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So, I spent a fair amount of time on the web yesterday, researching the various ways I can change my name. While there are some very simple ways to do it, there seems to be one best way that is accepted as 'official' with regards to obtaining a passport and driving licence in the new name, so I reckon I'll have to go with that. And then it got me thinking about names. For years, I thought I would be going for James as my new name. It just seemed like "me". I can't explain it any other way. Then I liked Jamie for a while too - and with Scottish blood in my family line, James gets converted to Jamie quite often in Scotland, so if I went for James as my official name, I could still let people call me Jamie, I suppose, if that was what I wanted. For the purposes of registering on this website, I called myself Jay. And I realised I like that name lots too. Last night I came to the conclusion I was still undecided on what I'll end up choosing, although all my favourites begin with J. My birth name begins with J so maybe it's for that reason that I'm seemingly sticking with something beginning with J. My signature could remain the same, if I have a first name beginning with J. My last name isn't going to change any time soon, it would appear, now that my husband is backing me in my desire to transition. But I'm pretty sure that's not the reason I initially decided on James, all those years ago. Changing a signature isn't a big thing. Changing a name is. Choosing something that will work for the rest of my life is a big deal. But there are millions of names out there to choose from, so how does one choose the perfect new name? I work for a company that has over 100k employees. There is only one other person, in the whole of the company, who has the same last name as me. Given the size of the population, that's a little surprising. Guess what his first name is? It's Jay. I only remembered that fact last night while lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, unable to sleep. But today, I think I'm a James, after all. And I think I always have been.

I probably will have to change the blog name, you're right! I hope you won't charge me commission for that idea It looks like it will be Deed Poll for me too. The Passport Office suggested it has to be 'enrolled' Deed Poll, as well, which seems to make a mockery of having quicker, easier and cheaper ways available to do it

Dear James Esquire, I'm really glad that you're progressing, I changed my name to that given to me by my wife, via UK Deed Poll Service, and have had less trouble than when I tried to do it myself via an on-line free service. However it was a time of being frustrated by certain organisations......................I hope all goes smoothly for you sir. Have you seen Karen Paynes latest entry with a video clip about Transgender Through Time, it makes interesting watching because it gives equal coverage to F to M as it does to M to F. However it seems to have been made in the early Blair era, so although interesting, it doesn't reflect Transgender today, after all the legal changes regarding equality etc.. You'll have to change the title of your blog to coming out of the darkness soon.!............ Cheers, Eve

I felt like a Karen so I selected Karen for that reason. My last name came from my students calling me the "Giver of Pain" (defensive tactics instructor) and from that came Payne.

My name decision was fairly easy, I just moved my middle name up to the first spot (christie was my mother's maiden name, that's how I got it originally). I'm not sure what I would have picked if I didn't have that - there is an easy "feminization" of my birth name, buy I didn't like it much. I have a favorite musician who's name I could have used (I did take her middle name), but it was my sister's name already

Yes, but that's officialdom for you, saying that officialdom allows you the freedom so that you can do things, but at the same time letting you know that it won't help you, because it's not accepted by officialdom, sound's a bit like Sir Humphrey Appelby in Yes Minister doesn't it? UK Deed Poll Service documents were fine and readily accepted by Passport Office and DVLA, don't forget to get your vehicle ownership details changed as well as your licence...........have fun and enjoy!

I just watched the video below which some might think is boring yet in my mind is well worth the time and energy to sit down and watch. They talk equally to M-F and F-M. There are many who think they have it rough today but I believe after watching this video you will think differently. One transgender, April, she is the epitome of making the right decision and is gorgeous to boot. I did learn that in a James Bond movie there was a transgender and is was very hot. Of course not all transgender can be hot but it's nice to see some just the same.

