I think I passed? Or am I just kidding myself.

[Guest Leila]

Hi everyone,

And thanks for reading this thread.

Sorry for my extended absence... a lot has happened in the past few months and most of it is for the better!

I've been living as a woman nearly full time now outside of two days a week in school where I'm more androgynous (all girl clothes with light makeup but students know me as a male). This too will change next quarter as I'm gearing up to go completely full time.

Things have gotten so much easier, and I'm happy to report that I no longer feel any anxiety whatsoever when I go out. The tables have actually turned, where my anxiety comes when I present male (I had to attend a friend's memorial service and thought it best not to rock the boat since that circle does not know me as trans). This is not to say I don't get clocked or outed every now and then--it goes without saying. I've just learned to roll with it and not get too upset over it. Depending on the situation, I'm sometimes able to play off of people's curiosity and educate them about trans issues. The whole process continues to be very liberating.

I'll post more later.

Hugs!

Leila

[Guest Svenna]

Good for you, Leila!!

You are a fine lookin' gal with a great attitude. I am a bit envious! lol...

Love, Svenna

[Guest LorieAnne]

Heck yes girl! Sounds like you are doing great! It's so neat to read this post as its like getting to watch a younger sister kick some booty! I feel so very proud of you and also so inspired. It feels so great when you are out and about and are able to drop the self conscious tapes we play in our heads, over and over again, and be the woman you where meant to be! I think ru-Paul (yes, I know he's a drag queen, but she inspired me so much in my coming out) says it best. " what other people think, is none of your business". I sometimes chant that like a mantra when I am out and it helps me to relax ad enjoy whatever it is I am doing.

You are definitely passable on your pic. Obviously you are doing well with kicking some of the boy gestures/habits that are socially engrained in us from an early age. Keep up the good work and represent with pride and self love!

[Guest Kitty_Babe]

Sounds to me like you passed, the looks you may have gotten could have been because you were looking around to see if anyone was looking at you, thus making you look suspicious in their eyes, they may have even been wondering why you were looking at them.

Paula

That's quite true - never really thought of it like that, TBH. Leila - you look completely fine My answer is a little late, but I thought I would say it anyway