After my years of denial, I realized the truth. It came after being dressed (very convincingly, I might add) by girls I worked with for a party. I loved being female.
The next phase was how to deal with it.
By now, my circumstances led me to rent a place of my own where I could begin to assemble some clothes. There wasn’t much as I had to buy through mail order. There wasn’t any internet shopping back then, and I wasn’t brave enough to go to the shops to buy. I also didn’t take note of the sizes I was dressed in, so I was a bit in the dark as to what would fit. It was at least something though, and I could dress, but it wasn’t nearly as good as how my coworkers had dressed me.
I needed help and had to figure where to get it. I decided to tell my mother. She had, on occasion, dressed me as a girl for fun. I often wondered if she knew about my forays into her wardrobes.
I chose a day when we were alone, steering the conversation to when I was small and dressed up. She was quite happily going along and mentioned the time I was dressed to take part in the beauty competition. She appeared to remember it vividly, recalling that I looked really good. She remembered the man, who stopped me going to the men’s toilet, thinking I was a real girl!
It was now or never, as this conversation could wander away from the subject. I had butterflies, but managed to get the words out. I confessed to her; it all came out, everything. The times I dressed in secret at home over the years, and that I still dress now. There was a silence as I waited for her to respond. After a pause, she started to ask questions about the when, where and whys.
We sat and talked about it. She said that she never knew nor had any idea that I went into the wardrobes. We talked about how she felt and I asked her if she would help me buy clothes. “Well it doesn’t do any harm does it, and I’ll help you.” We agreed to keep it between us and not tell my father, who was the only other person left in the family home, as all my siblings had left.
Over a period of about a year, she helped me get a few things. I also purchased a half-decent wig, too. She allowed me to dress at her house when my father was out. We bought from charity shops, as they were cheap and I could experiment. Occasionally, there would be a surprise gift waiting for me. She bought me underwear as I was embarrassed to go into lingerie departments with her. I began to get all my sizes right and soon had a look and style of my own. There were some strange combinations, but at least I was being me.
I was satisfied with my lot as she would come round to mine, and after shopping, I could try on the clothes and test my make up skills. I had to do this myself as her skills weren’t that good, although she gave me some tips.
I was beginning to like what I saw, and my mother also saw that I was looking better.
Part 2 to come soon…
More Articles by Angela Booth
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Angela Booth
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- Out of the dark ages, (concluded) - April 3, 2020
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Angela, I know that it took courage telling your mom. I am at that point as well. My mother is in her 80’s now and although she is in good health I am not sure about telling her. Both my sisters know about me and are very accepting. My mother and two children are the only ones that do not know about Wanda. This is the year that I want to come out to the world. I am tired of living in the shadows and living like a second class citizen in my own home.
Huggs and Kisses,
Wanda
Be brave Wanda. In my coming out phase I was careful who I told. I knew my mother well and had sounded her out about her attitudes. The rest of the family were told in one mail shot. I was lucky to receive acceptance but was prepared for adverse reactions. I sounded out friends and their attitudes so was cautious there. For me I am blessed with good friends and family. Always be prepared for the negative and how you will deal with it. If you feel ready then go for it – but do a little home work first.
Really nice story. You really showed confidence. And telling mom. Wow. I recently told my sister. Very nice response, my mom is too old now not sure it would make sense. But I love these stories and I wish I had your strength.
I could never believe that I had the strength to do it. It needed to be done so I did it!
wow you look stunning, wish my wife would be more under standing and help me with make up and go out buying female cloths to fit me better, but I had to do this on my own, yes back then there was no internet. I buy my female stuff in stores not on line, not afraid of buying female cloths in store, if asked if its for me I just tell them for wife for Birthday or Xmas gift. I have a fine collection of dresses, nylons, make up, perfume, ear rings that are clip on and 2 wigs. plenty… Read more »