Lockdown



Because of the global pandemic caused by COVID-19 many parts of the world have been in lockdown, restrictions have been placed on where we can go, what we can do, who we can see and to some extent what we have to wear. To someone who has been crossdressing most of my life, this scenario sounds strangely familiar.

For most of my life, I have been restrained by various and complex reasons why I can't be the person I want to be. Because of the way society regards crossdressers in general, I have been in virtual lockdown for many years. Every crossdresser is different, there are different circumstances affecting what they can and can't do, this is related to their personal circumstances, where they live, where they work etc. etc.  The one thing we all have in common is that we can not always be the person we want to be when we want.

Now that the world has started to tentatively come out of lockdown, it would be time to reflect on what the restrictions have meant to us and what we can take from it. Firstly I have to say the majority of British people have adhered to Government instructions and stayed at home, restricted their movements and forgone many pleasures like going to the pub or a restaurant, they deserve to be congratulated for their tolerance and for their overwhelming support for the emergency services. If any non-trans person happens to read this, I would like to ask, How do you feel about having your movements restricted, your life restricted and being ordered (in certain circumstances) to wear uncomfortable face coverings? How has that affected your liberty and your right to live your life as you wish? Many, no doubt would say that they didn't like the restrictions imposed on them but they had to do it for the safety of others, to protect the NHS and because it was the right thing to do.

So to that non-trans person I would now ask how would you feel if you were restricted as to what you wear, how you lived your life and where you can go, not for three months but in many cases for years, decades, a life time? Almost certainly they would not relish the idea, but for many of us in the trans spectrum this has been our life, for years..............

It would be nice to think as we come out of lockdown the detractors, the haters, those that just don't think we should be alowed on the streets would stop for a moment and think, 'wait a minute I have been under restrictions for three months, and that has been hard, these people have been under restrictions for a lifetime, it's time to back off and let them live the life they want to live'

I know what you are saying "some hope"..........Well you are probably right, but a girl can have a dream can't she?..........................

Comments

  1. "How do you feel about having your movements restricted..."

    To also be told that you can't use the changing room or loo, that you have been using for the last decade without issue.

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    Replies
    1. Unfortunately as much as I would like to think that having had to endure restrictions to their daily lives that the people who, for no other reason than the fact they don't like us continue to seek to restrict us, might just think twice about what they are doing. But I know it will make no difference. Seems to me it's a touch of "all people are equal, but some are more equal than others"....................

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  2. Nice insight Andrea.
    I think the virus has taught us that we really are all in this together. Lovely concept, but I am hoping that it allows us to understand that anything that weakens you, risks me. Homelessness or not having paid sick leave or having no means of support risks me and therefore it is in my interest to ensure you are not living rough or can afford to stay home if you are sick or can access free health care.
    Then in my mind it is a small jump to remind people that this comes down to acceptance and inclusion being not just a moral way to see life but the only safe way.
    Again, any other way risks me.
    For once the selfish "what's in it for me?" can be truthfully answered with "everything".
    Stay safe
    Geraldine

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