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What was the first time you went out in public? Were you fully dressed? Alone? In a secluded area and time of day or crowded place?
Trying to hear others experiences before I attempt to do it myself. Thanks in advance and looking forward to reading your responses.
-Jodie
My first outings were like 30 years ago and I did the typical mall walks and burger drive throughs at night , always alone, except for one time. It seemed a thrill at the time but really was not so great compared to meeting people socially. I started going to lgbt type clubs in 2017 and it is a blast. I wish I had realized that sooner. I have a number of posts about my outings as do some of our other members. You do not have to pass. You do not even have to try. Just be friendly and someone will be accepting even if it is only your bartender, so tip well and smile.
; )
Sandi
My first step was out my front door, but lasted only long enough to move a sprinkler. Not a very impressive outing. But little by little I gained control of my nerves and extended the duration and length of each excursion. Eventually, I realized that no one was watching, or if they were watching, they did not care. I suppose a couple of weeks or a month elapsed before I actually left the relative safety of my own yard and went to the mall.
Mine was two weeks ago in Chicago. I made a whole thread about it! I don't think I ever would have done it unless my partner pushed me to do it and supported me. I got a makeover, we went to the mall, and went out to eat at a nice sit down restaurant. Overall, it was a wonderful first day out.
My first was when in was 16, in 1968. I had been dressing for almost a decade, in my mothers clothes. I would escape to the basement where I had my stash hidden, after everyone was asleep and dress. Fully, except wig, I used a hair net with curlers stuck to my hair. Really wish I had a photo of that! The basement had an outside stairway to the garage so one night I snuck outside and took a walk around a couple city blocks. Was very cold and the cold air on my nylon clad legs and up my skirt was amazing! About 3/4 of the way around the block, a car came up from behind me and I got spooked. Being caught crossdressing on a small farming village in the 60's would have been devastating. So I took off running for the house, curlers flying, must have broken all kinds of speed records. lol
Did not attempt to go outside again until I was in college and then when I was in my late 40's, 50's, 60's.....
About 15 years ago, I met a CD that I had first met here. I was fully dressed and we went to an LGBT bar/restaurant for lunch and conversation. That was the first of many times out.
Like so many of us, my first timid steps out the door were to walk in my backyard...That gave way to driving while dressed, which was so liberating and exciting. The car was a sanctuary, other drivers might glance over while driving, or at a red light, finally, I was truly out and about! Short drives gave way to longer drives...And then, small steps outside the car...Next it was to an ATM, pumping gas, then window shopping after hours in a small downtown.
Finally, I had the fortitude to attend a CD party or two...I still don't go out in public much, but I did break out, and all of it's been fun.
I too wish I could have seen Karren running like the wind with curlers in her hair.
I had the same very small moments when no one was home and I would run outside and then run right back in. It wasn’t until college when I could drive and be out. That soon became getting gas, and paying for it at the window. Not many credit cards then. So thereafter, going into the store at night and then going in the store during the day and buying something.
It would have been so much easier then if they had credit cards and self checkout….but no, we had cash and you had to actually pay a person who then made change and they always commented on your dress.
My first public outing with the intention of mingling with fellow humans was on a Halloween. Before that I had gone for drive and evening strolls in a quiet neighborhood. On my first Halloween foray I wore a just-below-the knee long sleeve jade street with a black floral pattern, black heels and black hosiery, a brunette shoulder length wig and all the proper undergarments; black bra and panty and black full slip. I had done my makeup and nails. If one has angst with mingling or just being seem Halloween is the best day of the year. I went into retail establishments and actually got some compliments.
My 1st outing was a week at SCC a T convention in Atlanta. With 700+ T's in the hotel and about 40 attendees from CD.com it was a week of daily and evening dressing and mind blowing experiences with a heap of new friend!:hugs:
That was nearly 20 years ago and I'm still in touch with a few of them. Altho nearly all the CD.com T's have graduated or moved on!:sad:
My first "real" outing was while my wife was at a Dr. appointment, there are a number of building on the property with streams, water falls and walking paths. I changed in the car, put on my make up and walked all the trails (over a mile) during the day with lots of people out and about. No negative comments from anyone, it was great.
