Unexpected affirmation at W**mart
Not sure if I can show the store name, but it is a famous huge store that starts with "W" :-)
Yesterday I needed some assorted items, so I headed to the aforementioned big store. I was wearing a mauve long-sleeved cotton top, jeans, and slip-on shoes, like any older lady might wear to go shopping. Naturally I had forms, a little jewelry, and minimal makeup as usual. As I entered, there was a young woman at a table. She greeted me very warmly, saying (I kid you not) "Hello, gorgeous. Would you like a COVID or flu shot today?". Turns out I had been planning to get both of those so I said "sure". She complimented my multicolor cardigan and gave me a clipboard to fill out personal info. Of course I put my real name, and the gender information was phrased as "gender at time of birth", which is probably important in a health situation, of course. She took my info and went into her little office, came back and said "Is there another name you prefer?". I told her "Joanie", and she continued to be as sweet as can be. When I went in to get the shot from the nurse, I took off my cardigan, but I couldn't roll up my sleeves enough for her to give me the shots (jabs) (one in each arm, up high). I said I might have to take off my top, and she suggested I move to a chair by the door, as where I was sitting was visible from the rest of the in-store clinic. I took off my top, and she gave me the shots while I sat there in my bra. She was also very friendly. I'm pretty sure she could see my forms. After I got my top and cardigan back on, she mentioned my hair was a little messed up, so I took out the clip and made a new little bun and clipped it back. We had a nice little chat about "messy buns" -- she said she frequently wears her hair like that.
Of course at this point I was completely thrilled by the interaction. When I went back out to the table with the first woman, I thanked her for being so warm and friendly and for asking about my name, and she basically said "of course". On a whim, I asked her if she thought I was female when I first walked in, and she said yes, she completely thought I was a woman. She said when she saw the medical form, she thought she had misread the name.
Overall a wonderful encounter with two women, and in a place where I did not really expect that level of acceptance. I've been to W------ before as Joanie, with no problems, but this was totally unexpected.
