How has this site affected you?

[kendra_gurl]

Pretty simple question. After becoming a member here and reading the thousands of post from all the members here How has it affected you?

oh ya my answer... It has made me desire to dress a lot less but when I do, to dress totally and to the very best of my ability. This sight has just re-enforced what I knew all along. I am not alone, but I am not nor do I want to be where some others here are. No judgments of anyone intended just stating the way I personally feel how this site has affected me.

[Kathi Lake]

Before I joined this site, I was alone. Sure, I'd read of others who did this stuff, but I was still the only creepy guy out there. :)

I was a wallflower. I was shy. I was scared. Dressing up completely? Sure, a few times, but rarely outside, it seemed.

Now? I'm not exactly shy. I'm not exactly a wallflower. I live for getting dressed up and showing the world what a great bunch of wonderful people we are. This place, and the wonderful people here, have given me the confidence I never knew I had.

Kathi

[VioletJourney]

Before I joined this site I thought crossdressing meant I had some kind of severe mental disorder. Now I know there's lots of good people just like me and I have no problem with it!

[Karren H]

Since its what I use to post mostly.... I've developed severe Blackberry thumb!! Crossdressing wise... Not that much. I was wacky way before I came here 6 years ago? And I was active on a few other forums before I came here.... But I've made some awesome friends here that have translated onto other social networks...

[RADER]

I was dressing for many years, since I was very young, mostly sneaking Ma's girdles and wearing them to bed at night.
When I got married, I thought things would get easer, with a wife helping me get dressed. She would have nothing to do with it.
And 9 years later, a bitter divorce. Jump forward to the present day, married 18 years to a loving wife who likes me
dressing, as long as I stay in the closet. I do not mind, I would never pass anyway. I am built like a Lumberjack with a few
extra pounds. This Forum as given me confidence to under dress a lot more, I wear Panties 24/7, a bra about 50% in summer,
and 90% in winter.
So I say thank you to the forum and all the lovely new friends out there, You taught an old Dog new tricks. LOL
Rader

[Starr]

This site and a couple of others have given me the courage to continue on this path. I always enjoyed getting dressed pretty and being all girly. Now however it is all I can think about, and I keep pushing myself in the direction of being a full time girl. Will see where that takes me, but in the mean time I think you all for being a wonderful bunch of girls who understand the ups and downs of being a tgirl.

star

[Billie Jean]

It didn't affect the frequency of my dressing. Like you I tend to fully dress and I have been out in public a few times. I did dress in public once before for Nursing Home Week before being a member here. Billie Jean

[Billie Jean]

Since its what I use to post mostly.... I've developed severe Blackberry thumb!! Crossdressing wise... Not that much. I was wacky way before I came here 6 years ago? And I was active on a few other forums before I came here.... But I've made some awesome friends here that have translated onto other social networks...Over 16,000 post my thumb would have fallen off. You only joined a month before me but I go for periods without posting. Billie Jean

[Stephanie Miller]

You all have raised the bar. Before I started on here I knew there were pretty CD's out in the world. And I always wished I could be one. ( I can't hold a candle to any of the Gg's on this board they are all so pretty- so why try )Then I got on this site, and the more time I spend the more of you show up - and I realize the bar is just too high for me to reach and I better be satisfied with who I am. I also love the diverse opinions of everyone. I may or may not agree, but I don't care. I enjoy the open dialog with like minded people that really aren't judgmental to who I really am inside.
Kind of a family outside of family. All over the world.

[Raychel]

This forum has given me the courage to come out to my wife and accept myself for the person that I am. It has given me many new friends both online and in real life. Great friends that I never would have met anywhere else.

[dawnmarrie1961]

This website has saved my life more than once.

[Lady_Chaos]

A sign of HOPE that I can be myself in the real world. :D

[Debra Russell]

My femm self has put more demand on my time than I have ever thought -- as that is all I ever think about! This forum has given me a form of expression that has held "Debra" at bay for the good of all as I tend to be somewhat obsessive and a little complusive about my sister self. I am thankful for this place......Debra

[BLUE ORCHID]

This fourm has shown me that I'm not alone in this big world and that I now have thousands of friends.

