My SO, who is more than a little disapproving of my crossdressing was going to be away for a couple of days. This gave me the opportunity to have the flat to myself, and I could spend the whole time dressed. I had the thought, “Why restrict dressing to in the flat?” Now you have the chance to dress and go out; something I’d never managed to do before.
As this was to be a first, I decided that it should be something of a celebration. I booked a table for lunch at one of Brighton’s posh restaurants – The Ivy. I was concerned about how to get there, so I booked a taxi to pick me up and take me. I was so nervous getting ready, wondering whether the taxi driver would make comments and be unpleasant.
I decided on a grey wig and a floral dress that a female friend, who is supportive, gave me. It’s a joke between us that some of the clothes that she is too big for now fit HildaRuth rather well. In the event, the taxi driver turned out to be a woman and was exceptionally kind. She realised I was a crossdresser but took no offence, and we talked about all sorts, including rude passengers and Brexit. She dropped me right outside the restaurant and thanked me for my politeness.
In the restaurant there was total acceptance, not the slightest hint of censure, and the staff was happy to take photos. I’ve posted one in my private gallery. The meal was delicious, and there is just something about lipstick on your wine glass. I was thinking about getting a taxi home, but changed my mind and decided to walk from the restaurant to the bus stop. Only a few hundred yards, but not something I’d done before.
As I sat next to a young lady on the bus, I dropped the paperback book I was carrying. She kindly picked it up for me and said, “That looks interesting.” I explained that it was a book about the victims of Jack the Ripper and dealt with how women were often written out of history. She took a photo of the cover with her phone, and we chatted generally about her job as a social care nurse who looks after people in their homes. We discussed the emotional stress that this causes nurses, and whether robot nurses could do this as they have no feelings.
She then told me about an event she was going to near where I lived. It was about femininity and playfulness. I said I found that very interesting as I was obviously a crossdresser and intrigued by the notion of what it means to be feminine. We chatted about gender dysphoria, euphoria, and the issues around being transgender and transitioning. I shared with her that this was my first time going out as HildaRuth. When we got off the bus together, she said that she was so happy for me at having found the HildaRuth within and could she give me a hug? Big hugs and beaming smiles, and then she went on her way and I on mine. I don’t think crossdressing can get much better than this.
Hi Brina
I agree with the italics but I think it should read Why restrict to dressing only in the flat?”
Also poshly restaurant should read posh restaurant
Otherwise all good
Such a great sounding experience! We worry so much, but mostly our fears are completely unfounded. Hopefully this was only the first of many other outings!
Amy
Thank ups Amy. Definitely to the first of many with more to come I hope. I have been luck in that all my outings have resulted in acceptance but I think that times are changing and there is much more acceptance. I certainly hope so!
HildaRuth, I am so happy for you! Such a successful outing and I hope you have the opportunity to repeat it. What fun it would be to meet up with a few other gals from CDH and fill your restaurant booth with our chatter and laughter. And then a promenade along the waterfront…
BTW, you look great!
Hugs Gianna
I have some out on other occasions and hope to do so more. And your suggestion of filling the booth with gas from CDH is wonderful. The management would be delighted and a stroll along the prom would be marvellous. I can see it all in my imagination and I’ve just bought a summer frock that would be just right – very bold featuring sunflowers. Thank you so much for the idea. You are anywhere near Brighton are you by the way?
Love and Hugs
HildaRuth
Sadly, no. I’m in New Zealand but lived in London for several years in my youth. We had plans to visit UK this year but the nasty C19 has put a stop to that.
Congrats HildaRuth and thanks for sharing your success story; I’m sure it will inspire others to venture out!
Cyn
Thanks Cyn. I do hope it inspires others.
HildaRuth
HI Hilda
what a wonderful outing, Thank you for sharing
Hugs
Thanks Paula. The more we share the stronger we get!
Love and Hugs
HR, I know it took a great deal of courage to do what you have done! In my 3 years of dressing and maybe 2 years of gettingbout in the real world, I also, have never had a bad experience in a public setting.
Thanks for sharing yours.
Yay HildaRuth! It was delightful reading this story again!
Hi HildaRuth
Brighton is so lovely and accepting – I for one am very glad, but not at all surprised that you had such a great time.
Once lockdown has ended, I hope to see you there – let’s do afternoon tea, in pretty tea dresses, and stroll along the prom!
Please stay safe.
Love Laura
Lovely to hear from you Laura – it’s date! You stay safe too
Love
HildaRuthxx
Wow, what an inspiring story. I guess many of us are afraid to go out, because we have all kinds of stories how people might react. I am so happy that you only had good experiences and shared them with us. It will surely motivate me and hopefully others too. Thank you for sharing. You look gorgeous by the way!
Thank you Eva. I think that when one is dressed and on a successful outing one becomes more radiant if that doesn’t sound too vein. I know I was on a real high when I had that lunch. Love HRxx
Lovely story. I have been going out a long time. Each time I go out I feel so free, so myself. I count on one hand the number of negative events that occurred in over 40 years. Nowadays people are either very positive or are too busy to take notice. I have met so many interesting and nice people.
Terri,
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed the story and that your dressing experience has been so positive. And I agree that most folk are just too busy to notice. “Who’s looking fat you?" As my mother used to say. And I’ve looked at your photos – you are lovely, elegant and feminine but also strong and confidant. HRxx
Thank you Hilda. The more you go out the easier it gets. I say like many others " Life is Short, Enjoy !"
Hi Hilda. I must say you are a very classy lady. I love the dress you are wearing. You do it justice. I have a wig that looks the same as you’re wearing. Do you find that it gets in your face at times, or do your use hair spray? Cheers, Victoria.
Hi Victoria I started writing to you then managed to lose the reply before I sent it; I visited your profile and did a friend request. Glad you think I’m classy and that I suit the dress. You look a pretty classy dame as well. I would be good to see more of you. The hair does get in my face at times especially with a blonde wig I have which has longer ‘bangs’. I haven’t used hairspray yet. I guess hair getting in the way, especially when eating, is just one of the things us gals have to put… Read more »
Hilda, thank you for your friend request. It has been accepted. I see by your posts you have been out twice, or by now, maybe more outings are in the history book. May you enjoy many more outings in the fut;ure, now that the ice has been broken. Cheers, Victoria.