Being served buying clothes as a transgender woman

Hi, Melanie.

I can't think of a single time interacting with clerks or grocery baggers that hasn't gone pleasantly. Maybe my own attitude helps, in that I always assume I've been read, so I smile and say hello and ask how they're doing, and plonk my bag on the counter to get my wallet out like all the other girls do, and I end up receiving pleasant conversations and friendly services.

Now yes I know with each word I speak I'm giving my feminine voice a chance to screw up, and by making eye contact I'm inviting scrutiny,  but I just don't care. I've been out with many of our sisters who never smile, speak or look up, and they're quite frankly not doing us any favors.

The way I've learned to force myself to do it is to tell myself that even when they know I'm a man that looks like and dresses like a woman they'll maybe, hopefully, think I'm a nice woman, or at worst a nice guy that happens to dress as a woman.

Hugs, Selina

Other than being stalked by an ex friend in a Wal-mart parking lot trying to catch a peak and, given her personality, likely to have given me an earful in a public display of hostility, the worst I've had was some people being snooty, but then again I had some of that in boy mode.

One key I've sued is to be engaging to start with, carry myself in a confident and purposeful manner and to just own being trans.

Hugs, Cloe

Owning being trans is a great phrase and something I will try and do as I go about my day to day life. We are all on a journey of a kind, cis and trans people. I know I'm a woman in my head, heart and soul and if I don't yet look like the Melanie I want to be and know I am; I ask myself (and others): "is a cygnet any less of a swan?".

I began my adventure of being out and  about and shopping in public places, about 15 years ago. I would dash-in to a shop, or store, select my desired garments, furtively moving about hoping to avoid attracting attention. In a chance encounter with some very nice women a few years later, As I attended an event held by a cross-dressing group, in a hotel, that was at least somewhat openminded and more to the idea as merely being fun, which was also held in conjunction with Halloween. While I was certainly cross-dressing, my goal was ultimately to present myself authentically, as the woman I felt was hiding underneath.

Many in the group never left the venue, and merely stayed in and partied. I was sucked in to taking a stroll out on the streets, with one of the more brave souls in order to find a pair of shoes. At that time I was wearing a simple casual dress and black flats and a newly purchased wig. As we walled along the street, we met a crowd, that included and two couples. The men were oblivious, to us but one of the women caught my eye, looked at me, with a knowing smile, and winked, nudging her friend who also smiled. I breathed a huge sigh of relief, feeling I had just accomplished something magical. Fast forward a few hours, and we all gettin ready for our evening meal, all dressed in our finest. This I had really prepared for,and I felt my best and even comfortable, as I waited in the lobby for a group to show up. Much to my surprise, I see the two women I had encountered earlier, with a group of women, who had zeroed in on me, before I even noticed them. They were curious as to what event was going on as it was private, but had the number of men dressed enfemme, had clearly peaked their interest. As women would, the interest was in clothing and makeup, how we came to look so good. “Where did you buy this dress?” “Where did you get your nails done?” Etc, etc. nothing about being weird or even a hint of disgust.  They were so interested and affirming, and I was really more comfortable, than I imagined I could ever be. I was so open that I revealed a bit more than I normally would have, saying this was more than Halloween dress-up for me, and it was about what I really felt I was meant to be. As those words came out, I was almost trying to pull them back, fearing I had said too much. The woman who had been most engaging, didn’t bat an eye, and said, “Honey, you need to be who want to be” I could have fainted.

The group I had been waiting for, came and went not seeing me because of being surrounded by the women. I continued to chat with the women for another half hour, and upon leaving on of them told me she worked in an upscale consignment store in a nearby town, and to come by anytime I wanted to shop. Still being a bit intimidated, I wanted to ask if she was sure it was okay, but she stopped me with a response Athat was priceless. She told me I had “”Membership card” to any women’s store I wanted to shop in. What was it? Cash and my credit card!

So in the end, I did visit her store, and she was very gracious with her assistance. She is still a friend and I value her very much.

So positive reactions mostly; that's wonderful. I am getting more confident buying clothes as Melanie, especially underwear and not just ordering on line.  I keep telling myself that I'm a grown woman who knows her own mind and perfectly entitled to buy and wear stockings and suspenders if I want too. I'm trying on boots and shoes more now and don't mind if my hosiery is on show as I do so.

You are all so right; getting into a female mindset is key to walking out with confidence. I have a very accepting and affirming therapist and one of my female friends knows about my journey and is also supportive. The big test will be telling my parents.

Love and hugs from Melanie xxx

I myself enjoy shopping and buying clothing at our women's stores I have been told one time that I was in the wrong store. After that time I don't worry about it and just tell the clerk's that the clothes are for me and I am acceped with open arms to get the best size and colors to match. I am proud to be a woman!!!

Primarily I shop in thrift stores, in person and online. Pricing comes into play, but I can afford to shop in department stores. However, my wardrobe would probably be only 25% of what it is now. Also, I am not concerned with being In Style as I dress to be Stylish. I have some clothing items and jewelry pieces that are over 50 years old. I do shop at Target or Macy’s for undergarments (panties and shareware), but rarely for bras as their cup sizes usually stop short of what I need. Sometimes I do shop in person at TJ Maxx, Ross Dress For Less, Nordstrom Rack and Macy’s. There are about 6 thrift stores here in the valley that I will check out periodically. There are MANY thrift shops run by charities here, but those 2 organizations with the 6 shops are my favorites. There is also a chain of thrift stores called SAVERS. They started in Canada and now have stores in the US and Australia. What they do is partner with a local charity and it’s a win-win for all. Over the years, I’ve been in 8 or 9 stores across the US. They are all laid out essentially the same and sort by SIZE!! Unfortunately the closest one is about an hour away, but I do make periodic pilgrimages.

So, it is rare for me to encounter any problems. No issues in department stores that I know of. When I have had issues in thrift stores it has been when I’m not dressed, but nothing really untoward. A female customer walked up to me as I was sifting through the racks and said “Do you know that you are in the women’s section?”. I simply said “Yes, I do.” and that was all. Based on this and a few other situations, I decided to be dressed when I go shopping.

Anyway, when I go shopping, that is what I am there to do. I don’t look around to see who is looking at me. I am focused on what I am doing. I don’t engage with people unless they engage with me. I’ve hung up items while I’m looking them over for wear, damage, material composition, etc. and had someone say “Oh, that’s a very nice piece.” and a brief conversation started. By being dressed, it gets over the first hurdle of “Why is a man shopping in the women’s section?”. It doesn’t shout “Wrong Place, Wrong Place!!”.

I am a MINI owner and some years back at an event I was given several shopping bags. They were recycled from outdoor advertising banners. The things are damn near bulletproof! Usually I go to the grocery store dressed. Some of the cashiers have commented on how rugged the bags are and I explain what they are and how I happened to have them. One time I was not dressed and a cashier who had checked me out many times before looked at the bags, looked at me, looked at the bags again and the light bulb went off. She didn’t say anything, but you could tell that she knew. It was sort of funny to watch!

Anyway, the trick is to behave just like any other shopper. People pick up on difference. If everything looks roughly in line, usually that will get you over. Noticing 5 o’clock shadow etc. is not helpful. I am always nicely dressed when I leave the house. Sometimes I am quite colorful in a tasteful way. Other times I am dressed in black and that allows my turquoise or copper jewelry stand out. A hat and big sunglasses complete the picture...