Today has been fun. I was wandering around a mall earlier and got such mixed reactions from people. I stepped onto an escalator and this guy was like, "You're very pretty!" Then not even a minute later I stepped into a store and was read as a teenage boy - the last greyed me with, "Hey Buddy, how's it going?"

It's such a word and fun juxtaposition. As I am a little non-binary, I'm amused rather than bothered by being called pretty after trimming and stopping my hair this morning to look more masculine and wearing my binder and most manly shirt...

Anyone else in this phase and having fun with it? I just loved that I got both reactions on the same day.

Andro folk, feel free to chime in!

I wish that happened! I thought I was looking fairly androgynous today, with half my hair buzzed off and my man clothes, but the guy at the deli counter didn't hesitate to call me "ma'am" from a distance. I actually looked around for a good 30 seconds to make sure he meant me. Maybe it was the earring and eyeliner... or y'know, just my face.

Actually it's funny, I always felt like my face was too masculine to suit pretty clothes, but I start crossdressing and suddenly I notice how ultra-feminine my face is. Talk about androgyny! Nobody else has ever told me I look at all masculine, though...

"Actually it's funny, I always felt like my face was too masculine to suit pretty clothes, but I start crossdressing and suddenly I notice how ultra-feminine my face is. Talk about androgyny! Nobody else has ever told me I look at all masculine, though..."

This!

I identify as female so I hope you don't mind if I respond, but when I was earlier on in my transition and this started happening I wondered if I might fancy staying with androgyny for a while..

As you have found, it can definitely be a lot of fun. Gives you this sense of ultimate gender freedom! Some of the most exciting memories I have, for sure

I so totally agree with.  It happens to me all the time..  Just yesterday I was wearing no make up,  guys business casuals.  I thought there was no way I was looking anything like a girl.  At office we have to pass through a quick security scan.  We have different lines for men and women..  So I step up in the guys line and the security kept insisting I was in the wrong line...  Imagine my confusion..  It was totally super and confusing at the same time

Just got "he" and "miss" back to back, so I'm right there with you. The former is still sort of illicitly thrilling to me bc it happens so rarely, but the juxtaposition is absolutely what makes me laugh. Like, wtf, two seconds ago someone thought I was a guy. How is it that now, suddenly, I have "such a sweet, darling little face"?  

I kind of like this place, honestly. I get panicked at the thought of looking like a frumpy, ugly woman (bc that would mean trying so hard to be read as male, and then failing), but hell, I'll take cute* in all genders, please and thank you.

* I'm not that attractive, at least not conventionally, but I've got that transmasc perk of looking much much younger than my age. A very charming 12 year old.

Sadly, the only way I can pass right now is when I take a photo of myself on my phone and then work some Photoshop magic. I'm really not trying to pass right now, anyway. I want to wait until I get my HRT and let it do its thing for at least six months. Plus, I'm pretty poor, so I have to get things one at a time. After I get my initial clinic visits over with and my prescriptions situated then I can start putting some money towards clothing, makeup and accessories. Plus, I've lost a lot of weight over the past year so that when I start the HRT I can gain weight again in the right places. So, right now, the only way I express my gender is online. I can't wait for the day when I can go into Starbucks and not hear, "hello sir, what can I get you?"

Quote from: sororcaeli on October 17, 2014, 07:53:25 PM
Sadly, the only way I can pass right now is when I take a photo of myself on my phone and then work some Photoshop magic. I'm really not trying to pass right now, anyway. I want to wait until I get my HRT and let it do its thing for at least six months. Plus, I'm pretty poor, so I have to get things one at a time. After I get my initial clinic visits over with and my prescriptions situated then I can start putting some money towards clothing, makeup and accessories. Plus, I've lost a lot of weight over the past year so that when I start the HRT I can gain weight again in the right places. So, right now, the only way I express my gender is online. I can't wait for the day when I can go into Starbucks and not hear, "hello sir, what can I get you?"

Sounds like you're going to get there with that attitude. One step at a time! Yes indeed.

And, you have the ever exciting androgyny phase to go through.. It will make you want to cry, laugh, and scream with excitement all at once. Just-you-wait! I swear- that validation from others when you are really starting to explore gender fluidity has to be one of the best feelings a person can experience. It is magical.

Great thread.

Stroling over as someone who identifies as female, but is still in that andro stage. (You may yell "GET OFF MY LAWN" st me if you may wish)

This can make me laugh and cry all at the same time some days. Same clothing same presintation and I will recive both male and female pronouns within a short span of each other
"Yes sir can I help you" (me in a random store)
"Oh honey move please so the lady can pick up her change" (clumsy me bending over to pick up change)
Even in my generic work uniform I've had the same people use male and female pronouns in the same day.

It is fun as it lets me set my own pace and find my feet my own way with no pressure on me. While I do love it when I do get gendered as a female (and save any paperwork I get), I am enjoying every minute of this phase for as long as it last, and will probably be dissapointed when it is all over

Quote from: immortal gypsy on October 18, 2014, 05:24:26 AM
I am enjoying every minute of this phase for as long as it last, and will probably be dissapointed when it is all over

Don't worry, there is much more excitement to be had. Being done with this phase for you (as an mtf) means you are gendered properly as female all the time. Not so bad, really There will always be tough days and rough paths you might have to take, but you have to take this as a part of life- trans or not. It's what keeps us going, seeking to make our lives better and more fulfilling. There are plenty of happy nuggets to enjoy later in the journey, fret not!