Once in a while something comes along that is truly and frighteningly wrong. And last night I came across it.
A woman went into a DMV in Salt Lake City to renew her driver's license. She was mocked, ridiculed and forced to remove her makeup and pull back her hair before they would take her picture. The employees and a supervisor made anti-transgendered slurs and laughed at her.
This is the sort of transphobic behavior that leads to violence and worse among the transgendered community. It festers and hides in corners and then it's like a plague, hard to eradicate until you've seen half the population wiped out. It's also something that should never, EVER be tolerated.
Aren't we in the land of the free? With liberty, and justice, for all?
Apparently not so free and not so much liberty for some.
Now I understand perhaps you are uncomfortable with a transitioning person, maybe it's against your religious beliefs. I can't fault you if you say 'someone else will be helping you'. I don't agree that religion should be tossing stones at others but we'll come to that some other time. These employees acted like 5 year olds and what's worse, the supervisor followed suit. And now it's gotten out there and there's been a furor about it. I suspect it's gone pretty viral at least in the TG community by now.
Thank goodness that the upside is a woman named Amber stood in the faces of these bigots and shouted them down. I half-wonder if they realized this wasn't going to end well, retreated to secluded spots and started polishing their resumes. After all, I'm sure a future employer would look at them (imagine if they had an interview with a transgendered boss) and say 'Why did you leave your last job?' 'Ummm... I was fired for making anti-transgendered slurs.' I can see the outcome... 'don't call us, we'll call you...but don't count on that happening either.'
I'm not entirely sure why people should need counseling, but I guess it's just the status quo. If you are the majority and you think you have the power, you exercise that power without thought or question. But then when you realize how little power you wield and how much power can be found by others to counteract your position, you suddenly feel small and under a microscope. Perhaps it is a learning experience for these jerks who feel it's somehow considered okay to treat another person, another human being like this. Let's rewind and watch a few disturbing and inhumane films on the Nazis and their death-camps so we can realize again about man's inhumanity to man and lessons learned about that absolute power DOES corrupt absolutely.
And they aren't even in any sort of power. So let's be reminded of the fact, even if you think you have power, chances are pretty good you don't. So wield your five-year-old type slurs and laughter, act like a toddler in need of a good spanking.
We wish you would grow up in your future endeavors.
Here's the link to the story: http://prideinutah.com/?p=10545
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Hair today, hair tomorrow too!
One thing I like to do, or should I say one thing I'd like to do, is mess around with my hair. I want to figure out what works best, for me and grow from there.
Note, I didn't say "go".
For myself, as I know it is for most girls I know, we grow. Everyday. I don't mean we go from an A to a B cup or our hips are curvier today than yesterday (goodness knows how lovely those would be though!)
No, I mean we grow and in that I mean we learn and ask questions about ourselves, we confide like sisters or women who know something where men often stand around wondering what we are talking about. And it's a good thing.
Many feminine aspects of humanity are shown by those who form close-knit, personal friendships with people we admire, respect and in some cases, love. We truly desire a moment alone with someone whom we can talk to, one on one, whispering about this, giggling about that. You name it.
I take my own appearance pretty seriously. I think that's one thing that separates the passable from the not-so-passable. I like to look at clothes that are distinctive and make me look sharp as much as maybe they flatter my legs a little more or they are a little more daring than I might like.
And I watch... all the time I am looking at girls thinking 'that could work for me' or 'no way would I wear that'. But my whole appearance boils down to one thing.
Hair.
I can't deny that I am searching for that truly perfect hairstyle that will flatter me, look natural and expressive, and really make me open up inside. I love looking at genetic women's hairstyles, liking some things and perhaps not others. After all, we girls can be so finicky. :)
After many years of soul-searching and such, I've landed on a lightish brown/red as being the best for me. A sort of roan color, not too long, but not too short. I like something that will help conceal the neck a bit and throw off lovely shades in the spotlights of clubs when I am out with my friends. But not something that makes me too self-conscious. And, of course, something I can play with demurely when the time is appropriate! :)
So the hunt continues for that perfect style... I am not quite ready to settle for one style quite yet, but I am close. I'd like to get a consistency and a familiarity, that will only help passing to the general public. I can't say for sure what the end will be, since the future's always in motion, but I have a lot of ideas, a bunch of awesomely terrific friends and the chance to open up and be me more, which will all lead to more and more terrific memories as the future unfolds.
