I am different from most people, and there is a social cost with that. Being a cross-dresser often feels lonely. Sure, I have friends, and most people who know remain polite, but there is a certain distance they seem to keep from me. Likewise, sometimes I find it hard to relate to the vanillas, who often seem incredibly boring (or perhaps they are just hiding something?)
Several years ago I was almost back in the closet, but living in shame and secrecy felt unacceptable. I am proud of who I am, and try to live with integrity. Being my own flavor of trans allows me to meet and relate to people who are interesting in their own way. Being different lets me explore things that don’t always make sense to other people.
Maybe it’s karma. Maybe I’m just crazy. Or, maybe it’s some kind of advantage?
So, I may not be running for office anytime soon, but life is too short to live it all in fear and denial. Some things were easier when I kept part of me hidden from the world, but I never felt fully alive, either.
For me, that is no way to live.