June 11th, 2007
I had lunch with my brother today, and came across a situation we didn't quite know how to handle. We sat outside where several of his co-workers came to eat their lunch too. He introduced me as his brother. They would give me their names and I'd just say Hello. As we walked out later, my brother mentioned he wasn't sure if he should just introduce me as his sister or what might be appropriate. As he didn't think I was likely to bump into those people again, he didn't think it necessary to get into any explanation or confusion just then. I do agree that it may be more appropriate to still be introduced that way, but I admit, I'm not happy about that. Same situation when I visited my sister the previous weekend when meeting people.
I'm sure everyone would feel it more appropriate when I'm more 'passing' to use my feminine name. Now, I do tend to look a bit feminine already with hairstyle and nails, blouses and slacks. So what does it take for me to taken as a woman? I suppose breasts would go a long way, and my features are supposed to soften up over time with hormones. But that shouldn't mean I have to go as male until then. When I go to group or church I'm wearing breast forms and full makeup. There is no question that I'm 'in role', and people treat me as such. I've went shopping over the weekend and did not have any problems presenting in public. Oh, I'm sure some people may wonder, but I can't say that I received any odd looks. I always have some base makeup on and a little blush, which I think helps so I guess that means I'll have to make sure I have my breasts with me to be taken for 'real'.
I shouldn't need to use them around my own house or with friends or family. Eventually I'll have my own grow out anyway. I don't think my workplace is quite ready for that step either. But I do want to be as much 24/7 as possible. I first I figured that doing my hair & nails and wearing all women's clothing would qualify at being full time. However, if people can't look at me and see a woman, then I guess I'm not really always presenting. I guess any time I'm out in public, I'll need to put on the forms.