Hiya James. I recently contacted the UK Deed Poll Service, as I Am going to Officially, Change My Name, very soon. I Will change it to Stephanie Jayne Susan, ( at least ), although I May add another name, plus I May keep My Surname, ( For now at Least ). They Also Have A One Hour Service. If You want to visit UK Deed Poll Service, You can in Person. Their Address is :- UK Deed Poll Service, Freebournes Court, Witham, Essex, CM8 2BL, United Kingdom. Their Telephone Number's are:- 0800 448 8484. ( Free Call's, From Landlines, or Mobile's ). Otherwise, 0333 444 8484 ( From Mobiles ). Opening Times, are Monday's to Friday's, 09:00 to 18:00 ; Saturday's, and Bank Holiday's, 09:00 to 13:00 ; Sunday's, and Christmas Day, and Boxing Day, CLOSED ALL DAY. James, Well Done, with how You are Already Doing. I hope that the information that I have given You, is Helpful. Eveannessant is right about using the UK Deed Poll Service. It Is The Best Way, to change Your Name Officially ! James, Good Luck Young Man. Take Care, and My Very Best Wishes, Stephanie. xoxo.

In regards to arched brows, the eyes and brows can easily make or break someone looking to pass as a female and for that matter, anyone that has little or no brows can draw attention and question by others about that person while well groomed and shaped brows can do the exact opposite.

Karen, Thanks for posting this, Trans history is something that until now I was a bit hazey about. It shows a very bitter - sweet flavour to the struggle for acceptance and inclusion. I also see in the British sections of the history a very Male orientated view that is dismissive of Transexuals, as being unimportant freaks to be exposed. This is the societal conditioning that I have often referred to in my postings. It's absolutely amazing how the press and media in Britain sway public opinion, it leads me to think that the public are lazy and too idle to think for themselves, and so often they let the media do their thinking for them and hence control their sense of righteousness. In 2015 Britain is a different place, Transgendered (note the terminology has now changed) people are allowed to change their birth certificate after 2 yrs RLE even if they don't have GRS, and same sex marriage is now a fact of life. However there are still some die-hard bigots who'll never ever change their minds. Thank God I have never had to endure all that press sensationalism............................... I expect that you'd probably see some parrallels with this within parts of the USA. Cheers, Eve

When I was just ocassionally cross-dressing I tended toward a more "fun" wardrobe (mini skirts, short shorts ,etc), but as I started presenting female more often (full time now since August) i've added some more business-like attire, but haven't abandoned mini skirts and short shorts (just not to work obviously)

Last week I was called Mam four times. Even had one restaurant employee say " Welcome ladies - how are you doing" as I entered his restaurant. I have given up correcting people, actually kind of like how it makes me feel. A month ago in boy mode I was at a sports expo and had stopped at a booth selling shoe inserts. The shop/booth owner was busy and asked one of his workers to "please help this woman" I could not believe myself - how feminine I must have looked to him. (Really was not trying) Yesterday, I had two women runners make commits on my shaved legs "how are they were so perfect" and "perfect looking legs" Have any of you all had these kind of comments - even when in boy mode?

I get in the shower, wash my hair which is done every week and sometimes two weeks. Stare at myself in the mirror and think, I am bored with my hair color and need to change it to simply blonde rather than blonde with a tad of brownette. So I waited until my fav salon opened, two hours later and went in, chatted with my stylist and she told me what she would do for me. Well three hours later we finished up and I am very happy with the results (need to take a picture still). Two hours is when I need to get out of the chair, went outside and by accident my thumb touched my still wet hair and did not noticed for about 30 minutes, eek, damage done, my gorgeous nail was now smeared with hair coloring so once finished I went to the nail salon, for them it was less than five minutes. She uses a Dremel to remove the color, puts on a new top coat then one minute for the clear coat to dry. They never charge me so that was nice. Any ways those dang hormones are too blame for me spending $150 to get my hair done where if I simply had a touch up done the cost would be about 40-50 dollars. Girls, I would not have it any other way, just that over the past six months (and my hair stylist thinks the same) I am doing crazy things that pregnant woman do. Now I will really be upset if I get cravings for pickles and icecream EDIT Well I swear, started out the day in a black skirt, black tights, black top and flats for getting my hair done. Came home to wash the car and changed into tennis shoes, shorts and the same top. Now my brain says, off with the shorts and bring on the capri's and red flats. I am such a girl.

