Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Today, for the first time in my life, I attended Pride Fest in Milwaukee. The original motivator for me to go was that a coordinator from the United Church of Christ was looking for volunteers to man their booth in the Market Place. The goal was to share my experience with the UCC's Open and Affirming program at my church with the folks who came by.  In order to get people to stop at the booth, I had to be energetic and very outgoing.  Something that can be a challenge, even in such a safe place. 

It turned out to be a confidence building experience without a doubt.  I mean yes this was Pride Fest so you expect people to be more friendly and accepting, but what was great was that for 3 hours I got to break out my shell and really expose the real me to the folks I was meeting. It felt great, I had lots of people stop by and was enable to easily engage in conversation.  This is something I've always struggled with, I've always been fairly shy and awkward, so for me to be out there initiating conversations with strangers was huge.  I had so much fun talking with different people about any variety of topics and it all seemed to come totally naturally. I'm still not quite sure how I did it.

The only "oops" moment I had was I kind of steered myself into a corner during one conversation and ended up outing myself to one of my son's high school classmates.  I stressed to her that I wasn't out in public yet so hopefully she'll keep it on the down low, but if not, both my son (who I talked to about it after I got home) and I are ready to take it on. 

Here's a quick selfie I took the parking lot just before the festival:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4242/34860266700_35b80ccc77_z.jpg)

Hi Alyssa,

  Looking good there. The Pride I went to in Astoria was fun but out side of shanghied helper my official role was passive observer.

Glad you had a good time at yours also Alyssa.

Hugs,
   Laurie

Way to go Alyssa!

I hope the person who accidentally outed you can keep a secret.

I was in a pride parade last month. I went as myself. My cousine hardly knew me but was happy I attended. I'm not out to more than 2 people this far. But I will. This is a year of changes. I think going out in public as yourself will give you ego-boosts and it will be easier to come out to other people. You will be more self confident.

You look awesome. I'm so jealous. The Pride parade in Boston was Saturday and I really would love to have gone. I'm not there yet but  will be.

Hi Alyssa,

You looked great! Hope I'm not being indiscreet here, but is that your natural hair or a wig? If it's a wig I would really love some advice, it looks super natural.

Quote from: Charlie Nicki on June 12, 2017, 10:24:48 AM
Hi Alyssa,

You looked great! Hope I'm not being indiscreet here, but is that your natural hair or a wig? If it's a wig I would really love some advice, it looks super natural.

Aww thanks hon.  And no worries, ask away, we're all here to help each other.  Sadly it is a wig (I wish I had that hair naturally).  I don't know that I have a lot of advice to give, I'm no expert, but here's what I do know I learned from my research, shopping experience, and subsequent experience wearing it out:

• There is no substitute for buying a quality piece. The wig is a lace front synthetic from Henry Margu. It cost me a little over $300 but as you can see was worth every penny
• I'd strongly recommend a professional fitting. I went into a local wig shop and the woman (who has been doing it for over 40 years) knew exactly how to find ones that fit well and framed my face in a feminine way
• It's OK to be messy - seriously I struggle with this but if you brush the wig totally straight and don't "poof" it up a bit, it looks flat and unnatural
• Sometimes you gotta work with the styling a bit and try slightly different looks.  Mine has some highlights and depending on where I put the part in the hair, the highlights would actually make the edge of the wig very obvious. I had a makeover a while ago and the stylist helped me figure that out.

Hope that's helpful.

Quote from: AlyssaJ on June 12, 2017, 10:36:49 AM
Aww thanks hon.  And no worries, ask away, we're all here to help each other.  Sadly it is a wig (I wish I had that hair naturally).  I don't know that I have a lot of advice to give, I'm no expert, but here's what I do know I learned from my research, shopping experience, and subsequent experience wearing it out:

• There is no substitute for buying a quality piece. The wig is a lace front synthetic from Henry Margu. It cost me a little over $300 but as you can see was worth every penny
• I'd strongly recommend a professional fitting. I went into a local wig shop and the woman (who has been doing it for over 40 years) knew exactly how to find ones that fit well and framed my face in a feminine way
• It's OK to be messy - seriously I struggle with this but if you brush the wig totally straight and don't "poof" it up a bit, it looks flat and unnatural
• Sometimes you gotta work with the styling a bit and try slightly different looks.  Mine has some highlights and depending on where I put the part in the hair, the highlights would actually make the edge of the wig very obvious. I had a makeover a while ago and the stylist helped me figure that out.

Hope that's helpful.

Great advice, thanks!