Out And About

By Anne Marie


It's becoming patently clear that as the days go by I'm more and more out as my chosen gender, in role as it's referred to. I'm finding that it's good to continue going to support group meetings held a least twice a month, but really for me as it is with other girls beginning transition, that out really means with the general public. At first this tends to be a bit scary and un-nerving at times, but as you're in-role more and more frequently gaining experience and confidence, you really feel relaxed and not phased. The idea to present yourself like any other woman in the crowd, and carry yourself with a knowledge that your'e okay and as much in control as the next girl.

Over the last year I've been getting out with girl friends at least two or three times a month, including dinners, shopping, and meetings along with going to see my therapist. I've also been out a couple of dates with an older gentleman I know which really boosted my ego. That's where I'm at. That's how I like it. Recently a girl friend and I decided to make a day of it about town. Great!

It's not important do describe my outfit, though I was dressed appropriately for a winters day in Washington D.C, heavy sweater, long black wool skirt, and black calf high boots, long black over-coat. Nice and warm; better be because since I started hormone therapy I've noticed that I get colder easier. Anyway I got dressed and headed out in a cab that I'd scheduled which took me to a near-by Metro station where I boarded the train for Northern Virginia.

I found a window seat and off we went. Several stops down the tracks we came to Silver Spring and more people than I thought for a Saturday boarded; this things really filling up; eventually I be sharing this bench seat with someone. Well that happened at the next stop. An attractive middle age lady stepped on and looking around for a seat spotted a vacant one next to what she took to be another woman, me. She sat down, and we sorted of girl-like smiled at each other. She commented about the weather and that the wind had picked up a little. I replied in my best all around voice; (I practice frequently) that yes it is. I hope it doesn't snow again. She agreed, and then looked at me a little closer. Oops slight slip of the voice....

Figured Out, But It's OK

She actually smiled at me and the next words out of her mouth were, " love that sweater you're wearing. I replied with a thanks and a little smile, and said that it's a holiday sweater a friend of mine gave me for Xmas. " How nice she said, and by the way you really look good".

That I was surprised wasn't marked on my face. I guess my intonations weren't up to snuff, but apparently this kind lady wasn't phased. She really took in stride. So from that point we were able to talk a little about this and that. She wanted to know if I dressed this way a lot. Well, I had to tell her that if I could be full-time ( briefly explained what I meant ) that I would be. She was a bit surprised by this statement, but didn't ask for any more clarification, and I didn't offer any. We just sat an enjoyed the ride. If this encounter with a GG is called being "clocked" then it wasn't all that bad ( really an education ), and simply because I'm dressed well and present myself as I wish to be, then it didn't cause any undo remarks. I believe that it's much easier when your encounters in public are with other women, though of course there are always going to be those that really take offense, but that's their problem.

I finally got to the mid point in my travels, Metro center where I changed trains to get to NVA. The lady I'd been riding with also was changing trains there, but going in a different direction. Her name was Mrs. A.Peal and she gave me her phone number and ask me to give her a call sometime and we could meet and have lunch. She was and seems to be a very sweet and warm person. I told her my name is Anne Marie and that she'd made me feel relaxed after her initial surprise. We talk for another moment, and then we parted with a wave. She was on the way to meet her husband for lunch up on Capitol Hill. I could have killed for that large and shiny ruby solitaire she was wearing.! Tiffany's I sure..

I was really feeling good about myself and the conversation I'd just had. This was really important. I then found my way down to the lower platform to catch the train to NVA. The train pulled in about ten minutes later and off I went; further into the day and soon out into the light; in more ways the one..

There wasn't any further encounters on the leg, just a train ride. I got to my destination and called my friend who said she'd pick me up after I called. ANother ten minutes later and up she comes in her Van. My friends name for this story is Rachel.

"Hi there!, any problems she asked" No I replied just a conversation with a lady on the way down" THe look of surprise on her face was almost priceless. I briefly explained what had happened and some of the conversation that I had with Mrs. Peal. She said that it seems that it all work okay. Well let me show you my house before we set off. A few minutes later we were pulling into her driveway with a house sitting on two acres of well manicured lawns. Nice ranch style house with apparently a lot of room. The house is designed with a garage making coming and going a lot easier especially during the cold winter months. We get inside and I get the abbreviated tour because we'll be back later, but it's a beautifully designed and well kept house with lots of windows ( cleaning much be a bitch ) and airy. Also there's what we referred to in FLorida as a Florida room with lots of plants, high ceiling and plenty of windows for light. Feels more like a solarium than a Florida room, comfy for sure. I could read, write and paint in the room like that. Even a piano would be great; if I played. ( had lessons for six months when I was ten ). Well set for a few moments deciding on our itinerary and off we went into town.

