Ramblin' RoseSticking My Neck Out Of The Closet"Well, just don't do it, or think about it and you'll be fine!" That was my conservative older brother's response when I came out to him recently. Since I've come to accept being a crossdresser, the reactions that I've gotten have ranged from "That's great!" (from my ex-wife's sister, who even came to see me perform, and was very complimentary), to a "friend" who felt obligated to tell my boss. (Sigh.) Some of my friends have found it interesting and have wanted to see my pictures. The more common response, however, has been, "So who's this in the picture? You? Really? Wow! I would never have guessed. Hmm, well, hmm, well, um, hmm, well, well. Okay, so how's your new job?" Not a ringing endorsement, but they accept me for who I am, and that's certainly enough. Surprisingly, age is not a factor for acceptance or curiosity. One of my most supportive friends turned 79 this year, and she always wants to see any new pictures of me. I haven't told everyone of course. My parents don't know. Mom would just feel guilty, and Dad... well, let's not think about it. I told my SO on our first date, and she has been wonderfully supportive and accepting. It's just that when she tries to tell someone about me ... well, you can see for yourself... Her best friend flew out partly to visit relatives, and partly to inspect me. After we met, she drove my SO into town and I followed in a second car. My SO says, "What do you think?" The friend replies, "He's great. I'm very happy for you." SO: "There is just one thing I need to tell you about him..." (pause) Friend: "What? It's not like he wears women's clothes, or anything!" (Really Long Pause) Friend: "No!!!"
Sis: "I wondered when you'd ask. Of course I am." SO: "Does Mom know?" Sis: "Yes, she figured it out a couple of years ago, but I don't think you should tell your fiancé. I'm not sure how he'd take it." SO: "I don't think he'd mind too much. He's a crossdresser!" At which point Sis nearly swallowed her cigarette. When we told my mother-in-law-to-be, she looked at my fiancée and said, "Is it all right with you?" My SO nodded. "Then it's all right with me. Life's too short to sweat the small stuff." If you accept yourself, but don't find universal acceptance, realize what's truly important. And don't sweat the small stuff!
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