Best CD City

[xcdmargo]

Where do you think is the best City to dress and be yourself and also feel comfortable? What City is the most accepting?
Where's the most fun place to go and also relax?

Thanks

margo

[Karren H]

I'd say San Francisco though I've never dressed when I was there. Its the city where its ok to be anything!

[NathalieX66]

NY City is easy, people appreciate, and no one cares.
My fave would be Providence, Rhode Island, because it's such an eclectic college town full of 200 year old buildings on a hillside( Brown University, PC, RISD, Johnson & Wales Cuninary College), and the place I grew up in......red bricks, hills, artsy weirdos. I'm there.

[Niya W]

Never had an issue in the Bay Area or in Sac I fly under the radar. VFR.

[AllieSF]

I second San Francisco, but from what I have read here there are so many places that let one be themselves. SO, it is really a matter of personal preferences and experiences.

OK Niyah, you may fly under broken radar, but once you repair them you are there in all of your splendor and wonderful glory with that beaming heartwarming entrapping smile. I love it and you in a special sort of way, you know.

[Niya W]

Soars off in the sky . Smiles at Allie .

[Elana]

San Francisco so far for me, but i visited Portland a couple months ago and it seems like an accepting place also to get dressed enfemme.

[RachelOKC]

If you can't be yourself in San Francisco then there's no place you can be! I mean, c'mon...how many places have a damn parade (http://www.transmarch.org/)...JUST FOR YOU? :)

[vivianann]

I find acceptance every where I happen to be, small towns or big cities, however since you mention big cities, I find Salt Lake City to be very accepting, I also find Grand Junction Colo to be very accepting also. I also love Las Vegas and meeting the tourists from all over the USA, and around the world. I have so much fun when I am in Vegas.

[StaceyJane]

I've never had a problem in Austin, Texas. It's a big college town and really not much like the rest of the state.

[Melissa Cross]

Provincetown Massachusetts, at the tip of Cape Cod, is great and everyone I've met there is 100 percent accepting. It's a small resort type town.

[Julia_in_Pa]

Instead of best CD city I'm going to say the best Trans accepting and affirming city especially east coast is Harrisburg, PA.

Harrisburg was the second city in the United States to enact transgender specific protection laws.
This happened in 1983.

The downtown nightlife not only accepts but promotes trans diversity by inviting trans groups to dine at their establishments.

These are upscale eateries that alot of the time will discount meals for members of the trans community simply because you are in their establishments and are being seen by other people.

I've lived in Denver, Miami, St Louis and for a short time the Chicago area and have spent considerable amount of time in 10 other US cities I have to say I have never seen acceptance of the trans community like I have seen within the Harrisburg area.

It is indeed a safe haven for the trans community.


Julia

[JessHaust]

Surprisingly Dallas is pretty CD friendly, maybe not the best in the country, but a lot better than people would think. And has one of the more Active CD/TG meet up groups around.

I go out and have never had a bad word said. It is usually the Women that will come up to me and talk, and they always are pleasant and complimentary. I think the men are a bit afraid to be seen talking to a CD for fear of being less of a manly texan!

Anyway, I would agree with Stacy that Austin is not at all like the rest of Texas, it's a little breath of fresh air in many ways.

[Stephenie S]

San Francisco. No question.

BUT . . . . .Any large metropolitan area will be far more accepting of diversity than what you may expect. There are also many smaller areas where you can be who or what you want any time you want.

Provincetown on Cape Cod in Massachusetts, Key West, Amherst, Atlanta, Denver, all come quickly to mind. And of course, there's always NYC. You can do anything you want in NYC. They have seen it all. You can't shock a New Yorker.

The important thing to remember in all of this is that true acceptance will come from within your own mind. When you reach true acceptance of yourself, it's far easier for others to accept you.

S

[Nicole Brown]

While I agree with the already mentioned New York and San Francisco, I there are also two wonderful cities in the northwest that I have visited on numerous occasions and found to be totally accepting. These cities are Portland, OR and Seattle, WA. Both of these cities have an active trans population, lots of establishments which welcome us and I have always felt comfortable and welcome when there.

[suchacutie]

Hmmm, I would add Boston to the list, as well as New Orleans!

tina

[Daphne Renee]

Thats a good question. I would say most larger cities would be ok.. While I love living in the South east not everyone is all that accepting. Atlanta may be an exception but I havent really spent much time there.

[Jenniferathome]

Easy answer is San Diego because that's where I am and I'm getting dressed and heading out. Been looking forward to this for a month. Wish my wife was with me, always more fun to hang out with her while I shop.

