Firefighter in a Bikini

You’ve probably already seen the link in Allison’s blog, and read the newspaper story about the Cincinnati-area firefighter caught in a bikini in a city park. Or, maybe you saw it on the national news. And you’ve

probably seen the other booking photos, graciously provided by a Cincinnati-area radio station. Yeah, this isn’t some random act of perversion. It’s one of us, and by my guess, she just hit bottom.

How do I know she’s transgendered, and not just a loon? Well, your typical pervert may shave their legs and chest and fun zone, but would they tuck? Would they carry extra wigs, clothing and shoes?

All across the web, I’ve seen condemnation, but we shouldn’t be so judgemental. Is it possible she snapped under the weight of keeping the secret buried so deeply for so long?

Before I came to terms with my transgendered nature, I sometimes left the house in a state of “disrepair”. And yes, there were times I did it in an inebriated state. (Hell, even now, I sometimes need a drink or two to settle my nerves.) Today, those feelings of isolation are but a faint memory, but 15 years ago, there were times I felt like I was going out of my mind.

This is not the first time a crossdresser has been caught in a compromising situation, but why can’t it be the last? Every time something negative happens, I can’t help but wonder if it could have been prevented. Was I less than supportive to someone who contacted me online? Is the local support group not doing enough outreach? In this day and age of online communication, no-one should feel alone. No-one should reach the point where they lose control.

Yet, it happens. Over and over. Sometimes it ends with someone losing their dignity. Sometimes, they lose their family or their career. And sometimes, they lose their life.

Yes, it makes me angry. Yes, it sets us back as we try to gain credibility. But a setback on the political stage isn’t much compared to the ruining of someone’s life.

If you want to lash out at someone, send your vemon to the media, for over-covering this story, and to the Mason Police Department for a) making so many photos available, and b) having such judgemental police officers. (Did it really take 5 officers to take her into custody?)

Category: All TGForum Posts, Transgender Opinion