Charlotte's scratch post

[Charlotte Kitty ✅]

Well I used the ladies in the airport. My first time using a busy toilet facility. Was nervy coming out of the cubicle face to face with two other women. But I did ok.

Walking out one lady coming in uttered the words Jesus of mercy. Can't help think this was directed at my presence!

Still I'm ok. I just need to grow my confidence

Loved the fact that one of the fragrance sellers correctly sprayed me with the women's perfume and my bf with the men's 🙂. That felt good!

Charlotte 😻

[Devlyn ✅]

So... funny story. My wife and I were walking into our apartment building in Barcelona, and this older woman was coming out. She looked at us and made the sign of the cross on herself! 🤣

A few days later we were sitting in the bank lobby waiting for an appointment and another old lady was in line. We made eye contact and I smiled, because that's what I do, and she just shook her head sorrowfully. 😂

That's been about the only grief we've had in Spain, and it's telling that it only came from the elderly. And I'm saying that as a 64 year old.

Side note, my wife had hair transplants done in Turkey, she said the flight back was full of people with shaved heads and baseball caps.

Hugs, Devlyn

[Dances With Trees]

Almost there, Charlotte!
So glad your BF will be by your side. And it is so cool the perfume vendor recognized you right off!

[Stottie Girl]

We are all broken, Charlotte. It's all good. <3

I think it's more that cats don't like me. Dogs... I can pet the most vicious dog where their owners were like "WTF how did you do that?"... I dunno. Maybe because that's my affinity. Cats... they always hiss and try to claw at me. When I didn't even do anything!

I had a cat as a pet when I was a little kid. She was an adorable little black bundle of "I love you". Maybe because I got her as a kitten. But... these days, I am more like something out of The Omen, lol.

ANYWAY! That's not the point. The point is... I wish you the best, sweetie. It will all be worth it.

A lot of cats just need time to accept you in their circle. Mine is a bit schitzy with newcommers but after a few visits she's pestering them for treats. She never hisses at strangers but she does growl at one of neighbours, I suspect he did something to deserve it but I can't be sure!

Dogs are funny, Sometimes I can love them and think they're cute and other times I think they want to kill me! I was attacked and bitten on the face when I was 2 or 3 so maybe they're picking up that i'm a bit wary. Got bitten on my arm twice last year, I was just walking down the street and a dog walking the other way just jumped up and bit me. Maybe I smell of cat?

[Stottie Girl]

Well I used the ladies in the airport. My first time using a busy toilet facility. Was nervy coming out of the cubicle face to face with two other women. But I did ok.

Walking out one lady coming in uttered the words Jesus of mercy. Can't help think this was directed at my presence!

Still I'm ok. I just need to grow my confidence

Loved the fact that one of the fragrance sellers correctly sprayed me with the women's perfume and my bf with the men's 🙂. That felt good!

Charlotte 😻

Very brave Charlotte and good for you! There will always be people who react negatively particularly after our media has whipped them up into a frenzy, it is their problem not yours. I wonder if the reaction will be different in Turkey?

[Charlotte Kitty ✅]

Ahhh cats and dogs hey...I get on brilliant with both. I guess I just love critters hence why I dress up as them!

@Sephirah with cats the slow blink is the answer. That's cat for "I love you and respect you". Many times a shy cat can be summoned with that one. Also cats are more like human friends in that you earn their appreciation and trust. The reward; sometimes the most amazing friendship and trust ever. My turkish angora Chica was my best friend. We could feel pure love with a glimpse of the eyes, I miss her dearly.

Dogs, well just need to treat them very well. They are eternally loyal.  Tickles in the right places, food and play - they're yours. Even better, run around with them and have fun. I can send dogs into a wild play frenzy like that 😀

@Devlyn I'm like you...If I catch someone's gaze I smile, it's just instinct and mostly lands very well. A smile, hi or nod back. But I know the kinda response you mention. If they could cut you with that look they would. Just laughing it off really, it's a bit sad but more their problem.


Thanks all for the kind wishes from all. Istanbul is, well very different! I feel wide open walking around as a trans girl. Got a few looks and heckling from some drunk blokes. But I dont feel unsafe. I get the impression I'll occasionally get some minor hassle. Well I can take that. I'm not sure how I'd feel alone around all the bars here at night.

Charlotte 😻

[Devlyn ✅]

I'd say something about eyes in the back of your head...but heading into FFS let's not even go there! 🤣

Hugs, Devlyn

[Stottie Girl]

Well whatever you do stay safe Charlotte, we want you back here in one piece!