Orchid

[Karren H]

Over 16,000 post my thumb would have fallen off. You only joined a month before me but I go for periods without posting. Billie Jean

Lol. On my favorite makeup forum I'm pushing 20,000 and I post prolifically on facebook.. Worn out 3 blackberrys in as many years.... :)

[Debglam]

Before I joined this site, I was alone. Sure, I'd read of others who did this stuff, but I was still the only creepy guy out there. :)

You and me both! My CD'ing hit critical mass last year and I finally got the nerve to wade through the "*******" porn sites until I found this site. Until this point I KNEW I was alone, anyone else with this desire HAD to be a pervert or some kind of freak. I was really scared to enter my information when I first got here. I did and the thought police didn't kick in my door! Well the rest is history! I don't want to leave anyone out, but after reading the posts from some of the regulars, posting myself, and then getting responses my world changed. Thank you sisters! I hope when you started that there were girls and GG's that were as kind and helpful to you as you have been to me. All I can do in thanks is to "pay it forward" and I will!

:love:
Debby

[Annaliese2010]

Its on the other side of a portal from the world 'out there' its safe its calm it nice its pretty its people are interesting, intelligent, logical & caring. Its thought provoking & challenging but not condescending. Its gloriously glam, frivolously fun, disarming & daring. There are moments skirting.. sensual & sexual but never descending to baseness nor disrespecting the aesthetic sensibility of those more timidly minded. Its a verdant oasis amidst the desert. At the cool edge of fresh, a forum free floating; virtual yet vibrant, animated, alive. Like the soft breeze uplifting, turning & twisting a white restless feather forever buoyant, joyous; this is a nexus, a gentle collective where spirits embrace, express, co-mingle, create a smoothly streaming lightness of being; the crest of which to ride, the breadth of which to swim, the depths into which one dives to find.. adventure, discovery & the mystery of secret origins.

[Pythos]

It has helped me know I am not the only one. It has also gotten me to get out of a shell, to an extent.

I wish I had known of a site like this long ago though.

Due to two members so far I have found groups where I can wear and look how I want outside of the goth clubs. My old friends circle disentegrated with the loss of the GG, so now I need to find new ones. I have my flying friends but I have so little in common with them, aside from a love of flying.

[Kathi Lake]

. . . but never descending to baseness . . .And may it stay this way always. :)

There are plenty of forums out there for 'that.' I'm so glad our mods keep this one as an oasis from that!

Kathi

[RICHELL]

Other than my wife not liking it, with a beard it is hard to go any place dressed up with out looking like, the bearded lady at the side show.

[PretzelGirl]

There is a lot. I have learned a lot here. Not just how to dress, do make-up, and all that standard stuff. But I have learned who we are and how diverse we can be. When I came here, I had the myopic view of who were where because of a lack of exposure.

I have also had other changes. I get out now when it was unfathomable before. Now it is no big deal. I have come out to many people when it was just my wife previously. And finally, and most certainly not the least of all, I have made many friendships. Whether they are those that I only see on-line, are local to me, or I might at Diva Las Vegas, I feel I have many new friends and they all mean a lot to me. The biggest accomplishment you can make in life is how many people you positively affect and a lot of people here have accomplished big things.

[Rachel Mari]

I echo many here by saying that I'm not alone anymore. I've learned a lot and I want to learn more. I don't post much, not yet, but I read almost everyday.

I'm still working on the aceptance part and therapy is helping but I am starting to feel better about myself more than I ever had before.

Thank you all.

[CaitlynRenee]

I always knew we existed in much greater numbers. I just didn't know HOW many more of us there are or how diverse we are as a group of people. We're just about as diverse as any other group of men or women can be in what passes for 'normal' society. Just what IS normal anyway??

Some of us look absolutely beautiful, some of us do not. Some of us look as if we are 'coming home' genderwise when we dress. For whatever the reason is that we are CD, we now have a place to go and good people to talk to/with. Some of us will meet others from the forum and others of us will be too shy to meet up. Still, we have a site where we are accepted for who we are and not for how we dress, or for how we identify sexually, a place to share with one another. Yeah, I know, some of us DO dress and look absolutely gorgeous. Sighhhh, Wish my features weren't so rough.

