DEAR ABBY: After 10 years of marriage, my now ex-husband told me he is transgender. He isn't taking hormones, but he makes no attempt to hide his feminine dressing, makeup and wigs from our 6- and 9-year-old sons. They understand little of their dad's new life, other than that their dad likes "girl stuff." They often tell me they are embarrassed being with their dad in public when he has his nails painted or is wearing female clothing.
I have tried talking to my ex about this, but he becomes resentful when I bring it up. He feels he can do whatever he wants regardless of how he embarrasses our sons. Do you think I could take him to court to have an order put in place that he not dress like that when he has our children? -- NEEDS TO KNOW IN NEW YORK
DEAR NEEDS TO KNOW: You could discuss it with your divorce lawyer, but I don't think it would work. It would be much better if you asked your ex to explain to his boys the reason he's dressing in female attire so they can understand it. Your husband is not going to change, so they are going to have to interact with him until they are quite a bit older.