What it means to be passable.

[Mila]

Just wondering what people's take on what it means to be passable. To yourself or others? or both. Right now I'm new to embracing my CD side and don't really see myself as passable, but I'm not too bothered at present. I'm not sure if that will change as I'm sure feelings evolve over time. Just wondering what others thoughts or experiences are.

[alwayshave]

I can't pass, don't believe that I ever will because of my build, but I try. Passing is all about blending into your environment, so dress for the situation. In a mall, casual. In a restaurant, more formal.

[kristi98]

I think it is pretty simple. Passable means people think you are a woman. Not many men can pull that off

I am not passable. No way ever. Wish I could pull it off

I am not suggesting that you need to be passable to cross dress in public

[Lacyfem]

There are men that look like women and women who look like men. So what the heck, we can't all be beautiful models as dressing for me comes from the inside and I love the feeling of being a woman. At 6'6" in heels I do stand out and don't wish to be starred at so I usually go out at night and choose my spots as it's nice to get out and be seen as a woman. Some say I'm passable some say I'm close to passable. I have a decent body but not a hourglass figure but then neither do a lot of women. Walking for me in heels is a dead giveaway as if you can't walk properly in them you're a goner as a woman. So many pics I see of those that try to be cd's don't feel it from the inside as they stand there like men and women for sure have subtleties which show they are women and think a true CD has those too. So passable is really subjective isn't it?

- - - Updated - - -

But Jamie you are definitely cute and even pretty!

[Karren H]

To me it is not drawing undue attention when I go out enfemme. I have about 70 percent success rate.

[Mila]

I have very feminine hands that's about it. I fully admire someone who can venture out fully aware that they consider themselves not passable, takes a level of confidence that seems unattainable to me.

[kristi98]

There is a gay bar 40 miles from where I live that has drag shows. Anyone could go there dressed and fit in. I would like to try it sometime but would want a woman to go with me (help me with makeup and support). My wife would never go for it.

- - - Updated - - -


To me it is not drawing undue attention when I go out enfemme. I have about 70 percent success rate.

Karren, You look passable and cute in your avatar photo

[jessica33]

I am passable from 100feet away .��I tell myself I am passable to have the courage to go out in the public .

[DianeT]

Passable has as many definitions as there are members in this forum.
Pass as a woman? For how long? A second? An evening? For someone intently watching you? Or just a bypasser not paying particular attention?

If I ever wanted to "pass", I would aim for being treated by others as any female would be as long as the interaction doesn't rely on the specifics of my little "differences". If people treat me normally, whether they clock me or not doesn't matter.

[Teresa]

Mila,
Very difficult question to answer because we all have a different take on it and men and women may look for different aspects to acheieve it .

I would prefer to say it's a case of ticking enough boxes to tip the balance enough to be accepted or integrated into society . My avatar picture was taken by one of my artist friends at my art group , all I can say is I'm comfortably accepted by them . Do some of the newer members think I'm a woman ? I'd like to think so but at least I don't get any bad responses at all which is probably as good as it gets .

You are correct in saying confidence plays a big part but don't try and act the part just be you and try and tone down excessive male traits .

Going back to my first comment I found you really don't find the true answer until you've experienced it , up to that point it's mostly specualtion , " I don't pass because .......... " My main concern was having a correct foundation colour and makep applied lightly but well , the same applies to choosing the right wig , you can only get a true impression by going to a professional wig supplier . I knew what I basically wanted and after trying on well over a dozen the one in my avatar ticked most of the boxes . I had now established my identity , I don't swap wigs or apply excessive makeup for everyday so people now know and recognise me as Teresa .

[jenabrooks]

I'm am 60% passable it is easer to go where there is a crowd and everyone no paying attention to there surroundings. I look casual and relaxed that what I do and it gets easier the more you go out.

[Star01]

Passable is only a thing if we go out in public. My strict DADT and not being able to shop or safely store any clothes has moved going out in public so far down the road I cannot even see daylight.

