One evening out
en femme before I was out at work, I had a close encounter with a co-worker, who I feared might out me at my workplace if she figured out who I was
en femme.
Being outed at work is a real peril of going out
en femme. It could result in the loss of your job and could negatively effect any future employment. However, there are worse real perils of going out
en femme... like the loss of your life.
Years ago, a bunch of girls decided to go to a gay bar after the conclusion of our support group meeting. I had never been, so I agreed to go to see what it was like.
As it turned out, I didn't like it. Smoky, dim-lit bars are not my cup of tea, so I had one drink and hung around just long enough so that my clothes and wig stunk from the cigarette smoke.
The bar was not in the best neighborhood. The streets were not well lit and my car was parked a long block away. As I left the bar, another patron exited after me, followed me and began accosting me. He thought I was one of the girls performing in the bar's drag show and he wanted a "date."
I was very scared. I ignored him and walked to my car as fast as possible. (In retrospect, I should have returned to the bar and asked for an escort to my car.)
He finally gave up pursuit, I assumed because I would pay him no mind. I escaped unharmed, although very unnerved, but others have not been so lucky. There are a lot of girls who have turned up dead after being in similar situations.
Although it is wonderful to go out and be your authentic self, you have to keep your wits about you. Be very alert of your surroundings and of the people surrounding you.
And so go safely into the night.
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Wearing Caroline Constas dress and Cesta bag (Source: Intermix) |