Advice from the Air Waves

Normally when David went to the mall it was either for something computer-related or otherwise electronic. The rare time he did go out to buy new clothes it was usually because what he had was too full of holes and otherwise so dirty not even washing machine could clean. He knew for a fact he did not need any computer hardware and nor did he need new clothes yet mentally he knew he wa meant to be here. Walking over to the map he scanned the different floors, until finding what he was looking for. Lisa's Beauty Salon. Again he paused, this was stupid, why was even considering going to this place. There was understanding chicks and there was this gay shit? Besides he could not pull off the Emo look, he was not nearly attractive enough.

Turning around he started towards the exit before the annoying inner voice spoke up, 'Let's be honest you have been going nowhere trying your past stuff right? Clearly you have to do something different and besides, women love confident men unashamed of embracing their feminine side. Why do you think they find those Emo and Goth singers so hot? It's because they exude confidence. Lastly don't put yourself down like that, you can pull off anything you even continued with exercise this could be new you.'

Trying to appear irritated instead his expression was defeat, as once again his inner voice won. All his life this had been silent, now he was suddenly dealing with daily. Like it did seem to help, but it was a lot to get used to.

Turning back he knew he looked ridiculous but tried to keep a stern expression as he head up the escalator. As the steps climbed up automatically, his eyes caught sight of Lingerie Boutique. Not even sure why he stared, and once again his annoying inner voice decided to speak up, 'You are aware of the statistic that a great many straight men cross dress and nearly all of them are fundamentally happier.'

For once he disagreed with his thoughts. Getting his nails and maybe trying eye-shadow was one thing. But he was not going that weird guy. Besides, he already knew it was wrong, his Father had said as much. And whatever the man had done, he still was strong masculine role model. What was that phrase sometimes a broken clock was right twice a day. Minus the ****, his Father was still good role model.

His inner voice scoffed but said nothing.

Finally he came to the Beauty Salon, and stepping inside, he expected interrogation or questions, but instead a young women walked up to him, "What will it be sir?"

He was shocked, which the women did seem to realize as she laughed, "Ah first time, well don't worry it's new world. We sometimes have the curious males come in here or even trans clients. We don't judge, just go ahead and take a seat and when one of us is free we will be ready to serve you."

Blinking a few times he nodded approaching the soft sofa and sit himself down. Looking at the magazine, he scowled, nothing but those awful women's magazine. Digging out his headphones he intended to tune into his favourite podcast. But once again his finger touched Liberated Women and immediately it started new episode. Wasn't once enough, he did not have to listen to this SJW vapid nonsense did he?

As if on cue, his inner voice interrupted, 'Did you hate last broadcast? No, so maybe it's okay you listen, right?'

Immediately, the episode started, "This is Millie Williams welcome to Liberated Women, where we discuss Politics, Feminism, Queer Rights and anything inbetween. Today's episode continuing with our exploration of intersectional politics. I found a Intragram and Tiktok Influencer called FieryGoddess. You may know her because she is one of the most outspoken e-lebrities who is trans. FieryGoddess often discusses politics and is known to have the ire of various right-wing ideologues. Despite her influencer status, she often frames her message from her trans experience. You know her as FieryGoddess, but her real name is Leonie Covington."

Oh god they were having a Groomer on the show yeah he was going to learn nothing from this.

As he tried to reach to switch to something else, his body seemed in rebellion and at once his inner voice spoke up, clearly angry, 'One you may learn something and two stop being so cowardly. Just listen to another perspective.'

Trying in vain to fight back, he glared even if inner self was right this was becoming so bothersome. He may need to consider seeing a Doctor about this in future for all he knew he actually had multiple personality disorder.

"Thank you Millie, and yes I am FieryGoddess I hope all my Embers are listening."

This was beyond vapid, David thought, but continued to listen.

"I am sure they are. Let me start with obvious question Ms Covington one thing you tried hard to make your brand is how important feminist intersection is and you often discuss things from your experiences of being a trans women. What made you decide on this approach?"

Groaning to himself, the inner voice spoke up, 'Have you even listened to a trans person yourself or only heard them being talked about?'

He should have a retort, but instead he had nothing maybe it was time he heard of the experiences of trans individuals from them instead of from non-trans individuals.

"I am glad you asked that Millie. For me as someone with such a following and with a metaphorical Megaphone I feel it is necessary for me to discuss my experience as well as discuss the issues that effect us. The world is extremely hostile to trans people especially trans people of colour. I owe it to them to use my voice to help people understand."

This was ****, and yet his body would not let him switch it off, 'STOP STRUGGLING AND JUST LISTEN FOR ONCE IN YOUR PITIFUL LIFE.'

His inner voice certainly had a temper, which was no surprise as he too had that issue.

"That is definitely very noble goal Ms Covington - I suspect you been asked this a lot, but it's likely been edited or changed to fit people's agendas. How did you come to understand you were trans?"

Okay now this interest David.

"It's different for everyone, but it was like I was living in the dark before I came out. Trying desperately to paw through the gloom. I found myself drawn the infamous pipeline and believed men needed to be certain way. But no matter how I tried I could not find that sweet spot emotionally and mentally. It took a great deal of introspection, but eventually I realized I could not keep living like this. I was pretty much a zombie and had little of a social life. I did some research online and realized despite my views on trans people just how much of their experiences lined up with me. It's been five years and can definitely say so much happier. Before I came out I felt like living was pointless punishment inflicted on me. Now I enjoy living, I enjoy life and most of all have a superb social and." she laughed, "Sexual life. It's not the same for everyone, but that is my story."

David then felt a tap on his shoulder, and paused the podcast. Once again the episode has hit profoundly, how did he relate so much to Leonie? Like for longest time he felt like he was drifting from place to place, but never existing. Maybe, his inner voice was right, he had to change how he was living because his current thing could not be called a life.

Barely registering what was said, the white noise from his mind finally ceased as he finally comprehended the question, "This sounds weird, but could you make me look as feminine as possible with make-up." the Beautician smiled nodding.

"That can be arranged, are you okay though? You kind of zoned out, would you like some water it is a hot day after all?"

He paused, thinking before nodding noting how dry his throat felt, "Yeah that would be great."

"You just go sit down and I'll get it then we can begin. Will you be paying by cash or card?"

David answer in monotone, "Card, thank you." with that he sat himself down on the salon chair being obliterated mentally and physically.

Could it be this simple? Could he start living now?