If you’re a trans woman that’s still closeted and looking to bring your feminine side out at Halloween, the key is not just to dress as a woman, but to have a costume that happens to be that of a woman.

I did this when I showed up at the office dressed as a witch in the classic style. Of course, I paid attention to all the details, right down to my makeup, undergarments including my breast forms, and pentacle jewelry. Nobody had to know that what they were seeing was not “male self in a costume,” but “Amy in a costume.” I won the costume contest that year.

In following years, I also showed up as Amy in various costumes. I think this helped pave the way at the office for my eventual transition.