Perhaps someday, I will have the privilige of meeting another CD from the site. Lot's to talk about and share.

I have the sneaking suspicion we will be just about like any other group of people, only with a few more interesting topics to talk about. May we always be honest and respectful of each other.

[Cynthia Anne]

Before I joined this site, I was alone. Sure, I'd read of others who did this stuff, but I was still the only creepy guy out there. :)

I was a wallflower. I was shy. I was scared. Dressing up completely? Sure, a few times, but rarely outside, it seemed.

Now? I'm not exactly shy. I'm not exactly a wallflower. I live for getting dressed up and showing the world what a great bunch of wonderful people we are. This place, and the wonderful people here, have given me the confidence I never knew I had.

Kathi

Wow! I for a moment thought Kathi was reading my mind! Not much I can add to it! Hugs!

[Natalie D]

I only joined a couple of days ago and I'm so glad I did. I've learned a lot in the past couple of days. I knew there were other's like me out there but never realised just how many. I like the honesty of the people on here and have completely excepted my dressing now instead of questioning myself :) Coming out and telling people on here about my CDing felt so good. Its a great feeling to finally share my secret with others and love being called things like girl and sister.
Its also got me thinking about all sorts of things and in the last couple of days I've ordered loads of clothes and my 1st wig :)

[SweetIonis]

It's human nature to put oneself on a pedestal and pontificate about plight of others. That's at the core of things like racism, homophobia, and the repulsion that many feel when confronted with the phenomenon of cross dressing. So it's no surprise at all when this type of behavior is manifest in the activities, words, and attitudes of many. I think this site can be and is used as a mechanism to navigate the hostility, so it's nice that it is here.

[onceinawhile]

I never believed I could get fully dressed; hearing from all of you has made me believe this is possible; if improbable given my current situation. Keep raising the bar, for the pursuit of beauty, wherever one finds it, should be in the grasp of everyone.

[Maria Blackwood]

I'm a much more casual crossdresser. I dress in the evenings to relax, and mostly lingerie or lounge wear (e.g. whatever I feel comfortable lounging around in). I have no desire to live as a female or present to the world as one. On the other hand, I have been wanting to put together some elaborate feminine costumes, do a photo shoot and put up a web site just as a project and something to do (I bore easily). I just never have the time.

I suppose I feel a bit more isolated than before. I'm not finding many others like me. The heated thread about being in the closet had me looking in from the outside. In my little corner of the universe there is no closet to debate about.

So, there ya go. Mmmmyep.

[joanna4]

After becoming a member I am very happy and feel like crossdressing is me and its what completes me and makes me happy. I have no shame of it. Not to offend anyone but in the future when I do get married and does divorce occurs whether or not my cd is the problem, I can live the rest of my life cd'ing whenever/whereever. I am not afraid of getting caught or be seen anymore. I 'm ready for when my family discovers my secret closet of my femme stuff, I'm not ready to come out since it should hapen when it happens.

I just love crossdressing even more and want to go a step further and enjoy it. I have shaved my legs everytime I dress and have stopped working out. I was never big to begin with and I take that as a blessing. I did not accept the muscle milk/protein shave that my buddy got for me. I only work on my abs and continue doing martial arts and dance because it's my hobby.

I'm 5'4" and 120 lbs. with fit a women's size 9 shoe. I couldnt be happier with myself. I even considered taking estrogen to feminize my face and body but I want to have kids someday, I guess some things are not set at this point and time will tell.

[Danni Renee]

Echoing the common sentiment - I know now that I am not alone. That in and of itself helps me become simply happier in my life.

[Claire Cook]

I'll echo it too. This is the one place where we can share experiences, advice, consolation -- and maybe a laugh or tear or two. It has certainly given me the courage to be me ... but it has cut into my other computer time. While I don't post as much as others, at least I use a real keyboard, so don't have Karren's problem...

[Michala]

As for others this site has made me realize that I am not all that different. It has helped in my fashion sense. No longer think I have to look like a hooker to be a nice looking lady. This site has also given me confidence to not deny who I am. When my wife found one of my bras awhile ago I freely admitted that it was mine. She has no desire to see me dressed but at least she didn't storm off and make a fuss. Just kind of said "Ok, I thought it might have been from another woman who left it here." Went better than I thought. She knows, but has no desire to know more.

