First time

[Hope_ful]

I want to start by saying I am in no way asking for financial donations.-. I am a transgender individual and have known this since I was a teenager. Due to my career in the military I have never been public with my identity and I try to gaurd it as much as possible, especially right now. When my career is over I plan to fully transition. I understand if due to my career no one wants to help, it's a complicated issue. That being said I have a work trip to the San Fransisco area soon and I plan on taking one night to fully present as female for the first time. That being said I'm struggling to save money to purchase gender affirming clothing wigs makeup and shapewear due to unexpected bills and I'm out of time to save back up. Are there any resources I might qualify in the area for this?  I've done a search and I'm not sure what access I might have to resources. I understand due to my large frame I won't be totally passable but I think Sam Fransisco may be my one shot at some level of acceptance. Also, Does anyone have recommendations on places to go or avoid to make sure I have a good time? I also posted this in the military community for advice.

[Maid Marion]

Welcome!

There are places in the United States where it isn't necessary to pass.
I had a co-worker who moved to Hartford Connecticut.  She is big and tall.

Marion

[ChrissyRyan]

I suggest trying to find a transgender support group to see if they have a clothing swap or a free supply of clothing donations.  Thrift stores are also a good source of lower cost items.


Chrissy
 

[Lori Dee ✅]

Hello Hope_ful,

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@Hope_ful
@Sarah B
@Northern Star Girl

[Sarah B ✅]

Hi Hope_ful

My name is Sarah and I would also like to formally, Welcome you to Susan's Place!

I see that other members of Susan's have also welcomed you as well.

Although I live in Australia and of course cannot really help out.  I hope you are able to find some helpful local resources and have a safe positive experience while you are there.  San Francisco has a large LGBTQ+ community I believe so hopefully someone local can point you toward affordable clothing, makeup or community organizations that may be able to help.

Wishing you the best and I hope the night gives you a chance to feel comfortable being yourself.

Once you feel comfortable here, it would be appreciated if you add a little bit more about yourself in the other forums and threads.  I would appreciate it very much as, I'm always interested in learning something new about new members.

In addition members of Susan's will more than likely discuss problems or issues that are similar to yours as most have experienced these issues as well.

Please keep in mind when posting that this is an ALL AGES PUBLIC Forum and the internet never forgets.  Do not post anything that you do not want to be made public.

Take care and all the best for the future.

Once again, Welcome to Susan's Place!

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Devlyn  @Jessica_Rose  @Mariah  @Northern Star Girl  @Lori Dee
@Hope_ful

[tgirlamg]

I want to start by saying I am in no way asking for financial donations.-. I am a transgender individual and have known this since I was a teenager. Due to my career in the military I have never been public with my identity and I try to gaurd it as much as possible, especially right now. When my career is over I plan to fully transition. I understand if due to my career no one wants to help, it's a complicated issue. That being said I have a work trip to the San Fransisco area soon and I plan on taking one night to fully present as female for the first time. That being said I'm struggling to save money to purchase gender affirming clothing wigs makeup and shapewear due to unexpected bills and I'm out of time to save back up. Are there any resources I might qualify in the area for this?  I've done a search and I'm not sure what access I might have to resources. I understand due to my large frame I won't be totally passable but I think Sam Fransisco may be my one shot at some level of acceptance. Also, Does anyone have recommendations on places to go or avoid to make sure I have a good time? I also posted this in the military community for advice.

Hello Hope!

Welcome to the forum little sister and kudos on finding the courage to seek, finally, a bit of expression of the soul within you!...Many of my first ventures out en femme back in 2013 were in the San Francisco and San Jose area... if you go out walking around The Castro District to take in the sights, you should have zero issues, you can park close by... perhaps get a room for the night at The Inn On Castro... Cafe Mystique is one of many spots for a nice  dinner!

There used to be a place called Carla's Boutique in San Jose that provided makeup and help with dressing, wigs etc... sadly they closed many years ago but there may be a similar service around there if you do some online footwork...

There was, and possibly still is, a TG/CD Meetup group in SF... you might join online and see if any of their dinner meetups coincide with when you will be in The City!

Thank you for your service sister and keep moving toward what you truly want your life to be... Amazing things await you!

Onward Brave Sister!

Ashley 💕

[tgirlamg]

Hope,

The start of this video always reminds me of my first times out walking around in public... No one cared or even gave me a second glance as I explored my world through new eyes... 🌻

Onward Girl

Ashley 💕

[tgirlamg]

There is a TG/CD club called Divas I went to once in 2013 but it is in a pretty rough area near The Tenderloin District... I was with a couple wing-girls at the time... We had fun! 😅

[Stottie Girl]

Hiya Hope,

Welcome to Susans, I'm, Sarah from Northern England. Like Sarah B I cannot help you directly of course but you might try something like vinted or Ebay online for second hand clothes, though I'm not sure if you are serving in the military whether getting deliveries and maintaining your own stash is all that easy. That must be tough. There will be thrift stores in San Francisco though I would think. You can get outfits pretty cheaply and the likes of Amazon sell cheap wigs and makeup that would do for your first steps.

Good luck with the trip, let us know how it turned out😁

Sarah xx

[AlisonM]

Hi Hope, thank you for your service!  I like using poshmark for good deals on clothing, etc.  Welcome to Susan's, we are so glad to have you here!!!

[KristaFairchild]

I want to start by saying I am in no way asking for financial donations.-. I am a transgender individual and have known this since I was a teenager. Due to my career in the military I have never been public with my identity and I try to gaurd it as much as possible, especially right now. When my career is over I plan to fully transition. I understand if due to my career no one wants to help, it's a complicated issue. That being said I have a work trip to the San Fransisco area soon and I plan on taking one night to fully present as female for the first time. That being said I'm struggling to save money to purchase gender affirming clothing wigs makeup and shapewear due to unexpected bills and I'm out of time to save back up. Are there any resources I might qualify in the area for this?  I've done a search and I'm not sure what access I might have to resources. I understand due to my large frame I won't be totally passable but I think Sam Fransisco may be my one shot at some level of acceptance. Also, Does anyone have recommendations on places to go or avoid to make sure I have a good time? I also posted this in the military community for advice.

Hi Hope!

I did exactly what you plan to do. When I traveled, I dressed up. There were a lot of complex feelings about it, but I kept doing it. 

I've completely changed my wardrobe and I always battled the cost. These helped me 
- Amazon for cheap new clothes. Read reviews. Let Alexa help. They ship anywhere. 
- Local second hand stores. OMG, the deals! Ten bucks goes a long way and no shipping costs. 
- eBay can hammer you with crazy shipping costs but not always. I just bought a gorgeous winter skirt for $6 and $8 shipping. I always search for "used"

I bought cheap makeup and AI taught me how to apply it. I had two live makeup lessons and neither one was worth it. 

Enjoy your trip! 

[Petunia]

Hello Hope,
Welcome to Susan's.

I too get my outerwear from thrift shops. Mistakes don't cost so much and every dollar goes further.

Ashley thank you for the New Order clip.  It's the first time I've seen it.

I already loved the song but now the clip too.
It looked like it was filmed in Paris so I had too look it up.
Yes.

[tgirlamg]

Hello Hope,

Ashley thank you for the New Order clip.  It's the first time I've seen it.

I already loved the song but now the clip too.
It looked like it was filmed in Paris so I had too look it up.
Yes.

Hi Petunia!

This is my all time favorite version... They were blowing the roof off the place!

Onward!

A 💕