First time out

[EmoAlice]

Well I decided to take the leap even though I haven't started medically transitioning at all.  I went out for about 4 hours in a busy public place.  Wasn't nervous at all, and was ready to take whatever was coming to me.  Basically nothing happened except a few kids staring, and I just smiled back at them.  Also, I seemed to get a few more smiles from people than I usually get. 

Why didn't I do this sooner?

[Jessica Merriman]

Congrats! I went full time before HRT as well and had the same though "why did I wait this long". It is an amazing feeling, isn't it?

[EmoAlice]

Congrats! I went full time before HRT as well and had the same though "why did I wait this long". It is an amazing feeling, isn't it?

So I'm prepared for a negative experience to come along eventually.  Have you had any so far, Jessica?

[FalseHybridPrincess]

congratz

as far as negative experiences go , I only had people stare at me confused or in disgust...
if your presenatation is "decent" I dont think anythink will happen
hell even if its not decent its rare...

[Jessica Merriman]

So I'm prepared for a negative experience to come along eventually.  Have you had any so far, Jessica?

Not a one yet. I guess my confidence has the most to do with it. I just own it and do not give anyone any nervous vibes or things to out me. I feel natural and relaxed and it shows. I personally think 70% of passing is belief and confidence in yourself.

[Eva Marie]

Congrats on going out for the first time! Terrifying, wasn't it? 

The first 15 or so times I went out I was *so* scared..... now it's just routine. In the early days I got some stares but now no one seems to pay much attention to me.

[Newgirl Dani]

Very cool, and way to go.  I am going at this little by little, womans jeans and top (but only tops that have a t-shirt or tank look). Just a slight bit of makeup including eyeliner and nail polish, one of my pairs of semi high heeled boots and wearing maybe some Chloe or Ciara Perfume.  I suppose it is a middle of the road thing without being too bold, but yet not too subtle either.  I know alot of people here, having lived here for 34 years and it is a semi small town.  This is what is working for me and there will be small changes when my hrt starts and continues to progress.  Glad you have this level of confidence.    Dani

[EmoAlice]

Congrats on going out for the first time! Terrifying, wasn't it? 

The first 15 or so times I went out I was *so* scared..... now it's just routine. In the early days I got some stares but now no one seems to pay much attention to me.

Actually it wasn't scary at all.  What's the worst that could have happened?  Nothing worse than I get online or from people I live with.

[Eva Marie]

Actually it wasn't scary at all.  What's the worst that could have happened?  Nothing worse than I get online or from people I live with.

That's cool. The first time for me I was so terrified that my legs were shaking horribly, to the point of barely being able to drive my car to the location

[EmoAlice]

I think part of the reason it was easy is that I'm really not interested in passing as anything other than a human being that deserves respect.  I feel that if I have to reach some sort of standard to get people to treat me right, I don't really care what those people think anyways.  I'm sure it's different for others, especially ones that feel 100% female and need to be seen in that way to be happy, or are not treated well without passing and I don't judge them for it.  Who knows, that might change for me as time goes on as well.

[FalseHybridPrincess]

its different for everybody...

for example I wasnt scared but I was constantly worrying about passing etc so it wasnt really that great
even though I did feel free etc