[Tina B.]

This is not my first site, I was a member of another site for a few years, but left it because of the attitude that was taking over that site. It became full of militant Transsexuals that wanted to spend all the time trying to convince the cross dressers that we all really wanted to have SRS, just got tried of having to explain I really am happy just where I am. I felt lost not having a site to go to any more, to chat with like minded people, then I found this place. I love having a place to come and chat, swap ideas, and information, to lend and receive support. I love that it's a place that you can be TS, I can be CD, and we both can be happy for the other. Of all the sites I have tried, I find this one to be the most inclusive, sure glad I found it.
Tina

[Inna]

WOW, this site gave me courage to awake from the nightmare of my former existence. When I survived the near attempt, and was given a second chance at this life I had seek out this site and begun to unwind. With help of the girls here I gathered courage to tell of my story to the first soul, my sister. From there it took about a year for entire surrounding world to know of whom I really am.
I am forever grateful to all of you for giving me life!

[SweetIonis]

I love that it's a place that you can be TS, I can be CD, and we both can be happy for the other. Of all the sites I have tried, I find this one to be the most inclusive, sure glad I found it.
Tina

That's a nice, mature, attitude to have Tina! Thanks for sharing that.

[SweetIonis]

WOW, this site gave me courage to awake from the nightmare of my former existence. When I survived the near attempt, and was given a second chance at this life I had seek out this site and begun to unwind. With help of the girls here I gathered courage to tell of my story to the first soul, my sister. From there it took about a year for entire surrounding world to know of whom I really am.
I am forever grateful to all of you for giving me life!

That's a far out story. It reminds me that I should be thankful for all that I have been given.

[Rianna Humble]

Like many of the previous posters, I discovered that I was not "the only freak in the world", but joining this site also helped me to accept who I really am.

I also benefitted enormously from the support of people who cared enough to warn me to slow down when I wanted to go rushing headlong into dressing at work without considering what the fallout might be. From that I made some strong friendships with people who had given me real support rather than just encouragement.

I also gained an understanding that there can be many different but equally valid reasons for someone to cross-dress.

I have had wonderful support when I needed to tell my (then) 88 year old father and also when I needed to come out at work as TS.

Like Tina, I love the fact that we are an inclusive community not only TS and CD but also family, friends and Significant Others (whether they are struggling or not).

[SweetIonis]

I just started posting here a few days ago, but I must say that I am so impressed with some of the people I have met here already. I never dreamed I would meet people that natually I like, have so much in common with, and that I could share this part of my life with. This is so awesome! I think this experience is going to make me a much better person and I appreciate those of you have contributed in such a positive way to this experience.

[RylieCD]

This site has helped me understand myself. Before I found this site I found myself on yahoo groups trying to find someone like me and only found men wanting to like me, this put me into depresssion and found myself spiraling out of control. Now I know there are others like me and how vast the CD/TG/TS spectrum can be. I also thought that if i liked the clothes then I must be a woman and the only path was all the way, I can now say I am a man in a dress and it is OK.

[suchacutie]

My wife and I discovered Tina on a Saturday morning in August of 2005. Knowing next to nothing about transgenderism I went looking online that night. Within 48 hours I had joined this site! I read and read and read here. I went to sites given in the various threads by people pointing out where to look for just about anything and everything involving the art of giving your feminine self freedom of expression.

Frankly, Tina learned about the complex nature of transgenderism on this site: the good, the bad, the beautiful, and the not-so beautiful.

She started posting here telling of her experiences and asking about what she didn't understand. We're over 2000 posts now, so you can see we're pretty interested! Basically, Tina grew up with this site!

:)

[WsprsOnTheWind]

The posters on this site have helped me realize that my negative experience with a CD, who is a nasty person, is not representative of how most CD's are. I have only been in close contact/dated one CD and he was probably the worst person in the world to have introduced me to it. The whole time he was telling me how most CD's were wishy washy. As it turns out HE is the one that is the most wishy washy person I've ever met. Along with spineless and a mommy's "yes" boy at 50 years old. Thankfully, through continuing to post here and friends who have talked me through, I've realized that his being a CD had nothing to do with the fact that he just has a nasty personality.

