In the past, I was an outside sales rep, and sold in metro areas, sometimes not able to park in the best of places, travel the metro, walk new streets, etc.  I developed over those years a highly tuned inner predator radar.  It's something that has never left, even though my days on the road and behind the windshield for a living are long past.
I hope everyone here who is "different" keeps track of people who's behavior is unusual in any way, parks as close as possible to destinations, and keeps their "radar" on.
It's a dangerous place out there for us, so please be careful.


Bev, survivor

This an extremely good point Bev.

In the past I would walk through town, park in dimly lit multi story carparks, go into buildings with no one about, go running out on my own and wait for lifts or pick ups from friends etc. It was never an issue, I never considered that I would be unsafe or a target.

But know, it is totaly different, I am more aware of my surroundings, the people in the area and will not put myself in any kind of risk no matter what.

The difference to me is that it is much more easy to become a victim now, I am much more targetable, I have had my handbag stolen twice so far (in Spain and China) and that was in broad daylight, in a crowded shopping area.

Yep, safety is paramount in my thoughts now....

Buffy

Before I never worried about where I was, well except for a few places in Savannah long ago.  Now however , I do keep my radar on full all the time and am a bit more scared in some locations. Though I'm not having too much trouble with people anymore.  But still have to be careful.

Beni

"Situational Awareness"

Always.

I live in a bad area, I'm trained and I formerly worked as an armed courier.

The function is automatic and always active.

I don't own a car, so I'm out and about on foot a lot, and I've been used to being very careful and vigilant of my surroundings.  That will never go away completely (nor should it, for anyone with common sense in an urban environment, or maybe any environment, these days), but I expect--and what I've heard from other people makes me think it will likely be true--is that as I become able to completely pass as male, I will move through the world with an increased sense of safety, in some ways (less likely to be victimized by males who prey on women, whether in subtle ways or more tangible and even violent ways), and less in others (some guys will mess with other guys in ways that they might not mess with women, and the world will have different expectations of me as a man, in terms of things like physical presence and strength, etc.).

It's interesting how that shifts, and shifts somewhat differently for MTF's as opposed to FTM's.   

im a generally paranoid person, so im always alert, and being on my own scares me, especially at night, sometimes im comfortable, but othertimes, certain areas or large groups of people at night worry me.

I learned the hard way that others no longer saw me as a mean SOB or could kick butt and chew bubblegum at the same time. Good thing all of those martial arts lessons taught me how to take care of someone without relying on strength.

If possible carry a cellphone at all times. Mace (not pepper spray) if legal in your area or (if you are so inclined and have the legal option of doing so) carry a sidearm. Avoid being around bar areas between 11p-3a (US, most murders take place during that time) unless out with friends in a good neighborhood.

heh, im at work during those hours i just get abused accross the bar

and US safety is stupid, we cant have ANYTHING, or iff attacked, and we use it, or are foundw ith anything on us, we would get arrested too.... (we = the victim) ANYTHING self defense related is ileagal, if you do martial arts, then you can be charged with assault if you fight off an attacker... love the legal system

Generally I try to keep a low profile and if confronted, I run. I can outrun most people (everyone here in my town is too fat to walk barely). However, your best bet is to stay out of rough areas if you can.

Personal safety is a must. You should ALWAYS be aware of personal surroundings. I am on top form of my safety as I have given lots of talks about it so I know pretty much alot. However a rape alarm is excellent for ladies and gentlemen!

You have to be aware of your surroundings. I was recently in Vegas with a few girls and we went to the old downdown to walk around and the bus driver told us not to go into any of the side streets even in numbers. We listened to him. If you are in unfimilar surroundings be on the lookout for strange people. It only takes a second for someone to grab you.
I do carry mace

Deb