Community Conversation => Transitioning => Coming out of the closet => Topic started by: K8 on April 19, 2009, 07:22:03 PM Return to Full Version
Title: Encounter With a Neighbor
Post by: K8 on April 19, 2009, 07:22:03 PM
Post by: K8 on April 19, 2009, 07:22:03 PM
Today was the first day I wore all women's clothes. Nothing overtly feminine: mockneck, chinos, laceup boots, loose jacket. I've worn similar clothes in the male style around town for years. I had on just a touch of eye makeup and some unobtrusive lipstick, but no earrings or padding.
As I was stepping out of my car, one of my neighbors was walking by. He teaches at the university in town. He is of a religion that generally is not accepting of those who are different. We have always been friendly but don't see each other often. I probably hadn't seen him since I shaved off my beard. Since then I have had my hair cut in a woman's style, colored it to hide the gray, shaped my eyebrows, gotten unisex eyeglasses, had five laser treatments on my face, and been on hormones for only 2½ weeks. I look different now but the differences aren't huge.
My neighbor started to just say hi, but he stopped in his tracks, squinted just a bit, and said: "You're going through the change" with the hint of a question in his voice. I laughed and said I'm going through a lot of changes. He said: "No, you're going through the change, aren't you?" I told him: "I am – it's something I've wanted since I was little." He said he had had some students who went through the change; he'd see them years later and they'd have to tell them who they were. He asked if it was something I had always known I would do. I said no, but as each door opens for me I want to open the next. He asked if I was happy. I replied: "Wonderfully happy." He said: "good" and asked me what he should call me now. I told him, he wished me well, and walked off.
I went into the house, hugged myself, and burst into tears of happiness, relief and gratitude.
Thank you to all who have walked this path, making it easier for those of us following you.
I have now told more than two dozen people here in town. Most are curious, but almost always the reaction seems to be: If that's what you want to do, then why not do it?
Why not indeed.
- Kate
As I was stepping out of my car, one of my neighbors was walking by. He teaches at the university in town. He is of a religion that generally is not accepting of those who are different. We have always been friendly but don't see each other often. I probably hadn't seen him since I shaved off my beard. Since then I have had my hair cut in a woman's style, colored it to hide the gray, shaped my eyebrows, gotten unisex eyeglasses, had five laser treatments on my face, and been on hormones for only 2½ weeks. I look different now but the differences aren't huge.
My neighbor started to just say hi, but he stopped in his tracks, squinted just a bit, and said: "You're going through the change" with the hint of a question in his voice. I laughed and said I'm going through a lot of changes. He said: "No, you're going through the change, aren't you?" I told him: "I am – it's something I've wanted since I was little." He said he had had some students who went through the change; he'd see them years later and they'd have to tell them who they were. He asked if it was something I had always known I would do. I said no, but as each door opens for me I want to open the next. He asked if I was happy. I replied: "Wonderfully happy." He said: "good" and asked me what he should call me now. I told him, he wished me well, and walked off.
I went into the house, hugged myself, and burst into tears of happiness, relief and gratitude.
Thank you to all who have walked this path, making it easier for those of us following you.
I have now told more than two dozen people here in town. Most are curious, but almost always the reaction seems to be: If that's what you want to do, then why not do it?
Why not indeed.
- Kate
Title: Re: Encounter With a Neighbor
Post by: placeholdername on April 19, 2009, 07:28:56 PM
Post by: placeholdername on April 19, 2009, 07:28:56 PM
I want to live where you live :). Congrats!
Title: Re: Encounter With a Neighbor
Post by: paulault55 on April 20, 2009, 01:16:43 PM
Post by: paulault55 on April 20, 2009, 01:16:43 PM
Although I'm not out to everyone yet, my neighbors know because i told them, the reaction of the ones on one side of me was very accepting, the other one is older and i don't think she understands it much but she did say if it will make me happy then she is happy for me. I think what you say and how you say it and the timing are everything in how others react.
Paula.
Paula.
