The UK has a long history of transgenderism and most Brits will recall
seeing men in drag at pantomime shows they saw as a child. Pantomime
itself dates back a couple of centuries as a style of performance so
it’s perhaps no wonder then that we have a flourishing community
of transvestites and transsexuals - we've played with taboos for ages.
They’re
pretty much everywhere in the UK though there are certain areas which
have notably
high populations
such Manchester and Yorkshire in the North and London and Hampshire in
the South. The Mayflower Club is one of many groups who meet on the South
Coast
of England, and they are in Totton near Southampton.
I went to the Mayflower Club when I first properly came out. Before
I’d been out on many occasions either by myself or with Angel but – yeah,
and call me slow or what – it had never dawned on me that going
to a place that was safe and frequented by other cross dressing trannies
could be really good fun. I’d met my wonderful “Auntie Janie” some
time before on a chat room and had joked with her constantly about how
she ought to take me out for a drive in her Jaguar. I really have a thing
for Jaguar cars, it’s not just vanity for expensive goods, it’s
the purr of the engine, it’s the feline shape of the bonnet, it’s
the way they hug the road like a cat stalking it’s prey, they’re
just gorgeous! Anyway, Janie held me to it! No, no, no, not over the
bonnet, nothing like that, she just offered to take me with her so many
times I couldn't refuse anymore without making myself look a right mole.
And to this day I’m
glad she did.
Incidentally the very fact that you are reading this site right now
is partly due to Janie, so I guess we all owe her a debt of gratitude.
She’s older than me. OK, much older, but I take my hat off in respect
for her. She’s from the pioneer generation, before the internet
and surgery and media coverage and she’s still going strong. People
like Janie have helped shape the world which the younger generation can
enjoy and we always need to be thankful for that.
On my first public outing I get a much needed hug from my darling Aunt
Janie
So this was my first “proper” tranny outing. I drove first
to Janie’s with Angel in tow and was greeted by a big bear hug
that broke the ice. Janie, like so many of the experienced girls within
the community, is so down to earth, no airs and graces and just easy
to be around. I changed at hers and off we set! There was Janie, her
post-op transexual friend Terri, plus me and Angel. And girlfriend, did
that Jaguar purr on it’s way to Totton!
Arrived at Totton we pulled up right outside the meeting place of the
Mayflower Club which was in some kind of rented hall. It was obvious
from the number of other parked vehicles that there were plenty in attendance.
As Janie and Terri boldly strode off I followed wondering what would
people think of me..?
Passing through the door I was greeted by Michelle, the organiser. She
was lovely. Michelle is one of those people with a personality the size
of a US state and made me feel at home immediately. The meeting had several
things
going
on.
Firstly was food! There was a help yourself buffet going on and we quickly
got a plate and began to tuck in to chicken wings and nibbles. At the
same time there was a market place staffed mainly by women selling wigs
and make up including some really cool heat sensitive colour changing
nail polish, something I’ve never seen anywhere else and regret
not having bought to this day…
Next up was a quick round or three at the bar to settle those nerves.
Several of the girls there had already come up to an obvious newbie and
said hi and the experience was kind of like the bewilderment one gets
when starting at a new school. One transexual even took great delight
in showing me her new breast implants which were very good to feel! Everyone
was lovely and I was surprised yet reassured by the number of TGirls
who’d
arrived accompanied by their wives. Probably a third or more fell into
this group. The wives had a good old laugh and chin wag as their men
danced around in high heels for the night.
No chance of winning the school girl outfit competition, but high hopes
still for Miss Big Boobs of the night with these double-D monsters!
We danced and there was actually a school girl costume competition going
on that week which I, due to my ignorance of it’s happening had
no chance of winning. It looked like St Trinians! I also got to dance
with
a dance instructor, Katie, who showed me the moves to a Salsa dance and
made me feel completely left footed while she spun me around!
The crowd
were so laid back and I’d certainly recommend popping your head
in the door if you are based around the area. You can find a lot of support
and understanding amongst the people there as well as an outlet for your
urges all in a safe environment for what really is next to nothing, especially
when you consider you get a free buffet included and you can change there
if walking out the door in full costume isn't an option. It was the inspiration
that started the outgoing Dani you see today. So
here’s
my shout out to the Mayflower Club – you lot are well cool, thanks
for a really happy night, thanks for being so easy going and thanks for
making me realise
how much fun it can be to be out amongst your own kindred spirits.
Mayflower Club Review:
Type: Support Group for TVs, TSs, Cross Dressers
and spouses. Oh, not to forget Chris, the resident geezer (FtM)
Location: Covers South East UK with meetings in
Southampton, Basingstoke and other locations in Hampshire
Entry: Can't really remember exactly as this was
years back but nothing that'd break the bank. My guess is over a
fiver and under a tenner.
Facilities: Your chance to meet other like minded
individuals (or your wife's chance to see how other partners cope)
in a safe, friendly atmosphere. Drinks, food, dancing, fun stuff
and market stalls
Plus Points: Caters for a wide range of ages and
outlooks, the organiser Michelle is wonderful, a little something
for everyone and a good opportunity to make friends
Minus Points: Best if you're local or else you
may be tempted to have a few drinks to calm your nerves on your first
visit and that's no good for driving. Club nights are relatively
short.
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