Today would have been one of the best days of my life.  I guess in a way it was.  It started out in guy-mode. slow at my 80+ yo parents place.  Then I had some time to kill and went shopping.  $100 later i walk out with a new two piece bathing suit (tankini), pool cover up, new running shorts cheap flip flops and some eye shadow.  Then lunch with a member here on Susan's.  (Thanks for taking the time.)

After lunch I headed to Orlando, on the way I stopped to change.  Had my first manicure/pedicure (zzzzzzzzz very relaxing, complementary wine) at "The Spa" in Orlando. (Groupon, but first time clients get a discount.) After the spa, I had to drive to the other side is Orlando at 4:30, yuck.

This is the part that I don't get...I arrive at the Hilton and I'm checked in.  The process involved 6 people from the greater, valet, bellman, two front desk people and the concierge, EVERYONE of them repeatedly referred to me as sir.  I'll let it go.  But really? I'm wearing a feminine tight tank top, girl's running shorts, flip-flops, bright red nail polish and light eyeshadow.  I'm considering sending a note to the manager explaining they may want to teach their support staff what gender neutral pronouns are for that case.  I'm just starting to transition, so I don't expect to pass so at this point it's more about who is paying attention and who isn't.

Then I needed someone to help with computer connectivity so they sent up a technician.  By now I had changed into a skirt, feminine purple top, white strappy sandals and a necklace.  Now granted the work order had my birth name, but to use male pronouns constantly was a little strange.  I should have corrected him.  Oh well, just one more thing to let the manager know about.

Then to the local outdoor high-end outlet mall.  I walked around for 45 minutes, no one said boo, no one stared and ran away.  In fact, no one did anything they normally would do.  I ordered a slice of pizza and a coke ($$) and was mam'd constantly.  That will take some getting used to.

When I got back to the hotel, on went the new suit and down to the hot tub.  There were two other couples there and we talked for a while and left.

If, in a year, if a repeat this day I will be much less nervous and relaxed.  That's why today was close to perfect.

Now why to be a fly... I want to know what was said after I left each place.

But... Having a great time. Wish you all could be here.

- Dee Dee


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I'm sorry again I couldn't make it work yesterday but if you're coming back next time we're going to have a girl's day of shopping!!!

Hugs
Jessica


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I wish I had the courage you do Denise   You know, I bet it wouldn't even be that bad, like you said.  No boos, just people going about their business.  I'm sorry about the Hilton, they should have known better, you would think they have had training.  My wife and I stayed a night there, I think about three years ago, I loved the pools we spent a few hours playing in them, and going around the little river thing, the slide was fun too. 

I'm glad you are having fun down here  

Sorry you got misgendered. It sounds like you had a good time, other than the Hilton staff.

I'm sorry you got misgendered but besides that it sounded like you had a great day, yay .

On the bright side I suppose, if you're getting mis-gendered by strangers, unlike with friends and family, you know honesty is there and realize you still need work.  After all, these people have no ulterior motives. We all want to blend, but our best hope to do it is to change things till we do. These people are like canaries in a coal mine. If it's all good, you know...and if it isn't?...... Well, you find that out too. Our friends and family are often willing to sacrifice absolute truth to spare our feelings. Since we stare at our selves in the mirror daily, we can't be objective. Strangers are a means to an end and an excellent tool for us. Rather than getting hurt feelings, we can see these experiences in a more positive light and use the experience to further our transitions.

Quote from: jentay1367 on December 06, 2016, 02:49:33 PM
.... These people are like canaries in a coal mine. ...

Jentay - You are right.  I had not thought of it that way.  But what's interesting is it's the strangers that I'm more interested in.  I'm not presenting as Denise to my friends yet due to other issues (opportunity and wife's comfort level.)  BUT I'm not sure, for me, that I'll mind if my friends screw up because I know I sure would (I have).

Rachel - Don't get me wrong.  It's not a trigger or anything like that.  I'm just asking for a little more "observative" responses.

On the Hilton front - I talked to the very nice manager this morning and his reaction was genuine surprise as in no one had ever brought it to his attention.  He said and I honestly believe him, that he'll do something.  I'm not sure what, but lets see what happens the next time I come here.  (or at checkout) I also let him know that for me, it no big deal but someday someone might be EXTREMELY sensitive and flip out.