Dustin Hoffman on "TOOTSIE"

 And, his character Dorothy Michaels

The year was 1982.  Tootsie was the inspiration for Rhonda. Had this movie not come out, maybe no Rhonda or not for many more years.   

Never, in times up to 1982 had I considered the possibility of getting dressed, going out, and interacting with the civilian world. If Duston Hoffman in Tootsie, with the help of a full Hollywood makeup and costume department could pull it off, why not me?  Ok, I knew better and saw the fallacy of my thinking immediately.

'83 - My Best Tootsie Imitation

However, the seed was planted and I was captivated by the fantasy. Could I? Should I? Was it possible for an average "Tom" to pull it off like Tootsie? 

Well the rest is history although "Rhonda" did not blow the hinges off the closet all at once. Emerging fully perfected and fearless was a slow evolutionary process. As I look back, there were triumphs, but still "what am I thinking" moments. Panic, became just fear and finally a new found solace emerged.  

How about you? What was your inspiration?  Buried in all of us is the desire to free ourself and be out. What was the motivation that unlocked your self imposed prison cell and facilitated your "Escape"?      

A Functional Democracy

 Would have removed Trump by now