What about names? How do I pick a new name, that is like the hardest choice ever! Do I just girly-fy my name or pick a whole new one? Do I keep my last name? I imagine I would keep my last name, provided my family don't disown me when and if I tell them. I like Olivia, I knew an Olivia once, she was nice but I don't want to just cop out and pick any random one. I like anastasia because I read 50 Shades and loved it! I also don't want any of that silly nonsense like 'North West', what is that?! Tricky stuff, it'll be a long time before I need that fortunately so I have some time to decide. Thanks for reading :)

I just wrote about my own choice in reply to Jay's blog entry - but will add that it may be a tough choice, but ultimately a great chance to decide on something that is so central to your life that most people don't ever make As far as the possibility of multiple changes, at least legally there are sometimes limits (in some states you can do it twice, aside from marriage-related changes)

I think that with my blatant lack of make up expreience it's going to be a real hardship. I have some and some more coming (it's so expensive!) but not a clue how to do it really... I kind of know a little through watching people do it and a couple of youtube videos (the source of all my learning) but I imagine I'm going to look a state when I first have a go ;) I haven't tried any of it yet but I think the beard will be interesting to cover. Obviously I'm going to shave as much as possible first but I'll never get right down to skin. Another thing is contour? I have a man face pretty much and I believe this contour thing makes it look like you've got shape or depth? I don't know, I'll focus on not looking like a 4 year old just painted my face first ;) So I bought all the stuff I think I'll need. Foundation, eyeliner, blush, eyeshadow and some brushes, if theres anything I missed or some hints in how to use these items please do let me know :) Thanks for reading, any input would be much appreciated, in any aspect of this whole thing.

Although not made specifically for transwomen I find stephanie lange's videos on YouTube helpful (she explains things well) I definitely remember having the same fears, but a little practice really does go a long way! As for the beard, Kat Von D makes a tattoo cover-up foundation that is very effective on facial hair (i've found it at sephora). Electrolysis is also good for that

How about a caterpillar AND a butterfly? LOL

Thanks for sharing Eve, good to hear birth certificates can be changed now.

Administration helped me to change my name... and it is done already.... Yay !!!... thanks so much... I am now... "Lexi".... this is so much better than Joe7... lol...

So, while I am at the beginning of my journey, I'm trying to think of everything. Right now I'm focuses on appearances and finding out how I might look. At some point I will try and test the waters outside, maybe go to the shop at first then venture out further. Before that I need to really know what to wear, make up, all that great stuff. So I guess my question is this, to anyone else out there that has already transitioned or anyone going through the journey too: What did you wear? How did you wear it? How did you know you were ready to go out? I look forward to talking to all of you Edit: Just wondering, if there are any cross dressers, drag queens or trans folk out there who have worn bras as a male? If so what did you stuff them with, I know you can get like fake breasts but just thinking of right now... Socks? I have tried socks I'm just curious...

Okay, on day one I was exhausted and still went to the gym. This week I managed to go to the gym 3 days with my friend. One I couldn't go because I had to attend to a work function. What I noticed on Wednesday was. Meeting day is a crappy day to be at the station. I should thank the heavens that I wasn't put in charge of typing the minutes as well. I hate doing minutes. I had to sit in some meeting that was super boring. And another where I call it a crap out parade. Shame this one Captain just seems to not be in the good books at all. On a brighter note. My Colonel is back, after having a triple bypass and I would have told him to stay at home seeing that the wounds have not as yet all healed, and he developed some infections. But how can you tell a workaholic to stay away from work, if that is one of the things that is making him sick and depressed. So when he says I must drive him somewhere, I just get a vehicle and drive him. I think he is more open about things with me as I am open about myself with him. After he was informed that I dated, he initially jumped to a time I dated someone around the corner from his house, whom was also in the police at that time and abusive. I should be glad that I didn't tell him that ex is in jail now, or he would've blown a gasket. In that breakup I need the protection of my Colonel to make certain that that guy stay away from me. He showed how protective he can be over me and then his friend the commander of that person also had to intervene, because I didn't realize I was dating a psycho, until he became abusive to the extent of punching me a few times and going for a firearm to quiet me up, because no amount of hitting me can make me go quiet. Actually I defended myself, but couldn't get to my phone for help to arrive. I should say, fortunately for me, I had my firearm on me that day, or things would've been different. What I mean by that, I would've been shot, if I didn't have my unique place of pointing a firearm to make any CIS or Transgender Male drop their weapons in fear of losing their little guy. I walked out and as I drove off that day I called to say, don't bother calling me or trying to see me, no person threatens my life or hits me to return into my life without being an arrested suspect. Long story short, I need to run. Just got an urgent call. Will continue on this later.

