My sister, nephew, daughter and Mom were with me having dinner. Conversation turned to gays and how gay pride events should not be allowed. My nephew and I supported it. Then conversation turned to transgendered. My sister said they shouldn't be allowed in the ladies room and how it is a safety issue and the little girls must be protected. The others agreed, except my nephew, who remained quiet. I too did not know what to say. I wanted to tell her that women don't pay much attention when I'm in the bathroom and they're not undressed anyway. I wanted to say that women are perfectly safe around transgendered men. So, I was left speechless. Then, my daughter said that men should not be wearing bras anyway and how disgusting it is to think about. I was pretty taken aback by the conversation and concentrated on eating, but they were all looking at me for affirmation or something.
I felt like I was caught. My body is shaved, my hair is long, my eyebrows are shaped and my nails are polished clear shiny. Very uncomfortable conversation.
In addition, I'm kind of freaked out about the ladies room now, although I've had 100% success. It would be easier to just be gay. They are more accepted and understood than we are. Finally, now I know where my family stands on the issue. Only my nephew would show some modicum of understanding. Sounds like my daughter would disown me, even though she has seen me with feminine hair and androgynous clothing and even painted nails. We admire dresses together and I have picked out most of her clothes and all of her Mom's.
Sometimes I wish so bad I could just tell them all and find acceptance as a result.