People who are nice people don't have to go around telling others how nice they are, or how good their job performance is or how much others love them and how they never lose and always get their way, and how easy it is for them to pick up women therefore they don't have to bother arguing with the one they've got.

Ugly is as ugly does and ugly character/attitude can ruin a beautiful face.

I've seen very few CD's post bragging about how many women they can get b/c they are so afraid of not being accepted. Most of them say they would do anything just to have one woman love and accept them.

[Kate Simmons]

Hopefully it's partly the other way around and I hope I have shown others that the real value is in who they are as a person, not what they wear or what they look like.:)

[WsprsOnTheWind]

Lets hope that others who have bad experiences won't close themselves off and cheat themselves out of great friendships. Maybe this site will be positive inspiration for them as well.

[Kate Simmons]

Lets hope that others who have bad experiences won't close themselves off and cheat themselves out of great friendships. Maybe this site will be positive inspiration for them as well.Couldn't have said it any better myself Hon.:)

[SweetIonis]

I hope I have shown others that the real value is in who they are as a person, not what they wear or what they look like.:)

That was so awesome. Your words are truly an inspiration.

WOW! I really didn't expect to get this type of thing here!

Thanx!

[Kate Simmons]

That was so awesome. Your words are truly an inspiration.

WOW! I really didn't expect to get this type of thing here!

Thanx!You are very welcome Hon and thank YOU for your words of wisdom as well.:)

[SweetIonis]

You are very welcome Hon and thank YOU for your words of wisdom as well.:)

Abigal,

You probably don't realize it, but what you just said is something that I have struggled so hard to get a grip on. Yes, I know it, and I appreciate the concept, but honestly, I find myself constantly becoming bewildered by the externals. Hearing those words come from you reminded me of how weak a person I am, and that I really need the help of others to keep me on track.

Any rate, that why I had to respond.

[Kate Simmons]

The more we understand who we are the closer we come to becoming the person we were truly meant to be.:)

[SweetIonis]

Well they say the truth will set you free.

[kendra_gurl]

I posted this question in hopes that everyone here would stop and think about the value a site such as this can have for all of us. I'm glad to read how its affected so many of you in a positive way and wish everyone the very best in gaining what ever level of acceptance your seeking.

The Diversity of the members here make it easy to find not only similar views but opposite views as well thus re-enforcing some opinions and making one doubt other opinions they came here with.

I have found out so much about myself, feelings, values, beliefs, that I never knew I felt so passionate about and for that I thank everyone on each side of every thread I participate in

[SweetIonis]

I posted this question in hopes that everyone here would stop and think about the value a site such as this can have for all of us. I'm glad to read how its affected so many of you in a positive way and wish everyone the very best in gaining what ever level of acceptance your seeking.


Well it has definitely been a productive exercise for me. I got to hear from some awesome people. That's what has really struck me. Honestly I had no idea I would come in contact with such intelligent, friendly, clear thinking people here.

[Helen_Highwater]

For me, it's a double edged sword. I've gained a degree of confidence to go out in public when the opportunity presents itself, albeit at mostly quiet but not exclusively, secluded places. The liberation that that brings is wonderful. The other side to the coin is that I know that I will will struggle to achieve the transformation that many here reveal. That to walk down the street or through a shopping mall in broad daylight and not be instantly picked out is not (yet?) achievable, again presents the same double edge sword. One side disappointment, the other, something to work towards.
If I have to cast my vote then being here has been a positive. Reading what others have posted has enabled me to spend time very much at ease with the persons I am. Two for the price of one.

[Ashley_in_Texas]

This site has brought about both happiness and sadness for me.
Happiness in the fact that now I know that I am not a "freak", happiness knowing that I am one of the lucky ones that have a supportive wife, and happiness because I have made freinds that I would not have made if it weren't for this place.
Sadness, because I know that I will never "pass" and be able to go out without being noticed and singled out, sadness because of some of the sad stories that I have read here, and sadness because I did not have this oasis of a site 20 years ago.

