever the hell that means, are one of the most destructive artificial constructs in our society. Do I want to be a woman? No. I just like what I like. I like painted nails. I love a silk scarf. I have a deep appreciation for a beautiful handbag. I’m not afraid to wear a touch of concealer on days when my undereyes are darker than I’d prefer. And a diamond tennis bracelet? Yum.

And here’s the thing: Todd doesn't roll his eyes, make a face or do anything but say, “If you love it, do it.” That’s how it’s always been. In nearly 30 years together, I can’t think of a single time he’s asked me to dial it back or hide who I am. That kind of support is prissy boy fuel, and I know how lucky I am to have it.

One of my big things is to live authentically, openly and loudly, in hopes that some little Cooper out there (or middle-aged Cooper, for that matter) sees what I’m doing and who I am, and they’re a little more comfortable with who they are. That’s easier said than done, but it’s my intention. And I think intentions are more important than actions.

ADD TO CART

The Prissy Boy Starter Pack

If you’re wondering what makes up my prissy boy starter pack, let me help:

• At-Home UV Gel Nails: My go-to for prissy boy polish. Glossy, durable and so easy to do at home. (And easy to remove!)
• Coach Swinger Bag: An American style classic and my trusty clutch for all the essentials. I carry it without the strap.
• Estee Lauder Concealer: When the under eyes betray me, this never does.
• Eyelash Curler: Because everyone looks better with a little lash lift.
• Jergens Natural Glow Moisturizer: Self-tanner lite, and it keeps my legs from looking like I'm an extra in Twilight.
• Mutha Pucker Lip Butter: My Reba lips need all the plumping help they can get!
• Olay Skincare: A forever love. The creams, the serums, the lotions. If Olay makes it, it probably lives in my bathroom cabinet. Plus, I'm a sucker for a multi-step skincare regime.
• Diamonique Tennis Bracelet: A sparkly, classic that looks like the real thing.
• Italian Silk Neckerchief: A cute bandana will do, too!
• Philips OneBlade Intimate Trimmer: Prissy boys believe in maintenance, everywhere.

Now, I know most of my readers are middle-aged women and gay men of a similar age, which means you likely already own half this stuff. So really, I’m just catching up to you. Consider me your very tall, very blonde, very much younger-looking prissy little sis.

​You can find all those (and more) here​

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HIT PLAY

Prissy Boy Soundtrack

This week’s soundtrack is Whitney Houston’s I’m Every Woman. Yes, I know I just said I'm not a woman and that I don't want to be a woman. But listen, it’s a bop, and if I’m strutting into the grocery store with my nails done and my scarf blowing dramatically behind me, Whitney is absolutely singing in my head. (The last minute or so of the song is one of my favorite sections of any song ever. I literally can't sit still.)

WHAT I'M LOVING

Soap, But Make It Pretty

I have a deep love for Bath & Body Works foaming hand soaps. The scents, the foam, the way they make me feel like I’m in a tiny spa every time I wash my hands. My go-to scent is White Tea & Sage.

But I can't stand the tacky plastic bottles. A prissy boy wants his sink situation to look as chic as it smells.

Solution: this sparkly reusable foaming dispenser. It has just the right amount of shimmer to make me smile every time I pump it, but not so much that it looks like it belongs in a teenager’s glitter collection. Fill it up with your favorite foaming soap, and suddenly the whole sink situation feels elevated.

SH!T COOPER SAYS

"There's no such thing as boy things and girl things. Just things you like."

- Cooper Koch

JUST FOR FUN

What's Your Drag Name?

Here’s a fun game: your drag name is the name of the first dog you remember having, plus the first street you remember living on. Mine? Dusty Delano. Tell me that doesn’t sound like a chain-smoking queen with frosted tips, a raspy laugh and a standing Friday night gig at a bar called Glitter’s. Todd’s is Bubbalah Bryan. It's kinda perfect.

Now it’s your turn. Reply and tell me yours. I can’t wait to laugh with you! And if your street was something like 12th Street, move to the next one. Unless that’s even worse. LOL!

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That's it for this week! Whether you're a prissy boy, a practical girl or somewhere in between, always remember...

YOU ARE LOVED!