Happy times sisters!! Love ya!
Note, I didn't say "go".
For myself, as I know it is for most girls I know, we grow. Everyday. I don't mean we go from an A to a B cup or our hips are curvier today than yesterday (goodness knows how lovely those would be though!)
No, I mean we grow and in that I mean we learn and ask questions about ourselves, we confide like sisters or women who know something where men often stand around wondering what we are talking about. And it's a good thing.
Many feminine aspects of humanity are shown by those who form close-knit, personal friendships with people we admire, respect and in some cases, love. We truly desire a moment alone with someone whom we can talk to, one on one, whispering about this, giggling about that. You name it.
I take my own appearance pretty seriously. I think that's one thing that separates the passable from the not-so-passable. I like to look at clothes that are distinctive and make me look sharp as much as maybe they flatter my legs a little more or they are a little more daring than I might like.
And I watch... all the time I am looking at girls thinking 'that could work for me' or 'no way would I wear that'. But my whole appearance boils down to one thing.
Hair.
I can't deny that I am searching for that truly perfect hairstyle that will flatter me, look natural and expressive, and really make me open up inside. I love looking at genetic women's hairstyles, liking some things and perhaps not others. After all, we girls can be so finicky. :)
After many years of soul-searching and such, I've landed on a lightish brown/red as being the best for me. A sort of roan color, not too long, but not too short. I like something that will help conceal the neck a bit and throw off lovely shades in the spotlights of clubs when I am out with my friends. But not something that makes me too self-conscious. And, of course, something I can play with demurely when the time is appropriate! :)
So the hunt continues for that perfect style... I am not quite ready to settle for one style quite yet, but I am close. I'd like to get a consistency and a familiarity, that will only help passing to the general public. I can't say for sure what the end will be, since the future's always in motion, but I have a lot of ideas, a bunch of awesomely terrific friends and the chance to open up and be me more, which will all lead to more and more terrific memories as the future unfolds.
Happy times sisters!! Love ya!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Those Shoes...
Who doesn't love a new pair of shoes? Or maybe two? OK how about SIX?
Don Henley said it best when he said "What you gonna do with those shoes". I have some with those pretty little straps around my ankles. So what about those those x 6?
Over the past little bit I have been questioning ... a lot! But something always reigns me in, be it the voice of my friends or other avenues I seek, creativity and understanding are among them?
Has anyone heard about 'Princess Boy', the young child that wants to dress up like a girl and his mother lets him? She wrote a book about it. I have to ask this: many are angry she did this, they feel she is exploiting him and letting him be a target for future hateful/cruel remarks. What do you think?
For the record, what exactly does that have to do with my shoes? Well, twofold arguments can be made. First is the child's mom to blame if she does something most parents fail to do: she supports and tries to understand her child! She gets some merit in my book for that.
And if she, or indeed anyone who isn't expecting me to be transgendered would be surprised I am buying heels and women's shoes. Including a nice, comfy, pair of androgynous sneakers. I have hid and nibbled about for about 25 years. I have needs that I can't get off the Internet or from TV/movies.
It's about what gives you those thrills. Understand I am not in this for some sexual thrill. I am in this (and it is tough to be in but so, so satisfying when you are complete) to share something other than what we need, what we are looking for so, so, so bad.
My parents, I think, were born in the Middle Ages and have made numerous but pointed remarks about how they don't understand TG folks and what's more they think they are rejects.
I am that reject they can't open their minds too.
So why do I do it? It is because I am a rebel? Hmmmm maybe, but I know, deep-down, it is something else...
I want to feel accepted and whole. Not an outsider looking in and wondering what it would be like to be warm, remembered, not long-forgotten. I'd just like to look and feel ACCEPTED. That's all.
Is it wrong to want to feel like you belong...? Or to feel you are part of a greater whole? I sense a lot of doubt in my mind that it is, or ever will be, acceptable to take something sacred, like life and humanity, and reduce it to vulgar representations of what we should be, what others think we should be.
