Since my wife and I separated (not because of my CDing, I feel obligated to repeat), I've been dressing as a woman more regularly and publicly. I was having a birthday beer with a guy I've known since I was 7 (we were on the swim team together in our home town). I was in mostly male mode. He told me that he's been having a rough time. I knew he's struggled with depression in the past and he told me that it has returned and he's struggling. He was very open and forthright with me, telling me some things he hasn't yet told his wife.
So when he asked me "So how are you doing?" I had to be honest with him. I wasn't planning on "coming out," but I felt honored by his candor and wanted to respond in kind. So I told him that I'm gender-fluid and that I've been crossdressing more or less full-time since the separation.
I was pretty sure he wouldn't be totally surprised, and he wasn't. He and his wife have more or less known for some time. He said "I wondered if you were ever going to share that with me." I kept talking, and told him how meaningful and fulfilling it's been for me, etc. Then I looked over at him (we were sitting side-by-side at the bar), and he'd taken off his glasses and was rubbing his eyes. He had actually teared up. I couldn't believe it.
So he was totally supportive, and curious, and wants me to come have dinner at their house, en femme of course. Amazing. As many on here have said, "You never know who people really are until you give them a chance to respond."
Thanks for listening --
