Today was a day I'll remember for a while. Not only did I have to finish packing (and I forgot a few things), but I had some experiences which were very enlightening.
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My plan was to finish getting ready for my trip, and catch a cab around 10 am to take me to the train station. Well, I did just that, but forgot my "outdoor" glasses after I was halfway to the train station. So, I asked the cabbie to bring me back home for a minute, and took the opportunity to pick up my glasses. This detour cost me 15 minutes, but I was able to take the express train to Grand Central with all my luggage.
Before I go on too far, I have to mention that I have a carry-on suitcase, a 28" large suitcase, my CPAP, and a large personal bag in which I could stuff a lot of things if needed, Since I'm travelling as Marian, all of my makeup, toiletry supplies and other needed items must me in the carry-on, and yet set up to go through TSA security. So, I'm forced to wheel two heavy bags from one part of Grand Central (the original terminal) to another part (the LIRR addition) while getting some exercise in the process.
Metro North deposited me near the escalators which connect to the LIRR zone, and I proceeded to buy a one way ticket to Jamaica ($5.50), where I would connect to the overpriced JFK Airtrain ($8.50) that would take me to Delta's terminal. Once at terminal 4, I checked my bag and proceeded to TSA security where the first incident took place.
Lately, I've been finding that people seem to be treating me as a heavyset, tall, 60+ year old woman. My presentation seems to be good enough that I am taken for a cisgender female much of the time. So I was pleasantly surprised when the TSA agent said I was travelling with someone else's passport. Once I opened up my mouth and spoke in a voice an octave lower than expected, he simply told me where to go to be scanned before entering the secure zone.
Two hours later, I was on the plane and headed to Los Angeles. While on the plane, the flight attendant asked me if there was anything I wanted, and I said I'd like a winning lotto ticket. This made her smile and we made some nice chit chat as two women would, but not as a man and a woman would with the same phrase. She was very pleased to take care of my needs, and though it was purely professional, I have the feeling that in a different time and place, we'd have probably been good friends.
Once in Los Angeles, I met the fellow from Princess Cruises who took care of my bags and made sure that I got on the right shuttle bus to the hotel. At the hotel, I was greeted by a fellow at the reception desk who was surprised to see me as Marian, but carrying Mario's ID. We chatted, and he told me that he was also trans (showing me a picture of him in female mode). However, he had to revert to male presentation, as his beard kept coming in with ingrown hairs.
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Tomorrow, I look for the people from Princess, as I want to make sure I know what the routine will be on Saturday morning when I take the bus to the cruise terminal....
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