People can surprise you!

[Kimberly Kael]

I was up early this morning because that was the only time I could schedule a facial with the woman who does my waxing. She's an sweetheart, and has been very interested in hearing about my transgender experiences. When we first touched on the subject I was a little tentative about it - but I had no reason to be. She took it in stride and talked about some of the Japanese establishments that cater to crossdressing businessmen that she knew about. She thought they'd adore me there. While I've always wanted to travel to Japan, I really thought of their culture as more conservative.

Then again that's what I think of American culture and I am constantly surprised.

As usual for the weekend I was dressed in mixed mode: women's clothing and shoes, light makeup (I stopped by home after my facial), earrings, purse, but no breast forms. I was done far too early for my usual lunch spot so I decided to stop by the mall. Macy's was having their one-day sale and I thought beating the crowds sounded like a good idea. The only thing that grabbed me was a pair of short boots I had been eyeing but hadn't had time to try on. No time like the present! As usual, nobody batted an eye when I asked to try them on. Better yet the salesman knew they ran small and brought a half-size larger than I asked for, which were perfect. He also brought three other styles he thought I might want to consider as alternatives and encouraged me to take my time about trying them on. Lovely! He was obviously going out of his way to help me find something I'd like and make me comfortable, but of course most sales staff in larger stores have been educated about their transgender clientele.

Less expected was the reaction of the middle-aged woman nearby who was trying on shoes herself. She gushed about the shoes I had picked out, and complemented me on my graceful walk in them despite the significant heel. I was very touched but not nearly as shocked as I would have been once upon a time. Honestly, I've had more positive experiences than I can count. Sure, disapproving glares aren't rare but are outweighed by open curiosity and flat-out acceptance by the vast majority of those I've interacted with while presenting feminine aspects.

Obviously there are people, venues, cities, and whole cultures where my experience would be far less positive. Still, I get the distinct impression that there are fewer of each every day.

[Athena]

That's a very inspiring story. Thank you for sharing it!

The way I see it, as people learn about things like this, their minds slowly open and they become more tolerant and understanding. It does takes time, but it seems to be happening

[Johanna]

Congratulations on finding some understanding in a world that too often ridicules our lifestyle. You had the courage to make the appointment, which is a good lesson for those of us who are frightened.

[JoAnnDallas]

When I first started going out fully dressed, I feared that I would be made and then made fun of. Since then, I have noticed almost no reaction from anyone. either I am passing better now that my wife has accepted me or people are getting more used to us. The only reaction I have gotten was from a young lady who I had to show my ID to for a return at WalMart. At first she was a little confused, kept looking at my ID then at me. Took her about a full minute to realize that I was really a male, but then she got her composure back and still treated me as the woman I was presenting.