Questions about changing ones movements.

[Kaisa]

Hello everybody,

I'm starting soon with HRT, lasertreatment, etc. but I still move like a constructionworker. I have tried to find help from the genderclinic and from the local LGBT. movement but they said they can not help me with this and the only thing I get to hear is I should practice, also when I search the internet I don't find any usefull information (could be just me because I hardly use internet and my skills are kind of bad). I was just wondering if some people on this forum, who have gone through the process, how did you deal with this and can you give me some more information about what I can do in order to move like all the other females do? Not only the walking style but also if there are different hand gestures and such.

Thanks,

[spacial]

Just my own advice and personal experience.

Keep the ugly bits under control. Men tend to keep thir legs apart, while women, tend to have their hips closer together.

The shoes you wear can have an affect on your gait. A small heal will make you think more about it.

Hands. Men seem to have a tendency to have the backs of their hands forward, while women seem to have their palms forward. It also affects the position of the elbows. Women also, often, have their hands in front.

My best tip though is to always remember, that no matter what you may look like, no matter what others may think, you and I are women. We have nothing to prove. We have an ugly bit which is no-body's business. Think woman. Not imagine you are. Remember, you are. You have a right to be here.

[Padma]

I wanted to add: women move in so many different ways, even within the same culture. So maybe find a woman that moves the way you'd like to look, and watch what she's doing (without being a stalker, of course!).

If you just sit in a mall for an afternoon and people-watch, in a leisurely way, you'll find out a lot about how women (and men) look to each other for reassurance that they're "doing it right". It's not just trans people who have to learn. I notice how each subgroup of teens and young adults have their own ways of moving, walking, gesturing that are a pack behaviour - and groups of adults are just the same. What works for a man on a construction site doesn't necessarily fit in an office, and so on. Observe, and enjoy .

[danielleclark1987]

If your looking to change your walk, try practicing in low heels with chest forward. Heels with wide stems help so its easy.

It's true! I used to perform as a drag queen before I "came out" as a transgendered woman. Vacuum, do laundry, cook, dust, mop... do everything in heels! When you feel comfortable in the smallest heel, step it up. When you're comfortable in your smallest heel, wear it out! Practice, practice, practice! Oh, and use your hips (might I suggest hip/butt pads either for practice or for going out -- I wear both at all times)! Try different walks and find one you're comfortable with. Also, it may help you to play your favorite girl musician/band and play with it! Transgendered women are NOT drag queens by any means, but have fun with it! You'll notice that dancing will bring out body movements that tend to be more feminine.

You can do it! You are a beautiful woman and even the most gorgeous female models have to practice, practice, practice!

Much love,
Danielle

[Kaisa]

I know that ofcourse no matter what everyone says/thinks I'll still be a woman, but before I started SRT I've already been crossdressing (and didn't pass at all) and my experiance is that I'll get harrassed all the time. Now that I'm anyway stressed out about everything coming I realy can't handel some random men giving me s**t. Soo... that's why. And also, is it possible to do something without the heals? They don't realy match my style at all.

[danielleclark1987]

And also, is it possible to do something without the heals? They don't realy match my style at all.

Yes! I am a huge fan of some really cute flats! Practice, barefoot, walking on the balls of your feet rather than walking on your heel to the balls of your feet. Still swing those hips, too.

[Kaisa]

I bet it's going to look very interesting with my 20 hole combatboots haha.

[danielleclark1987]

I bet it's going to look very interesting with my 20 hole combatboots haha.

Hehe! Work it! If YOU feel beautiful, you ARE beautiful! It's all about you, girl. Do what makes you, you!

Much love,
Danielle

[Cindy]

Hi Kaisa,

You may never want to wear heels in public but in private they will/may reorientate how you walk. I think that is what the other girls are getting at. It is the leading with the front of the body, knowing where you hips are  and keeping a good posture that helps, also walking more slowly and being comfortable with your movements.  I am told that wearing a corset, or tummy support can do wonders but anything that can make you stand up straight and not slouch will as well. So it's not about learning to walk in heels, it is about rethinking of how you walk.  We have to re-educate our bodies. One of my first times out I was going to cross a road in front of traffic, as I did as a guy. I suddenly realised there was no way I could make it in a skirt and (low) heels. That's why they have pedestrian crossings; so guys in cars can watch woman cross the road.

Easy.

Hugs

Cindy

[kyril]

Of course, it is entirely possible (I discovered this to my chagrin as a teenager) to walk like a construction worker even in 4-inch stilettos. Or, for that matter, in the 7-inch platform stripper heels I used to wear when I was working in a certain occupation. And it's possible to walk like a lady in combat boots, as demonstrated by many of the women I worked with in the military.

But if you're somewhat more graceful and coordinated than I am, the shoes will help guide you toward a more feminine body language. (Similarly, on the FTM side, there's nothing like big steel-toed leather work boots to get you walking like a man)

[rar]

Aside from noting that women walk in all sorts of ways, including like construction workers, I would add that, to me, grace is critical. You can move your hips and hands and whatnot however you want, but if your whole body isn't working together, the results will be kinda so-so. I never liked heels myself, but I can suggest working on core body strength, balance, and flexibility. Balance trainers, yoga, pilates, tai chi, etc. Whatever works for you. Get comfortable with moving your body gently. People will notice that more than hand gestures.

[Rock_chick]

People need to practice walking in heels?

[iris1469]

Hello everybody,

I'm starting soon with HRT, lasertreatment, etc. but I still move like a constructionworker. I have tried to find help from the genderclinic and from the local LGBT. movement but they said they can not help me with this and the only thing I get to hear is I should practice, also when I search the internet I don't find any usefull information (could be just me because I hardly use internet and my skills are kind of bad). I was just wondering if some people on this forum, who have gone through the process, how did you deal with this and can you give me some more information about what I can do in order to move like all the other females do? Not only the walking style but also if there are different hand gestures and such.

Thanks,

mannerism is very distinctive of each gender. This is something that I have worked hard on, its a tough one but you are smart and aware of it now! Dont try to act any certain way, instead try to focus on letting parts of the macho male front fall and LEARN your TRUE self, allow her to make herself visible.......feel me?

[iris1469]

Thank you Valerie! YOu are very gracious!!!