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I have enjoyed reading everyone's experiences in acknowledging their gender roles--some good, some awkward given the culture we live in. As I have written before, I am content now to be able to wear feminine clothing on my own and feel comfortable doing it. I have to thank the girls at TG Guide for being supportive and empathetic. I believe that if we do nothing else in life, we need to be there for each other. We're all we have, and we're all in this together. I love you all. On another note, I opened my first business account all by myself today, and do I feel smart. It was a small beauty salon, and fortunately, the owner was a lovely lady who was very patient with me. I go back this Sunday after everyone is out of church to complete the enrollments. This makes three barber shops and now one salon that I have opened. Maybe, I have found my niche. I am going to the speed networking event at the Chamber of Commerce on Monday evening. That should be an experience for sure. More to come on that later.

Thanks for the comments Emma, Lori and Monica!!!

There are some trans people (cisgender as well) that I don't care to be around because they become a spectacle everywhere they go, whether through appearance, mannerisms, speech or behavior. I agree we should be free to live our lives however we want, but the reality is different.

To me what you described is the classic Ugly American. Trans or not they have little regard for what is appropriate behavior. Like talking on their cell phone (or worse, via Skype on their laptop) in a coffee shop they aren't aware of the social cues or just don't care. Regardless, I agree completely with you, Karen, that part of becoming ourselves is to be a woman. Lots of models to choose from of course! I'm not saying we need to be delicate flowers or anything like that, but to be accepted as a woman especially by cis women means occupying our space similar to the way they do. As Monica suggested, perhaps in private over a glass of wine or coffee, I'd advise your associate to be observant of how women are dressed, carry themselves, and interact with men and women, and model their behavior accordingly. Have fun with it. It's like learning a new language and in most cultures natives just love it when they see us trying to make an effort.

Dear MichelleLea, You'll find you will get out of the Chamber of Commerce what you put into it. Joining the Chamber of Commerce is one of the greatest investments you can make in your business career. They also offer programs such as SCORE, which are retired business owners and executives who offer free advice. Also they offer free or inexpensive classes on how to run a business. There are free pamphlets about various aspects on running a business. Best of all, they have a program pairing up women business owners (also people of color and disabled). Love hearing about your progress! Yours truly, Monica

I’m so glad for you, Michelle! Yes, maybe you’ve found a niche. More likely, you’ve found that you can do it. Now’s the time to really push yourself to locate and open new opportunities. Ride the success wave! There’s nothing like it.

Dear Karen, When someone is loud and unkempt, trans or cisgender, male or female, Straight or Gay, this could mean low self-esteem, under the influence, or mental illness, especially if you recall them in times past as "well put together." You are wise to back off graciously in public, as this person could create an unpleasant scene. The time to give such a person support is in private, but I would not go into their home or invite them into yours. Your personal safety is paramount. This really brings home the point that a person can change dramatically, even in a short period of time. Your friend, Monica