People can surprise you!
Posted: Sat Oct 18, 2008 5:52 pm
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.
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.