[Connie]

oki- You are right about confidence. It is absolutely critical to passing. The way you develop is bit by bit. Start with a very small outing like getting gas for your car or a little grocery shopping. Don't worry so much about clothes- girls frequently wear boy clothes. Don't worry about make up BUT make sure your beard is well covered- there are good products to do this. From what I can see of your hair, it looks long enough to be styled girly. Surely you can find a salon friendly to LGBT in your town. Take your exposure slowly but do not quit. I always stayed away from gay clubs even though they will seem welcoming. Real women don't go to gay clubs. A friend, male or female to accompany you will boost your confidence a lot and they will tell you when you're walking like a man.

I had the advantage of having a mother to groom me in the womanly arts. That made my transition very easy although I did it finally and completely later in life. Might you have someone who could do the same for you?










Hey Connie.
I feel that transition (which I understand as starting to live and present as my chosen gender and the expectancy of being treated as my chosen gender) would now still be premature. I don't have the confidence, the looks, the clothes, the... know-how yet.  It's just a matter of time now but it can't be rushed. Heck, I still wear male clothes even at home, the comfort of the habit.
Where I live, I won't be arrested. The worst thing that could happen is being asked to dress or leave. And the looks and talk behind my back. And ostracism. Anyway, since going out topless and in bra-piece is equally disturbing thought, the swimsuit is definitely the right and more progressive choice.