Cross-dressing
Ashley (Japanese: サトコ Satoko) is the name given to Ash when he is crossdressing.
Ashley appeared in Pokémon Scent-sation! when Ash was barred access to the Celadon Gym for insulting the perfume which the Gym was known for manufacturing. Jessie, James and Meowth saw that he had been thrown out, and offered to help him get in the Gym with a disguise. He reluctantly agreed, and they dressed him up as a girl. They entered disguised as a family, with Ash playing the part of the daughter, Ashley. He remained incognito for a while, even as Brock and Misty greeted him, but his cover was blown when Pikachu recognized him. Ash tried to ignore Pikachu, but after it hit Ash with a Thunderbolt, his wig disintegrated and his identity was revealed, much to a very angry Erika's dismay. Ash would eventually get his gym battle with Erika anyway, sans dress.
Ashley has since become significantly popular among Pokémon fans. Some treat her as a character in her own right, rather than just Ash in a dress.
Trivia
- Since the incident, Ash has crossdressed again in Love at First Flight. However, this was to roleplay as Juliet for Romeo to practice speaking to. He also crossdresses in Tanks for the Memories! to help out at the Café Cabin.
- Ashley is somewhat significant as evidence that Ash is one of the only characters who can dress up as a female and not be noticed by Brock as a fake. This makes more sense in light of the fact that the Ashley disguise was of a young girl, not the sort of mature woman that Brock would normally be unconditionally attracted to.
