6. Travel

I write this sitting having lunch at home with the warmth of a spring day peeking through the blinds.

On days like this with winter disappearing into a not so fond memory, thoughts turn to getting away from it all. 

I value travelling a lot. I like the journey as much as the stay. To me the excitement starts when you jump in the car or on the train to travel to the airport.

However being Transgender creates difficulties well before you even start to think.

Firstly passports. I was only allowed a passport in my identity if I had a letter from a specialist to confirm I would be living like this for life. No renewing or online application. No it was all paper documents confirming your identity to be sent and hope they don't get lost.

The digital age is very much leaving my community adrift.

You then think of where you want to go. Eastern Europe ❌

Middle East ❌

Most of Africa ❌

So you think what about first world countries 

USA ❌

Oh yes, thanks to a Christian Nationalist supported President, using a passport that doesn't match my gender assigned at birth puts me squarely in the cross hairs of ICE. Whilst states like New York and California are fundamentally safe,  entry is federally controlled so I'll be giving the USA a very wide berth for a few years sadly.

So when you've finally decided on a country it's the resort or city that's next. Even within progressive countries, you can't just be flippant about visiting. Whilst safe, it can be uncomfortable visiting traditional areas in a country.

That said most safe countries now have very LGBTQ friendly resorts so there is always somewhere good to go. The pink pound so to speak carries a lot of persuasion in many places.

Ok, country and resort picked, flights etc booked and you rock up to the airport.

Passport control is usually fine. The document is legit and companies are sufficiently au fait with DEI policies.

Security varies though. Body scanners can be intrusive particularly pre surgery. I regularly used to get taken aside for a further check in those days. 

Nowadays it's less of a problem and when I do get pulled aside I get asked universally if I want a male or female to search me. I'm not bothered either way.

It's interesting when travelling that as I travel alone, I do get people talking to me. I think there's a certain intrigue still for people bumping into trans travellers. Perhaps it's just me.

Hopefully then if you've picked well you'll have a quiet holiday. I do even in the most liberal resorts get a bit of hassle. Some cat calls and FFS straight men trying it on. Oh yes I know they are straight as once I rebuff them, they move on. Seriously there is some real hidden trans love going on but that's for another blog no doubt...

That said if I'm in a LGBTQ friendly resort, I'm never short of someone to chat to.

So next time you're on your travel app with the world to choose from, just have a thought for our community and the difficulties we can face. If you see a Transwoman travelling engage with us because it can be a tad dull otherwise.

Right....where am I off to next....🛬

Amanda ❤️

P.s visit @amandaoutthere on YouTube for videos of my travels to date.