Like many I have been dressing since my early teens but I finally ventured out in public around 2013 I was on a business trip so I dressed in a skirt, blouse, heels, wig, full makeup and hit the local mall. Nothing negative happened but I was easily clocked as a crossdresser back then after that it was a slippery slope into many more crossdressing ventures.
I thought I looked beautiful, but in reality! LolQuote:
Originally Posted by Christie ann
I did not count the many times when the local gang of girls played catch the boy and put a dress on him! I was 9 or 10. And surely not the slowest boy in the block, I got caught a lot more than anyone else. I still remember wearing that old dress, surrounded by all those girls. A number of times at night, when everyone was asleep, I would wear my mothers long line girdle and bra and sneak out of the house and walk up and down the sidewalk. Guess I had a streak of exhibitionism in me way back then!
My first and only time out was in my early teens when my mother dressed me as a girl for Halloween. She put me in my sister’s clothes, tied a cute scarf around my head, and drove me to a nearby town to attend a Halloween event. I spent several glorious hours mingling with the crowd, and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.
Not a race….you just do you.
When Sher first went out she chickened out …..and that’s fine.
She still wanted to try so I had her envision it in her mind first then act it out.
We did that and picked something easy, wore clothes to blend it and it went great.
Before we knew it her confidence grew and we went everywhere.
So start small is my advice .
Or A TG/Cd event that it might be their first time.
Enjoy
My first outing was with my wife at a neighborhood Halloween party.
I was a little stunned by how many times I was groped (thigh, butt, and boobs) by men and women. Two men made a deal about putting their hands over my mouth and kissing the back of their hands.
It was confusing, thrilling, scary, and a bit more than I expected.
I did win best costume and got $50.
Wedding dresses are really comfy.
My first time was when I was about 16 also.
Home alone, dressed with makeup (it was terrible) and I walked out the door into the daylight. I was sooo scared. Of course after that there were the typical night ventures in dark parking lots and such.
My first "real" time out in public I went to a support group meeting. When it ended someone said "who's going to the diner?". I was like WHAT? They did this regularly and I said OMG WTF, let's go! There were about 8 of us. We walked in, were greeted by the manager, a waitress led us to our table ... in the Middle of the room ... and we sat and owned it. We were treated like royalty and it was fantastic. After that the world was my oyster and I began going everywhere, to the malls, the movies, restaurants and nothing was ever the same again. Those ladies broke me forever and I thank them for it.
I wish I had grown up in that neighborhood!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Karren H
The first time out, I was on vacation in Colorado. This was about 25 years ago. I had just purchased my first wig. I had rice filled nylons for boobs, terrible makeup and scared s***less. I managed to make it out to my truck (tall trucks and skirt don't go well together) drove around. I made it in to a store at the outlet mall, I think I shocked the SA just a bit. I could not find my voice at all. Headed back to the hotel, made it back to my room. I was breathing so hard I felt like I just ran a marathon. The whole outing only lasted about 45 minutes. But I made it back alive. :heehee:
It took another 15 years before I had a proper outing. Now I can leave my house dressed and interact with just about anyone. And I look good (or at lease not terrible) doing it.
Sara
My first time out was 18 months ago. I wore a long denim skirt and long sleeve tunic top to a large state park near me. A few days later, I went to an outdoor mall in the same clothes and I was hooked. Since then I have been out over 300 times and have lived full time as a woman for the past year.
Does wearing nail varnish count, when shop assistants can see? If so then a couple of times. I regularly go out with knickers on, recently adding a bralette and today some thigh highs. Enjoying every moment that I can!
I'm not sure I'll want to go out, unless I can pass. I may well mix it up into a hybrid mode with some male and some female bits. Androgynous?
My first time was the night before Thanksgiving in 1995. My wife went to her dad's with our daughter to help him get ready to host Thanksgiving. I got dressed as soon as she left and waited until about 10 pm. I drove around a bit, and even got out of my car in a shopping center parking lot. I didn't have a wig, but my hair was long enough to be styled feminine as best as I could. My legs were not shaven, but I had on a skirt and tights. I'm sure my makeup was atrocious. I was only out for about 45 minutes, and it was heaven. It was the beginning of many years of exploring and experimenting with my gender.
Jodiee, great thread but really just go for it, you'll only regret not having done it earlier!
