"Which arm is best for you?" "Roll up your sleeve."
"You may feel a little prick."
Nope.
"Why do you shave your arm hair?"
Keep in mind that I live my life as male full time. I had my annual physical recently, and the last part was having some blood drawn. A young woman entered the room, introduced herself, and swabbed the crook of my arm with alcohol. As she wiped, she asked without looking up, "Why do you shave your arms?"
For a couple of very long seconds, I rolled the question around in my head. Is there some medical issue I don't know about? Can I dare utter the truth?
Trying to buy a little time, I blithely asked, "What?"
She repeats the question. What kind of lie might work? I could use my old fave, which is a partial truth, that I really hate my body hair. But that is a symptom of something bigger, yes?
My voice might've cracked a little, but I said, "I'm transgender."
She turned to me and smiled. "Oh, cool! Do you, like, wear makeup? What's your name?"
"Leslie."
"Nice! Are you transitioning?"
"No, that's not gonna happen. I'm president of a local support group, though."
"Outstanding!"
So, I have now outed myself to a stranger in real life. Did not think that was in me, and it was a very uplifting event. I wish I had thought to show her some pics, just to have my ego stroked further.
*If you are too young or foreign to get the reference, this is a typical clue in the bonus round of The $25,000 Pyramid. This clip features the recently deceased Harry Anderson of Night Court fame.
Amazing pictures you have there! And what a story!
ReplyDeleteEgos are never stroked quite enough, in my experience, and so that's great generally. And, in that vein, loving the skirt and top combo. And jealous of your 'do!
Hello Miss L! So nice to hear from you. :c) What a lovely encounter you had! And the outfit is fab - I love the top in particular. Hope you can write more!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Cass
I do love that fab skirt, girlfriend! Shaving your arms....oh my my....(just thinking back to ancient history).
ReplyDeleteCalie xx
Hi, ladies, thanks for dropping by!
ReplyDeleteConfession: The outfit is a dress. One piece, so I cannot take credit for the pairing. I did, however, buy the darn thing. Kudos to me!
Calie, hair has become almost a non-issue. I shave some of my arms, leaving a narrower swath. I trim and bleach the remainder when meeting time rolls around. The loss of this source of conflict might explain why I hardly ever post anymore.
Heck, I missed this! Great post, just a shame about the "that's not gonna happen"... Not everyone does get the chance to make a full time change but being open and honest about yourself is certainly helping. BTW, how do I get my legs like that?
ReplyDeleteTwo keys to legs like mine, both of which you will reject. Wear hosiery and wear heels. Women have been doing it for years! Glad you found the post six months on. I gotta find something to write about...
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