By Casey Alice
Last week I had to go to H&M to get a new circle skirt because my old one had ripped. I find their clothes fashionable, comfortable, and affordable, and I always like going shopping when I intend to actually buy something. (Trying on is fun, but its just a different feeling when you own it, you know?) Unfortunately the one I purchased originally was too big, so on Saturday I went to exchange it for one that actually fit. I stopped at the H&M on Columbus Circle, returned the large one, and bought the next size down. I also lucked out on the price: this one was on sale for $7.99. What a bargain!
I didn’t really intend to wear it that day, but the weather was beautiful and my navy canvas pants were getting intolerably hot. After ducking into a Starbucks to quickly change into my new skirt, I rode my bike over to Central Park.
Admittedly I was very nervous, but I tried to ignore the people around me as I cycled over to a spot on the grass. Eventually I began to pay more attention to everyone else, and realized that no one seemed to care that I was wearing a skirt at all–even the few people who did double takes seemed to move on quickly.
I sat down on the grass and did some reading, and soon realized that even the people who were seated close to me–those who could clearly see what I was wearing–didn’t seem to care about the crossdresser in their midst. After all, does anyone really remember or even care about the many bizarre outfits the people in NYC wear on a daily basis? When you think about it like that, you realize that no one is really going to second-guess a dude in a skirt. There are simply too many other crazy things going on.
After this experience, I honestly can’t believe I didn’t come out to my friends earlier. I have been missing out on some fun excursions in skirts and dresses due to a baseless fear of not being accepted. But none of my friends have rejected me, and everyone else doesn’t seem to care. (I even texted one of my friends that I wished that I had come out to her earlier.)
After this experience I’ve resolved to attend at least one class wearing a skirt or dress when school starts again in the fall. Also, I haven’t yet dressed up with friends, although that is probably a good next goal. Either way, I’m definitely looking forward to my next excursion. I think this weekend was a success.
How about you? Let me know below!
-Casey