Community Conversation => Crossdresser talk => Topic started by: Ciara on June 08, 2025, 04:16:31 PM Return to Full Version

Title: First Time Out
Post by: Ciara on June 08, 2025, 04:16:31 PM
Ladies, I must share my day with you.
Until today I have never been outside my house as female.  Well.........that all changed today.
Firstly my wife is away so I have had four beautiful days being myself (unfortunately she doesn't know but that's another story). So, I've had the past few days at home beautifully dressed, hair, makeup, nails and toes painted......the works.

I've never had the courage before now to venture outside my house in case someone might clock me and challenge me or worse, laugh at me. Today I put on a nice dress, hair, and light makeup, jumped in the car and took a drive. At first I was very nervous that I might crash the car, someone might notice me, I might meet a police checkpoint etc. I worked through these fears.....firstly I have never crashed a car in nearly 50 years, nobody was noticing me and if they were they didn't care, and if I met the police there is no law in Ireland against wearing a dress, bra and knickers!!

I drove to the coast. I stopped a few times at scenic spots and got out of the car to take in the view. Nobody noticed. My confidence grew each time I left the car. I arrived at a quiet beach, parked the car and took a walk. I walked the beach and walked in the shallow water. Again, nobody noticed. I think they saw a lady walking the beach and if they thought anything different they did not care. What a beautiful day I had.

When I first set out, I expected a feeling of excitement or even exhilaration, but no, the whole experience was far deeper than that. Words that come to mind are peace, relief, liberating, self-acknowledgement, acceptance, happiness and many more.

As the adage says "Today is the first day of the rest of your life". Well life will never be the same again for Ciara after today.

If you have read this far, I apologise for being long winded but I had to write this down so that I can always recall it.
Thank you for reading this. It means a lot to share it.

Hugs,
Ciara.
Title: Re: First Time Out
Post by: Lori Dee on June 08, 2025, 04:24:32 PM
Thanks for sharing.

My first few times out had the same realization that no one noticed and no one cared. I used that as fuel to keep going. Over time, I built up enough confidence that when questioned, it did not bother me. My attitude was, "Yes, I am transgender. So?" And that was the end of that.

I have said many times that my first psychologist told me, "It should never be difficult to just be yourself."

Congrats on such a great experience!
Title: Re: First Time Out
Post by: tgirlamg on June 08, 2025, 04:57:38 PM
Ciara!

Congrats Girl... The first time is always unforgettable...

I know it takes courage but, we reach a point where all our worst fears of how it may go, are no longer as bad as hiding any longer!!! Well done sister!! 🤗

Onward!

Ashley 💕
Title: Re: First Time Out
Post by: Annaliese on June 08, 2025, 05:05:55 PM
Wow, this is amazing. Thank you for sharing. I only hope that soon I will be able to gather the courage that you did today. 🫂 Annaliese
Title: Re: First Time Out
Post by: Pema on June 08, 2025, 05:32:43 PM
Ciara, this is wonderful to read. I felt joy for you as I imagined you walking that beach as your true self. May we all know that same sense of peace and liberation. Thank you for sharing your story.

Pema
Title: Re: First Time Out
Post by: Dances With Trees on June 08, 2025, 05:38:43 PM
Quote from: Ciara on June 08, 2025, 04:16:31 PMWell life will never be the same again for Ciara after today.
Such a beautifully told tale, Ciara! I felt your excitement and anxiety followed by a sort of spiritual exhilaration. Thanks for sharing a life-changing event. I have never gone 'out' in public and perhaps never will. But I felt as though I did today.
Title: Re: First Time Out
Post by: Sarah B on June 08, 2025, 06:35:10 PM
Hi Ciara

You said it beautifully and I must emphasise that before responding to your post, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.  You encapsulated what it is like to live as yourself.  Your experience certainly reflected what my Christmas holidays were like in '87 and '88, when Sarah began to change her life around.  What a wonderful story. I'm sure, without a doubt, that you will remember these couple of days for the rest of your life.

Quote from: Ciara on June 08, 2025, 04:16:31 PMLadies, I must share my day with you.
Until today I have never been outside my house as female. Well.........that all changed today.
Firstly my wife is away so I have had four beautiful days being myself (unfortunately she doesn't know but that's another story). So, I've had the past few days at home beautifully dressed, hair, makeup, nails and toes painted......the works.

Given your avatar picture, I have no doubt others perceive you as a woman or female, which you are.  In regards to your wife not knowing, I would suggest reading the following story (https://www.susans.org/index.php/topic,248340.msg2272948.html#msg2272948).  When I dressed up at home, it was never more than an hour or so and my nails and toes were not painted.  I remember as clearly as if it was only yesterday sitting in a recliner chair and saying to myself, "this feels right."

