I was having a really good day, then I went to checkout at Walmart when I got off work. the cashier was very passively rude to me. Firstly I know that being trans I may have some features that aren't feminine, I know I haven't quite mastered the artform that is being a woman quite yet either. But even so, I do my best to present myself as the woman I feel I am every day. I put a lot of effort into it. though I know that unfortunately some persecution from time to time is part of what I signed up for when I made this decision, but it still hurts when I'm treated like this:
When it was my turn to check out the cashier called me "sir", which caused a few chuckles and smirks from other customers behind me in line. I did my best to shrug it off and politely corrected her. She didn't apologize, her only response was darting a dirty look at me and then rolling her eyes. I needed some quarters so I could get on the bus. so I swiped my card and pressed the button to get $20 cash back and asked the cashier if I could get that in a $10, a $5, three $1's and $2 in quarters. She responded that she didn't have any quarters and I said, "that's ok, I'll wait.". Her shoulders dropped and her head tilted as she let out an aggravated sigh and rolled her eyes again. It was at this moment another cashier came over to relieve her for a break. My cashier said she needed quarters for me(Specifically saying "He wants quarters" in a condescending tone. More chuckles and smirks ensued.) And they both tried to make me wait in another line at the Wetzel's Pretzels(located in the store) to get the quarters. I declined because I didn't have time to wait in another line. My cashier rolled her eyes again and muttered something under her breath and then both cashiers had a little private whisper session. I can only imagine what was said, but afterward, the second cashier went to go get some quarters for me but also gave me a dirty look as she walked away to do so.
It took her 15 minutes to do it, and she stopped and had a casual non-work related conversation with another cashier as she was coming back. Once I got my quarters and my receipt, I told them both I hoped they had a nice evening and walked out as fast as I could trying to hold back my tears. I had barely made it outside when I broke down. The girl scouts were outside selling their cookies and the two Mom's came over and asked me what was wrong. I told them what happened. One went inside to defend my honor and the other gave me a free box of Samoas to cheer me up and told me to try and have a nice night. All the troops gave me a big hug before I left. Which cheered me up some but I stilled cried all the way to the bus stop, waiting for the bus and all the way home. I've never felt so disrespected and humiliated in my life.
A few good things came from this situation, though. It made me love and appreciate the company I work for. A company that has been so gracious, understanding and accepting of me and others and also prides itself on customer service and being sensitive to all walks of life. I also got a free box of Samoas.