If I wear heels and nylons, skirts and eye shadow, should I be looked at any differently than you? After all, I also slide on jeans and a shirt. I just want to feel accepted, able and allowed into society. What does it matter if I prefer pantyhose over socks? If I like woman's shoes and heels over something male and plodding? If I want to feel a little more like how I want to feel when I am dressed up and out? I am not out to seek some favors or pass myself as something I am not. I am just your average, everyday girl who wants to be accepted as just being your average, everyday girl!
So with that we come to the age-old question... who is right and who is wrong. Am I wrong? If I am then I guess I don't want to be right, because my dear and wonderful friends have made me feel so uplifted, like I belong!! There's nothing more satisfying than that.
Belonging is the beginning of much of our truest and hugest greatness.
It's time to belong and also time to be great. Live life as you have imagined as Thoreau said. It's time we opened that avenue and expressed ourselves as we would want.
Don Henley said it best when he said "What you gonna do with those shoes". I have some with those pretty little straps around my ankles. So what about those those x 6?
Over the past little bit I have been questioning ... a lot! But something always reigns me in, be it the voice of my friends or other avenues I seek, creativity and understanding are among them?
Has anyone heard about 'Princess Boy', the young child that wants to dress up like a girl and his mother lets him? She wrote a book about it. I have to ask this: many are angry she did this, they feel she is exploiting him and letting him be a target for future hateful/cruel remarks. What do you think?
For the record, what exactly does that have to do with my shoes? Well, twofold arguments can be made. First is the child's mom to blame if she does something most parents fail to do: she supports and tries to understand her child! She gets some merit in my book for that.
And if she, or indeed anyone who isn't expecting me to be transgendered would be surprised I am buying heels and women's shoes. Including a nice, comfy, pair of androgynous sneakers. I have hid and nibbled about for about 25 years. I have needs that I can't get off the Internet or from TV/movies.
It's about what gives you those thrills. Understand I am not in this for some sexual thrill. I am in this (and it is tough to be in but so, so satisfying when you are complete) to share something other than what we need, what we are looking for so, so, so bad.
My parents, I think, were born in the Middle Ages and have made numerous but pointed remarks about how they don't understand TG folks and what's more they think they are rejects.
I am that reject they can't open their minds too.
So why do I do it? It is because I am a rebel? Hmmmm maybe, but I know, deep-down, it is something else...
I want to feel accepted and whole. Not an outsider looking in and wondering what it would be like to be warm, remembered, not long-forgotten. I'd just like to look and feel ACCEPTED. That's all.
Is it wrong to want to feel like you belong...? Or to feel you are part of a greater whole? I sense a lot of doubt in my mind that it is, or ever will be, acceptable to take something sacred, like life and humanity, and reduce it to vulgar representations of what we should be, what others think we should be.
If I wear heels and nylons, skirts and eye shadow, should I be looked at any differently than you? After all, I also slide on jeans and a shirt. I just want to feel accepted, able and allowed into society. What does it matter if I prefer pantyhose over socks? If I like woman's shoes and heels over something male and plodding? If I want to feel a little more like how I want to feel when I am dressed up and out? I am not out to seek some favors or pass myself as something I am not. I am just your average, everyday girl who wants to be accepted as just being your average, everyday girl!
So with that we come to the age-old question... who is right and who is wrong. Am I wrong? If I am then I guess I don't want to be right, because my dear and wonderful friends have made me feel so uplifted, like I belong!! There's nothing more satisfying than that.
Belonging is the beginning of much of our truest and hugest greatness.
It's time to belong and also time to be great. Live life as you have imagined as Thoreau said. It's time we opened that avenue and expressed ourselves as we would want.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Raven hair and ruby lips...
Wooooohoooo...
OK it's a new year and time to make good on a few promises. One is to post more. I need to do this. I need to expose this fantastic lie and make it truth. I am just like you, I am as human as you think you are. If you are TG you have no fears. I mean those that don't like us. Hate us. Despise us.
So today I am thinking that time has come to let me out of the bad feelings bag. Time to be the woman I am...the woman you might see here soon.
Not that I am living a lie... by NO MEANS. I am just growing and transforming into a new spirit. That's what 2011 means to me... I am just floored by the facets I have to overcome, but those things I will, I shall, overcome!
