June 2000
My Winnipeg Trip
Hi all,
I made a trip to Winnipeg to attend a party put on by some of the members of Masquerade (the cross dressers group located in Winnipeg). I had been to their meeting the previous week and had met many of their members. I must say they have some very nice girls in their group. I was welcomed as a sister and made to feel right at home.
I had been planning this trip for some time and had planned to make the trip en femme from beginning to end, which means I had to cross the border as Dana. The trip started on a Friday about noon when I left home and headed to my first stop at Grand Forks, North Dakota. I had wanted to do some shopping at the Fashion Bug store there. Entering, I was welcomed to the store by a very friendly sales lady. I checked out the racks of clothes, but couldn't find a thing that caught my eye. The store would have to be rated as T-oblivious at the least.
My stomach told me it was way passed time to eat, so it was off to the Village Inn restaurant. I had a very nice Oriental salad and again was treated as a welcomed guest. I did notice a couple of the kitchen staff peak around the corner to get a look at the strange looking woman. I know they read me, but still the service was great. Next time it will be old hat for them. After lunch I made a stop at the local Super America for gas, (again a non-event as Katrina says), then I was on my way to Canada.
I figured the worst thing the border guards could do is not let me into the country. I pulled up to the border stop and was pleased to see a female border guard. She ask me where I was going and how long I planned to be in the country, along with whether or not I was carrying anything for personal protection such as pepper spray, etc. Then she welcomed me to Canada and sent me on my way. I must say I've had worse crossings dressed in drab.
Next stop was my hotel. I had made the reservations under Dana's name at the Ramada Inn on Smith St. in downtown Winnipeg. Checking in was a non-event and the staff was very helpful. The luggage service left something to be desired since the parking garage was across the street. I spent the next two days at this property and would have to rate it as T-oblivious.
Friday evening I checked out some of Winnipeg's nightlife. Club 200 is very friendly and open to all members of the GLBT community. It also has a food service. Ms. Purdy's is a lesbian club and that is where the partying was going on. I had a great time there and the gal at the door was very welcoming. I shared my table with an older lesbian couple from Ontario. Nice people. Definitely a do-again place.
Saturday I checked out a couple of malls. Sears, liquor store, Safeway, Walmart and lunch at Perkins - all were non-events. Everyone was very helpful and respectful. I did hear a couple of remarks from a couple waiting for a table at Perkins. Something to the effect,” He’s gay, we're gay, everyone's gay." I'm sure it was pointed at me, but I didn't let it spoil my afternoon. Before the party I stopped at the Ramada's lounge and had a couple glasses of wine and enjoyed the book I was reading. Bar staff was very friendly and service was great. From there it was off to the party.
There were about eight members and three wives at the party. Shandi, who just happens to be a photographer, did a photo shoot of all of us. I was forced to sit in and you know how I just hate to have my picture taken. It was a great time and hopefully they enjoyed having me join their group, as much as I enjoyed my new found friends. One girl from the group (Wendy) has requested membership in the TG Northland list serve and I think she would be a super addition. Hopefully she and Shandi will be able to make it down for a fun filled weekend in the Cities sometime soon. Perhaps to a CLCC meeting.
Sunday morning came and it was time for this girl to make her way home. Down to the border and a talk with the U.S. border guard. Again a couple simple questions and I'm on my way. The border is definitely T-oblivious. Gas and coffee at the gas station at Pembina, I'm coming out of the door and a man is entering. He holds the door for me. I love this being treated like a lady. The rest of the trip was filled with fond memories of the past weekend, new friends and trying to think of the next great adventure.
Every time I step out into the world as Dana, I come away with such a wonderful feeling. All the fear that I carry is washed away. This just reinforces my belief that we’re the ones that keep us in our closets. The world is there for us; we just have to enjoy it. Don’t let your fear hold you back. Let’s go girls. The world awaits.
Dana Ann