Getting started
Home Glossary Disclaimer Site map Contact me	Starting out as a tgirl can be scary and difficult. Here are some of my thoughts on how you can go about doing it. - As I see it, the basic, core piece of tgirl equipment is your wig. Unless you have long hair, no matter how much makeup you put on, or how femme your dress is, you'll still look pretty butch without a wig. - It may take a while to figure out what size clothing is appropriate. This is not a direct conversion (small to small, for example), because male and female bodies are shaped differently. Men have broader shoulders and smaller hips than women, and you'll need to take this into account. When starting out, I strongly recommend buying your clothes from op shops where they are very cheap. That way, when you get home if you find something doesn't work for you when you wear it, you haven't wasted very much money. I find that even when I try garments on before I buy them, when I get them home they often don't work. - Although trying on and buying femme clothing and accessories can be scary, I've never, ever had a shop assistant or shopper comment on it. Sometimes they ask, 'is this for you?' so I look them in the eye, nod, and say, 'yes'. People don't really seem to care. For your first shopping expedition, however, I'd recommend going somewhere far away from your home to minimise the chance of meeting someone you know. - Consider seeking professional assistance with makeup and deportment. Celeste is well-known in the Melbourne TV/TG scene as someone able to offer advice and assistance. She also runs Transitions House, a place where tgirls can go to dress discreetly; Sue's Place is a similar venue. It may be cheaper to get professional makeup advice at the beginning, rather than spend lots of money experimenting. - Once you have the basics of makeup, the staff at Backstage Makeup (now known as Kryolan Cosmetics, in the city) are helpful in extending your boundaries. - If you're lucky enough to be able to do it, there are several different methods of hair removal, including waxing, shaving, epilation, and creams; each has advantages and disadvantages. It may be that different methods suit different parts of your body; for example, I shave my legs, epilate my chest, and have my back waxed. Choosing particular clothing is also a valid way of concealing hair. - To my mind, there's no point looking pretty in your living room with no-one to see you; nothing is as much fun as going out. For your first expedition out, choose somewhere tgirl-friendly such as Pink or Abode, where you will be welcomed uncritically. Ideally, go with a tgirl friend. Be aware that between your car and the venue you may be subjected to catcalls from idiots (I have had 'show us your cock!' and 'trrrrannies!', but nothing worse). While this is antisocial and unnerving, it is usually harmless. Nonetheless, be aware of your personal safety and stick to well-lit public areas. - Fear of discovery is a common barrier to tgirls going out. If you're not 'out' to friends and family, remember that it is highly unlikely that you'll be recognised. Firstly, you have to run into someone that might recognise you (which, overall, doesn't happen that often). Even if you do, unless they already know, then you are completely out of context; they have no reason to suspect that the tgirl walking past is someone they know. Finally, you look  completely different. When you put on a wig, makeup, and a fabulous dress, you look totally different to your drab Monday- Friday self. When I showed my mum a pic of myself for the first time, her reaction was 'that's not you, is it?'. Remember, this is my own mother we're talking about.		See also: More information: