"Do you feel vulnerable when you are out?"

[Jenniferathome]

This is what my wife asked me before I left on a business trip. So I replied with, "Do you mean like getting beaten up?" She went on to explain that when she is out, she is always on the lookout, head on a swivel, so to speak, looking for possible trouble. She tries to project an image of confidence and strength so that she will not be bothered. After a brief thought, I realized I feel no different when I am dressed than when in guy mode. Of course, I'm not going to run someone down in heels and a dress but if bothered, the assailant would be quite surprised at the ferocity of my defense.

It's really kind of sad, that I can walk with impunity and my wife has to worry. As a father of two girls, I am always worried for them.

Maybe this explains all the midnight walks in deserted parks and streets that are posted here? We're guys and the rules of women alone don't apply, regardless of our state of dress.

[PaulaQ]

Unfortunately, those rules do apply. I know trans women who've been raped. You may be capable of self-defense against another man, but against several? Or against someone with a weapon?

You only think you have impunity. My friends did as well. They are both lucky to be alive, although one of them is pretty screwed up.

It's a lot more likely for you than your wife and daughters, that if you are targeted, the attack will result in your death.

[ArleneRaquel]

About 4 years ago I did feel vulnerable, then it faded away. But in recents weeks my fears have risen, no real reason for it, but I am very skittish about going outdoors enfemme after dark.

[Annaliese]

Like you, I worry about my daughter and granddaughter's.

[Erica Marie]

All I can say is no matter who you are or where you are now a days, things can happen. I think a cd may be in for more trouble if figured out. An assailant may reap worse on you after finding you are a guy, kind if an act of hate. Either way be careful, keep alert and always have a plan of escape. Plus if you have a purse some pepper spray or anything else your state may allow could be helpful in a worse case scenario.

[PaulaQ]

An assailant may reap worse on you after finding you are a guy, kind if an act of hate.

That's precisely what happens. You generally get raped anyway - and if you are lucky, only beaten within an inch of your life, rather than murdered outright.

[Candice Mae]

being 26 and just over a 130 pounds, I avoid all dark corners and streets.

[Michelle V]

I wish I had a comment to make on the subject but as an indoor CD I got nothing...except; great topic. Can't wait to hear what people have to say and be able to apply it to myself if I gather the courage to go out.
Also, the comment you make about a father's concern for a daughter is very touching. Comments like those give your personality a lot of dimension which always helps the rest of us in this forum get a better idea of who you are.

[Lorileah]

I have been in areas where I did feel vulnerable. A year ago I was invincible. Then I dated a guy in law enforcement. He made me aware that I needed to be alert and ready, no matter who I was

[Talisker]

I did end up once in the middle of town alone after midnight on a saturday.
A few double takes from a couple of GGs but most men were too drunk to see straight. Overall it was full of adrenalin and scary as hell.
An experience to be remembered but not repeated unless in a group.
If you come across a gang of drunk horny men you could be fracked.

Public shopping is safer. Not seen any groups of young drunk men in victorias secret.

[carhill2mn]

If one is presenting as a woman it only makes sense to be aware of your surroundings much like a woman would do. Certainly, I feel more vulnerable when wearing a skirt, nylons and maybe heels.

[Persephone]

Jennifer,

You raise an interesting topic. I want to share my point of view but I want you to be aware that this topic, and a lot of typical "I can handle myself" response, comes up from time to time, so please forgive me for what I am about to say, it is not directed at you but rather at a broad swath of posters here.

My view is very simple. If you respond to female vulnerability with macho expectations then you are merely being John Wayne in a dress.

[RANT OFF]

Hugs,
Persephone.

[Jenny Doolittle]

Like any woman, or really any person, you always need to be aware of your surroundings and don't put yourself in a vulnerable situation. There are places I will not go dressed as jenny that I would think nothing of as my male self.... but then again, that is the difference. Also you need to look at the time of day, like don't go to Central Park after Dark. Think ahead and be safe to all of you.

[Chardonnay Merlot]

I would feel pretty much the same in boy mode...Remember we have police officers and some private citizens who feels in open season on me...because of a much more glaring feature than my bodycon dress. ;)

[Nadine Spirit]

I have always felt vulnerable. The description of your wife is exactly how I have always felt. Funny that you bring this up as it was something we discussed in Santa Monica and I had not had the chance to contemplate it long enough. But yeah, I have always felt rather on edge while out in public, regardless of how I am dressed. Dressing does not change how I feel. I don't feel more vulnerable while dressed as a girl. I have always put it up to common sense, but maybe it is just because I have always felt like a rather small guy compared to most. But I do feel that regardless of who one thinks they are, or how well one thinks they can defend themselves, I think there are always going to be some situations that you can not defend against.