Our first stop was the museums and we found a parking stop much to our surprise right along Constitution Ave. This is unheard of during the tourist season, but even during the winter months parking here is always with luck at best. Luck had it and these ladies emerge and started down the boulevard to the Natl History Museum. We're both very confident and have been out enough so we just walked on down the street and into the building mingling with the other Saturday afternoon goers and toured around some of the exhibits. It was a bit warm in there so we both took our coats off, and soon found ourselves in a line waiting to see the HOPE Diamond, but that line was plenty long and looking at the time. almost 30 minutes to the 5PM closing time we just roamed about into other areas.

A group of young teen-age girls happened by giggling and pointing and we walked on through the throng without a look, but, I over-heard one young lady mentioning something about those two women that had walked by them. Neither one of us had lunch so we began talking about where to have an early dinner, and perhaps take in a movie. I suggested Chinese since we were close to Washington's own variety of ChinaTown. Back to the car leisurely walking along the street. I received a real wide mouth smile from a guy while we were standing on a corner waiting for the light to changed. He was real cute to say the least. I smiled and we crossed the road not wanting to start anything. One never knows do one....

We made it to the Van as the wind began to pick up and swoop down Constitution Ave. It can really get pretty winding and cold down here on the Museum Mall.

Once we got into China Town I mentioned restaurant that I'd been to before ( years ago in drab ) Ruby's, so up the stairs to this smallish, but well appointed establishment and asked for a smoking booth. Though both of us are in HRT we still smoke, but the amount has really decreased. Really want things to work out fine, and smoking does things to your skin.. We're both trying to help each other quite. We were seated by an elderly Oriental woman, who politely ask us if we'd care for drink and we both ordered Martini's, hers was rocks, mine straight up with olives. shaken, not stirred.. Shades of Bond, you know, Bond, James Bond. This time is was Pemberton, Anne Marie Pemberton. HA HA. Nothing could have been easier thus far. Both of us were in our element and enjoying ourselves. The drinks came, we thanked the matron and ordered our meal which were two different dishes we decided to shared, and share we did that bountiful Oriental repast.

After our meal we needed to us the ladies room. I'd spotted that sometimes scary place as we'd come in and I said that I'd be right back. No problems. In and do what you came there to do. With dinner finished we now though it best to find a movie. I'd heard about a new one titled "THE ENGLISH PATIENT" as suggested we go see that. She said that sounds fine. I've been wanting to see it too. Off these girls went, up town that is. The movie starts at 8PM and we got there with 14 minutes to spare, and since we'd had dinner neither one of us wanted anything from the concession stands, so into the theater to find so seats. The movie has been showing at houses around the area for a few weeks, and we were both surprised to see so many people coming in. WE found seats mid-way down the aisles and slid in next to a couple that were already seated, took off our coats and made ourselves comfortable. Not a look, not a word. Just to women out to see a movie, but honey let be tell you that sitting in packed theater in-role, though you know that you pass well can be a little un-nerving, but we both settled down quickly and thoroughly enjoyed this very powerful, beautiful and tear jerking film that when we emerge from the show I was feeling a bit stunned and subdued to say the least my friend was experiencing the same feelings. I'd had tears in my eyes through a least half of the movie, but thankfully my mascara didn't run.

All things considered it has been a wonderful day out and about town with a good friend. It was getting on in the evening, and we returned to her house for wine and a continuous flow of good acoustic jazz. Finally got to bed around 4AM, but let me tell you, it was well worth.

The following morning, neither one of us slept in for I needed to get back, we had a lite breakfast, and I returned the way I'd come over, via the train and a cab home where this girl slowly undressed, showered and slept the sleep of contentment.

Try it sometime with a friend you know and feel comfortable with. You'll love it. I always do.

See ya around town girls.

Anne Marie.


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