06
2011A Little Too Nonchalant
As I recounted a few weeks ago in the post Batting My Eyelashes, I was pulled over by police while driving, and though I fully knew I would have to give the officer my real driver’s license, I wasn’t the slightest bit trepidatious.
I began to think about this a bit.
I have been out and about so often these days, and have gotten so comfortable doing so, that I really only fear two things now: seeing someone I know as a guy who doesn’t know Janie, and all the dangers out there that women generally have to contend with.
The police don’t really fall into either category.
Truth be told, though, he could have made life pretty unpleasant for me. I may not have been fully appreciative of the pickle I was in.
And that’s the thing.
I may be getting carried away with the joy and success of my feminine life and losing sight of some of the subtle but serious dangers I court every day.
This was a wakeup call. I’d best not hit the snooze button and fall back asleep.
(Sign from www.hemmy.net)
Linda Marie Daniels
I loved reading your “Batting My Eyelashes” post and enjoy reading about your adventures. However, after reading “Batting My Eyelashes” I do remember thinking that you were fortunate not to have run into an obnoxious police officer. In just the last 10 years or so, it seems that police have been much better trained in dealing with the transgendered population. It’s an encouraging trend but that doesn’t mean there’s still not a large minority of officers who wouldn’t mind making life difficult for people like us.
I really do enjoy your posts and hope you continue to push boundaries. However, I’m also glad to hear that you realized that we all need to be a little careful.
cdjanie
Wise advice. Thanks, Linda.
Trish
Fellow CD/TG male here … you’re right to be concerned. I’m out to three police officers (two are also CD’ers, one is a close relative) who have all told me to be careful.
One warned me that while younger officers are getting training in how to deal with transgendered/genderqueer people, and are respectful, some of the “old timers” are still living in the good old days. It makes me real, real respectful of speed limits, stop signs, etc. Sad, but true.
After all that … have a great new year! 😉
cdjanie
Thanks for those cautionary words from an insider’s perspective. I, for one, will keep it squarely in mind and I hope others do too.