I offer my support to Caroline’s encouragement for those members who wish to present in public but are finding it very daunting. Perhaps knowledge of my experience may help others to take the big step and come out.
For 70 years I totally hid, never meeting or talking with anyone about my dressing. In 2016 I made a mistake and was outed to my immediate family who, fortunately, were supportive. Later that year I joined TGR but didn’t present in public until May 2018 when I attended Transformal in Katoomba, and enjoyed three of the most wonderful days of my life.
I attended other TGR event over the next two years but was not out in my community. But I finally found I became totally depressed at having to Iie and hide so finally last November I came out to my retirement village and local area.
AND EVERYONE HAS BEEN WONDERFULLY KIND AND SUPPORTIVE!
And so if I, at age 80, can do it surely you can too! And the feeling is wonderful.