Outings for 2006

[Kyra]

Things have been pretty busy for me as of late.

As you all know, I joined the local support group in Denver late last year. Tau Sigma Kappa is the Denver chapter of Tri-Ess. (http://www.rmtsk.org/) It was the best thing I have ever done. Amber and I have found another couple here in our area. (They live less than a mile from us!) We have many similarities and interests and have fast become good friends.

Last weekend Kayla, my “sister”, wanted to have her hair done at a TG friendly place in Cheyenne. She asked me to join her for the trip. Amber and I, along with Kayla and her SO went north to Wyoming. (only a 45 minute trip) We met another couple from the Tri-Ess group at the salon. While Kayla was having her hair styled, we sat and talked in the waiting area. It was such an enjoyable conversation. I was a bit nervous when other ladies walked in for their appointments, but not an eyelash was batted in our direction. No second glances or smirks, they just went about their business. When Kayla was done we went to a restaurant for coffee and dessert. The wait-staff were very professional and treated us with respect. I witnessed no sneering or giggles and no funny looks from other patrons. I was actually surprised. I know we live in an imperfect world. I half expected someone to say or do something inappropriate. To my knowledge, it just didn’t happen. It made for such a wonderful day/evening out. I should point out, that these were places recommended as TG friendly. I wish there was a publication for all places of this kind. Hmmm...

Yesterday was the monthly meeting in Denver for TSK. Before the meeting several members wanted to attend the Dame Edna show. If you’ve not heard of Dame Edna, she is a crossdressing performer. (http://www.dame-edna.com/) So Kayla and I made ourselves pretty and along with her SO, met others at the theatre. What better place for a group of crossdressers to congregate! We went as a group, and I didn't feel nervous at all. (Chin up, Kyra. Walk proud!) Edna was hilarious. I laughed so hard, my stomach hurt. The show was a riot. If you ever have the chance to see her, DO IT! My only regret was Amber had to work, and couldn’t attend with us. Afterwards, we went to a nice restaurant for dinner and meeting. Again, the wait-staff were nothing short of impressive. They were very professional and courteous. That’s the kind of service I don’t mind tipping for. A great meal and meeting ended a beautiful day.

So that’s the abbreviated version of my outings this year. I’m sure there’ll be many more. I’ll try to keep you up to date, as things progress.

Hugs to all,
Kyra

[DonnaT]

Very cool Kyra.

I agree that publications of trans friendly spots would be a great asset to those wanting to venture out. With all the support groups around, you'd think they'd start compiling a list.

[Virginia]

Hi Kyra,
Ain't it great!!! It is so much fun going out. I feel that I have reached a state in my journey, where most of the fun is in getting ready and looking good! I and I hope those of my sisters who do go out will reach a point where you are out for yourself and you don't even care or even notice what other people may do or say!
Support groups can be so much fun too as you are finding out. Sharing adventures and places to go that are TG friendly just a wealth of information if you get involved with these groups. I am working on getting our local GBLT organization to start putting together a directory also. This town is not really ready to whole-hearted accept "us." but we are making inroads and I feel that everytime I got out "en femme" and interact with someone it is just one more small step toward acceptance!
Rock on Ladies!
Virginia

[Anita]

Thanks for posting that, Kyra, I enjoyed reading it. Sometimes it's so easy and so effortless to be out, and your description made it sound like some of those times. Do keep us posted about future times out!

[Kyra]

Here's a little update on our Cheyenne trip. I received and email from Cindy (the Tri-Ess member we met up there) In which she stated that after we left, the hairdresser Phil went to talk with the other women who entered while we were there. (It was the owner of the salon and her mother!) Phil asked them if they had any problems with his crossdressing clientelle. They said no, and commented on wanting to speak with them the next time they came in. Then they proceeded to praise Phil for the work he did on the young lady's (Kayla's) hair. Apparently they didn't realize three of the six ladies chatting in the waiting area were CDers!

Now that's an ego boost!

Hugs,
Kyra

[JoanieC]

Kyra-

Thanks for sharing this outing with us all. It sounded fantastic!!! Keep us posted on the goings-on and fun.

You are really helping me think hard about joining rmtsk and getting out and about. For me, first things first, though. I need to discuss it with my wife and get her acceptance. I haven't discussed with her about "going out dressed" yet. I have mentioned joining Tri-Ess, but it has been a year since we seriously discussed it. Life is just starting to settle back down a bit for us as I've finally finished school, and stopped working crazy long hours. However, as my wife and I are expecting our second child (due this summer), I'm extremely nervous about bringing up the whole thing. I want to put family first. Anyway, hope to see you at a meeting soon. Since I'm not on the "official" yahoo rmtsk page, can you tell Ginny, Tina or Jennifer to update the webpage so I can see what days the monthly meetings are schedule for? Perhaps you can pm me with the schedule.

Again, thanks for sharing your fun trip to the "Home of Frontier Days", and Dame Edna!
Hugs-
-Joanie

[Kyra]

Thanks Joanie!

I'm in total agreement on the 'Family first' issue. An absolute must in my book. It is very nice to be able to get out, though...what am I saying?!!!

It's AWESOME!!

When things settle down at home, and life returns to normal talk to your wife. If she's okay with it, then call them.

Hugs,
Kyra

[Kyra]

Wow, I just realized I haven't posted in a while.

Let's see... I didn't get out at all in Feb. I spent most of my time in boy mode. Doing fatherly and husbandly things with the family.

In March, I went to the meeting in Denver. We met at the Mercury Cafe. A very GLBT friendly place downtown. After meeting and meal, we adjourned upstairs for the Live bands playing. A couple of local bands played that night. The Aqua-sonics did renditions of all the old surf classics. If you like that kind of music, they did a superb job. The Dead Sinatras (an all lesbian band, whose members were all named Nancy ) played lots of "girl" tunes and we danced the night away. If I'd have known I was going to be dancing I wouldn't have worn heels! Surprisingly, my feet weren't very sore the next morning.

Last night we travelled to Denver again, and after getting lost in a 'not so nice' section of town finally made it to the meeting place. This meeting was not a social event as the others were, but instead focused on support. A local therapist was guest speaker and touched on topics about CDing and our married and single community. It was a pretty interesting discussion, but the highlight of the night was the trip home. As we got lost going down to Denver, you can rest assured I wasn't going to get lost going home, right?!
Not! Poor Kyra, still trying to get her bearings. It must be the altitude.

Anyway, I finally realized where we were and found a familiar highway. The only downfall - it was a toll road. Oh well, I didn't mind shelling out a few dollars to assure us safe passage home. So we continued up the tollway. First tollbooth was quick and painless, I paid the toll and the lady said thanks without much of a glance. But the second tollbooth had an elderly man who seemed very friendly. I paid the toll and he looked me dead square in the eyes and said, "Thank you, ma'am. Have a nice evening."
He said ma'am!
To me!
I was giddy, all the way home.

[Virginia]

Hi Kyra,
It is pretty simple honey, you gotta believe!!!
Glad you are back participating with us and enjoying your "Magical Mystery Tour!"
Love,
Virginia