Out and about

• Posted by Ariane Durand September 21, 2023 239 views
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  Yesterday Ariane took further steps (literally) towards normality and acceptance. In the afternoon I dressed in some more sensible clothes – a midi dress and ankle boots – for a walk round Manchester city centre. No one gave me a second look. First I went to see the statue of the suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst (a feminist icon) in St Peter’s Square. Then to a department store to choose a cross-over bag to replace the shoulder bag I’d been carrying. So much more convenient. Walking through the Women’s Department I felt at home. The lady shop assistant who sold me the bag was friendly. So that was all very successful.
  
  For the evening I reverted to Tuesday’s late-night outfit with the short skirt and heels. The local organiser (a Tgirl named Alison) met me at Velvet at 7.00pm and we walked down Canal Street to Via where I met others in the group. Much like myself – older Tgirls who had all made an effort to look good. We had a relaxed and normal conversation based on mutual acceptance. All of us know what it is to face discrimination on account of being trans, so we have to stand together.
  
  Via was a mixed crowd, both men and women. We were the only trans group there. After that we moved down the street to REM. This used to be a gay bar but is now more inclusive and accepts everyone. Even so, all the other customers were male.
  
  Then finally to the upstairs bar in the Molly House round the corner on Richmond Street. I took a picture of a couple from our group, Sarah and Nicola. Sarah is local and a Wednesday night regular. Nicola has been dressing for a long time but, like me, is new to the scene.
  
  So it was nice to make some new friends. I will be back. Though I’m not sure when, as my visits to the north link in with City home games, and tickets are hard to find. One of these days I will go to a City match as Ariane. Alison is a big Arsenal fan and will be in London this weekend where she will go to the grudge match v Spurs en femme. She is a member of a group called the Gay Gooners and she says they are all very accepting.