Oh.. I can see the whole picture now... thanks... those shoes are awesome... Mule heels... I just luv mule heels... easy on, and easy off, and show off bare heel, in hose or not... and the dress too,,, simple, looks like light material, I like that... soft and like wearing nothing... pretty, but not overly crazy flowery and girly... "Just right".... in femininity... Nice look, hon.

Hmmm, funny I thought the same about tatoos, then changed my mind upon transitioning, but I still haven't gotten around to doing anything about it. I thought about something appropriate such as a butterfly, but then I started to think that, a grub or chrysallis might be more appropriate LoL......I'll perhaps get around to a butterfly or something next year. It's great that your husband has said that he'll support you on your "journey". As for working out that it's your body not his, it's societal conditioning that's caused that, be thankful that you've questioned that conditioning, it shows intelligence, and courage too. Cheers, Eve

Thanks for the complement - just last night my wife commented on that I really do look like a woman these days, even without makeup. She said my small body coupled with longer curly blond hair and my arched brows really made it difficult for people to see me as a male. Actually she was a bit niffed at this as she thinks I rival her in looks.

I like your photo Dawn13

I ride a bicycle alot and get comments on my legs often. I was outside Walgreens one time locking up bicycle and overheard a guy construction worker in pickup truck say to his friend......about my legs........ "Damn ! His legs look better than my wife's " I had no pantyhose on but my legs were super- smooth shaved, very tanned and in short short jean shorts. I almost laughed out loud when I heard him and made me smile the whole time I was shopping..... probably for pantyhose and some baby oil.... smile.

Great story. Must have been some attraction going on when he started a conversation with a question. Even when I was in similar situations where I am fully dressed, and I knew I was very passable, I also get nervous and concerned about my voice giving me away. The neatest thing is when I am not dressed up female and still called mam - even my male sounding voice doesn't seem to make any difference, I am type cast as female.

This funny to me... because it just happened a few nights ago, working late... I was wearing a skirt and pantyhose, white canvas shoes doing some gardening... watering potted plants out front, and a man stopped to ask me... "Ma'me... do you have a lighter?"... I smiled, but did not turn around... (I was bent over picking up a potted plant)... but quietly said, in my softest feminine voice... "No, I don't"... I could have gotten him one...but I dared not turn around, as I had no makeup on, and am only marginally passable... My legs are always shaved smooth and very fit and shapely, as I ride a bicycle... a lot... and are often gazed upon , as they look very feminine. It has happened a few times over the years, especially when I went to the clubs, dressed... "to the nines" as they say, in full feminine mode.... Heels, short skirt, shaved legs, makeup, pantyhose... etc., etc.,

Dear GenderFiasco, May I suggest you do a search on Google and YouTube, "Makeup for Transgender Women," as well as "Makeup for Transsexual Women." Have found some excellent tips online! Yours truly, Monica

Hi, GenderFiasco I am so happy that we are able to help. We are a community of women who certainly care about each other. The most wonderful thing about transition for me is finding a wonderful community of so many women who share similar experiences. You are beginning your journey and even without much money, you can progress. As Karen suggests, you can work on your voice and mannerisms as you as also developing a wardrobe and experimenting with makeup. It's a beautiful journey to becoming a butterfly. Enjoy it. If I can offer any advice or you just want to chat, I'm willing to share my experiences with you. Warm hugs, Alana

Thanks so much to everyone for taking the time out to reply! I havent been able to comment until now but rest assured I have been reading them and they're making me much more comfortable and much more eager too! I'm not 100% certain about breast forms yet, also I don't have a whole lot of money right now but I imagine I will spring for some eventually... It's really comforting to know that theres so many others like me out there who were at my stage at one time or another and heart warming that you would all take the time out of your days to share your stories with me I have so many questions it would seem and no one around me personally to answer them, this sorta thing doesnt happen to everyone I can understand why it would be a good idea to wear skirts, I recently bought some leggings, a top and a couple other bits and the leggings dont exactly hide the crotch area, in fact they probably make it more obvious. I'm definately going to look into a skirt or dress, although I still have all of my leg hair so thick tights? As I said so many questions... Really if any of the commenters are reading this I truly do appreciate your help, it means a lot to me!