My first time out of the front door was at about 18 though I had been dressing almost every single chance since 13 or so. I will admit it took about 15 minutes to actually walk out that door but it was well worth the wait. I had on a pink knit dress and 3" sandals, a grey coat and a purse with all the required items, my best effort on makeup and long, pink fake nails. After grabbing the door handle and letting go for the 10th time I finally just twisted it, stepped through and went right to the car, slid in and put on the seat belt, such a feeling when it fell between but the best was actually driving with heels! I just went for a short drive but since then have tried to relive that original event, you should try it for yourself!
Mine was Blackpool about 6am in February.
Id always said i wanted to do it but the wife was the one that said one day, "we do it this Sunday" So i could hardly back out.
We left the house at 5am underdressed and got changed down the road (kids at home) Blackpool is about 45 min drive. The closer we got the more excited/scared i was. Carpark is 50m from beach front
It was still dark when we got there, few people about
Spent about an hour walking, it got light and more people were out. I got a few looks disapproving but nothing was said.
I think it was because someone was with me, if id been alone it could have been a lot different.
Drove back dressed and changed on the way. Not done it since as my wife is not fully on board with my dressing
Emily xx
My first time out was to a work colleague's Halloween party at his rather large cabin deep in the woods. Tootsie (the movie) had its highly successful release that year so I attended through pink fog and the thinnest veil of contemporary cover. I wore a mid-thigh denim skirt, black turtleneck, Good-Will bra stuffed with I can't remember what, a thin blonde wig, appropriate tan hosiery, bad makeup (by today's standards) and a wicked pair of black knee-high boots with 3 1/2 inch spike heels courtesy of JCPenney. My legs were my strength and I played to them and luckily they got the most attention. Crossing the threshold to see 40 or 50 work colleagues and wives was, as someone mentioned above, thrilling and terrifying, at the same time. Not another male was remotely crossdressed as crossdressing was not so common in my rural Midwest town in the early 80s. I made it through the evening gathering too much attention for my introverted ways. A lot of amazing memories though. What was I thinking?
It didn't seem to hurt my career climb, but the costume continued to be brought up at the most unexpected times, even 15 years later. (If they could only see me now.)
My first time out was of all things, grocery shopping. I must have screamed man in a dress.
The sunhat I wore I am sure just drove attention to me.
No pitchforks though. I got through it and I have done many other outings. Clothes shopping, movie theater, fast food take out are some. I have yet go in and sit down in a fancy restaurant, a bar or night club.
I need to get a hall pass so I can do a weekend in Palm Springs or Las Vegas.
My first time fully made up was in July. My wife and I drove up the local hills at night and parked up. During the day I have made 2 solo trips, both times going through the Macca's drive through. First time got a weird look from drive through attendant as I have to admit my eyebrows were a bit heavy.
Still looking to do an appropriate bar maybe in a different town
My first time out in public was in Sept 2017, almost exactly 2 1/2 months after my first time dressing in private. I went to Asheville to meet up with some other girls who I had met from on here. I went a day early and found out that another girl was coming in a day early also so we planned to go out to eat.. The other girl was just on the verge of going full time so she was way farther along than me. I'm thinking we would go to a discreet place for dinner... but no.. we go to a brewery then from there to a college bar in downtown Asheville. Scared me half to death... the next day we went to lunch then the mall where I got to sit in the big chair at the MAC counter and get my makeup done.. Great times...
Tough for me to choose a specific first outing what counts and what sort of counts there was that time with a friend's girlfriend at her churches Halloween. Party and she helped dress me up but I never got the pictures. I don't know if that counts.😀
Then there was a random time I drove into the city to a sleezy tranny bar. Sorry for the language that's the best way to describe it.
I got hit on by some guy. walked away hit on again. walked away hit on again all by the same guy and I left and was back in the closet For a year.
Then there was a better first outing so to speak. I found a local support group operating out of a private house. I showed up in drab to check it out. I was so welcomed I immediately wish I had brought clothes to change into but I didn't. I went back to the next meeting dressed. It grew from there.
Hello fellow Michigander. Love this state. I went to a life style event dressed. Had chatted with a few members and once a month the have a meet up at this total dive bar type club. But it was fun. I dressed to the nines and everyone was so nice and fun. Other dressers were there too. It was in the evening so it was dark yet still I had to go from the car to the door. Head down...heels pounding the pavement...directly to the door. Once inside all was great. Been several times. SO glad I got out and you will too.
