Opportunities and Openings

It has been a while since I posted and quite a lot has happened to Amanda.

The LBGTQ+ Scene on the Island is expanding all the time. The group I have joined welcomes all and has now passed 200 signed up members. Regular meetings are held in Art Centres, posh hotels, Wine Bars and pubs. These venues are dedicated safe places to meet up with like-minded company. Many people feel safer in these areas but a lot of us do meet and mix openly on the Island with no issues.

Amanda has helped in promoting LBGTQ+ island-based supportive goods, services and companies etc. from a personal approach and perspective. Christiane would be on the list if she were on the Island!

So far I have networked with Hair – Wig Salons, Beauty Salons, Dress Agencies, Charity Shops and Designer Boutiques. Also, Boots Beauty Counter girls have been very helpful in offering make up tips, advice, makeovers etc. All of the owners, managers, staff, etc. have been very enthusiastic. I have written up and posted about them and all now have a section, slot on our website. Some are now actively displaying slogans and stickers in their windows and several have even offered exclusive shopping evenings for the trans community, along with special events and promotions. These are great for those just coming out or wanting help and advice.

A spin off for me has been invites to events, promotions and drinks parties. What more could a girl want? Another even bigger spin off for me personally was a job offer en femme at a local Dress Agency which I regularly use. I have chatted a lot with the Manager over the past year and she said that I have good communication skills, love fashion and clothing, have an eye for detail and would really blend in. Must be the ex teacher in me! All of her team love talking to me about my story. Would I be interested? I was lost for words. What an opportunity for me in the real world. A dream come true, acceptance. Would I go away, talk to my wife and think about it? I did! What a confidence booster!

After some thought I decided that whilst I did not want to commit to regular work as I’m retired, I would be very happy to offer cover if short staffed, sickness, holidays etc. I even got an invite to their Christmas drinks party and was instructed to glam up for the evening! Did I need any encouragement? No!

Another first for me since moving to the Island is using the ferries en femme to get back to the mainland to meet my sister for lunch and for shopping in Lymington or in Chichester where she lives. Clare has been a great supporter of Amanda for many years. I also love engaging with fellow passengers as Amanda. Again, some great conversations have been had. Quality girl time with your sister. What could be better? Travelling en femme feels so natural and normal. People are very complimentary if I open up to them or just don’t bat an eyelid! The new normal.

There is still a lot in the media about children and young people questioning their sexuality and gender. A huge number are now are on waiting and referral lists for professional help. It is on the Government’s agenda and talked about on the Island. Schools are often in the forefront of this debate. The group I’m involved in is exploring if and how we could possibly get involved. As an ex teacher, parent and being myself high on the transgender spectrum this is an issue very close to me. Last September I went to a fundraising event for young people on the LBGTQ+ spectrum and made contact with the group. This is all work in progress. Who knows where it might go?

I still, after many years get told I am so brave to come out and present en femme and be my true self. It feels so right, comfortable and natural. I do fully understand and appreciate for many it is very difficult or even impossible to come out to partners, family, friends. I am so blessed to have supportive family and friends. I want to encourage you to love and embrace yourself wherever you are on the TG spectrum and to find inner peace within yourself. My own journey of exploration is still continuing.

As I have previously stated I am still moving around Clapham Junction (see not black or white but shades of grey). Is Waterloo reality or a dream?

Finally, what made you read my blog? What made you connect with Christiane? Where are you on your quest for the real you? For years I have wanted to give something back and I hope that my blogs are helpful to you. You are not alone, there are lots of like-minded people out there. There is also help available. Talk to Christiane, start your journey with her. You will not regret it. The world is your oyster. Step out and embrace it. Years ago I stepped out and have never looked back! What’s stopping you? Start embracing 2024 with the real you!