In order to go out I would insist on a complete wardrobe and another experienced crossdresser to accompany me that first time. I would need to somehow siphon enough money out of our joint funds to discretely buy clothes worthy of venturing out as well as a place to store them. Somehow I would need to find an alibi for staying in a motel as I can?t dress or get past the gatekeeper here at home.

Passing does not matter to me as I am stuck in a situation along with an old van that looks like something a scrap dealer would haul junk in. My situation is pretty much full of impossible obstacles but the fog is secretly strong. Passing? For me my answer is why? Where would I go, I don?t drink or go clubbing and live in the country with no wing woman to guide me.

[Teresa]

Star,
Do you enjoy walking ? Have you considered taking basic items suitable to look femme enough , little makeup and a suitable wig and head off in your van for a day out walking . Very few people will see you and possibly only at a distance if they do all the conversation will consist of is a quick " Hello " . At least some of your needs might be met , the only problem is it can become addictive but at least you're building your confidence up gradually . It's a wonderfull feeling saying , " Heck , I can do this !!"

[Mila]

My wife is itching to do a full make over on me as I've never had make up done yet, my life as a CD is still very much in it's infancy. I'll ask the 'passable' question to myself at a later date. Nice to hear all the varied responses. Its funny as I feel like I'm communicating with women on here despite the subject matter, which is nice and not something I was expecting. Thanks Ladies.

[Lana Mae]

I know I do not "pass"! I am out every day as I am a transwoman and not a CD! Be aware that "passable" is only about 10% of CDs! I was once a CD and shortly sought "passable" but realized that that is an ideal not a reality! Women come in all shapes and sizes! Some of the tells that out us are even on some women: big hands or big feet, etc! Dress for the venue and do your best to act as feminine as you can, especially walk and gestures! You will then "blend in" which is much more obtainable than "passing"! Just a note, the only person arrested under NC bathroom bill was a genetic woman!!!! Do you and get out there! Best wishes on your journey! Hugs Lana Mae

[Stephanie47]

I am six foot and 200 lbs. As a man I am still fit at my age (73). As a woman I am not passable. I see family photos of me in a family group. I tower over everyone with the exception of my son who is 6 foot 3 and about 230 pounds. I only wear dresses. I don't own any garments remotely akin to men's pants. My comfort zone is my house and backyard. When the opportunity arises I do take an evening drive which ends up with a stroll in a safe residential neighborhood that has lots of shops and stores. Not too many women seem to wear dresses these days, so in order to not stick out on my strolls I carry a tote with the logo of the local grocery store. If I am observed I think it looks as if I am returning from the neighborhood store. At least it gives the impression I am not aimlessly walking around. The best time for my strolling is during light rain so I can use an umbrella. An open umbrella to some extent does obscure my height.

[Aunt Kelly]

Passing is, largely, a myth. Yes, some of us are blessed with bodies that, when suitably disguised (hair, makeup, clothing, etc.), will escape detection of their assigned at birth gender. Most of those few, will be made the instant they open their mouth and speak. That male voice will almost instantly draw attention to all of the other, sometimes much more subtle, cues to the individual's sex. One would more accurately call that "blending". Whatever you call it, it does not matter. As a crossdresser where what you like. If blending is your goal, do that. If looking like a hooker is what does it for you, do that. Just don't expect to "pass" and then consider it a failure when you don't. For a crossdresser, it's all about the clothes, so own it and enjoy it. For others, like me, who usually consider clothing to be the thing that keeps us from getting arrested when we go outside, it's all about comfort and/or style that expresses who we are, rather than a "disguise". Either way, your choices are yours and are invalidated not by your motivation nor by your ability to "pass".

[kristi98]

There was a comedian cross dresser on-line that had me totally fooled. She plays Betty Bowers on youtube. It's political but funny. Her real name is Deven Green. I watched many of her videos and thought she was a woman

[ellbee]

Passing? I think to know the true answer, you need to be in the other person's mind.


