Who died and elected me spokesperson?

One of the things that I frequently hear people in the transvestite community policing each other on is their "presentation." No surprise here, as the "slut" identity seems to be a popular selection in transvestite circles. Still, the public's perception of who trans* people are seems to be a source of neverending concern to the apparel police. Respect is a word that is highly coveted. And I must say that I do empathize: The cognitive sense of what constitutes a "trans*" person affects those who are living full time more than it does the weekend Xenas. Nevertheless, we are talking about respect from absolute strangers. As seems to be the case with these scenarios, personal politics and moral high ground serves to obliterate any sense of creativity and expression. I know, because I often get chastized by my contemporaries for my way of dressing.

My question is this: Who died and made me spokesperson for the ENTIRE trans community? Why is my obligation first and foremost, to present an image of trans people that YOU are comfortable with? And more importantly, when did your comfort zone with who you are and your concern of public opinion overtake MY duty to MY self-expression?

Everytime I put on a stitch of clothing, should I worry first and foremost that a bystander's absolute lack of critical thought may lead him to conclude that what I am and what I do is representative of the entire trans community? So it should also follow that because I represent a whole, it is therefore concluded that every single member of the trans community has ridden a motorcycle from New York City to San Francisco, plays 16th century Harpsichord music, and is Chinese.

I like to see it this way: How people interpret my actions is more a reflection of who they are. True, their interpretation could result in acts of disapproval, vocal abuse, even force. But if I were to give in to that fear, then I would be living for the sake of absolute strangers.

And THAT, in my opinion, is not a good image of a trans* individual.