June’s Close Encounter:
Have you ever experienced a close encounter, of any kind, en femme?
Here’s an analogy of close encounter ratings adapted from UFO sighting classifications:
Encounters with Cross Dressers can be categorized into five groups as close encounters of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth kind.
When a person sees a Cross Dresser within 50 meters, it’s an encounter of the first kind.
When an encounter with a Cross Dresser leaves evidence behind such as skid marks on the pavement from screeching tires for a closer look, or minor crashes resulting from rubber necking drivers losing their attention from traffic, etc., it’s of the second kind.
When an encounter is with Cross Dressers up close, such as passing one in an aisle while grocery shopping, it’s of the third kind.
The fourth kind involves the person being taken in by the beauty and wonderment of a Cross Dresser that they are drawn into the phenomenon themselves.
The fifth kind involves direct communication between Cross Dressers and other humans.
With these classifications in mind, I have a mini novel to share with you about a most recent close encounter. Perhaps you should settle into your favorite chair with a beverage by your side… as you take note of each classification of close encounter.
Most recently, A TG friend and I met at my home. We had a lite lunch, “plunked” our guitars, enjoyed a tasty Bundt cake and then headed out for an afternoon of shopping and dinner. I (June) had gotten in my grocery shopping earlier in the week for our lunch. June strolled up and down every aisle in the grocery store, sometimes passing by my intended targets just so I could spend more time there. I had unintentionally blocked the aisle with my cart several times as I looked at all the options on the shelves. In each instance, I spoke through my mask saying “pardon me”, or “I’m sorry”, as I looked the men and women in the eye, and smiled. Never did I feel there was any indication they suspected I was anything less than I appeared. I hope they could tell I was smiling, because I was really happy!
Prior to heading out, I wore a hunter green skirt my wife had purchased for me, a bright yellow button-down V neck blouse, taupe wedge heels, white tipped nails, a straw purse, gold hoop earrings, a diamond pendant necklace, and my hair loosely tied back in a brushed gold barrette. Under my mask, I wore Rose Pink lipstick and a really big smile. I stood in front of the mirror to ensure I was appropriately dressed as a proper lady. Okay, maybe I was admiring the image before me…whichever. It’s my opinion that I was appropriately dressed as a proper senior citizen aged lady.
When I had fulfilled my shopping list, I headed to the checkout. Feeling really good about myself, I bypassed the self-check kiosks, and headed to the checkout lane. The cashier was an attractive young black lady. I’ll name her Donna. She was very pleasant. I answered the usual questions: “did I find everything, cash or credit, what type bag, if I wanted the meat bagged separately?” etc. As I withdrew my credit card, Donna pulled my cart toward her; she handed me my receipt and pushed the cart around and continued walking past me with my cart of groceries. I took up my place next to her and thanked her for her assistance. What happened next is a lesson in Customer Relations.
Donna placed her arm around my shoulder and said: “My father was transgender and too afraid to go out. I always felt bad for him. I am so glad to see you guys are not afraid and enjoying yourself.” I looked her in the eye and thanked her. Then I asked what I could do better, and how did she knew? She replied: “look at you, all dressed up… you go girl!” she hugged me, clapped her hands, and turned away to help the next person at her station. I stood there for a moment, then turned to look at her as she began checking out the next customer. She looked up at me and we smiled at each other through our masks. I was overwhelmed with joy!
