I did it. I DID IT . OMG I did it. I still can hardly believe it.
This was the my fist time.
I went to the beach and let everyone see my pink toe nails.
And my pink bathing suit.
And you know what I loved it and know one cared or even stared at me.
Never having been to the beach before in a women's bathing suit, this was a new gratifying experience.
I wore nothing but the one piece suit and a some eyebrow liner and my sunglasses.
Walked up and down the beach  and in the water watching children play and adults enjoying the day.
I spend a half an hour on my beach towel just enjoying it all.
But darn I forgot to bring a book to read but I'll remember it tomorrow.

Right on Jillieann!!! That's great    Congrats

Thanks VM.
It was an incredible afternoon.

*hugs* I'm so happy for you! ^_^
It's a big step that you took and I'm proud of you for taking it. Well done

AWESOME !!!! 

I will have to wait a few months for our summer to see if I am confident enough to try it.  Have a great time at the beach.

Karen.

Well good for you girl! I know exactly how you felt. I wish I was able to do this in my twenties.

I too had a nice adventure to the PUBLIC POOL! am I freakin nuts! Yes!

Went well and I would have to say I rocked my bikini (bottom) and super cool! tankini top, I didn't even have to enhance anything 

This was such a revelation!! I never felt so complete in all my life. I now walk with a bit more confidence. I am woman!!

One funny thing happened. This was not a pool I frequent much, after I paid I started to walk in, the young girl quickly said Miss your going the wrong way. I was about to walk in the men's changing room. I said OMG thank you so much, she smiled. The changing rooms at his pool are complete opposite of the one I do frequent. UGH!

This was the bottom I wore!! I was going to go more conservative but did tons of research and had some help, finally admittted HELL! I got a body why hide it! Just don't have the curves I would like, thats where the tankini came in.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/415WcoTx%2BbL._SL380_.jpg

Oh just to add I was a complete bundle of nerves before walking in, and then try to find a lounge chair. I think I looked relaxed to others but inside wholy cow!

QuoteI too had a nice adventure to the PUBLIC POOL!

Oh Shelly that is great.  Yes I was nervous too. But after changing I walked out to the beach, spread my beach towel, set on it and took off my sandals.
Then I looked around. Amazed that no one was straighting at me I got up and walked down to the water and splashed alone the edge for sometime.
Oh the feeling of being free and being me.
Shelly that is a cute bottom but soooo revealing.
Maybe I will try a 2 piece before the summer is over.
Yes younger would have been better but at last, I am a bathing beauty grandma now.
Better late than never. 

And thanks Karen and Keaira. Just a foolish old women here.  But loving it.

Jillieann,

That is so awesome! I envy you and hope to do the same some day soon. Cool. 

Jennifer

Quote from: Just Shelly on July 04, 2011, 01:15:23 AM
I too had a nice adventure to the PUBLIC POOL! am I freakin nuts! Yes!

Went well and I would have to say I rocked my bikini (bottom) and super cool! tankini top, I didn't even have to enhance anything 

This was such a revelation!! I never felt so complete in all my life. I now walk with a bit more confidence. I am woman!!


This was the bottom I wore!! I was going to go more conservative but did tons of research and had some help, finally admittted HELL! I got a body why hide it! Just don't have the curves I would like, thats where the tankini came in.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/415WcoTx%2BbL._SL380_.jpg

lol Shelly, you made me laugh. congrats on finally doing it!!!

But like wow i have a bikini exactly the same as that!!  maybe one day i will wear it to the beach or pool as well.

Jillieann
congrats to you too, sounds like you both had an awesome day

Thanks Jennifer.  I'm sure you will if you really want to hon.

Shelly thanks. Yes it was more than awesome.

Foolish? Ha!! There is nothing foolish about living life and enjoying it.
This is what I wear when I go swimming at my best friend's house. I was 3 months on HRT and actually tried it on in one of the fitting rooms. No one looked at me funny which was amazing to me. but I've not been to the beach or a public pool in my bathing suit.

QuoteFoolish? Ha!! There is nothing foolish about living life and enjoying it.

I totally agree Keaira.
Oh you do look cute.
I'm sure you would be fine at the beach or a public pool.