Ashley

[JenniferS]

This site opened my eyes to the thousands of unmet friends who are like me. I am not alone with my loving desire to dress and feel like a woman. After reading post for over two years I finaly joined to maybe in some small way give back to others a little bit of the strength, courage and self acceptance I have gained from all of you.

[L'eggs n' heels]

This site has made me feel like I'm a normal person, better yet, an interesting, creative person with an imagination.

[Miranda09]

I've been a member for just over 2 years now. Prior, I knew nothing about the community, nor understood my particular sets of desires regarding expressing my fem self. This site has been an invaluable educational experience and I have met many wonderful people here, who also encouraged me to go out in public, which I've only done o 2 separate occasions (still a bit shy)......Yes, it was a blast and so empowering!! I think if I hadn't joined this group, I'd still be in the dark about everything and wonder what it all means. While all my questions have yet to be answered, I feel more confident and comfortable with myself as a result of this site. The best decision I ever made!! :)

[Asche]

I've been a lurker for a while now, but it was only recently that I decided to register.

My reaction to this site is mixed.

On the one hand, I find it interesting to read different people's perspectives. As a guy who is in many ways "gender non-conforming," and in many ways not, it's nice to hear from those here who aren't wedded to traditional ideas of how men and women are supposed to be. And there are a lot of thoughtful and insightful people here.

On the other hand, I don't fit into the traditional CD role at all. I'm not interested in passing as a woman, or trying to convince myself that I'm a woman, and a lot of the things that CD's here are into don't interest me at all (e.g., makeup and high heels.) My fashion sense, though rather un-masculine, is pretty far from the mainstream of CD's here, so I don't get much out of the fashion discussions.

On the third hand, there aren't any sites out there that do fit my tastes and interests all that closely. This may be "as good as it gets."

[Jeannie]

Before coming here I thought that all CD'ers dressed up and had sex with other men. When I found this site I was amazed and relieved that I wouldn't have to do that (LOL) and I could just dress up and be Jeannie. I have learned so much about crossdressing and how I don't have to feel guilty about doing it and I was not the only one on the planet that felt that way. I had seen the drag queens here where I live and I thought that's not what I am. The closest I had come to finding people like me were the female impersonators in New Orleans. They dressed up like the stars and performed on the stage and I thought wow, that is so awesome, but when I looked in the mirror reality hit me square in the lipstick and I had to admit that would never be me. Here on this forum I can be Jeannie and I can find the courage to let Jeannie be and talk like a women and no one would laugh at me. Even if I got up the nerve to go to one of the conventions I could still be Jeannie and no one would laugh at me. So that being said this is better than therapy if you ask me this is freedom to be me. Thank you all for being here and whomever started this site you are my hero and you are a genius.

[cd_in_de]

Before coming here I thought that all CD'ers dressed up and had sex with other men. When I found this site I was amazed and relieved that I wouldn't have to do that (LOL) and I could just dress up and be Jeannie. I have learned so much about crossdressing and how I don't have to feel guilty about doing it and I was not the only one on the planet that felt that way. I had seen the drag queens here where I live and I thought that's not what I am. The closest I had come to finding people like me were the female impersonators in New Orleans. They dressed up like the stars and performed on the stage and I thought wow, that is so awesome, but when I looked in the mirror reality hit me square in the lipstick and I had to admit that would never be me. Here on this forum I can be Jeannie and I can find the courage to let Jeannie be and talk like a women and no one would laugh at me. Even if I got up the nerve to go to one of the conventions I could still be Jeannie and no one would laugh at me. So that being said this is better than therapy if you ask me this is freedom to be me. Thank you all for being here and whomever started this site you are my hero and you are a genius.

That is the stereotype. However, it did not take me long after joining this site to come out on my non-fem facebook wall. I would not have done so if not for this site. Thanks for the support y'all!!!

[Kendra Sue]

This site has allowed me to realize I am not alone hor some kind of freak

[Stevann]

I've picked up a lot of tips from the site. But most of all I received courage. It is difficult with a SO that wants to know nothing and see nothing - but when the opportunity presents itself, I now seek times I can go out enfemme.

