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Happens to all of us. Well, at least it happens to me all the time when I am out in public as my female self.
I approach a door at the same time a male does and almost, well almost all the time, (there are still many men who do not know how to treat a lady), the male will hold the door open for me.
Some gentlemen will often add, "After you ma'am." Trouble is here you are a CD, looking up at this huge six foot six hulk of a guy who obviously bends steel for a living. If he were to realize you are a guy, will he become upset? So what do you do?
For me, I have always used option three (3) and have never had any problems, but I would enjoy hearing of your experiences.
It is scary sometimes, but I have had some pretty big guys here in Atlanta come barging through doors, only to realize I was coming through the door at approximately the same time. They would then back up, realizing their mistake, hold the door open for me and address me as "ma'am."
Peg,
this has never happened to me but if it did I would be so flattered that I hope I hope I would be gracious and thank the gentleman, regardless of whether he clocked me or not.
thanks for this thought.
Kerri
Didn't have to look at the voting response, as #3 was by far the most obvious and most thoughtful and quality response. If you're out in public, dressed as you'd like to be, appearing as you'd like to be, there's no reason not to act the way you would expect others to casually see you as. If someone is going to 'clock' you, I doubt it will matter what you do. But not showing graciousness and returning kindness with an expression of gratitude might possibly lead to easier 'clocking' than just hoping you'll be ignored.
This morning I drove (in male drab) to get a paper at a local convenience store. I parked, got out of the car and saw that I was going to get to the door about 2-3 seconds before another senior citizen would get there from inside. I opened the door and held it for him, not because he might be older (or in some way needing it more) than me, but because that was the polite thing to do. He seemed surprised but thanked me. Right now I have no memory of what he looked like or anything other than I did a kindness and a kindness was returned. What more could I hope for.
Hugs, ChloëC
Exactly, Gaby! Years ago, I was a member of a CD group here in town which would patronize some nasty places at night. I recall an incident around the time I resigned from that group. We were at a pizza & beer joint in a nasty run down part of town. As we exited the place, there was a gun fight going on in the parking lot! The reason we were there supposedly was because it was the closest place to a play we were supposed to see. These days I patronize more civilized business establishments in better parts of town. I don't think that group ever put much prior planning into where they went.
I have gentlemen hold the door for me quite often, I pass well enough and speak in a feminine voice, when it happens I don't really think about it, I just say thank you and go in, or out.
Hugs,
Ms. Lauren M
Obviously #3. My voice may be read in a long conversation, but in a short situations (like saying thank you) my voice can pass. And I'd do the same even if the door holder was a woman.
Yes Number 3. If you look good enough to be seen as a woman then enjoy the moment. You only need to mouth 'Thank you' although suddenly you walking on air would be disconcerting for the gentleman holding the door after you pass.
This has happened to me on several occasions. I don't converse. Just a little smile and a nod is what I do.
Moist of the time when I'm out alone, I don't get into conversations with other people. There has been instances over the years where I've been complimented on my shoes and got asked where I got them. And I've gotten compliments on having nice legs and got asked about my pantyhose. Similar incidents have happened with dresses and my hair.
The first time this happened for me was when I ran into a Lowe's (hardware store) to use the restroom. When I was leaving the store, there were automated sliding doors and I and a gentleman approached the opening at the same time. He paused to let me go first and out of years of habit I did the same!
I fairly quickly realized my error and smiled and got my feet moving and made my way out to the parking lot ahead of him. No idea if he realized who I was or not.
I don't worry about being clocked since I doubt I pass up close, though from a distance or in a crowd I probably pass at a glance. I just smile and say thank you and leave it at that.
I just try to be myself when I am out en femme. I tend to avoid conversation, but if somebody talks to me I reply and just let the conversation go where it may.
I would acknowledge their politeness with a smile and thanks and pass.
I would probably just use my normal voice and see what happened. I don't really pass well enough to fool anyone anyway. I held the door open once en femme for an older gentleman, and he was visibly uncomfortable. It was during COVID and masking, so I think I passed, but I think he felt bad that he wasn't holding the door for me.
Yup, Option 3 for me too. Happens without even thinking. Marg
I smile my best smile and say thank you.
Being raised by a grandma from the south, I was taught to always hold the door for a lady, and even an older gentleman, which I always have done. It's just being polite.
Since beginning to be out as a crossdresser, twice I have had a man hold the door for me. Was he also being polite, or saw ma as a woman (I don't pass well)?
Who knows, but I thought the gesture was very kind.
Getting out crossdressed is an adventure and I really enjoy the experience. Have fun all...
Staci...
