tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776343890232020343.post7173264327102050853..comments2024-01-08T14:41:50.363-06:00Comments on Traveling Transgender: How to "Fly Pretty"Kimberly Huddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11668019327622021786noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776343890232020343.post-89914822185336745102018-03-19T09:31:49.614-05:002018-03-19T09:31:49.614-05:00I flew pretty out of Pittsburgh, thru Dallas and o...I flew pretty out of Pittsburgh, thru Dallas and on to Oklahoma city. I had no problem along the way even the rental car agent and the desk at my motel didn’t say a thing even though they knew my gender was not female. The same thing on the return trip, no problem. I talk to the flight attendant during one leg of my trip and I even ask her it I was her first. She said “first crossdresser”. She said she had no idea. I am so happy I did it. My next challenge is driving from Oklahoma to Pittsburgh dressed. I believe there will be lots of fun on the way. The toilet question always concerns me but be confident and be inn and out without lingering and drawing attention to yourself.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776343890232020343.post-47831548651446845162017-02-26T17:49:53.483-06:002017-02-26T17:49:53.483-06:00I love your skirt in the picture for this post. I&...I love your skirt in the picture for this post. I've been looking for one similar to it. Do you happen to remember where you bought it?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776343890232020343.post-69785365600231621812017-01-04T12:18:47.879-06:002017-01-04T12:18:47.879-06:00And I'd appreciate it if you go be high and mi...And I'd appreciate it if you go be high and mighty elsewhere. I am no more or less a "man in a dress" then you are. I'll tell you what I do have that you apparently don't - decency. It would NEVER occur to me to be so rude and say something so hurtful to someone that I didn't know. Please feel free to be arrogant and hurtful somewhere elseKimberly Huddlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11668019327622021786noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776343890232020343.post-64333255176306547952017-01-03T07:06:52.849-06:002017-01-03T07:06:52.849-06:00I flew pretty for the first time this past fall.It...I flew pretty for the first time this past fall.It was a great experience and I felt so at ease that I spent my whole vacation en femme. Of course I had to go shopping as two outfits would absolutely not be enough.Shopped for makeup at the local mall and the woman at Estee Lauder counter did a makeover for me. She asked a lot of polite questions and we ended up having lunch at the food court. She was surprised to find out that many of us who cross dress are not homosexual.My wife until the timeshe passed away way too young always said she had the best situation having a husband and girlfriend all in one person Not only did I have a great vacation but I was able to open someones eyes about us girls.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776343890232020343.post-35112836536122927292016-12-17T18:15:10.372-06:002016-12-17T18:15:10.372-06:00I'm flying across the country in January and i...I'm flying across the country in January and it will be the greatest thing for my psyche to be able to fly as Heather. I've read your postings and I hope it'll be no big deal. I'm to a point in my life that what matters to me is more important than what others think or see. I'm not trying to pull a fast one or deceive anybody, just trying to be me. Thank you for your informative posting.<br />HeatherHeather D. Watershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14076997705804858763noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776343890232020343.post-79468408608384052422016-12-04T21:36:34.926-06:002016-12-04T21:36:34.926-06:00Flying "pretty", a la, as a transvestite...Flying "pretty", a la, as a transvestite, is not the same thing as flying a transgender person. I'd appreciate it if you men in dresses would stop making the rest of us look bad, thanks. Ashleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18425209950435896814noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776343890232020343.post-1878820362705990082016-10-11T07:41:22.593-05:002016-10-11T07:41:22.593-05:00I have only flown pretty on one trip. I figured if...I have only flown pretty on one trip. I figured if I got cold feet I could fly as my male self on the return trip. I was committed to be the woman I am on the inside on the outside as well. It went so well I made the return trip in female clothing. What a thrill it was to just be another passenger and not a guy in drag on the plane.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776343890232020343.post-50430516519312092732016-07-27T09:05:23.915-05:002016-07-27T09:05:23.915-05:00Oh wow, that does sound like a nerve wracking orde...Oh wow, that does sound like a nerve wracking ordeal! Out of fear for the very situation that you found yourself in, I've never worn anything like that while presenting as male. If I'm going to cross dress in the airport, I go all of the way, and so I've never quite been in your situation.<br />If I remember correctly (and my memory sucks) when they first started using the new back scatter machines, the operator had to basically tell the machine that it was a man or a woman going through the device, and it would then presumably ignore a bra on the female. The first few times I went through these machines in Austin, I think the smart ass operating the machine was telling it that I was male, so I got flagged every time I went through one of the damn things. Even then, they treated me with respect and didn't freak out. Somewhere along the lines they apparently changed their policy to set the machine to the way the person being inspected presents instead of what the operator decides it should be, and so I haven't been pulled aside in the many years since then.Kimberly Huddlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11668019327622021786noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776343890232020343.post-19590176831991399632016-07-27T08:39:34.506-05:002016-07-27T08:39:34.506-05:00Very helpful info, being an actor I can attest to ...Very helpful info, being an actor I can attest to the fact that if YOU feel confident it will put those around you at greater ease. Not to say they will all think you're Miss America, but it will make the interaction less tense.Julie M Shawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11335088569492502222noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776343890232020343.post-13572668340366323052016-07-19T08:38:48.470-05:002016-07-19T08:38:48.470-05:00The following is a letter that I just sent to TSA....The following is a letter that I just sent to TSA. So much for flying semi-pretty:<br />I was travelling from Washington DC on Sunday. Although I am a 6' 4" married man, I occasionally crossdress wearing one or more articles of clothing that are generally worn by women. On Sunday, I wore a bra to the airport. I didn't think that anything could go wrong because more than 50% of the population wears bras and they aren't stopped going through security. Turns out I was very, very wrong.<br /><br /><br /><br />I went through the screening machine and was immediately stopped. An older TSA gentleman said that he needed to do a patdown. He immediately honed in on my upper back and asked what I was wearing. When I said a bra, he took three steps back and looked absolutely aghast. He stuttered unbelievable, "but you are a man!" I said that yes I was and that there were all types of people in this world..... and I was one of those types. He told me that he was uncomfortable; I told him that him looking me like I was a freak was making me uncomfortable. He asked me to sit down to the side. He then went to consult with another TSA agent.... and then consulted with another TSA agent..... who pulled over a supervisor..... who pulled over another supervisor..... who then came and talked to me...... and then consulted with yet three other agents...... who then found two other agents to take me into a private screening room, pat me down, and sent me on my way. <br /><br /><br /><br />They did mention a couple of times that they have to screen me "as I present myself". Yep, I saw similar language on the TSA website. I would suggest that the approach is rigid and archaic in our quickly evolving society. Simply because I decided to wear an article of clothing that, granted, is normally worn by the other gender should not be a reason to single me out and publicly humiliate me. I don't choose to "present" as a woman and it should not be a binary choice. Are all men that wear a necklace or earrings pulled over for additional screening? I consider both effeminate. Are women that "present" themselves as men by wearing pants and a tie pulled over for additional screening because they are wearing a bra? I suspect not.<br /><br /><br /><br />I have two overall concerns:<br /><br />1) As mentioned above, I believe that the overall approach is archaic and rigid. Pulling aside a man for additional screening simply because he wears a bra is ridiculous. We may not agree on that.<br /><br />2) The lack of respect and attention to my privacy was appalling. The older TSA agent backing away from me like I had leprosy and staring at me like I was a freak was humiliating. Equally so was sitting in a chair for 15 minutes while no fewer than 9 TSA agents stared and pointed at me. <br /><br /><br /><br />I have spent 40 years feeling like a circus freak. Super effeminate gay men, butch lesbians, fully switched over transgendered, dwarfs, 600 pounders, interracial couples....... all OK. But a middle age guy quietly wearing a bra under his shirt is all kinds of freaky. <br />Colleen Rossinihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06242696546583857770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776343890232020343.post-12714758264689386262016-06-10T12:43:51.529-05:002016-06-10T12:43:51.529-05:00As a matter of fact I do. :-)
Before I started car...As a matter of fact I do. :-)<br />Before I started carrying a spare set, I had a major run once.<br />Since I have started carrying them, I've not needed them.<br />Funny that . . .Kimberly Huddlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11668019327622021786noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776343890232020343.post-62721607956150241712016-06-10T09:24:25.808-05:002016-06-10T09:24:25.808-05:00wonderful advice and info..so it looks like you ar...wonderful advice and info..so it looks like you are usually waring hose...I have a worry that I will get a run from taking my shoes off...do you care an extra pair of hose in your purse?<br />thanks<br />Joyjoy taylorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13029979039349417006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776343890232020343.post-3277510349114449532015-08-22T11:06:07.636-05:002015-08-22T11:06:07.636-05:00Hey Kimberly. I read your blog often. Thanks for s...Hey Kimberly. I read your blog often. Thanks for sharing. I will be "flying Pretty for the second time and the first one completely solo AND from my local little airport here (LIT) Oct. 1. I was curious if you have any updates or amendments to add to you excellent blog post thats worth mentioning? I have tried to think of everything. My back-up plans have backup plans! I have that blog post of yours printed and even have some of it nearly comitted to memory. I even signed up for the TSA pre-check program to hopefully add another layer of confidence. TSA people I get. Just do what they say. They are trained for this sort of thing but would you mind shedding any insight on checking ones suitcase with the airline? <br /><br />StephanieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776343890232020343.post-70207679990235606432014-09-02T06:47:59.945-05:002014-09-02T06:47:59.945-05:00Well, you have very well explained so many thing t...Well, you have very well explained so many thing that often comes in min of many people who met you while traveling and I hope they definitely get the answers for their queries.transgender advicehttp://www.transsexualdatingsite.