The slow blink, that's elite level cat knowledge there and so true. Cats know cat people.

Dogs seem to me to be like excitable toddlers (you can tell I haven't had any kids!) whereas cats will only be your friend and be with you on their terms and if you are worthy.

[Pema]

Walking out one lady coming in uttered the words Jesus of mercy. Can't help think this was directed at my presence!

I choose to believe that she was blessing you, praying for the success of your procedure. How kind!

[Pema]

I try to be good and kind. Often completely broken, but never would want to hurt anyone.

I want to address this comment from a different perspective. I don't believe anyone is broken, especially completely broken. I think we all face challenges to being whole and at peace. Some people's challenges are more numerous and more challenging than others'. That doesn't make anyone broken.

The fact that you're aware of your challenges, you're identifying them and their causes, and you're doing what is in your power to confront and overcome them tells me that you're a survivor, someone who's committed to self-growth and becoming everything you can be in this lifetime. To me, that's the furthest thing from being broken that I can imagine.

Showing other people that moving forward is often extremely difficult is being genuine, not being weak. What you are sharing here is a gift for many others, most of whom we will probably never meet. They are not broken, either.

[Charlotte Kitty ✅]

Thanks for the kind messages sisters! I'm definitely taking care and needed a little time to settle...was a bit too tired to put much on here yesterday.

@Stottie Girl I'll mostly come back in one piece. Just minus some brow bone which is going for good!

@Pema I appreciate the kind words. I definitely have a few challenges and tough as they have been there most of my life and probably at least partly hereditary. But you're right I'm trying and always will. Sometimes I can't help give up for a bit, but always jump back up.

I share for a few reasons really. First I really value the help that the community can give me to heal. It does make a difference, so thank you. Writing my feelings down helps to contextualize them. Takes the weight off my mind and allows me to see them for what they really are. That's invaluable too. Lastly I really believe that mental health or any health should not be seen as taboo or embarrassing. I want to present a culture of openness where anyone can feel free to share their feelings. Of course it's up to the individual, but if my content helps one person share their struggles, then I've done something worthwhile.

Today I had pre-op tests. Everyone is really friendly and I met my surgeon face to face. I feel very comfortable with this team looking after me, as I felt at ease for every step. I also successfully transported the huge amount of cash safely from the UK to pay.

We enjoyed a traditional Turkish breakfast this morning at 7am. Was so nice we're going again tomorrow. This evening we visited a small local restaurant serving traditional Turkish food, well off the tourist trail. One of the proprietors is trans, so knew we'd be comfortable there and get to enjoy authentic cuisine. The staff were so beautiful and welcoming so very happy. The food was amazing.

Tomorrow more exploring! Seeing so many Istanbul kitties treated like royalty and invited into all sorts of places. Then a good sleep as I'm collected 6.30am Monday to be taken for surgery!

Charlotte 😻

[Stottie Girl]

That's a stroke of luck finding a trans friendly restaurant! Did you just wander in or did you know before hand?

Transporting the cash for FFS sounds a little risky, do they not do bank transfers!

Enjoy tomorrow and I'll cross my fingers, toes and eyes for you so it all goes smoothly on Monday for you.

Keep us posted

Sarah xx

[Charlotte Kitty ✅]

That's a stroke of luck finding a trans friendly restaurant! Did you just wander in or did you know before hand?

Transporting the cash for FFS sounds a little risky, do they not do bank transfers!

Enjoy tomorrow and I'll cross my fingers, toes and eyes for you so it all goes smoothly on Monday for you.

Keep us posted

Sarah xx

I looked for LGBTQ friendly places and this restaurant came up. Just happens it's run by a trans Woman. Even better that it's a proper local place, so got that authentic taste. I love the food here.

I could have paid bank transfer but the 10% surcharge itself would have been near £1000. Not an amount I can just ignore!

Thanks for the wishes. Surgeon has asked me to do lots of walking tomorrow. Guess it helps avoid DVT.

Charlotte 😻

[Lori Dee ✅]

Good luck, Charlotte!

Hope all goes well and you heal up quickly. A new you awaits just on the other side of a nap.

[ChrissyRyan]

If you visit local LGBT+ organizations' Web sites you can often find recommendations for restaurants and service providers.  There are notations of transfriendly too at times.
There are also other lists of transfriendly providers. 

I am unsure how this may work out outside of the USA, but to give an example, put in your Web  broweser this search string

transfriendly denver


You will see examples for that area.