"Dancing shadows...firelight..."
I like Goth expression because so many I have loved were Goth and treated me right. They proved that I was not alone. I finally started to see that I was not bound to anything. It's like I am "driving myself to madness with a silver spoon." I see that I can't really separate from the old boys network but I can try to divide it up as best I can.
As 2011 opens I see that I can open new avenues in my life and let me reiterate that will be something I aim for. I am growing and I need to grow beyond being just a mere girl. I NEED to be a WOMAN.
I am not forsaking what I knew, not forsaking who I was for something else. I am just trying to find my own voice here and now. I have this incessant need to pursue some ideal of being who I am... like a shadow cast upon the the darkness where no one can resolve it without some insight.
I am that insight. Trust me. It's a huge undertaking for me. But well needed.
I am that black cat, pussycat that torments your dreams, I am your sunlight when you open your mind and accept that I am just as fluid and genuine as you. I am your dark shade. I am your Mistress.
There is no escape from music, it is my love. No way I am looking to abandon it anyhow! It's going to grow with me and hopefully you will see it grow and get better. It's my art, and my joy. It's the glimmer of light that my life needs to go on.
So as I wrap this up I am feeling less black than before and I am growing. I am that woman you never saw yet has always been there. I am here, you are there and my spirit is growing...everywhere.
As long as my spirit grows it is OK with me. That is what I want! "She's a restless spirit on an endless flight"
That's me!
Happy New Year to all who are reading this!
OK it's a new year and time to make good on a few promises. One is to post more. I need to do this. I need to expose this fantastic lie and make it truth. I am just like you, I am as human as you think you are. If you are TG you have no fears. I mean those that don't like us. Hate us. Despise us.
So today I am thinking that time has come to let me out of the bad feelings bag. Time to be the woman I am...the woman you might see here soon.
Not that I am living a lie... by NO MEANS. I am just growing and transforming into a new spirit. That's what 2011 means to me... I am just floored by the facets I have to overcome, but those things I will, I shall, overcome!
"Dancing shadows...firelight..."
I like Goth expression because so many I have loved were Goth and treated me right. They proved that I was not alone. I finally started to see that I was not bound to anything. It's like I am "driving myself to madness with a silver spoon." I see that I can't really separate from the old boys network but I can try to divide it up as best I can.
As 2011 opens I see that I can open new avenues in my life and let me reiterate that will be something I aim for. I am growing and I need to grow beyond being just a mere girl. I NEED to be a WOMAN.
I am not forsaking what I knew, not forsaking who I was for something else. I am just trying to find my own voice here and now. I have this incessant need to pursue some ideal of being who I am... like a shadow cast upon the the darkness where no one can resolve it without some insight.
I am that insight. Trust me. It's a huge undertaking for me. But well needed.
I am that black cat, pussycat that torments your dreams, I am your sunlight when you open your mind and accept that I am just as fluid and genuine as you. I am your dark shade. I am your Mistress.
There is no escape from music, it is my love. No way I am looking to abandon it anyhow! It's going to grow with me and hopefully you will see it grow and get better. It's my art, and my joy. It's the glimmer of light that my life needs to go on.
So as I wrap this up I am feeling less black than before and I am growing. I am that woman you never saw yet has always been there. I am here, you are there and my spirit is growing...everywhere.
As long as my spirit grows it is OK with me. That is what I want! "She's a restless spirit on an endless flight"
That's me!
Happy New Year to all who are reading this!
Friday, December 31, 2010
One last hurrah to 2010
2010 was not a really great year. Nor good. Actually it was ho-hum. Nothing gripping.
Were there defining limits? Sure. I went out in real life and enjoyed the time. I got a superb makeover at Sephora. Did this girl a LOT of good. I was in my element because I was just ENJOYING myself. Being there with those that cared, loved and supported me was the ultimate treasure. Going shopping en femme was better than any gift I could have received. It was liberation because I WAS ME!!
So for one last hurrah I have a few things to relate:
1) New Years mean new avenues and I plan on writing more. A LOT more. I have been bad about updating this blog. That will change.
