Checked into the hotel as Nicole and guess what happened...

[Nicolesmyth]

I did it! Don't get me wrong in the past I have gone out, but it has always been ducking and dodging as I rushed through a store or got gas hoping no one would notice this "dude in a dress". However, this time I went for it. A road trip as Nicole! Hotel, movie, drive thru, and stores all as Nicole!Granted there were several times that I sat in the car a little longer than normal and waited for the coast to clear. However, the end result was that I did it. The confidence was key and a what the heck attitude.
I had a four hour drive as Nicole stopping at Chik Fil A where the young lady took my order as she stood next to the drive up menu and then the two young men at the window carried on as if it was business as usual. Then is was on to the hotel to check in under my boy name even though I was dressed as Nicole. There were two older men in the parking lot of the hotel I checked into in East Texas (bible belt ultra conservative part of Texas) and I waited in the car as they finally went into the hotel. A few minutes later I checked my lipstick in the mirror and went for it. I think my hands were noticeably trembling as I told the hotel clerk my name and handed her my license and credit card. Then you know what happened? Nothing! The lady went on business as usual and was very friendly. She even but me on the first floor by the side exit so I could come and go as I pleased. That night I went to a movie (yes it was a small theater in a small town). I waited for this big country boy to buy his ticket and then I went for it. Then you know what happened? Nothing! Then it was back to the hotel. The next morning I headed back home but had to go through the drive thru at Starbucks, the dollar store for a car charger (which they didn't have), so on to Walgreens to get it. You know what happened at these places? Nothing! It was business as usual. Ok so here is the deal. I am 5'11 and 195 with a 5 o'clock shadow that starts as soon as I am done shaving(twice). I don't pass! But dressing appropriately and going about my business with confidence(seen on the outside even though I am nervous on the inside) is the key. I owe that to Jenniferathome. She gave me the boost of confidence to go for it. Plus I am truly grateful for Allie45 who has my back should things go sideways and I know I can call her day or night to help in any situation. So for you ladies wanting to go out amongst the general population go for it! Just dress appropriately, go with confidence and be safe. If I can do it you can too!
Nicole

[Pattie]

Good for you Nicole, if we all went out like this type of attitude where who really cares you don't know them they don't know you and will probably never see them again, go for it I am not the least bit worried about going any where dressed as Pattie, as long as it is away from my home town, but then again they all know me as Pat or Pattie.

[sara.rafaela]

Hi Nicole,

Congratulations. I must say that you really went for it. For me, I first went out at night, to bars and clubs, where you can wear a lot of makeup an clothing, and I am passable in bad lighting, or across the street. Going out in broad daylight in the general public was a huge milestone for me. But you did it! Awesome.

Sara

[binair10]

There you go. There will be no more ducking and diving from now on.
Just take your time and do not rush.

Glad you enjoyed yourself.

I bet you are now looking forward to the next time.

Julie.

[CatchQueen]

That is so awesome! hah! Had a lump in my throat just reading it...I'm planning on pulling something similar (though on a more modest scale) soon!

[Alice Torn]

Nicole, Way to go! The confident on the outside,, while a bit nervous on the inside, goes a long way.

[Helen_Highwater]

Nicole,

I will draw great confidence from your exploits. In a little over 70 days, not that I'm counting, I will have the opportunity to spend 7 days fully femme all day. While I've been out and about before when chances like this have presented themselves it's taken me a day or two to get fully up to speed. By that I mean I've fought shy of going shopping or any interaction with the muggles. This time I'm determined to hit the ground running. No backward steps.

You've demonstrated just what can be done if you have the confidence to JDI. I''l be keeping your post at the back of my mind so come the day, if Nicole can, I can and straight into the fray.

[MonikaTirola]

Congratulations! Very daring!
Some beard cover will buy you some time. Clown pink covered by dermablend covered by a good covering foundation gives me about an hour or two.

[Mickitv]

Congratulations. Although it sounded stressful, I am really glad to hear that your experience was lovely.

[docrobbysherry]

Good for u, Nicole. I can see this was a watershed event for u. The more confident u get, the better. So, when an incident does happen you'll handle it like a pro!:thumbsup:

Personally, I relived your hesitation and fears. Remembering my own nervousness and stress when out alone among the muggles. That ISN'T fun! It reminded me why I prefer to do the things u did in drab. No stress or worries, ever. I much prefer to have fun dressing at home in complete privacy and comfort!:D

[Elizabeth G]

Hi Nicole,

That's great! This is really encouraging to me because in about three week's I'm planning something very similar. I have been out in the past but furtively at night only with minimal contact with others. I have finally finished a basic rebuild after a long ago purge and an really looking forward to a real road test so to speak. Hearing your story has given me a bit more confidence. If I am half as successful as you were then I know I will be happy.