I say that, because maybe they're simply being nice & "playing along." Or, maybe they're a "chaser." Or, perhaps they're legit trying to figure you out & are on the fence.

Of course, if asked about any of that, they could always lie.


So, impossible to definitively know, really, if one actually passed.



Also, waaaay too many variables with any given situation, as DianeT mentioned.


I will say this: Passing with GG's, in-person? Yeah, good luck with that. :heehee:

Best odds with that, IMO, are for those who transitioned young, like when teenagers or in their early-20's. Then again, we are talking about CD'ers, sooo... ;)


Much better shot at passing with half-drunk men in a dimly-lit club/bar. As a whole, men aren't exactly the more perceptive lot, as it pertains to this. :roflmao:



Anyway, I could give personal examples from a younger, prettier & more femmy past while at the top of my game. But coming full-circle? Who knows what was truly going on in their minds at the time. Only they do. At best, one could only surmise, given all the nitty-gritty of the event, and hopefully come to the right conclusion with only a small margin of error.


Oddly enough? Someone once passed with *me*! :eek:

I legit thought it was an attractive GG, sitting at the bar, talking one-on-one with a guy, maybe 10 feet away from me? Heck, I was dolled-up, myself, at the time. And part of me hated her when I learned from someone who turned out to be a mutual friend, that she was "just a CD'er."
At the same time? Total props to her! If anyone should have caught that, it should have been me. She got me. :o :worship: :dom:



Final word of advice? Try not to make passing the be-all, end-all. It's not exactly the healthiest or even enjoyable path to take, over the long run. :)

[docrobbysherry]

"Passing" to me means people see u as female without a second thot!:battingeyelashes:

Most here have no clue what that is like. Because u r treated very differently when folks think u r a woman, without a doubt.:eek:

I know, because it has happened to me a handful of times when I was dressed in female's costumes during vanilla masked party events. Mostly around Halloween.:thumbsup:
However, whenever I was forced to speak? The charade was over!:sad:

[AllieSF]

All of the above! True passing to me as a woman, a full time trans woman, means that no one thinks that I am a trans woman during and after interacting with them, which also means voice and mannerisms and of course presentation of clothes and accessories. My voice in my weakest point. However, just the other day, a very cute woman with whom I have interacted over 2-3 years at Starbucks when we encounter each other in the store or outside and chat a little about whatever, just said to me the other day when I was explaining something that was incongruent with me being a MtF trans woman, I think it was about me working and having and raising 2 kids at the same time, I added that I was transgender. She replied that she never suspected that! I was so delighted.

So, sometimes I truly do pass according to that strict definition.

I believe that the word most of us should be using, CD or TS, is blending in or fitting in. Most of us just do not want to be noticed, stared at or commented about while out doing our own thing when out. I personally do not care if I am read or not. I would prefer the not read side, but eh, I am OK as I am. I am fortunate to blend in very well. But being an extrovert and a proud trans person I am good either way. I do know that people who are so sensitive to blending in may never get up the necessary courage to go out and truly enjoy being themselves out in the real world. They create their own prison!

Allie

[oh to be rachel]

A couple of thoughts.

I think a lot of us are too hard on ourselves and if you really studied women around you, quite a few of them are questionably female.
For some of us, a picture might be passable, but once we started to move, nope.
For others, maybe we master the movements of a woman, yet as soon as we open our mouths, nope.

So, going back to my first thought, not all women are as feminine as we think we need to be. Maybe, we need to stress a little less.

[Teresa]

Many of the replies contain misconceptions about being out in the RW , after being full time for three years I don't have any misconceptions I'm just getting on with life . My voice could possibly be better as as could other male traits but they really aren't the obstacles some assume they are . Lana gets it right and I agree , no matter how we come over we will fit in with society and we do .

