A week full time. Is this the shape of things to come?

I don’t know I’d call it a moment, if I’m being honest. But, I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s go back to the beginning, as it’s generally a very good place to start.

It was a dark and stormy night - really, it was. Our flight was delayed from the evening into night by thunderstorms, a fairly common occurrence in the summer in Newark, NJ. But, I diverge.

I was wearing a green camisole with a power blue cover shirt. I was wearing my necklace & pendant (See an earlier blog for details.) rose clip-ons, minimal makeup (concealer/foundation & Mascara) slacks and sandals; the idea being to travel more-or-less androgynously. I used my new Drivers License (See my earlier blog about a significant milestone for a picture.) rather than my passport for ID at the airport. Security was smooth. The guy checking ID didn’t even make a second look at the gender marker.

This was an important trip/vacation for the family. It was planned for me to be Annette the whole trip. With the exception of a sun-block over shirt, not a stitch of male clothing was packed! I’d checked, and Disney (Yes, we were visiting Mickey in Florida) policy is that we use the restroom we’re most comfortable in. I’d heard that Disney was welcoming, so I asked — just to make sure. My wife wanted me to travel androgynously, as I’d not had to use my ID previously, and I’m not “out” at home.

As I mentioned, security was a non-issue. On the other hand, I was “sir’d” *sighs* on the plane by the flight attendants and again by ground transport and finally by the desk clerk at our Disney hotel… I wasn’t so sure how things would go, at this point. But, there wasn’t much choice but go forward, not that I wanted to back out. I was just fearful how my family would take things if I were Sir’d all the time.

I didn’t need to worry… Apparently, just getting rid of the top shirt and putting on a blouse(instead of the cami) was sufficient. The next morning was bright and sunny! I also was not “Sir’d” again during the trip, (until the return) even after being referred to as DAD by a daughter or husband by my wife!!! And, we’re not talking just the Disney employees. This was other park & hotel guests! The worst I got was a few strange looks, and wait staff doing a second look when I had to provide my given name (room card for charges). My wife eventually started paying, to avoid that.

Needless to say, I was REALLY encouraged by this reaction. Maybe I pass after all. Maybe my voice isn’t as bad as I thought. Okay, I know it was far from perfect. I did get Sir’d once or twice over the phone (Obviously I need more work!), but never in person.

Now, you may wonder why I called this blog my “Cinderella Moment”. Yes, I did get to be me. That’s my “ball”… And having to pack and then return to “reality” was the clock striking midnight. Returning to “reality” was NOT fun. But, I can “imagine” that once I’m able to transition, I might actually manage! Is this light at the end of the tunnel? Perhaps. I can hope.

If anyone got this far, thanks.