Quote from: Ciara on June 08, 2025, 04:16:31 PMI've never had the courage before now to venture outside my house in case someone might clock me and challenge me or worse, laugh at me. Today I put on a nice dress, hair, and light makeup, jumped in the car and took a drive. At first I was very nervous that I might crash the car, someone might notice me, I might meet a police checkpoint etc. I worked through these fears.....firstly I have never crashed a car in nearly 50 years, nobody was noticing me and if they were they didn't care, and if I met the police there is no law in Ireland against wearing a dress, bra and knickers!!

There was nothing stopping me when I went public for the first time.  I did not need courage.  I was not scared and I held no fear.  Strange that is, when I even think or reflect about what I did all those years ago.

I was travelling across Australia and I stopped along the way.  I was sitting in a hot spring taking care of the hair on my face.  I believe I put some makeup on, but I'm not sure, got dressed, plaited my hair and then continued on with my travels without any hesitation whatsoever.

The second time I ventured out as Sarah, I spent a whole week visiting local attractions, going to dinner in the evenings, watching movies and of course the obligatory shopping spree.  The upshot of these two holidays cemented in me, without me really realising it, that I wanted more of it.  I wanted to live as Sarah and I wanted to live as a female, well I certainly did that.

The only fear, well not a full blown fear, was that I ensured I did not do anything illegal because I did not want to be discovered, hauled into jail and be exposed.

Quote from: Ciara on June 08, 2025, 04:16:31 PMI drove to the coast. I stopped a few times at scenic spots and got out of the car to take in the view. Nobody noticed. My confidence grew each time I left the car. I arrived at a quiet beach, parked the car and took a walk. I walked the beach and walked in the shallow water. Again, nobody noticed. I think they saw a lady walking the beach and if they thought anything different they did not care. What a beautiful day I had.

I know the feeling of confidence.  When I was travelling across Australia, as I have mentioned, I needed to stop every 300km because I needed petrol (gas) for my car.  So I was forced to exit my car and get the petrol that I needed.  Guess what?  Nobody knew so I quickly stopped worrying about if others suspected.  I just continued on with my journeys enjoying my holidays as if this was just another day in the life of Sarah.

Quote from: Ciara on June 08, 2025, 04:16:31 PMWhen I first set out, I expected a feeling of excitement or even exhilaration, but no, the whole experience was far deeper than that. Words that come to mind are peace, relief, liberating, self-acknowledgement, acceptance, happiness and many more.

Well, I never experienced those emotions to the extent that you have described.  Yes, relief from not being found out, happiness and contentment in what I was doing and certainly not another thought about "it just feels right."  To me it just seemed like just another day.

Quote from: Ciara on June 08, 2025, 04:16:31 PMAs the adage says "Today is the first day of the rest of your life". Well life will never be the same again for Ciara after today.

If you have read this far, I apologise for being long winded but I had to write this down so that I can always recall it.

Thank you for reading this. It means a lot to share it.

Hugs,
Ciara.

Well, after those two Christmas holidays, I could not get enough of living as Sarah.  Well life was never the same for me either when I changed my life around in February '89.  As they say, "a journey begins with one small step."  In my case, I never knew where I would end up.  Yes, I'm contented, happy, accept who I am and certainly I have peace of mind.

No, you are not long winded and your story does not even approach novella length.  It was fascinating because it reminded me of my history or past.  I'm sure you will never forget those wonderful days as you truly expressed yourself for who you really are, as I have never forgotten mine.  By telling your story it gives courage to others to follow in your footsteps.

Again, it was a pleasure reading your story.

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Ciara
Title: Re: First Time Out
Post by: Lilis on June 08, 2025, 07:11:59 PM
Wow, Ciara, thank you so much for sharing this beautiful and sacred moment.

This is no small thing, it's everything. What a gift you've given yourself, and all of us, by letting us witness it.

Reading your post brought me back to my own first time out. It was June of last year, during Pride Month. I was still early in my transition and carrying so many fears.

I remember standing in front of the mirror, heart pounding, wondering if the world would truly see me.

But I chose to walk out the door.

My outfit wasn't anything fancy, just jeans, a soft top, and makeup I had practiced again and again.

I took mass transit through the city, bracing myself for stares. But no one blinked. And with each step, I grew stronger.

Now that you've taken that first step, the path ahead is yours to walk, with growing confidence, peace, and joy.

