Went to target yesterday on our bi weekly shopping trip and I went off to the cosmetic dept to round out my el cheapo make up ensemble. Had to use an electric cart because of my MS today so I parked it in the main isle rather then trying to maneuver the little isles. Had a half dozen things in the basket then one of the store employees drove it off on me.
Fuming and ranting, I lurched through the store with a fist full of makeup probably with every security camera trained on me and thru the stuff back in my cart. Told my wife about it (big mistake) and sat down and waited. A few minutes later two managers walk up to me apologizing profusely.

"Were so sorry sir... It was a mistake... were trying to find your makeup right now... It will Just be a few minutes..."

"No...No...  No... that's ok I have already replaced it, thank you....." i replied.

ARRGGGGgg.... Shrinking violet syndrome hit me hard. I could feel the cortisol tingle on the back of my neck, I wanted to turn sideways and vanish.

Sorry that you had an embarrassing experience.
My wife is disabled and we love the stores which have enough electric carts. Do you ever get stranded when the batteries give out? I've gone back for a new cart more than once.

You were right to be angry, and it is good that the store apologized. It is hard enough having physical challenges without being cart-jacked.

No need to feel embarrassed buying female-identified things. If you are male-presenting, most people think you're a woman's dream-man who is knowledgeable enough, sensitive enough, and secure enough in his manhood, to buy tampons, pads, makeup, bras for his wife, girlfriend, or daughter. I used to get complements about it. A few may have bigger imaginations, perhaps because they crossdress themselves or have a crossdresser in their lives. Either way, you are the customer and you are right!

I used to get crazy shy about it, but really it is the store's job to sell you things and they want you to buy a lot of anything you want.

Quote from: MadelineB on August 26, 2012, 08:03:57 PM
If you are male-presenting, most people think you're a woman's dream-man who is knowledgeable enough, sensitive enough, and secure enough in his manhood, to buy tampons, pads, makeup, bras for his wife, girlfriend, or daughter.

I brought a list with me that I made a show of consulting and studying as I was looking at the various cosmetics, as if I had been given detailed written instructions and was trying to follow them.

As for being anyone's dream man? Such women should be careful what they wish for. I hear (from my wife, among others) that having a husband thinking of transitioning is no picnic.

Even having gone through it myself, I would have some difficulty if my wife suddenly started questioning her gender.  I am attracted to women, and not to men.  Rational or not, "straight" is part of my identity.  But love and my belief that everyone has the right to determine their own gender would prevail.  Honestly I think in this hypothetical situation, if she were to present and perform masculine, I'd start presenting and performing feminine.  (It's not going to happen, though.)

When looking over cosmetics or toiletries, I often will pull out my cellphone and act like I'm consulting a text message or list.  I've started doing that in the mens' section too sometimes, just for giggles.

Quote from: DrillQuip on August 28, 2012, 09:24:51 PM
When you're nervous, people pick up on it! Better to act fearlessly.

Even if anyone did give you trouble or stare at you for having make up, you shouldn't feel embarrassed! You have a right to be there and buy whatever you want.

Thats what i'm telling myself . The few times i detected an attitude i just stood my ground and they went away.
After the target incident everything else will be mild in comparison.

I like the help I get at JC Penney's Sephora Dept.
They are a lot of fun, help me out, and have questions.
Some are very curious, as I do present very male.
Their questions are always just curious, never anything else.
I've had them put makeup on me, showing me some pretty cool stuff.
I've learned about more than just makeup.
They've shown me some very androgynous looks.
Things are changing for me, they understand this.
So we talk a lot. Good for me, good for them.

As for those people who are rude? I find that just staring at them without saying anything works.
But then I have been told I am very intimidating when I do that. Sorry.

Ativan