Is it our responsibility to share?

[Pythos]

You don't need to, but I do.

Reason. Success stories, or at least realistic accounts can help others that are thinking about getting out and smashing this stupid taboo. We here, the ones that have decided to get out of, and remain out of the closet, are trailblazers in many ways, and being such our success makes the way easier for those that wish to follow.

There are times as I type out my reports I think "I hope they don't think I am bragging" cause I am not. I am simply sharing my experiences. My descriptions usually include everything from putting on my hose, to getting out of them. I try to be as descriptive (within reason) as possible.

It is the positive and realistic posts that got me to go to someplace outside of my clubs and friend's gatherings. I only hope mine do the same for others.

[5150 Girl]

I think it is important to share our milestones. I think it is a responsibulity out girls have to the in girls. Say hey, it's ok, come out and play.
Do I post a buliton every time I go outside in a dress and tell everyting I did in said dress? Hizzellll to the no... If I did that. I'd almost never leave my computer! But do post the events (like the post class experiment) taht I feel signifigant/

[PretzelGirl]

It isn't narcissism, that is what we are here for. If those who do go out share, it let's others know what is possible. It let's them see where they can go. It let's them have faith that they also can go out and do this if they chose to. And how many times have we commented that more of us need to get out so that people see that we not a threat, that we are just another slice of society? This shows us that it is happening.

But I know another thing for me is that I saw writings about local trips out and it not only gave me faith that I could go out too, but it also gave me a good feeling for where I could go locally and get my sealegs under me. Then I was able to evolve into going pretty much anywhere.

There is a lot of gold in this stories!

[Debra Russell]

I feel that sharing my experiences and reading those of others is educational, Theraputic and at times just damn funny.

Don't feel obligated if you don't wish to share....

My sentiments exactly ..... I love getting out, my adventures are trivial and I go out more often than I post but when I can I do and usually keep it to a minimum as they are just every day type expierences but love reading all of the posts here and in no way consider them narcissistic........Debra

[t-girlxsophie]

Personally I think this site would be all the poorer without reading of successful experiences of being out and about,It isn't bragging imo,it's just letting others know that the world out there isn't as scary as it seems.When I post my experiences its just letting everyone know how much I have enjoyed myself,especially those times when I'm with my wife,even if i dont get any replies it's still worthwhile to me

Sophie

[wanagione]

I don't think it's a responsiblilty but I do think it helps us be better people. If we are the part of the group that goes out, i think it gives hope and incouragement to those who are on the edge. I feel we are a community should be not have to be, open to share our adventures.

[carhill2mn]

My thoughts are similar to yours. I, too, go out en femme a lot but, I am hesitant to post much about it. I do not view it as
a "responsibility" but, more of what is of interest to members of the group. I know that some enjoy reading about what others
have been doing and I am sure that there are others who really do not want to "read all about it".

A "dilemma"?

[Persephone]

I love reading about everyone's activities and adventures. One thing that I do feel should be important is not only learning about the positives, but learning about any possible negatives.

Hugs,
Persephone.

[Duana]

My thoughts are similar to yours. I, too, go out en femme a lot but, I am hesitant to post much about it. I do not view it as
a "responsibility" but, more of what is of interest to members of the group. I know that some enjoy reading about what others
have been doing and I am sure that there are others who really do not want to "read all about it".

A "dilemma"?

I posted about a lot of my outings in the beginning. I was excited and proud of myself and wanted to share. But after a while, I sensed, perhaps incorrectly, they were not appreciated and perceived as bragging. So I stopped but I sure haven't stopped my adventures. Besides, I go out so often now, its just not the big deal it used to be.

Do we have a responsibility? Of course not. And I really don't think reading about outings is going to be enough of a stimulus to get homebound CDs out of the house.

I had the support of an incredible SO and that is who I owe thanks to, not any stories I read here.

[Angiemead12]

I always like sharing to help and be an example to others. But I do love hearing the comments too!

[Robin Lee]

I just wish that I could write adventures of Robin on the road that people could relate too! I know that other girls story's like TX Kimberley and Karen Hutton's helped get myself out in public. I now believe that the more that us girls go out to mainstream places, the more that the general public become comfortable interacting with us. Knock on wood I have yet to have a bad experience out in public. I do not go to seedy areas and just go where any other girl would go. Open public places seem just more safe to me! So next stop Disneyland later this summer! I know many of us will never go out of the house, but the ones of us that do travel, I hope puts a spark of hopes and dreams for others.

Best Wishes
Robin Lee

[AliceJaneInNewcastle]

I go out more often than I write about in any detail here, on my blog or on facebook.

I do think that it is important that those of us who do go out share our stories in order to demonstrate that it is possible to go out without a problem. There tend to be a few very vocal agoraphobics on forums such as these, who try to discourage others from going out, or even tell horror stories of how they imagine that they might be treated if they went out. Posting stories about real outings helps to balance out such negativity.

[StarrOfDelite]

I do think that it is important that those of us who do go out share our stories in order to demonstrate that it is possible to go out without a problem. There tend to be a few very vocal agoraphobics on forums such as these, who try to discourage others from going out, or even tell horror stories of how they imagine that they might be treated if they went out. Posting stories about real outings helps to balance out such negativity.

I agree with these sentiments. And, it's not just reading about crossdressers going out and about in the wide world. To some people shaving their legs for the first time or getting their ears pierced is a big frightening deal, and it's important for such people to be able to read that another person did something that they've wanted to do, and didn't get hauled in front of the nearest brick wall to be stoned while wearing a scarlet "T".