The only way to prove it at the end of the day is get out there and live it and lose some of those misconceptions because they only act as a false barrier .

[Star01]

Star,
Do you enjoy walking ? Have you considered taking basic items suitable to look femme enough , little makeup and a suitable wig and head off in your van for a day out walking . Very few people will see you and possibly only at a distance if they do all the conversation will consist of is a quick " Hello " . At least some of your needs might be met , the only problem is it can become addictive but at least you're building your confidence up gradually . It's a wonderfull feeling saying , " Heck , I can do this !!"

I appreciate your concern but the challenges to even dress right now are insurmountable. We bought a treadmill that I walk on for an hour every day. There is a walking trail across the road that goes into town or south past the corn fields. The paved path was bothering my knees so I stopped using it. This is a rural area, everyone knows everyone and my van is due to be junked. I had planned on buying a new vehicle as a retirement gift to myself but put it off a year and the darn thing got much worse during that time. It just worked out that way due to the lockdown.

Don?t worry about me, I will hang in there until things come around again. I appreciate your concern but some peoples circumstances are very difficult to overcome.

[Helen_Highwater]

It seems up to now everyone has avoided the "B" word but I'll say it. For the vast bulk of us it's not about passing, it's about blending.

If you can walk through a crowd shop dressed in such way that you look like most of the GG's in there with you then it's possible to spend time out in the real world without any drama's. There's a phrase used here that goes, "If it looks like a duck, walks, like a duck and sounds like a duck then it's a duck". That's the trick, looking sufficiently like those females around you so as not to attract attention.

next time you're in the car try to count the number of times you look at other drivers. We tend not to, we're just wanting to get on with our journey. It's the same while out shopping. Most folks are too engrossed in their day to really notice those around them. Sure if you wear killer heels, a micro skirt, plastered on makeup and a terrible wig you'll attract attention.

I can tell you that the first time you go out you'll be scared witless but that passes remarkably quickly as you begin to realise no-one is paying you much attention. The hard part is learning to relax, to be confident in yourself, that way you're not looking round like you're a shop lifter expecting security to rock up any moment.

[Geena75]

I remember a time when it was called the "10 foot rule." You tried to work your look so that from ten feet someone couldn't tell. I think the realization has set in that actions speak as loud as looks. While I could pose for a picture that looks very feminine, if I look at a video, I see far more flaws in the presentation.

As some have pointed out, to pass as feminine can mean to go unobserved, which requires not drawing attention. Short hem lines, patterned hose, and jiggling bobs tend to draw attention, while jeans, sneakers, loose tops blend in more -- flying low under radar.

[docrobbysherry]

Anyone, even I, unmasked on a moonless nite at 100 yards can "pass". But, passing at 10'+, dressing to blend, etc, etc, is not really passing. It's simply not being noticed!

Passing is when someone is rite in front of u talking to with no doubts u r a woman! Which I have done. Several men and a few women, thot for sure I was an attractive woman until I was pressed to speak!:heehee:

Then, the looks on their faces when they realized I mite be one was PRICELESS!:eek:

[Terrihoney]

Dear Mila,

I've not been on this forum for quite some time, still a member in good standing.
Passing or blending is the same thing. When others assume you are female, not a guy in a dress, that's passing. Acceptance as a CD in certain venues might serve the need for some who can't do otherwise. I could never pass in my younger days. Now in my early 60's, an overweight woman with a slightly husky voice passes very well. As proof of that, I'm a member of a woman's only social club. Some day, they might figure me out. Till then in their eyes, I'm 100% woman. I go out for normal errands on the weekend with near total confidence. Whether shopping for groceries, clothing, or a tire repair, I'm called Ma'am(by men), Hon or Sweetie (by women).

Dead give aways are hanging together in a group. 2-3 max, unless other GG's are involved. Avoid gay friendly clubs unless that's the only places safe for you. Practice mannerisms. Wrists forward, elbows in, shorter steps.
Confidence!

