advice for San Francisco trip

[Veronica Smith]

My wife and I are making a three day trip to San Francisco in a few weeks. I've never dressed in public (in fact I have a moustache, so that would make it even more difficult!).

My wife is trying to be more accepting of my crossdressing, but really doesn't like to see me dressed outwardly at home. I'm wondering whether I could get away with wearing some obviously feminine clothing while we are there. Things like a feminine blouse, or maybe a bra and camisole with straps visible under my shirt or blouse, or maybe some capri pants. Maybe some shows that were obviously feminine. I'd love to convince my wife to go shopping with me in some female clothing.

Do any of you know how "accepting" San Franciscans are likely to be of an obvious male in women's clothing? My wife would just die if someone made a negative comment to us.

Thanks for any help you can offer,
Veronica

[Terri(SO)]

While there's no guarantee that no one will say something rude, San Francisco is generally accepting of all individuals.

[Jessie]

I met a woman (a friend of my fathers in cigare smoking society that he is) and she told me that there are some factions in San Fran that either say that your either in our out you can not have a feet in both sides of each world. This was a couple years ago when she told me this and I am not sure exactly what she ment but I thought I would pass this on just as advise.

[Angie]

Veronica,

I am planning a trip to San Francisco this summer and had requested information from Transgender SF to get a sense of what the social climate is like. Hopefully their response, while not specifically addressing a mixed gender presentation, will give you some idea of what to expect.

Take Care,
Angie

"The biggest problem you will probably have while
visiting touristy areas is from the tourists
themselves. I think most people who travel to San
Francisco realize that they will probably see
something a little different, but not all.

In the city itself, you shouldn't have any trouble,
except, like I said, in the exclusively tourist
areas....such as Fisherman's Wharf. But even there,
you will probably be ok. The people that run the
ferryboats (I believe they are the Blue and Gold
fleet) have worked with TGSF in the past...and there
are one or two workers with them that are CD. Union
Square should be fine, and the rest of the areas
should be ok. As with any large city, just be smart
and don't get yourself into trouble.

I'm not sure about the wine country, but I haven't
heard of any problems from any transgender people that
have been there. You have to remember that anyone in
the tourist business has probably seen it
all...especially around here.

Oh yeah, just because it is summer here, bring a
jacket anyway. It can still get kinda cool. Mark
Twain said it best...the coldest winter I ever spent
was a summer in San Francisco."

[DonnaT]

Veronica,

I figure you can go around as you like, but I've not been there. The problem I see is how your wife will feel.

I've tried to do similar to what you suggest with my wife, but she's not yet comfortable with it. I desire to have a happy vacation, so will not dress in other towns unless my wife agrees. She's said she'd let me, but hasn't yet. And I don't force the issue.