Bangless Wrote:My posts were largely a response to Leamon, who wrote: "The only person that knows (other than my stylist at the time) is my gf (who I have just told RECENTLY...a week ago, actually)."

I don't know how long he's been going out with his gf, but I imagined it's been more than a few weeks, and imagining further the anxiety of not sharing this tidbit of info.

Bangless, your insight is very accurate. I didn't want wearing to control me. I didn't want to always be conscious of the piece, where my actions cater to the piece instead of vice versa. I told my gf because, like you've said, sharing intimacy with another person includes revealing your true self to them. Right after I told her, I felt very empowered, almost invincible. I didn't care if people know, because the one that mattered...didn't care. Let me tell you, it was an amazing and liberating feeling. In a way, I unshackled one of things that have confined me. That's why there was a post where I mentioned we should not worry too much about what others think. Wearing shouldn't be something to be embarrassed about.

My family situation is another matter. They don't know because of how I was conditioned growing up. I'm going to leave it at that, as far as family is concerned.

My advice to you, Pete, is to not let the piece control you. It will limit you, but don't let it dictate your every action your every thought. When the time is right, you WILL reveal it to someone. And believe me, the feeling will be amazing. The acceptance will be enlightening.

Leamon