[kimdl93]

I grew up in a very rural area so it really doesn't matter whether I'm en femme or drab...I always have my radar up. And I make it a point to avoid most places where trouble is even marginally likely to happen.

[MissTee]

I am a big dude. Power lifter into my 30's. Military spec Ops for 25 years. Told I'm still "scary." Been in my share of fights and can unequivocally say anyone can be outnumbered and/or out gunned regardless of size.

I don't go out en femme, but assault is not just an en femme thing. Everyone should be aware of their surroundings and the environment around them lest they become a statistic.

Just say'n . . .

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Jenn, You just never know in this crazy world.

[Paulette]

Having been in law enforcement as a male I do not fear much, however when dressed I am much more aware of my surroundings. First you very seldom see single women of any age walking the street alone at night. Second my whole mindset is female while dressed, trying to walk and act female and thus give off the female vibe to anyone passing by me. Yes I feel vulnerable but not enough to stay indoors. I do try to do as most GG's do have a girl friend to out with, not only is it more fun but it way safer.

[Kate Simmons]

Not generally. I'm empathic, so I can read people's feelings and intentions. Even so, I make sure I have enough friends around to back me up if necessary. :)

[Adriana Moretti]

some grim thoughts going on in here.....if you are smart and PLAN your outtings well ( parking, streets, exits,bathrooms etc) 99% of the time you will have no issues. There is also strength in numbers...so alone...yea I could def feel a bit nervous I try to do that as little as possible. ..but for me.. as soon as I turned 18 I moved to NYC (Manhattan..then Brooklyn)...i can go ghetto anytime. .the dangerous time out in public though no matter WHERE you are is as the bars are closing or the 2 am late night munchie spot on the weekends...they are dangerous no matter what you are wearing...in fact I avoid this time and places like the plaque.

[Connie.Marie]

Yes, when I'm dressed & out, I feel very vulnerable. Probably more because I don't want to be "exposed", as opposed to believing I would be attacked. I'm not a flashy (or fleshy :-) ) dresser, trying to blend in. But I would say that I'm less careful than gg's about walking alone at night but I'm more careful than when I am en homme. And Paulette's right, it's more fun to be with others.

[Felicia Dee]

I've been a city kid my whole life and as such have been in more scraps than I can count. The truth is, anyone could experience some type of violence at anyplace, at anytime. But if I spent my life being afraid of "what if," I wouldn't have much of a life, now would I? Instead, I live one day at a time and if I encounter violence, I will do my best to make it through as best as I can and let the chips fall where they may.

That said, I tend to go out in groups. There is safety in numbers. BUT -- if I do decide to fly solo, I'd stick to well lit areas with lots of people in an area that I have previously vetted. Because, to quote G.I. Joe; "Knowing is half the battle." ;)

Be safe ladies. *hugs*

[Jenniferathome]

... my whole mindset is female while dressed, trying to walk and act female and thus give off the female vibe to anyone passing by me. ...

I think this captures a subtle difference for me. Paulette, what you describe is a visual thing, not an "in your head" thing. I try to do what I can to look appropriate as well, but in my head, I'm a dude. Naturally I take some care as I would as a dude, but no more care taken when I am dressed.

[Lynn Marie]

I've always managed to pick my venues whether dressed or not. I just pick them a little more carefully enfemme. I cultivate CD girlfriends which also tilts the balance of power in my favor. Nevertheless, I'm always careful. No macho BS for me...

[Janelle_C]

I do feel more vulnerable. Since I started HRT I've lost a lot of upper body strength. I know how to defend myself but I'm more worried about be over powered.

[franlee]

I only feel more venerable due to being handicapped by trying to keep from being involved in the news or a crowd that would stand a chance of exposing Fran to people I don't want to know. But when the chips are down I would just have to do what comes natural and from my training. It's this simple having a secret is one thing but not being around to keep it makes it futile. I believe in the mastercard philosophe, I never leave home without it.

