Went to Lowe's

[Glenda58]

I've been Glenda all day went the wig store got shampoo and conditioner hair spray, and a wig stand for my wigs. After leaving there I was driving by Lowe's. I need some landscaping edging and some landscaping stones. So, Glenda stops in. I get the edging, but little old Glenda couldn't pick up the stone bags and had to ask for help. The man came and said that they were light bags, and he put them in my truck. He asked if anyone was going to help get out of the truck because a lady shouldn't have to lift them. Then said madam you have a nice truck.

Tomorrow my male self will remove them from the truck 2 at a time.:)

[GracieRose]

I stopped at Lowe's yesterday to pick up a few paving stones. I usually do this type of heavy lifting in guy mode, but I am always happy to extend my outings en-femme. So I pulled up my big girl panties and I loaded them in my cart. I had a nice chat with the girl at the outdoor checkout. No one else was in line, and I think she was bored and happy to chat for a while. I felt like she talked to me like she might talk to an aunt or one of her mom's friends. She even called me ma'am once. Little things can make your day.

[bridget thronton]

It is good you still have someone at home to do your heavy lifting Glenda

[docrobbysherry]

Wow! Good for u, Glenda. I don't dress for vanilla venues.

But, if I did? I think Home Depot would be my last choice!:eek:

[Maid_Marion]

Yesterday I went to Price Choppers wearing a nice golf polo and a white pleated skirt.
One of the women stocking the shelves asked if I needed any help finding something!
It can be hard to get help at places that advertise low prices.

Then I went to Home Depot and exchange cheerful " Good mornings" with a store employee.

You get better service at stores if you dress nicely.

Marion

[CynthiaD]

If you want a real challenge, go to Harbor Freight Tools. It's the most macho store I have ever been inside of. I have been to Home Depot en femme, but I always go to Harbor Freight in boy mode. In boy mode, I'm in hog heaven. Wrench sets, specialized hammers, electric drills, everything you need for home repairs and much much more. I always leave with a bunch of stuff. Then I come home, put on my girl clothes, and think "What do I need all this stuff for?"

I don't do home repairs. My wife does all of that. She can fix anything. One day the washer was acting up, and a few days later it was running fine. I asked her about it, and she said she took it apart, figured out the part that was broken, went online to a place she knew about, ordered a replacement part and installed it. Another time I watched her fix an ink-jet printer with paper clips and stuff from her sewing room. The woman is amazing. But, of course, I knew that when I married her.

[Joanie CD]

CynthiaD, I love Harbor Freight, and have been several times en femme. In general, everyone in the store has been nice and polite, except one lady who, when I asked the location of something, told the other employee "please show HIM to the xxx...". I didn't like her :straightface:. On the other hand, that's the absolute worst experience I've had there, and it wasn't so bad. I've been to Home Depot as well, and people are fine. After all, I'm a customer.

[OrdinaryAverageGuy]

Our local Home Depot used to have a guy working there who wore makeup and jewelry as a woman would. He was undoubtedly a guy, had a guy's name on his tag, wore guy's clothes, and talked to me like a guy would. My wife was always impressed at how good his makeup was, said he could teach makeup skills to a lot of women! I was always amazed and happy that I never saw anyone there give him the slightest bit of crap over how he presented himself, I expected a store like that would not be the best place to push gender boundaries.

[Maid_Marion]

https://careers.homedepot.com/culture/
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
We are committed to ensuring that associates work in an environment of mutual respect that is free of harassment and discrimination. Home Depot prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, disability (including actual or perceived physical or mental disability), medical condition, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, reproductive health decision-making, military and veteran status, or any other basis prohibited under applicable law in employment decisions regarding hiring, training, pay, promotion, job assignments, discipline, or any other terms and conditions of employment

[NjJamie]

Glenda, sounds like a perfectly fine afternoon of shopping! I've been to HD and Lowes as Jamie, as well as most other stores, and as long as you're dressing appropriately "blendy", I'd bet everyone of us will be treated as just another customer, in any store. That doesn't mean to say that I haven't occasionally gathered a second look or two, mostly when I was a bit too dressed for the supermarket, but other than that I've had conversations with other customers as well as staff. I was the only "woman" wearing a dress and heels, more related to the neighborhood I suspect, but at the nearby Ulta I was treated just perfectly peachy, as just another customer.

