Research help.

[NatalieBliss]

Inspired by the up recent documentary "Prodigal Sons" I am thinking of undertaking a documentary about crossdressing. I will certainly be doing a lot of research, but as I am just starting to find what academia and history is out there I was wondering if anybody already in the know would be kind enough to point in the direction of quality work in the area!

[meri]

Natalie,
I believe that there is a lot more going on in all of us than simply the surface behavior of cross-dressing. I believe that cross-dressing is simply the outward manifestation of an internal dialog or feeling about oneself. Thus, if I were to do a project such as yours, I would be digging deeply to find out *why* this phenom happens in the first place.

There are guys who look at other guys and want to be more guy-like. For our culture, that is pretty "normal" behavior.

Then, there are guys who look at girls and want to be more girl-like. That is not the norm and you really gotta wonder why... (I am one of the later BTW).

So, be sure to dig deep and see if you can uncover some of the root causes. I know many people here would like to know....

[Andy66]

This site has a lot of knowledgeable people with all sorts of varying opinions... because everyone is different. Take whatever literature you find from "experts" with a grain of salt.

It sounds like a worthwhile project. Good luck! :)

[boy2girl31]

If you are going in a strictly factual documentedbasis then check these links:

http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/article/cross-dress - Cached

http://www.google.com/Top/Society/Transgendered/Crossdressing/ - Cached

http://www.cdspub.com/cope.html - Cached

http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/article/node/1218 - Cached

[NatalieBliss]

Meri,
I completely agree and thank you for placing your thoughts so beautifully. I believe that a project such as the one you pose is a more than worthwhile endeavor. Though one far too daunting for me to attempt.
In so far as my project goes I am not terribly interested in the why, but more so the how of living "the life". I think, as a storyteller (or aspiring one at least) the best way for me to help the community at large would be to share my story. This means that it will be about a specific heterosexual CD. Not inventing the wheel here as there is already a documentary on the subject. I do however think I can add enough spin on the idea that it would be worthwhile. Again I say this not having seen the film I am referring to, though it is on the list for the research. For those wondering the title of the film is "All Dressed Up And No Place To Go" links for both I have mentioned will be at the end of my post.
That being said, I would very much like to relate the history of trasngeder in general, CDing specifically, to help further education and provide a framework for my story for those not familiar with the the wide specturm of trans-people. The why would be mere speculation on my part, even for why I do it.
I do also want to stress that I am merely exploring. I am sure everyone here can understand how daunting the prospect of outing yourself to the world is. Throw in the fact that film making is what I would like to do for a living and the doubt grows further. Do I really want to come out of the box as a crossdresser? I don't know. I hope I have the strength both mentally and resolve, but time will be the judge of that.

Links for the movies I mentioned:
Prodigal Sons
http://www.prodigalsonsfilm.com

All Dressed Up And No Place To Go
http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/136772/All-Dressed-up-and-No-Place-to-Go/overview

Anne66-
Sage advice. I surely will not forget to tap the vast wealth of experiance at this site. Thank you!

Boy2Girl31-
The links are currently loading! Thank you!

[Miranda09]

A very ambitous project Natalie. Keep us posted...I'd love to know how it's progressing and what kind of info you're discovering. :)