[sanderlay]

Yes... I do feel more vulnerable, especially as I get older. I'm usually alone, being single, so like my female sisters I usually only go to public places being very aware of my surroundings. If I need to I have a change of clothes, pants, a male shirt and a warm jacket, for emergencies in the car and truck to blend in more and look less vulnerable.

I especially avoid going out at night unless I have to, because of some night blindness driving, and wear more sensible clothes and shoes. There certainly is safety in numbers and bright lights. I keep a mini LED Maglite in my purse and a cell phone. The car / truck have a cell phone charger, a big Maglite (4 D cell), along with some food, water, clothes and a warm blanket. :)

[Jillian Faith]

....when dressed I am much more aware of my surroundings..... my whole mindset is female while dressed, trying to walk and act female and thus give off the female vibe to anyone passing by me. Yes I feel vulnerable but not enough to stay indoors. I do try to do as most GG's do have a girl friend to out with, not only is it more fun but it way safer.

As a male i always try to be aware of what's going on around me "situational awareness" when presenting as a female I do feel more vulnerable as I believe women are seen as easier targets for violent crime or simple parking lot purse snatchers or car jacking

[Claire Cook]

I definitely feel more vulnerable when I'm out and dressed. I'm presenting as female, I have a purse .... So if I go out at night, it's with my wife or other GG's and we avoid bars and potential trouble spots. During the day when I'm out on my own, I go to places where other women and I feel safe.

[Megan Thomas]

HRT has also affected my strength negatively too. I'm lucky in that I always had exceptional strong upper body strength, so losing some hasn't affected me greatly. However, I'm always observing my surroundings for potential issues - though I have always done this regardless of my gender. Forewarned is forearmed...

[Katey888]

I think there's some good advice on here - it's very easy to become blasé about personal safety if you live somewhere relatively quiet and well-policed, or if you go somewhere that's well populated and accepting, but there are some bad people around and they don't always signal their presence...

I've chased a pickpocket in Paris (to no avail - my wife's purse went bye bye from a Metro turnstile) but never been targeted myself in guy mode, but I'm always aware... My eldest son, on the other hand, rarely aware - a bit of a daydreamer - mugged once in London, late at night, another time in New Orleans just off Bourbon St, mid-evening, lots of people around... :eek: Both occasions hit from behind, wallet, phone, watch - all gone in seconds... The second assault required stitches in his scalp... And no, he doesn't CD...

My point here - you can never be dismissive of dangers, particularly in cities - you can never be too careful - and it doesn't matter what you know about self-defence or what else you might have to help, legal or otherwise, if someone slugs you from behind (and let's face it, a lot of us probably look quite passable from that direction... :devil:) it ain't gonna help. Awareness is everything - being with friends is a lot more...

Oh - and hey, hey, hey, everyone.... Let's be careful out there... :)

Katey x

[Beverley Sims]

Jennifer,
Your last paragraph tells it all.
As guys we have built up a false sense of security.
One of my earliest forays into dressing was a holiday trip with a bunch of girls, me dressed as one of them to hide me from nosy neighbours but I was still a MAN, a bodyguard for the girls staying at a beach house.

Sorta sad reflection on society I think.

[Krisi]

Male or female or crossdressed, we all have to be careful of where we go, especially after dark. In most cities there are places you just don't go unless you live there. Even those who live there may only be safe on certain streets. It's a shame but it's reality and it's not going to change anytime soon.

[sherri]

Whenever I'm out, I have my eyes, ears, nose, touch, radar, sonar, thermal imaging, sky cam, satellite zoom, drones and extrasensory perception on full alert. Head on a swivel, definitely. Not necessarily out of fear of molestation, just monitoring my environment for potential unpleasantness, gauging reactions, watching out for familiar faces, etc. It's just an instinctive reaction to the gut-level awareness that I'm defying social convention and pushing boundaries.


One tip, ladies. Throughout my years of dressing and going out, I have most often had to do it alone. Moreover, the lgbt clubs here are all located downtown, on the fringe of a seedy part of town. Fortunately, we don't rely on mass transit here and I can always park near the door of the club. Let me also stress that I have never had a scary episode in my comings and goings. But, the few times there has been some sort of red flag activity at the club -- rebuffing unwanted advances from a drunk, getting the stink eye of disapproval, drama queens, etc -- I have asked a club staffer or a friend to walk me out to the car, and they are always happy to oblige. I also always check the interior of my car before I get in, and I keep an eye on the rear view mirror as I'm leaving.

