Well I guess that would be dating a guy and him never guessing I was not born a woman, as that is not the case perhaps the title of this post should be the penultimate in passing.
As I seek the restart my career (fruitlessly it sometimes seems) I busy myself as a freelance writer, which unfortunately is too unpredictable to pay the bills.
In this recession bound economy even part time jobs are hard to come by. I remind myself that I am lucky to pick up a position in what is one of Canada’s high-end department stores. I was flattered to be hired for the lingerie department though I spend most of my time in shoes.
I should not be worried about passing after SRS but having surgery is no guarantee one will immediately be accepted as a woman by the public at large. Nor do I think I would have been hired for this particular job had I not passed convincingly.
Beyond the pay, my time in this job is a fascinating personal education in female socialization through both my co-workers and customers. Of course I have worked with women in the past but never as one of them. I am pleased that no one is aware of my past nor has guessed I have not always been female in body if not spirit.
It is interesting to see how the most stern visagd customer will melt when receiving a sincere compliment about her outfit, make up etc. My favorite was an elegant older lady (store demographics skew to a more mature crowd) who after I complimented her amazing eye makeup told me I should be a model. I have since adopted her!
Mostly I take passing for granted, but at least once a day I am caught by surprise when I hear, “oh that young lady is helping me” ….oh yeah that is me :)
It is also remarkable to think that it was only three years ago that I left this same mall in tears convinced I would never transition or be able to pass.
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we can wear any colour so long as it is black....lucky it is my favorite colour below...exhausted after a seven hour shift  All told its not quite as fun as "Are You Being Served " made it out to be: |
One never stops getting a kick from being taken as a natal woman. As you say, a job like this teaches you a lot about female socialisation. It's a shame that you can't get rich this way. How about modelling? You could do it.
ReplyDeleteLucy
Thought this post was going to be about driving one of your fleet really fast. Then I saw the photo which as usual caused a wow thought followed by why on earth does she not try being a model!
ReplyDeleteI loved my time working in a department store, not such an interesting department, time never dragged because of all the interaction with the customers...
Thanks girls, but you don't see all the rejected photos...yikes!
ReplyDeleteNo time doesn't drag, we are somewhat understaffed so its go go go all the time.
Hey sis,
ReplyDeleteEven by your standards these pictures are amazing. Guess we know who got the looks in the family! lol
Now: haven't I TOLD you that you could be a model?!? Hmmmm? :-) Perhaps if enough people keep telling you, you might actually believe it yourself!
Finally, of *course* you pass with flying colors. If anything, they probably hope customers will see you and think to themselves, "Maybe I can look as good as she does." Don't doubt it, hon - betcha anything it's true! :c)
Congratulations again on the new job. I'm proud of you!
Hugs,
Cass
Thoughts of Mrs Slocombe's pussy spring to mind. I grew up watching Are You Being Served. Its one of those shows that fits its time but is also timeless.
ReplyDeleteAs for the modelling, definitely give it some thought. I bet even the top models have photos that get rejected as not good enough but professional photographer get paid to get the best from their model and not to have lots of pictures that aren't good enough.
Congratulations on the job.
Fab fab fab. So lovely to read about your job. I think its a huge compliment to you for so many reasons, not least your ability to relate to people. Can I just say you look fabulous ......
ReplyDeleteI told you a long time ago you would have no problems fitting in.
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