[MichelleP]

Oh there are lots but Portland or New Orleans are my favs. (and Orlando too). All have very accepting trans communities...

[Nikki A.]

I thought Denver was very accepting.

[VickysBFF]

I would put San Francisco at the top of my list but I would add that any of the major cities in California (Los Angeles, Oakland, San Diego, San Jose, etc.) are all equally friendly, welcoming and safe places to go out en femme.
For all of those that mentioned Portland, I used to live there and PORTLAND IS NOT CD/TG FRIENDLY! It is LGB friendly; they have an openly gay mayor and a pretty good gay community but they are not accepting of CD/TG people.
I was basically run out of town and fired from my job simply for displaying CD/TG tendencies (I did not dress at work or transition but was ridiculed for my manicured nails, hair length, clothing, boots, etc.) I heard many offensive anti-gay comments and they are not tolerant or welcoming of anyone who is an outsider.

[Lunchbox]

NYC, in the tourist areas though. Or openly lgbt accepting bars. Not the places in manhatten when you wander, drunk, too far from the main tourist areas where you start to hit apartments, and parking garages. Those are nono spots. But going to see the tree/rockafella center/many bars/clubs/all of times square etc are all free game. The secret is, hide out in the public. There are so many people in those high traffic areas, you blend in, quite easily with all the other weirdos around you in manhatten.

[Sandy Banks]

It's got to be London, there sure are a ton of gurls there and it seems like they are all out!:thumbsup:

[susie evans]

i will rate them as cities i have been out and about in

seattle wa

los angeles

san diego

las vegas

dallas tx

san fransico

portland or

salt lake / park city

i have found if you dress to blend in with the area no one realy pay's any attention

susie

[Pinky188]

Instead of best CD city I'm going to say the best Trans accepting and affirming city especially east coast is Harrisburg, PA.

Harrisburg was the second city in the United States to enact transgender specific protection laws.
This happened in 1983.

The downtown nightlife not only accepts but promotes trans diversity by inviting trans groups to dine at their establishments.

These are upscale eateries that alot of the time will discount meals for members of the trans community simply because you are in their establishments and are being seen by other people.

I've lived in Denver, Miami, St Louis and for a short time the Chicago area and have spent considerable amount of time in 10 other US cities I have to say I have never seen acceptance of the trans community like I have seen within the Harrisburg area.

It is indeed a safe haven for the trans community.


Julia

Next time your in Harrisburg, stop by THE BROWNSTONE LOUNGE one night and see my friend Bill for a good drink! Tell him Shannon sent ya! Your drink may be free! Or double, hard to tell! ;)

[LeaP]

Instead of best CD city I'm going to say the best Trans accepting and affirming city especially east coast is Harrisburg, PA.



I have to tell you, Julia, that a small city in the middle of PA would never have occurred to me. I'm glad to hear you are in a safe place.

Lea

[Annaliese2010]

4get about detroit, mi...it's boring dangerous and you'll get eatin alive no matter What gender... hellllp!

LOL...

(j/k...not all That bad)

[Marcia Blue]

Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, Iowa, both are real friendly to the TG community.

[BLUE ORCHID]

It's got to be San Fran. Or Las Vegas.

[xcdmargo]

wow, Harrisburg, PA I would never have thought about that City but that's so great.
A lot of great suggestions.
I've been out dressed in
Boston, MA
Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and NYC, NY
Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Ybor City, FL
Los Angeles, I actually went to the old Queen Mary Club years ago.

I'll have to say that Ybor City is pretty accepting and a fun place to go

margo

[SethAutumn]

I prefer london.Here it sems very good for all

[sissystephanie]

i will rate them as cities i have been out and about in

seattle wa

los angeles

san diego

las vegas

dallas tx

san fransico

portland or

salt lake / park city

i have found if you dress to blend in with the area no one realy pay's any attention

susie

Over the many years that I have been a CD, I have been out and about in every city that Susie mentioned, plus a whole more. When I say out and about of course I mean as Stephanie. I grew up in Portland, Oregon and never had any problems walking around as Stephanie. In fact, I have never had any problems being Stephanie anywhere I went! And that includes London, Aberdeen, Scotland, and several places in Italy! As Susie said, if you dress to blend in no one really pays any attention! People who get noticed are usually the ones who do not blend in, usually because they don't want to!

[TSAlyssa]

I travel a lot and haven't found any city that wasn't ok to be dressed in or where I have had any issues with people not being T-acceptable.

[naye]

Hi, and what about Toronto?

