Quote from: misschievous on June 11, 2013, 03:31:58 AM
It isn't really being afraid of the people at the meeting recognising me, since if they are there they either are trans or are supporting someone that is. The center is on one of the busiest roads and I am more afraid of someone spotting me from the road.

This sounds a lot like the shopping worries to me. The whole "Someone will see me" or "I'll be outed just by being here" stuff. I think you're just overthinking things. There are a lot of situations in life where planning is a good thing, but I don't think this is one of them. If you stay focused on what might happen, you'll never take that step. Take a chance, move forward, and deal with the sightings if/when they come.

Thanks Emily. It is easier said then done but I will try next time

Wear sunglasses, a hat, and a big hoody.  No one will know it's you.  If you're afraid about your car, park in some other lot and walk there in your disguise.  Or you could take a bus or go with a friend. 

Quote from: learningtolive on June 11, 2013, 01:15:08 PM
Wear sunglasses, a hat, and a big hoody.  No one will know it's you.  If you're afraid about your car, park in some other lot and walk there in your disguise.  Or you could take a bus or go with a friend. 

I thought of that except it is way too hot for hoody. I think I might just go and if I do get spotted than it will help start me on the path of coming out.

Quote from: misschievous on June 12, 2013, 04:21:21 AM
I thought of that except it is way too hot for hoody. I think I might just go and if I do get spotted than it will help start me on the path of coming out.

Well, that's the healthy way of thinking about it.  Who does that,lol. Seriously, you will feel better.  I was terrified that I'd be outed when I went and instead I found accepting people.

To this day, I still wear long sleeves and pants no matter what the weather is.  Since I was a kid, I hated showing off any body hair whatsoever.  Even when I shave I feel like it's still there.  I don't know if that's normal body dysphoria or just strictly unhealthy.  Nonetheless, I roll with it.

Quote from: misschievous on June 11, 2013, 03:31:58 AM
It isn't really being afraid of the people at the meeting recognising me, since if they are there they either are trans or are supporting someone that is. The center is on one of the busiest roads and I am more afraid of someone spotting me from the road.

I know how you feel but a couple of things may ease your mind. It's a busy road? Chances are that the people on the road will be more focused on the traffic. Does the center have a fairly good sized parking lot? If so, in and out of other cars parked there, no one from the road will even think twice about you. More or less just another stranger.

If you are worried about someone recognizing your vehicle parked in the parking lot, just take down anything that you can be identified with you. If you have something hanging from your mirror, lose it. If you have bumper stickers, take them off. Graphics in the windows can be difficult to hide though.

We're all the stars of our own show. In other words, you might worry a lot about others recognizing you or seeing your car, but ultimately, you are just a bit player in their own show, in which they're the star. So they aren't looking for you; they're only looking at themselves from the outside. Just like you.

Can't beat the support of a group, they will give you real live up to date knowledge and stories of what is happening and offer support about your specific tg situation, you may even meet a friend or friends. Somebody else mentioned it, a therapist, yea they can help, but more than likely he or she is not tg and maybe presenting academic solutions for an hour, but a tg group, is free for an hour, each week or so.

My 2 cents.