[Alice Torn]

Like SHERRI, , I have to go alone, when i go out, and the only GLBT bar, is downtown, in a rough area. I have not gone yet. i don't like bars, anyway, or being around drunkenness. Some of us just don't have family or friends to go out with, in our local areas.

[Tracii G]

Its wise to pick generally safe places to go when enfemme we all know that but danger is out there still the same.
No matter which mode I'm in I scan the area for possible threats thats just the way I am.Kind of hard to shake that training.

[Majella St Gerard]

My guard is always up, you have to be aware of things around you at all times. When I go out dressed I don't wear a wig so I'm read right away, I don't try to pass, so I'm aware that I will draw a lot of attention. I just go about my business, I've heard people whisper, seen kids point, the double take, you all know what I mean. I have never been accosted while out crossdressed, I carry myself with confidence but I'm always prepared and ready.

[julia marie]

I definitely feel more vulnerable when dressed (which doesn't mean I feel all that safe as a guy). I think the wig, purse, skirt, etc. do make us more of a target. I had an interesting and enlightening experience a few months ago. I had dinner at a gay bar, and it was dark (not late but early winter dark) when I came out, and started to walk a couple of blocks to my car. Then I noticed a GG coming in the other direction, and she was acting even more nervous, checking her surroundings, etc. She smiled and said hello when she saw this old broad approaching and that she wasn't alone. I realized that her nervousness probably was situation normal for her and that even the sight of another woman (I guess maybe I pass in the dark) was reassuring.

[Christyheely]

I keep my wits about me but I think I only feel my nerves when entering a new place these days. I'm not afraid of being hurt but use common sense when choosing where I go. I tend to avoid the food courts at malls because of all the teens there. I think they can be brave in numbers and don't want to be called out like a few of my friends have in years passed. Being out with confidence is really helpful too.

[AllieSF]

Interesting question. I have my own street smarts experiences and tend to be fairly aware of what is happening around me when out at night walking from a restaurant or wine bar to my care. However, as can happen in male mode, when out en femme with others I may be totally distracted in conversation and lose that awareness. I go en femme to places that I would also go in male mode. En femme I try to pay more attention because where a street thug may not bother a guy walking alone, he may act totally aggressive when seeing a woman walking alone. Since from a distance they probably cannot tell the difference, that is where I feel the most vulnerable.

[ophelia]

I love the freedom of the experience of being totally "femmed out" in public. I despise feeling threatened or vulnerable and I have had some worrying moments. I try to plan my outings very carefully by making appointments in advance, arriving early enough to get a close parking spot to bail, knowing in advance where powder rooms are in, checking maps carefully so I don't get lost, making sure the car is 100% reliable and that I have wipes and a quickie male mode change should things go south without notice. But this does somewhat dulls the adventurous aspect.
I had a male follow me into a ladies' washroom once and that was scary. Things still can go wrong and there are some pretty ignorant attitudes out there just waiting to pounce...

[Wildaboutheels]

No, not at all. And I will gladly put money on Florida as THE state with the Most Mayhem of all varieties. Probably because of our magnificent [IMO] weather which will rarely keep folks inclined to stay home/stay indoors.

But I live in the REAL world. I keep up with news from multiple sources. By using "good judgement" at all times, there is not much to fear out in the RW.

[JamieQ]

I have never felt vulnerable or ever been threatened, etc...but I suppose it could happen the next time I am out.

[Marcelle]

Personally I don't feel threatened when out because I still think like a guy when I am out and about but that can be a dangerous way to think so I try to be guarded. I can take care of myself no problem but that is a one on one if the numbers increase then perhaps not so much. Through femme clothing into the mix and well let's say my fighting skills can get hindered. So I stick to safe venues and keep my wits about me. However I don't walk around in a panic or mortal fear.

Hugs

Isha

[Hell on Heels]

I did't 'till now! Thanks!
Now every bush and tree are going to be a hiding spot for
the crazy rapist that is going to end my life. Ha Ha
No I don't feel vulnerable, but I am certainly more alert.
Being born and raised, and still living in the country, being
in a city setting usually brings that alertness on regardless
of how I am dressed.
Much Love,
Kristyn

[Rogina B]

Jennifer,

My view is very simple. If you respond to female vulnerability with macho expectations then you are merely being John Wayne in a dress.

[RANT OFF]

Hugs,
Persephone.

