What advice would you give to someone going out for the first time in a long time?

[Lovely Rita]

Hi Ladies

Appreciate your advice on going out. I am planning to go to a club / restaurant and have not gone out in many years. Your advice is highly appreciated.
How do you handle the restroom thing? What kind of places would you stay away from? How do you safely discourage some one who is hitting on you?

Oh yea, and do you have any clubs you can recommend in the New York, New Jersey, Connecticut area?

etc.

Love to hear from you

[Holly]

Hi Rita. Sorry I don't have any recommendations on places to go... I'm on the left coast . As to discourage getting hit on, I wear a wedding ring... sorry, taken! I think I'd stay away from Country/Western venues and biker bars. Other than that, what do you like? Most gay establishments are T friendly... might want to give that some thought.

[trannie T]

The last time I was out a drunk tried to hit on me as I was having dinner, I politely growled at him and suggested that he take his attentions elsewhere if he did not wish to have his head pounded soft, the waitress kindly escorted him away. I try to find a single occupancy restroom, as I'm not comfortable sharing with either men or women while I'm dressed. The most important thing to have when you're dressed is your attitude, show others that you're confident and enjoying your night out.
Have a good time, let us know how it went.

[tekla west]

Go, have fun. You will find the water much warmer than it was before.

And just google that stuff, type in a city name and 'drag' and 'bar' or 'crossdressing' any well you know, there are lots of guides on the net.

[Sally2]

Rita
Go to femmefever.com and read about the events sponsored by Karen who is a CDs best friend. She does makeovers and is very active in the TG community. One of her best events occurs in February. the Femmefever Gala ball. This is truly a wonderful event. She is situated in LI and conducts monthly social parties there. Good luck. Sally2

[Kate Simmons]

If I don't want to be bothered when I go out, I usually wear my wedding ring set. Some think twice about hitting on me when they see it. Ericka/Rich

[Ranee Daze]

The wedding ring is a great idea. I get hit on by alot of gay men when I'm in drab. I used to tell them just to shag off, but now I say "Thanks for the compliment, but we really don't have much in common". I'd use the same line enfemme.
As to the washroom thing, well all that takes is a little planning. Scout out a venue where you can use another washroom somewhere else the day before your outing. Some places have single person gender neutral washrooms. I've even used the handicapped washroom for a quick whizz. If you tuck, remember that the little devils take up space next to your bladder and your capacity will be way down. Avoid pissy things like coffee and tea before you dress and don't eat or drink too much before you go out, and you may not need the powder room at all. Voiding as much as possible will help you to avoid an embarassing situation.
Ladies' washrooms are much more private things anyway with their bank of stalls. I race in, do my biz, use a hand cleaning gel, wait for a quiet moment and exit. I use the loo I'm dressed appropriately for, the ladies'. I also think that there would be less chance of getting beaten up in a ladies' washrooms as well.
Hope this helps