Beaming with joy, I strolled out the store and sat in my truck (I drive a 2019, F250 XLT, 6.7L Turbo Diesel…it ain’t no wimpy truck!) recalling what I just experienced, and began analyzing her remark to my questions. I thought Donna knew because of my size. I stand 6ft and I now weigh 184lbs, and my feet are large for a woman. But I’ve seen women similar and larger by dimension. No, I thought, this cannot be it alone. Then it came to me! It occurred to me Donna was telling me I was overdressed. Now, my father, who by the way would disown me if he knew what you know about me, taught me “there is nothing wrong with being the best dressed man in the room.” Okay, I wasn’t dressed as a man, so you have to insert “person” or “woman” in place of the “man” word. That said, I began looking around at people entering and exiting the store. How were the women dressed? I noticed how casually and sloppy the women were dressed. In my opinion, among the joys of dressing en femme is the clothes. It’s not just the undergarments, and nylon stockings and lipstick… it’s the “total look.” Not too unlike others of us, I want to always appear to be a classy, proper lady. In fact, I DO WANT people to turn their heads for another look. I want this because I want them to have an eyeful of just that…a classy and proper lady. Clothes do make the persona. If you read my profile you will know that I want to be inconspicuous, and to blend in as a classy, proper lady for my age. Don’t we all? But I don’t think we should sacrifice that goal because the women I observed, choose to dress as slobs. I’m steadfast in my objective!
Do you remember the name, Donna? She is the young black lady in my story who took me into her confidence. I returned to the store (in male mode) later in the week and asked to speak with the Store Manager. He was on a call and could not come, so the Assistant Manager came to meet me. As I waited, I re-rehearsed what I wanted to say. I developed a lump in my throat because I was about to confess something only my wife, and a few very important people, know about me.
I introduced myself as my male persona, and said I want to acknowledge your employee, Donna. She epitomizes good customer relations. I am a Cross Dresser, and the other evening Donna helped me as I was checking out. She conducted herself in a professional and courteous manner requisite of recognition. So, if you have an “ATTA BOY” award, or Employee Recognition program in place, I nominate her for the award. The Assistant Manager, whom I will name Ann, thanked me for my compliments and assured me she would share my comments with Donna, and the Store Manager. I thanked her, and turned to pick up a few produce items. When I arrived at the checkout, Ann was talking with the cashier… Now I wonder what the conversation was about?
It feels good to recognize those who recognize “us” in a positive way.
As you experience your close encounters remember to always be your own kind of beautiful as you experience the feminine mystique through the thrill of this phenomenon called Cross Dressing.
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*As you read through this account, how many classifications of close encounters do you recognize in this true story?
*When you are out en femme and have direct encounters with sales clerks or cashiers, do you use a practiced femme voice when talking with these folks, or do you use your natural male voice?
*Would you like to share with our readers your first experience while out in public en femme when you had your very first verbal encounter with a sales clerk or cashier and how did it go for you?
Thanks for taking the time to read my article and please feel free to send in a response to my article or to offer up an answer to one or more of the questions I’ve posed to you above.
Warm Personal Regards,
June
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Thanks for sharing your story June. It is always wonderful when we receive acceptance and encouragement from anybody. Strange how a brief interaction with a stranger can just make our day. So glad you had the courage to give praise to her superiors, well done I remember the first time the ‘oh oh I’m overdressed’ epiphany hit me Grocery shopping in heels and a dress. D’oh Although remember changing my venue rather than my clothes. Next time I went to a store in the financial district of a nearby city at lunch time. Full of ‘professional’ sorts in suits and… Read more »
Good for you Jane to compliment the worker. I have been a longtime grocery shopper while en femme and understand your observations well. I tend to shop in womens jeans or long skirts with kitten heels ,sandals, or booties and avoid high heels. No one seems to stare
June’s story is marvelous on so many levels. First of all, it points out that if we want truly wonderful things to happen to us, we have to be willing to take educated risks. Had June chosen not to risk being “read" in that grocery store (i.e. gone in male attire), Donna would have been just another grocery checkout clerk. June’s willingness to take a well thought out risk paid dividends beyond her expectations. Secondly, June’s decision to compliment Donna to her supervisor reminds us that it is so very important to “reward" those who recognize us for who we… Read more »
Such a lovely story June! My own story, almost a month ago I went to an Ulta store and had my hair colored for my birthday. When I made the apt I told them I was a Cd. I got there early enough to hop into the nearby Target store to buy some nail polish and still had time to paint my toe nails( alternating 2 different shades of pink). Just before I went into the store I had a huge Knot in my stomach. My stylist, Sherie, was great, she put me at ease and asked what I wanted.… Read more »
Hi June, just a wonderful story about your close encounter.you do bring up an interesting point about how most GG dress who are out shopping, just too casual. They have the total ability to look so beautiful yet they just throw something on to go out. We, as CD’s, want to be seen as beautiful women so we go for it. However, we are not going to put on a t-shirt and sweat pants just to blend in, why bother. Once again, very nice article.
