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When it comes to fashion as a form of expression and even freedom of speech, there are some times that it can feel like you are being stifled. Many people today get ridiculed, harassed, or even abused because of the clothing choices they make for themselves. One such group is people who choose to cross dress.
If you are a cross dresser, you may be concerned about your rights. Dressing in clothing of the opposite sex is most definitely a form of expression, but it is one that is not widely understood yet in our country, and it is also something that is different. As many people know, frequently when something is not understood, it is then feared.
In most cases, you are protected in the United States if you choose to cross dress. Though there are no specific federal laws that protect cross dressing, there are laws protecting sexuality, as well as the right to freedom of speech. These frequently have been interpreted to include cross dressing. On top of that, there are many states that have laws to protect those that cross dress.
One thing that you have to realize, and most do, is that when you are out, and you are cross dressing, it is very likely that you will run into people who don’t understand. You are protected, in most cases, though. If something were to happen, and you were arrested for cross dressing, look into finding a lawyer that specializes in issues like this. They are out there, and they want to help if and when they can. Gender expression is something that many areas are still working on making into law, while in other areas, it is already illegal to discriminate based on this. You have rights to wear what you like, just like everyone else.