2) Getting out is no longer a what if it's a when do I? OK, life is not exactly a magic carpet ride for me, but it's there and I have to do what I can to eliminate that hardship. I need to get out more... it's no longer an option!
3) I have a few needs and those are these (yeah, seems odd to write that too!): Makeup- time to master this rather than hack at it. Dress sense- well that is OK so far but I am going to be a little more daring this year. Hair- got to get better at styling my hair. Got to be able to do what I want with this mop :)
4) Lastly comes the style. This year will see some Vickie... ahem, I mean Victorian Sam! Not Victorious (though that would also be nice)... VICTORIAN. A touch of extra Goth, time to let her shine through. Sam loves Victorian stuff, English stuff and above all just being her OWN girl!
So style, fear and exposure will all be changing, I hope, for me in 2011. I hope as you read this your 2011 is better than 2010. Or any other year. I am determined that 2011 is going to be the year of change, because no one can make the change happen EXCEPT me.
So go forth and have fun tonight, the last day of 2010. Enjoy the time and realize when you wake up tomorrow you have the rest of your life to look forward to.
It's the perfect recipe for the future and I hope it is perfect for you too!
~Samantha
Were there defining limits? Sure. I went out in real life and enjoyed the time. I got a superb makeover at Sephora. Did this girl a LOT of good. I was in my element because I was just ENJOYING myself. Being there with those that cared, loved and supported me was the ultimate treasure. Going shopping en femme was better than any gift I could have received. It was liberation because I WAS ME!!
So for one last hurrah I have a few things to relate:
1) New Years mean new avenues and I plan on writing more. A LOT more. I have been bad about updating this blog. That will change.
2) Getting out is no longer a what if it's a when do I? OK, life is not exactly a magic carpet ride for me, but it's there and I have to do what I can to eliminate that hardship. I need to get out more... it's no longer an option!
3) I have a few needs and those are these (yeah, seems odd to write that too!): Makeup- time to master this rather than hack at it. Dress sense- well that is OK so far but I am going to be a little more daring this year. Hair- got to get better at styling my hair. Got to be able to do what I want with this mop :)
4) Lastly comes the style. This year will see some Vickie... ahem, I mean Victorian Sam! Not Victorious (though that would also be nice)... VICTORIAN. A touch of extra Goth, time to let her shine through. Sam loves Victorian stuff, English stuff and above all just being her OWN girl!
So style, fear and exposure will all be changing, I hope, for me in 2011. I hope as you read this your 2011 is better than 2010. Or any other year. I am determined that 2011 is going to be the year of change, because no one can make the change happen EXCEPT me.
So go forth and have fun tonight, the last day of 2010. Enjoy the time and realize when you wake up tomorrow you have the rest of your life to look forward to.
It's the perfect recipe for the future and I hope it is perfect for you too!
~Samantha
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Voices from Beyond...? Maybe just outstanding voices!
I can't tell you how I have opened up of late, there is always so much going on. Sometimes you get lost. Sometimes you just never know what will happen.
So today I got an unexpected treat, my dear friend Felicity wanted to call me all the way around from New Zealand. It was a real treat (yes, I babbled a bit, it was just great to talk to a sister). It was wonderful to hear her voice and talked about being out and about. It made me really proud.
I really need to use the blog to be a journal, it seems every day something new and wonderful happens and I can't stand not feeling like it's worth that extra special time to write about it.
We talked about what a wonderful time I had going to SCC and taking the train and relaxing. Going down was a real treat, going out as me was even more so. Twice! In addition I got into a really wonderful chat with a girl who loves writing music, we connected so well that we shared contact information. She is a real beauty with a lovely smile. And great knowledge of music.
So much happens nowadays and with the Internet and cell phones we are a global sisterhood really. You have no idea unless you join up, but joining up is so much fun. I had a terrific time with my friends out at SCC and then coming home and I have even more friends to converse with. This is just surreal.
