Took down another section of wall from my closet...

[Sophie86]

I went to my second TG meeting tonight. After the meetings, they go out to a restaurant to hang out and talk. Last time, I didn't go because my wife didn't want me out late. (I had been out late the night before, and she has trouble sleeping when I'm gone.)

Tonight I decided to go to the restaurant. I knew the place and had been there once before dressed, but that time I went to this little downstairs area that is separate from the main restaurant. I thought that's where we would be meeting tonight. Just us girls in our own little private area. When I got there, though, that little area was closed. I had never been to a place that was open to the general public and that wasn't by its nature likely to have a TG-friendly crowd. This would be something new. None of the other folks were out front when I got there, so I was going to have to walk in by myself and speak to strangers. I very nearly chickened out. I saw a vehicle in front, though, that I knew belonged to one of the other girls, so I gathered my courage and walked in.

And nothing bad happened.

I spoke to the hostess, found my party, and sat down. No one stared, no one screamed, no one ran out the door. I was astonished.

But I feel like I've taken another step towards getting out of this closet, so I just wanted to share. :)

[Molly Wells]

Looking forward to the day I do the same. Right now I go to "safe bars" (and I don't even drink) or I go for walks in uncrowded areas.

[Katesback]

Funny how so many trans people are so scarred of NOTHING. The battle they have is actually in thier heads.

Perhaps a way to illustrate this is I went from closet CD (because I was not willing to admit I was TS) to complete female with all the surgeries and back to a normal life in about three years. I now live the life of any other woman except that I also play rollerderby with some awesome girls and am about to become a coach for a derby team as well. I NEVER disuss trans stuff with people and I am just a girl.

I do however remember those days that you discribe. It is indeed a battle in our minds and when we finally say screw it I we are going to live our lives, it is priceless.

[erickka]

Congrats on your outing. It will only be getting easier from here on out. The feeling of being liberated is priceless!

[Cynthia Anne]

TEAR DOWN THAT WALL! You move me girl! You should be proud of yourself! I'm happy for you! Hugs!

[Marcie R.]

Congratulations Sophie, that is a big step forward. Someday if I get up the courage I will try something similar. My biggest fear is my height, over six feet tall.

[Janet Bern]

Great move. I finally went to a restaurant alone and had my dinner. The restaurant was 1/2 full. As you stated, no one even noticed me. I had a nice dinner, ate like a lady went to the ladies room and left.
No problem at all

[Cassandra Lynn]

Great news Sophie, a very big CONGRATS to you, good luck with the rest of your journey.

Cassie

[AKAMichelle]

That is the step which will help you expand your horizons. The first time that you are in a regular mainstream place is a shock to most people. Now I much prefer to go there and enjoy myself.

[PretzelGirl]

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup: Yea Sophie! Careful, this just might become a habit. :D

I hope you continue to enjoy it and have wonderful experiences!

[Sophie86]

Thanks for the comments and the encouragement. It was just one of those little milestones that so many have already passed. I was proud of myself for working through the momentary panic, and forging ahead instead of running away. :)

[t-girlxsophie]

Every step,big or small means so much to our development,Im glad your barriers are being smashed,heres to many more,we need more Sophie's experiencing being out in the world:heehee:

Sophie