So many threads here saying 'I don't pass, I'll never be able to go out' or 'I have sideburns, I'll never be able to go out'. Stepping out in public is a descision only you can make. If you know you don't pass, due to unfortunate body shape/size, beard, muscles, anything there are options for you.
If you live in/near a major city, there will be a gay neighbourhood. Toronto's Church St., the Castro, South Beach, L.A.'s strip etc,etc. In the gay/artsy fartsy areas you'll see a sissy maid with a beard, hairy t-girls, leather men in pink wigs. In South Beach you'll get a funny look it you DON'T have a goat on a leash. Along O.C. beaches feel free to roller blade in a thong.
Also, many major centers have CD clubs, where for a small fee you can hang out in a safe environment, meet other girls, and if the mood strikes, go out en masse, to a safe area. Some clubs even have escorted tours, luncheons etc. Many of the girls there are novices, or for their own reasons, just don't pass.
Safety IS an issue, even in the most Bohemian cities. CD's that don't pass do get noticed more. Practice common sense. There's safety in numbers. Stay in the areas you ARE welcome. Do a drab recon of your destination, and decide your game plan in advance.
I know some girls are going to jump all over me, 'you can't go out unless you look like Charlize Theron', 'You're betraying the whole CD community if you don't pass'. The CD community ought to be more open minded, considering we ourselves are on the very fringe of acceptance.
Going out is your choice. If you feel that passing is the only acceptable way to venture forth, so be it. If you don't mind letting you freak flag fly, there are venues.
Food for thought, that's all-Celeste