Elizabeth

[Kandi Robbins]

And the moral of the story, ladies, is that no one cares! Nicole nailed it perfectly, act like you belong (which, of course, you do) and dress appropriately (for the situation, for your age, etc.) and no one will pay you much attention. Certainly you have to be smart, which Nicole states as she waited in certain circumstances, but really, the very significant majority of people walking around out in the big wide world are only concerned about one thing: themselves!

Bravo Nicole!!

[Sarah Louise]

Well done, Nicole!

[Dana44]

Nicole, yep I have been through most of Texas as Dana and it is business as usual. So, most folks keep to them selves and if you stay in safer areas there will not be any problems.

[reinasblack]

If i am in an area where they seldom see a transgender and they expected the worst but see many things that surprise them they will ask you things and complement and engage in conversation with you.
If you tell all the secrets the magic goes away. Many think i look like that 24/7 and sonetimes rarly i tell them of my illusion i am projecting with CD and DQ tricks.

When i go out surprisingly i get hit on and complemented by women all the time when dressed for clubbing. Certain cues give me away like Large muscular triangular shoulders. If i want some one to think I'm (all women 100%GG) i cover my shoulders and remove other subtle clues. I have been in the ladies room taking care of business with no issues and was able to keep the clues down.
Sometimes my clues are screaming then i will get 2nd looks. Most times out shooping and stuff people pay me no mind. If in Hollywood its normal to see CD's and TS everywhere from stunning to not noticable to very noticable and clockable everywhere.

[Alice 23]

Congratulations! I love reading stories such as yours. They give me confidence and hope that someday I might be able to do the same.

[Teresa]

Nicole,
I'm so glad it went well for you, you sounded as if you came over as confident even if you were nervous inside. I wonder if they were OK with you because they thought you were TS, I'm not saying they always get a smooth ride, but equality laws are spreading fast and most may not want to have problems of running foul of them with their employers.

I'm sorry I keep repeating this point but at my social group no one really knows our status so we all get treated in the same way by the hotel owners and their staff and from out last meeting the general public attending a wedding reception.

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Nicole:hugs:, Its amazing the sun is still shining and the birds are still singing ...:daydreaming:...

[Lorileah]

so nothing happened? :idontknow: :heehee:

[Jenny22]

Its the experience of others like you, Nicole, that gave me the courage to do my first "out" at a drive through in daylight. I will do one or two more to gain more confidence before I do a full venture out. Had it not been for this forum and you confidence building ladies, it never would have happened to this 81 year old gal! Thanks for that to all of you!

[CynthiaD]

You know, I went out last weekend and the same thing happened to me. Nothing! I did come home with some really cute ankle boots though.

Congratulations. And welcome to the world.

[countrygirl]

Congrats. Sounds like you had a good time.

[Brenda456]

You are so brave. Wow!

[Jenniferathome]

The world does move on despite what we think. Well done Nicole.

[Michelle Girl]

Hi Nicole,

You are an inspiration. I've been out to CD events with lots of others, and by myself in the city after dark. Nothing like cover of night to increase passability!

But I need a plan to get out in daylight. Your adventure serves as a good model. And your tip about waiting on a few occasions till a potential obstacle had gone is a good one, too, to maintain confidence and avoid hazards.

Thanks for sharing, Michelle

[msannacd]

Wonderful! Greatest load of 'nothings' I've ever read:) You go girl!

[Genny B]

What is meant by dress appropriately though? Reasonable length dresses or no dresses, just pants? i have been out six times in three years with a seventh planned soon, but wonder. i'm sure I don't pass but no one has said anything, yet...

Genny B

[Angie G]

You go girl that's awesome.:hugs:
Angie

[Kandi Robbins]

What is meant by dress appropriately though? Reasonable length dresses or no dresses, just pants? i have been out six times in three years with a seventh planned soon, but wonder. i'm sure I don't pass but no one has said anything, yet...

Genny B


I do not pass for one single second, but have been out well over a hundred time over the past two years. Not one single negative experience. Appropriately means you don't wear a cocktail dress shopping. Don't wear something a woman your age would not wear. Simply be age appropriate and properly dressed for where you are. I love dresses and am going to an upscale mall tomorrow in one. I'll look like a woman shopping after work: appropriate. Appropriate also means that what you are wearing fits your body type. Looking at your avatar, you need to get out more often, you are a good looking woman.

[DIANEF]

Great story Nicole, I am planning my first proper outing in the near future, and looking at the replies on this thread it seems your experiences are an inspiration for many others too. I live in a fairly LGBT accepting area so I'm hoping my trip out goes as well as yours (though it may be just for a few hours). As Helen put it so well, 'If Nicole can, I can'!

[Brianna Robyn]

Great post Nicole. Missions like yours help build visibility and acceptance for all tgirls, and help us all build confidence.

[Heidi Stevens]

So glad you've gotten over your own fears and had some fun! You should look into a conference so you can experience several days in a row in a friendly environment.

