There is a lot of truth in this post.
I'd like to add too, that "girly things", like the Anime Wings, or colorful things appeal to Chris. "Manly things" in his areas, like big pickup trucks or whatever they do in Bumfuck Virginia, are not anything he has any interest in.
Chris as a boy talking to other boys: "I just got these Chinese girl cartoon wings to wear on my head!" "Faggot, those are dumb"
Chris as a girl talking to other girls: "I just got these Chinese girl cartoon wings to wear on my head!" "Wow! Those are so cute! Where did you get them?"
Being "a girl" to him, is just another way to enjoy those things. His formulative years at Manchester were spent "with the gals" probably helped set the mold.
Being "a girl" for him is a way, like you said, to avoid doing difficult things, and justification for still enjoying the toys and such.