Today was a nervous but interesting day.

First I went to a store where "Hi, I'm looking for boobs" seemed to be a perfectly normal phrase. They had three different models in stock. A cheap model, an expensive model and a do-they-come-with-a-lexus model. I went for the cheap cotton cushions for now. I'll upgrade when I have more money.

Then I was off to the trans group meeting at the lgbt center. I was there early, so I had time to change my clothes before people started arriving. Turned out everyone else just dressed at home and took the subway in. I'm not so sure I'll feel confident doing that anytime soon 

All the girls were nice and friendly. I talked a little about who I am, and how I found the group, and they told me all about what they do in the group. After some coffee and cake we watched a televised version of a theatre play based on the life stories of two MtFs who for different reasons were reverting to male life. The play was followed by a discussion about gender identity.

After the meeting most of us went out to eat at a nearby restaurant. I chose to change to male clothes before going out, but no one else did. At the restaurant I was intrigued by the fact that people actually didn't stare at us. And when we left, one of the resident drunks told us we were "the most awesome ladies ever". I assume I wasn't included in that statement. 

At next month's meeting I'll try to be less nervous about going out

You have more guts than me. lol Thats awesome to hear that you had a positive experience. I am sure if i ever got around a group of fellows it wouldnt be as difficult.

So all in all, kudos.

Hi,

I think it's great that you started going to meetings. I'm sure you'll get a lot from them.

That's fantastic news! I'm so glad that you've found an irl support network.

I'd like to go to social meets in the uk, the nhs gender clinic has social gatherings for transexuals every month but I can't go to those because I need to have seen the counsellors there at least twice Not that that upsets me, I find that it's rather protective for the transexuals they care about.

You shouldn't be so nervous about dressing in womens clothing - try wearing more subtle things like jeans and hoodies I have a cute white hoodie that I love

I didn't feel like starting a new topic about my (slow) progress in the same week, so here's a bit of an update on this week.

Today I went out drinking with a friend (who is also the brother of my brother-in-law). He was present when I first came out to a group of friends. After a few drinks he revealed that he had been nervous about if I would show up as Emma or as [birth name] (I showed up as the latter). During the night I told him a lot about what I feel about my gender identity and what questions I'm still asking myself. He had a few interesting questions, and also offered to come with me to the next trans group meeting as moral support if I wanted.

When the evening was over I called a friend who co-owns (I think) a taxi company, and he came to drive me home. Even though I only see him a few times a year he's an important friend, so I wanted to spend the drive home coming out. He was more intrigued than surprised. He wasn't quite up to speed regarding pronouns, even though he seemed to know a lot about trans issues (thanks to his Thai girlfriend). But at the end of the drive (and long talk after arrival) he said he wanted to get together to play board games (Go or Weiqi or Baduk, depending on linguistic preference) like in the old days, but that it would suck to be beaten by a girl. I took that as a compliment 

(Any room for more parentheses?)

I have never been there, but I wish to have a chance. Also in my town I saw a bar advertising like "transgender bar", but I have never entered there as I heard it's more expensive than other bars.

Usually I do not talk so much regarding my gender issues. I prefer action first. If somebody seriously inquires it, then I talk in detail.

Nowadays, people around me know well who I am, and sometimes they surprise me by showing how people can be adjusted to my new image. I seldom have talked with them. But, just by showing them who I am.

Barbie~~

Congratulations! In no time at all you will be dressing how you desire and will think nothing of it. It just takes time. I was mortified the first time I wore a skirt out (and this was even after I went full time at work!). Now it is jeans, skirts or dresses. No biggie anymore. Whatever I feel like that day.