I’m J. J. Atwell. The J. J. is short for Jennifer Joy, but just JJ will do. This is the first of what I hope to become a regular piece on Femulate. So let me introduce myself. I’m a lifelong CD’er who prefers the CD label because it’s most descriptive of how I feel. I lived most of my life in New England. I retired and moved to Florida about 10 years ago.
Why did you name the column “Stuff” you ask? Simply, I couldn’t think of a more descriptive title for what I hope to write about here and in future chapters. I’ll cover a wide range of things and just needed an overall umbrella to slot it all into. So this column is, as George Carlin once said, “A place for my stuff.”
Personal Growth
In the past year I joined a local CD group and started going out to monthly meetings. That was JJ’s first step out of the house. As Stana has said, we move out of the closet to a bigger closet. Those group meetings in a safe environment are really just a bigger closet. But I did get to experience some time out among the general public, even if I was in my car.
Having found the courage to go out and meet people, it was time to push the edges of my box a bit further out. I visited a Sephora store for help picking out makeup to enhance my presentation. I did that in guy mode first and found the people very helpful and non-judgmental.
The next step was to stop there as Jennifer and get a makeup lesson. So a few months ago, JJ stepped out of her car and into Sephora where she was greeted warmly. Yes, they knew who it was from my visits in guy mode. It didn’t matter to them; I was somebody that wanted their help.
I’ll be back
Well, actually that depends on Stana and the feedback she gets from you. I hope my stuff gives you something to think about. In the mean time I’d welcome comments here on the blog or by email at Jenn6nov at-sign gmail.com.
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| Wearing Bebe |
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| Kerry before, Mary after |
Great Stuff!
ReplyDeleteJJ I enjoyed your story sounds much like many others We all need to realize no one, or very few care and if your spending money in their store they will encourage you to come back. At least that's been my experience every time a venture out. Thanks for the read Sallee
ReplyDeleteI have a different concept of my wearing dresses, and for church, makeup and heels, and generally looking like a genetic woman with my beyond shoulder length hair and a bust. Even though I have been on estrogen for 12 years, I still regard myself as a man. Also notice I use my real masculine name "John" instead of a feminine name. And I do not try to sound like a woman when I talk. In fact my voice borders on basso profundo.
ReplyDeleteI have received very little pushback due to my appearance, and the interesting thing is my deep masculine voice does not seem to bother people who perceive me as a woman.
So I describe myself as a "freestyler" instead of a crossdresser (English form) or transvestite (Latin form).
John
JJ
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your successful launch! As you go forward you will notice that people don't care that it's a guy in a dress. Everyone has seen a crossdresser by now, so the novelty is gone. The younger the people are that you come across the less it matters. If you haven't gone to a wig shop yet that will be fun when you do and you won't be the first CD they have worked on.
Happy Hunting,
Micki Finn
I enjoyed reading your introductory article-looking forward to future instalments
ReplyDeleteWelcome aboard
ReplyDeleteI was always a Mac cosmetics fan, but what most civilians don’t realize is that Mac, Ulta, and Sephora are all very trans friendly and will be happy to help girls who are trying to break free they embrace the diversity
The one thing I like about Mac cosmetics is they typically have a private area in the back of their stores where you can get a makeover, and or make up lesson scheduled I’ve had several of these and they have been so valuable in my journey
Paula G
Welcome JJ and you are ready to walk out of Sephora and go do some shopping and grab a bite at the food court. Yes your heart will be all aflutter but you already took a HUGE step with the Sephora visit. They know your a CD but tbe rest of the mall does not. Hugs Brenda
ReplyDeleteGlad you're here JJ. It's always helpful to share others experiences and learn from them. I look forward to hearing more from you. Lauren
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised no one mentioned Mary's great legs! You go girl!
ReplyDeleteJJ
ReplyDeleteWe’d love to hear about your support group and how it goes
Paula G
Hi JJ ,
ReplyDeleteLike to hear your life stories and experiences .
𝓥𝓮𝓻𝓪