Transformative week

[Torrey]

Last Friday my SO & I left town for Mardi Gras. Because we were driving overnight & potentially sleeping along the way (which we did), I felt it prudent to go in (mostly) guy mode, though I was not happy to do so.

As soon as we checked into the hotel, Saturday, I "became" me and stayed that way until we arrived home Wednesday afternoon. We ate at a number of nice restaurants as well as local joints. The staff at the hotel were wonderfully accepting, as were the SAs at every shop we went into. I should not forget to mention how nicely we were treated in the restaurants. In every one we got "girls," "ladies," etc.

After a wonderful four days, we began to drive home. We had one place we wanted to eat at in Lafayette, so still as me, we did. We checked into a hotel for the night, and again, nothing but courteousness.

I had a class Wednesday night, and it killed me to have to revert...but, alas, I am not living 24/7 - school & work are the only places I have not taken the leap. After five days of living 24/7, though, I truly felt like I was not me when I had to change.

Anyway...yesterday the journey continued. For the first time, I got my nails done. Though not terribly happy with the results, it was a great experience. I had to get them short so as not to be too obvious when I return to work Monday. We then went to a concert (BB King) as me. Again, no issues.

Finally, today, I got my ears pierced. Years ago I had my left ear done, but I have not worn an earring in years. Both the nails & piercing were done as "him." I regret that, but it shant linger.

The biggest step, though, is that I was able to use the ladies room (five times) during the week.

I know that in many ways my story is not what most of the posts here are about. Having said that, it has been an important me, and it solidified my resolve to move forward. I did not have any doubts about myself. I know who I am. Still, this was my first chance to be me and be free, even if the hurdles in front of me were placed there by myself.

Hugs,
Torrey

[Misti]

Congrats, Torrey! Well done. The proof is in the pudding, they say, and you ate well, my friend, you ate well. Funny thing is, I used to live in Lake Charles, LA., and never once went to Mardi Gras. Geez, I would love to go to Mardi Gras as myself. Got to put that one on my bucket list, too... Go girl, go!

Hugs,.
M.

[Kristy_K]

That is the way to go Torrey. I have notice people are more accepting of us as people then what we are. The other thing I notice is the more you go out, the more you like it.

Hug,
Kristy

[Rianna Humble]

I know that in many ways my story is not what most of the posts here are about.

I'm sorry to disagree with you, Torrey, but in my not so humble opinion the majority of the threads in this section are about the journey that we are on to become whole through transition. Just because you are on a different section of the path to me does not make your experience any less valid.

It's not that long ago that I had to get manicures that would also fit with guy-mode, so I can still remember the sort of thrill you must have felt at getting your first one and also the tinge of sadness that I had to make it fit with guy-mode.

My experience with the ear-piercing was slightly different to yours in that I was in drab when I booked the appointment but attended as me not as him.

Don't worry about some of the hurdles being self-imposed, we have all done that and many of us (myself included) are still our own worst critics.

The great thing is that you know who you are and where you are going. :hugs:

[Melody Moore]

The amount of rude people I have encountered in the general public in over 18 months of living full time I can
count on one hand. However the most nastiest & the most abusive transphobic people I have encountered are
from the transsexual, bi-gender & crossdressing communities. There is this new breed of militant trans rights
activist out there who are quickly becoming known as the "transgender borg". So tread carefully in these circles.

[Torrey]

I'm sorry to disagree with you, Torrey, but in my not so humble opinion the majority of the threads in this section are about the journey that we are on to become whole through transition.

I was just afraid the story might sound like it belonged on a different board. Thanks for reminding me we're all on a journey.


There is this new breed of militant trans rights
activist out there who are quickly becoming known as the "transgender borg". So tread carefully in these circles.

I have heard of this (<whispers>and read about & from some of them here)...In that respect, I guess that I am not poking the borg at this time because I've never attended any "events," and the only trans friends I have are on here, with one exception. I appreciate the heads-ups. I'm sure I'm not the only one who can get caught up crossing the street and forget to look in BOTH directions.

I'll add that during the trip we met a few t-girls on the street, including one very statuesque girl who garnered quite the amount of attention in her VERY short, black dress. They all were superbly nice.

[Stephanie-L]

Torrey,
Good for you. I got my ears done about 4 months ago, and have slowly started to wear more obviously femme earrings in that time. I have gotten a few comments at work, but nothing negative, just a little teasing about "middle age crisis" and getting more bling, LOL. I have been getting my nails done regularly for almost a year and have only had good comments, usually the women at work saying they are jealous of how good my nails look. I too must keep them short, and only clear polish, one day I want to get them long, and maybe a color for a special occasion. I live in your town and have had no problems shopping in either mode, in fact I often get better service because the SA's remember me and go out of thier way to help me. If you want to talk about good places please feel free to PM me, it would be nice to have a local friend...........Stephanie