Over 60 and Out in Public

[joanne shannon]

First I appreciate very much all the responses to my previous related question of yesterday regarding over 60 with accepting wives.

What I would like to know now from the over 60 sisters is what was your first time going out in public like? Did you have any problems, get read, etc.? How did you feel at the time? I have been out on only a few occasions while dressed and those were mostly driving around after dark, and on two occasions with my wife with me. One time I drove a three hour trip from Orlando home by myself while completely dressed and made up....it was a wonderful feeling but scary. On other occasions I have driven the same route in drab and had to stop for a vehicle check...had I been dressed I don't believe I would have enjoyed the experience very much.

[noeleena]

Hi, Joanne ,

Well im out all the time & in 8 days ill be 63 as many other know im a woman & accepted as one , Many of the places iv been has been over many years so in some ways i knew what would happen i knew people would look at my self yet never a word such as has been said here by some ,
I dont have to prove im a woman , by the way i dress, as i am one, mind wise & mentally, so what i was unsure of was would i be accepted as a person first , & as to people not wonting to talk with me well that was never a problem i will talk with any one , & people who dont know me just talk like they have known me for some time .

Yes people look of cause they will , in the begining i was wearing my wig so not many people looked that much . that was for 11 years
Now no wigs just my scarves or head wear as you see in my pic , & yes clothes like you see . Now people look & have done why because very few women wear scarves like i do & my colours are pinks & bright summer of cause . winter as now i like the autum tones & of cause people know me too well . do i ( pass ) as a female / women in looks . no idont & nore do i try to , trains planes buses what ever transport never a problem & over seas
Many of our trans people here & others i know will surpass this kid hands down as to looks & how they dress as youv said ,
It has bothered me & make no mistake what i lack & i know i do through out my life ,
I had to make up those lacks in other ways , very hard , so i had use what was in side of my self & i have , i failed in the looks dept the femm looking girl & had to learn to just accept who i was , am & be that person who i really was / am ,

I have acceptance as a person first, not like the way i was 50 years , of .
just allow my self to grow into who i am not put on just be real ,

I joined womens groups go out with those women & others that are in other groups who we see & do things together ,
I know some will think oh yes this is over the top . well lets put it this way, the last 3 years iv been involved with over 3000 people , & thats all ranks of life a lot of people .

as your saying driving & a bit scary hmmm for me not any more thats not to say not so when i got behind the wheel oh yes i was not sure how it would go. after a few 1000 miles or so its cool,
your last part there not dressed, oh dear , im wondering why not , yes lack of confidence ...a... that comes in time .

You know the or our saying . women can do any thing. well belive it we can.

...noeleena...

[Megan70]

My wife and I go out (me dressed) in public to due errands, shop or get a bite to eat a couple of time a month . Have been since 1973.I'd guess you'd call m a seasoned pro;old hat now.I wonder how many other members
unknowing wives have never experienced this, its marvelous!

Megan

[renee k]

I've been going out since 1970. Doing normal things like shopping going to movies and catching a play now and then. I really don't worry too much about being read. If someone gives me a second look I just smile back at them. My only problem is getting passed the mirror on the way out the door. I'm my own worst critic when it comes to how I look, LOL!!

Renee

[sterling12]

My First Time going out was Breathtaking! But I was so freaked out, and "zombie-like" I didn't really pay enough attention to really understand my feelings about the Event. I always advise, "ask me about my tenth time, or my fiftieth; I remember a lot more about those times."

These Days at 60 years of age, Joanie seems to be even more active. I'm out and about most any weekend, seems like there is always something going on around here.

And, I am pretty much oblivious of people's reactions! I am always glad to stop and talk with them, when they ask. Usually it's starts as a Compliment from some 30-something GG, who is curious: "Wow, your legs look great...I really admire Gurls like you!" "And. Away we Go!" Most People "think/or claim to think" that Joanie is around forty-five.

Sometimes I get "Read." Usually I don't! When in a Group of TG Folk it's about impossible not to get Read....but, who cares! I enjoy doing "Outreach."