Hugs, Terri

[Teri Ray]

I agree with Karen. I am not trying to define the term "passing" for others but to me passing means to the extent I can I blend with others so I do not necessarily stand out. But then when I am out and about I am not in the habit of looking at others appearance and passing judgement.

[GracieRose]

Passing, blending. I think what I want is to move around in public without people staring and pointing, or worse. We can do things to avoid attracting attention, such as dressing appropriately, moving in a more feminine manner (but not exaggerated), makeup to disguise male features, longer fingernails, and controlling that pesky voice. Oh, yes, and move about with confidence, or "own it" as many here have pointed out. Some of us have it harder than others with towering height, large Adam's apple, big hands, or other more easily noticeable and less easily hidden features.
Although I've been 'called out' a few times, they have been the rare exception rather than the rule. Perhaps I'm too dense to notice others reading me, or most people are more polite than I might expect them to be, or no one is paying any attention to me (probably more often than I'd like to think) , but I move around in public without feeling uncomfortable, and am referred to as "ma'am" or "she" or "her" often enough to keep my spirits up.
I've even had a few moments that were particularly gratifying. Walking into an unexpectedly crowed restroom and having a young woman look me in the face, and tell me to go ahead of her because she was just waiting for her friend (would that ever happen in a men's restroom). Or the time a gentleman told me that I look like Christine Baranski. Or the gentleman that smiled and tipped his hat as I walked by. Or in the grocery, when another customer and I were redirecting our carts to avoid running into each other, and he said something to his friend about "that pretty girl trying to run me over". I'm confident that in each of those instances, there was no suspicion that I was anything but a woman. :-)

[candykowal]

What it means to be passable?
To present as those around me present, depending on the setting or event. Usually restaurants, piano bar, lounges, and window shopping.
Here in my metro area, I have, in my opinion, a lot of passable, friends who are full time. A few have transitioned and are living the dream.
So when I want to G2G with my friends for a Girls Night Out, shopping, or lunch, I have to take my presentation seriously,
in order to really be comfortable with myself among friends.
In the end, I do not go in public settings in areas where I do not feel comfortable.

[jayme357]

Ellbee, you are absolutely exquisite. Fear nothing!

[Maid_Marion]

Passing is when you get gendered as female after a long interaction. Folks will "slip" and say what gender they perceive from your mannerisms, voice, and appearance as opposed to your name.

Marion

[Karren H]

Karren, You look passable and cute in your avatar photo

You are too sweet, Kristi! Smoke and mirrors... and angles.... Obviously I do not post the photos that make me look otherwise! And I have a ton of them that will never leave my had drive! Lol

[Mila]

Lots of food for thought. My 'thing' is 50s retro style, I've always like that look. That look in itself would attract a lot of attention as it's a bit dressy for day to day, so I understand what people mean by 'blending' now.

[Teresa]

Candy,
You make a very good point , when going out with a TS friend or a GG friend consider will I let them down or embarrass them . I did ask my GG friend on one occasion and she was annoyed with me for not believeing in myself .

Being full time does mean not ruling out any situation , by that I mean regular activities , we all know places to avoid at certain times of the day .

Geena,
There are no rules you're either comfortable with your surroundings or you're not , I had to chat a young checkout guy this morning for ten minutes while someone went to check the price of an unmarked item , as I left he called out have a nice day madam .

[Angela Marie]

Many people have told me I am passable. Perceptions of what a woman should look like are important. I am 5ft 6 135-140 so I am closer to a woman's body size than a mans. For me passing is the ability to go out in public and blend in. What is also important is how you carry yourself. Self confidence goes a long way.

[CarlaWestin]

My wife has confirmed that I have inherent male traits that simply show themselves in such a subtle way, they can't really be described.
There are just too many postures and micro expressions that occur subliminally to be managed and suppressed.
I can simulate a feminine persona but the squared off shoulders and the ape walk are nearly impossible to cloak.
So to me, passing is just a moving target that just isn't the ultimate goal anymore.
Besides, anyone who's really paying attention is probably distracted by an element of my chosen presentation.
"That girl with the big boobs. I think that's a man?"

