Probably a weird title for a post but hear me out. I have been going out to clubs for years, however only in the past year or so have I been to malls, bookstores,etc. For me getting in public away from the club scene was 10 times harder than anything else. The clubs and bars I frequent were safe havens, but the big wide world seemed more unfriendly.
Yesterday I decided to take the day off and go do some shopping. I headed out to my favorite mall, a little nervous but thinking positive thoughts. I stopped first at Macy's to pick up some MAC powder. There were a number of people waiting at the counter so I glanced at the various products. When it was my turn I said hello to the SA's and she complimented me on my "Cute outfit". We ended up having a discussion about the proper color foundation- she felt the one I was using was too light. All the while there were several other customers around and noone gave me any odd looks.
My next stop was a wig store that I buy most of my hairs from. The ladies there are so nice and great me warmly. I ended up buying a new reddish wig with flip sides. Instead of going in the back I just tried it on in the front area, one of the female customers telling me it loooked great on me. Again feeling like I belonged there. Lastly....
I headed back towards Macy's, happening to pass by a Calendar selling kiosk. The young lady there stopped me, telling me she loved my boots and asking where I got them. The first thing I thought was that she clocked me and just wanted to see for sure or get a better look. However.. we ended up having a 10 minute conversation on where to find shoes in larger sizes- she wore a 10. We discussed clothing- she was a pretty girl but full figured and she said she had a hard time finding cute stuff in her size. Never once did she bring up that I was a crossdresser, we were just two people relating.
Saying all this it struck me how average and ordinary everything was. There were no long lingering stares. I didnt get any negative comments. I was treated like any other customer which was the way I should be. I started feeling comfortable with myself out, and people seemed comfortable with me. That is sure not the way I imagined it would be, go figure. Sorry for the long post, I guess this is my way of encouraging others. I am not passible, I let people know I am transgender or a cd and it hasnt been an issue. Love to hear others experiences.