Marisa said... That seems an extravagantly self-serving stretch of the "passing" concept to me, I'm afraid. I'm quite certain that in my 'hood I could walk around naked (until the cops caught me) and the majority of people would actively avoid both me, and the fact of my nudity. Nonetheless, I'd hardly think I passed as clothed. If the mere fact of blase bystanders was the metric for "passing", then anyone would "pass" better in the Castro than in Chatanooga--which is most decidely not the case.

 Michele Angelique said... I like this author's perspective about passing while out en femme, "If they treat me the same as everyone else, THEY pass". I agree, rather than worrying about whether you can outwardly "pass" as a GG, just be yourself.

People who recognize you for TG and choose to accept you, are the ones "passing" (or failing) the more important test in the bigger picture. This special test is the ability of a human being to tolerate differences in others without judgement. This is a continual test put upon all humans in a myriad of ways. Some people pass, and for those who don't, the test keeps coming back around time and time again. As TG people you are gifted/burdened with the work/duty of administering this test, as are other visible minority groups.

You cannot control other people's reactions. The only thing you can control is yourself. Rather than trying to control the uncontrolable, just relax, be at peace with yourself, and let your light shine... smile at other people, make eye contact, say hello. This is the best that you can do. This attitude will make a positive impression on most people, and therefore uplift the TG cause as a whole.

What we each should focus on is whether we ourselves "pass" the same test. Do we judge, condemn or criticize other people because they are "different"? Is there any person or group (which is intrinsicly harming no one), that we cannot tolerate? If so, then we are not yet passing. Of course, every moment of our lives is a new opportunity, so the next time someone who is "intolerably different" crosses your path, welcome them with open arms. Then surely, you will be passing.

Thanks Darla for introducing this refreshing perspective.