We All Need Support
Yes, I’ve sung this song before. And here we go again. Everybody, not just our Femulate community, needs support. No, not the kind of support that shapewear provides, although that is comforting. Support in the way that helps us all and reinforces the importance of the individual.
Some Background
Part of my being, aside from being a crossdresser, is that I’m also a veteran. I served in the army at a time when returning soldiers were often scorned or called baby killers. People looked askance at us and feared that we would do terrible things. As such, many of use retreated into ourselves and didn’t mention their time in the service. Most of us still don’t talk about those days.
Only recently have I come to terms with those feelings. Yesterday, I went to a theme park wearing my Vietnam Veterans hat. The number of times that people thanked me for my service was gratifying. At least a dozen times over the course of four hours somebody commented. Including a couple of other brothers who also served. Every time it happened I was humbled and embarrassed, fumbling for an appropriate response.
Why Am I Telling You This?
As I was driving home that day I realized that the support I was getting really helps me understand who and what I am. It also brought home the fact that we all need some kind of support. Giving support is just as important as getting support in our lives. With that in mind, I’m asking you to lend your support to everybody in our CD community, as well as the world as a whole. It will make us all better.
I’ll Be Back
Before my usual closing, I wanted to say that this is not some of my best writing. This is pretty raw in some areas. I had originally asked ChatGPT to suggest some things to say on the topic. Never looked at the result. Instead I just let my thoughts flow. Normally, I review and edit my writings several times before I’m satisfied with how it reads. Not this time. What you see is my raw product.
I’ll be finding more Stuff to write about. I welcome comments and suggestions here on Stana’s page or by email at Jenn6nov at-sign gmail dot com.
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| Wearing Stylewe |
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| Mihai Trăistariu femulating Amy Winehouse on Romanian television’s Your Face Sounds Familiar. Click here to view this femulation on YouTube. |
As a fellow Viet Era Veteran, Thanks for your service!
ReplyDeleteAnd there was nothing at all wrong with your writing.
You're too kind. As I re-read what I wrote there is so much that I would have said differently. But fortunately the thought comes through anyway. It took me about 15 minutes to dash this off whereas I normally spend a couple of hours writing and polishing my posts. Hugs, JJ
DeleteAs you well know, we share these common things... being CDers and Vietnam Era veterans. You went to SEA, and I went to North Africa. You, Army and me, Air Force. Our timeframes are very similar. That's why whenever I see an individual wearing a Vietnam Nam vet hat or a sticker on their car, I ALWAYS go over and shake their hands and say, "Welcome home!" It's a privilege and honor to call you my friend, my sister, and my brother! Although I've said it to you before, "WELCOME HOME!"
ReplyDeleteThank you Kathryn and back at you. Hugs JJ
DeleteThank you for your service. If you value your freedom thank a veteran
ReplyDeleteGiven the time period of the Viet Nam War I think many people would be shocked to find out many of those who served are cross dresser or gay or lesbian. Sign me 11Bravo with a Purple Heart w/Oak Leaf Cluster. I read the obituary of my squad leader 50+ years after he suffered an open head wound that he was a gay man. We earned the right to be who we are, and the responsibility to support and protect others from oppression.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your piece on support. Many of us, veterans of service and veterans of other organizations need support. Veteran cross dressers of color need similar and different types of support. It’s past time for us to lead the way, to SHOW what outreach and caring means. Peace, and again, thank you.
ReplyDeleteDon't apologize for your writing, J.J.! You are walking the walk, and your posts are a big part of why Femulate is recognized as an extremely supportive community. Thanks for your service as a vet ... and for your service here, too.
ReplyDelete(And Stana ...That photo in the black dress with the slit? Downright stunning!)
-- Missy
Thank you for the kind words, Missy.
DeleteWhen I turned 18 and registered for the draft, student deferments had ended. I didn't feel that I could honestly claim to be a conscientious objector. I hoped I'd get a high number in the lottery and avoid the military, but figured if I received an induction notice I'd enlist in the Navy or Coast Guard. I don't know what would have happened had that notice ever arrived, but Congress ended the draft my year and I didn't have to worry over my relative low number.
DeleteI'm grateful that I never had to enter the military, but I am also grateful for all the men and women who have served. My late father in law was a drafted GI who spent the entire Second World War in North Africa and Italy. He was at Monti Cassini. He was awarded a bronze star, but he told me that all he ever wanted was to come home.
Several years ago, my wife and I visited the American Cemetery outside Florence where we saw so many graves, too many graves, of my father in law's fallen comrades from the 88th Blue Devils who lost their lives at Monti Cassini.
I looked at those graves and wondered, how did I get to be so lucky to live a life without being involved in war. It was them and their sacrifices.
Emily
My birth year, 1952, was the last from which anyone was drafted (1971 draft). They only took draftees through number 95, so I was quite fortunate that mine was 218. I have friends who served during the war and, as with everyone who served, I am always grateful for their service. My father and brother both spent time in the military, so I never disregard what any service member has experienced.
ReplyDelete