My friend Jenny posted this excerpt from her friend’s Flickr profile:

I think that it is extremely important that we all, as representatives of the transgender community, present ourselves publicly with intelligence, dignity, empathy, beauty, grace & class., (and a bit of humor never hurts!)
What you do behind closed doors is all up to you, but pride in ourselves and our sisters I should think would be how you would like others to see you… ;))) Presentations which degrade the female being are reflections of thought patterning which sees GG’s as something to objectify.. it’s wrong in my book and it offends my inner female…If you truly are TG then you respect your inner true self and your sisters. Period. It’s true that it’s almost impossible for most of us to fool anyone, BUT if you can present yourselves with pride and confidence… it does, believe me, open many doors and minds…. and you will be able to step out into the world with confidence… ;D

I agree with some of her opinions. Like it or not, we are representatives of the “transgender community” every time we are out in public. I think it’s more important to present yourself as a person, not a stereotype. What is intelligent, dignified, beautiful, graceful and classy is up to the individual. I know that the way I present myself may not the same way some others would, but I try to be someone who is not going to embarrass herself.

No, I don’t think wearing a micro mini, your tightest spandex top, stockings with garters peeking out from under the skirt and five inch stilettos is the best thing to wear to Wal-Mart. But I also don’t think you have to wear a tshirt, jeans, and flip-flops* either. There are other choices, you know?

I’d like to hear your opinions…

*The outfits that the majority of the GG’s who shop at my local Wal-Mart seem to chose…