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OMG girl! You are so beautiful!!! I really don't see how anyone could gender you male at all. Gosh I am sooo jealous!!

You present well and i do not see any issues with your looks.

Confidence is the key.

Isabell

Seriously girl, you should have the confidence level of Chuck Norris! Your smile is contagious.

Who knows what they were thinking about you, or even if they were thinking something about you at all. I know what you mean, and i've had those stares, but it'll drive you insane if you worry about what each and everyone of them may be thinking. Remember your awesome and that they could be staring at that!

The first time I went in the men's room I had to work myself up to it. When I finally went in, I hit the door so hard I startled half the guys in there and they stared.
Long story short, just act like you belong there without looking like a lamb or lion and people don't give a second look xD

Quote from: NoReflection on February 23, 2014, 04:31:53 PMIt's only when people start staring that my inner confidence is shattered.   

That's when it should soar baby because I now know WHY they are staring, you are adorable! That's why they do it. You should feel really good about the stares you get. I think that photo should be your avatar!

We are women. There is no other place for us do to what nature requires of us.

So we belong there. Period.

There is no shame in being there. If someone stares, and you think you've been read, hold your head high. Show them that the face of transgender is confident and PROUD.

You pass so well.  I agree with everyone here, there is nothing in how you look that suggests you're anything but female.  I really hope I'm able to pass as well as you when I finally get there.

Like many have said, just be confident.  You're a woman, you belong there. 

Quote from: NoReflection on February 23, 2014, 11:06:20 PM
Thanks all... I will try to be more confident from now on.  I just hope I don't get charged with a sex crime for "being in the wrong bathroom" whatever that means. 

If you have a Therapist just get a carry letter, I did.

Carry letter?  I didn't know those were a thing but that's a very smart idea, just in case.  When the time comes, i'll be definitely inquiring into that.

Quote from: NoReflection on February 23, 2014, 03:31:25 PM

Just to give you an idea here is a semi recent pic of me.  I don't know if I pass or not, or maybe from a different angle it's more obvious?  I really have no idea.

Uhhmm, yeah, don't use the mens restroom any more.

You pass, hon.

As for voice, try taking a look at our voice therapy board for ideas.

Quote from: Nora Flexion on February 23, 2014, 03:31:25 PM
Am I stunningly beautiful?

Very much so! 

Quote from: ColleenCallie on February 24, 2014, 12:00:45 AM
Carry letter?  I didn't know those were a thing but that's a very smart idea, just in case.  When the time comes, i'll be definitely inquiring into that.

Mine explains I am transgender and cautions the reader of the letter that disclosing or talking about me to others is a violation of privileged medical information, which is prosecutable in the U.S. Having it gives great peace of mind. I will send you an E-mail of mine for your Therapist to use as a template if you want it.

Quote from: Jessica Merriman on February 25, 2014, 02:27:37 PM
Mine explains I am transgender and cautions the reader of the letter that disclosing or talking about me to others is a violation of privileged medical information, which is prosecutable in the U.S. Having it gives great peace of mind. I will send you an E-mail of mine for your Therapist to use as a template if you want it.

Thank you!  It'll be a while before I need it, but definitely something I'd like to have on hand when the time comes.

I think that bathrooms (both of them) are spaces in which it really is true that if you act like you belong there, people will assume you do.  And if you act like you don't belong, then people will assume you don't.  So I second the recommendation for confidence. 

I'm not so sure about the talking thing.  I've never noticed a big difference.  I've talked in both.  Maybe everyone thought I was weird for talking too much in the men's room.

Quote from: Jessica Merriman on February 23, 2014, 11:08:36 PM
If you have a Therapist just get a carry letter, I did.

Are those actually helpful?  I think their legal meaning is basically zero.  But I wonder if people find them useful in practice.

Quote from: ThePhoenix on February 25, 2014, 03:38:43 PM
Are those actually helpful?  I think their legal meaning is basically zero.  But I wonder if people find them useful in practice.

I've got one and it gives you ammunition if some one calls you out and gets an authority involved, but it is not a guarantee of anything. Still, it may stop someone from freaking out or it may prevent a nasty experience with the cops so I see it as a good thing to have.

Quote from: ThePhoenix on February 25, 2014, 03:38:43 PM
Are those actually helpful?  I think their legal meaning is basically zero.  But I wonder if people find them useful in practice.

It gives me a plan B (with plan A being no one hassles me). If someone challenges me directly, instead of freezing like a deer in the headlights, I will boldly and proudly pull out my carry letter.

Even if it did carry legal weight, that wouldn't stop a poorly informed security guard from escorting me from the premises. It's there for my comfort more than any legal weight it would carry.

All that being said, I've never had the slightest occasion to use it.

Okay . . . So how long is one meant to carry around the carry letter?  Surely that can't be a permanent thing?