Since coming out to my wife a couple of years ago (I posted a long story about that) I have been lucky enough to go out dressed every week or two. I usually go to our favorite thrift store, which is a boutique-y place that only carries womens' clothes, in addition to furniture, jewelry, and art pieces. I frequently go to one of our local coffee shops, which are very accepting of LGBTQ+ patrons.
Last week I went to a restaurant where you order at the counter and they bring it to you. Then, I decided to go for a walk in a beautiful botanic garden which is less than 10 minutes from home. You have to park in a paid parking lot, and then there are trails all through the park. I already had the parking app, so that was easy. I was wearing a denim skirt, a pink cotton SS top, and rose pink leather sandals, with forms, jewelry, light makeup, etc. The sandals were outdoorsy (think Teva).
I spent about 30-40 minutes walking through the park, and I must have passed close by to 30-40 people. I got no reaction, even though I don't pass close up. I even walked past a group of three college-age guys and they didn't bat an eye. (I'm ok if they snickered about a man in a skirt after I was gone.) There is a small unisex restroom way out in the park, which I took advantage of. It has a toilet stall and a urinal. I used the stall, of course, but I didn't lock the main door, so in theory someone else could have come in. I was pleasantly surprised to see some GGs in skirts, and even dresses, though most were in capris or shorts.
Before I went back to my car, I went to the office of the gardens, and spoke to the young woman at the desk. There were gendered restrooms there, but by that time I was good and didn't have to make a decision. I also went to the small gift shop and browsed.
All and all, it was a great confidence builder and another great day out.