Since my teenage years I always wore breast forms when out. Back then they were foam forms as I was not aware of anything better. Clothing, I wear the same thing cisgender females wore so that I would blend in, not call undue attention to myself. Since I got the tucking down pat I could wear tight jeans which I favor to present time. Many who are cross dressers favor mini-skirts, pantyhoses and high heels which are in direct contradiction to what the average cisgender female wears yet I can understand the attraction to these garments and at all cost avoid them like the plague for casual outings. If one is to go out as a female it is critical to first work on your female voice followed by covering up the five O'clock shadow and by all means work on mannerism of a cisgender female. I like many others did these things and will greatly increase your chances of not being made. Once on hormones and removal of facial hair begins one can concentrate more on voice and mannerism. I can not stress too much how important mannerism and voice is too becoming at ease when out. Looking good is one thing but being able to communicate with others is paramount else you will end up in one or more uncomfortable situations which makes it more difficult to go out again. The more you are out the easier it gets yet many have issues stepping out the front door, get into their car and enter the world we were comfortable as male now is a place where one turns white with fear because they have not practice the techniques and skills needed to be comfortable when out and if you are not comfortable others will pick up on you and focus on those vibes. I honestly forget when the last time I was nervous going out, may be ten years ago but do remember prior to that time I was in the same boat as others and learned quickly that (as others have done) that it's a whole lot easier being out in stores and such where people would not recognize me. When I was 18 I went to a store in the next town over, dressed no different than any other female. Walked into the store and everyone stared at me. I truly believed I was made until a sales person tapped on my shoulder and said something like "you can't smoke in here". I then realized when she addressed me as female and told me to put the cigarette out my heart slowed down and I spent quality time there. The funny thing is I still have a pair of underwear I purchased in that store on that trip, a reminder to myself I could do this. Another memory was walking down the street over a long block where a man on a motorcycle kept circling the block and realized I was being watched and thought he had made me as a cross dresser and who knows what he wanted. Ended up at a stop light he asked if I wanted a ride. I was still learning my female voice but took my time to get it right and said something like I was not interested. As he rode off I called me a foxy lady, I of course grinned. In both cases and similar cases I did it right clothes-wise, mannerism and voice while other times earlier in life I did not and saw that people wondered if I was a cross dresser or (and this did happen) people believing I was a tom-boy.

Hiya Gender Fiasco. I have one Bandeau Bra, which has a Bra Pad each side. I have bought some cheap bra's with pad's, and used several each side of the strapless Bandeau Bra. I wear another Non-Wired Full-Cup Bra over the top, which is Size 38B. I have several of these, which are of the same size, style, and pattern. So I wear Bra's, which are Very Comfortable. I wear Lovely, Sexy, Pretty, Bra's; Knickers; Suspender-Belt's; and Stocking's, all the time. I also wear Female Jeans, or Female Leather Trousers, or Skirts and Blouses or Top's, or Pretty Dresses. I do NOT wear Male Clothing. at all now, and I have NOT done so, since I started Fully, Full-Time, Female-Dressing, and Living, on 1st. May, 2015. Gender Fiasco, I Now Regularly Go To the World-Famous UK Nightclub, Pink Punters, at Fenny Stratford, near Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, in The United Kingdom. It Is a Fully LGBT Friendly Location. Gender Fiasco, if You have an LGBT Friendly Location, try Going there as well. I Love going to Pink Punters, because it is so Safe, Comfortable, and Relaxing as well. Gender Fiasco, Keep in Touch, if You would like to. Good Luck, Take Care, and Very Best Wishes, Stephanie. xoxo

I started by wearing casual things around the house, jeans, androgynous tops, non-descript sneakers, etc. As I became more comfortable, I began to wear these same clothes out shopping. No one knew the difference. I was comfortable in clothes that fit so I wore them. Wasn't long before I added a wig, breast forms and makeup, purse. Soon the jeans became a bit more obvious as I wore jeans with designs on the back pockets and more colorful tops. I'm very comfortable going out shopping and running errands in casual clothes. When I have an appointment or interview, I wear a dress or skirt and sweater. Although I am in mid-transition, I don't feel male or want to appear male at all. I am a woman now and will live everyday as myself. Enjoy your journey as you become more comfortable with yourself. Others will accept you for who you truly are. Hugs, Alana

