I have a friend who likes to dress up as a woman. Halloween has a whole new meaning for him. For one night, he can allow himself to be his true self. The rest of the time, he has to suppress this desire to be a woman so as not to upset the loved ones around him. He told me it started around the age of 5, when he’d watch his mother put on her nylon stockings and high heels. In fact, he’d often ask his mother if he could dress up and wear those famous nylon stockings, too.
At first, his mother let him do it and thought this little game was funny, but that phase eventually passed. She realized it was far from just a game. It was becoming more of an addiction, because her little boy wanted to dress as a woman almost every day. So, what happened happened—as in many families, regardless of the source of conflict—my friend began to suppress his desires and emotions so as not to upset anyone. However, as time went on and the urge grew stronger, he continued to do it, but in secret.
I’m telling you this as Halloween approaches not to judge my friend, but rather to ask myself: if my son wanted to wear my clothes, how would I react? Society has certainly evolved, but to this extent? I don’t think so. Stereotypes and prejudices still abound.
As a parent, would I be able to handle that? The unwarranted judgments, the way others look at him? Would my child be strong enough to get through it, ready to face the future that awaits him?
Isn’t being ourselves, feeling comfortable in our own skin, and being happy what we’re all striving for in life? Let’s reflect on this so that attitudes can change and allow these people to finally step out of the shadows.