In the public eye, there are a a lot of versions of TG/CD people whose styles are not representative of my own style and outlook on gender presentation. I want to emphasize that I respect the feelings of all these people. They just don't represent the emotional space I occupy, but they do seem to be the main images held in public perception. I have long known I am not a drag queen and it rankles me somewhat that it's often the first image people conjure up at the idea of crossdressing men. As I am not in any way an exhibitionist, I also don't identify with the theatrical type of presentation and how it is not meant for everyday wear. In my own humble opinion, of course.
I also don't identify with those transgender people who are not happy or healthy until they have started or completed a full transition, including gender reassignment surgery. I am not judging anyone here. While I think I know a little about how they feel their femininity, and would be quite happy to wake up one morning to find myself magically transformed into a woman, those feelings are not so strong in me that I need to actively pursue transition.
And then there's Eddy Izzard, the British comedian. I had heard of her some time ago (He/Him at the time) and how she would sometimes appear wearing a dress. Okay, so what? But then she appeared on the British TV show 'Portrait Artist of the Year' as an artist's model for the competition final. She had on a red polka dotted dress, Jean jacket and black high heeled boots. So natural, so comfortable, and so presentable for everyday life. When asked, she said she was Gender Fluid, dressing male or female as she felt appropriate for the day. Such a contrast from the bona fide, larger than life drag queen that sat for an earlier episode.
Eddy's hair was long-ish, as if she was still growing it out. There was minimal jewelry or makeup, mainly just red lipstick. There was no evidence of breast augmentaction and she made no attempt at feminizing her voice. It is my sincerest hope that she represents the future of gender presentation. Wear the clothes you feel happiest in and don't worry about how people think about you. And the people in the show didn't make a big deal of Eddy's presentation either. There was one question about her dress, and then get on with other topics. For me, it was the total package of how we should be whoever we are and how the world should have zero issues with it.
