Faith In Humanity Restored

[Aly Cat]

:sigh: Where to start...

I guess I should start with what I do for a living. You know when you go into a cellphone store and someone gets your name and number and gets you signed in for the next available rep? That's me. Well, that's only part of my job, but since that is what I was doing at the time, Ill just leave it at that. I am also totally out in my workplace. My uniform is female attire, I wear makeup, paint my nails, wear feminine hairstyles, and all that. Yes I get looks every single day. I have stopped caring if people stare. I am 4 months into transitioning and cannot hide what my body is doing anymore so I have accepted that I am in between genders.

I was working in the back room of my store when my manager comes back there and says, "Hey, we're getting busy out there and I need you on the floor greeting." I grab my Ipad and head to the floor.
First person signed in...great. Second person signed in...awesome. I get to the third set of people (a couple) and ask for their name to get them signed in. The woman, with a thick Spanish accent, gets up close to me...closer than people usually do unless they've got a problem with you and are intentionally invading your personal space. She lowers her voice and says, "can I ask you a question?" I didnt even have a chance to sign them in yet, but being the customer service person that I am, kept up a cheery attitude and said sure! She takes a step closer and says "What are you?" All the while staring me straight in the eyes. It wasn't a question I was prepared for. I had several different thoughts pop into my head but I decided to simply go with the honest one. Staring back at her into her eyes... "I am a woman".

A grin appears on her face and she nods. After half a second, she says, "I see you..." She took the last step into my personal space and gave me a big hug and kissed me on my cheek. Still holding me, she whispers in my ear. "My brother is like you. You are beautiful."

I wanted to cry. Right there. I had totally forgotten about all the people standing around on the sales floor that needed to still get signed in. She broke the hug and said...ok, lets get signed in. I finished signing her and her husband into the system and got everyone else signed in as well. Once that was done, no one else came in so I was free to socialize with customers. I of course went back to her. At this point, her husband was being helped and she was just standing around. She asked me all kinds of very personal questions like how long I have known, when I started transitioning, what my parents/family thought, if I had a support system, and so on. She explained that with her brother, her parents would not accept him and she had to be the one to talk to them to get them to realize that this truly was who he was.

She was so incredibly bold and forward with her questions but at the same time, had this amazing gentleness and compassion that I felt like I had known her my whole life and could speak freely with her. Maybe it helps that she has a masters in psychology. Towards the end of our heartfelt conversation, she said, "would you mind if I gave you my number? I want you to be able to have someone to talk to if you ever need to." I agreed and she gave me her number. It wasn't in any way a come-on or anything like that. She was genuinely concerned that I had support. She was in her early 50's maybe, and her husband was probably around his late 50's early 60's. She had that motherly heir about her. Something I certainly haven't received from my own mother.

It was just such an amazing experience that I cant stop thinking about it. After they left, I left the sales floor and went into the bathroom and cried. I just simply couldn't keep it together. She had touched me in a way no one else ever has. What an amazing woman....
Talk about a diamond that shines brightly!

[Marcelle]

Hi Aly,

It is amazing that in a world where intolerance tends to be the norm there is are those rare human souls who shine through so brightly. A beautiful story sweetie and thanks for sharing.

Hugs

Isha

[steftoday]

Great story and what a wonderful lady. Good for you!!!

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Aly' That's the kind of story that really warms your heart.

[Isabella Ross]

Wow. Shed a few tears reading that, Aly. That does some restoration for me as well. There are amazing people in this world; it's just that sometimes they get overshadowed by the ***holes. Thank you for sharing this...I hope you make that call and your friendship develops.

[ArleneRaquel]

A heart waming story darlin.

[charlenesomeone]

Aly, super sweet story.

[Leslie Langford]

Wow! Just wow...!

What were the odds of something like this ever happening???

[Kris Avery]

Love it...very,special

[CynthiaD]

That's such a sweet story, Aly. Really heartwarming. Thanks for sharing.

[Julie Denier]

I'll add another "wow" ... a very heartwarming moment ;)

[Lady Catherine]

These are the types of stories I like to hear. Awesome.

[hope springs]

Sounds like the CD fairy god mother is sprinkling her affirmation dust. Good for you.



Btw.. i wonder what our fairy god mother would look like. Obviously well dressed, maybe some biker tatts and and a five o'clock shadow?

[Bria]

Aly, just when you think all of the public stinks or worse, along come someone that loud and clear tells you that there still are nice warm friendly people out there!! Your story brought a tear to my eyes, I can see why you had to go to the ladies room for a cry. Hang in there!!