So despite the depression that my friend in New Zealand was facing a Monday early AM (it was about 1:30 PM on Sunday here) I can't say enough about how wonderful it was to share voices and reality. Reality is often overrated and sometimes scary. I was a little afraid to pick up the phone and reveal me, but I did and I was so glad I did. My dear friend Felicity is a great person and so warm and her voice is so special. She is a really good friend of mine, no matter what the mileage is between us! Here's her blog: http://flicdoesusa2011.blogspot.com/
So hugs for all of you that reach out and welcome new sisters or just reach out and share time with someone new. It's a special treat, and for one this girl really appreciates it.
HUGS to all who share their lives and are open about it. You make the world go round and you are all very special!!
♥Samantha♥
So today I got an unexpected treat, my dear friend Felicity wanted to call me all the way around from New Zealand. It was a real treat (yes, I babbled a bit, it was just great to talk to a sister). It was wonderful to hear her voice and talked about being out and about. It made me really proud.
I really need to use the blog to be a journal, it seems every day something new and wonderful happens and I can't stand not feeling like it's worth that extra special time to write about it.
We talked about what a wonderful time I had going to SCC and taking the train and relaxing. Going down was a real treat, going out as me was even more so. Twice! In addition I got into a really wonderful chat with a girl who loves writing music, we connected so well that we shared contact information. She is a real beauty with a lovely smile. And great knowledge of music.
So much happens nowadays and with the Internet and cell phones we are a global sisterhood really. You have no idea unless you join up, but joining up is so much fun. I had a terrific time with my friends out at SCC and then coming home and I have even more friends to converse with. This is just surreal.
So despite the depression that my friend in New Zealand was facing a Monday early AM (it was about 1:30 PM on Sunday here) I can't say enough about how wonderful it was to share voices and reality. Reality is often overrated and sometimes scary. I was a little afraid to pick up the phone and reveal me, but I did and I was so glad I did. My dear friend Felicity is a great person and so warm and her voice is so special. She is a really good friend of mine, no matter what the mileage is between us! Here's her blog: http://flicdoesusa2011.blogspot.com/
So hugs for all of you that reach out and welcome new sisters or just reach out and share time with someone new. It's a special treat, and for one this girl really appreciates it.
HUGS to all who share their lives and are open about it. You make the world go round and you are all very special!!
♥Samantha♥
SCC... One Incredible Journey
No one can tell the way things will go, but going to SCC surely changed a lot of ideas I had for a long time.
First, let me bring up the incredible friends I shared time with: Christen and Joanne, Jamie, Sarah Nicole, Marsha, Ar'lene, Erica Fields, Arjay, Kristy Dantes, Cranberry Kris, Vicki LaSalle, Gina, oh the list goes on and on!
I got an incredible makeover at Sephora in the Perimeter Mall, my first time 'out' as Samantha and Shaunda was an incredible artist. She got so many hugs and thanks from me. What a sweetheart! She even wrote makeup ideas down and gave them to me, something I never expected. OMG a total ally and friend. Look Shaunda up and get a makeover from her, she is AMAZING.
We also dined out with Jamie and Erica at Seasons 52 and had a great time and good food. We shared a lot of laughs (nothing beats Joanne and I in hysterical giggles as we'd look at one another and think 'is it live or is it Memorex') and cracking up. Joanne is such a sweetheart.
Spending time with Marsha was terrific. She pointed out to me how I needed to walk tall and be proud... I wasn't conscious of it, but there it was and I took her words to heart. I was glad to extend the offer to let her have a place to stay and be able to attend. Truly a wonderful friend.
I went out not once, not twice, but three times as me and that meant a lot. Other than the dude who said I had beautiful eyes and a pointy nose. I turned off on him immediately, but it was nice to be acknowledged. I also remember the laughter shared on the bus ride back and giggling over what happened. It was great.
Jamie was most generous and helpful as was Joanne and Christen. They helped me learn a lot and be more confident in my presentation, it certainly helped me hold my head up higher and be proud of who I am and what I have grown towards. Journeys are often muddled, but this one trip will be a bright spot in my life.
Thanks also to Kristy and CK for spending time with me. The forms are AWESOME ladies and they fit so wonderfully!!