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776343890232020343.post-57438621127801483462013-09-02T19:56:33.552-05:002013-09-02T19:56:33.552-05:00Sure - RELAX - that's it. That's all I'...Sure - RELAX - that's it. That's all I've got. Just relax . . .Kimberly Huddlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11668019327622021786noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776343890232020343.post-18101384156681124102013-09-02T17:32:00.058-05:002013-09-02T17:32:00.058-05:00I am flying "pretty" tomorrow, my first ...I am flying "pretty" tomorrow, my first and am as scared as Ive ever been. I am an experienced traveler, but never pretty. The security and airport process has me nervous, but more so I think sitting on a plane so close to another for 3 hours has me more scared.<br /><br />The blog is great and helps a lot, so do all the comments. Any other words of wisdom are appreciated.Christinenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776343890232020343.post-79161232106406415402013-08-27T20:23:45.635-05:002013-08-27T20:23:45.635-05:00Wow, I have no idea how to reply to that. Clearly ...Wow, I have no idea how to reply to that. Clearly the phrase has hit a nerve with you, and I of course take no pleasure in that.<br />I do deeply appreciate your heaping the responsibility for a lifetime of angst and anxiety onto my shoulders for using a simple phrase meant to be light hearted and cheerful though. God knows I haven't got enough things in my life to feel bad or guilty for. . . Kimberly Huddlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11668019327622021786noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776343890232020343.post-31897697110960169622013-08-27T20:22:57.209-05:002013-08-27T20:22:57.209-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Kimberly Huddlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11668019327622021786noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776343890232020343.post-3798774089835075662013-08-26T03:05:23.449-05:002013-08-26T03:05:23.449-05:00I am a trans ally but I will never stop being sad ...I am a trans ally but I will never stop being sad when I see trans women essentializing with all this being "pretty" stuff. It's so damn oppressive if you've grown up having "pretty" forced on you as something inherently female, from the moment of your birth, minimizing you and dehumanizing you and turning you into a "pretty" little bauble who is to be loathed if you don't go along with the pretty, pretty, pretty. Attacked and loathed and raped even...because a dick will cure an uppity, non-girly girl of her desire to be more than pretty, you know. Arrgh! Female does not equal pretty! Being female and being "pretty" are not synonymous! I often cry in frustration when I come across trans women making this big deal out of "pretty," acting as if it's a female given. "Flying pretty" is so problematic." I wish as our fellow women trans ladies would more often give some long, serious, ally-ish thoughts about what other women grew up being told, about what "pretty" as a lifelong refrain and (essentialist) harangue does, about what a betrayal all this emphasis on "pretty" can be. Why not "fly female"? From the moment I was born, "pretty" was the thing that oppressed me, and I guess I expect more from trans women and others who know what it's like to suffer for not conforming to gender norms. <br /><br />Plenty of cis women use language and ideas emphasizing looks above all else too, but for some reason I guess I do expect more of trans women due to their knowing full well what it's like to be second class in this world. Cis women are socialized from the first infant cry to dim their lights in service of "pretty." Trans women don't have to join in this oppression they weren't raised to internalize to the same degree. Sigh. Congratulations on coining a term that hurts women I guess.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776343890232020343.post-2211152016199116442013-04-25T16:56:46.226-05:002013-04-25T16:56:46.226-05:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Stephie Shttps://www.facebook.com/stephie.sweet?ref=ts&fref=tsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776343890232020343.post-90456958666796645972013-04-23T07:55:41.217-05:002013-04-23T07:55:41.217-05:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776343890232020343.post-84847424285344988552013-03-23T14:47:38.875-05:002013-03-23T14:47:38.875-05:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776343890232020343.post-54783375097285390062012-12-15T06:28:42.981-06:002012-12-15T06:28:42.981-06:00Baggage weight! That is something that I didn'...Baggage weight! That is something that I didn't think of. I'm always within a half pound of the limit. Also, posting on this type of site. I have to learn what my URL is or get one of those accounts in my CD name. Not sure how to do that but it can't be hard. A nice project for a Sunday morning. For now, I'm anonymous...Anonymous Robbin_Sinclair. Nice information. Thank you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776343890232020343.post-50141910653299667042012-11-22T13:35:51.493-06:002012-11-22T13:35:51.493-06:00I'd be in a heck of a jam if I worried about w...I'd be in a heck of a jam if I worried about what staff in an airport thought about my flying presentation. I'm a lot of years post-surgery. I *think* I pass on most days but there are still times when I feel I'm not looking my best ... and it shows, too, in my demeanor. So I don't always "pass", but because I am post-surgery all of my legal identification is now female. So, pass or not, once I'm in an airport I have no choice but to carry on the same as any other woman. Sometimes I get an oddly asked question from security, or an askance glance from a customs guard, but for the most part, with all my paperwork in order, flying pretty (nicely coined, by the way) is usually more uncomfortable for the people who read me than it is for me.Pyxye Styxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10321997663823663703noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7776343890232020343.post-5296628583613989072012-09-18T23:36:11.126-05:002012-09-18T23:36:11.126-05:00And a followup....
After taking the train to Chic...And a followup....<br /><br />After taking the train to Chicago from the Bay Area, I decided to go out pretty and got "Mam'ed" when shopping in a local store. It's such a nice feeling for us gals, wouldn't you agree?<br /><br />MarianAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com