I have never lost the yearning to carry a purse. Through the years, I would think of various ways to simulate a purse, without
letting the world know that I was a crossdresser! I tried backpacks, fanny packs, small tool pouches (motorcycle), just about anything I could that wasn't a purse. I guess I was still in denial of who I truly was. Well, not really denial, I knew who I was, just that it was not accepted by society at large in the mid/early 80's, even though major strides had been taken by our
sisters.
It took me another 13 years before I finally decided that enough was enough. I had some help of course! My sisters on AFC and ASC helped out when someone started a thread on 'why they love carrying a purse'!! I read those posts in the Ng's and realized that I was doing nothing but denying myself by not following my desires to carry a purse. And Lord knows that I had stopped denying many things to myself in my search for comfort with my inner being.
So, I bought a purse. A very pretty, rather small Liz purse, but a fun one just the same. AND very femme. A little too femme for the androgynous look that I was going for. Now, it would be perfect with a nice denim mini and T-Top or even one of my sheath dresses. But not the kind of purse that I could get away with at work or shopping while drab. So, a dilemma you say? Quite… Just one solution to this quandary. Time to SHOP!
I decided that the easiest way would be to go online. So that is just what I did. I figured if I didn't find what I wanted, I might be able to talk Fran into going with me. (Oh, I forgot to mention that Fran was not very pleased with the idea of me carrying a purse. More on that later.) But, I did find not only one purse, but three that I just loved! Not only that, but one of them came in 4 different patterns and colors and since they were inexpensive, I got one of each! So now I have 6 new purses coming to me in the mail… I can hardly wait.
The first one that I received was the most androgynous of the bunch. This is the one that I would be taking to work and all over. It was also the one that I thought would be least offensive to Fran. Now, don't get things wrong, Fran is the most supportive and accepting person that I know, she just wanted me to be happy and to not be ridiculed. (See her page!)
So, I place my woman's wallet, my favorite lipstick, a mirror, hairspray (sample size) and a detangling comb in my new purse. I decide where the keys are going to go and then remove the hand carry strap. Carefully unwinding the shoulder strap, I place it on the purse and I am ready to go!
Fran was kind of apprehensive at first, but after she went out with me a few times to different stores, she saw that I was comfortable with the purse, so she accepted it. I now proudly carry my purse with me all the time, to work, to play and of course to the store! It was such a good feeling the first (and subsequent) time that I could pull my wallet from my purse to pay for something! So, GO FOR IT! Carry a purse!