[Cheryl T]

Passable.
Truly passable means being perceived and accepted as a female by all without question or reservation.
I feel that there are very few of us (CD, TG, TS) who are ever truly passable. Kudo's to those that are. So many factors are involved. Height, weight, face, hair, figure, voice, carriage all play a factor and being able to put all those or most of those into play is not easy.
I used to believe that I could be "passable". Then I came to the realization that it's not all about being truly passable. It's about being Accepted. I no longer try to be passable. I simply try to be the best I can be, carry myself with my head held high and show others that no matter how they may see me, I BELONG there, where ever that may be.

Next time you're out look around you.
Do all the women look like the "ideal woman"? Are all the women the same? No, they are a range of women. Some more feminine than others, some more "passable" if you will. Some look like men.
We are that way too. Don't get hung up on that perfect image.

[CynthiaD]

I’ve been to dozens of places en femme. This includes stores, restaurants, shows, and just about anything else you can imagine. I’ve always been treated as a lady. Do I pass? I don’t know. As long as I’m treated like a lady, I don’t care. I think that the real secret to passing is not caring whether you pass.

[Krisi]

"Passable" or "passing" means that the person who saw you thought he or she saw a woman. That's the basic definition.

In reality, you might pass if someone gives you a quick glace at a distance of twenty feet but not if they sat in a restaurant watching you for twenty minutes at a distance of five feet.

For some of us, there are things we can do to be passable in certain situations. For others, there's no chance. Reality can be cruel.

When I go out, I try to pass as a woman. I have no interest as being seen or accepted as a crossdresser. I try to limit my activities to those where I won't be in close proximity to others for more than thirty seconds or less. I try to avoid specking and eye contact.

[Jemima Stephens]

Having looked at this thread I experimented with 'Blending' today. I presented as male (difficult not to with a beard!) but i dressed as female apart from my brown Chelsea boots and my quilted Barbour Jacket which was half undone. My jeans, underwear (including bra) and blouse were all feminine, the Blouse being a white shirt with a grey chain pattern on it. I have also been experimenting with my 'Lockdown hair' and did a feminine messy Pixie style.
I went to the local supermarket to get some groceries and spent 30 minutes shopping. The only time I got a second look that I saw was when I was browsing the womenswear section, but I sometimes get odd looks anyway!

Otherwise nothing, nada, zilch, everyone else is too busy with their own lives to care.

I know that this is still a long way from presenting as female, and I long to do that, but it is interesting to push the boundaries of female clothing to see at what point it causes a kerfuffle

[Sallee]

I usually try to be passable and blendable and I think I succeed That to me means dressing down In the mall slacks and flats not outrageous makeup. But it doesn't always work or does it ever work. One day I was have a good time shopping in a local mall everything was going well and I thought I was passing wonderfully and all of a sudden a woman passes me and whispers "you look wonderful and have a perfect right to dress as you feel." We just kept walking and my bubble was popped Oh well it still was a wonderful outing

[ellbee]

Ellbee, you are absolutely exquisite. Fear nothing!

Eh, just a small still-photo (of many woofers!), cropped, converted to black-&-white in a basic photo program, then messed around with the exposure settings.

Was just curious/bored, having some fun, and being a bit creative.

Actually not even much of a fan of the original (which is why I messed with it a bit).


Regardless? Thanks a bunch! :battingeyelashes:


But remember: It's just a still-pic.

*Sooooo* many more things involved when attempting to pass, in-person.


Back in my hey-day? I'd say with some confidence that I passed a few times -- with men, that is.

But with a GG? No way, never. They've got the Spidey senses, don'tcha know! ;)

The best one can hope for with them, as a CD'er, anyway, is to get the non-verbal "I'm no dummy... But, great job, hon!" Official Nod of GG Approval. You'll know it when you get it. Good stuff. :)



Anyway...