~ Lilis 🫂
Title: Re: First Time Out
Post by: Ciara on June 11, 2025, 10:56:36 AM
Ladies,
Thank you all for your kind words and for your support. I could not have walked that beach on Sunday without the many years of support I have received at Susan's Place, and also without knowing that you would pick me up if it had gone badly wrong on that beach. Thankfully it did not and I greatly appreciate the warm love and encouragement you have all given me in your replies.
Sunday was one of the best days of my life.

Thank you all for being there.

Hugs to you all.
Ciara.
Title: Re: First Time Out
Post by: ChrissyRyan on June 11, 2025, 11:02:33 AM
Quote from: Ciara on June 11, 2025, 10:56:36 AMLadies,
Thank you all for your kind words and for your support. I could not have walked that beach on Sunday without the many years of support I have received at Susan's Place, and also without knowing that you would pick me up if it had gone badly wrong on that beach. Thankfully it did not and I greatly appreciate the warm love and encouragement you have all given me in your replies.
Sunday was one of the best days of my life.

Thank you all for being there.

Hugs to you all.
Ciara.


Ciara,

I am glad your first time out turned out well for you.  It was very nice to read of your experience that you shared.

Chrissy
Title: Re: First Time Out
Post by: Eileen on June 13, 2025, 04:52:56 PM
 Ciera, isn't it nice to just go out and experience being the average woman in public? It gets easier and more fun every time.
 Eileen
Title: Re: First Time Out
Post by: Ciara on June 13, 2025, 06:34:33 PM
Quote from: Eileen on June 13, 2025, 04:52:56 PMCiera, isn't it nice to just go out and experience being the average woman in public? It gets easier and more fun every time.
 Eileen

Thank you Eileen,
Being an average woman is just brilliant ❤️.
Ciara
Title: Re: First Time Out
Post by: TanyaG on June 14, 2025, 06:45:42 AM
Quote from: Ciara on June 08, 2025, 04:16:31 PMAt first I was very nervous that I might crash the car, someone might notice me, I might meet a police checkpoint etc. I worked through these fears.....firstly I have never crashed a car in nearly 50 years, nobody was noticing me and if they were they didn't care, and if I met the police there is no law in Ireland against wearing a dress, bra and knickers!!

Well, hey, it sounds like you had a wonderful and memorable few days, so good on you. I've just posted in another thread about how likely people are to notice and if you think of how many people whose faces you do more than glance at while driving, or walking, it's very few. So if you aren't dressed to catch attention and you behave normally, most folk are only peripherally aware of you at best.

More than that, if most people do look at you directly, they see what they're expecting to see. In my late teens I used to go out in a dress and heels with my friend Ginny and because we were together and she was chatting constantly to me, everyone without exception assumed I was a girl. I was stunned by it, but she was like, 'Why would they think otherwise?'

So as you say, they saw a lady walking on the beach. Unremarkable for them, but how very special for you :)
Title: Re: First Time Out
Post by: Anne_lifetrip on October 14, 2025, 02:53:47 AM
Wow @Ciara , it is a lovely story.
I am posting now although it says here that there has been no posts in the last 30 days, but I sure hope that there have been other opportunities for you to enjoy such wonderful moments.

One thing that has happened to me is that I wanted more.
First time out I was very nervous but went on with it. After getting back home and realizing that nothing had happened, I went out again and again, and...well as I continued to go outside as myself, I wanted more and more. It feels so good.

Be yourself, be happy.
Hugs
Title: Re: First Time Out
Post by: Sarah B on October 14, 2025, 05:26:23 AM
Hi Anne

You said:

Quote from: Anne_lifetrip on October 14, 2025, 02:53:47 AMI am posting now although it says here that there has been no posts in the last 30 days, but I sure hope that there have been other opportunities for you to enjoy such wonderful moments.

There is no problem in resurrecting posts that are older than 30 days, in fact it is good to revise or learn what has been said in the past.

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Anne_lifetrip
Title: Re: First Time Out
Post by: Ciara on October 15, 2025, 01:33:37 PM
Quote from: Anne_lifetrip on October 14, 2025, 02:53:47 AM...well as I continued to go outside as myself, I wanted more and more. It feels so good.

Thank you @Anne_lifetrip.
Yes.....four months have passed since that day and I can still relive every moment and every beautiful emotion. As you said above "It feels so good".
I can't wait to go out again.
Thank you ❤️.

