Out and About -- In the World at Large

[Faldaguy]

Hi JH, I read the statement from the SDA on cross dressing and although accepting of all people they see what you are doing as a sin you should follow the bible. This is stormy waters, so I leave it there. I'm not sure their welcome will go on indefinitely.

Yeah, I assume that you are correct. But, so far, they have been friendly, polite, welcoming. This is the first place that I have gone out like this (because I mostly keep my fashion uniqueness a secret) where people wave at me to say, "Hey, I'm glad you're back." I'll accept that kindness as long as it will last!!

I recall writing a bit a while back about visiting a large SDA church in San Jose, noting the reactions were really no different than anywhere else I go daily. Our invitation for being there was indirectly via the family of the founding Minister and still a family of influence there, but I don't think that leveraged our acceptance and was not likely known by most who were generous in their greetings and chatting. I also frequent a weekly social coffee-house type gathering, mostly composed of Quakers, SDA, a few Catholics, and Buddhists -- with nary a problem.

You are welcome to use my line to my ultra-conservative (Christian?) brother when asking, "What's with the dresses?" (they were skirts, not dresses -- but his attempt to disparage failed) and my reply to this "Christian" brother: "I'm trying to be more like Christ" -- he had nothing more to say!
's

[Modoc]

I wore a skirt to my appointment at the eye doctor's office earlier, nothing unusual in that, at least not in the past couple of years. Today, there was a new technician in the office and upon seeing me, she was quick to compliment my skirt and shoes something no one there had done before. It was a simple knee-length stretch denim a line number with a plain white polo top. After I thanked her, she even went so far as to ask where I got the skirt and clogs and she said she was looking for some skirts and shoes for her son. There were other staff and customers all around and as far as I could tell none batted an eye. Nothing special except I think the staff at most places are restricted to what conversations they can have with customers but maybe I'm wrong. I think the way I dress fits into the category of "be the change you want to see" as pointed out elsewhere on this site.

[STEVIE]

she said she was looking for some skirts and shoes for her son.

I hope he appreciates it, I wish I'd had a mother like that Modoc.
I have had a similar talk with a Mother and yes, this is change in progress.
Down the generations to a point when no one will care what clothes anyone else chooses to wear.
Forget the celebs and influencers, it will radiate from the streets and everyday encounters such as you describe.
Steve

[Ozdelights]

Perhaps going about locally in my small town could not be described as the world at large however in the past week or two it seems the world at large has been passing through to the Mundi Mundi Bash festival/concert. https://mundimundibash.com.au/home/.
I walked along the street to get a photo of the cars and caravans lined up waiting to access the single diesel bowser. I was wearing my signature garment as usual, the mini skirt, and was conscious that all the people in the cars had nothing better to do than to observe the local inhabitant's attire.
queueing for diesel_P8205919crs.jpg

When the world at large comes to you they get to experience something different. Many of these 'visitors' have a preconceived image of what they will find. It's good to show them what we are really like, not all the same just like at any big city and our small towns can be a great place to live.

[Grahame]

I've been wearing skirts and dresses out and about for a bit over 6 months now and love riding my motorscooter in a skirt. It's been winter downunder so I've been wearing tights/leggings and my workboots, but as the weather has started warming up I've been going bare-legged and just lately I went commando. On my most recent trip, I stopped at the supermarket to pick up some things and backed my scooter into a car spot, but I wasn't concentrating and lost balance. My brain was screaming at me because I hade visions of dropping it, ending up on my arse, legs flailing and wobbly bits all on show. So I struggled extra hard and regained control, straightened up and gave a sign of relief. I've had quite a few women shoppers compliment me on my denim skirt.

[STEVIE]

My brain was screaming at me because I hade visions of dropping it, ending up on my arse, legs flailing and wobbly bits all on show.

The moral is don't go bare arsed or bare anything else.
I won't go all preachy but showing showing off your "wobbly" bits is of no help whatsoever to the dim views that men in skirts can attract from JQ Public.
Besides, gravel lacerations in your important little places would not be one of life's best experiences.
Steve

[rode_kater]

Not really out and about, but humorous enough to post though not in a separate thread.

So my mum has been in the country for the last few weeks and I figured I wasn't going to stop wearing skirts just because she was here. I think I noted here that last year a wore a skirt tin her presence but she didn't appear to notice.

Well apparently, she didn't. The weather hasn't been great this summer so I haven't been skirting a lot. But just today, only a week before she leaves, I was talking to her while she preparing to go out and she looks down, pulls a bit at the hem to get a good look, pulls a questioning face and looks at me "that must be more comfortable in this weather?". I said "Sure, but did you only just notice?". "Yes".

I know my mum isn't the most observant type, but I wasn't expecting it to take this long. I've been around her in a skirt for many hours in the last few weeks.

She'll probably notice more often now.

[pelmut]

[...]
She'll probably notice more often now.

Now she has realised, she may take a positive interest and begin asking about the styles that suit you best or finding out which preferences you both have in common.  If you both feel comfortable about discussing the subject, this could open up a new side to your relationship.

[howardfh]

On one of the platforms on Piccadilly Station last week in the heat, bearded guy with knee-length skirt, nice one!

[rode_kater]

[...]
She'll probably notice more often now.

Now she has realised, she may take a positive interest and begin asking about the styles that suit you best or finding out which preferences you both have in common.  If you both feel comfortable about discussing the subject, this could open up a new side to your relationship.

Ha, somehow I don't see my mum as the type for that but who knows. Her style is also too colourful for me. I mean, have a pink t-shirt, but she goes more for the flourescent neon pink and other super bright colours. I don't think her colour coordination is better than mine. So far no further comments so...

[greenboots]

After dropping someone off at Gatwick airport I popped into the local Tesco extra and purchased, among other items, a poly viscose pull on mini skirt and a pair of tights. A quick (ish) in car change followed then an excursion to Sainsbury’s in Crawley (Tesco didn’t have one item I needed). Then drove home. However, this necessitated a pause in a local car park to slip trousers over everything as it would not do to appear at the door in skirt and tights, in case the neighbours would see.

What a joy to wear a skirt again. Not sure how often that will be possible going forward, but it’s a start.

[Barleymower]

After dropping someone off at Gatwick airport I popped into the local Tesco extra and purchased, among other items, a poly viscose pull on mini skirt and a pair of tights. A quick (ish) in car change followed then an excursion to Sainsbury’s in Crawley (Tesco didn’t have one item I needed). Then drove home. However, this necessitated a pause in a local car park to slip trousers over everything as it would not do to appear at the door in skirt and tights, in case the neighbours would see.

What a joy to wear a skirt again. Not sure how often that will be possible going forward, but it’s a start.

GB I don't think your neighbours will think any less of you in a skirt. I really don't.

[greenboots]

But my wife will if she thinks the neighbours saw. And she doesn’t yet know I’ve bought a skirt. All very tricky.

[Barleymower]

It's not a easy conversation with wives. I confronted the situation with mine early on and it was very uncomfortable for a while. Its getting better all time and I would not expect anyone else to do the same.

[timemeddler]

wife, yeah, I just sprung it with her, then all the expected complaints, now she doesn't really care.