Apparently, it's been awhile since I wrote anything. Oops, life happens.I had my monthly support meeting Saturday evening, very much the highlight of my month, the one day when I am fully Lesliefied. As you can see, I wore a too-tight red sweater, a stretchy black skirt that I bought for myself at Macy's for seven bucks, semi-opaque tights to hide my leg hair, and one of my newer pairs of shoes. The outfit was a little over the top for me, I thought, but the reaction was complimentary from my audience. (Click for a larger experience. Almost actual size!))
The plan for the meeting was to have our first ever TransKentucky clothing swap. I've mentioned a desire to do this several times in the past, and we finally scheduled it. What we did not anticipate was that the Kentucky Wildcats would be playing in the Final Four during our meeting. Naturally, our event was poorly attended. I unloaded some culottes (just not my style, nor flattering), and I picked up a pink sweater and a couple other things. Mostly, I had wanted to give away three pairs of heels that don't fit me. The only girl with feet of that size did not want to be any taller than she is now, so heels were out. Back into the closet. Given the poor attendance, Syl and I decided that we would try it again soon, and hope for more people.
As it turned out, the swap was not the biggest thing going on at our meeting. A young lady (GG) attended, in the hopes of talking to some of us for a thesis she's writing. We wound up just going around the room and telling her our stories. It was really nice to share with someone that has no background on the difficult lives we lead. She asked terrific questions, and got an earful. I spoke with her afterward, and gave her my email. I think there will be some followup, and I love to share my story.
Perhaps the greatest adrenaline rush of the night came when I looked out the door of the center, and saw perhaps thirty police cars in the lot across the street. Visions of Stonewall went through my mind for a moment, but I quickly decided that they were using the lot as a staging area, anticipating some riotous action in the event of a Kentucky victory. No victory, though, and no riots. Just as well, I suppose.
Looking good Leslie!
ReplyDeleteVisions of Stonewall certainly would put a scare into one of us even with the 'laws' that protect our rights. Glad you had no problems.
Hugs, Elly
Nice outfit, Leslie!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear your meeting was poorly attended, but considering the circumstances, not unexpected. I'm glad you avoided a riot. Richmond was not so lucky. Hooligans disappointed in VCU's loss in the Final Four, set fires in the street and smashed storefront windows. The riot squad closed in on the crowd, firing rubber bullets and tear gas canisters, to disperse them. A large number of yahoos were hauled off to the hoosegow, and charged with disorderly conduct. I'll never understand what motivates some young people to act like that.
Melissa XX
I have a love for certain sports, but basketball ain't it, so I'll just say sorry for the loss.
ReplyDeleteWhat exactly was her thesis? I'd be mighty interested to hear. Always good to hear that information is being spread. The more people that understand the better methinks.
I think the outfit works rather well for you.
Wow, Leslie, you look really beautiful! This is what, only the third picture you've shown us so far? I think it's my favorite. :)
ReplyDeleteYour pose is so sexy librarian! That Red is working for you very well! Hugs!!
ReplyDeleteI am in the happy majority on the outfit Leslie. You look beautiful. Not over the top at all, well put together and stylishly accessorized. Goodness me, complete with a smile and a pose.
ReplyDeleteHave you stemmed the shoe shopping urges?
Glad to see things are well with you.
Fondly yours,
Hey, Leslie! I agree with the sexy librarian comment above. Teehee. And I did not know that skirt was only seven dollars!! Gotta love Macy's clearance racks!
ReplyDelete@Penny's Arcade - My thesis is going to explore the TG community in Lexington. It falls into the category of a critical social science (CSS) ethnography...you immerse yourself in a subculture, learn as much as you can, and then make a "call for action." So for a few months now, I will just be taking in any and all information I can about TGs in the Bluegrass community. I'm especially interested in learning about what services there are for transgenders (healthcare, support groups, etc.) and how they are treated by the rest of the Lexington-area public, from law enforcement and other government employees to their coworkers to family members. So now, I'm just getting a broad understanding of their individual experiences and situations, and eventually I'll hone in on what issues stand out the most to me. (Right now, it's looking like the overwhelming majority of my interviewees are facing career problems if they decide to "come out" and live as women, so that may end up being the focus of the thesis.)
Look forward to seeing you soon, Leslie :)
@Alli - Interesting. It sounds like you already have a good understanding and great focus on the issues at hand.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the answer.
Leslie
ReplyDeleteThat is a great outfit. I think it will inspire me to look for something along the same lines. Everything works and you appear completely 'un-maled'.
Alli,
It is wonderful that you are pursuing this project. You can learn a lot from the blogs that are connected to Leslie's blog. I wish you luck and I hope that you avail yourself of a blog, either your own (if you have one) or perhaps Leslie's to publish your work.
Speaking for myself, and perhaps other hetersexual crossdressers, one thing that I do tend to cherish is frank and open communication with GGs. Girl talk, if you will. I, and I know many others, are always acutely interested in how we are perceived by the civilian population, particularly GGs.
Thanks.
Pat