[Courtney]

just by going with the few places that i have been to, so far hands down nyc anything goes, and also key west florida is another anything goes city! hollywood ca comes in at 3rd place!

[NV Susan]

Viva Las Vegas Baby!! the casinos, restaurants, saloons, night clubs....best town to do anything in!! :drink: :hugs: :drink: pass me that bloody mary please.....

[ArleneRaquel]

IMHO Chicago is near the top in aspects. I have been enfemme in San Francisco and Toronto, but being alone in these fabulous cities didn't mean much to me because I was on my own. My visits to these cities were long ago, being on business trips while I was married, these two events bei9ng one of the few times that I dressed enfemme while married and being away from home. The San Francisco trip was on a very raing, nasty two days, so my social activities were extremely limited.

[vikki2020]

Fantastic!! Seem's that the consensus is that just about every decent sized town is an accepting place. Add that your own comfort zone, being out where you live, makes it easier too. We're getting there!:)

[Julia_in_Pa]

Margo,

It's truly a island of acceptance concerning being trans and being out amongst the living.
I've been all over the U.S. and have to say that the rest of the country could learn a great deal from Harrisburg, PA.

Julia





wow, Harrisburg, PA I would never have thought about that City but that's so great.
A lot of great suggestions.
I've been out dressed in
Boston, MA
Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and NYC, NY
Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Ybor City, FL
Los Angeles, I actually went to the old Queen Mary Club years ago.

I'll have to say that Ybor City is pretty accepting and a fun place to go

margo

[PretzelGirl]

The commercial song "I've been everywhere..." comes to mind. It looks from this list, getting out just isn't an issue. Imagine that.


i have found if you dress to blend in with the area no one realy pay's any attention

Allow me to third this. Positive attitudes go a long way.

[carolinewalker_2000]

I guess not a lot of use to you; but Manchester, England!

[RachelOKC]

The commercial song "I've been everywhere..." comes to mind. It looks from this list, getting out just isn't an issue. Imagine that.

Allow me to third this. Positive attitudes go a long way.

Agreed. When I lived in Oklahoma City, we had a close knit LGBT community and most out and about transpeople that I knew there did just fine. Sure there's issues sometimes, but you can run into that anywhere. Go looking for trouble, and you're sure to find it. But if you have a good attitude, you're more likely to get one in return.

[Elana]

I add Santa Cruz also. nice beach city south of SF, pleasant accepting place to dress and stroll around downtown

[t-girlxsophie]

Not having been to really that many cities,maybe half a dozen,but have to say Edinburgh and Blackpool (english seaside town) have been the best places to be a CD.only been to Manchester once but it has a vibrant scene also

Sophie

[divamissz]

I started in New Orleans; I live in Dallas now. I go to Atlanta every year. I've been out in Chicago, NYC, Houston and Denver. I've had comments, but never had a problem in any city I've been in.

[Jenniferathome]

It seems the best CD city is wherever I am when dressed!

[Jillian Faith]

Only been out enfemme in Houston. I try to dress to blend in, never had any issues an occasional funny look but no comments or trouble.

[annecwesley]

I would never have guessed. I lived in Lancaster County many years ago. In fact I'm visiting the area in a few weeks, maybe I'll slip into something comfortable and try the town out.


Margo,

It's truly a island of acceptance concerning being trans and being out amongst the living.
I've been all over the U.S. and have to say that the rest of the country could learn a great deal from Harrisburg, PA.

Julia

[Beth Mays]

No place in Tennessee I can tell you that!



Beth

[insearchofme]

I have heard that my hometown, Indy (per Kim and TxKimberly), was pretty accepting. I have never been out there dressed so I have no first hand knowledge. Wonder how many girls are out and about this Super bowl weekend?

[Julia_in_Pa]

Anne,

Yes please do. Contact Transcentral PA based in Harrisburg for specifics.

Enjoy!!


Julia



I would never have guessed. I lived in Lancaster County many years ago. In fact I'm visiting the area in a few weeks, maybe I'll slip into something comfortable and try the town out.

[Contessa]

I am from Detroit, MI it is my home town and has changed a lot since I was there as a child. I love my hometown. My mother and sister and lot of other family live there still. I wouldn't go out there in some areas of the city and definitely not at night and not alone either. I would like to travel there all the way from California en Femme. On Amtrak or Greyhound I want to do it. That's three days on the road. My death wont change how I lived my life so if I am taken out for being the way I am, then at least I and you know that I was out on the front lines fighting our acceptance. It was too dark in the closet. Not much room or food and water available. I got that from Cheryl T "closets are for clothes"

[Launa]

I thought Fargo North Dakota would be on the top 10 list for a CD friendly city.

