[Joe Mario]

Interesting topic, fellahs. My stealth/ out status is tricky due to my occupation. As a professional working in an office with
(non-pro) office staff involving servicing the (general) public, I don't want my status known there primarily for the (obvious) safety reasons. The idea doesn't make me feel safe and it's, as Theo said; 'none of anyone's business'.


This could change if the public could see the value in our unique perspective. A cis-gendered bio-male could never, ever have our insight or perspective. Ever. How we see ourselves first comes from us as a community, then it projects outward to the mainstream public. Thankfully there are single individuals out there helping us along. We still have a long way to go, but I am full of hope.


I was 46 when I decided to do this. My adult life has been in the LGBTQ social culture where I am out. Having achieved most things I am proud of before transitioning, I don't wish at all to 'erase' that part of my life. In fact, achieving them in a non-transitioned, non-cisgendered state makes me feel like a super dude among men, so I am definitely keeping the photos!

Am still balancing out how I feel completely about the whole stealth/ out issue. Permissions with my family's friends can be tricky, but am out with LGBTQ Communities. People come in all sorts and rub us all differently and my status is MY very personal business. Ultimately, I feel like the default for disclosure should be my choice.