One thing that has been on my mind a lot lately is the importance of being true to yourself. The media constantly bombards us with stereotypes — gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity and more — that try to impose on us how we should think and act.
Even within the transgender minority there exist a certain amount of standards that others expect of us. However, if at the end of the day we are behaving in a way that contradicts our very essence, we come up on the losing end of life.
It’s not always easy to be yourself, because as early as childhood those around us try to police us into following the norms. People are afraid of what is not mainstream, popular and “safe”.
I’ll never forget the responses I got on a popular crossdressing message board the very first time I mustered up the courage to share my photos. Some members suggested that all I needed to do to “pass” was to work on my feminine mannerisms such as voice and walking.
Reading those replies, while not intentionally malicious, was very upsetting to me because that was not nor will never be who I am. It’s fine and dandy for those who want to add that to their lifestyle, but it’s just not my bag.
This does not single me out as a special individual, as I know some crossdressers who prefer to wear a single item of clothing (e.g., a skirt) along with their male clothing to express themselves. I also know of transwomen who are self-proclaimed tomboys. I am happy to hear their stories because it is obvious that they are being true to their hearts.
I’ll admit that I unfortunately do not get to express my individuality as often and as profoundly as I’d like to; I think that is part of the fun of life, constantly working on improving one’s self.
In the face of ridicule and persecution many of us (not just in the TG world) step outside of boundaries to show the world what we represent and display our creativities. Some circles call this action trendsetting.
It’s not illegal to be yourself, so always remember that you can be anything you want to be, even if society says you can’t.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Good point. That actually got me thinking.
Love,
Fe
Agree with you Jessica. It shouldn’t be illegal to be yourself. We should be ourselves and who God made us to be, answering to nobody except our significant others and to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Veronica =)