The daughter's story by Rosie
 
  I first found out about my dads' dressing habits when I was 14. My parents and I have a very close relationship, we don't have many secrets, (well that's what I thought before I found out about my dad).

  I love my parents, but I always seemed to get on better with my mum. She's the one that told me about my dad dressing.

  The first time I saw my dad 'dressed' was a year before that in a photo on the computer. I asked "who's that? Does dad know her?" A bit ironic really to say it was my dad and he obviously knew her!

  I first found out by my mum asking me if I knew what a transvestite was? I didn't know, and didn't understand why she was talking to me about this. She then explained what a transvestite was and I first thought that was cool, I asked if they knew any and if they were coming to the house? Mum explained everything at this point and asked how I would react and how I would feel if dad was one?  I asked if he was and mum told me the truth. And that's when I cried, I was not upset at all, I was just I bit shocked, OK maybe a lot shocked.

  I cried, but not because of him, because of me, I always used to joke that he was wearing make-up, although he never was. I was really upset and didn't want to see him, I went to my room and after a while I came downstairs and just gave him a hug and said sorry for always joking with him. I was shocked but now I think it's great. Sometimes I wonder why I cried, because there was no need, he's still my dad and I still love him the same, and if not the same, more.

  Although I have known for a while I will never understand what makes my dad do it and I would never hold it against him in any situation. I know that this is something he enjoys and I would never tell my dad to stop dressing, no matter what happened, my dad just wouldn't be as much fun to be around if me and my mum couldn't joke about him behind his back, or even to his face, my dad wouldn't be whole without Nicola!

  I have been out many times with Nicola (my dad) and Sandi (my mum); I think they rock, both of them! When I first went out to Chameleons in Nottingham, I shouted "dad!" and everyone laughed, but I just replied "was I meant to call him Nicola?  He's still my dad!" This confused me but now I just shout whatever comes into my head first.

  I have been to Transmission in London, Downtown in Wakefield, Chameleons in Nottingham, Les Femmes in Sheffield and even around the village in Manchester. I mean, I must have the coolest parents ever, what other friends can borrow their dad's dresses and shoes, hand bags, or even hair if they get fed up with their own? And I wonder how many of my friends parents have took their kids into cool clubs? I have met some really cool people and have just joined Rose's Forum so that I can talk to other people my age, and in the same situation as me. I really enjoy talking to people on the website and I know I can trust them because there are moderators there to make sure nothing is said out of place. And the best time I have had is when I went to Scarborough for the Harmony Weekend. I met lots of people like my dad.

  I now know why they were going away and leaving me with family members, I asked if I could go, who wouldn't? I'm at an age where I want to spend more time with Nicola and Sandi together.

  Now I know about my dad dressing, we have become a lot closer. Most of the time all we do is joke about it. And I know this is a huge secret, but I know there are people who you can talk to.
 
 
  Rosie

 
Copyright 2005 Rose's Repartee Magazine