My first outing en femme, in public, was just a short drive around my rural neighborhood. One road in particular was suddenly very busy, I had never see so much oncoming traffic in many years. I thought they could all see me, which was silly really when we were at a closing speed of 110mph. Anyway, the drive, in a dress, wig etc was uneventful and led me to plan my next trip out.
My first time stepping out of the vehicle and walking around was only a couple of years ago. I was fully dressed in my black dress and patterned tights, but wearing a covid mask (not clean shaven). I did wear a little eye makeup, though. I drove to a memorial monument located about 40 yards off a state hwy, but no other visitors. I got out, walked around it, took some pictures, and some on a timer of me. I felt bold enough to stop by another monument, situated in town, closer to a busier street and repeated the procedure. It was thrilling.
I haven't attempted being in public for decades as I would get pegged from 10 miles out. Think NFL Linebacker in a dress. One of the few times I ventured out I was in my late teens or early twenties. I lived in an extremely rural area which provided a TON of deserted back roads to get out and drive and stop occasionally to get out and walk along the road for a bit before returning to my car. Even though I was not interacting with anyone, the experience was exhilarating! My question is can that really be considered "in public"?
The only way I may try it again would be at some gathering where like minded people had come together for an event and not point out the obvious. As I age I'm getting a DILLIGAF attitude about being recognized, but it would certainly have to be far from home to make another attempt as I am still very much in the closet.
Thanks you all for sharing! I wouldn't dive too into the details, all your experiences count as a first time to me and it was great to read them all. I suppose I have been out in public too when I was in high school during my freshman year halloween. I decided to go as a girl and wore some of my girlfriend at the times clothes. Teal tank to, floral pattern skirt and a wig. But at that time I was just a youngster being goofy and could get away with it under the halloween loophole. But I have been more and more curious since I discovered this website and look forward to trying it in the future. Maybe eventually going up to the support group in GR that I've heard so many good things about.
Thanks again for all your replies!
My first time in public was just after my 76th birthday last September. My wife accompanied me to makeup session at Janet's Closet in Wyandotte, Michigan. After thirty years of being together and her knowing about my desire to dress for a long time, I shaved my beard and made plans for this first step out of the closet. I dressed most of the way at home and just added my wig, forms, and heels at Janet's. After a makeup session I walked all around the store and poses for photos. Even going out side in the warm late summer afternoon sun. The young lady doing my makeup had sprayed a fixative on the make up. My wife said that I should drive home (an hour away) dressed. I was thrilled with the unexpected freedom and can remember seeing my legs ad dress hem while in the driver's seat. I stayed dressed until bedtime when I removed my make up, but was thrilled to put on my best nightgown and robe. Things have been busy, but we are planning a shopping trip to get anew wig and clothes with the idea of going out to dinner afterward.
First time fully dressed was when I was in the army stationed in Germany. I left base and took the train to Frankfurt. Got changed on the train into a form fitting, spandex, mini dress, with a fluorescent green and blue striped pattern. I added heels and panty hose. I covered my face with a scarf so I would not be recognized by anybody from base. That was back in the early 2000s. Scary, but exciting at the same time. I was so hooked on dressing and going out in public after that.
First time I really went out, I went to the movies. I was dressed to the nines and looked good, way overdressed for a movie, though. I purchased my ticket at the kiosk and walked up to the ticket taker. he and his friend could not stop looking at me and took it as a compliment. I sat at the back of the movie, enjoyed it, and left at the end. I stopped to get some gas and went home. Had some fun when I got home and couldn't wait to do it again. When I was younger I could pull it off more, now that I am middle aged and little heavier, I have more doubt. Looking back I wish I would have gone out more
My early outings while dressed head to toe as Teresa were:
-Drove around at night
-Went to movies. Safe in the dark theater.
-Drove to CD Meet Up groups with wife. Felt very safe
-Would stop at a MacDonalds window to order a burger and drink
-Later, we would go inside a McDonald's or other fast food place and eat our meal.
-Would visit a mall with my wife to do nothing more than window shop
-The more we went out, the more comfortable we became
-The more comfortable I felt, the more confidence I gained
-The more confidence I became, the more we just enjoyed being out together doing what any two women would do... shop, dine out, movies, travel, grocery shopping, run errands, museums, shop, shop, and shop.
