I applaud the efforts of the HRC to "decriminalize" crossdressing.
It's long overdue.
There are many of us who have gotten in trouble with the law, simply because.
Because we were in the wrong place at the wrong time, because some locality or state has a law on the books prohibiting such "behavior", or because some cop had a fight with his wife or is otherwise having a bad hair day.
To that extent, yes, there shouldn't be any restriction against crossdressing.
Lord knows, as much as Shana goes out, it would certainly be beneficial, not to mention trying to keep track of where it's OK and where it is NOT OK..
It is, however, not the panacea that everyone thinks it would be. Why? Let's see.
Let's say the HRC is successful in getting a federal law passed to "protect" us, along with other minorities and the Gay community (albeit highly unlikely with the current administration). Does this law mean we will automatically have the respect of others in the community? Is a law going to change one's viewpoint on the subject. We all know how effective speed limits are, and how well the "tough" laws against drugs work in our favor. Both have completely eradicated the problems, right?
Does anyone out there think a law will legislate any ones attitudes towards crossdressers if it is not already a favorable one? Nope, I don't think so. I'd be ecstatic if I was able to dress as Shana and go to work. Hell, it's probably in the top five of things most of us would love to do with our hobby, after all, most of us show off the other hobbies and interests we have to our workplace buddies, don't we?
Updated: 10/12/04
