Unsuccessful experiments in blending in….
I had another electrolysis session this morning, which meant I couldn’t really wear foundation, contour or blush the rest of the day until my skin calmed down again.
So I tried wearing workout tights and top, with a hoodie, while getting brunch and running errands. Sporty girl who’s just done something athletic and therefore isn’t wearing make-up,* right?
Well I got”sirred’ twice and I got “the look”** more than few times. Not unexpected, but it’s still always a bee sting to the heart.
At least it was useful as a calibration exercise….
If a number of trans women seem “excessively” femme, it’s because we often have to send unambiguous signals about how we want to be gendered. And being able to blend in can be an issue of emotional — and sometimes physical — survival.
* I did have on mascara, eye liner and shadow, plus lipstick.
** It’s usually a glance held too long, as people are trying to figure out what gender I am, or why “a man in dress” is out on the streets.