[Metro]

Thought I'd share a positive experience or two... by way of background, being called "Sir" is not an uncommon occurrence for me. I do not "pass" as straight and ID both as butch lesbian and female -- presenting a masculine style of dress, hair style and facial structure.

This morning, like many a Saturday, I took a trip to my neighborhood Homo Depot. Upon entering I sighted an employee, clad in the HD neon orange apron, and walked in his direction to ask a question. When I approached and got close enough to speak he immediately smiled and asked "May I help you, Sir?". I responded with an extended silent pause and a very big smile. A look of surprise flashed across his face as he recognized that I was not male -- almost simultaneously he corrected himself (with a quick apology) -- and was, in fact, quite helpful and pleasant throughout the remainder of our exchange.

In another recent situation... I was in an unfamiliar shopping/parking structure downtown one evening just before the shopping part of it was due to close for the night. Didn't know where to get my parking stub validated or what the minimum purchase would be to get the validation/discount (which can be substantial in downtown Chicago on a Saturday night). I found a coffee/bakery kiosk on the ground floor and walked up with a smile on my face, asked the dude working it how he was doing, then proceeded to ask what the minimum purchase was for parking validation. Without hesitation he said he was fine, thanks, and extended his hand offering me a parking validation pass, saying -- it was on him tonight. That was nice. And all I did was be courteous and smile.

Over the years I have learned not to underestimate the power of a simple smile, and at times, the addition of a hand shake when greeting a stranger. In my experience, these simple gestures set a tone that often engenders, at the very least, cooperation and respectful conversation.