I'm sure there were a few (many?) comments and chuckles once I passed out of sight but if that's the worst thing I've had happen to me, I'm up for it every day of the week and twice on Sunday!

[Sometimes Steffi]

Maid Marion

It's one thing to talk to talk. It's an entirely another to walk the walk.

I'm glad that Home Depot actually walks the walk.

There was a time a few year back when I was unemployed. I was old enough and unemployed long enough that I could have actually retired on Social Security. But, I decided to try to find a "fun" job. I applied to Lane Bryant, a woman's plus-size specialty store. They had the usual talk the talk statement on their web site. I was trying to decide whether to apply in my boy name, but Lane Bryant made it each. I got to apply as Steffi, but there was a section in the application where I could enter my legal (boy) name.

I got contacted for an interview and went as Steffi for the interview. I wore a very classy dress-for-work outfit. I went to the interview and got offered a job. I was surprised at how low the pay was (under $10 per hour). I was also surprised that a typical shift was 5 hours, I think so they wouldn't have a paid lunch hour.

I didn't really care about the pay. I wanted to experience working as a girl. Plus, I would be eligible for substantial store discounts. I'm not plus sized, but I could have used the store discounts at other corporate stores (Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft). I ultimately didn't take the job because of the "substantial negative feedback" that I got from my wife. But it was a very affirming experience.

[Patience]

There is a Lowe's in my general area, but since it's a bit off the beaten path, I do most of my shopping of this nature at a Home Depot. Other than some conspicuous throat clearing from another patron one time, I've never had a problem.

That being said, I would only go there enfemme as part of a larger errand. I'm much less likely to get pretty just for a trip to Home Depot.

[Heather76]

Maid_Marion, your post makes me WANT to shop en femme at HD.

[OrdinaryAverageGuy]

Maid Marion, I understand and would expect the other employees at HD to be respectful both to the employee I mentioned and to customers. I was pleasantly surprised that no customers seemed to have a problem with the employee. It's a very "manly" store, and in our area over half the customers are from an even more "manly" culture.

[CarlaWestin]

I truly have a preference for HD as they just have a wider variety. There have been times that I visited every day during a remodel or installation.
They have no issue with returns as I tend to over buy things like fittings and tile. I know everyone who works there and I keep threatening to get a part time hobby job just to socialize.

[Claire M]

Love the Hardware Store stories!!

In a Lowes near my old house, they had an employee named Chis. I could never tell if they were cis male, cis female or trans. Body size / shape, hair style, facial features; everything about them could go either way. I once asked them for help and even their voice did not sway my opinion.They are probably the most perfectly androgynous person I have ever met

I often shop at Lowes en femme. One time, I was looking for an electrical part. I knew exactly what i needed but couldn't find the spccific part. I asked a SA for help. He asked about my project. Then he started explaining all, these unrelated hazards doing electrical work and tried selling me a bunch of stuff he explained I would absolutely need to "do it right", placing all this stuff in my shopping cart. He finally pointed to the part I came for. I thanked him politely. After the SA left, a woman, who had watched the interaction came over and said "That guy thinks every woman must be stupid or something! He probably wants to be an auto mechanic when he grow up!" She turned out to be a licensed electrician, and confirmed that the one part I was looking for was all I needed. I'm not sure which was more affirming, being talked down to by the SA or that camaraderie of the female electrician.

I have a business account at HD which helps get discounts on larger purchases. It's a woman-owned business!!

[BobbiKay]

A friend began her transition while working at HF. She said that she got a lot of disrespect from the customers.

[SophiaRose]

Great story Claire. Man-splained to and affirmed from a cis woman. A two-fer that makes me smile.

[Andrea Renea]

I shopped at both Lowe's and Home Depot many times. Never
had an issue. I just get what I need and go pay.

Andrea has been in Harbor Freight once without a problem.

I've noticed if you are respectful people reciprocate back the same way.

[Maid_Marion]

The danger in transitioning on the job is dressing androgenously and being in the uncanny valley between male and female. This can make people feel nervous without knowing why. And thus result in bad social interactions.
It is much better to pick an obviously male or female presentation, even if you don't pass. At least they know what you are trying to do.

As for the cost of buying new clothes as your body is changing, I'd suggest buying 2nd hand clothes at Savers or Goodwill. You will make a lot of mistakes learning to dress properly as a feminine presentation is a lot harder than dressing as a guy.
Kohl's has great discount racks. I found Target to be the opposite, as the good stuff goes quickly so you are best off buying anything you like at Target as soon as you see it. If you are big and tall you may need to adjust to stuff selling out fast.

