I have talked about how young I was when I first Cross Dressed at the early age of 10 before becoming a Drag Queen, also at a very early age. Between the two I am proud to admit and say out loud that they are my life and there’s nothing in this world that can change that for I wouldn’t allow it for a minute. There has been some heart breaks along the way and I am sorry for that but there’s nothing I can do about the past other than journey onward.
Here’s the thing, I don’t believe that one day when I was 10 years old I just decided to dress up like a girl. I don’t believe that anyone one of us would begin setting ourselves up for the diversity that was soon to come. What I mean by that is who in their right mind would want to begin a process of being humiliated, become an outcast, hated, slandered, judged, disowned, scrutinized, labeled, threatened with violence, made fun of, listen to derogatory comments and so much more? No I don’t believe that anyone wishes that upon themselves. I think for most of us fear began to envelop us and prevent the inevitable which was coming out, standing tall and proud to present ourselves for who we were and where we wanted to be.
With me there were multiple adversities associated with who I was and who I am now. I not only blossomed as a cross dresser and drag queen but quickly realized also that I was gay as well. I As I get older I look back and the memory of my mother coming to the realization that her only son and youngest of my family preferred to wear female attire and sleep with the same sex had to be devastating for her. She had to somehow accept the fact that I would never give her a grandchild as she hoped for, that people would question how she raised me and so forth. That said in hopes to please her and the rest of my family I decided to try another journey or avenue by going straight and getting married to two different women. Needless to say neither worked out. The mental, physical, emotional and spiritual remnants of who I really was remained intact. In other words I was still the girl I had discovered I was and missed trying to be. While in the short time I was married to both of them I continued to cross dress and was also very unfaithful by continuing to go to bed with men when I could. I didn’t set out to hurt anyone like I did but it happened. I was caught by my second wife one day when I was wearing only a bra, a garter and stockings, makeup, my hair all teased out and a pair of her stiletto’s I had made a point of buying for her so I too could wear them. That began the process of what was to be my second divorce and outing.
The thought that one day I just decided to begin cross dressing to accommodate this girl that lingered inside of my mind and body is so ridiculous. I believe wholeheartedly that I, or we, are simply born this way. No one on their best day would subject themselves to live with so many secrets or receive the treatment by society that so many of us experience. I can remember when I started wearing makeup openly. I would wear it so lightly I thought that people wouldn’t notice but as with any other secrets we hold, the more we get away with the more we do. In my case it was wearing a little more makeup every day until it was finally recognized by others. That was when my secrets began to transpire. I was teased, threatened and humiliated by kids at school. I backed off for a while but the fact that I had been exposed didn’t go away. One day it was thoughts of telling all and the next day was deciding to make my greatest attempts to keep it all within myself and the dark lonely closet. Neither of my desires to wear makeup and dress everyday, once I was home and by myself, vanished.
So I do believe I was just wired this way at birth and when it was impossible to ignore it I participated and went forth with what felt right. My journey continues today only there are little to no secrets in my life. I know nothing I do still today will ever change. I am now at an impasse with myself or in the checkmate status and it is somewhat difficult to decide if I want this journey to continue with HRT treatment or do I just keep doing what I have always done? If I do decide on HRT I know it won’t be from choice but instead be something I am bound and destined to do. It takes a lot of courage and commitment to do what we do. My first drag mother/mentor once told me that “anyone can put on a dress but, it’s how you wear that dress that counts”. So with this said my journey that began so very long ago continues onward and I am not going to go against who I was born to be!
Dear Jackie, I very much enjoyed your article. You’ve had quite a journey. You’re very strong, and that strength has carried you through and will carry you as you step by step enter your future.
Take care, pretty lady.
Thank you Kayla and appreciate your experienced input.
I just want to hug you forever
Ahhhh thank you Debbie that was sweet!
Jackie,
Thank you for your life story and you sharing your journey. I like statement at the end “anyone can put on a dress but, it’s how you wear that dress that counts". I think that means a lot to many of the ladies here at CDH.
Hugs,
Patty
Yes Patty I believe the statement I was so freely given so many year’s ago still holds true to my heart and passing it on is what she so intended for me and you to do. I’m glad you liked it.
Hi Jackie,
Thanks for sharing.
Respect, compassion, determination, friendship
HUGS
Deb
Your welcome Deb. It has been quite the journey and I am not done yet!
Dear Jackie, I am new to this site and I must agree, your life is very inspirational and gives me the courage to continue with my path. I also realized by age 6 that I was not the gender my body said I was. I also wore my mom’s bras and panties whenever she wasn’t home wash cloths and all for breast size.I had 4 failed marriages cause I could never be the “man" they wanted. I was unhappy and empty. Now at 63, I have found my happiness and inner peace as a cross-dresser. This is long, sorry. I… Read more »
Hi Rymi, I want to thank you for the lovely comments and compliments. You may be 63 but as long as you have found the inner peace you long for you cannot go wrong by following your heart and going for the ultimate experience of mastering your quest, You are a true inspiration for others who may feel they are getting older and haven’t found their place yet. May your awesome journey stay bright and new each day, Jackie.
Thank You Jackie for your kind words, truly they Do mean a lot to me and so many others. As age creeps up on us we try to find inner peace and happiness within our heart and soul, when were we the most fulfilled and the happiest? For me it is being a woman! This is when I am the happiest and so one with my body, mind and soul ! I just can not ever see me as a male ever again. Life is hard enough for us woman but to have to lose my womanhood and be a… Read more »
Jackie you are a true inspiration for the rest of us sisters! I just LOVE your writing style too, you are very good with words.
I agree completely with you, we were this way at birth, no other reasoning makes sense as none of us no why we are the way we are.
How true that none of us wish to be ridiculed or worse, but we cannot stop being our girl selves no matter what.
I loved your last statement about wearing the dress – so true!!
Please write more, your amazing and adorable!
Hugs and kisses, Angela
Ahhh thank you so much Angela for the kind words and compliments. You brought a tear to my eyes (but I know you didn’t mean to haha). You really know how to make a gurls day. I hope your day brings all the majik you ask for and deserve, Jackie….
Thank you Jackie your words are so inspirational to all of us. I to continue my journey in life for I am now on HRT and will be for the rest of my life. I knew at a young age this is what I wanted and so wish I could have found a lot of thing out earlier then I did but life has it twist and turns and we still end up where we belong some how. Wishing you the best in your life journey.
Thank you so much for the encouragement and atta gurl Pinkie.
Well written Jackie. I hope you discover your destiny and succeed in fulfilling it!
Thank you Skippy, I’m almost there!
Jackie, Thank you for a well written post ! many of your Posts have made me feel better on my life style and my dressing. I have found that better place and continue on my journey as many of the girls here. However, I cant continue with HRT so my journey will
have to continue as is the best I can no if , and or butts. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Thank you Stacey. Maybe, just maybe the HRT is still in the cards for you in the future. I wish you the best hun. Thanx again.
Great article Jackie. You are a great inspiration to me