[Nicola]

The site made me aware that I was not the only person in the world with the need to express myself by wearing womens clothes

[danielle40I]

To the members and Mods here, I thank you all for being here. You have been a refuge and a source of strength when I had none...that the guilt/shame we all perhaps lived/live with is our own to purge...and we are simply human beings with the same faults and failings that all humankind suffers with every moment of our lives...that we can choose to make lemonade when seeming to be surrounded by lemons...and count our blessings for those that we meet along the way in this journey we call...Life.

O Devine Creator
Hold her in your gentle hands
and craddle her in your loving arms.
Keep her safe and
keep her healthy.
Help her to enjoy all the love and happines,
all the respect and dignity
the understanding, patience and kindness
and the peace and contentment that she
desreves and needs.
Whisper into her heart and
touch her soul.
Let her know that she is loved for who
she is and chooses to be...
no matter what.

For the wonderful woman I lost for my selfishness...and perhaps as a better person...will find again. I miss you Button.

Thank you all ever so very much for being my friends...all of you. (Crying...sorry).

[ArleneRaquel]

This site has been a great asset to me, from it I have meet many CD/TS friends.

[StarrOfDelite]

I'm not sure that I can articulate a reply. For such a simple question, my response would have to multi-layered, multi-hued, and very, very verbose. All I can say is that Crossdressers Forum has been a positive force in my life, and I have learned a tremendous amount of wisdom and knowledge about crossdressing and crossdressers. Thanks to all of you ladies.

[Suzy Parker]

I am new here and to sharing with others. The initial thing was the immediate feeling of support from everyone, that is wonderful. Also chatting, which I love to do, about womens clothing with others makes me feel good. And also I would have to say that I think I am her as a start down the path to coming out with my SO. I need to learn how to share fisrt and decided to go all out. I've even taken and shared a couple of photos which I have never ever done in the forty years I have been dressing.

[Butterfly Bill]

I have found that androgynous crossdressers like me are a small minority within the crossdressing group as a whole. I want to be a man in a dress who is OK with that and honest about it. The vast majority of you want to pass.

[Raychel]

I am more like Butterfly Bill. But I will never have the courage to step out the door.

[Erica Thorn]

Trying a short reply here.
Before this site me and my SO almost never spoke of my CD, but after I registered here and she did to we've both gained a lot more insight about TG and most of all CD but that's not all, we've also...
Together trying to find me a fitting name
She's done my makeup completely one night
I told her about my wig I've been hiding from her for the last 1½ year
She gave me a photo-shoot
I don't feel alone all the time anymore
I don't need to hide that side of me for my SO longer
etc

This list could probably get even longer but I'll keep it at that... I have a book, where I before bedtime write down 3 things that are good, 3 things that I'm thankful for and 3 things that I want help with in the next day... Guess what I wrote in the thankful part back when we started here, yeah thats right... "I am thankfull that CD.com and all the members have helped us this much" *grouphug*

[Kathy4ever]

I guess I could answer #1 is by what I lost. SLEEP> I wake up at 3 or 4 in morning to read and occasionally answer a post or start one.
the second thing might be a a little jealous in the lucky ones who have a supporting spouse or girl friend.
#3, Is seeing others who have the same issues as me in an a unsupporting spouse. It's nice to know I'm not alone.
#4 is that I learn new things everyday. I don't have anyone to learn from other than this site. I could go on and on.

Luv all

[Samantha_Smile]

How has this site affected me?
Its given me self acceptance. Helped me come to terms with the fact that I'm not alone, Im not a freak. I always kinda thought there must be someone else who does this, but it's not something you really bring up with your mates over a few drinks... just to make sure, just incase you are the only one.
It's helped my wife to be. It's helped her to get her head around the issues and turmoil we've all probably been through growing up stealing clothes when oportunity arose, hiding it from the world, trying to hide it from ourselves. Fear of not being accepted for who we are- males who enjoy dressing as females... Where's the harm??

Most of all it's given me a new perspective on why I do this and Im slowly coming to terms with the fact that Im probably gonna do this for the rest of my days, so why hide it? Atleast from your family.

