After experimenting with individual articles of clothing, I began dressing fully with make up around 12. It was the mid 70's and longer hair on boys was not uncommon and lent itself to appearing femme. It also led to plenty of singe marks on my neck and forehead clumsily weilding a curling iron! Soon after I was testing the waters outdoors, walking from the garage to the front door and back along the front walk. Across the street was a cornfield but the road was fairly well traveled. It felt so liberating, feeling the warm sunshine on my face and breeze through my hair.
The first venture away from home occured shortly thereafter getting my driver's license. I went to the gas station, back in the full service days when attendants filled your tank. I got a "yes sir"...then an awkward pause...followed by an inaudible mumbling.