[Princess Chantal]

I also am one that shares a small percentage of outtings. I tend to share special adventures (like vintage train rides) and events (charity car washes). They are not shared to toot my own horn, but to encourage some creative outtings thoughts for those that have done "everything" and gone "everywhere" while dressed. Okay I confess, I'm doing it for my own selfish needs; I want to read and see more stuff that makes me say "WOW, now that's awesome". Mall stories and such from well travelled outnabout people just doesn't crank my chain anymore. I still do like to hear the first outting experiences and such though, as the enthusiasm for and the knowledge gained of the experience is quite interesting to read most of the time.

[Eryn]

I love reading about everyone's activities and adventures. One thing that I do feel should be important is not only learning about the positives, but learning about any possible negatives.

Yeah, like when I swallowed a strand of hair from my wig at lunch and had a coughing fit?

Now that was a learning experience!

[Starling]

Reading anecdotes here has given me the courage to start going out, although not to malls or other wide open spaces; just to homes of friends, and with friends to meet new folks. I like being myself in fairly intimate settings, because they foster the kind of personal interaction that boosts my comfort level and firms up my sense of myself as a woman.

I especially enjoy socializing with natal women, as I learn something new each time, and I love feeling the acceptance I have been granted. Besides, I have always felt a greater affinity with women, no matter what I'm wearing. If I am able to go full-time, as I hope, I wouldn't want to wade into a mob without some gal pals around me, at least at first, to give me the gumption to fly solo.

Until I do strike out on my own, I don't really have any exploits worth sharing. But I promise if anything noteworthy happens when I leave my house, I'll report on it back here. Meanwhile, though, I really appreciate the generosity of ladies like Kim and Karren, and others too numerous to mention, in taking the time and care to document their experiences and share them with us.

Lallie

[Amanda22]

Natasha, just do whatever makes you happy. If you feel compelled to share, then do it. Otherwise, I see no responsibility is involved.

[Kaz]

Natasha, I understand the feeling.

I am not in the same league as Kim and Karren but I have been out thanks to them, and they have significantly influenced my ability to build self-confidence in my CD life. I post pics sometimes and I am always concerned that I am posting thing snobody wants to see - so I look at the responses and when the numbers are low that milks my low-esteem. But then I think.. I must up my game... which is not what this is about... so I lie low for a while.

Whenever Kim, Karren and others post about their experiences it is a 'must read'... I love to hear what others are doing as it does build confidence and we learn from each other...

But do not feel any sense of obligation... this is not what we are about...

[Kaitlyn Michele]

it's certainly not a responsibility , but it's a fun and interesting part of the forum.

and it's not narcissism!!! It's part of what we do ..apart from transsexuals, cd and tg people have a great outlet here to share identities and ideas...share socially...etc..

posting the story is part of the adventure..and it's a reinforcement for the part of crossdressing that is more about how you feel about yourself.. (as opposed to the feel of stockings on shaved legs)..it's a positive extension of yourself. go for it..
and yes, put the bad in with the good, its all part of it..

To Lallie's point, the therapy and support aspect of it is strong too. I transitioned here!! LOL... I recall some posters that i rarely see here any more (i cant remember her name but there is a gorgeous girl that played guitar clips), and i was so jealous, but i still remember reading stories, building confidence, and soon i was posting my own stories....to me it's all good.

[2B Natasha]

Hello All

First let me say a big THANK YOU to all who responded. I must admit though that I had hopped a couple of the FtM group would have shared also, but they have there own area And more power to them. Fella's you ROCK!

I have been struck by some of the repossess in that there, is to me, two types of post's that seem to stick out.

One being the epic post. The Kimberly post's. The getting not just out, but getting going to another place. Flying, traveling, Hotels, restaurants et al. The journeys. The reads that say to us all that you can get not only out but can function and live like any other person doing those things.

The other is the common post. Common as in. I went to the grocery store. I went to dinner, I took a walk downtown. I visited a museum. The type of post's that affirm that you can go out in your surrounding area's and fun. And these I think are the most important post's personally. While the travel post's are super fun to read and dream about. In reality most of us do not have a job that requires that much travel nor do we have the resources to travel except once a year. I count myself currently in the former and the latter. These post's seem to boost the confidence of the " Closet crossdresser, but I really want to get out the door " types. And that is phenomenal! Just getting out the door is such a huge sep all the support can be garnered is needed. You just never know who or what will be the thing that pushes you out the door finally when you want to go out. But please don't get me wrong here. If you never get the urge to leave your house. Good for you. Do your own thing. more power to you.

For me it was a certain individual from this board that was the straw that made the walls come crashing down. I had been on the boards here for several months and reading along, but wanting to get out. I reached out to a lady here or she to me. I don't remember exactly, but that is besides the point. We set up a date to a TG friendly bar. Set up a time. and once that commitment was made from my side I couldn't turn back. I made the decision that night to not bring any male clothes n the car with me. Whatever as going to happen was going to happen with me in full girl mode. Honestly I was looking scary. So off I went. IiI had also made plans that night to meet another gal at the same place who was in my same shoes. First time. Only she didn't know it was my first time out the door also. OOPS! the night was liberating. We sat in the bar for several hours. here is the funny part. Since I had no idea really what she looked like and nor she I . We didn't even hook up that night. It ended up just being myself and the other first timer.

so thank you. All of you. the GG, the TG and TS both FtM and MtF, and the CD.