I agree! Leave your penis at home! Be aware of your surroundings and think WWAWD..[what would a woman do]

[mariehart]

There is a video out there of some thugs who attacked what they thought were CDs only to find themselves taking a beating from what turned out to be crossdressing cage fighters, of all things. Poetic justice but not realistic.

In truth like a few others here. I'm careful in male mode too. I'm no tough guy and any attacker will overcome me easily. Many men feel they can 'handle themselves' but in truth they're probably as vulnerable as many women. But the one difference is that women are more of a target. A woman alone is vulnerable in a way that men are not and that includes crossdressers. I have in the past seen women walking alone at night throwing nervous glances at me. The irony is that my presence means she is now safer. But I have no way of letting her know that.

[ophelia]

The last effective punch I launched was nearly forty years ago. I do not practise any martial art regularly. I do review a book on a MA technique called "Defendo The total Self-Defense System". It teaches you how to inflict suprising and instant pain upon an attacker with the goal of being able to flee, but the beginning of the book teaches you how to avoid compromising and dangerous situations. Which side of the street to walk on at night, checking shadows around your parked car etc. And for me that is the key: Avoiding dangerous locales and situations as much as possible. To avoid often flawed judgement brought on by the pink fog I plan and plan again my outings. There are still some random and stupid attitudes out there and so I am still vlunerable, but much better prepared.

[StarrOfDelite]

I do feel more vulnerable, but it has nothing do do with a feminine mindset or any sort of feeling of being restricted by female clothing. It has everything to do with the fact that predators tend to look at women as more vulnerable, easier prey than men. At 5-11 and 150 pounds I definitely present a more feminine silhouette at night than a bigger bulkier man would, and I expect that tends to reinforce my apparent status as a target. I can bench press my body weight ten times, do fifteen Marine Corps pullups, and have a working knowledge of kick-boxing and tae kwon do, but if I am presenting as a woman the predators have no way of knowing that. And, as another poster wrote, no one is too big or tough that they can't lose a street fight. So, I try to exercise the same common sense that a single woman would do in a similar situation when I'm dressed.

[JoiFemm]

Agree, always exercise common sense and try to avoid situations you would no feel comfortable entering. Just like a GG, we women need to be aware because some men feel it is their right to impose themselves on us. As mom always said, " smile and walk away, quickly".

[sabrinaedwards]

I always feel more vulnerable when "dressed." Even driving, I obey the speed limit and am careful not to agitate anyone. I do not go out to parks or other places like that late at night. The safest thing to do if you are going out enfemme, go to a very public place during normal business hours. if your convidence level is low, go toward the end of the day, when people volume is less or go on a Sunday.

[CynthiaD]

I'm not sure vulnerable is exactly the right word, but I guess it will do. There are places that I go as a male that I would never consider going in female mode. As a male, I go on lone hikes in the woods. I would never do that as a female. I don't go walking alone at night as a female. In male mode, I wouldn't think twice about it. I don't think of it as feeling vulnerable. It's more just using common sense. As a male, I feel I can bluff my way out of potentially dangerous situations. As a female, I don't have anything to bluff with.

[sometimes_miss]

Alright, something I have to stick in here because it's very apparent that a lot of macho guys simply believe that they can fight off any attack. You're wrong. Period. Because if someone really wants to hurt you, and they're smart, you're not going to see it coming. And there's NO defense against a surprise attack. It only takes ONE good hit to your head, and you're done. Please keep that in mind.

[Crissy Kay]

This is an interesting thread for me. Most of these comments can apply to us in guy mode as well. You really have to be alert and careful no matter where you go these days in either mode.

[Sometimes Steffi]

I feel much more vulnerable in girl mode.

First, at least at night and from a distance, I could be mistaken for a girl.

Second, upon getting closer, I would appear as a man in a dress, and I feel men would be more likely to hate and attack a man in a dress than a GG.

Third, I'm not much of a fighter even in male mode, and I don't think I've been in a fight in over 40 years, so I'm out of practice.

Fouth, whatever defense I could muster would be mitigated by heels, binding compression underwear, and just about everything else girly I'm wearing.

In my opinion, however good your defensive posture may be, if you get in a fight you've already lost.

I've stopped my natural WTF response to agressive drivers even in male mode, because I'm concerned thay may be better armed than I am, after reading about some local incidents.

[Alexis.j]

Yes, for some reason I do feel more vounrable when out as a woman. Whether I pass or don't. ..
Best to stay away from dodgy areas and try to not go out alone.

