Clothing store

[KathyLauren]

There's a lovely little vintage clothing store down the road where my wife and I have been going regularly to augment my (and her) wardrobe.  I am not yet out locally, so I go in boy mode.  I have tried to be discrete when going to the change rooms to try on skirts and tops, so as not to freak out other customers.

But I am pretty sure that one of the owners has noticed me a few times.  She's a lovely elderly lady, and we figured that some day soon I should come out to her.

So, today, she was on duty.  After browsing the racks for a while, we chatted with her for a while.  Then, at my wife's urging, I told her, "When I am looking at the clothes, I am shopping for myself."  It took her a second or two to realize what I meant, but then she was totally sweet about it.  She touched my arm and asked what styles I preferred.  She wanted to know my new name and whether I had started HRT yet.  Just a total dear. 

It is amazing how much lighter I feel any time I come out to someone new!  So far I have had only good experiences.

[DawnOday]

It is pretty amazing isn't it. Especially with so many backwards thinkers getting all the press. It seems not everyone came along to the 21st century.

[Denise]

Lighter is a great description. 

[Steph Eigen]

Kathy,
Another well deserved success for you.  Confidence building.

Steph

[Cindy]

Lovely post!

I have found that the elderly can be very accepting. I still recall visiting my 95 year old mother in law in her nursing home and sitting outside with her. A friend of hers passed and she introduced me as her daughter in law, there was a bit of an odd look and then the question "And who are you married too?" Quick as anything Mum replied, "My daughter of course; do grow up"

[Raell]

Kathy, that is so SWEET!
She seemed knowledgeable on the subject..transgender relative or TV show perhaps?

[KathyLauren]

Kathy, that is so SWEET!
She seemed knowledgeable on the subject..transgender relative or TV show perhaps?

Perhaps.  Or maybe just a kind person who keeps up to date on social issues.  Either way, it's a win, and I'm glad I talked to her.

[davina61]

that's sweet, went in a local store on Friday to buy a dress that I had see the other day (in the sales) and there was a lad on the till, I was thinking whats he thinking and then he minced over to the till and was as camp as any think . Then his co-worker (male) spoke to some one  and made the first one sound straight , it was like a comedy pair on telly , recon I can go back then.

[Dayta]

Wow, this made my day!  Good for you! 

Erin

[AnneK]

It took her a second or two to realize what I meant, but then she was totally sweet about it.  She touched my arm and asked what styles I preferred.

This reminds me of a store I used to frequent when I was cross dressing.  There were 3 older women working there.  They couldn't do enough to help me to find something nice.  They'd bring me things to try on and make suggestions.  On one occasion, when I was totally femme, they even took a picture of me.  On another occasion, I went to a consignment store with a female friend to buy some dresses.  While my friend was the one making suggestions, the clerk was also very helpful.

I expect anyone who's worked for years in those stores has seen plenty of men, trans, etc., buying for themselves.

[Shy]

Had the same sort of experience the other day. I did have my face on and nails painted though.
The lady in the shop asked if I was shopping for someone special and I said 'yes, me'.
She smiled and asked how I'd like to be addressed, from then on she treated me
like any other female customer. It felt wonderful to be acknowledged in such a way, without all the
questions and curiosity.
Although I don't mind talking about trans issues to anyone who'll listen, this time it was just nice
to feel free to go about my business unhindered. 

shy