I mostly ignore the negatives since they have been few. And when someone stares I tend to stare back and not say anything to make them uncomfortable or just ignore it completely. One thing I have found is most folks will stare, whisper as I pass, or just plain get confused. It is amazing that people think "stage whispering" is quiet enough that I can't hear them even when they are right next to me. I answer the polite questions or jabs from friends accordingly and politely but for the most part I have learned that if you are totally comfortable being true to yourself and what YOU want to be, then others tend to fall in line unless they are just being jerks. And if they are jerks then they are jerks and nothing will alter their perspective. Mostly I treat the stares and confusion by just being more proud of how good I look and if no one tries to make a direct confrontation I just ignore them.

All the best,
Hugh