Thanks for the birthday wishes.

I've been busy, very busy. I speak publicly about my lived experience, often. I spoke at 5 pride flag raisings in June. I chaired the committee and co-hosted the local pride flag raising. I am proud I coordinated a very diverse set of speakers. I spent the balance of June in parade planning, I am on the local committee that runs the parade. I feel I live in a blue state, making me relatively safe. No place is truly safe in the current fascist state. As a trans woman with relative safety, I believe it is my responsibility to advocate for trans folx in general. I've done quite a bit. I plan to spend the summer figuring out the best places to expend my energy. I will likely lose a commitment or two in order to focus better.

I continue to have an awesome circle of friends. I am dating, although not one special woman, yet anyway. I think one woman is ready with her u-haul, but I need a little more time. IYKYK, right?

I continue to get my yoga on. Just came from a mid-week class actually. I recommend yoga for anyone. I love the mindfulness, the ability to remind myself not to just do, not judge myself or compare. Plus the stretch and core strength part is awesome.

Yeah, I am back on my bike. I rode my age yesterday (and a few miles extra, thank you). I have the pic on my computer to prove it. 61 years if you must know. Slow pace, but I am on flats not clipped in for the time being. Fun Fact-- 63 miles is a hair over 100km, aka a "metric century". Done! Oh-- and I indulged in a second bike, a gravel bike. I am learning about single track, mud, and a different set of biking techniques.

Jenn

What a week so far. Having the carpets cleaned today, so all the furniture is piled in the living room on the hardwood. Slept on the mattress there as well. Developed a very sore shin muscle from all the walking and going up and down steps carrying boxes. Cleaned the oil burner and fired it up for the first time in 15 years. Replaced a pressure valve on it that had been dripping. Attic is cleaned out. Most of the stuff is out of the basement. Several trips to 'good will' with unneeded things. Going for a short trail ride with a friend from my trans group today. A little rest will be nice. Realator is coming on Saturday to list the house. Still much to do but close enough to list.

Normally I don't bother much with my hair but if I am going somewhere like a restaurant my go to is a pony tail.

Hey Roberta as apparently a passing trans woman, I live about 10 minutes from the Michigan border which is apparently a relatively trans friendly state and I still will not risk travel to the U.S. anymore. My passport is listed as female.

If there is no way to avoid travel to the U.S. then sanitize your electronics. If you have anything criticizing Trump or even anything showing that you are trans then get rid of it before travel to the U.S.

Looking at your profile picture you pass very well but with "M" on your passport be very careful, I wouldn't even bring clothes that are even slightly feminine. It's a terrible situation but I.C.E. is terrible and they look for any reason to at best refuse entry at worst take into custody to foreign nationals. Expect that they will be looking through your electronics, they may even ask your opinion on the current administration.

I know as a trans woman I am very paranoid but currently I believe there are 55 Canadians in ICE custody at the moment and 1 died last week in custody. I don't know the reason that they are in custody but even if I wasn't trans I would be concerned about travel to the U.S. in this environment.

Anyways as I said I am extremely paranoid but stay safe and don't give them a reason.

So, here I am, almost ready to fly to USA:  I'll be landing in Houston Texas in a week , for a business related trip.  While Erin in the Morning marks Texas as a "don't travel"  state for foreign transgender people, and  I'm quite worried.
Traveling with M passport, and a personal appearance that can vary from somehow androgynous to frankly feminine dependint on outfit, hair style makeup etc...
For the border control I think I'll go for the androgenous look, minimum makeup tied up hair, but what to do after, in day by day life (I'm planning to stay one week) ? 
The most prudent solution should be misgender myself and present as a male, but that hurts !!! I wish to show the real me, as a woman, and I ask you firends, do I risk being arrested ?  for instance if I enter into a ladies bathroom in a restaurant ?
sorry to bother you, any advice would be helplful at this time
ciao
Roberta

Hi Sandra

My name is Sarah and I would also like to formally, Welcome you to Susan's Place!

I see that other members of Susan's have also welcomed you as well.

Thank you for sharing your story.  Those first trips out sound both exciting and nerve wracking.  The way your sister supported you by teaching makeup must have felt empowering and I can see how that memory still resonates.  You showed courage by stepping into that mall, meeting smiles instead of judgment.  As bodies change with age it is natural that presentation feels different.  Even so small rituals like wearing panties can preserve that sense of authenticity that you felt in the sunflower dress.

If you ever wish to explore these feelings further consider connecting with others who share similar experiences in online forums or local support groups as understanding companions can make the journey easier.  Above all treat yourself with the same kindness your younger self needed and allow your expression to evolve at the pace that feels safe for you.

Once you feel comfortable here, it would be appreciated if you add a little bit more about yourself in the other forums and threads.  I would appreciate it very much as, I'm always interested in learning something new about new members.

In addition members of Susan's will more than likely will discuss problems or issues that are similar to yours as most have experienced these issues as well.

Please keep in mind when posting that this is an ALL AGES PUBLIC Forum and the internet never forgets.  Do not post anything that you do not want to be made public.

Take care and all the best for the future.

Once again, Welcome to Susan's Place!

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Devlyn  @Jessica_Rose  @Mariah  @Northern Star Girl  @Lori Dee
@JamestoSandra

city

start    finish

Quiche Lorraine.  Should have had chips with it but they came out wrong

Quote from: Rachel on Yesterday at 07:27:14 AM@Northern Star Girl and @It has been a while since I was on Susan's. An update:

Happy belated Birthday Rachel, and it's always good to see you, thank you so much for the update.

Yeah, things are unfolding rather quickly. I joined the ACLU myself not to long ago, were going to need all the help we can get against this evil administration.


~ Lilis 🫂