A Sissy in Wyoming teaches a powerful lesson

On Friday, Sept. 30, the University of Wyoming American Heritage Center put on a one-night production of A Sissy in Wyoming, a play about the life of Larry “Sissy” Goodwin, a crossdresser who stood up for his right to dress how he wanted to. 

The play is written by Gregory Hinton and is based on the oral history of Sissy’s wife, Vickie Goodwin. The history was recorded by Leslie Waggner, who is an archivist at the American Heritage Center. It was produced by Dr.Celelia Aragon and directed by Matthew Greenberg.

“I was asked by WyOpen Stages Producer, Dr. Cecelia Aragon, to direct the A Sissy In Wyoming tour’s first performance in Laramie and Cheyenne,” Greenberg said, 

“I am most excited that most of our production team and cast identifies as members of the LGBTQIA+, bi-racial, and Latinx communities. I think it’s a wonderful way to present visibility both on and off stage. Gregory’s play has been a joy to delve into.” 

 Members of the audience and the play were very excited to see a play with representation that moved and motivated them to be their most authentic selves. 

“As a queer man who also enjoys wearing dresses and skirts, this play really speaks to me and helps to prove that it doesn’t matter what you look like outwardly. Who you are as a person is most important,” Theater performance major Jed Hunzinger said. 

Larry “Sissy” Goodwin was born and raised in Wyoming, where he grew up cross-dressing. 

He was a veteran, pilot, power plant worker, educator, humanitarian, father, and husband. 

“Larry, the man I wanted to marry, would never live up to the Sissy I did marry.” wife Vickie Goodwin said. 

“I am proud to be here helping preserve his legacy, and I think Sissy is looking down on all of this with a smile on his face.”