Title: Re: Encounter With a Neighbor
Post by: sylvie on April 21, 2009, 11:39:17 PM
Post by: sylvie on April 21, 2009, 11:39:17 PM
congratulations Kate. I started hormones yesterday but I've slowly been letting people know over the last couple of months. And aside from my soon to be ex wife everyone has been very supportive and happy for me. The overall consensus is "you need to do what makes you happy". It seems to get easier each day. I wish you continued happiness and luck
Title: Re: Encounter With a Neighbor
Post by: Jay on April 22, 2009, 03:19:30 AM
Post by: Jay on April 22, 2009, 03:19:30 AM
K8 sounds like you live in a great neighbourhood! :)
Congrats on the acceptance hunny! ;D
Jay
Congrats on the acceptance hunny! ;D
Jay
Title: Re: Encounter With a Neighbor
Post by: Cindy on April 22, 2009, 03:38:25 AM
Post by: Cindy on April 22, 2009, 03:38:25 AM
That's so nice Kate,
It really helps the mind to know that people will accept
Love and a Hug
Cindy James
It really helps the mind to know that people will accept
Love and a Hug
Cindy James
Title: Re: Encounter With a Neighbor
Post by: Cyndigurl45 on June 15, 2009, 12:15:42 PM
Post by: Cyndigurl45 on June 15, 2009, 12:15:42 PM
I often wonder what the neighbors will think, we live in a very tight nit community alot of old folks and a few young couples, I run around my house in the morning how I wish panties bra earings makeup but completly switch back for work save the panties and bra, I avoid my neighbors while dressed enfem but soon after a few changes comming down the pipe, I will more then likely get the house for now, I just wonder how the neighbors will react when I no longer avoid them while enfem
Title: Re: Encounter With a Neighbor
Post by: Khrist on June 16, 2009, 09:27:13 AM
Post by: Khrist on June 16, 2009, 09:27:13 AM
That's such a cool reaction, I'm happy for you! I hope you'll have many more reactions like his in the future. :D
Perhaps times are changing then, and maybe we're all that much closer to living in a world where people will be cool like your neighbor was.
Perhaps times are changing then, and maybe we're all that much closer to living in a world where people will be cool like your neighbor was.
Title: Re: Encounter With a Neighbor
Post by: Janet_Girl on June 17, 2009, 07:04:33 AM
Post by: Janet_Girl on June 17, 2009, 07:04:33 AM
Kate,
It sounds like your neighbor is of a more open mind then his religion is. That is a good thing. Now you can mark that milestone off the list.
Good for you,Hom.
Janet
It sounds like your neighbor is of a more open mind then his religion is. That is a good thing. Now you can mark that milestone off the list.
Good for you,Hom.
Janet
Title: Re: Encounter With a Neighbor
Post by: mickie88 on June 17, 2009, 12:29:57 PM
Post by: mickie88 on June 17, 2009, 12:29:57 PM
good for you, but some of my neighbors are a little more dangerous in their dealings, and as far as i am concerned, i'm never going to date them, so i sure as hell ain't going to tell them..lol.
Title: Re: Encounter With a Neighbor
Post by: Lacey Lynne on June 25, 2009, 11:55:56 AM
Post by: Lacey Lynne on June 25, 2009, 11:55:56 AM
Kate:
Wow, girl! I'm floored! In this regard, you're lucky, you know. My neighborhood is located smack dab in the middle of Evangelical-Military-Corporation-Police Looney-Land. Need I say more? You're blessed! Your neighbor is sooo cool! Good for you! Hugs!
Wow, girl! I'm floored! In this regard, you're lucky, you know. My neighborhood is located smack dab in the middle of Evangelical-Military-Corporation-Police Looney-Land. Need I say more? You're blessed! Your neighbor is sooo cool! Good for you! Hugs!
Title: Re: Encounter With a Neighbor
Post by: Genevieve Swann on June 27, 2009, 06:30:24 PM
Post by: Genevieve Swann on June 27, 2009, 06:30:24 PM
It sounds like such a releif. Maybe God (she) meant this encounter to happen. My neighbor usually notices me two or three days every week. He's either become accustomed or he has the hots for me. I think the latter. When I'm on the patio he always has to be on a ladder working on his garage. Hmm. Does the roof leak that bad or is the view better from up there?