Melissa A.
04-25-2010, 06:58 AM
I've been going to the same nail place for almost a year now. The staff is friendly and very, very good. Great pedicures and massages, too. The woman who runs the place is always very nice. I noticed after a few times there, that I was being charged for a men's manicure/pedicure. I left it alone for quite a while, but yesterday, I decided to make an issue of it. I don't really know exactly why I chose yesterday. I went to a memorial service earlier in the day for yet another murdered transwoman, and that made me sad and yes, a little angry, so perhaps there was some carryover. I had been planning on saying something at some point. When I got my change, gave the two girls their tips, and they started on my hands, I asked the girl doing them about the price. She explained it to me, and I said, "But your list says 9 for a manicure and 18 for a pedicure. That doesn't equal what I paid". (I should add that they are all Asian-Americans, first and second generation, it seems, and although some of them are pretty young, in their 20's, there is sometimes a communication issue)
"That is for women's",
"Well....That's me"
"You're a woman?"
It was at this point that I heard giggling behind me, and I started to get a bit mad. But I kept my cool and let her finish. When I was done, I told them all I wished to speak to the boss, who was in the back somewhere. When she came out, I tried to explain all this to her, without sounding too angry or confrontational. At first she really didn't understand, as I told her that I am legally and medically transitioning. I said I really don't care about the extra few dollars you charge men, I can afford it. It's not about that. Listen, this is who I am...all the time. This isn't a hobby, or something I do on weekends...This is who I always am, I am changing my name and gender, legally. She mentioned something about I.D., and I said, "I will have that, in time. It's a process. In the meantime, I would like to think you would respect a long time loyal customer's wishes. It's not about the money. All I want is to be treated like any other woman who comes in here. That's what is important to me. And it is important. Is that really too much to ask?"
I think it was at that point that the light bulb went on above her's, and the two other girls who were standing there heads. She nodded and said, "ohhhh, we just didn't know. it's ok-we didn't know", and the others were nodding. I smiled and said, "That's ok, I like you all and really like coming here, and want to continue".
So, another potentially bad situation diffused. I really did not want this to turn ugly, which is why I held off for so long. People will listen, if you give them a chance, I guess.
Hugs,
Melissa:)
"That is for women's",
"Well....That's me"
"You're a woman?"
It was at this point that I heard giggling behind me, and I started to get a bit mad. But I kept my cool and let her finish. When I was done, I told them all I wished to speak to the boss, who was in the back somewhere. When she came out, I tried to explain all this to her, without sounding too angry or confrontational. At first she really didn't understand, as I told her that I am legally and medically transitioning. I said I really don't care about the extra few dollars you charge men, I can afford it. It's not about that. Listen, this is who I am...all the time. This isn't a hobby, or something I do on weekends...This is who I always am, I am changing my name and gender, legally. She mentioned something about I.D., and I said, "I will have that, in time. It's a process. In the meantime, I would like to think you would respect a long time loyal customer's wishes. It's not about the money. All I want is to be treated like any other woman who comes in here. That's what is important to me. And it is important. Is that really too much to ask?"
I think it was at that point that the light bulb went on above her's, and the two other girls who were standing there heads. She nodded and said, "ohhhh, we just didn't know. it's ok-we didn't know", and the others were nodding. I smiled and said, "That's ok, I like you all and really like coming here, and want to continue".
So, another potentially bad situation diffused. I really did not want this to turn ugly, which is why I held off for so long. People will listen, if you give them a chance, I guess.
Hugs,
Melissa:)