first day out, dress-wise

[Jamey-Heather]

My students have known I identify as female for several months. For various reasons, including a commute through Trumpville, I have never worn a dress in front of them. Since today was the last day of the term, I needed to have them see. And they've been so amazing! If it weren't for them, I don't think I'd have the courage to make this journey. Hugs to all.

[DeeDee]

Wow Jamey, what a huge first step! My first time out as myself I went to the most secluded place I could find lol. I'm glad you got such a positive response, and as a nice bonus it teaches them so much about being able to be their authentic selves instead of struggling to fit in. 

[Becoming Diana]

What a wonderful experience.  I'm out at work but haven't had the courage to wear a dress or a skirt at work yet.  I hope to one day.  I'm glad this went well for you.

[Jamey-Heather]

2 hours ago, Becoming Diana said:

What a wonderful experience.  I'm out at work but haven't had the courage to wear a dress or a skirt at work yet.  I hope to one day.  I'm glad this went well for you.

I honestly only found the courage this morning, and only because I know I have several trans and genderqueer students: I felt like, no matter how scared I was (A LOT!), they needed to see a trusted adult show their true colors. And today was my last day with many of them. We all have a hard road in this transphobic society, and while I have no desire to be a heroine, I know everything we do, every moment of bravery no matter how brief, will help transform our society. Someday, maybe, a child born in the wrong body will never have to experience the fear and trauma we have all had to face. I hope you can dress like you want to at work soon, but believe me, I understand not doing so. Much love and big hugs!

 

[Guest]

I can’t find words to convey how much I love this post.

[Delcina B]

Wonderful @Jamey! You go girl! Happy your students were supportive. My dress days are only a few, mostly a jeans farm girl.

 

Hugs!

Delcina

[Jamey-Heather]

2 hours ago, Delcina B said:

Wonderful @Jamey! You go girl! Happy your students were supportive. My dress days are only a few, mostly a jeans farm girl.

Hugs!

Delcina

Same here, at least for now. As I tell anyone who asks, I always dress as a woman: just not always a gendernormed stereotype of one 🙂❤️

 

[Jamey-Heather]

2 hours ago, Jamie73 said:

I can’t find words to convey how much I love this post.

❤❤❤

[Tricia]

How brave.   What a great example you are to your students.  I bet it will make a positive, inspiring example for some of them.  Thanks for sharing

[Sally Stone]

Way to go Jamey. Triumphs like yours are so inspiring.  I have no doubt your courage will inspire one of your students who may have been hiding in the closet.  You go, girl!

[KathyLauren]

On 12/4/2021 at 12:10 AM, Jamey said:

I honestly only found the courage this morning, and only because I know I have several trans and genderqueer students: I felt like, no matter how scared I was (A LOT!), they needed to see a trusted adult show their true colors. And today was my last day with many of them. We all have a hard road in this transphobic society, and while I have no desire to be a heroine, I know everything we do, every moment of bravery no matter how brief, will help transform our society. Someday, maybe, a child born in the wrong body will never have to experience the fear and trauma we have all had to face. I hope you can dress like you want to at work soon, but believe me, I understand not doing so. Much love and big hugs!

 

 

Jamey, I just found this post.  I want to tell you how profound that experience probably was for some of your students.

 

Six years ago, I attended a lecture on astrophysics.  Sitting in that lecture hall with several hundred people, watching a trans woman deliver an interesting talk on her latest research was what "cracked my egg". 

 

I realized that a trans person could be a regular person, doing regular things.  An educated person, a respected person.  They didn't have to be "trans-ing" all the time.  They could just go about their business like regular people.

 

That on-hour lecture on the accretion disks of white dwarf stars changed my life, and not because of the astrophysics.

 

Thank you for passing that experience on to your students!

[Artpetal]

Sounds great.

[Jamey-Heather]

Today was day two! If not for the students, I’d probably still be hiding at work. I wasn’t even planning on it, but I just couldn’t NOT do it, if you know what I mean. Next I need to learn how to shave my legs properly ❤️

[Deseret P]

That’s awesome! My Next step is leaving the house for a full day. I get excited and terrified when I think about it. 

[Jamey-Heather]

17 hours ago, Deseret P said:

That’s awesome! My Next step is leaving the house for a full day. I get excited and terrified when I think about it. 

I do as well! And where I live, I'm still not comfortable being seen in a dress 😳. But I've been making up for it at work. Big hugs and best of luck 💖!!

[Erin Elizabeth]

@Jameyso happy that you have had good experiences going out in dress. I look forward to the day I can go out in female clothes, so far I have come out to a few trusted friends at work, but not comfortable enough to dress up for work yet. You are an inspiration for me.