A man named Sissy

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)

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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