The joy you make.....

[Darla]

Okay - so a crossdresser walks into a wig shop. Best start to a joke ever. But recent experiences dictate that sales people, when treated with respect and honesty and no subterfuge, are a girls best friend.

I recently bought a wig at a local NY midtown joint and sat through a fitting where I ran through 5 wigs (it's policy - only 5 and you have to buy a wig stocking) and the salesgirl was an absolute doll. This was one of my most affirming experiences and a great sale for her. She was kind and really let me know her opinion - I only wish I knew Spanish, as English was not her preferred tongue.

We ran through a few long shoulder length wigs and settled on one that wasn't a lace front one, it fell over my forehead with a little coaxing into a yummy swoosh. We were both so exited that it made me look great. She was obviously way more entertained with a middle aged guy with 5 o'clock beard getting all smiley over looking femme than the average customer.

Bottom line is this. Show the joy you get from what would be a rather transgressive (no pun intended) situation and you'll make others shine. She did. I feel like she made my day, and just maybe I did hers.

Don't underestimate the joy you can give to the world girls. If there's a road to acceptance for trans and CD folk, it's the happiness you exude from being who you are.

Love
Darla

[Jaylyn]

That is the way we have to change the world.

[Jodi]

How many times have I said it and heard it said by others--be polite, sincere, and honest with sales staff. They will fall all over you. Put the fear away, smile and be direct. Your money is green.

We have nothing to fear shopping in the mainstream sector.

Jodi

[AllieSF]

Thanks for sharing Darla. That is exactly what I do when out. Life is so much more fun that way, especially when dressed as a woman.

[Tracii G]

I'm with you on this one Darla.
I understand people are too scared to go out dressed in public but complain about not being accepted.
Seems to me people aren't willing to put any effort into things and just feel they are entitled to being accepted.
Ladies no mater if you pass or not just get out there and do whatever you want.
Be friendly and polite to people you come in contact with, most of the time if you smile you will get a smile back and be treated like anyone else.

[heatherdress]

Thank you, Darla. I appreciate your story.

[natalie_cheryl]

this is great i have been planning o gettin a new wig an there is a wig shop just up the road from me, now i think i will now have the gumption to go an just be honest about why i am there

[Darla]

This is great! Even sharing stories here about positive stuff has the added benefit of making a difference. I guess this kind of extends beyond just crossdressing, and into your general outlook on life. I guess since I've been so closeted for so long the joy I feel when dressed or shopping is helping me live a life with a perspective that I've always seen other people exhibit. Not being yourself is a heavy burden. Feels like its lifting somewhat in the past few months.

[Beverley Sims]

Darla,
The secret is how you present yourself, I always strive for friendly interaction at all times.

[NicoleScott]

I was so naive as a young crossdresser, thinking I must be the only boy who ever wanted to buy a wig for himself, and I was scared to death that I would be humiliated and turned away. Not so. In fact, the most positive shopping experiences I had as a CDer were in wig shops. These sales folks deal with CDers all the time, so why wouldn't they be nice and helpful and make a sale?
It didn't come to me at first, but eventually I learned that telling the SA's that the wigs were for me was for my benefit. Besides, they know very well that guys don't buy wigs as a gift for gg's or for a theatrical costume. They've heard it all.

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Darla, I have some fond memories buying wigs.

[sherri]

Really good post Darla.