Get extended access to 1600+ episodes, binge watch your favorite shows, and stream anytime - online or in the PBS app.
Already a WTIU PBS member?
You may have an unactivated WTIU PBS Passport member benefit. Check to see.
Special | 3m 27s | Video has closed captioning.
Growing up in Wyoming in the 1950s, Sissy Goodwin started wearing his sister’s dresses. As an adult, he still felt happiest in dresses and skirts. At StoryCorps, Sissy talks with his wife Vickie about how they forged a new path that allowed Sissy to be the man he needed to be and wear his skirts proudly.
Aired: 05/20/21
Sissy Goodwin (SG): I knew I had to hide my behavior, so I tried to be very macho, as you know.
The second or third date I took you on I rode in a rodeo.
But, do you remember when I first told ya that I wore women's clothes?
Vickie Goodwin (VG): It was after we were engaged, and I thought, 'Well, that's not a big deal.'
But one of the hardest things was that people made fun of this person that I loved, so I wanted to protect you.
SG: Remember when I was beat up in front of our house?
VG: Mmmhmm.
SG: The guy kicked my teeth in.
To have your son have to witness that was pretty terrible.
VG: Yeah.
SG: Remember the neighbors we had?
He came out with a knife one day and threatened to castrate me...I call those people fashion critics.
But the younger generation, they don't care what I wear.
VG: I remember the time that all your students dressed up for you.
SG: They all had pink shirts on and either pink or purple hair ribbons.
The whole class!
That told me a lot.
Did you ever think to leave me because I was different?
VG: You and I talked about it...
But I loved you, and I wanted you in my life, and I wanted you in our childrens' life.
SG: I know, early on, you were embarrassed to be with me... and I felt so bad for you, because now I'm not the man you married.
VG: Well, we've been married for over 46 years, and I love the person that I have become because of you.
SG: You didn't know you was marrying a fashion horse, did ya?
VG: I didn't know that I was marrying someone who was going to take up two-thirds of the closet.
SG: I could easily live like my dad, become alcoholic.
And I had tried suicide before I met you.
But, it's because you, I went to school and got my bachelor's degree.
It was you makin' me look in the mirror and sayin', "You're a good person."
Where do you think we'll be in 20 years?
VG: Oh, probably walking along with our little canes, holding hands, you in your pretty dress and me in my jeans, being happy.
SG: One thing you've taught me, honey, is you taught me how to love.
Because I didn't know how to love.
I've learned since that you have to love yourself before you can love others.
And the greatest gift you've given me is, uh, gift of how to love.
Newsletter
Every two weeks, we curate a selection of POV docs, old and new, around a central theme. Stream while you can — until the next Playlist!
Subscribe
