[SIZE="2"]Lately I’ve been writing things, but not submitting them. You’re welcome…
Whenever something around here gets under my skin, like a thread that begs for an impassioned response, I turn off my laptop and walk away, telling myself there are better things to do with my time. My mind keeps working on a hypothetical response, of course, and sometimes I spurt out some text, look at it, tweak it for maximum effect, save it, then walk away again. Today I was going to write another blurb of unseen prose, and this time I really wanted to submit it – I was weighing the consequences, wondering if I really wanted to engage in give-and-take on the subject, with people who certainly would not agree with me. I was cautious; biding my time, hoping the brainstorm would pass. I did my writing, went to the next step (submission, such a lovely word), and the thread was closed. Hallelujah!
Nothing gets me more hot and bothered like some left-field, generalized, uninformed take on MtF crossdressing by people who should know better, but things like that come along from time to time. I spend a lot of time wondering how something like that can be supportive, and, since threads in the MtF section are visible to “guests,” I wonder how many potential members get scared away by the endless hair-splitting discussions about the terms, attitudes, and perceptions of crossdressing. Either the subject itself is non-understandable, or inexplicable, or everyone is maintaining this unfortunate condition by clouding the already murky waters of potential insight simply by being stubborn. Once I’m inspired to write, is it any wonder that I hold back? After all, I’m here to perpetuate understanding, not the opposite…
Anyway, there are times when it pays to say nothing, or, in my case, write nothing. Who am I, anyway? Who do I THINK I am? All I can talk about is MtF crossdressing, since I happen to be one of those blessed creatures. I’ve been crossdressing a long time; in fact I’m beyond the need for understanding, preferring to offer support where it’s needed. It is inherently counter-productive to get worked up over some subject that cannot be adequately grasped by my peers, or myself, so I abstain. What bothers me is a certain atmosphere of stubbornness, or being talked down-to, by less qualified individuals. The latter apparently don’t want discussion on a particular subject, so an emotional rant is substituted for a meaningful exchange of ideas, contrary to the common good…
There’s no sense relating what I was gong to respond to, or why, since the point of contention has been cordoned off for safety reasons. I’m glad, since I can now remain quiet and preserve the outer shell of my existence here. I’m still grumbling, though, internally, which may explain the need to write this lengthy post! This happened three times in the past week - a thread I was going to respond to was closed, and, quite frankly, I could see it coming. On one hand I would like to see free discussion of all subjects, but on the other hand I know that such an eventuality would be very, very time consuming for all concerned. Better to say nothing, I suppose, but who is the wiser? I find it mildly amusing that certain members here consistently avoid discussions about controversial subjects. Whether they are tempted to or not remains to be seen, but I would like to count myself as one of them, steering clear of individuals who are easily angered about some trifle…
I think we MtF crossdressers are a highly misunderstood lot, and that is an ongoing, unfortunate situation. By rubbing up against other groups in our own community, or mindsets that are unsympathetic to whatever cause or lifestyle we adhere to, we create friction that produces plenty of heat, but very little light. Speaking of light, I thought I would bring this subject, initiated in private, out into the open. Can we please have uniform support for ALL types of crossdressing? Thank you…
PS – It just happened again! I wrote an impassioned response to a provocative thread, then thought better of it and canned it for future reference. You’re welcome…[/SIZE]
Originally Posted by Frédérique
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