Thank June, for your very well written, positive, and inspiring article. I know that there is a desire to be able to go unrecognized in public and just be accepted as a woman, but in this case being “read" turned out to lead to a very fortuitous and happy outcome. It’s great that you kept the good vibes going by praising Donna to her management. I want to strongly endorse your father’s advice about not being afraid to be the best dressed in the room. I think that people with that attitude make the world a livelier and lovelier place.… Read more »
I always have close encounters of the 5th kind. I go out of my way to speak with people and I do lighten my voice and speak with a little less force. I’m told that it can pass for a femme voice, but I don’t really worry about it. What people really pick up on is personality, confidence and a friendly smile. I’m often not sure if they realize that I’m TG as I don’t ever see an awkward reaction, but it’s no longer that unusual and as I’m acting normally, it’s never been a “bad encounter." I noticed long… Read more »
You are so right
Hi Trisha!
Thanks for reading my post. I hope your “close encounters" are as wonderful for you as this one was for me… And that you are comfortable and confident being your own kind of beautiful.
June
June, I know exactly what you mean. I grocery shop in girl mode about once a week. I started going at night but now I go any time of day that suits me. A couple of weeks ago I went to the Vitamin Shoppe and the woman who waited on me said “Girl, you smell good. What are you wearing?" Fortunately, I was able to answer “Good Girl by Carolina Herrera." My wife introduced me to it recently. It’s a little pricy but well worth it. It was really worth it this day. I left there feeling wonderful. Another thing… Read more »
Thx for the interesting story but if I might offer a suggestion. Putting a lot of restrictions/conditions on your communications with others is quite a turnoff. I’m pretty much like you but for example I ain’t pasting my mug on here for all to see. Most cds are pretty good about treating others with respect. That has certainly been my experience without having to warn anyone off a priori.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, BriannaLeah
Thank you for Sharing your stories June It’s amazing how a little acceptance goes a long way. I have been out very few times, each time I went out I was greeted and treated with admiration and kindness, not all times to be honest. But if I went to an accepting place. I was treated kindly. Referring to your question of " do you use your masculine voice?" I do I haven’t found my fem voice as yet. I just wanted to share how amazing I think your story of “life" is as you share June with the world. You… Read more »
Hi LESLEE! I don’t have a “shopping buddy” so I go alone. It would be nice to let someone else do the talking so I wouldn’t give myself up. If there is any doubt about my presence, I want it to be my voice. I haven”t “trained” it, and I don’t intend to. It is what it is. Have you listened to Heather Tesch? She is an anchor on the Weather Channel. She has a deep sultry voice. Compared to hers, mine isn’t too bad! I’m coming to accept that because I’m tall and carry definite male characteristics; I think… Read more »
June
I wanted to comment as I have been out, but shopping: ☺️ I have not attempted. I think it’s amazing that you can go out shopping,interacting with others.
To go out and walk in heels is another great step out as June. Or yourself gurl you are an inspiration and I appreciate you for that. I haven’t read your latest hon, but I’m looking forward to a great read.
Stay beautiful June and keep going out gurl.
I appreciate your stories and yo
I’ll have to update my story soon
LesLee
Hi Leslee! Thank you for your comments and compliments! They are both very encouraging. I’m thinking this comment is about my “A Day Out and About… In Heels” escapade? I went out, again in heels, a few days ago to JCP doing the LTDB thing. I saw a yellow skirt with black trim on the 80% off rack. It was one size too large, but I took it into the fitting room anyway. It was way too large and long, but I really liked the skirt! Now LTDB is an acronym I coined for something Jackie does… Look Try Don’t… Read more »