A man named Sissy

Sissy Goodwin, right, with Vickie, his wife of 45 years. They have two adult children.

Sissy Goodwin, right, with Vickie, his wife of 45 years. They have two adult children.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

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Sissy Goodwin is a cross-dresser in Wyoming, a place known for its big-buckled outdoor ethic and intolerance of alternative lifestyles.

Sissy Goodwin

Goodwin shops for an industrial-sized wrench in Casper, Wyo. He began wearing skirts and blouses in public in 1972.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Sissy Goodwin

Goodwin shops for an outfit at secondhand store in Casper. He began secretly dressing in girls clothes in his youth as “an escape from a hostile environment.”  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Sissy Goodwin

Goodwin, wearing the pink nightgown he sleeps in, shaves before breakfast at home in Douglas, Wyo., the town where he was born.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Sissy Goodwin

Sissy and Vickie Goodwin click glasses before dinner at home. He credits her with helping him learn to accept himself.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Sissy Goodwin

Larry Goodwin took on the name “Sissy” after somebody tried to insult him -- and he realized the name fit.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Sissy Goodwin

Vickie Goodwin, left, learned of Sissy’s then-secret cross-dressing before they married 45 years ago.   (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Sissy Goodwin

Goodwin, a former aircraft mechanic, teaches power technology at Casper College.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Sissy Goodwin

Goodwin’s students at Casper College once wore pink hair ribbons and matching shirts in a show of support.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Sissy Goodwin

Goodwin, a former rodeo cowboy, loves to drink beer, play golf and grill a good steak.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)