[jillleanne]

The one you live in. Get out there. I have been to Ithica many times and if you are not comfortable there, why not just go to Syracuse? yes, I have been en femme in Ithica also when attending a race weekend at Watkins Glen. Otherwise, I have found Orlando/Kissimmee, Florida very very gender friendly/accepting.

[brassieres]

Hmmm, I would add Boston to the list, as well as New Orleans!

tina

Now which parts of Boston? I grew up in the mean streets of Boston and CDing would not be accepted in those areas at all. :(

[StarrOfDelite]

Hi Lunchbox,

I have to respectfully disagree that the safe residential areas are no-no's in Manhattan, if you are merely referring to being clocked/outed. I would agree that, despite continuing gentrification and commercialization all over the island, there are still places where you don't go at 0300 in the morning, even if you're sober and carrying an Uzi under your dress, and would agree that if you're drunk and helpless you're a potential target for the coyotes anywhere. However, I wouldn't say that is transgender specific advice. I've been out in a lot of Manhattan neighborhoods, e.g. Upper West Side, the Villages, Gramercy Park, Sutton Place, Hell's Kitchen, Union Square and LES without being bothered any more than a gender woman would be in similar circumstances. There are parts of Alphabet City I avoid, I'm damned careful in Morningside Hts., and stay out of the Spanish Harlem and lower Bronx entirely. I used to live in the East Village and then Soho/Tribeca, and recently moved to the LES to get more space for less money, and haven't had any gender-related problems anywhere. Irrespective of where I'm partying, if I get tipsy I make sure I use a cab to get home, which imo is just good sense in any big city for anyone.

[Stephanie8]

Have to say Seattle, Washington

[Michelia]

I love New Orleans. Of course, I live here.

But I really think the very best city to relax and dress and be comfortable is any city you choose to make it so.

I travel quite a bit in the feared deep South. Some of my very best experiences has been in Mobile, Ala. , Jackson, MS., Arkansas and a lot of places in between. And I do not pass.
I have had experiences with families and kids and seniors. And I have had a few guys try to pick me up!

Just head out putting your best foot forward. Look your best. Dress tastefully. Be nice to everyone. Smile. Leave good tips. You will make just about any place you are a comfortable place and you would be surprised how many people will look after you! I have heard from so many girls in MS that they cannot go out in their city or town....but I have plenty of experience to the contrary. That is what I have been doing for a few years now. It's up to you!

I do not go to redneck or leather bars or too many churches....so I cannot vouch for those places nor can I recommend them.

[Katesback]

Its funny you say Tennessee because I did not entire transition living outside of Nashville and loved it. I live in Florida now but would rather be in Tennessee any day. When i was working with the state I lived in Fort Lauderdale. Just North of Fort Lauderdale is a city called Wilton Manors. It is an entire GAY city. They must have over 20 gay bars and everything about the city is GAY. If someone feels they need to have a GAY place to go Wilton Manors if the place!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Katie




No place in Tennessee I can tell you that!



Beth

[Billie Jean]

No place in Tennessee I can tell you that!



BethI have never had any problem in Nashville. I been shopping in Shelbyville enfemme with no problem either. Billie Jean

[Michelia]

Hi Lunchbox,

I have to respectfully disagree that the safe residential areas are no-no's in Manhattan, if you are merely referring to being clocked/outed. I would agree that, despite continuing gentrification and commercialization all over the island, there are still places where you don't go at 0300 in the morning, even if you're sober and carrying an Uzi under your dress, and would agree that if you're drunk and helpless you're a potential target for the coyotes anywhere. However, I wouldn't say that is transgender specific advice. I've been out in a lot of Manhattan neighborhoods, e.g. Upper West Side, the Villages, Gramercy Park, Sutton Place, Hell's Kitchen, Union Square and LES without being bothered any more than a gender woman would be in similar circumstances. There are parts of Alphabet City I avoid, I'm damned careful in Morningside Hts., and stay out of the Spanish Harlem and lower Bronx entirely. I used to live in the East Village and then Soho/Tribeca, and recently moved to the LES to get more space for less money, and haven't had any gender-related problems anywhere. Irrespective of where I'm partying, if I get tipsy I make sure I use a cab to get home, which imo is just good sense in any big city for anyone.

This is well said. It is so important to be safe. I go out enfemme just about anywhere I go in drab. But there are many places I will not go in at all..at any time of day or in any mode. Know where you are at all times!