When I told the Catholic School Board about my transition, they were not terribly pleased. As a contractor, for the most part they just stopped contracting me. This weekend I got a call that they needed me very badly for Monday morning Memorial day service (I maintain their state of the art sound and lighting systems). They also asked that I do it in guy mode! Two years full time. Hmmmm. I could use the money, so I agreed.
I put together some black sneakers, dress pants, and a blouse that didn't scream female. I tried to do my platinum hair into a guy pony tail. clear nail polish on my long fingernails, and some simple hoop earrings. Basically me, without makeup or boobs. I looked in the mirror and all I could think of was...that's pretty gay! ( I only mean that in the teenager sense, not the sexuality)
I left home at 4 a.m. First stop, gas. Got ma'amed. Next stop Mcdonalds, the only thing open for miles. Got ma'amed again. Used the men's room (pretty weird in itself) Sat down to pee instinctively. While I was washing my hands I got the strangest looks from a couple of men in there. Not 'kill you' looks, just 'what is it, and why is it here?' looks.
I got to the school before the gates opened, so I sat in my truck drinking my coffee. A security guard knocked on my window, asked what I was doing, I explained, and he thanked me, and...you guessed it...ma'amed me.
While I patently refuse to go guy mode all the way (ugly shoes, suit, tie) it was almost fun going out in, at best, androgynous mode. I did learn one lesson. I clearly don't pass as a guy anymore.
