Passing

To me, passing is being accepted by society as a woman or a man and able to pass as the opposite sex. When I first started going out, I was very careful about what to ware and was critical on my makeup. I took note on what other women would wear, say if they were shopping, you would need to factor in weather and the time of the year.

But I was surprised when out, women were not critical in their appearance as you find out, also remember you are just starting out so do your best! It's OK to make mistakes, you need to learn and correct them.

Don't rush it, going out in public is a very big step. You will need a lot of confidence! Start of small! Opening your front door and walking over the step and standing there. Remember to dress accordingly, most start of doing it at night, be careful and be safe.

The more you can be feminine, it will make it easier, this includes shaving, everywhere. Investing in a decent wig, the last thing you want is everyone is staring at you, which will make you uncomfortable. Start off with small steps, just open your front door and take a step, just stand there and take it all in.

At this point, I have to give you a warning, about neighbours and CCTV especially ring doorbells as they have a camera! I won't go into too many details, it depends on your neighbours, do you care what they think? Do they know your family? Etc… If you are not happy, speak to them about your concerns, or do what I did and tell them.

So my advice would be: Do your best and don't over do it! As you are probably the only one who knows it hard to judge yourself. I find it useful to find a small coffee shop and sit by the window, and watch the women go by, this will give you ideas about women's dress sense, colours combinations, patterns and plan areas, colour tights/stockings, shoes. A dress is not just a dress, but a whole outfit! You will find out.

Public interaction, sooner or later you or someone will try to talk to you! Try to keep calm, start off with small talk, even a Please and Thank you! Is interaction. Asking a simple question like: What time does the shop close? Where are the ladies?, How much is this? Before you know it, you're chatting to everyone.

Your voice, this is down to you, most of us hate hearing our own voices! You can get lessons, but might involve a cost. Think like a woman, genial and soft voice, please and thank you, helps you maintain a female voice level. Practice in front of a mirror or just go to YouTube and to listen to a female on a video, also look at hand gestures, body movements etc…

The other two things I just want to say is shaving, not just your face but everywhere if you can, if you are in a relationship this might be harder, but over time you can say: trim your eyebrows, then start to shape them, I am taking months. The other is padding, breast forms, wigs etc… This will enhance your look.

My last word is safety, it's a mad world! Don't go out on your own, keep to safe public places with people. Know where you are going, go in male mode before going, get to know exits and entry points, carry a can of hairspray, in your handbag, it's not good in someone's eyes!

Don't forget to breathe!