Are we all seen as crossdressers ?

[Teresa]

Rhonda,
Thats the question what is default for most people , I don't believe gay is the first thought anymore , that appears to have faded which I'm pleased about because it was very much a carry over from the media . I would say TS is possibly nearer the mark .

The temptation to ask is always there but does that suggest we are unshure of our identity , still looking for validation ?

I must admit when I returned to my old home town to see the members of my painting group at the exhibition veiwing day no one spoke to me , eventually I asked the leader of my group if he was going to speak to me , the penny then dropped a female member told me she kept seeing me across the gallery wondering who the pretty lady was so she was surprised when I spoke . I didn't use the word pass because my voice and maybe my hands would be the tell tale signs .
I had to smile at the female SA in the Screwfix store , on my first visit I was dressed on my second I had to go in drab , she asked why the change because she prefferred my dressed state , she thought it was great .

So what labels do we use ? I guess using a reasonable femme name is all you need , I've kept mine simple by using my female version of my male name , I'm finding using my shortened form very workable Terri rather than Teresa . They are perfectly happy to make that change at my GP's surgery as it doesn't need any paperwork to make the alteration . I can do the same thing when I donate blood .

Possibly the best way to deal with it is don't say what you are but who you are and let them make the choice .

Susan,
No it doesn't really matter sometimes the question pops into my mind but I do try and see myself as a woman , somedays it's harder to see past the male image , often if you feel a litle down . Once the makeup has gone on and settled the wig , I'm happy to take on the World as Teresa , it gets easier everytime I do it or possibly I'm less and less concerned about what people do think . That is another lesson I've learned , don't keep looking for an reaction and very often you won't get one .