About three, or so, years ago I ventured out to eat at a restaurant. This was a big move outside my comfort zone. I chose a restaurant in a predominately gay area that had received very good reviews. Since that first meal “out” I have, probably, eaten at this particular restaurant close to a dozen times. The food is very good and I have always been treated as a woman. One hostess now recognizes me and always seats me at the same booth. She calls it “my” booth. It doesn’t really matter to me, but her thoughtfulness sure matters.
Tonight I decided to test my envelope even more by dining at a restaurant where the clientele would be, predominately, “normal”. It is a very popular place in a fairly upscale area. They have excellent food and a very comfortable interior design.
To be honest I was nervous about doing this. I have always felt that the gays would leave me alone. I wasn’t sure that the straights would, though. Upon parking I stalled for a couple minutes and asked myself, if I really wanted to do this. My decision was: Yes, I do. So, With no delay I walked in, declared my desire to eat dinner to a very friendly hostess, and was quickly seated. There no booths in the main dining area available, so she seated me at a booth in the bar. That was fine with me. The bar was quite busy and I got the last booth. Almost immediately a young woman came and took my drink order, then my waitress brought me the menu. Everyone was friendly. I did not discern any negativity toward me. I was just another woman eating dinner. I never detected any smiles or laughter from any of the other customers.
What did this experience teach me? It has helped me realize that barriers that I believe keep from doing all of things I want to do as Cheryl are self made. Within reason (no beers at the local biker bar while dressed as Cheryl), I think that I can do whatever any woman might choose to do. I expect to be nervous as I do new things, but tonight has shown me that I, indeed all of us, can get out there be who we truly want to be. Is this what freedom is all about?