Reply To: Being stealthy, or blending in, which path?

[DeeAnn Hopings]

I don’t think DeeAnn has ever wanted to blend in. In some circumstances, I think I am seen as DeeAnn and others, not so much. Working against blending in are the facts that I like bright and/or unusual colors and short skirts and short skorts. You say that is is a bit scandalous for a 74 year old, but as Rhett Butler said: “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.”. Looking stylish (but rarely “in style”) and well turned out is important to me and that is what I do.

I think most people that I meet might guess that I am a trans woman, but most of them behave appropriately. If misgendered, I will either clear my throat or say something like “Really?” and often people will realize that a mistake was made. I did that to a cashier at a restaurant and she became so rattled that she checked my bill 3 times before she told me what the total was!

Anyway, it is probably hard to blend in while holding office in 5 organizations. Visibility is important to me and I think it should be important for all of us.