The way I see it?


"Blending" is simply not being noticed on a conscious level. They may catch a glimpse from the corner of their eye, or whatever, but don't really give it a second thought.


"Passing," on the other hand, *is* being noticed -- and more important, they think you're a legit GG.

Of course, that's only at a cursory level. Because this can definitely ramp up exponentially from there... For example, someone studying your every move for whatever reason -- or even actually holding a conversation or sharing a moment with you! :confused2:


Ladies, read again what Cheryl T wrote.

Please don't go down that "passing" rabbit-hole -- not worth it, trust me.

Settle for blending, instead... And much better yet, simply "belonging & being accepted." Can't go wrong with that! :thumbsup:

[Teresa]

Ellbee,
I'm not sure if being noticed is all about "Passing " . The problem is we can never say for certain and it's not a good idea going round asking people . We also have to consider people may take a second look not at you but at what you're wearing and I don't mean short skirts and high heels . I like to think I dress appropriately but sometimes people do give me a second glance . I recently attended a blood donation session and the nurse told me she loved my blouse , so we chatted about that and where I bought it .

I'm possibly my own worse critic so I've learned by now when people actually think I am a woman , other times there maybe an element of doubt but if you say nothing and don't repond to it they give you the benifit of the doubt .

For me passing isn't about trying to fool anyone , it's about living my life as Teresa , I'm sincere and honest with that and that is what people pick up on .

[Asew]

Passable to old me means people don't realize you are a CDer.

Passable to current me means people don't bother you based on gender expression and can go about doing normal things.

[Genifer Teal]

When everyone treats you as you want to be treated and no one gives you a hard time or says anything rude. If you can go about your business and interact appropriately with whoever you need to. Job done. What more can you expect from people?

[Aunt Kelly]

Agreed. That's how it should be, and it does not require "fooling" anyone (i.e. "passing") to have that.

[Michellebej]

Many years ago, I was a project manager for a group that was developing software for the USG that would look at pictures and live video feed and build up a data sheet on that individual. Things that were included were height/weight, age, sex, race, ect ect.

It soon became apparent that determining gender was not as straightforward as the original principles thought it would be. Mind you the threshold could be as low as 50.001 of weighted data.

This was important because this algorithm was used in conjunction with facial recognition software. Software that sometimes was defeated by props or disguises. There had been an embarrassing incident in NYC where a man under video surveillance went into a department store and was lost. Sometime later a woman came out that the software tagged as being the subject. To everyone's great embarrassment it was a GG who had no connection to the subject.

The first test had an acceptable error rate of around 17 percent. However this was in conjunction with facial recognition software that correctly identified the subject and for whom their normative gender was part of the subjects file. When we took the subset of subjects for whom facial recognition was inconclusive; for a number of reasons; then the failure rate was closer to 40 percent.

A study was then set up whose function was to determine gender. A number of resources were used including, but no limited to, Halloween and/or Costume party videos, videos from public domains where known CD/TG/drag Queen, ect; as well as video samples of known individuals who had transitioned. For the purpose of the study the subjects birth gender had to be a known data point.

With a lot of tweaking we finally arrived at an acceptable failure rate ( less than One percent), and incorporated that subroutine into our algorithm. Of those individuals who were unable to "gendered" by the algorithm; about half were GG/GM whose mannerisms and other weighted factors led to a miss identification. The other half were known individuals in the CD/TG spectrum.

One of the things we did was set a group whose job it was to look at video feeds of people in a normal context. I.e. walking down a street with many other people, dinning, shopping, ect; and identify the non-cis male or female. The failure rate for those selected individuals in the feeds averaged three times higher than the algorithm. Meaning that ordinary people when asked to look at a group of people in everyday settings were unable to "clock" known TG/CDs. Understanding that the known CD/TGs selected were not a random sample of TG/CDs, but were rather selected from those individuals who marginally failed to "fool" the algorithm.

