u/VeronicaMendes2013

Many like-minded CDs will probably understand this feeling deeply: we carry within us a vision of how we wish we could look and present ourselves. For many of us, makeup alone is not enough to fully manifest that vision into reality. There are masculine features that are difficult to soften or hide, and those features can create a painful disconnect between the femininity we feel internally and the reflection staring back at us in the mirror.

Over time, technology has given us tools to help bridge that gap. Photoshop, filters, editing apps, and countless forms of digital enhancement allow us to see ourselves closer to the way we envision ourselves inside. Digital manipulation is hardly some shocking modern deception. It has existed for decades and is deeply woven into nearly every aspect of celebrity culture, advertising, magazines, and social media. Public images are curated constantly to sell beauty, fantasy, and aspiration.

I’ll openly admit that I’ve participated in that too.

Yet we still see comments from people saying things like, “Why don’t you show the real you?” The truth is, for many of us, the “real me” is a middle-aged man with some extra weight and naturally masculine features. Those realities do not always align with how we wish to see ourselves, nor do they always make us feel good emotionally when trying to express femininity.

Lately, though, I’ve been trying to move toward a more natural presentation of myself. Lighter makeup. Fewer digital enhancements. A softer and more authentic balance between fantasy and reality. My weight loss journey has helped give me the courage to do that, even knowing the criticism and shaming comments will inevitably come — and honestly, they already have on some of my photos.

But I suppose people are free to express their opinions, just as I am free to express myself.

At the end of the day, I genuinely enjoy sharing my photos and the warm feelings that come from the kindness and encouragement many of you show me. Those moments of support mean more than you probably realize.

Much love.