I understand what you are saying EM but I sort of take a lot of these accounts with a grain of salt myself. While I don't doubt them, being a man I know full well how guys like to "embellish" stories if you will. That doesn't mean the adventures are not true though. It definately does have a lot to do with our confidence level and is definately NOT as easy as it sounds. I sometimes question what the motivation is myself. Is it just to go out shopping to see if we pass or is it the idea of "getting away" with something?
I remember full well my first experiences years ago going out to drive around in the car at 3 AM but I was literally shaking in my heels and it was stressful but exciting at the same time. When I would get out of the car and walk around town, it was even more exciting.
Anyway, that was then and this is now. I've done all of that stuff out in public in daylight since and it's no big deal any more, in fact it's kind of boring really. Most people don't give a hoot about you anyway and may think you are eccentric at best and these days there is nobody following you around shouting "queer" or going out of their way to do so. It's more like them getting a glimpse and saying:"Oh, okay, whatever!"
I suppose like I said, it depends on what your motivation and purpose are for going out in public and if it is to build up your confidence, that's okay. If the neighbors are outside doing stuff when I leave, I don't hurridly jump in the car but I don't dwell on it either. They know about me anyway but never speak about it.
These days, I'm concentrating on friendships and relationships, so don't do so many public appearances like I used to but I do enjoy reading all the accounts and feel glad for my CD sisters.
