Yes! It has finally happened! I have moved from the Midwestern United States to Las Vegas, Nevada. One of the big reasons for moving is to live in a culture that is more friendly to crossdressers. If you want to read about how crossdressing in the new neighborhood is going, keep reading!
Moved to Las Vegas, Nevada!
First things first!
I am still in love with Las Vegas.
I’ve been transplanted from the Midwestern United States, where I have lived since graduating from high school many years ago. I moved to the Midwest to learn things in college.
Now I’ve moved to Las Vegas to learn about myself.
So how is it going? Well, my primary focus has been trying either to get a consulting business off the ground or find suitable employment. Both are going slowly, and sharing one vehicle makes traveling across the city cumbersome. Between a lack of transportation and having many unpacked boxes, I have not yet hit the town in my full feminine glory.
Despite this temporary setback, I have been feminizing my male appearance on a regular basis. I often wear basic tops. They are nothing too frilly, but they are definitely women’s clothes. See step 3, “Getting a Little Girly” in my last article about easing into crossdressing to get an idea about what I mean.
Depending upon the weather, I might also be enjoying a walk while wearing some open-toed sandals, some of which have 2 inch heels.
I often wear pierced earrings as well. These might be simple studs or smaller hoops. I’ve even tried wearing hoops that are about 1 inch in size.
The Las Vegas Culture
My encounters with the people of Las Vegas has been overwhelmingly positive. It is not uncommon to strike up a conversation while waiting in line at the grocery store. There is a rich mix of cultures, and I think this is largely due to the influx of people from across the country.
This migration of people, myself included, is for a variety of reasons. Some come with the dream of hitting it big in the casinos. Others come for the warmer weather. In Las Vegas, one doesn’t find blizzards in April.
Since this is a large city, there are a lot more resources available to people somewhere along the transgender spectrum. For example, The Center has resources and programs available to transgender people. This year’s Diva Las Vegas just completed last weekend. There is also the Las Vegas Strip, where it is easy to blend in with the large crowds, many of whom already expect things that are out of the ordinary.
For myself, I was hoping to move to a more tolerant part of the country. So far I have found this to be the case. Whether I am wearing fully male clothes and accessories or going with a more feminine look, I get the same level of engagement from others. In a month I am yet to have a negative reaction, and I’ve even had positive comments from some. So far, crossdressing in the new neighborhood has been a positive experience!
Kids will be Kids
Well, my last statement isn’t completely true. I am yet to have a negative reaction from adults. This isn’t to say that there are those who don’t like how I present myself. I just don’t hear about it.
The kids in my apartment complex, however, are a different story. Or, I should say, a small group of kids is a problem. There’s a small band of preteen girls that congregate after school. I don’t think all of the girls are mean, but the ringleader has it out for me.
If I happen to cross paths with this group, more times than not I am going to encounter some taunting, usually by the leader. Usually it is saying they like something I am wearing. I thank them, and then they start giggling. Sometimes the comments are more direct.
I know that kids will be kids, and being funny in front of one’s peers is a good way to gain respect among those peers. I understand these aren’t adults who have learned to keep what they think to themselves. However, I do have concern about the increasing amount of bullying. If it happens to me, it is happening to others as well. I’d hate for the peers to learn that bullying is okay.
Responding to Bullying
I spoke to the manager of the complex to see what she suggested. She stated that last fall a mailer went out to all of the residents. It explained that due to reports of bad behavior, including vandalism, the policy is that children were to be accompanied by an adult at all times. Either security or the police would be contacted to handle infractions.
The manager’s suggestion to me is that if I encounter children without accompanying parents, I should first take a picture of the group so that they can be identified. I should then contact either security or the police. The police can fine the parents $500 for not watching their children.
I have mixed feeling about this policy. I feel that children should be able to play outside, and indeed should be encouraged to do so. However, I also feel that the parents should be keeping an eye on their kids, especially when they are learning to become bullies.
One side of me doesn’t want to make waves, but the other side feels that I shouldn’t have to endure taunting whenever I decide to walk to the mailbox to check my mail.
What Would You Do?
No matter your level of crossdressing, whether only in private or also in public, you will eventually encounter criticism.
If you were being harassed by a group of kids, would you just ignore them at the risk of them stoking up the level of taunting? Would you call the police as suggested by others? Do you have other ideas?
I already have a pretty good idea of what I am going to do, but I would like like to open a discussion with my readers to see what they have to say about it. Please take a few minutes to ponder the question, and then add your reply below. I would really appreciate your feedback!
xoxoxo Sami
p.s., Here are some of my other popular Sami’s Week posts. Enjoy!
- Why Crossdress? Sami’s Week
- Crossdresser Shopping Trip with a New Friend – Sami’s Week
- Crossdressing Plans in the Making – Sami’s Week
What did you think about this article? How do you respond when being taunted by a child or even an adult? Leave a comment.
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First things first, congratulations on your big move! It really does take a lot of courage to pull up stakes and just go to where you feel you need to be. I hope that Las Vegas turns out to be everything that you are hoping and dreaming for. Now for the question regarding the kids in your complex. I think as a culture, we have taken this concept of bullying too far. I grew up in the 60s and 70s and I encountered what we would call today bullying. Back then it was just the pecking order. Some kids were just plain mean and cruel and other kids were sensitive and kind. And sometimes that just didn’t mix. I was a slightly built boy and got picked on. But I learned to cope and mostly just avoid the idiots that felt as though I wasn’t worthy of their good graces. I believe we are hiding behind the “bullying problem” as a way of coddling children and not teaching them coping skills. It doesn’t matter what age, income or Socio economic bracket you live in there will always be mean people. As for the girls in your apartment complex, maybe when they taunt you again just simply ask them what is it that makes you want to make fun of me? Maybe then you could have a short discussion and they probably would understand where you’re coming from. However, I would definitely have my phone on video discreetly to make sure that they don’t concoct some crazy story about you threatening or harassing them. Just be careful and kind. My best to you and I hope that your dreams come true in Las Vegas.
In Lace and Smiles , Lisa
Welcome to Vegas !
I like Lisa’s suggestions. You may also consider that after you pass them by that as you get ready to leave the area or get into a elevator that you just turn, smile, take our your phone and take their photo…or at least make them think you are taking their photo.