Today I passed another milestone in my trans journey: I went to see my optometrist dressed as Nancy. By pure coincidence, my wife is out of town, and for the last year or so, my practice has been to dress en femme any time she is out of town, for the duration of her trip. Ever so slowly, I've gathered the courage to go about my business as much as possible on days that I dress up. So, today, I was planning to dress up, and oh, I had an optometrist appointment.
I was full of apprehension this morning. I needed to be at the optometrist's office at 12:15, and our housekeeper, who knows nothing about Nancy, was due to arrive at 12:30. Sometimes she comes early, and so, in addition to worrying about how I would be treated at my appointment, I was worried that she might arrive as I was leaving (or before). But she didn't come early today.
At the office, I gave only my last name to the receptionist. He said my paperwork was complete and directed me to have a seat. He didn't ask to see my ID -- a driver's license with 'X' for sex, a photo of a bald guy, and a male name. He had noted the discrepancy between my female presentation and the paperwork, though, and he came over a few minutes later and asked if I would like a different name on my file. I was overcome by the kindness of this gesture.
The rest of the support staff treated me as if there was nothing unusual about me. As the optometrist was finishing my exam, I told her how much I had appreciated my treatment by her staff and explained that it was the first time I had been to see a medical professional dressed as Nancy. She said something congratulatory and gave me a big hug. Out front, they gave me my bill and my prescriptions, both with "Nancy" and my last name on them. I am official, now. They will still bill my insurance using my legal name.
In the way of icing on the cake, I came back after work to look at eyeglass frames, and I explained to the optician how I need frames that look good whether I am presenting as female or male. She was completely on board, and after taking a bunch of selfies of my femme face, she was fine with the idea of me coming back in a couple of days dressed as a man to try them on again.
Once again, a little bit of kindness toward me has filled me with profound gratitude.
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