It was the day of the end-of-the-month social meeting of ETVC, a local Transgender group that I recently joined. The meeting was scheculed for the second time at the same restaurant in San Francisco where the previous month-end meeting had been held. I wasn't sure if I would attend. I had a meeting with some local government officials earlier in the day, and afterwards had taken the opportunity to do some shopping, buying a new black bra, and finding a black floral print dress at a local thrift shop. I also bought some new earrings on sale at a jewelry store.
When I got home, I naturally had to try on the dress, which I hadn't done in the store since I was wearing my normal male attire at the time. Fortunately it fit nicely! I have made it down to the point where I can wear many size 14 dresses, as this and the pink one that I had worn to the previous meeting are. I then tried to do a hairstyle with a curling iron, put on my makeup, grabbed a heavy overcoat, and headed quite late for the meeting. There is usually no formal business conducted, and I knew that even arriving late I would still be able to meet many of the members there.
I walked to the BART station near my house, and caught a train direct to downtown San Francisco. I emerged from the subway station there into a strong westerly wind. I was thankful for the overcoat! I then took a streetcar on the surface two stops further, and walked the short two blocks from there to the restaurant.
I was greeted at the door by one of our flamboyantly-dressed members, who assured me that I had come to the right place! It was almost 10 p.m., and I didn't have time to order dinner. I had a few soft drinks from the bar during the evening.
I had the opportunity to chat with many of the members, both those that I had previously met and some new ones as well. I verified with the President the time and place that our float in the upcoming Gay Pride Parade would be assembled the following Saturday, and volunteered to be there. Toward the end of the night, I asked the clubs principal photographer, Chesley, to take a few pictures of me in my new dress. She directed me to the vacant bar in the back room, and had me pose on a bar stool there.
I then said good bye to everyone, and left at about 11:30 p.m., to make sure that I would catch the final BART train of the night. I bought a sandwich and drink at a convenience store, ate some of it while waiting for the surface streetcar, then put it back in the bag for the ride on it and the BART train. I finished eating outside the station near my home. From there it was a pleasant 15-minute walk home.
This page last updated: April 05, 2000