Peace and Love, Joanie

[Holly]

Joanne, I go out by myself, with other T-sisters and, of course with my wonderful wife often. I've been to the grocery store, Target, the nail salon, casinos, movies, major department stores, live theater, and the list goes on. That you feel scary at first is normal, but you will soon get over it as you discover that most people don't notice you or just don't care how you are dressed. I have no illusions that I don't get "read" each and every time I go out, but here is what I have found... If I am confident in myself, if I am dressed appropriately for the occasion, and if I am respectful to those I encounter, I, in turn, am treated with respect and almost everyone will use the pronoun appropriate for how I present myself. One final thought on your comment about not enjoying getting stopped for a vehicle check while dressed... that, too, will almost certainly be a non-event as well. Almost all public employees receive at least an introduction into dealing with diverse citizenry, and that includes the trans-community. I have been through a DUI checkpoint and after providing the requested documentation, I was thanked courteously and sent on my way. The fact of the matter is that the more often we are out among the population, the more opportunities they will have to see for themselves that we are not what the stereotypes would have them believe but are simply citizens, much like themselves, living life. Now, get out there and enjoy yourself!

[Emily Ann Brown]

I have done an on the road stop when myself WINK). Officer was very sweet and professional. So many things to worry about, being read is not on my list anymore..SMILE. I used to keep an emergency bag in the car ( I kept HIM in there for troubles!) hahahahaha. Now the emergency bag holds flat shoes and sunscreen.

Em

[carrie-ann]

I'm 52 and I'm having the best time of my life. I'm one of the lucky ones that has a wife that has supported me from the start. I went 247 last year I love it. So get out there be confidant and courteous. You'll find its not as big deal as you think with others.

[sissystephanie]

I first went totally enfemme when I was in my teens! Now I am in my late 70's and I still go out dressed enfemme. But since I no longer have my wife to help, I wear no wig or makeup. Just a guy in a skirt and other feminine apparel. Have been doing that for over 5 years and haven't had any problems!

[diannecourtney]

Such wonderful people. I wish to join them them as soon as I get my makeover.

[Sarah Doepner]

Age is only in your mind and I don't worry about how old I am, since I can't change it anyway. There are women out and about from birth to 114 years old. I can match up there with no problem. Its all the other stuff that I can control that I try to focus on, body shaping, makeup, hair, clothing and accessories, shoes and the like.

[AllieSF]

I only started a little over 3 years ago and went out about a month after starting to dress completely and have never looked back. I went to a Tgirl friendly bar with two ladies that I met on this site. I was a bit nervous. However, since it was away from my home area one hour away I was less afraid of being seen by anyone that I knew. My friends made the evening a great success and I really enjoy interfacing with complete strangers on my first time out.

[Debra Russell]

I only started going out in public a year ago but wow! I have really made up for lost time. I have been out a lot and gone every where from the beach to musems to local festivals, it's great dont wait! We all get read but smile and be polite. I have never had a problem. I am 65yrs

[suchacutie]

I've begun to wonder whether it's not easier to be accepted as we get older (probably also the very young group is in this same situation). I've watched older people being totally ignored by most in a crowded situation. Unless you are wearing an outfit designed to attract attention, we seem to be very much under the radar screen, gender notwithstanding!

Am I out in left field here?

tina

[Ozark]

Isn't life grand!. My grandmother used to say that all the time:
"Ain't life grand!"

It certainly is! I have a supportive wife who tolerates me and buys me nice things from thrift stores!

Thank you honey!:)

ps. I'm 61, retired and think I look good in beige and earth tones. I dress in androgynous styles but underneath, it's Vanity Fair, shadowline, cotillion, or Underscore.

Lately I've been hooked on lacey fruit of the loom, Hanes and JMS panties.

[Laura Evans]

I go out in public a lot, groceries, malls, restaurants, etc... When I first went out I was so nervous and afraid I would be read and made a public spectacle of but none of that ever occured and that gave me the confidence to keep doing it.

[Tina B.]

Joanne, well I am the one, that tried it, and didn't like it! I'm 66 years old, and have dressed just about all my life, off and on. Years ago, I went out for the usual midnight drive, and found it unfulfilling, I tried the late night walk around the neighborhood, until it dawned on me, no sensible woman would be out at that time of night,alone, walking the streets, unless she was looking for trouble. Then I got up the nerve to go out in a dress, in broad daylight, and go shopping, within minutes of walking in the store, I found myself being stalked by two young ladies that figured they had seen a guy in a dress, but wanted a closer look, I was able to out maneuver them due to Superior military training, and made it out the door and back to the safety of my car, I went home shaken, knowing I was beyond passing, and did not like that type of attention, and I've been here every since. But I would never suggest you follow my example of cowardice, if you can handle it, and feel you need it, I still say you should go for it! Since then I left the big city for life in a small town, and would be even less likely to do it again.
Tina B.