Hi, ladies! (Apologies in advance for the long post)
First, I'd like to give Carol, Virginia, Sophie, Amelie, Merinda and Beauty a BIG HUG
for their words of encouragement. There were a few moments on Saturday when I considered skipping the meeting. Knowing that you were there in spirit, got me out the door.
Not feeling comfortable with just showing up at the meeting, the chapter board member who conducted my interview invited me to ride over to the meeting location with her. Thinking that traffic could be hit or miss to her location, I started getting ready about four hours early. Luckily, dressing is not a problem in my home, so I was able to take my time (or so I thought) and flit from room to room; alternately ironing, brushing and applying. Organized (?) chaos.
Having discussed the dress code during my interview, I opted for something feminine, yet tastefully casual - women's jeans, peasant top and sandals. I also packed a spare denim jumper and tee, just in case. Like I noted earlier, I thought I had enough time, but as the clock started ticking to the departure time, I still had the stick-on nails to do. I just threw the nails and spare outfit in a bag, grabbed my purse and wig, then ran out the front door --- almost into my next door neighbor who was washing her car. Now, there are portions of the Dead Sea Scrolls that were penned since soap has been applied to the car in question (or this is how it seemed to me at the time). “#%^^*@! Of all the days to wash a car. She picks today!” I wasn’t so much concerned about the jeans and makeup as I was the peasant top and breast forms. Yessiree, those would definitely catch her attention. Fortunately, she had her back turned at the moment that I burst from the house. I let fly an oath then jumped back inside to regroup. I traded the peasant top for a black t-shirt (to somewhat disguise the forms) and walked back out the door. After driving a mile down the road, I realized that I had left my top at home, so I had to turn around and “run the gauntlet” again. The trials and tribulations that we girls must endure!
The ride was uneventful, but fun as any opportunity to be en femme is. Making better time than I expected, I pulled over at a convenience store to apply my nails. That done, I continued on to the hotel where the board member was staying. Once I was about 10 minutes away, I called her to find out where she wanted to meet. She indicated that her room was near one of the side entrances. I made a final check of my make-up and wig before entering the hotel. This is when it hit me. “I’m getting ready to meet another girl in person!” Trepidation and a sense of accomplishment hit me at the same time. Knocking on her room, I was greeted by a lady in a very nice white skirt and jacket ensemble. After exchanging greetings, I asked, “Is this ok?”, noting my more casual attire. “You’re fine”, she smiled. As she finished her preparations we talked a little more about the group, then left for the car.
Once we reached the hotel where the meeting was to be held, I noticed several non-CDer guests mingling near the lobby through which we had to pass. “If she can do it, I can do it”, ran through my mind. Stepping out of the car we were immediately greeted by one of the other girls attending the meeting. This trio strolled confidently (well, maybe two of them anyhow) through the hotel. When we arrived at the rooms, there were a few girls and SOs mingling. I was taken through the standard introductions, when another reality check hit – “These guys are dressed like women…. just like me.” The feeling of acceptance was wonderful, to say the least. Most of the ladies were dressed in skirts and jackets or pantsuits. Some were a bit more casual (one lady was sporting a leather mini and boots). Some members who had to leave the meeting early arrived in drab. At first, it was a little difficult to jump into conversations with these girls who had obviously known each other for some time, but that passed as the afternoon progressed. The conversations ranged from the economy, to politics, to auto racing, to who was attending Southern Comfort. The ladies ran the gamut of ages (20s to 50s), sizes, shapes and backgrounds; nearly 20 attendees in all. I heard someone describe the group as a microcosm of society at large. I could have been attending the Super Bowl in drab with this group and never felt differently.
There was a short business meeting, followed by another round of socializing. Then, we left the hotel to have dinner at a tg-friendly establishment. More chat ensued. As I had mentioned in an earlier post, this particular Tri-Ess chapter has an open enrollment policy. One of the ladies in attendance had completed SRS a few years before. We talked at length about what the process was like for her and how her life had changed, positively and negatively, afterwards. Many of the issues mirrored stories shared by the girls in this forum. Unfortunately, I had to leave early due to another commitment. Many of the other girls were planning to go clubbing after dinner. Would have been a blast. Maybe next time.
This is going to sound strange, but when I returned home, it was easier for me to return to male mode than before. I’m guessing that I had fulfilled my need to express the feminine part of myself with others. It felt healthy and cathartic. Balance is everything. Based on my very limited experience, I would recommend the organization highly to anyone wanting to take the next step, no matter how well (or in my case, how little) you think you pass. Acceptance just feels too darn good to pass up.
Be Careful, But Get Out
Angie
, I for one wish you all the best with Tri Ess. I know the wife and I both really enjoyed our chapter. Gee I went for and interview, meeting, and found myself out in public with the girls at a very nice restaurant. I don't think you will find them a bigger closet as you say.