Ciara
Title: Re: First Time Out
Post by: xmichelle on October 27, 2025, 08:35:33 AM
I admire you for getting out.  It's not easy.  The most I ever was out was late night in my hotel.  I wandered the halls on different floors going up and down the stairs.  Noone was around but it was a thrill for me.  I have a week where my wife is away coming up in a month so I do plan on taking a ride.  I have been outside at my home on our deck which faces traffic.  That is my extent of being out.  I would love getting out of my car somewhere just to begin my going out. 
You are lovely and I wish I could only look that good, then I might go out more.
Title: Re: First Time Out
Post by: Lori Dee on October 27, 2025, 09:51:30 AM
Hello xMichelle,

I'm Lori Dee. Welcome to Susan's Place!

We strive to make this a safe space for you to find information and share your thoughts and comments. No matter who you are, you are always welcome at Susan's Place.

We want to get to know you. Please stop by our Introductions Forum (https://www.susans.org/index.php?board=8.0) and introduce yourself.

When you click on the HOME button, you will see a page listing all of the various sub-forums by category and topic. Each sub-forum has a description outlining its purpose, as well as any guidelines for posting.

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.

I will add links below that are important for new and returning members.
Pay special attention to the links in RED.

If you have any questions about the Susan's Place site and the Forums, please feel free to contact me at LoriDee605@outlook.com.

Once again, welcome to Susan's Place!

~ Lori Dee
Forum Staff



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@xmichelle
@Sarah B
@Northern Star Girl
Title: Re: First Time Out
Post by: Sarah B on October 27, 2025, 04:03:13 PM
Hi Michelle

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 this.  It takes courage to take those first steps.  Hotel hallway walks count.  Time on the deck counts too.  Every step builds confidence.

A few gentle ideas for your week:

  • Start with a short drive to a quiet area or park then sit for a moment to breathe.
  •  Try running an errand like posting a letter or grabbing a coffee at a drive through that lets you choose the level of interaction.
  •  Plan an outfit that feels comfortable, shoes you can walk in, a bag with essentials.
  •  Go in daylight with good weather if that feels easier.  Trust your pace.

You are already doing more than you give yourself credit for.  You do not need to look a certain way to deserve space in the world.  Presence, kindness, calm posture carry far and most important of all be yourself.

We have a forum which you might know about and its called the Crossdresser talk  (https://www.susans.org/index.php?board=23.0)forum.  Whatever you do will be enough.  I appreciate that you shared your story.

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
@xmichelle
Title: Re: First Time Out
Post by: Carolina on October 27, 2025, 10:13:38 PM
You go girl!

BTW, as a very mature closeted CD in a DADT marriage, you might find it interesting that I tried a "chat" page, looking for 65+ year old wives who had discovered that their husband was a CD.  I got 2 responses, one from someone whose neighbor had been such a wife and (after a bit of "communication") it worked out ok.  The Second response was from a widow who, after 8 years of marriage came home unexpectedly one day to DISCOVER!!!  Again, a bit of communication (and I think tremendous moxi by the wife) it also worked out ok - to the extent that the two of them would "go out".  And I think around 20 years satisfactorily passed before the husband's death. 

Finally, I too had my "nails" (finger & toe) done when the wife was away.  What a liberating experience.

  Carolina


Title: Re: First Time Out
Post by: Ciara on October 28, 2025, 11:26:17 AM
Hi @xmichelle,
Thank you so much for your very kind words ❤️. It is amazing what hair and a little make-up can do ☺️.
It is lovely to meet you Michelle.

I hope you have the opportunity to go out while your wife is away. The thing that encouraged me most was that nobody took any notice. I did not go too close to people but stayed about 20 metres away. Enough for people to see only a woman in a dress, out for the day. When you think about it, we all pass many people every day and we never give them a second glance.....so why would anybody look twice at you or me!
Remember that you are a beautiful woman.

Ciara.
Title: Re: First Time Out
Post by: Anne_lifetrip on November 06, 2025, 04:02:40 AM
Hello girls and welcome.

As @Ciara, I too tried this...
Quote from: Ciara on October 28, 2025, 11:26:17 AMI did not go too close to people but stayed about 20 metres away. Enough for people to see only a woman

But I wanted to try and do "normnal" things such as gas the car (I can pay from the app) or pick up a takeaway, but destiny had other plans for me.
App was not working in the gas station nor in the take away, so I had to pay in the counter. Initially I was bewildered and very nervous. While going into the office to pay, a man bumped into me, applogised and continued his way. Then I came face to face with the lady in the counter, who looked at me, and simply said...number 4 right?...yes, card or cash...card please...paid and left, and you know what?..
Quote from: Ciara on October 28, 2025, 11:26:17 AMThe thing that encouraged me most was that nobody took any notice.

So I was really encouraged and when the car takeaway was closes I parked the car, ordered and picked up the food just like any other woman would.

