Going out in public today

[Erin Kay Howell]

I am getting ready right now to be out in public view for the next 10+ hours for the first time.

Ill be participating in the Austin Pride 5k, the Festival,  Group wedding, and the Parade. (Busy busy day)

And ill be doing all this dressed as me and not disguised as Eric.

I feel like I should be nervous and tense right now but its taking everthing I have to not get started 2 hours too early lol.

I cant wait! I want to participate is all the daily events and then after go walk to town and eat out comfortably.

Anyway I wanted to update everyone.

SO EXCITED RIGHT NOW!

[Jamie D]

You are going to be fine!

(Wear comfortable shoes)   

[Murbella]

Your choice of venue seems appropriate ;-p. Enjoy yourself and by all means do tell how it goes once you get over the initial nervousness.

[Alexis Hennen]

once you get out there you're going to be fine. After my first trip out as Alexis was so nerve wrecking I almost was sick.. I quickly realised that the majority of people couldn't care less about me. I just did what I wanted and enjoyed myself.

tell us how it went.

[Eva Marie]

Yep, it's gonna be fun, and in Austin - HOT! I hope that you wore sunscreen and a hat.

[Amelia Pond]

You'll be fine. Going out is a lot more stressful before you really go out for the first time. After that, it's great and there's nothing to worry about.

Amy

[bethany]

Have fun!!! Enjoy your day out.

[Tessa James]

Erin Kay I saw your picture posts and think you look just great and easily passable in a still photo.  Throw back those shoulders, keep a ready, confident smile and you will likely do fine.  Most people are pleasantly self absorbed and we are often a flash in time to them.
You are taking a big step and I want you to feel proud for being so brave and determined.
Rock on sister!

[Ltl89]

I hope it goes well!

[Rachel]

Your courage is an inspiration.

[Erin Kay Howell]

All thats left is the group wedding (which my wife is going to propose to me lol) and the parade before we call it a day.

Thanks for all the supportive words you have no idea how much they've helped.

Ill post about what happened soon.

-Erin <3

[Gene]

Ill be participating in the Austin Pride 5k, the Festival,  Group wedding, and the Parade. (Busy busy day)

Do I spy with my little eye a fellow Texan? If that's the case, more power to you. I don't know if I could handle being trans* there (I moved to Denver when my husband got stationed here at the base). I love my home state, but man, the people can sometimes be awful to GLBT individuals.

[Erin Kay Howell]

Do I spy with my little eye a fellow Texan? If that's the case, more power to you. I don't know if I could handle being trans* there (I moved to Denver when my husband got stationed here at the base). I love my home state, but man, the people can sometimes be awful to GLBT individuals.

I absolutely agree that the people here can be the worst.

And I live in the worst of all parts of texas.... West Texas...

But I know a lot of trans in hiding here and I speak with them often.. im starting a FB group thats private as to not out anyone from the area.

Plus im taking home a ton of good information and packets to pass around at my Pflag group. Its rough here but there is hope still.

Also I wanted to link my FB for anyone to see... I have posted a ton of pics (im not even done yet lol) of the parade and 5k run as well as the festival.

https://m.facebook.com/?_rdr#!/home.php?soft=side-area&__user=100005805031763

[barbie]

Yes. Going out in public is always exciting and funny. Just enjoy it.

And be careful in walking with high heels, if you are going to wear them.

barbie~~

[Tessa James]

Erin Kay good for you!  You are so resourceful in finding hopeful and helpful avenues to explore even in Texas!

[Erin Kay Howell]

Oh no heels lol I would die.

And thank you. My transition seems to go smoothly for me when im helping others where I can. Its a win win.

I just need someone to come in and fix my voice. If I had that and longer hair I would start living FT right now.

[Gene]

I just need someone to come in and fix my voice. If I had that and longer hair I would start living FT right now.

I know the feeling. I have DDD breasts that Waldo couldn't hide and if it weren't for them giving me away, I'd totally be full time now. I can't wait for that day.

[Erin Kay Howell]

So nervous about going to work today.

I've noticed a difference with the way I look and even though its subtle its enough for me to say "Nope, I'm only going to get to androgynous anymore."

Its a double edge sword now. I love that My look is finally changing but I'm not ready for work to start figuring me out just yet.

Also just to add: My wife had to go to work before I got out of bed and when she left she woke me up to say goodbye...

Val: "Erin, I gotta go to work. *kisses* I love you, see ya when I get home."

SHE SAID ERIN WITHOUT ME ASKING HER TO CHANGE PRONOUNS OR NAMES!!!!  *Butterflies and melts* 

[Alexis Hennen]

So nervous about going to work today.

I've noticed a difference with the way I look and even though its subtle its enough for me to say "Nope, I'm only going to get to androgynous anymore."

Its a double edge sword now. I love that My look is finally changing but I'm not ready for work to start figuring me out just yet.

Also just to add: My wife had to go to work before I got out of bed and when she left she woke me up to say goodbye...

Val: "Erin, I gotta go to work. *kisses* I love you, see ya when I get home."

SHE SAID ERIN WITHOUT ME ASKING HER TO CHANGE PRONOUNS OR NAMES!!!!  *Butterflies and melts*

Isn't the best feeling when people do that on their own.

[Erin Kay Howell]

So I just go back from my Psych appointment...
Well the start of it was a little weird. Dr. Jain had one extra student in the room this time so as im answering questions I have three med students writing things down and watching me.
It seemed like it was going to be rough because him and I went back and forth subtly telling each other there wrong. But I kept my cool and let things play out. Then started the serious questioning after I told him I had already started hormones. Oh gawd... some very invasive questioning. However he asked afterwards if I would still want to talk to him as things progressed... I said yes because he was able to listen to me basically tell him how wrong he was for the last meeting and come out of with with a promise to ..... START A SUPPORT GROUP FOR ODESSA/MIDLAND FOR THE LGBT COMMUNITY!!
I cant believe it turned that way! I was so shocked at first but he said he knows many more people in the hospital that havent come out publicly and asked me if I'd be interested in helping him start it up.
It was touch and go in the beginning but omg did that change at the end. I am proud to say that Dr. Jain is not infact the gatekeeper I once said he was. I will be making regular visits to see him as things progress and Ill be assisting with a support group that he wants to have at the hospital (Texas Tech Health Science Center Odessa).