It’s pride week here in Cork, Ireland, and I was on my way to an outdoor event on Sunday. I booked in for a makeup lesson at MAC on the way (I do that whenever I need to buy makeup, because, why not... I get to learn). I had removed my wig for the lesson and hastily put it back on when I left. I went into a public ladies restroom to adjust and brush it. It was quite busy, and there was an older woman at the sink next to me. As soon as she saw me, she said loudly, “oh my god, your hair is gorgeous!” I was caught off-guard and could just manage a “thank you” and a smile (in guy mode, if someone says that, I usually go, “thanks, I grow it myself”, but I couldn’t very well say that about a wig). Anyway, she said “you’re very welcome”. Ostensibly she meant for the compliment, but I think there was a subtext of “you’re welcome to use the ladies”, and I just felt so much more at ease. It doesn’t take much to show acceptance, and just a simple thing made me feel warm inside. It’s just one incident of many, and it really makes me feel I chose a great city to live in!
- Manasi