My first time out fully dressed

[Diane Taylor]

After many years of being closeted, in 1992 I made the decision that it was time to come out once and for all. I had two main objectives.....meeting others and going out in public fully dressed. I felt that if I was going to go out in public and go as unnoticed as possible I needed to present myself as best I could. I bought clothing that was what a typical woman would wear and a wig that was attractive but not "glamorous". I also bought a lot of makeup with which to practice. I made up my mind to NOT go out until I had perfected a good look. It took a lot of practice with the makeup but eventually I was able to make myself up in a way that I was comfortable with. The next step was to actually go out into the world as a female. I decided to keep it simple the first time and my plan was to go to a CVS pharmacy to buy some makeup. shampoo, lotion, etc. The big night came and after getting "dressed" I hopped into the car and drove to a CVS in the next town. When I arrived the parking lot was full of cars and I'm thinking that this was bad luck to have so many people there. I sat in the car for awhile making a decision whether to go in or not. I figured I'd come this far so I may as well do it ! I walked through the door and into the store. Nothing happened and I'm thinking "so far so good" but then I notice a co-worker of mine in one of the aisles. I made sure to avoid being where he was and when he left the store I started my shopping. Next came the trip to the cashier in the front of the store. I was the third one in line and it seemed like an eternity before it was my turn to check out. I put my items on the counter, the girl rang them up and then asked me: "will that be all Ma'am? I couldn't believe it. Was she just being polite or did she think I was a woman? I just nodded yes and paid her. Out the door I went thinking to myself how easy this actually was. Because of my success I made a few more trips to various places before going home. After that night I started going everywhere fully dressed and never looked back. It was extremely important that my first time out went well because if it hadn't I may have stayed in my self imposed closet for who knows how long.

[IleneD]

Thank you, Diane.
It's always great to hear a success story, even if it's a blast from the past.
Going out in public as Ilene has changed everything for me. It feels so alive.
Thanks for sharing. It encourages others who need it. It's a form of validation of my new self.

[Tracii G]

Pretty much my story too.
Just get out there and present the best you know how.
Blend, blend, blend look nice and not like a 2 dollar hooker and you can go most anywhere.

[bridget thronton]

Wow - quite brave for 1992

[Geena Gee]

Okay, tonight was my night. Got all dolled up with a nice purple blouse, white skirt and some black patent pumps. Put all the important stuff in the new little purse that I bought, and headed out to the car. Just wanted to go for a short drive, but I soon found out that being "en femme" was the least of my worries. It seems that I was more nervous about driving the car in heels than I was about anything else! A stick shift is not the way to go for your first time out. Add to that, that I own a Corvette, which leaves no discernible way to enter "lady-like". On top of all of the preceding, I really had no destination.
Lessons learned... put on flats when driving a stick, and have someplace to go! It was good for a laugh, and a memory.

[Beverley Sims]

After that first time it is sooo! easy. :-)

Congratulations on a job well done.