Female Privilege
Recently a friend of mine reminded me that I was giving up all of my “male privileges” by transitioning which got me thinking again. I know, I know leave the thinking to those that can do it properly but hey I am living on the edge and danger is my middle name (actually it is Christine but that another story). I thought that I was not giving up much. I mean I really do not get any respect now from other males and women see me more as an equal. I am not aggressive so I am usually last in things competitive and my salary is based on a union contract so I already make the same as the other women in my job title.Therefore, I am not giving up anything. In fact I see myself gaining a lot of privileges that I do not have now. So I though I would write some of them down. This is in no way an all-inclusive list and I am sure that you will be able to add to it.
I can cry when I am happy and when I am sad or just because I feel like crying. Sometimes a good cry just makes me feel better. It seems to get rid of a lot of pent up emotions.
I can be bad at math. That is what they invented calculators for.
I do not have to worry about getting lost because I can stop and ask directions. It is good for the environment because I will save gas not driving around in circles.
I can change my hair color and style when I want to.
I can talk to another woman who I have never met before about anything simply because she is a woman.
I can have as many pairs of shoes as I want and still buy more. There is no such thing as too many shoes. Well Amelda Marcos did take it to an extreme.
I can be a bad driver if I choose. So beware.
I can be flirtatious. Finally I get to have fun.
I can chose to do any sort of work I want, even the male dominated jobs but who would want to.
I can have doors held for me and be allowed to go first. It is nice to be treat like a lady.
I can let someone else worry about details on a date. All I have to worry about is what happens at the end of the date.
I can show my emotions whenever I want and in any manner I feel like expressing them.
I can be affectionate and nurturing. I like children.
I can let someone else do the heavy stuff. I do not want to break a nail.
I can be passive and let someone else make the decisions or pursue me.
I can wear any clothes I want. I can even wear guy clothes and still be seen as a woman.
I do not have to like or watch sports. What a waste of time.
I do not have to be macho. Been there, tried that and failed miserably.
I do not have to know anything about cars except where the gas tank is and there is always full service.
I can have lots of close friends.
I can be observant and appreciate the finer things in life. Guys are so blind to everything except sports and cars.
I know have a new excuse that works for everything. PMS
I can use a fuller vocabulary and talk for hours about anything and nothing. Guys’ vocabulary is mostly limited to one-syllable words and they never have anything to say anyway.
I can be on a diet forever and chocolate is the ultimate food group.
I can wear makeup and be as pretty as I can be.
I can be more insightful. I can empathize with others.
I can shop and enjoy it.
I know this list is not complete but I can go back the change it because it is now my prerogative and privilege.