Kind of a Shocker!

[Julie Marie]

Last night Julie and I went out with a friend (TS).  She had just had BA a week ago and this was her first time getting out.  We ate dinner at one place and then Heather (our friend) suggested we go to the bar at another restaurant nearby for drinks and dessert.

We walked in and Heather quickly engaged in a conversation with several people.  All knew her before her recent transition.

We sat down at a table just behind the bar.  The place was pretty packed.  One girl Heather knew came over and started talking to us.  At one point she says something that referenced the fact that Heather had transitioned.  I gave Heather a look and the girl telling the story immediately apologized to Heather and asked, "Do they know?"  Heather said yes and it was no problem.

Julie and I both were surprised because obviously this girl had no idea we were TS.  We figured it was a given.

On the way home we were talking about this and both of us were pretty shocked.  We tried but could find no other explanation for this girl's reaction.  She really had no idea we were TS and we're both pretty sure that feeling never changed as the evening went on.

The whole birds of a feather cliche went right out the window last night.

[Janet_Girl]

What?  You two expect to be clocked?

Interesting.

[Julie Marie]

When you're with someone who is with friends who know she transitioned, I'd think the average person would scrutinize their TS friend's friends.  I have heard several GGs say they were "clocked" as being TS when they were hanging out with a group of TSs.

So yes, under those circumstances I expect to be clocked.

[Lacey Lynne]

When you're with someone who is with friends who know she transitioned, I'd think the average person would scrutinize their TS friend's friends.  I have heard several GGs say they were "clocked" as being TS when they were hanging out with a group of TSs.

So yes, under those circumstances I expect to be clocked.

Gotta agree.  Yeah, that's what I'd think too.  Honestly, fear of getting clocked and hassled is the main thing that's kept me from going full-time.  Julie, I admire that you go out and about and live your life without worrying about getting clocked.  I've got to learn to do that. 

Very interesting post.  Thanks for posting it.

   Lacey

[Cindy]

Hi Julie Marie,

I'm not surprised, remember you and Julie have been out there for a long time and you both look very natural. I go out with GG friends and one in particular has short hair and always wears jeans and never carries a hand-bag. But she has never been 'clocked' in my company.

Congratulations are in order I think

Cindy

[Maegan]

Hi all! Just a silly question, if I may ask. What does it mean when you are being "clocked"  I've never heard of that in my part of the world.

Huggs
Maegan

[Cindy]

Hi all! Just a silly question, if I may ask. What does it mean when you are being "clocked"  I've never heard of that in my part of the world.

Huggs
Maegan

Mistaken as being TG/TS when in fact you are woman, in this instance. But generally being looked at as if you are in 'disguise'.  I think the expression comes from the concept that people will 'look at the clock' to see the time but are really using it as an excuse to look at other people. (I think)

Cindy

[Sarah B]

Hi Maegan

"To be clocked", means to being perceived by people as being transgendered. In other words, "to be read" or you failed to pass in the gender you are presenting as.

Someone is sure to come up  with a better definition than what I have written.

Kind regards
Sarah B

[Kay]

Sarah's and Cindy's definitions are good in this particular situation.
.
In general though: "Clocked" is slang, and from what I can tell from etymology sites on-line, it originated in the UK (though I've heard it plenty here in the US).
.
Originally it was used to refer to a car's odometer.  When someone would roll-back the miles to misrepresent a vehicle and make it appear newer than it was, people would say that the car had been "clocked"...or more specifically that the odometer had been "clocked."  (refering to the rolling back of time)
.
So essentially, "clocked" refers to a situation where it becomes apparent that someone/something has been falsified/faked to appear as something it is not.   
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Given that origin though, I do wonder why as community we use the term, as it tends to reinforce the false idea that we aren't being genuine.  I guess I'm a bit more partial to the slang "read."

[Maegan]

Thanks to all of you for giving me the answer. I really appreciate it.

Hugs

Maegan

[Debra]

I've heard of the "Rule of 2" as well.

I don't usually worry about it though. It doesn't stop me from hanging out with fellow TG friends esp when they need support the most (early on in transition).

I've actually had girls that want to meet me say they'll come meet me in boy mode (because they assume I worry about the rule of 2). I always tell them heck no, that I don't care and to come however they wish. =)

[Trans Truth]

It's always a nice feeling not to be clocked, especially when you expect to be.