[SIZE="3"]I realize that I am in a unique situation, but I created it for myself. I have a supportive spouse and have had no problem with working fully dressed as a cosmetologist, permanent makeup artist and wig stylist. I dress as flashy as I want and work on clients daily.
To date none of my clients or any of the the other clients to the salon has had any concerns about my appearance or my work. Of course each of them has their own opinion and label for me, but that doesn't matter to them or me. If they openly ask if I am gay, I simply start in on an explanation that I am not and what a crossdresser actually may be. Most simply lose interest and just want me to complete their procedure and get on with life. They don't really care one way or another anyway.
Many of them are pissed because I put more effort into my appearance than they do, but that is simply the way humans are. They are mostly just curious. Educate them!
Working in the beauty industry affords anyone a great opportunity to show off and to ride the edge of your own fashion statement. As an open crossdresser I also attract curiousity and gain a number of progressive clients simply because I stand out as "different". They talk about me with their friends, "Well, my stylist is a guy in drag and he looks awesome and does a great job" sort of thing.
I wear the tighest jeans ( or anything I want), open-toed high heels with awesome acrylic toenails and any hairstyle or color I want. My makeup is very visible and each day the girls I work with compete with one another (whether wittingly or not) to look the best.
What are the drawbacks? None that I can see. I make less money, but not much, my feet hurt now and then, I have to carry a few more things to touch up my makeup, and I eat a lot less than before. When I wake up I can't wait to get dressed and off to work. My spouse refers to my dress as my "uniform" and just goes on with life.
Of course my neighbors can't fully understand the whole thing but still come around to discuss car stuff when i am outside in guy mode working on a car wearing latex gloves covering my long acrylic nails and to keep my hands clean. They just shake their heads and laugh. I build Pontiac Fieros with Small-block Chevy engines in them and have the cutest, fastest car in my town. (at least in my opinion, whose else counts?) (My car web site is www.V8-Fiero.us )
What is stopping so many of us from moving toward something we love so much????? Work toward your goals, not against them...
Your sis,
Tami
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