Local directory

Any TG who has yet to venture beyond his or her own front door, but wants to, usually wonders just where in the heck she can go. What’s safe? Who’s friendly and who’s not? In the righthand column of this page, we’ve listed some links to local vendors who have web sites, but not every TG-friendly vendor in the Panhandle has a web site, so we’ve listed a few here. These places/merchants have, in our personal experience, a proven track record of being cool — in other words, TG-friendly. You can shop, dine or hang out without fear of hassle or unpleasantness. If you know of a place or merchant we’ve overlooked, please let us know.

An observation from Sherri:  The reality these days, even in our conservative climate, is that there are countless places where it’s safe to go. I mean, if Sandra can go to the mall in Amarillo en femme, then hey, we can go just about anywhere. In fact, we both go lots more places than are listed here. And when in doubt, you can always call ahead. But if you’re like me, safe is one thing, but anonymity is still a factor. By that I mean there are people on this planet I would rather not run into while in Sherri mode, for reasons that have mostly to do with protecting my straight life. This means that while I might be confident of being able to go to the mall without fear of reprisal, I might choose not to for the sake of discretion. So bottom line, you have to exercise some judgment predicated on your own situation. So just use some common sense, and don’t believe all the bogey man stories you’ve heard — it’s not as scary a world out there as you think.

DINING

Furrbie’s
210 SW. 6th St., Amarillo
Comment: Good burgers, sandwiches and wraps. Cool 50s / Route 66 decor. Conveniently located next to the 212 Club.

Denny’s
1710 E. I-40, Amarillo
Comment: The clubs have closed and you’re starving? I’ve been to Denny’s several times, sometimes alone, and am always treated very well there.

NIGHT LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT

212 Club
212 W 6th St., Amarillo
Comment: A staple of the Amarillo gay scene for ages, the 212 is also the largest GLBT club in town. The clientele is predominantly gay, but there is usually a mixed crowd there, especially on Sunday nights when they have a drag show. The shows feature Amarillo’s leading drag entertainers, and owner David frequently brings in top entertainers from all over the country. Live DJ most nights starting at 10 pm, with an ample dance floor and cool decor/lighting.

Kicked Back
521 SE. 10th St., Amarillo
Comment: Primarily a lesbian clientele, but very TG-friendly. Great DJ playing a nice mix, including country, and the dance floor gets lots of use but is rarely crowded.

Sassy’s
309 SW. 6th St., Amarillo
Comment: Historically a lesbian club, but also has a mix, typically a youngish crowd. Moderately crossdresser-friendly, but never unfriendly. Live DJ, heavy on the techno music, crowded dance floor late in the evening.

Whisker’s
1219 W. 10th St., Amarillo
Comment: This is a tiny neighborhood bar sort of place fashioned from a converted house on 10th street a couple of blocks west of Adams Street, with parking in back. It routinely draws a mixed crowd of straights, gays and lesbians, although lately the crowd seems to have gotten much younger. Owner Brock is a great guy, and bartenders Jay and Steve are terrific. They go out of their way to make us feel welcome. Lately, Jay has been organizing drag shows there that are fun.

CLOTHING & COSMETICS

Alexa’s Studio
713 W. Amarillo Blvd., Amarillo
Comment: This is a tiny little salon tucked into a corner of what was once a motel, been around forever. Cheryl, the proprietress, caters primarily to a black clientele, but she has an extensive inventory of inexpensive wigs and wig accessories and she’s a real sweetheart. You can try on wigs and even get Cheryl to style one for you.

Dustee’s
3363 Bell St., Amarillo
Comment: This is a fabulous place for stylish but economical costume jewelry, purses and accessories. One of my favorite stores. Don’t hesitate to shop there en femme. They also have stores in Lubbock, Wichita Falls, OKC and Lawton.

MAC makeup counter in Dillard’s
Westgate Mall, Amarillo
Comment: We all have our favorite makeup, but most of us agree MAC is good stuff. I’ve talked to several TGs who have not only purchased makeup at the MAC counter, but have actually had makeovers done there. Invaluable, if you have the courage.

Target
8201 I-40, Amarillo
Comment: Target can be a good source for casual styles and shoes. I (Sherri) have shopped and tried on clothes there many times, sometimes en femme, with no problem. Lots of bang for your buck.