What do you know about Morocco?

In this morning's staff meeting, there was mention of a potential working trip to Morocco. I have no idea if or when this would happen, and if I'd be a part of it. But I had parallel frissons* of excitement and concern.

Excitement because I love travel to parts of the world I've not visited, and also because Casablanca is one of my top five favourite films.

Concern, because, as a predominately Muslim country, even if a fairly progressive one, I have no real idea how I would be treated, given that the gender marker on my passport does not match my presentation.

Does anyone have experience travelling to and in Morocco?

* is it possible to have frissons in parallel?

Hmm, if your ID says 'male' and you present as female, I'd suggest just go thinking you are in a tomboy phase, and enjoy the trip for what it would be to you in any other instance, a place in film and a new location, and not sweat it that you can't travel openly as a girl.

Hi Tara,

It is a coincidence, because this was discussed recently with friends. Of all the Muslim nations, Morocco is one of the safest, safer than Turkey which I would rate second and the only other one I would actually visit, maybe kinda thing.

Play it down lots, Lesley is right, go Tomboy, I say whatever. Though I doubt you would have any problem. Personally, for me, there are so many other wonderful places to go, when I get time, I would not wish to go to any of their countries, but that's me. Yours is a working trip and I don't know..... whether I would or not go. Guess I'm not much help!!!

Celia xx

That's sort of what I was thinking. I definitely can't go full-on male, without ramping my dysphoria up to eleven. But I can probably find a tomboy look that I could live with, especially in a climate where loose fitting clothes are sensible. Time to research travel wardrobe, I suppose.

As I said, right now it's far from a certainty, but what's useful for Morocco might be useful for other conservative desert regions, too. Of course, if I were to go to Arizona, I could wear a skirt without risking being turned away at the border.

Hi Tara!

Yes and the main thing is to enjoy yourself, you will be fine, their are lots of Europeans there, it is quite cosmopolitan. I've never been but heard good things there. A loose shirt, jeans or slacks with a nice floppy hat will look nice and protect against the sun. Have a nice time as well as the work aspect!

Celia xx