Post #1017557

I’m a bit squinty in this photo (I’m standing in a glazed stairwell), but I hope the gender euphoria still comes across. Our MP visited the office yesterday, and afterwards we treated the staff to drinks and tapas at a bar by the harbour, before some of us hit the local venues until midnight. I’ve had my eye on this dress since I saw Munroe Bergdorf wearing it, but I didn’t think I could justify the price for something that might only look good on a literal model. However, last weekend it was added to their end-of-season sale and I knew I’d regret it if I didn't buy it. I’m so glad I did — I looked in the mirror after trying it on and just went ”Oh my god”. It’s a perfect fit and I felt so good wearing it. I got so many compliments during the evening, from both men and women. At school and university I was far too shy and anxious to ever go out socialising in the evenings, and often felt I was missing out, but later in my 20s I realised that, as an introvert, I probably wouldn’t have enjoyed it anyway. Over the course of my transition, however, I’ve realised that many traits I thought were fundamental parts of my personality were actually manifestations of gender dysphoria, and I’m getting much more comfortable with social occasions and busy, loud environments. This was my first time staying out late after a company evening out. Over the course of five hours we went to a fancy yacht-themed bar, danced to an 80s and 90s cover band at a different bar, and then finished by seeing a Welsh punk band at a pub. Hanging out with the two other women in the group I just felt like ‘one of the girls’. At the end of the night one of them called her husband to pick us and save our poor feet (note to self: wear more comfortable shoes next time). And I didn’t get a single odd look in the ladies’ bathroom. Early-transition me never dared dream she could one day feel so at ease with herself.