Last Saturday I went to Drag Queen Bingo with a friend, her grown daughter, and her parents(!). I'd never heard of it, but it is a local AIDS fundraiser and happens every year in my little town. My friend encouraged me to go dressed as I pleased, so I went in skirt and heels, breasts and makeup. (Gotta work on the makeup – put too much on. But hey, it was a drag show.) This was my first excursion in the local community as Katherine.
A lot of the people there were members of the university GLBT community, but there were townspeople too. I ran into a young woman from my church who earlier had told me excitedly that she had a girl friend. I thought she was lesbian, but at this event she was dressed and acted male. We didn't get to talk too much (too loud), but did get to say encouraging things to each other. He knew I was a newbie woman.
I also ran into a straight couple I've known for years but hadn't told about Katherine. He was the police chief but retired several years ago. They were both very positive about my changes. He asked what he should call me next time we see each other in town.
And I ran into a shopkeeper I've been friendly with. I didn't get a chance to talk with her. I'll stop by her shop today.
Everyone else I saw either already knew about me or I didn't recognize. It was quite a night.
After living as Katherine in my head for so long, I continue to be amazed by what is out there. I was pretty tentative in the beginning. Scared, I guess. But now it has gotten to the point where, come hell or high water, I have to do this!
- Kate
(I don't mean to clutter up this area of the forum with all my threads, but this is such an exciting time for me I just want to share it.)
