moonshadow wrote:Not wanting to start another topic that would have been a duplicate of an older one, I input "goodwin" in the skirtcafe search box and came up to this thread. I had just completed reading a somewhat older (2013) article located here..
After some further reading on Mr. Goodwin, I think it's safe to say that this man must be the father of all M.I.S. in the modern era. Though he may differ from most of us on terminology and labels, (he considers himself a crossdresser), he is probably more like us than typical "woman impersonating" crossdressers are.
As I read the article above, I am blown away by how long this man has been wearing "women's" clothes, and props to him for doing so in what has been regarded as one of the most macho states in the union. But to begin "dressing" in 1972 would have been a very brave practice even in the most accepting areas of the nation. Suffice it to say, if the current year were 1972 I seriously doubt I would be able to get away with how I dress in this area. Though 99% of people don't bother me, on almost every outing, I catch the eye of at least one oaf that would probably love to slit my throat in a back alley if he thought he could get away with it.
Watch this video to meet Mr. Goodman.
I'll say, his style makes mine look "manly" by comparison, he is really into lacey numbers and puffy blouses more so that I am, and even myself, being the flamboyant "male skirt wearer" that I am, couldn't help by chuckle a little under my breath as he selected a wrench at the local hardware store in this pink and yellow getup. I admit to feeling just a bit guilty as I did so. Still yet, I'd love to meet this man someday, a true pioneer of freedom from traditional male gender roles, and though he sets the femme bar pretty high, I'd say somewhat of a role model for people like myself.
My chuckle followed by almost choking up reading about this struggles with life, "friends", unsupportive family, work problems, etc. I read as he stated he'd look in the mirror every day and tearfully utter "you are a good person". Though I may not have used those exact words, many-a-days I have spent in such a funk, with my own problems at work, shunning by family and former friends, and other various dramas, I must confess I too often struggle to find a reason to press on. Sometimes I feel the only reason I don't is because I'm too damned ornery to give society what they want (a world without Moon)... My wife and daughter do support me, but that's about as far as it goes. It hurts to have to be someone else whenever I go to a family function, it hurts to have to wear "the uniform" in my own house when mom comes over to avoid the drama. I recently updated all of my photo collages on the wall with some more recent ones of us (every one of me was one of me wearing a skirt or dress), and I wondered how that would go over when/if family ever come to visit, will I have to take the pictures off the wall? The thought of it depresses me. The real salt in this open wound is that the women in my family continue to wear whatever the hell they want! It's not easy, it's quite bothersome. His story about work struck a chord with me. If only I had a good union to fall back on, rather than my companies version of "don't ask, don't tell".
But I can relate to this guy. He speaks a language I understand. It's nice to know people like that exist. The knowledge of that gets me through the bad days. I'd like to meet him someday. Maybe he'll google his name (Larry Goodman) and find this post.
I don't try to be so pessimistic about everything, but it seems I always find myself surrounded by people who constantly aim to bring me down. Sometimes, I find myself forcing myself to keep my head low and in the dumps because I figure, "why bother being in a good mood? Someone always tears it down anyway..."
I'm scheduled for my vacation in September, perhaps a little road trip would be good for the soul... Unfortunately a trip to Portland to meet Mr. Goodman might be a little out of reach and budget, but maybe some other time.
Moon let me tell you something as your wife. Now I love your mom however when it comes to our house they got two choices: Get over it or get out. I'm not taking pictures down. No you don't have to wear a uniform in your own house. If they don't like it they can go home. They don't stay long enough for you to worry over it anyways so why are you worrying? You're a grown man start acting like one when it comes to your own home and how you dress. Now I know you love your mom but it's time you quit letting her control your life.