Crossdressers started to appear in mainstream American TV shows in the late 1980s which led to a somewhat wider understanding and acceptance, but neither of the forgoing are in any way near to being complete.
Many crossdressers that might otherwise be more open about their predilection remain closeted because of the possible effects that being more open might have on their families, jobs and friends.
There are no working treatments or therapies for cross-dressing, and many doctors and researchers view the phenomenon as harmless and not needing treatment.
A good number of crossdressers do attempt to deny their feminine side because of how crossdressing is widely viewed by society and they might even dispose of their female clothing, only to return to crossdressing later, after feeling frustrated and mentally castrated from what they feel to be a natural part of their personality.
Some do seek therapy, but due to the almost ubiquitous lack of knowledge on the subject, the cross-dresser more often than not ends up have to educate the so called therapist.