July 7, 1999
My Dear Sisters,
I would like to take a moment in time to offer a heart felt Thank You to all of my sisters at Tri-ess and particularly the Minneapolis Chapter.
Two years ago, I thought I was the only person like myself in the world. I was afraid to step out into the sunshine and experience the joy that was to be had. I was afraid that if anyone saw me dressed as a woman, that they would run off screaming and have me arrested. I was what you would call a very closeted cross dresser.
In the last two years, Tri-ess and the Minneapolis Chapter have shown me that I can go out in the world dressed the way I like and no one seems to care one way or the other. I have had some very wonderful experiences with my sisters, dining out at some very nice restaurants have been the high spot. Everyone at the Minneapolis Chapter has been so helpful and supportive, without you I could have never come to where I am now. You have taken my hand when I need your help the most. You have held me up and helped me walk. You have done more than you will ever know to remove the bonds of guilt and shame that have been a part of my life for almost 50 years. I owe you more than I will ever be able to repay. All I can say is, "Thank You" for what you have given me. Thank you for the strength you have given me to enjoy this wonderful world that we share.
Last week I had an opportunity to test my wings in a way that I have only dreamed about since I was very young. I need to take a trip to the state of Washington for about a week. This trip was to be part business and part pleasure. I have wanted to go on a trip as my feminine self for more time than I care to remember, so I thought this was the perfect time to try out my newfound wings.
I knew that I would need motel rooms along the way and not knowing local laws about cross dressing, I called a lot of the national chains and ask about their discrimination policies. I ask if it covered cross dressers. Low and behold, they all said that I would be welcome at their properties no matter how I dressed. So I made my reservations with one of the chains, but would I have what it takes to walk into a motel, dressed as a woman, in a strange town and ask for my room? I told the person taking the reservations to notify the motels that I would be arriving in feminine attire. The first night was after a business meeting, which I had to attend in drab, so I checked in as my male self. It was a good chance to find out if my reservation was still there after they had been notified about their cross dressing guest. Sure enough, I was in their computer and had my room, but I do think they were a little confused because of my mode of dress. Tomorrow will be my big test.
After a good nights sleep I arose to greet the day that I had been waiting for, for so long. Would I have the nerve and self-confidence? I took a nice long shower with my favorite body wash and let all of my femininity come forth. Next came my make-up, wig, jewelry and clothes. I couldn't believe it; I was actually going to live my dream. After I was all set to go, it was down to the lobby and out to my car. On the way I passed 2 maids who glanced my way and continued about their work. They either thought I was a woman or didn't care. As I went though the lobby, no one paid any attention to me. In the parking lot, there were 2 couples in their 50's or 60's next to my car. Again no one paid any attention to me. I was doing it. I was being a female and getting away with it. Glory Be.
The rest of the day was just traveling. No one seemed to notice anything out of the ordinary. I used the ladies rooms that were empty and bought gas at numerous stations; no one paid me the least bit of attention. Only one time did a young woman, from Georgia, noticed and that was when I was park at a rest stop. I just gave her and her young husband a smile and that was it.
My journey was soon to come to an end. I had traveled over 600 miles and was getting close to my next stop. I was amassed at how much self-confidence I had. When I reached my motel, I didn't hesitate, I grabbed my purse and walked in the lobby tall and proud. I waited behind another couple at the desk and when it was my turn I ask for my reservation. The clerk was so pleasant. She gave me better service than I receive at most motels dressed in my drab clothes. The couple that was ahead of me just gave me a smile that I warmly returned. When I brought my luggage in, a nice couple held the lobby doors open for me. Now, I could get use to this being treated like a lady. In my room I set down to reflect on the day's events. What a glorious day.
But why must it end I asked myself? Don't I need a light jacket? Why not push the limits? So it's back in my car and off to the local Burlington Coat Factory. I find a parking spot in a near by parking garage and off I go though the skywalk system of Spokane, Washington. I eventually end up on the streets of Spokane headed to the store I'm looking for. All along the way, people are passing me and I them. All types of people, old ones, young one, men, women and children. No one is running from me. I am walking on a crowded street and I just another person there. I find my way to the store I'm looking for and in I go. A young man greets me at the door and welcomes me to Burlington Coat Factory. Can this be real? Up on the 3rd floor I find the department I'm looking for. As I look though the jackets, a sales girl asks if I need any help. I tell her that I'm just looking for now and off she goes. I look through all the coats and try on the ones that interest me, but find nothing I like, that fits me. Nothing is more fun than shopping for clothes while dressed as a woman. At the parking garage, a young couple arrives at the walk-in-door just before I do, and he was such a gentleman as he held the door for me. I retrieve my car and pay the attendant. Not one eyebrow is raised, can life be any better?
After dinner and a couple of drinks, I head back to my room and the sweet dreams that I know I will have after the day that has been so long in coming. Thank You Tri-ess and all my sisters for making this day possible.
A few days later, after my visit is over, it's time to head for home. I will make the return trip as my feminine self also. On the way I will be the first car in line at a construction site, now I have to talk to the flagger. After she tells me that it will be a few minutes she returns to her conversation with another lady worker in a near by pick-up truck, the pilot car. I watch to see if the lady flagger tells her about me. Nothing, did I pass or maybe she just doesn't care.
The rest of the trip will bring similar experiences and similar reactions. I will be in the ladies room at a rest stop when a lady comes in and waits by the stall door for me to finish. I finish up and exchange smiles with her as I leave the stall. She is comfortable enough to enter the stall and do her thing. Numerous gas stops and 2 more rest rooms where women come in while I'm using the facilities, smiles are exchanged and everyone seems to except me. Everyone is at ease around me and I around them. I am in the realm that I love.
Along the way I stop at Williston, ND, on a busy Friday afternoon, and purchase some hand cream at the local Wall-Mart. Next stop is Minot, ND. The last time I was there I noticed a cute skirt outfit at the Penney's store at the Mall. Why not? When I arrive I drive right up front, grab my purse and walk in as proud as can be. After looking around for a while, I find the skirt that I'm looking for. As I stand in front of the mirror holding up to myself, I can only dream about the time that I will get to wear it. I decide that it's a keeper and take it up to the sales clerk, who is more than helpful with my purchase. Life doesn't get any better than this.
I can’t begin to tell you what this trip has meant to me. It is something I never thought would happen and I know that it never would have without the help and support of Tri-ess and the girls at the Minneapolis Chapter. How small the words of thanks seem to be for what I have received. Please know that without you I would still be in the darkness and that you have brought me forth into the wonderful sun filled world. The closet I was in had walls that were so close and now I wonder if there is anything that we can't do, any place we can't go. I know for me it's off to Atlanta in September for a weeklong trip as the woman that I am.
Thank you again for making life the joy that it is and thanks to all the women of the world for being so excepting of us.
Your Sister,
Dana Ann