First time I ever went out, we went out of town to a LGBT friendly resort, couldn't have picked a better place, I was nervous and scared but quickly realized no one really gave two thoughts to what I was wearing so it made for a very nice and pleasant first time out
Car drives as well, with visits to ATMs to check my account. Got brave enough to go into a Convenience Store with a ATM.
First time out was without wig or make up! Off the cuff car ride! Went to local park and drove around, past two police officers! Then left the park and had to stop for road work flagman! Wore skirt and blouse with nude pantyhose! Went home and back into the house! Was in daylight while neighbors were all at work!
The start that got me where I am, a pre-op trans woman!
Hugs Lana Mae
What a great thread! I love reading these stories. I wear only women's clothes, but I have alopecia so there's no facial hair and it's very easy for me to present non-binary. I just moved to a place (Portland) that is so open it feels great to just walk out the door as myself. I have yet to dress fully female (wig and more make-up) but with the help of you ladies I'm getting there! <3
My first of only two times out was for our church's adult Sunday school class Halloween PARTY. Our costuming tradition had been dropping off, and after a particularly "disappointing" and uninspired party 1n 2004, I decided that I needed to "Shake things up" with something "Shocking" for the NEXT year. Yes, dressing as "A woman" crossed my mind, but did not seem "imaginative" enough to me. After a few months of thinking about it, the IDEA suddenly struck me. A " Gypsy Fortune Teller!" it had the CD element in it and was appropriate for Halloween. Not to mention a chance for exotic clothing and makeup.---- Needless to say, I was the "star" of the next party, I had even brought along a crystal ball and deck of cards. I discovered dressing up in public was a GREAT (if unconventional) way to meet women too. ALL the ladies wanted me to "read their fortunes" I had them lined up at my table. Needless to say, I WON the costume contest, and my efforts were also successful in revitalizing our Halloween parties. A bit too successful, as the next year, my dead-on "Mark Twain" costume only won SECOND place--- I got beat out by an 80 year old lady who came as a "pregnant Nun!"---- But she deserved it too. ----She also came as a "realistic" "Space Alien" once.
https://www.crossdressers.com/forums...n-public/page2
Here's some more cheers...
Initially it was just drives in my car for a while. I got totally dressed, black leather skirt, nice blouse, boots and all the under pinnings. I would drive along the new route that opened to Newport News VA. I did that quite a few times, but it was too short. I had to head back to PA to see family over the years. I got underdressed ad I was too chicken to go through the toll booth to pay the ticket for the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. I stopped along the way at a Kroger to get make up remover wipes and new makeup items before hitting the bridge. On the other side of the 17 mile crossing I stopped at the rest area, got fully dressed in full length broomstick dress, Eddie Bauer leather lace up flat boots, applied make up and wig. It was red back in the day. I distinctly remember pulling out of the stop and turning on to a rural route off of RT 13. I remember the way the wind felt as it lifted my long dress. It was so wonderful. I would drive about four hours en femme with little fanfare, but alas I would always need to stop for a bathroom break. That could be a problem as I was not confident enough to go to a women's restroom along the way in a fast food place. Along the way there was a rest stop with a porta potty on RT 13. I decided to plunge ahead and stop there. I grabbed my clutch with the keys and stepped in. WHile there I could hear someone outside waiting to come in. I did my business and opened the door and was greeted by a young man who held the door for me! I repeated this process quite a few time while my parents were still alive. Sometimes I had to just squat to do my business after pulling off the busy route to a side road. I would change back somewhere in Delaware or PA. I often dressed on the way back as well. That was sort of unnerving but fun.
I had underdressed for years; but my first time out, fully dressed and made up, was about 25 years ago. I went to one of those PO Box places and checked my mail, then went grocery shopping. I dressed to look like any other 35-ish year old woman, and it went swimmingly.
Not counting a few teenage backyard things and some late night underdressed walks when I resumed dressing years later, my first real time out was about 12 years out when I had my frst makeover and bought my first wig. I dressed in jeans and a top and visited a few shops. I took 10 minutes to get out of the car for that first store but it was worth it. I remember having to buy a comb because my wig got a little messy trying clothes on. All in all, a good day where I surprised myself a little. Just needed to build up a little courage.
I am building to my first outing m'self.