Hugs, Bria

[Tabitha Storm]

It is great when the good part of humanity let's itself be seen.
Wonderful story!

[Nadya]

What a touching story, Aly! I'm sure I would have cried for a long time after something like that happened. I guess people can surprise you. :)

[Princess Grandpa]

Thank you for sharing that. Such a beautiful human! With all the intolerance out there it's so nice to hear things like this.

Hug
Rita

[bridget thronton]

Yay - nice affirmation

[paulaprimo]

what a beautful story. so nice to know that there really are decent people in this world.
what a great friend you have made and hopefully you stay in touch with her! :)

[Miss Interpretation]

That really was a beautiful story. I'm so happy for you!

I was born and raised in Atlanta and I know there are a lot of people there that can be...less than supportive. I'm glad you met someone who is so sensitive and supportive. There are people like that out there everywhere, and they grow more numerous by the day as the world become a more accepting place for all of us!

[natcrys]

I just woke up and read this story.. wow.. so beautiful and heart warming! I'm so glad for you! :)

And waking up with such positiveness.. even the rain outside couldn't spoil this! :)

[Miss Trudy]

Tat was a very touching story, by the time I finished reading it I had tears in my eye. It is refreshing to know there s at least some acceptance out there for us.

[Amanda22]

That's a great experience! Positive feedback from strangers to us who cross dress in public is more common than people realize. When you go out a lot, you experience that.

[Eringirl]

Aly thanks for sharing ! What a wonderful story, couldn't be more happy for you !! It also made my day a bit brighter knowing that there are still some really genuine and nice people out there.

Erin

[Dana M]

Aly,
Thanks for sharing your heart-warming story. A good way to cheer up one's day.:GD:

[JusRosCD49]

Aly, thank you so much for sharing such a heart warming event. Yes, I agree with your customer. You Are Beautiful in every way. I agree with you, there are still people out there who can restore our belief in humanity. Thank you so much for sharing

[JusRosCD49]

Aly, thank you so much for sharing such a heart warming event. Yes, I agree with your customer. You Are Beautiful in every way. I agree with you, there are still people out there who can restore our belief in humanity. Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful story.

Ros

[MsVal]

I can only begin to imagine how wonderful you felt. How relieved you must have been that a situation which could have been bad was, instead, incredibly uplifting.

Kudos too to the woman that had the kindness and courage necessary to approach a total stranger with that message. She is an amazing person.

Thank you for posting this encouraging story. It warmed the heart of everyone that read it.

Best wishes
MsVal

[Alexis Jade (AJ)]

Such a great story...thanks for sharing!

[Samantha Clark]

Oh, my. Couldn't read the last part because my eyes were too teary....Thank you for sharing this, dear, I needed a good cry! That woman in the store is the kind of person I want to be.

[Jorja]

Thanks for sharing Aly. There are those that understand and care in this world. They are far and few between it seems. Consider yourself lucky to meet one. Do keep in contact with her.

[Aly Cat]

Jorja, I sent her a text message later that evening thanking her for being such an amazing person and letting her know how her words impacted my life. She replied with a heartwarming message. She really is something else.

[Stephanie47]

Wonderful story, wonderful woman.

[Nicole Erin]

It is amazing that in a world where intolerance tends to be the norm there is are those rare human souls who shine through so brightly. A beautiful story sweetie and thanks for sharing.


I am guessing Aly works in a place where the cell phones are not cheap and probably have contracts. In other words, a higher end cell phone dealership. The customer base is probably the better folks of society.
A lot of serious intolerance that TG face are from the dregs of society who are probably not as likely to find their way into a decent shop. So it doesn't really shock me that Aly had a good experience.

For Aly - I kind of doubt people are staring or looking because of your gender status. Couple reasons why.

They are probably staring at you as a customer service rep instead of a gender. They are probably thinking, "I wonder if she can help us?" Or maybe, "Oh God, I hope she isn't gonna try to sell us something, we are just browsing."

I work with the public in a huge shop and I probably see a lot more people than you do. Just cause of the size of the place. Once in a while I get asked about my gender but seldom. And get this - you probably pass better than I do.

Basically you are going to be fine. You will get to a point when even experiences such as this will be forgotten in a matter of seconds. But for now, do enjoy the moments. It is times like that which give us confidence.

[Rhonda Jean]

Thanks for sharing, Aly. That's wonderful!

Not to be glossed over is the fact that you work in a very public customer service position and are permitted to wear makeup, nail polish, and a female uniform. I has not been that long ago that that would not have happened. The world is changing rapidly in that regard. I've seen that more in the last couple of years than in all my previous years combined. That, too, is amazing! I have to point out, too, that you are very brave! Good job!