We went to the mall on Saturday and I got a couple of looks, I looked people back in the eye, something I never do in 'guy' mode. I felt a mysterious mystique and walked taller, prouder, thanks to my lovely friends Christen and Joanne. We even spent time at Lush (oh the shopping list I have to acquire!) educating them on TG issues. I told Gina if you have a frame of reference and you try, you can open up to new possibilities. We were classy and dressed respectfully, something I VERY firmly believe in! We were ambassadors of TG class and pride. We were your women on the spot and we did not disappoint. I was so scared to go out in real life, but I did it and I am proud I did.
SCC was eye-opening and relaxing as well, we enjoyed great meals and hospitality on the train and nice touristy things on the side.
There are so many wonderful memories I will cherish but I think the truth is that the most cherished memory is me, out and about, interacting and learning, loving life and feeling pretty. For that is the most blessed memory of all.
I journaled about my days there and I will condense it into a blog at some point, but I have to say that I loved being OUT at SCC, and my closest and most dear friends helped me in immeasurable ways. I am glad I went, I am happy to have been out and I learned so much about who Samantha is and what she is capable of.
Joanne is an incredible makeup artist and such a sweet friend. She and Christen are terrific friends and such wonderful support for us all. I am proud to have spent so much time with them and I DEFINITELY learned a LOT!!!
Look out world!!!
HUGS to all!!
First, let me bring up the incredible friends I shared time with: Christen and Joanne, Jamie, Sarah Nicole, Marsha, Ar'lene, Erica Fields, Arjay, Kristy Dantes, Cranberry Kris, Vicki LaSalle, Gina, oh the list goes on and on!
I got an incredible makeover at Sephora in the Perimeter Mall, my first time 'out' as Samantha and Shaunda was an incredible artist. She got so many hugs and thanks from me. What a sweetheart! She even wrote makeup ideas down and gave them to me, something I never expected. OMG a total ally and friend. Look Shaunda up and get a makeover from her, she is AMAZING.
We also dined out with Jamie and Erica at Seasons 52 and had a great time and good food. We shared a lot of laughs (nothing beats Joanne and I in hysterical giggles as we'd look at one another and think 'is it live or is it Memorex') and cracking up. Joanne is such a sweetheart.
Spending time with Marsha was terrific. She pointed out to me how I needed to walk tall and be proud... I wasn't conscious of it, but there it was and I took her words to heart. I was glad to extend the offer to let her have a place to stay and be able to attend. Truly a wonderful friend.
I went out not once, not twice, but three times as me and that meant a lot. Other than the dude who said I had beautiful eyes and a pointy nose. I turned off on him immediately, but it was nice to be acknowledged. I also remember the laughter shared on the bus ride back and giggling over what happened. It was great.
Jamie was most generous and helpful as was Joanne and Christen. They helped me learn a lot and be more confident in my presentation, it certainly helped me hold my head up higher and be proud of who I am and what I have grown towards. Journeys are often muddled, but this one trip will be a bright spot in my life.
Thanks also to Kristy and CK for spending time with me. The forms are AWESOME ladies and they fit so wonderfully!!
We went to the mall on Saturday and I got a couple of looks, I looked people back in the eye, something I never do in 'guy' mode. I felt a mysterious mystique and walked taller, prouder, thanks to my lovely friends Christen and Joanne. We even spent time at Lush (oh the shopping list I have to acquire!) educating them on TG issues. I told Gina if you have a frame of reference and you try, you can open up to new possibilities. We were classy and dressed respectfully, something I VERY firmly believe in! We were ambassadors of TG class and pride. We were your women on the spot and we did not disappoint. I was so scared to go out in real life, but I did it and I am proud I did.
SCC was eye-opening and relaxing as well, we enjoyed great meals and hospitality on the train and nice touristy things on the side.
There are so many wonderful memories I will cherish but I think the truth is that the most cherished memory is me, out and about, interacting and learning, loving life and feeling pretty. For that is the most blessed memory of all.
I journaled about my days there and I will condense it into a blog at some point, but I have to say that I loved being OUT at SCC, and my closest and most dear friends helped me in immeasurable ways. I am glad I went, I am happy to have been out and I learned so much about who Samantha is and what she is capable of.
Joanne is an incredible makeup artist and such a sweet friend. She and Christen are terrific friends and such wonderful support for us all. I am proud to have spent so much time with them and I DEFINITELY learned a LOT!!!
Look out world!!!
HUGS to all!!
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