First off, let me say that I'm still enjoying these boards, ant the wealth of information here. Kewlness!
But I came out of lurking because I had a question. I've read that some (if not most) of ya'll have gone out dressed and some even with the SO's. Where, though? I've gone out dressed once about 3 years ago, and I feel like I'd like to try it again. Kinda sucks being all dressed up and having nowhere to go...
Go wherever you would feel comfortable going. If you don't go out regularly, then I would suggest going with a friend, going out alone is kinda intimidating, if you don't go out much.
I don't go out much now, I just go to friends places and hang out. I used to go to discos, clubs and bars of all types. But now, I feel like a baby seal, I feel like I've been clubbed to death.
Just pick the place you would like to go and check it out in male mode and if you think that the place would be fun, then go there dressed in fem.
Most of the time I go shopping or to my TG support group meeting.
I have also been to dinner a couple of times, to the movies, and to the county fair.
The more places you go, the more comfortable you will be with being out and about. Of course, there are some places which you want to avoid, due to concerns for safety.
Sharon Rose
Your future is what you make of it, so make it a good one.
I agree, attending local TG support group meetings together is a very good start. Once you become more comfortable with that first step, others will become easier. (Just be careful not to push your SO's boundaries of comfort too quickly.)
Driving around - not as fun now with gas prices!
Movie
Restaurant or drive thru!
Tre-Ess meetings or other like situations
Steer clear of the malls - our worst enemy can be found there - a "pack" = 2 or more teenage girls! They will out you in a second and tell everyone in your and most surrounding zip codes! If you think you can handle it fine, but be warned!
Virginia
First star to the right, then straight on 'till mornin!
I haven't been out and about other than driving around late at night. Last night my GG fiance and I went out for a long drive since, I now bought my forms and a beautiful wig and some new winter clothes.
It was pretty dull other than two cars of guys were checking me out and waving at me. I was like UH HO! But all went well. I told Jenn that they were looking at her but she was still in her scrubs and was not dolled up like I was. She said that it was me that the were hot for.
I was getting comfortable towards the end of the drive by looking over at the other cars at red lights but most were other girls.
I think in FEB. I will go to a local CD'rs support group here and be around others like myself. They go out to local clubs after the meeting so it will give me the chance to get out into the public. It will be a start.
Best wishes for the new year to everyone!
When shopping "en femme," there are places which are relatively safe and those which are less so.
I live within a 15 minute walk from a mall in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland which includes branches of MARSHALLS, BURLINGTON COAT FACTORY, PAYLESS SHOE SOURCE and a number of places which cater to teenage girls and young women. The ONLY time I entered the place in drag was on a Sunday afternoon. The mall wasn't crowded and I was spotted by two teenage girls who tried to get my attention. They may have been simply curious, but I did not want to deal with them in a public situation and just walked on. I go to this mall in "drab" only now. There are always teenagers present and I prefer to avoid awkward situations. Also, I don't want to wind up in any situation which might involve dealing with security people.
Certain neighborhoods, which are known for tolerance and progressive values, such as Takoma Park, Maryland (which has 3!! vintage clothing shops and 1 "consignment" place) and "old town" Alexandria (Virginia) will generally be "safer" than any suburban mall. I also have generally been OK in the Dupont Circle and Foggy Bottom areas of Washington, D.C.
But you should be aware of your surroundings at all times wherever you are.
I will not go to a movie theater any more while "dressed,"-- again, lots of teenagers and of course there is the restroom issue. I've gone to movie theaters twice while "dressed," and the situation is too stressful.
Teenagers and young working class men are the groups I'm most nervous about running into when "dressed." I agree that teenagers are the most likely to recognize a CD and may interact in very difficult ways.
I should also mention that I do not drive, and must either walk or use public transit or both to get anywhere. The D.C. "Metro" system can be a nerve wracking place for a CD, since it is another place where there are plenty of teenagers in close proximity. Not all teenagers will give a CD trouble; some are probably just curious. But it only takes one...
By the way, the Silver Spring branch of Burlington Coat Factory has a women's PLUS SIZE section with 1X, 2X, and even 3X items available. Some of the stuff really is kinda cute (I got two sweaters with fuzzy hoods today)-- neither frumpy or too formal.
Well, that's it for today's "sermon."
Talk to you all again soon.
Peace-- Kendra Lynn
Well...Virginia mentioned it..and she has in past posts also..our worst nightmare is a group of teens. I have never shopped malls enfemme....actually very rarely ever in any mode, anyway
Where I dress?
TG group
When TG group goes to a dinner
Home,of course
When invited to a TG affair
and the craziest thing I ever did...spent 3 days enfemme in Orlando and went to Disney.. a time I'll remember as i grow old.
But always..be safe...I would never go out by myself. By joining a group, you will meet others of a like mind to go out with. And it leads to a lot of fun
I would love to go to Provincetown or one of the other great events, but I'm a caregiver and have limits. if you get a chance..look into those events
DeeDee