[CarlaWestin]

Love the Hardware Store stories!!

I often just give other customers electrical advice when I see them confused.

342747

[Sometimes Steffi]

That must be funny, getting electrical advice from a chick.

[Claire M]

Steffi, I wasn't looking for advice, just some waterproof wire connectors for my path light system. The "chick" was a licensed electrician who really knew her stuff. (I got her card for future projects). Getting advice from a knowledgeable "chick" is far better than getting talked down to by a blithering idiot SA who was obviously clueless. I'm pretty sure connecting his iPhone charge cord challenges the limits of his electrical knowledge!!!

Carla, I give advice to fellow shoppers as well if they look really frustrated or ask me a question. Most of the SAs in the big box stores these days are pretty clueless ... if you can find one! I'd do so even if a skirt if the situation arose!

[Sometimes Steffi]

Sorry. I was referring to Carla's post about giving electrical advice. It is against forum rules to quote the post before you. I wasn't denigrating women who work a Lowe's, just riffing of Carla's post.

[AngelaGA]

I feel left out becuase I am a Home depot gal. but I dare to venture to Home depot dressed up. I hope to get enough confidence to do it. I give you ladies my upmost respect

[JaclynL61]

I went to Lowes this morning, about 6:00 am when it was just opening. There was a large group of guys in the parking lot. I did decide to park well clear of them. No issues in the store other than needing to have a clerk clear a "double-hit" on the self check out. The guy at the register next to me then did the same thing.

I went multiple places this morning; got gas, stopped for coffee, two different grocery stores, drug store and shopping at the mall. Other than clothes shopping, I normally do my dressed adventures further from home. This morning I felt inspired and did my normal errands at places I always go. No issues, and I definitely don't pass. The cashier at one of the grocery stores gave me a "have a nice day sweetheart" as I was leaving. I don't know if that was a nod to the way I was dressed or something she says to everyone. I don't recall her saying it on other trips when I was in guy mode. Maybe I just didn't notice.

[Geena75]

I don't dare go into local Lowe's -- I work at one location, and am known too well at the other two. However, back in December I went into Lowe's up around Grand Rapids when I was up there for a group meeting. I was shopping for a power tool gift, and I was all dressed for the holiday in a pine green sweater dress and candy-cane striped thigh high stockings, and of course the Santa Hat. I don't doubt I got noticed.

[Bea_]

The danger in transitioning on the job is dressing androgenously and being in the uncanny valley between male and female. This can make people feel nervous without knowing why. And thus result in bad social interactions.
It is much better to pick an obviously male or female presentation, even if you don't pass. At least they know what you are trying to do.


I get what you are saying and I totally agree. But, since there's nothing about me that wants to present as a woman, but everything about me that feels a need to claim an aesthetic that has been arbitrarily assigned to women, that's kinda the valley I'm assigned to. I agree that people will be uncomfortable and will not know how to act. I actually feel a bit of guilt for making people uncomfortable.

I wrote that like I'm out and about the way I'd like to be. I am actually slowly dipping my toe into the water and I am limited by my wife's comfort zone. I am definitely making her nervous.

To tie back to the Lowe's subject. I did go to Lowe's after my last therapy session where I went dressed and in obvious eye makeup (bearded, long-haired dude in a short skirt and cute top). I changed back to drab before leaving the therapist's office but still had on the makeup. I'd like to say that I just owned it and let anyone and everyone see my makeup. Instead, I wore sunglasses through the store and checkout. Maybe next time...

[CarlaWestin]

Sorry. I was referring to Carla's post about giving electrical advice. It is against forum rules to quote the post before you. I wasn't denigrating women who work a Lowe's, just riffing of Carla's post.

Whoops! My bad. I'll try to only quote posts made after mine from now on.

When I mentored electrical apprentices that happened to also be female, I found them to be extremely intent and focused and truly determined to succeed as most did.

Steph, I'm originally from DC and I always assure new acquaintances that I'm not here to help.

Super cute xmas outfit, Geena.

[Andrea Renea]

I was in Lowes in Hickory NC yesterday morning buying filters for our hvac system.

I couldnt find them so I asked a female sale associate for the location. She addressed me as ma'am and pointed me to the location.

There are 2 Lowes near me. Andrea has been in both without problem.