Dear Gender Fiasco, I used false breasts and then when my boobs started to grow large enough I used chicken fillets to supplement them. Try wearing stuff that doesn't attract too much attention, you don't want to get noticed when you are starting out on your journey, later on if you decide that you want HRT and you start developing a more feminine shape you can start to wear the more attractive styles of clothing. If you use a full cup pre-formed bra without seams, you can stuff it with whatever you want, however be sure not wear low cut tops. Cheers, Eve

Thanks Roxanne, Its a lovely name and thank you for sharing with me. I may have to do some digging when I see my mom next, brilliant idea!

I had found out years ago that my mom would have named me Roxanne if born as a "physical" female. When making the choice to transition I then chose that as my new name. My mom still doesn't know about my dysphoria but when I tell her I'm sure my name choice will help lessen the blow... But then that's just me.... Roxanne

Not sure if this fits here - It does show some my mistaken gender ID, I Have been following all the Jenner news. This has stirred some of my recent thinking. What is the core of why we have our feelings and want so much to change. I think there is a certain desire to see ourselves as beautiful. Women express this better than almost all men. When I put on a dress I feel changed. When I see other men I see most of them as lazy/unkempt, fat/heavy and scuzzy. This is the excepted image of most men. I do not fit this image and I know I am stared at a lot by other men, usually in restrooms, who do not expect a beautiful looking man. When I look beautiful (Handsome) day-to-day, I am often mistaken for a girl, even when in unisex or masculine clothing. I usually do not go out of my way but I am well groomed, very tan, fit and now have longer styled blond hair. I think some of why I wish I could change is rooted in the concept of beauty - and if men could also be beautiful in what is currently a woman's norm early in life - I think fewer would be unhappy with their body image and fewer would want to change. Here is another thought. I think is more acceptable to be changed completely into a woman than it is to dress and adorn ones self in a similar fashion. Yes, I would love to wear a colorful attractive dress and show off my small waist and still not try to hide that I have a somewhat feminine looking male body. However, I feel less anxiety when I go through the complete effort of hiding any maleness as I look completely like a woman. Also, I actually feel safer in woman mode as I do not see myself as a homosexual; not wishing for men to lust for me in this fashion.

This week I went to the local Guitar Center, tried to pass as a male, no luck, I could not pass as a male.

Wow! Today. I was at Dicks Sporting Goods looking for some tennis panties and a superman shirt. I started looking first for the Under Armor, pink for breast cancer superman shirts and a male sales representative said "Mam can I help you." Because I was really trying to look male today, I corrected him. Then he told me he saw my "long blond hair," under my ball cap and thought I was a girl. I explained to him that I was retired and felt free to wear my hair long. He then helped me find the right size. Ended up being a boys XL. Then I went over to the women's section looking for a short that would work well under my NIKE tennis dress. Looking at the clearance rack I also found a couple of unisex looking sport T's. I was just a bit concerned that I was now being read as a male. But the store was quite large and I had really only talked with a couple of the dozen or so sales reps that were there. As I was shopping the female store manager who was doing some restocking, asked me if I needed help. I said no, but after I had made my selections I asked her if she could help me into a dressing room. (Apparently my male voice did not turn the tide as she read me as female) Without batting an eye she took me directly to the woman's dressing room. This time I did not correct her as I went right in. This is when I had a really pleasant surprise. The room was full of women's sportswear right there for me to try on. (Capris and winter outerwear.) Whoever was in the room before me must have been close to my size as almost everything fit. I actually bought two of these outfits and I may post photos of me wearing them. I am sure after I left the sales staff may be having a chuckle as I expect they will trade notes and figure out I was a guy. Still this was a truly interesting adventure for me today. Dawn :)

Thanks Karen, You are doing something I really have wished I could do. I did take estrogen a few years ago but stopped when I realized I would have to explain my breast growth at my next military physical. And yes I still have a bit of man boobs as a result. Now that am now longer working a government job my interest to transition has abated some. Still I like to feel feminine and when I am coded as a woman without really trying I find this fairly satisfying. Appreciate your comments - Dawn :)

Nobody ever (at least to my knowledge.... wait for it) made the mistake to take me as female while dressed as a male mainly because I wore tactical clothing and for eight years my hair was so short you could see skin. Recently to my surprise my best (female) friend confided to me that she always wondered about me and would imagine me as female, her children also said the same thing, they are 15 and 16. There is no mistaking me now, between owning zero make clothing and affects from hormones I am 100% treated as a female.

