My future.....

[Beautiful_Gal]

I am worried about my future. You see, I want to write and direct movies...I think I have a talent for writing horror. But, since I like to crossdress, what if I become a successful director, then the media shows that I crossdress? What will appen? People might stop seeing my movies? Would I have to give up my dream?

[Alexandra]

Rent the movie "Ed Wood". Its a comedy based on a real-life CDing movie director who made dozens of films -- many of them of the horror genre. (He also made many horribly bad movies too!)

In addition, the real CDing Ed Wood wrote a lot of screenplays that were turned into movies by other directors.

I'd say GO FOR IT and don't let anybody stop you!

Good luck.

[CJ]

Hi BG,

I think you'll find that the "difference" exhibited by many artists, creators, and, generally, people in the public eye, can (and does) serve to give them an "edge." Ed Wood, Barry Humphries, Eddie Izzard, Dennis Rodman, Richard Branson, etc., are all "gender-gifted" individuals and nobody thinks the less of them for it. Quite the contrary! As Anita said elsewhere on this forum, working in an artistic field can, in fact, be seen as conferring a certain latitude in the expression of eccentric behaviour. I wouldn't worry about it too much.

As far as horror goes, Clive Barker (one of my favourite authors), for example, is not only driven by his difference but his rich imagination and gruesome imagery is fueled, I think, by the fact that who he is deep down inside is at odds with social norms. His being gay has never hurt him financially precisely because he writes and lenses from who he is and from what he knows.

Clive Barker is gay? Who cares? He writes well. Barry Humphries is a crossdresser? Who cares? Dame Edna Everage is a gas. Ed wood loved pink angora sweaters? Who cares? He gave us wonderful celluloid cult classics.

Just be, Beautiful Gal; just write, just create. The fact that you enjoy being a girl isn't something people in a creative and often eccentric community are apt to hold against you. And, if they do, they should go live in the Aleutians...

Love,
CJ

[Beauty]

I am worried about my future. You see, I want to write and direct movies...I think I have a talent for writing horror. But, since I like to crossdress, what if I become a successful director, then the media shows that I crossdress? What will appen? People might stop seeing my movies? Would I have to give up my dream?

Hey there Beautiful Gal,

You bring up a good point.

As I get older I realize other folks have things in their closets too and as long as you don't force them to look they'll usually turn a blind eye.

The director of the movie Sixth Sense said there was a scene that he included against his better judgement. The scene gave away the ending of the movie. The thing is, no one caught it in the movie. He thought it was going to ruin the whole experience because it was so obvious, but that wasn't the case.

I think maybe if you just remain yourself, you'll be successful. Things you think will be obvious (about you being a CDr) most people won't get at all. Meaning your colleagues won't be able to tell you CD unless you come out and tell them straight up.

The director of the Matrix was outed by someone. He is a CD'r and won't deny it. Of course he doesn't acknowledge it either.

Break a leg!

Beauty

[Laura]

Hi BG,

Can I put my two cents in? Instead of looking at this negatively, as in will my crossdessing interfere in my career, why not look at it positively, as in what can my feminine sensitivities bring to my directing? Your ability to work sensitively with both genders could be a great asset-if you let it. Perhaps actresses will grow to appreciate your insights into their roles and that will help your reputation grow. And perhaps, if you accept your crossdressing as a gift, you will better be able to make breakthroughs in the kinds of movies you make.

Most important, if you accept your feminine side, as well as your abilities to direct, you will be much happier and be better at anything you do.

Meanwhile, as the others have said, your privacy will probably be respected.

Think positively, LOVE,

Laura