Chicago Transit, Pinkfest

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Amanda G
----------

Hi Valerie!

I'm a regular transit rider in Chicago and may be able to help you out
with a little walk through of the system and/or meet up Tuesday night or
Wednesday to help you get comfortable/acquainted with how it works.

~~
Amanda

----------
(This posting was entered by Amanda G, an external user of MyDLV.)

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Evette
----------

Being a nonpassable CD, riding the transit system, being locked in for a
time without an escape, puts a great fear in me.

I know many use it and it is much better than trying to drive and park,
but again, being far from passable,

I would be very nervous.

How you ever had anybody give you a hard time while riding?

----------
(This posting was entered by Evette, an external user of MyDLV.)

[annie]

> How you ever had anybody give you a hard time while riding?

Throughout the history of Pinkfest I've heard of no cases of anyone being confronted or hassled on the CTA, either bus or El/subway.

Here are my observations on the topic, based on experiences over decades of being involved with TG groups and riding transit.

I would encourage you to think not in terms of "passing" but in terms of "blending", meaning not appearing to be out of place for the time, place, and circumstance of the activity at hand. After all, women (both GG and TG) come in all shapes and sizes! Here are some cases where I've observed members of our community failing to blend, particularly in the context of public transit.

1. Overdressing. Someone (anyone, GG or TG) who is obviously dressed up more than the other women in the area will stand out and draw attention.

2. Riding and hanging around in groups. The solo individual usually has no issue avoiding attention. Two can often times do it, but when you approach that magic number of three, things get iffy and the group usually stands out no matter how well the individuals blend on their own. I can cite some rather geeky numbers on this if anyone wants.

3. Behavior and demeanor. Loud talking in an obviously masculine voice is a dead give-away and attracts attention. Joking around, grab-assing, and acting like (for the lack of a better term) men is certain to draw a lot of the wrong kind of attention. I observed a blatant example of this on the Las Vegas Monorail a few years back but still, nobody was hassled.

The bottom line is that almost all transit riders are doing their own thing and are willing to live and let live and are only giving passing glances to other riders unless something specifically grabs their attention.

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Laura Wright
----------

Things are close enough for a taxi.

You can always drive too. Most places on the schedule have valet.

Just a bit more expensive than walking and mass transit.

----------
(This posting was entered by Laura Wright, an external user of MyDLV.)

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Ginger
----------

I often take public transportation and have never had issues. I seem to
be well accepted, but am of the opinion none of us passes with everyone
all of the time. Genetic women don't always pass either. There are some
"give-aways" that can get you noticed from far off such as too much
makeup or too little, an obvious ill fitting wig, the wrong hair style
for your age, dressing inappropriately which at times could mean heels
or a dress or skirt when pants and flats would be a better alternative,
engaging others in conversation. The idea when using public
transportation, and probably most of the time, is to try to go unnoticed
and blend in with the crowd. Others, can probably add comments and make
suggestions.

Even when people know or guessing you are probably safe unless there is
a serious bigot about. For that reason I try to stick to nicer parts of
town and nicer places. As someone once said, nice people treat others
nicely. An easily accessible purse size container of mace does can give
one a good feeling at times, but I would sure hate to ever be in the
position of having to use it.

----------
(This posting was entered by Ginger, an external user of MyDLV.)

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Laura Wright
----------

You also blend in exceptionally well.

You look like any other woman so you don't call unwelcome attention to
yourself. In spite or because of that you are also super careful, don't
go anywhere on your own any other woman wouldn't, you are aware of your
surroundings, but still have that mace ready!

----------
(This posting was entered by Laura Wright, an external user of MyDLV.)

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Ginger
----------

Laura,

Thanks for your affirmation! Those same comments go to you and you are
more fortunate than most of us to have beautiful hair you don't have to
buy!

There is nothing worse than someone acting in a non-lady-like way and
bringing unwanted attention to others. As we have seen it is often an
innocent person who later suffers from the indiscretions of others. An
example would be someone, very appropriate in every way, being removed
from a ladies room, not because of anything she did, but because of some
egregious beh= avior on the part of someone using the room earlier
causing the now more vigilant facility authorities to over-react out of
their concern over the behavior of the inappropriate user.

I should have added, that I always tip appropriately, but when I'm out I
always tend to tip even better to leave a good impression. If they
address me appropriately I tip especially well. We should always
remember we are not only representing ourselves, we are representing our
community. How well we are accepted goes to how well the community is
accepted and as we all know, we have a way to go as a community.

----------
(This posting was entered by Ginger, an external user of MyDLV.)

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Riff Riff
----------

Ginger

Amen sister. You are so right!

Xx

----------
(This posting was entered by Riff Riff, an external user of MyDLV.)