Look, I already know the answer to the question, having been very hard on myself for a lifetime (literally).
I know the societal issues underlying my question.
I know that it strikes at the core of who we are, that is brings doubt into relationships.
I know, I know, I know, but really, why?
I can only speak from personal experience, but once I embraced who I am, once I determined to make the best of it, once I did it and began to experience positive feedback, I became a much, much better person. I was always a decent person (I hope), but know am so much more accepting, loving, understanding, giving. Being a crossdresser has made me proud of myself for the first time in my life (and I have accomplished a few things otherwise). Really proud. But I am no different than many of us, it still remains a secret to most in my life.
So why is it that we are so hard on ourselves?
This is probably a rhetorical question, but if WE are hard on ourselves, how can we expect others not to be?
Just thinking outloud.............