the scene first by telling you how I was dressed. I was in a
particularly goth mood yesterday so I went all out. I have a 2 piece
outfit that consists of a black mesh top that looks like I'm wearing a
corset for the bottom half and a spandex pencil skirt with heavy
vertical seams all around (to match the fake boning in the mock corset).
I wore this with black tights and red fishnets over them, black 3"
heeled Mary Janes, leather studded wrist cuffs, long straight black wig
(down to my ass almost), heavy black eyeliner, deep purple eyeshadow,
and dark red lips. I also was carrying my small black Tinker Bell purse.
I was definitely "old school" goth (I love that look). With the heels, I
was at about 6'1" tall as well. Now, I know that the average goth draws
attention when out in general public. Think about it.. You look at them
too when you see them, so imagine this tall, slim, "old school" goth
wandering around (which is pretty rare, even amongst Goths). I knew I
was going to draw attention (as I always do when I go goth), so I made
sure to give people a good show of it.
We decided to hit the mall since we were in a Friendly's mood for dinner
and our daughter wanted to buy something. From the moment we walked in,
people were looking at me. Now, keep in mind that this was on a Friday
night, so the place was packed with teenagers. Teenaged girls are
especially keen on picking up on cross dressers. I know I was getting
read, but out of the 200 or so people that we passed, I'd say maybe 20
or so definitely figured me out (and at least half knew once their
friends told them). I'll take those odds anytime. The rest were just
checking out the goth.
We did dinner and had no incidents to speak of there. The place was
pretty quiet and the food was good. On the way into and out of the
restaurant I got read by some (again, all teens). On the way in one guy
figured me out and pointed me out to his friends. On the way out, there
were 2 girls at the ice cream counter in front. One pointed me out to
her friend and I saw them turn to look at me. I'm pretty sure she
figured me out, but it was the goth that drew their eyes initially. The
reactions were typical, the "oh my god, that's a guy!" reaction. This
isn't a reaction of horror, but rather one of shock and amazement with
admiration mixed in sometimes as well.
Of course we had to hit the stores that cater to the goth and other
alternative sub-cultures looking for any interesting items to buy. In
one store I found a black button down see thru shirt for $4 ($29 regular
price). Of course I had to buy it. When I went to the register, the girl
complimented me on my dress. "I love that dress". She didn't balk when I
showed her my drivers license (my credit card isn't signed on purpose).
The few customers didn't pay all that much attention to me really.
At Hot Topic I saw another goth that was definitely more "old school" as
well. She didn't seem to pay any attention to me at all, but then why
would she? Most of the Goths at the mall did notice me, but it was more
as an acknowledgement and to maybe see how I was dressed. I certainly
didn't shock them and I don't know if they figured me out or not to be
honest. I bought a few things there and the girl & guy at the register
didn't pay me any real attention either.
Wandering about in the mall, there were a number of packs of teens (yes,
teens travel in packs). Usually one in every pack figured me out, or at
least noticed the goth. I got lots of very warm smiles from the girls
who figured me out. A number waved or sad hi as they walked by too. Even
the guys who figured me out gave me warm smiles.
When we were at the Rita's (Italian ice) stand, there was a big guy
there with a few guy friends (teen) who definitely figured me out. We
made eye contact and he gave me a big smile that said "dude, love the
look". As he walked by to leave he stuck his hand out in a "low five"
kinda manner. I would have returned it but had my hands full. I gave him
a big smile and nod as he walked by me. I almost think he wanted to give
me a hug.
A little while later we were at Claire's (you gotta love Claire's). I
decided a week or so ago that it was time to get a second set of holes
in my ears, so Rain suggested I do it last night since were there. Yup,
I now have 2 sets of earrings in each ear. :) While I was waiting for
the girl to get free to pierce my ears, there were some guys hanging out
in the area in front of the store. There was one big guy (what is it
with the big guys???) who kept looking at me with a big smile on his
face. I looked right at him and gave him a big smile back. A little
later (still waiting) he came over with another guy. Now, these guys are
definitely the gang looking type - tattoos on the neck, arms, etc. One
was wearing a bandana on his head.. you know the type. The guys came
over and introduced themselves and gave me a gang-style handshake. The
whole time they both were all smiles and extremely friendly. It seems I
had been targeted by a couple of born again gangstas... LOL They told me
all about their bible study class and invited me to join them. I thanked
them and told them very politely that I wasn't interested and they went
about their way. I don't think the girl at Claire's read me, but I'm
sure she had to know once I showed my drivers license for ID (a legal
formality when getting ears pierced). She never let it show though the
entire time and she was extremely courteous. She even gave me a 20%
discount (which is given for the NEXT visit when getting ears pierced at
Claire's) on the earrings and stuff that Rain and our daughter wanted to
buy.
When we were passing by one of the larger stores, there were 2 teenaged
girls heading the other way past us. One definitely read me. I could see
it in her reaction. As they passed us, they turned into the store and I
could hear her say to her friend "That was a man", and her friend say
"Where?". I turned my head slightly to watch them out of the corner of
my eye and it was the typical reaction. "Holy @*#$, that really is a
guy!" They followed us from inside the store (the store had big windows
along the front). I saw them staring in amazement. At the very end of
the store, I turned my head fully and looked right at them and gave them
a really big smile. The one girl waved at me.
After we left my wife said to me "Next time we go out and you're goth,
I'm going goth too. I felt like such a freak because I looked so normal
walking next to you." LOL All in all it was a fun evening and I really
enjoyed the reactions of the masses. I didn't see one bad reaction in
the whole crowd. Most were amazed when they found out I was a guy. I
would definitely consider last night's experience very positive PR for
the transgendered community.
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