It was wonderful and encouraged me to continue and enjoy being me.
Find your moments and enjoy them. Gain confidence, gain strength and ... you go girl! 🥰

Quote from: Ciara on October 28, 2025, 11:26:17 AMRemember that you are a beautiful woman.
Title: Re: First Time Out
Post by: ChrissyRyan on November 06, 2025, 04:57:05 AM
It is nice just to be out as yourself and have no issues.


Chrissy

Title: Re: First Time Out
Post by: Christina152 on November 06, 2025, 05:23:46 AM
Quote from: Anne_lifetrip on November 06, 2025, 04:02:40 AMBut I wanted to try and do "normnal" things such as gas the car (I can pay from the app) or pick up a takeaway, but destiny had other plans for me.
App was not working in the gas station nor in the take away, so I had to pay in the counter. Initially I was bewildered and very nervous. While going into the office to pay, a man bumped into me, applogised and continued his way. Then I came face to face with the lady in the counter, who looked at me, and simply said...number 4 right?...yes, card or cash...card please...paid and left, and you know what?..

I had an almost identical experience a few weeks ago. I went for a drive in my denim jacket, jeggings and breast forms and plucked up the courage to stop and quickly buy some petrol (as we call it in the UK). I went into the shop to pay and to my alarm there was a long queue at the cash desk; the card reader wasn't working.

The cashier asked if anyone actually had any cash. I was the only one so I went past everyone and up to the desk to pay. The cashier said "Thank you, Luv" and that was that.

The experience emboldened me to go shopping similarly dressed several times since, when I've had the opportunity. It's always so good to feel that I'm perhaps seen as just another old woman doing her shopping.

Title: Re: First Time Out
Post by: Lori Dee on November 06, 2025, 08:35:34 AM
Quote from: Christina152 on November 06, 2025, 05:23:46 AMThe experience emboldened me to go shopping similarly dressed several times since, when I've had the opportunity. It's always so good to feel that I'm perhaps seen as just another old woman doing her shopping.

The grocery store is a great place to get out like this. People are busy shopping, so they are not really paying attention to you. There may be a few who look at you as you pass by, but most are too busy to notice. Because I am tall, I often get asked to help retrieve something from an upper shelf, and I volunteer to help those who are sitting in the electric carts. I always get a "Thank you, Miss" because they weren't studying me; they were just happy to have the help.

Just smile often. Women smile at each other. Men nod their heads. You don't even need to speak, smile.

When I feel like I need some affirmation, I go shopping!
Title: Re: First Time Out
Post by: Ciara on November 10, 2025, 10:25:27 AM
@Anne_lifetrip
Hi Anne,
That sounds absolutely amazing. I would love to have your courage.
You go girl!! ❤️.

Ciara
Title: Re: First Time Out
Post by: Ciara on November 10, 2025, 10:28:14 AM
@Christina152

Hi Christina,
That sounds so cool. Good for you girl ❤️.

Ciara.
Title: Re: First Time Out
Post by: Anne_lifetrip on December 09, 2025, 03:22:23 AM
@Ciara, thank you very much. 😍
Quote from: Ciara on November 10, 2025, 10:25:27 AMThat sounds absolutely amazing. I would love to have your courage.
I am not sure it is courage...but once done, it can't be undone and it feels great.
Find the day you feel comfortable, get on the mood and go up to where you feel comfortable...I am discovering that my limits increase each time I do that...bit by bit, step by step and enjoy every single moment...but at my own speed.

Title: Re: First Time Out
Post by: linda_45071 on December 09, 2025, 02:07:04 PM
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading everyone's past posts on this topic and yours today Anne. You have provided lots of motivation and encouragement. Going out in public as Linda is something I have wanted to do and have dreamed about doing for the longest time. The closest I have gotten so far is wearing panties and a bra underneath my guy clothes. That was great fun but not totally fulfilling. I think I would need a spa day at the local trans beauty salon so I would look my absolute best. A friend went there and the transformation was amazing. I would need to do some shopping too. That sounds fun already.
Title: Re: First Time Out
Post by: Jillian-TG on December 10, 2025, 06:33:59 AM
My wife and I go on cruises fairly often and I always pack in my wig, makeup and some ladies clothes. I mix things up from wearing ladies shorts and blouse (which really looks like a shirt) for an androgynous look through to a full transition with makeup and wig.

After doing it several times I have noted two things:
- a lot of people don't seem to notice at all. I'm amazed at how oblivious people are.
- those who do notice don't seem to care. They will look, do a double take to confirm that they actually saw what they think they just saw, and then continue with what they were doing.

Very few people have a negative reaction and that's really on them.