Debglam
05-08-2011, 06:39 PM
I met a couple of women on this forum about six months ago (when I started to deal with my transgender issues.) They are officers in a local TG group and suggested I come to one of their events. Well, fear, my spouse's comfort level, and just plain old logistics precluded this and I watched their event calendar with envy.
About a week ago, this group participated in a public, non-trans event that I also participated in. Now I have previously met some women who had already transitioned but I had never met anyone else in the TG community that is closer to where I am, at least not face-to-face. The women in this group were so confident, so poised, and such a positive example to the community that I had to put some of my fears aside.
Yesterday, the stars aligned and an event was held that I could attend. I dressed, fretting over my appearance like it was a first date :), and headed for the car, first taking a nervous look to see if my busy body neighbor, Gladys Kravitz (Bewitched reference) was at her usual post - standing in her front window watching my comings and goings! :rolleyes: All clear so I dropped my purse on the front seat and headed out.
I was nervous, but I think that one of the things that unnerved me a little was how natural this felt. No “thrill” just right. I did keep getting a stab of panic when I couldn't feel my wallet in my non-existing back pocket. Driving to the location was an experience. I was sweating having car trouble or getting in an accident. I did get a couple of stares (maybe imagined) and I couldn’t tell whether I was being read or checked-out. I arrived at the location, found parking a block away, traded my flats for heels and headed for the venue.
Well to cut to the chase, these women TG & GG, were wonderful! As I told them later, I have never been to an event of any kind where as a stranger I was made to feel so welcome by each and every one there! The evening was spent in pleasant conversation and good food. The time just flew by.
Another thing that I found odd was that after a short period of time I didn’t feel like I was “dressed” anymore. Again just totally natural although trying to eat with shoulder length hair and a breeze blowing was certainly a reminder.
I know that many of you are so far beyond this that this is like a walk around the block but I finally feel like I have stepped out of the closet!
One pitch for the group I am talking about. If you are from or near Northern California you have to check out the River City Gems http://www.rivercitygems.org! They will take such good care of you and do everything they can to help you come out! Just a terrific group!
:hugs:
Debby
About a week ago, this group participated in a public, non-trans event that I also participated in. Now I have previously met some women who had already transitioned but I had never met anyone else in the TG community that is closer to where I am, at least not face-to-face. The women in this group were so confident, so poised, and such a positive example to the community that I had to put some of my fears aside.
Yesterday, the stars aligned and an event was held that I could attend. I dressed, fretting over my appearance like it was a first date :), and headed for the car, first taking a nervous look to see if my busy body neighbor, Gladys Kravitz (Bewitched reference) was at her usual post - standing in her front window watching my comings and goings! :rolleyes: All clear so I dropped my purse on the front seat and headed out.
I was nervous, but I think that one of the things that unnerved me a little was how natural this felt. No “thrill” just right. I did keep getting a stab of panic when I couldn't feel my wallet in my non-existing back pocket. Driving to the location was an experience. I was sweating having car trouble or getting in an accident. I did get a couple of stares (maybe imagined) and I couldn’t tell whether I was being read or checked-out. I arrived at the location, found parking a block away, traded my flats for heels and headed for the venue.
Well to cut to the chase, these women TG & GG, were wonderful! As I told them later, I have never been to an event of any kind where as a stranger I was made to feel so welcome by each and every one there! The evening was spent in pleasant conversation and good food. The time just flew by.
Another thing that I found odd was that after a short period of time I didn’t feel like I was “dressed” anymore. Again just totally natural although trying to eat with shoulder length hair and a breeze blowing was certainly a reminder.
I know that many of you are so far beyond this that this is like a walk around the block but I finally feel like I have stepped out of the closet!
One pitch for the group I am talking about. If you are from or near Northern California you have to check out the River City Gems http://www.rivercitygems.org! They will take such good care of you and do everything they can to help you come out! Just a terrific group!
:hugs:
Debby