Jaye wrote:Being able to laugh at yourself, to see the humor in your own situation, is something of a gift.
It is a gift, and CDing certainly forces us to develop that ability, if we don't have it already. There is a lot of humor in a man dressing and/or acting like a woman, and sometimes we get to see it ourselves. I would not want that to be the ONLY reaction to me, but people do have fun with it.
Good for you that you've learned to handle laughter at you as an adult. I also hope you also have found a way to heal the younger self that got hurt and couldn't deal with it as well.
I agree with the sentiments in your post, Cathy, and thank you very much.
> I agree with the sentiments in your post, Cathy, and thank you very much.
It occurred to me afterwards that posting the entire prayer might come across as a little "preachy"--though that was by no means the intent. So please forgive me if it came across that way in any way. I'm certain that you already understand this principle quite well--especially living as you do in Bay area, where it would not surprise me if St. Francis has special influence
I spent 3 years before my divorce going out in public.I never noticed anyone laughing and would have ignored them if they did,and I am sure some have.I believe it was confidence in myself that gave me that strength.Since then I have lost that confidence,but I am slowly getting it back with all of your kind help.The only thing I can think of to add to all your wonderful posts is that the new girls and those of us trying to get out again need to be reminded/told of what can happen when we interact with others.Not to scare us but to get us prepared so we can cope when it does happen.I had a mentor who helped me before,Her wife and her have since moved out of my life.All of you,with these old posts and new ones have taken her place.Thanks
If you have a right to present as you will, then people are free to have their own reactions to it. Perhaps its insecurity, on the other hand, you just might be funny.
Given a choice between laughed at or attacked, I will take the first.
So what? Don't you every find other people (in the Bay Area to be sure) funny from time to time? Even if its only the tourists in shorts down by the Bay turning blue?
You know one of the things I missed about New Orleans when I lived there was the fact NOBODY pay any attention to you as to what or how you were dressed.
As a crossdresser you could go anywhere or do what ever you wanted, this I know for a fact. CDers are everywhere and they are accepted into everyday life as it should be everywhere. N.O. is a very open-minded city and as long as you don't make a fool out of yourself you can dress and go anywhere you want. Yes some people will look and you and perhaps shake their heads but you are free to be you.
Now here in SE Mo. people are not the same you are called an IT, and people will close you out and talk bad about you.
I remember ordering lunch at a local Burger King while I was dressed as Maria. The male cashier behind the counter was surprised by my appearance. However, he didn't laugh at my appearance and took my order without any problems. While I was waiting for my order, some of the employees behind the kitchen would take quick glances at me, trying to figure out if I was male or female! This didn't bother me at all, since the same employees were preparing food for the busy drive-thru. With few customers inside the restaurant, I heard a young daughter asking her mother, "Is that a girl over there?"
As Tekla mentioned, being physically assaulted is much worse than being laughed at. You might draw comments from tourists who have never seen a crossdresser in public. I don't let laughter bother me at all.
My biggest fear, although I don't have the opportunity to go out often, is being laughed at. I am really petrified of that day. I know it will happen. Reading the comments, support and advice here will help me tremendously.
Keep your head up girl, it is an inspiration for us that will face the same issues in the future.
I think it's important to be able to see the humor in everyday life and especially to be able to laugh at our selves. Most times that I dress I feel feminine and pretty but every once in awhile I'll catch myself and not be able to see Lisbeth for a moment. Just some big gawky guy in a skirt with falsies. I can't help but laugh at it all.
But when I'm dressed and feeling confident about it I don't laugh. I just smile to myself and enjoy who I am. I'll never tire of the feeling of comfort that I get from leaving my male inner child home and letting out the one that wears dresses. She is so much happier now.
L:isbeth
"To thine own self be true".-Wm. Shakespeare
"It's not my fault!"- San Andreas
life goes on.
