I totally understand where you’re coming from I make it a point to always look my best when out and about many women dress so drab it kinda bugs me they don’t appreciate how they look. I’m not talking going glam. Just look nice for crying out loud! Thanks you always have interesting takes and are so articulate. Hugs to you
@mustangtoni Hear hear...on the issue of "articulate conversation!!" And, on the expression of "correct English usage." These days--in person-and on TV, radio and internet, I "catch" plenty of sloppy English usage. Just yesterday (or was it this morning?), I heard a radio host saying something like, "Yes, it was gratifying that he lent James and I some help in that project." Argghh!!! "James and ME!!!"
@mustangtoni Hear hear...on the issue of "articulate conversation!!" And, on the expression of "correct English usage." These days--in person-and on TV, radio and internet, I "catch" plenty of sloppy English usage. Just yesterday, I heard a radio host saying something like, "Yes, it was gratifying that he lent James and I some help in that project." Argghh!!! "James and ME!!!" And, then...today (Tuesday), a radio show host was interviewing a guy...and asked him about his having "graduated Harvard Law School." Last time I checked, there have been NO colleges, universities or high schools which have EVER graduated!!
Looking at what's going on especially in the USA (sorry) and the UK from a different angle than being a transgender woman set on my ways. We are really doomed if we think we can just sit back and let activism try and safe us. Just the concept of activism alone are killing us by removing our freedom to be who we are. Then we have the Dyllan Mulvanies? Those type of media circus we can do without as they are making a mockery of us as transgender people. Youtube is riddled with people trying to take on media etc. like Pierce Morgan without having any substantial evidence to back up a compelling argument and gets pushed over. As I wrote in my newest article, we need to step back and reassess what is going on and who claims to fight for us. There are just too many idiots out there using us as pawns to get the attention they desire for themselves. No wonder our family in the USA are getting doors slammed in their faces when all they want, is free to be who they are and live as they want too. Drawing unwanted attention is never a good thing. We need to look in the mirror and "reboot" who we are, what we want and where we want to go without relying on clowns to talk for us. They are failing us miserably. I don't associate with people like that, but I fight for my sisters and brothers in a different type of activism. Face to face and in a civilised way and I can see things happen because I am not a pushover and I take no crap from nobody, but I do my thing in a civilised and respectfull manner. Just my thoughts and not written to cause or start arguments on any level.
@cathyanne I agree. It’s the day to day engagement that can change perceptions. We struggle with being seen or how we are seen, but to change anything, it’s the hiding that’s doing us the most harm. We all need to be ourselves every day! It doesn’t have to be flamboyant! I have transitioned over many years now, and I have yet to have a bad experience. Luckily I know. But I’m showing myself in my community! That’s where it has to start! When media shows things that are unrepeatable, people aren’t going to relate, but your neighbor for years may strike up a conversation. Our survival will only come from changing hearts and minds of those that are close to us!
@doodlebug Interesting that you mention the word "flamboyant." I happen to think that those of us who manifest in flamboyant, exceptionally dramatic behavior might be doing us a disservice. Though each of us has the personal choice of how to live (and how to "present" oneself), I lean toward a more natural, balanced approach (as a NB person, leaning toward the feminine). And, besides, if you're happy with your (female) self, there's no need to (metaphorically) yell, "HEY, look at ME!! Ain't I SOMETHING?!!!" I guess I might add..that I've come to gradually accept that I'm largely female in orien- tation (though one might argue that many categories--like the male and female stereotypes are largely artificial), we are ALL complicated beings. Bottom line, I might end up as a kind of "tom-boy." 
@alexl I agree...tho I don't happen to like the term "queer," which conveys to me the idea of something (or someone) who is abnormal, strange, oddball, or even BIZARRE. We are NOT abnormal, but people just striving to fully realize who--exactly--we are. Blessing to all here today!!! 