the first time you went out as yourself

[Melissa Pink]

Originally Posted by missnati

I was assigned a project in college for sociology. We had an option. One of which was to go to a halloween party the other was to do a gender bender project. As part of the requirements we were to spend at least 2 hours out. Well I used the gender bender to it's max potential. It was kind of like a fantasy come true in my mind.

I had to gather up a bunch of friends but they were supportive. I shaved my whole body minus my head. Wore my smallest t-shirt, and some cotton cheerleading shorts to the mall. Sure I was laughed at and given weird looks but I loved it and was forever changed.

I can relate to your story. The first time I went somewhere in public besides a GLBT friendly club or the French Quarter in New Orleans I was scared shitess! I went to a large mall in the city that I currently reside in. I went to Dilliards, Macy's and a few other stores. The thoughts I had in my head were similar to a reoccuring dream that I've had my whole life that I was totally nude in a public place! For the first half hour I thought everyone was staring at me! Contrary to my fears, no one said anything derogatory to me and several of the female sales associates were quite helpful! As I gained more confidence those emotions diminished substantially! After four years I never look back and know that I made the right decision!