My urge to wear women’s clothes in public has intensified since my dad died

DEAR DEIDRE: SINCE my dad died, I’ve had a strong urge to wear women’s clothes in public.

I’ve been dressing up at home, but now would love to go out dressed as a woman.

Can you give me some advice? I’m a divorced 52-year-old man and I’ve always liked the idea of cross-dressing.

But aside from a few secret attempts as a young man, I never had the courage to do it.

I’ve suppressed my feelings for most of my life.

But after my father’s death at the age of 80, I suddenly felt the need really intensely.

Perhaps it’s because he would have disapproved, and I know my ex-wife would have also, so I finally feel free to do it.

I’ve been for a trying-on session and booked another.

Standing in the changing room in a dress and heels, I felt more like myself than ever.

I want to be able to do this in my daily life, but it is quite a scary thought.

A big part of me feels like I’m doing something wrong.

DEIDRE SAYS: There is nothing wrong with expressing your need to cross-dress, and it’s not uncommon.