Living the life as a transvestite poses many personal challenges because of hiding a transgender lifestyle and handling misconceptions when the secret is let out.

According to the Miriam-Webster Dictionary, transgenderism is defined as “having personal characteristics (as transsexuality or transvestism ) that transcend traditional gender boundaries and corresponding sexual norms”.

In pursuit of gathering material for an article on alternate lifestyles, this writer visited a coffee shop where male transvestites are known to congregate. One man, known as “Jane” agreed to answer several questions on personal issues he faces as a transvestite.

Question: Are all transgenders or transvestites homosexual?

Jane: A very good question that I would find hard to answer without the facts and figures. With being a transvestite for over twenty years, I am as straight as can be, but yes I do know many transgenders that are homosexual. Families or friends that discover a cross dresser among them often question the person's sexual orientation. A lot of ignorance surrounds homosexuality and questions of promiscuity are likely to come up. That brings up the issue of STDs. Some families or friends will wonder if the cross dresser is really a transsexual who will want genital reconstruction.

Question:Is it easier to tell people what you are if you have learned to accept your own self?

Jane: If you have not accepted yourself, you will most likely be carrying a great burden of guilt for many reasons. You could feel guilty about lying to your friends and family, or a poor self-image of yourself. By accepting your own self, it makes it easier to end the isolation of no one knowing what you do on days that no one sees you. So no I would have to say it’s not the easiest thing in the world to do either way.

Question: Are there reasons why you would want to let the secret out?

Jane: Well let’s just say, you would not be free to explore all your issues on gender if it’s kept a secret. Even if you have found a support group, it is limited because your friends and family don’t know about your activities. There’s always good reasons to let the secret out. I would think the best one that I can think of right now, is that there would be no more business trips just so I could get away to do the dressing up I so much need.

Question: Have you suffered any economical consequences due to being a transvestite?

Jane: I did not tell my employer but a co-worker found out. As a result, I was harassed and eventually quit my job. To earn an income, I now work as an escort.

Question: Do you have anything to further to say about this subject?

Jane: It’s like any other sexually related subject. There’s now same sex marriages, people jump to conclusions before they think or are informed on the subject. What is really wrong with a man wearing woman’s clothing? Women seem to wear men’s clothing. The only thing I wish to enforce is when something affects a child in any way, it has to stop.

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