OMG another first at the beach.
Wore a 2 piece with a bikini top,
no sunglasses, no makeup other than a little lipstick and eyebrow liner.
After enjoying time at the beach, splashing in the water and sunbathing
I meet this young, friendly park ranger type, park worker and we chatted for about 5 minutes.
He had a nice enjoyable friendly personality. 
And did I mention he was real cute.
To younger for me but fun anyway.
2 days in a row of fun and first.
This was a great Holiday weekend here in the USA, Independence day.
I still can't believe it would ever happen.
Sorry, I'm still on could nine and I got to say it.
I pass, I pass. OMG I can hardly believe it I pass.
Jillieann
Jillieann

Wow, Jillieann!  Amazing!  Thanks for letting us know.  You are sure making up for lost time.  Congratulations, sis!

Thanks Krisit.
If you still around I wouldlove to chat.
Hugs,
Jillieann

Quote from: Keaira on July 04, 2011, 11:33:56 AM
Foolish? Ha!! There is nothing foolish about living life and enjoying it.
This is what I wear when I go swimming at my best friend's house. I was 3 months on HRT and actually tried it on in one of the fitting rooms. No one looked at me funny which was amazing to me. but I've not been to the beach or a public pool in my bathing suit.

I will be honest! You may cause a stir if going to a public pool, the problem being going through the changing room. Once at the pool, its up to you how you feel if people may give you a second look. In the changing room there are little kids and possibly naked women, if they feel there is a man in there, not sure what would happen. The main problem is broader shoulders (see below)and the tattoo makes that even bigger. Sorry!

I did go my self, I was in a modest suit. I have been told I pass well (I still am insecure) I did get some reviews from a impartial audience, I had one person out of about 15 question if I was possibly a man (Nearly killed the little security I did feel) Mostly because of my shoulders and hands. This did not make me feel good! but the ironic thing is I am fairly petite overall, my shoulders are between 16"-17" wide and my hand size is a small womens. No matter how petite or soft my features are some still appear manly.

I try not to dwell on this much and I don't think it has caused me any second looks, but who knows for sure. I know I probably would get plenty of second looks if I were to wear tanks with spaghetti straps, short shorts, or anything else that may be too revealing. Would I like to dress simular to this at times, sure but I know what I can and can't wear. Not untypical for all woman.

Just be careful! There's a big difference between you or me not caring what other people think and other people needing to let us know what they think!

Shelly

Okay, First of all...

WOOHOO! you go girl! ^_^

Since we are being honest here, I'd like to express my thoughts too.

1. I dont ever intend on going to a public pool. I dont do well with pools filled with strangers.

2.I'm 4 months on HRT. the likelihood of me even using a pool changing room, or anything remotely like one is extremely slim at this time.

3. I may have somewhat broad shoulders, but so what? my best friend is a GG and I saw her pick a lawnmower up off the back of a moving truck with ease. She too has broad shoulders. But no one questions whether she is male. My mother-in-law can palm a basket ball. my hands are small too. Oh and I'm 5'5, no prominent adams apple and a voice that barely broke at puberty. Point is, Women come in all shapes and sizes.

4.Your issue with my Tattoo bothered me more than pointing out my broad shoulders. I work with a woman who has more tattoos than I do and one of them is bigger. And I know any number of women in the area that I can point out masculine features on.

5. You seem to have overlooked my lower left leg. A fork lift accident a few years ago left my leg hanging by a muscle and an artery. Since the surgery, it is scarred, mangled beyond normality. People are going to stare anyway, just because those scars are so deep and brutal.

6. My hairline.

If your that obsessed with picking apart my appearance, in a bathing suit which I wear at a private pool, then I would worry what your motives were in the changing room to begin with. I'm there to swim and have fun, not attract a mate or be a fashion model. Also, my bathing suit is neither tasteless or ludicrously revealing Some of us haven't had SRS, so we make do with what we can, like buying a suit with a built in skirt. And I'm certainly not going to go out and buy an expensive wet-suit just for a pool. For one thing, that would just attract more attention. Also, I was with 2 GG's when the bathing suit was purchased. And my best friend was the one who helped pick it out.

If I'm going swimming, I'm taking Jilliann with me because she's living life and enjoying it. Not worrying about things about her she cant control.

