Cross-dresser at Ascot?5 That’s neigh problem
NEW TRANS DRESS CODE
MEN will be allowed to wear dresses for the first time at this year’s Royal Ascot in a bid to appeal to transgender racegoers.
Women will also be allowed to don a tuxedo and a top hat as part of the landmark new dress code.
Visitors to the Queen’s favourite race meeting have been told they may follow the code that they “feel most comfortable” with.
Britain’s first transgender jockey Victoria Smith hailed the changes.
She said: “Racing is really starting to become more accepting of difference, so any changes that help really are welcome.
Stick
“If someone identifies as a woman, they should be allowed to wear ladies’ clothes, as long as they stick to the rules.”
Royal Ascot in Berkshire – which takes place in June – has operated a strict dress code since the early 19th century.
The royal enclosure dress code says men must wear black or grey morning dress with a waistcoat and tie.
Ladies are not allowed to wear strapless and off-the-shoulder dresses, while mid-riffs have to be covered and fascinators are also banned.
But they are allowed to wear jumpsuits below the knee for the first time.
A spokesman said Royal Ascot was “keen to be inclusive”.
The racetrack’s commercial director Juliet Slot added: “Fashion and style are an important part of the Royal Ascot experience for all of our customers.”
Supermodel Cara Delevingne, 26, set the trend by wearing an Armani tuxedo to Princess Eugenie’s wedding in October.
She said: “Eugenie has been a friend of mine since I was a kid and I’ve always wanted to wear tails.
“I found it interesting how many people came up to me and said, ‘You’re so brave to wear that’.
“I was like, really? I feel way more comfortable like this.”