Today was another day of bending as I was called mam twice in Kroger. One time was to ask me if I was in a line and a second was to thank me for responding and clearing the path for this other lady. I decided not to correct the women who aparenty read me as female. (I actually found my appearace to a bit satisfying as not trying and being read female was not as stressful as times I had purpously gone to a place in fem wondering if I could be read) I had on womens levis and running shoes. And today my blond sholder length hair, under my runners ball hat, was really showing lots of curls. Still I was in boy mode. Today, I was not trying to go out of my way to look feminine.

Recently I went to my usual six month dental exam. I actually purposely dressed a bit more feminine for this exam. Had silky lace pink panties on - a aqua cap sleeve juniors shirt unisex shorts and sandles. My hair was as long as I have worn it - shoulder length. While I was sitting there my hygienist and I started talking about nutrition. She started telling me about muscle building foods and some hormone enhancing foods she had learned about and was taking. While we were talking I could not help but notice that she appeared to have gained weight from when I had seen her six months prior. Her hair was now actually cut short; much shorter than mine. She actually looked like she was close to my size, which was quite a change, from her 100+ pound body that I had recalled. I also now noticed she was larger up top and wearing a very large dentist scrub. She told me she had just started to body build when I saw her for my last exam. She said she had started to lift weights three hours daily and said she was getting ready for a competition. I saw a picture of her and her bicepts were now hudge. It looked like she had gained up to 30 pounds of muscle. She said she was around 130 to 135 pounds and 8% body fat. Then I told her I was between 18 to 22% BF. It was at that point I started to wonder what she was thinking as she looked at my skinny scrawny feminine looking body on the chair. She then asked me what I weighted and when I told her, between 138 to 140, she jokingly said "I bet I can whip your ass." I responded "you are likely right", sensing she now had bigger and harder muscles than mine. I then said how can we do this? Arm wrestle? I actually was getting a bit embarrassed at this time knowing that my arms actually looked like girls arms. I then told her I hoped she did well in her competition. We hugged as I left and then I really felt her harder arm and chest muscles against my soft body. Though she did not mix me up thinking I was a girl - I still had the same feelings - suddenly next to her I felt feminine - A real gender bender.

Yesterday, at a marathon I was in I had to go to the medical tent because of a bee sting. The med tech taking my BP thought I was a woman, called me mam. I did explain to her "it might be my long hair and I told her I did not intend to cut it," as I like how it makes me feel free to be myself. These experiences are like an adventure. Hard to believe - for me gender is really burred Dawn

Just yesterday I was at another running expo and was looking in one of the women's section and a big boned lady bumped into me and said sorry did I hurt you "hon." Then I talked with a sales clerk who was ready to sell me a running skirt. She was quite confused as I was sure she readme as female. Even when she recognized I was male near the end of the conversation she was still trying to show me a skirt that I might like. I do think most everyone was reading me female. (I am very tan, long haired, small boned, almost no beard shadow and fit) Not everyone saw me as a girl as I always used my non disguised male voice to greet them. But I could tell my voice alone did not always convenience everyone. To top it off as I Ieft one of the greeters said "Hope you enjoyed the expo Mam, be safe going home."

Dawn, women are given permission to wear men's clothes (ie, jeans, T-Shirts, athletic shoes) more often than men are given permission to wear women's clothes. Have a male friend in his 30's who has very fine bone structure, and I notice he makes great effort to be very masculine in his dress and grooming to avoid these kind of misunderstandings. Seems like you are a very mellow woman who knows how to handle it well - - - you don't take personally comments that obviously are not made in a mean spirit.