Paula’s Evening Out En-Femme

Well, here's the story about my evening with Peggy and the Paradise Club.

I  was apprehensive but excited about having the opportunity to go out in public for an evening en femme.  Peggy was gracious and met me in the hotel parking lot right at 6:30 like we agreed.  We joked about being "out there" with no where to hide, however, I immediately felt comfortable and relaxed as we walked into the hotel together, even with all the people around.  I wore the red dress I received so many compliments on at the AO meeting in April and tested a new dishwater blond wig and contacts for my eyes.  I really enjoyed being a blond!

  She took me right downstairs to the lounge where she introduced me to the Paradise executive committee who were having a meeting.  Susie was among the members and was pleased to see that I was there.  We then sat down at the bar and were served by a very friendly female bartender who was happy to serve us and carried on a pleasant conversation without a care about how we were dressed.  She made me feel comfortable and welcome.

  A few minutes later, we walked down to the private dining room where Peggy introduced me to some of the other dinner attendees. The meal was delicious, although there were only about 15 of us there. Five of which were AO members including Peggy, myself, Susie, Karen and Joan.

  After dinner, a Mary Kay demonstration was given by Bonnie, a friendly woman who showed us some techniques for addressing the special challenges we "gals" have with our complexion and facial features.  She put a lot of effort into her presentation which was highlighted by techniques for shading and toning down some of those masculine features.

  After the presentation, Peggy hoped I would come along to Code Blue, as a number of the gals were going.  I was excited to go even if it was late and all the way up in Cleveland.  We walked in together and went upstairs where we were greeted by Mary the bartender, who was just as nice as the bartender in the hotel.  How we were dressed had no bearing on how Mary treated us.  In fact, when it was time to ante up for my two Cokes, she would not even take my money.  I made sure she got a nice tip for the sodas.

  The down side of the Code Blue excursion was the smoke and noise.  Joan & I were trying to talk, but I was unable to hear most of what she was saying.  I told her jokingly that my wig must have been on too tight.  Joan & I left about 12:15 just as Karen came in.  Having had enough noise for one night, it was time to go home.  Although it was a great new experience, it would have been better to have had a nice corner to sit and enjoy each other's company and conversation. Peggy said that a restaurant on the west side is gender friendly and would provide us a comfortable, peaceful place to eat.  I said it would be fun to try it sometime when we can make the arrangements.

  Overall, I enjoyed the evening.  It was a night filled with many first time experiences.  I thought I would be more nervous and worried. Although I have been out a bit in public in the past, taking the big leap and visiting two public places in one evening en femme with Peggy by my side gave me comfort & confidence.  I thoroughly enjoyed the evening.

  I will not be able to attend the June AO meeting due to family commitments. If possible, I would like to contact Peggy again and join her for another Paradise meeting.  If I am not able to go out en-femme for two months, I could go crazy!

  But don't worry; AO is still my home, for it was all of you who provided me with the caring & support to allow me to feel comfortable & confident about myself. The most important aspect of all this is, that I am not alone.

Paula