I'm a ->-bleeped-<- too shy to come out

[Shana A]

I'm a ->-bleeped-<- too shy to come out
by Coleen Nolan, Daily Mirror 19/07/2011

http://www.mirror.co.uk/life-style/kids-and-family/coleen_nolan/2011/07/19/i-m-a-->-bleeped-<--too-shy-to-come-out-115875-23280577/

Dear Coleen,

I'm a 66-year-old and I sadly lost my wife a long time ago. In recent years I've become what I believe is called a cross-dresser. I really like wearing women's clothes – I'm a size 12 – but my ­problem is, I haven't been brave enough to leave the house dressed as a ­woman. Would I be breaking the law by doing ­this? I don't have to become a "registered" cross-dresser, do I?

[...]

Well done for writing in – I think it helps to get your feelings on ­paper. First of all, it's not illegal to go out dressed as a woman. But you have to be prepared for people looking at you and perhaps making comments. There's no point in me glossing over that.

[Raya]

She gave realistic advice on being a cross-dresser that avoids both scaring him into the closet or shining him on. She gives common-sense advice that doesn't even flirt with cheap sensationalism or sexualization. She regarded him as a growing human being with common concerns, rather than a head case who "must have deeper issues". She avoided assuming a position of authority on trans life.

It's probably the most caring and helpful advice you could give without being "in the life" yourself. From that point of view, I couldn't have asked for a better column.

In other words, yay for progress!

[Vicky]

The caption on the picture was my only turn off to this one.

[cynthialee]

how cute (and depressing) that he thought he would have to be a registered crossdresser.