[5] McLeod commented several times on the dire emotional state she was in due to her inability to be the gender she felt she truly was.
During her time in America she felt suicidal due to her inability to receive surgery in America, stating: “I was treated neither as male or female—more as a nonentity…I was miserable and I wanted to die.”[6] McLeod, who had been living in Dyersburg, Tennessee, traveled to Copenhagen, Denmark at age 28, in the years 1953-1954, for the plastic surgery procedures that would allow her to transition from male to female.
They eventually asked McLeod to leave, stating: "We have done what we could for Charlotte and we will continue to do our Christian duty toward a person in distress, but we just cannot take this.
"[7] However, upon returning home, McLeod found herself to be very happy and was surrounded by people who loved and supported her: “I fit right in where I left off.
They’ve accepted the many changes.”[8] McLeod performed a one-woman show once a week at SHO-BAR at 228 Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisiana.
[10] McLeod did not have a strong desire for this kind of career, but continued to work in entertainment in order to make enough money to live a normal life.
She was quoted telling The San Francisco Examiner that: “She doesn’t look forward to night club work, but thinks it necessary to pay bills.
She said she is looking forward to married life and a home of her own.”[7] McLeod was documented working as a secretary for six weeks, as well as demonstrating cosmetics at a Miami Beach shop.
[11] Elmo Badon, the owner of the Moulin Rouge at 231 Bourbon Street in New Orleans, sued McLeod in 1954.
The judge, Rene A. Viosca, signed a restraining order against McLeod that temporarily stopped her from appearing in any night club as an entertainer.
I hope she'll be happy.”[8] Christine Jorgensen was the first widely known transgender woman to travel to Denmark in order to have operations that would allow her to transition from male to female.
At one of her one-woman shows, she was quoted saying: “I just wish she’d come in here some night so I could yell ‘Check your hat, mister.” [16] McLeod's story was written in the press to be very different from Jorgensen's.
At all times, I have conducted myself like a lady.”[3] An incident between McLeod and the press was discussed frequently in many articles just after her arrival to America from Denmark.
She also displayed a dislike towards New Orleans gay counterculture, stating: “I was appalled at their insincerity, insecurity, and promiscuity practiced among them.