yesterday's outreach

I joined Carol, Diana, Gina, and MaryAnn to do outreach for a human sexuality class at Southern Connecticut State University.

The weather was hot, but not too humid, so I did not wilt.

The class was typical of the human sexuality classes I have encountered at Southern: approximately a 5:1 ratio of women to men in the class with the women making most of the comments and asking most of the questions. As I remember, there were five men in the class yesterday and only one volunteered a question or comment.

Interestingly, his comment was his take on the difference between MaryAnn and I. He sensed that MaryAnn, who dresses quite often (daily), considers crossdressing mundane, just another thing that a person does on a daily basis like brushing their teeth, whereas, he sensed that I consider crossdressing fun.

Well, I admit that I believe that crossdressing is fun! It is the most fun that I have without laughing.

After outreach, the professor and our group (sans Gina) went to a local restaurant for lunch. We had a great lunch and spent two hours discussing a variety of subjects.

I asked the professor if I could look at the comment sheets that the students turn in after each class and she was happy to comply. A number of people commented that they felt sad for me because of my lack of support at home regarding my transgenderism. A couple even wrote that I was sad and one wrote that I was timid and unsure of myself. On the other hand, one commented that I seemed very comfortable. So, go figure.

I admit that I am always a little nervous at the beginning of each outreach and maybe the students are reflecting on that. As far as being sad, I guess I am, but I didn't think that it showed. I don't want to be sad, but what can I do to change it?

Anyway, I am now in permanent boy mode until September when summer cools down and I won't wilt under a wig, makeup, and feminine clothing.