Context was important to miss identification. Many of these same individuals who had either no problem beating the algorithm or just missed beating the algorithm, and who had also fooled the human eyes of our test group, would fail to greater or lesser degree when placed with other members of the TG/CD community. In places where the community tended to congregate, such as gay/lesbian/transgender venues or venues where people from alt lifestyles tended to congregate. To be clear the algorithm had the same success rate regardless if it were in a Church or gay bar. It was the people who tended to do better when context was applied. On the other hand while the success rate went up in identifying CD/TG individuals in these venues, the success rate tended to go down when correctly identifying GG/GMs.

The number of TG/CDs that routinely "passed", in all venues, was, from my notes, 0.7 percent. The number that passed the "human test" while about either alone or with a GG of similar size was approximately three percent.

Of note is that none of these individuals were assessed based on audio samples.

Make of it what you will

[Teresa]

Michelle,
Many thanks for giving us that information . I feel the important point to make is your group was asked to look for misgender situations , when out in the RW very few people are looking with the thought of misgendering , they don't expect to see a trans person so on many occasions they completely pass by without noticing . We are very much a minority , so even if we have tell tails most people will give you the benifit of the doubt .

You appear to have had to work hard to perfect the software which reinforces the point that it's not alwasy easy to pick out a trans person , and that very often applies to how we sound .

I agree with Jenifer as long as we don't have problems , the " Job is done " .

[Debs]

Paasing to me is 50% blending in and 50% confidence inyour attitude while out in public, just remember here in the UK you are not commiting anny offence or breaking the law by walking around in woumens clothes, and most toilets now in the uk are unisex, but hey I always go in the womens if there is one, your locked in a private cubical and not offending anyone. So confidence is a major part of pulling it off, and think about it, if you see a man dressed as a woman how many peeps do you see running up to them and shouting hey youve got womens cloths on, answer none. Just keep in pubplic places, dont put yourself in danger, and nobody really bats an eyelid if your just going about your own business

[char GG]

I feel the important point to make is your group was asked to look for misgender situations

I believe (correct me if I'm wrong Michellebej) that the job group was to look for people disguising themselves in some way, not to look for "misgenders". But misgendering could happen by default. (I had a cousin who had to monitor for shop lifters.) Most likely, people that go in dressed in large baggy clothes, then come wearing a hat and their clothes stuffed with unpaid for merchandise. (Think spy movies where people change hats, coats, glasses, wigs, while on the run.)

[Aunt Kelly]

A very thought provoking piece. Thanks for posting.
As for what I make of it, the work bears out what I have previously asserted, that "blending" is not passing. As soon as sufficient cues are presented, often only a single one, our mind quickly noticed the others, subtle though they may be.

[christine55]

I was checking out at Walmart once and the cashier was visibly surprised when I spoke. Made me feel good that at least with him I passed until I opened my mouth.

[jenabrooks]

That's blending in, I saw a trans or crossdresser coming out of a store the other day I was driving by her walk gave her away other than that she blended it. I thought to my self that's cool have fun lady.

[Beverley Sims]

Dress to blend and you pass most times.

A lot of dressing down....Not up. :-)

[Rikidee]

I am of small build for a man and I shave my head. I walked into a farm equipment dealer to make a purchase. I was dressed in all male clothes with a baseball cap and a mask. There were three .en behind the counter, without looking up one said how can I help you sir, then he looked me in the eyes and said excuse me ma'am I wasn't even looking. I was surprised but I instantly made a note to see where this went. I softened my voice and we had an entire conversation for about ten minutes with him repeatedly calling me miss and ma'am. He even made a recommendation on some parts that saved me a few hundred dollars that I do not believe he would had he thought I was a man. On the way out he said thanks for coming in ma'am and come back to see us.

I thought this was very interesting, I don't know if I passed or blended or something else.