I did it!!!

[April Marie]

My first time out in public! I drove to a Walmart about 30 minutes away from our house. I know, not the most luxurious place for my first time out in public but I had to start somewhere. It was more crowded than I'd expected and I almost chickened out. But, I got out of my car, grabbed my purse and walked in as if I owned the place. I wondered around the woman's clothing section checking things out, looked through the jewelry and bought two pair of earrings, and grabbed a tube of moisturizer I needed. Probably 30 minutes in total and then I went through self-checkout.

 

As I was wondering around, a young woman came up to me and complimented me on my skirt and asked where I'd got it. I thanked her and told her I'd found it at a Talbot's Outlet. If she clocked me, she didn't let on. A man about my age smiled at me as he walked by. Most other people seemed not to take any notice of me.

 

I am so psyched and happy with myself. I finally got the courage up to do it....and it felt amazing. I smiled the entire time.

 

This is what I wore. As I was walking in I realized I was over-dressed for Walmart and probably drew more attention to myself that I would have had I just worn jeans and a sweater. Oh well, I felt good. Next time I'm dress more casually.

 

 

Now I can't wait to do it again. Maybe lunch out next time!!

[KathyLauren]

Congratulations!  The first time out in public is one of the big milestones in this journey.  It gets easier from here on.

 

59 minutes ago, April Marie said:

walked in as if I owned the place.

 

Yeah, that's the way to do it!

[Ila]

Oh, congratulations, @April Marie! I hope it was as wonderful an experience for you as it sounds. Do you have any hopes or worries about presenting female in public?

[MaeBe]

Awesome! I am happy for your courage and to hear you had a pleasant trip out for errands!

[Ashley0616]

Congratulations on your first trip out! Maybe more to follow? I have only gotten stared at in Walmart the women would smile at me. I can't change the body I have. If only I could. Where are thinking about venturing to next?

[EasyE]

Courage! Happy for you. You are a rock on here for many of us.

[KymmieL]

Way to go girl. Just walk in the place as if you own it and you will do fine. That is what I do. I remember my first time out. I was a nervous wreak. Bit got through it. The more you get our as yourself the better.

 

Kymmie

[April Marie]

Thank you all for the support, encouragement, and love you give as well as the examples you set for me. I could not have taken this next step without knowing so many of you have trod this path and done it with grace and confidence. I'm not sure where I'll go next time, but I KNOW there will be a next time. 

 

I am woman, unleashed.

 

@Ila, you ask an interesting question. At almost 70 years old I just hope to be passable enough not to attract too much attention. I just want to be seen as me. The me I know inside. The me I've finally allowed to breathe and experience life after all these years. As far as worries go, there is always the fear of discovery. I'm fairly well known in our community and have not come out to family or friends, yet. So, that nagging fear is always at the back of my mind. Still, yesterday was so exhilarating that I know it is right. It was the next step on my path forward...wherever I'll end up.

[Mirrabooka]

@April Marie Yayyy! 💗

[Betty K]

Congratulations April Marie, that's great news.

[Charlize]

That is such an amazing feeling.  Just hearing of another get past that fear and find the joy that follows makes me smile!

A wonderful step!

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[Ila]

7 hours ago, April Marie said:

As far as worries go, there is always the fear of discovery.

I certainly understand that. I remember vividly the day I went out to a music venue in town in female mode, before I had come out to many local people, and I found three friends from local dance groups there. I was like, "Oh, uh ... so, this is me." They were all perfectly cool with it, but I know not everyone would be.

 

One thing I've seen in my life--and I'm curious whether other folks have had the same experience or different?--is that counter to the tropes in TV and movies, I have not found that being in female mode disguised my identity from anyone. However, I have always used my own hair rather than wigs (I feel very lucky that I have enough hair to use in that way, though I've had to do a lot to encourage more of it to grow), so I wonder if someone who does use a wig would have an easier time not being recognized. 

 

7 hours ago, April Marie said:

Still, yesterday was so exhilarating that I know it is right. It was the next step on my path forward...wherever I'll end up.

 

That's so delightful to hear! Congratulations.

[Mmindy]

On 3/25/2024 at 3:30 PM, April Marie said:

I got out of my car, grabbed my purse and walked in as if I owned the place.

That’s a great milestone and total confidence boost. I’m glad the people you encountered were pleasant and friendly. 
 

Hugs,

 

Mindy🌈🐛🏳️‍⚧️🦋

[LC]

That is wonderful. Congratulations!

[Owly]

On 3/25/2024 at 12:30 PM, April Marie said:

My first time out in public!

Amazing! So happy for you! Must feel great to be out there as your happy self.  Hope to be able to do it someday as well.

On 3/25/2024 at 12:30 PM, April Marie said:

 

 

[April Marie]

4 hours ago, Owly said:

Amazing! So happy for you! Must feel great to be out there as your happy self.  Hope to be able to do it someday as well.

 

Thank you so much. I draw my inspiration and confidence from the amazing people here who are so brave and who offer such tremendous inspiration.

 

When the time is right, you'll make your debut as well. And it will feel fabulously uplifting.

[KayC]

WOW!!! CONGRATULATIONS @April Marie!!  Sorry I missed this post earlier (just catching up this week).

I am SO HAPPY for you, and SO PROUD of you!  You GO, Girl!!  Hope you have another opportunity soon.

[April Marie]

THANK YOU, Kay!!! It means so much to have your support and example.