Hi Kay 
You have summarized the situation 40-50 years ago perfectly. I am so envious of the young people today who have protections enshrined in law which we didn't have at the time and all the freely available information that was not available to us back then as well.
If I could relive my youth I would immediately begin with puberty blocking medications and transition during high school.
I did however recently retire in January and I now find myself embracing my truth. Believe me that Caitlyn is a person who I deeply admire. I am a woman, I always have been and I will die as such. No longer needing to go to work and having told my wife prior to our marriage in 1983 makes my transition very easy.
My reality is a lifetime delayed.
It seems like the societal interaction pressures from work, neighbors, shopping etc. are gone and I no longer validate anyone else's opinion when it comes to my personal appearance.
I guess that in summary I am happy knowing that I atleast have some time left in my life to be myself. I went to the salon the other day and had a full manicure and pedicure. I just don't think that I could have done that in 1978..lol. For that matter I have aso attended various boutiques for a bra fittings(many times now..I always buy the panty too) and the various clerks didn't blink twice. The one lady assured me that she didn't pass judgement and has a diverse clientele including others who are also transitioning and that she wanted the sale, she also told me that I looked great...talk about honesty..I'll be back because she treated me just like every other customer, woman to woman..I think that is all I crave.. acceptance for who I am...I have waited long enough
Hugs
Jessica
You have summarized the situation 40-50 years ago perfectly. I am so envious of the young people today who have protections enshrined in law which we didn't have at the time and all the freely available information that was not available to us back then as well.
If I could relive my youth I would immediately begin with puberty blocking medications and transition during high school.
I did however recently retire in January and I now find myself embracing my truth. Believe me that Caitlyn is a person who I deeply admire. I am a woman, I always have been and I will die as such. No longer needing to go to work and having told my wife prior to our marriage in 1983 makes my transition very easy.
My reality is a lifetime delayed.
It seems like the societal interaction pressures from work, neighbors, shopping etc. are gone and I no longer validate anyone else's opinion when it comes to my personal appearance.
I guess that in summary I am happy knowing that I atleast have some time left in my life to be myself. I went to the salon the other day and had a full manicure and pedicure. I just don't think that I could have done that in 1978..lol. For that matter I have aso attended various boutiques for a bra fittings(many times now..I always buy the panty too) and the various clerks didn't blink twice. The one lady assured me that she didn't pass judgement and has a diverse clientele including others who are also transitioning and that she wanted the sale, she also told me that I looked great...talk about honesty..I'll be back because she treated me just like every other customer, woman to woman..I think that is all I crave.. acceptance for who I am...I have waited long enough
Hugs
Jessica