To MM- I would say it is not so much destruction, more like molting, shedding... peeling away old layers that are no longer useful or suitable for what is underneath. CDing is an act of discovery of sorts. In many cases, mine at least, it is sharing my own gender norm with myself.
To ReineD- I have often had a discussion with my wife about our blended family, and that both of us have helped each other because we have a more complete view of each other in regards to each others kids. For each other, we are on the outside looking in, without an emotional connection to the past, but yet an emotional connection to the present and with a strong desire to make life better for all. It presents a clearer picture when viewed this way. You seem to have this view of the entire transgender spectrum. You truly have missed your calling by not being a transgender counselor, but I suppose your efforts here likely make up for that.
We all want validation for who we are as people. A partial transitioner, or any MTF that does not go through all or any transition yet still has some internal identity that is female, or feminine even is not any less female or feminine when they or how they identify and or present. It is real for them, for whatever percentage of time they feel it. It is real for them even if they still feel a connection to male or masculinity as well. They are still transitioners even if they partially transition, they still have a female identity with the whatever percentage is female. Because it is not a complete transition or identity does not make it any less real, or valid.
