Saying I am a transvestite conveys I have the plague.
CD.. I am weird.
I just want to dress up as a woman.. Must be a pedophile.
Gay? Naah! not gay.
Doing it for a bet? "Your'e the sixth one today.
Going to a party, got to look good. Yeah! Ok.
"I'm a female impersonator." This has brought the most positive response for me and I always get questioned about all sorts of tricks that are used to look convincing.
I made my debut on stage many years ago at a club that had a competition on a Sunday night for aspiring Impersonators. They helped dress you and you mimed to records. How I was introduced may be another thread.