[Roxie]

that's so" F" ing cool

[Deborah2B]

That particular customer is truly a wonderful and beautiful person. If only there were more people like her, the whole world would be a lot better off. These wonderful folks are out there but unfortunately the news media plays up the terrible people. They do not tell people the wonderful things that people do for others, unless a celebrity is involved somehow or they can sensationalize somehow to boost ratings.

[Aly Cat]

I am guessing Aly works in a place where the cell phones are not cheap and probably have contracts. In other words, a higher end cell phone dealership. The customer base is probably the better folks of society.
A lot of serious intolerance that TG face are from the dregs of society who are probably not as likely to find their way into a decent shop. So it doesn't really shock me that Aly had a good experience.

For Aly - I kind of doubt people are staring or looking because of your gender status. Couple reasons why.

They are probably staring at you as a customer service rep instead of a gender. They are probably thinking, "I wonder if she can help us?" Or maybe, "Oh God, I hope she isn't gonna try to sell us something, we are just browsing."

I work with the public in a huge shop and I probably see a lot more people than you do. Just cause of the size of the place. Once in a while I get asked about my gender but seldom. And get this - you probably pass better than I do.

Basically you are going to be fine. You will get to a point when even experiences such as this will be forgotten in a matter of seconds. But for now, do enjoy the moments. It is times like that which give us confidence.


Actually I just work for a typical AT&T store in backwoods GA. The county I work in is quite literally one of the most backwards counties in the entire nation. In fact, in 1987 Oprah did an episode about my city addressing the segregation, backwards thinking, and discrimination that takes place here. Even now, there are less than 15 African American individuals living in that entire city. Anything that does not fit into the norm of the 1950's is frowned upon and eventually and literally chased out of that town. Being a transgirl in that city is nerve wracking and I constantly have to watch my back or travel in packs. Because of AT&T's stand on diversity in the workplace, they are a light in a very dark room and I find shelter there. Luckily where my house is located (a different city) there is much more tolerance and acceptance. I mean, my direct neighbors are lesbians and our two houses are guarded by ex military veterans who are very protective of us.

At work, I get openly stared at by almost every single person who comes into my store. I am a sight that most of them have never experienced. An oddity. It is certainly like jumping in the deep end to learn to swim, but swimming I am. I almost dont even notice them anymore. I ignore the stares, the "I wont look directly at you when talking to you", the snickers, etc. It is what it is.

I think that is why when this woman came in and got into my bubble, pushing past my comfort zone, I was not prepared for it. Everyone always does stuff from a distance. And then when she said what she did, it tore through me like a storm against paper sails. I was vulnerable, and she was gentle. Gah, it was such an amazing experience. Anyways, like I was saying...there is nothing high end about my store, and the entire city I work in is literally the definition of intolerance for our entire nation.

[Krististeph]

See what happens when we don't judge a book by it's cover?

Wow- you are an ambassador: brave, clear, and open.

As my e-8 drill sgt. in fort Sill would have said:

"Outstanding!, young <lady>!"

:-)

[Laura Collette]

What an uplifting story! I would cry but have forgotten how. Best of luck to you... I agree with her, you are beautiful.

[Bonnie J]

What an amazing story! I am sure there are many others out there. It's good to see some of us at least trying to enter the real world and not just hide!

Nice comment for the cork!

[Thea Pauline]

I love those days. I have not had the depth of the beautiful interaction you describe Aly, but sometimes it seems even the smallest gesture made with gentle compassion can turn my day golden.

I also completely agree and love the expression of your signature.

[JenX]

That is totally awesome!!

[Claire Cook]

Aly, You have really touched us with this story (yes, I got a bit weepy!). The fact that you can persevere -- and work effectively -- given the people you have to deal with is a wonderful example for us. And when understanding, caring people embrace us, well, that does help to make up for all of the "Yahoo's" (for want of a better word) we have to face.

ATT indeed deserves a gold star for its support.

Take care,
Claire

[mechamoose]

That is so cool!

Validation? Not so much. Acceptance? +10!!

For me, acceptance is the most important part!

<3

- MM

[Rhonda Darling]

Aly. You had one of those happenings that each of us dream of. What great affirmation of YOU, Aly, the person, the woman. Treasure the moment, and treasure the new friendship.

When appropriate, please update all of us, as this type of special friendships needs to be shared.

Best regards,
Rhonda

[KristyE]

You made me cry, You made my day.
Love KristyE