TOKYO -- When it comes to society's expectations of gender-related appearances and behavior, sometimes, a little transgression can go a long way.
In the early 20th century, the Hollywood star Mae West courted controversy with a mannish walk and on-screen characters who dared to express an interest in sex. In the 1950s, the black rock 'n' roll pioneer Little Richard wore makeup and eyeliner, while the over-the-top showman Liberace, whose piano-playing was as flamboyant as his costumes, fooled no one with his comments to gossip-magazine reporters about his ideal, would-be wife.