[Jaymees22]

I felt very vulnerable a few months ago as I had left a bar and stupidly not dug my car keys out of my purse and I had to stand there in my platform heels and dig for them for what seemed an eternity.
I should probably feel vulnerable in male mode too as I'm on the small side and getting to be an old man day by day. I used to have a small motorcycle and for some reason I felt very vulnerable riding it so I sold it after a few years.
So it seems wise for all of us to follow your wife's advice and be careful.

[ScarlettLox]

Just when i was getting the confidence to go out dressed, this thread happened.
I would feel pretty vulnerable if i went out just imo

[Sarah Doepner]

Yes, I do feel more vulnerable when I'm out in public crossdressed. And it doesn't matter what the situation is. I'm over 6' tall, weigh too much, and don't try to fool myself into believing that I pass. The type of vulnerability changes from place to place and time of day or night and it's always a little higher than when I'm dressed as a man. So what do I do? I try to limit my exposure to situations that could be dangerous or embarrasing. I don't spend very much time out in my own town, not because I'm afraid of the danger but because I'm not out to family and friends and would prefer to divulge that information on my schedule, not through a police report or hospital stay. If it's late I get my keys out of my purse before I get to the car. I try my best to avoid groups that make me feel uncomfortable. If I'm in a place and attracting too much, or the wrong kind of attention, I leave. There are other common safety practices, like being in a group, that we all know and I attempt to follow.

So does that mean I can't go out at all? Not at all. I'm willing to accept the limits I place on myself and then do my very best to enjoy the time I have. And even with those limits, I do enjoy my time out making it worth while.

[CrossJess]

Speaking as someone who go beaten up when I was 26 just for being gay I can tell you that the experience made me weary about going out even though what happened, happened to me at night, I was walking home from the cinema on my own and some guys started picking on me, calling all the names under the sun to do with my sexuality and the fact I was wearing a pink t shirt and womans skinny jeans and resulted in be being jumped and laid into, needles to say after that it scared me and knocked me about a bit for a while, I don't go out at night now with out my bf "at his request" he's a well built up massive guy and don't take no messing around where I'm concerned as he's very protective of me after that, I avoid going any where now where I know there will be a load of people looking for a fight this applies to even the day time, because I dress girly all the time I can draw the wrong kind attention at times, thankfully that kind of attention is very few and far between now to how it was in the early days, so yes I feel very vulnerable

[Bryanne]

As I haven't been out dressed since my teens (that will change soon enough), looking back on it, I felt vulnerable only once. Got some weird stares at a Dennys one night with my then-girlfriend. We were seventeen, and I weighed around 120lbs. soaking wet, and wasn't much of a fighter, especially dressed like that.
I plan on using common sense, and have read a lot of great advice in this thread!

[Sally24]

My early years out were daylight or with large groups of girls. My first revelation was after testifying on Beacon Hill in Boston. We all came and left on our own. I spent all day there and when I finally was done it was almost 10pm! I walked outside, by myself, and was suddenly aware that it was dark and I had to walk 1/4 mile across Boston Common. It was a first for me. I actually calculated how fast I could fling off my slingbacks and run! If I had been in guy mode I would have hardly given it all a second thought. It was an uneventful walk to the car but it definitely made me appreciate what a genetic female goes thru on a daily basis. I am much more aware of my vulnerability now and try to plan ways to minimize my exposure. Just one more joy of being a woman......at least part time.

[Jenny Heals]

I feel vulnerable even if I'm on the deck in my own backyard!

[pattysmith]

I have only been out a few times so have not had the chance to get used to being out. It hit me once how vulnerable I felt with my private parts just under my dress...just there so close to the world.

[amyjacks2014]

^.^

While I have a good sense of street smarts and such, which I put to good use in downtown Minneapolis last year,
I generally comport myself with a mix of outward confidence ... I am a woman who deserves to be where I am
every bit as much as anyone else, with an upgraded sense of security awareness ... I am a woman, and I could
get attacked. I think that is the best way to go.


Amy M. Jackson

[Julia B]

Yes I am always more careful in femme mode. I check my surooundings before I get out of the car, Keep keysnin hand and pepper spray in purse.

[Pink Susan]

I feel more vunerable , after reading this thread !!!

I think I can smell trouble , very quickly , and act accordingly

I need to , I'm not physically able to defend myself