Jilliann, I hope you have many more years of happiness in the water. *hugs*

I have been changing in the women's restroom at the park.
Have even talked to some of the women.
I have not seen even a second look from anyone at me.
So a changing room is no problem for me.
The problem for some maybe they do feel insecure in a rest or changing room but I am not.
If I only went were I felt completely secure I would still be hidding in my room.
Most of my life is behind me so I am going to enjoy being a women to the fullest. If it means some risk oh well.
I have been outed and even though I felt real bad at the time it was not the end of the world.
But each of us will processed at her or his own pace.
Thank you very much for your concern Shelly.
But I am and most likely will give up everything to become the women within.
Keaira I would love to have company at the beach.
Jillieann

Quote from: Keaira on July 05, 2011, 05:41:25 AM
Okay, First of all...

WOOHOO! you go girl! ^_^

Since we are being honest here, I'd like to express my thoughts too.

1. I dont ever intend on going to a public pool. I dont do well with pools filled with strangers.

2.I'm 4 months on HRT. the likelihood of me even using a pool changing room, or anything remotely like one is extremely slim at this time.

3. I may have somewhat broad shoulders, but so what? my best friend is a GG and I saw her pick a lawnmower up off the back of a moving truck with ease. She too has broad shoulders. But no one questions whether she is male. My mother-in-law can palm a basket ball. my hands are small too. Oh and I'm 5'5, no prominent adams apple and a voice that barely broke at puberty. Point is, Women come in all shapes and sizes.

4.Your issue with my Tattoo bothered me more than pointing out my broad shoulders. I work with a woman who has more tattoos than I do and one of them is bigger. And I know any number of women in the area that I can point out masculine features on.

5. You seem to have overlooked my lower left leg. A fork lift accident a few years ago left my leg hanging by a muscle and an artery. Since the surgery, it is scarred, mangled beyond normality. People are going to stare anyway, just because those scars are so deep and brutal.

6. My hairline.

If your that obsessed with picking apart my appearance, in a bathing suit which I wear at a private pool, then I would worry what your motives were in the changing room to begin with. I'm there to swim and have fun, not attract a mate or be a fashion model. Also, my bathing suit is neither tasteless or ludicrously revealing Some of us haven't had SRS, so we make do with what we can, like buying a suit with a built in skirt. And I'm certainly not going to go out and buy an expensive wet-suit just for a pool. For one thing, that would just attract more attention. Also, I was with 2 GG's when the bathing suit was purchased. And my best friend was the one who helped pick it out.

If I'm going swimming, I'm taking Jilliann with me because she's living life and enjoying it. Not worrying about things about her she cant control.

Jilliann, I hope you have many more years of happiness in the water. *hugs*

Your right!

I'm sorry, I seemed to miss a few things in my apparent ridicule of you!

You never said you wern't going to a public pool. Your post started out "Foolish? Ha!! There is nothing foolish about living life and enjoying it. Thought you were thinking of a pool or beach.

I was truly trying to be helpful so you wouldn't just be another statistic! if you noticed I talked about my insecurities and issues with my body.

And please don't accuse me of some pervertive motives in a changing room, I can't believe someone on any tg forum would accuse another of that. That sounds like something from the far right christian group would say.

I never walked so fast through a changing room in my life! Actually almost ran someone over on the way out.

Stop to chit chat I don't think so. And again I DO care if I treated as just another female, its hard not to when it happens even as trying to be male. This IS something I can control.

Have a nice time swimming!

I apologize for being snippy. I was still thinking about the tattoo comment today actually. You just happened to mention it the same day my Mum said in an email, "Your starting to look like a girl. Shame about the tattoo though". And I think your comment was the spark that lit the fuse on my tampon, so to speak. But I kept asking the girls I work with if there was something wrong with it.

I live in Indiana. I cant think of a beach that I would rather be walking along or swimming at than in Florida. And I'm not going back there anytime soon. Also I did not mean you would have some perverse motive in mind. I simply meant that to me, it would feel like you were going to try and out me.
I go to my best friends house and relax in their pool because it's my 'happy place'. With my best friend, who see's me as one of her Daughters, her Husband and my 'Sister'. My wife is not exactly very accepting of my transition and I'm doing it anyway, condescending and snide remarks be damned. So I get nothing but snide remarks when I point out clothing I like.  But swimming is one of the best forms of exercise you can do. Since my leg is so messed up, I cant run, nor ride a bicycle, which I used to every day until the day I got injured. But my ankle doesn't have the range of motion I need to do these things.

I may not look like Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition material. But I will blend in and be nobody. just wait and see

Jilliann, I'm sorry about the catty posts. You're doing great and dont let anyone tell you different.