rivegauche wrote: ↑Mon Jun 29, 2020 9:14 am
Yes, the UK is a free country but just because you CAN wear a skirt to work doesn't mean it is without consequences. The first thing is that people have difficulty separating men in skirts from transsexuals. I would have an additional difficulty here as I also cross-dress - I spend most of my time dressed completely as a woman from the neck down (yup, including a bra and breast forms). I add a wig and make-up only for going out in public but will also go out as a man with skirt tights and heels - very occasionally a dress. It is perfectly legal for me to do this and my employers would be fine and I think the same would be true of my colleagues. The barrier for me is that I have a public reputation for what I do and I want to be viewed for my achievements. These are not so great that they would not be overtaken by a reputation for being the guy in the skirt/dress/heels. By keeping things in perspective I get the best of both worlds. I think it has Facebook that has 52 gender options. Who has time to get their heads round that? Most people can now cope with transsexuals and gay people but anything beyond that is beyond their comprehension. I will lead by example as long as I remain anonymous but openly fighting this fight is not for me.
I have tried pushing envelopes but it has backfired. I have worn corporate skirts with sensible shoes and tights, and sometimes a blouse or shirt - after seeking permission. Although people tolerated my wardrobe in the sense of not directly saying something unpleasant, I could sense their discomfort at times. I could not meet clients for the same reasons above - people expect one to fully transition, although genderfluid fashion is emerging more amongst the young. You rarely see men in skirts, so no matter how sensible the outfit, it will cause waves to some.
I was the guy in the skirt for some time, I still enjoy my pencil skirts but try to wear a varied wardrobe including regular mens attire. My royal blue skirt is now gone, another skirt wearer said he'd appreciate it along with most of mine which I thought were too tight or short. The open fighting of the cause is not so much of an issue as one can wear a skirt, get zero reaction. I have a trade in network cabling, so skirts are impractical for crawling under desks, or climbing ladders to get at suspended ceilings. If I was more office based, then definitely more. I notice traffic has died down, the lockdown may make some re think, even the most flamboyant such as JeffB has not posted for some time.
I had high hopes for Coder and Eightofninekev, for inspiration
I applaud those who wish to advocate the right to dress as one pleases.