[Karen RHT]

Way to go Nicole. You were cautious, but still took those tentative steps. Well done, glad you enjoyed, and thanks so much for sharing.


Karen

[Nicolesmyth]

Hi Genny,
So to the movies I wore a printed blouse with a cami underneath, jeans and sandals. Dressing appropriately for me means to wear clothing that is appropriate for the situation. For example, I wouldn't wear high heels and an evening gown to go to the grocery store or Jeans and a tee shirt to a play.
Nicole

- - - Updated - - -

Hi Genny,
So to the movies I wore a printed blouse with a cami underneath, jeans and sandals. Dressing appropriately for me means to wear clothing that is appropriate for the situation. For example, I wouldn't wear high heels and an evening gown to go to the grocery store or Jeans and a tee shirt to a play.
Nicole

- - - Updated - - -

Hi Genny,
So to the movies I wore a printed blouse with a cami underneath, jeans and sandals. Dressing appropriately for me means to wear clothing that is appropriate for the situation. For example, I wouldn't wear high heels and an evening gown to go to the grocery store or Jeans and a tee shirt to a play.
Nicole

- - - Updated - - -


What is meant by dress appropriately though? Reasonable length dresses or no dresses, just pants? i have been out six times in three years with a seventh planned soon, but wonder. i'm sure I don't pass but no one has said anything, yet...

Genny B
Hi Genny,
So to the movies I wore a printed blouse with a cami underneath, jeans and sandals. Dressing appropriately for me means to wear clothing that is appropriate for the situation. For example, I wouldn't wear high heels and an evening gown to go to the grocery store or Jeans and a tee shirt to a play.
Nicole

[Jenniferathome]

Nicole, what strikes me most about your outing is that just a short while ago you KNEW you could never do this. You were too manly looking, too tall, man hands, beard shadow, voice, blah, blah, blah. All the same, and it turns out irrational, fears that everyone seems to have.

There is a line from Seinfeld that George says to Jerry when Jerry is trying to pass a lie detector test, "It's not a lie if you believe it." OK, that's a little darker version of an analogy but it's clear from the preponderance of the evidence that those that go out, unashamed, have no problems. If the normals see you accept it, it's really hard for them not to as well. Now, that's not to state that they won't laugh later or tell stories to their friends but what might the content be?

The normal who saw you, "This cross dresser came in to the hotel today."
Their friend, "Oh my god, and what happened?"
The normal, "Nothing."
Friend (laying on the sarcasm really, really heavily), "Great story dufus!"

[Kandi Robbins]

There is a line from Seinfeld that George says to Jerry when Jerry is trying to pass a lie detector test, "It's not a lie if you believe it." "

Now, That's funny!!!!!

[Nicolesmyth]

265645
I did it! Don't get me wrong in the past I have gone out, but it has always been ducking and dodging as I rushed through a store or got gas hoping no one would notice this "dude in a dress". However, this time I went for it. A road trip as Nicole! Hotel, movie, drive thru, and stores all as Nicole!Granted there were several times that I sat in the car a little longer than normal and waited for the coast to clear. However, the end result was that I did it. The confidence was key and a what the heck attitude.
I had a four hour drive as Nicole stopping at Chik Fil A where the young lady took my order as she stood next to the drive up menu and then the two young men at the window carried on as if it was business as usual. Then is was on to the hotel to check in under my boy name even though I was dressed as Nicole. There were two older men in the parking lot of the hotel I checked into in East Texas (bible belt ultra conservative part of Texas) and I waited in the car as they finally went into the hotel. A few minutes later I checked my lipstick in the mirror and went for it. I think my hands were noticeably trembling as I told the hotel clerk my name and handed her my license and credit card. Then you know what happened? Nothing! The lady went on business as usual and was very friendly. She even but me on the first floor by the side exit so I could come and go as I pleased. That night I went to a movie (yes it was a small theater in a small town). I waited for this big country boy to buy his ticket and then I went for it. Then you know what happened? Nothing! Then it was back to the hotel. The next morning I headed back home but had to go through the drive thru at Starbucks, the dollar store for a car charger (which they didn't have), so on to Walgreens to get it. You know what happened at these places? Nothing! It was business as usual. Ok so here is the deal. I am 5'11 and 195 with a 5 o'clock shadow that starts as soon as I am done shaving(twice). I don't pass! But dressing appropriately and going about my business with confidence(seen on the outside even though I am nervous on the inside) is the key. I owe that to Jenniferathome. She gave me the boost of confidence to go for it. Plus I am truly grateful for Allie45 who has my back should things go sideways and I know I can call her day or night to help in any situation. So for you ladies wanting to go out amongst the general population go for it! Just dress appropriately, go with confidence and be safe. If I can do it you can too!
Nicole
Here is a photo of me driving

[suzanne]

A quote i read recently:

Don't worry about what people think of how you look. They're too worried about how they look to notice you.