Went to my therapist dressed today . . .

[Gina Taylor]

I was a bit early for my appointment, so I went over to the library, which was just five minutes away, and I looked at the DVDs. I recieved no bad looks from anybody. I was dressed in a pair of jean capris with an orange top from Wal-mart and was wearing a pair of flip flops, and my brand new wig!

Then I went into the used book store at the library and started a conversation with a lady and we talked for about five minutes and then I left.

Then I went to my therapist, and he was surprised to see me as I was, and he invited me into his office and we talked about things, and he told me that he doesn't see any problems with me going out like I was. I told him that I wouldn't do it so much, because people may take notice and then word may get around,  so I told him that I would be careful and choose my days of when I went out around Port Charlotte, and then I'd go out around Sarasota or Fort Myers. He really liked my way of thinking, so I'm kind of giving second thoughts about going full time next year. You see, if I can do it this way, then that's gonna be good enough for me, and I won't be upsetting my mom (whom I'm still living with.)

My therapist also noticed how happy I was.  Which I've often tried to tell him, but now he's seen it.

It was a very good session I had today! 

[Jessica Merriman]

Girlfriend and BFF, NO WAY!!!! I am so proud of you. I am almost crying here. You must have looked really good today Baby. Congrats and keep up the good work. Love you! 

[Lauren5]

Hey, seems like you're doing well enough to go full time. Don't let your mother stop you on that. She can't legally control you.

[KelsieJ]

Sounds like you're a bit away from that yet tho, you should only do it when you're comfortable enough and have the support you need in place. When you're ready to walk, hold your head up, tell friends who support you, anyone you can who will be on your side - then don't let anything stop you

Congratulations are in order for u

XO
Kelsie

[Claire (formerly Magdalena)]

Well done! So proud of you. 

May you have more great days like this one ahead.

[Gina Taylor]

I really felt great today. Like I was on top of the world!    I really enjoyed flipping my hair back and just enjoying the whole atmosphere. After I was done with my therapist I went over to the mall and I saw a friend at a music store and he had to do a double take before he recognized me and he asked me what the get up was for and I told him that this is the way I could be next year. He told me that I looked good. But just from his first reaction, I knew that I was passable.

Thanks for your kind thoughts KelsieJ, but I am comfortable enough with what I'm doing  and I've got more than enough support from certain people. And don't worry; when I walk, I don't walk with my head down low, I hold it up high, 'cos I'm proud of who and what I am.   

Thanks for your kind thoughts as well Willow, but as long as I live under my mother's roof, she does have some say so on some things. 

Thanks for your kind words Jessica.  Love you too!

It's just like I told my therapist Magdalena, it's now me and the world. I've finally come out and there's no stopping me!

[Devlyn]

Yay for a good day out and about! Thanks for sharing all the good news, hon! Hugs, Devlyn

[Eva Marie]

Congrats on getting out and being YOU! 

Just take your time and only do things when you have reached a point of being comfortable doing them. Nothing will out you faster than being nervous and unsure.

And at some point a pic of you being out and about would be nice too 

[Jill F]

Yessss!!! 

I think my first trip to therapy properly dressed was only my third time doing so publically.  I was on 2 antianxiety drugs at the time and pre-HRT, laser, electro, coming out, etc.  My therapist basically double dog dared me to do it, as she knew I only dressed privately but wanted desperately to interact with the world as Jill.  I was nervous, full of self-doubt and I wasn't looking too femme at the time.  I assumed a worst case scenario, but it never happened.  Nobody even noticed or seemed to care.

I am thankful that I am one to push myself and accept challenges.  I'm glad I did it, making that first step, and in doing so I learned a lot about myself and where this path would lead me. 

Every time you leave the house as your true self, it just gets easier.  Eventually it just becomes second nature.   

[Gina Taylor]

Hey Devlyn, I did have fun getting out and about. Thanks for the advice Eva, but I felt so comfortable and it felt so natural to me that I felt like I didn't have a care in the world, and I think that was the attitude that I portrayed to my therapist.  Y'know Jill, I still remember the first time I went out, and of course someone from my congregation saw me and went to my pastor and told him.  Fortunately he didn't approach me until a few months later. But I do appreciate your kind words about how easier it gets every time I leave the house.

[Cindy]

Glad you had such a great day Sis!

But of course you now have a problem!

Once the genie is out of her bottle there is no going back!

[Gina Taylor]

Cindy, my beloved Sister, I know exactly what you mean, and believe me hon, the world is now going to be seeing a lot more of me, now that I've stuck my pretty toes in the water. 

[Cindy]

Cindy, my beloved Sister, I know exactly what you mean, and believe me hon, the world is now going to be seeing a lot more of me, now that I've stuck my pretty toes in the water. 

You polish them and buy a bikini!

[Gina Taylor]

You polish them and buy a bikini!

Why of course I would. I'd do them in a pretty red color and I'd wear a pretty red bikini to match as well.

[Ciara]

Gina,
That is fantastic. You must feel so happy and proud of yourself.
Well done girl!
Ciara.

[Rachel]

WOW, that is fantastic. I am very happy for you.

[Gina Taylor]

Y'know Ciara and Cynthia, I had such an excellent time, that I just can't wait to get dressed again and go out. I'm actually just very so anxious that I can't really control myself but I know that I have to be patient.

[justchillin]

Get ready it going to get addicting now. I cant even go out in boring male clothes as much as I used too. congrats

[Gina Taylor]

Yeah, I know exactly what you mean! It is very addicting . . .

[Jill F]

Yeah, I know exactly what you mean! It is very addicting . . .

Mmm hmm!  I ended up purging my MALE wardrobe six months ago and haven't looked back.

My advice is to run out of sh**s to give about what anyone else thinks.  It's very empowering.