En Femme on the Streets in Pittsburgh

[Jessica Paola]

Ok I came across a thread talking about Pittsburgh and their love for sports teams which make others not care about the way you dress, sexual orientation, etc. This thread got me thinking a lot more about venturing out because I live in Pittsburgh. I have never really ventured out in full outfits, though I have mixed and matched as well as "came out" so I am open about it with friends and family. However I still have this big fear of actually venturing out. I am hoping to hear from all you lovely ladies about how you cope with going out (preferably in Pittsburgh) But anyone can share their experiances. I'm am always so worried about being picked out then all eyes on me type of thing. Plus I don't want to get hurt either, makes me wonder what type of butt kicking I would recieve from walking down the wrong street.

hugs Jessica

[Roberta Marie]

Jessica,

Although I grew up in the South Hills, I left to go to college over 30 years ago and got stuck in Ohio, and I have never been out in the Pittsburgh area. So, I can't tell you anything specific about where to go and where not to go, I would think that much of the Oakland area, with such a large college population, should be safe.

I can give you some advice in general, though.

First, dress appropriate for the place you're going. If you're heading to a mall to go shopping, don't dress like you're headed to a night club.

Second, if you act in a suspicious manner, people will be suspicious of you. So, don't skulk around and act ashamed. The best piece of advice that I got before my first outing was, "Head up, boobs out, walk proud, and smile."

Third, don't go anywhere by yourself that you would not want your wife, girlfriend, or daughter to go by themselves. Be aware of your surroundings, but don't look for trouble.

Fourth, don't be cheap. Resauraunts and other establishments are in business to make money, and for the most part, as long as you spend money there you'll be welcome there. And wait staff will always welcome you back if you tip well.

Fifth, and most important, have fun.

I know there are some girls here that are from the Pgh area, (Karen) that will be happy to give you some pointers on the local scene.

[Jessica Paola]

Thank you so much for your pointers Roberta, I will definetly keep them in mind. You think a college area though would be ok? I always thought of that place like that are a breading ground for disaster lol, any school really. I will probably stick to the mall or like a department store like Marshells or something like that at least until I can become more comfortable with going out. Probably help if I lost like 75 lbs lol

[ReineD]

You think a college area though would be ok? I always thought of that place like that are a breading ground for disaster lol, any school really.

College areas are good since they tend to be more progressive. They are usually more culturally diverse than other neighborhoods, also gender and sexual variance is a lot more mainstream among today's college students than a generation ago. And college areas tend to have more bookstores/cafés you can hang out in. But, you will need to dress casually: jeans and cute tops. Also bring a laptop and go online .. you'll fit right in!

[j4fun]

Out and about for an evening in Lawrenceville, on Ellsworth, or at certain places on the South Side (think Lava Lounge, Beehive, Tiki, etc) I think you'll be surprised to see how many other gurls are around. Obviously there are places like Cattivo, 5801, Blue Moon, etc that cater to the GLBT crowd, but really you can feel pretty safe dressed appropriately for the venue almost anywhere in the city.

[danica d]

Definitely the more progressive the scene and the more confident you are the better. It's can be nerve wracking to get up and go out at first but once you do it a few times it'll get more relaxing which equals FUN! Go for it!!!

[j4fun]

no doubt there will be male attention at any and/or all of the above scene bars/clubs *but* I would say if you are looking for a night out at a venue you know up front is going to be CD/TG friendly (vs just having a fun night out) try "Tranny Thursdays" at 5801 or the monthly Sinferno/Hanging Garden event at Cattivo. You'll probably have all the help you need or want deflecting unwanted attention in the form of other supportive patrons.