Cheers

[Celeste]

I feel so fortunate to have found this site first.It was the beginning of my journey and after seeing many of the other (mostly sexually oriented)sites over the years,it's easy to see that being here is a productive way of continuing to improve.I will always be a member here,I find the advise and insight invaluable.

[jenowen]

everyone needs an outlet, a place to express themselves with no fear of retribution.often you can't talk to a spouse or a mom because they are so close minded and protective of their own womanhood. I feel safe here and appreciate the chance to share

[Shelly67]

Honestly ?
It's been a place of inspiration and warmth .
Then other times it's made my skin crawl and feel ashamed .
No matter the conclusion , I keep coming back . And I'm grateful for being given the oppertunatey to do so .

[lauraabdl]

Its the best safe haven I have found and the learning is non stop. I thought I was alone and well now I know I'm not and the friends that I have made a exceptional, wouldn't have met them with out this site, I thank each and every one of you for being who you are as diverse as you are, it an excellent journey and I for one am enjoying the ride with all of you.
Laura Lee:heehee:

[NatalieBliss]

This site has helped me accept myself, pushed me to hone and cultivate a better fem look, and made me determined to start a relationship with honesty about my crossdressing. In short, it has been a fantastic place for me.

I love the diversity in the mutl-layered dressing found here.

Butterfly Bill we may not have the same desires in dressing, but I think you, Jive Turkey on Rye, and all the others that do a man in a dress/skirt look are incredible ambassadors and assets to the TS/CD community.

[zorianacd]

In short, this site has been wonderful. I have changed since I first started dressing and I continue to evolve. It's interesting to see that others have gone through the same changes and are not the same dresser that they were when they first started. It's also great to see that I'm not the only one who feels the way I do about dressing. I dress to celebrate the feminine illusion and not because I want to feel like a woman. Women have so many more outlets to express themselves when they dress whether it's their hair, nails, clothes, shoes, bags, jewelry, etc. It's not fair. I want to look like the best girl possible which is what drives me to dress today. Dressing is an all or nothing proposition. It takes a lot of work and I'm lazy about it much of the time. I used to be extremely over the top when I dressed because I thought I had no hope of passing. But I've mustered the courage to "step out" and realize that I don't look too bad. It's a process. Since it's not about feeling like a woman, I don't get involved with the psychology of why I'm dressing. I just don't care. I like what I like. I don't need to rationalize my behavior and I think most on this site would agree. I'm fortunate to have an understanding wife and to only be a size 9.5/10 in women's shoes. Nordstrom, here I come.

[Michaela42]

For one it has let me know that I am not the only one out there in the world. Living in the middle of nowhere always had me feeling isolated. And, it has taken a while but I think I am finally about ready to take a few steps out into the big world.

[jacques]

hello,
this site has given me the courage to say "I am what I am!" (well whisper it to myself at least".
I love you all for that - thanks for everything
Jacques

[carolinewalker_2000]

For me the big revelation of this site is to realise just how many supportive sisters there are out here in the big wide world.

[Jenniferathome]

It changed my life. Because I found this site, manned-up and joined, AND thanks to advice and life story sharing from Mandy, I came out to my wife. I sleep better, sex is better and I am getting better at being the girl-me. Life has a whole new flavor.

[TxCassie]

OMG... how has our Forum changed my life... Like most of us, I knew in my head there were such people out there, but for me, I was the only one. I surpressed my desire for so many reasons, for so many years. I felt I fell victim or worse, I allowed to become person with the ultimate betrayal secret. I always hated myself because, I felt so singular, that I was the sissyboy. But joining this group has shown me the diversity of men out there who are just like me. Everyday men, who grew up as boys, did what boys do, married, have children, work, play sports, work in the most masculine professions, are hairy, muscled, bellied, deep voiced, masculine, with one added quality, the feminine side of their pysche is such, like mine, strong enough to need expression beyond what society allows for males. What I found ugly, bad, sinful, alone, became beautiful, good, and righteous when seen as the whole. There is power, comfort, and for self-assurance and for the lack of a better word, normalcy when you connect with others like you.

I have gone from purchasing, wearing and purging, denying myself joy, self-idenitication, pleasure, femininity to purchasing, wearing, storing, caring for my clothes allowing myself to feel, relax, enjoy and forget that Cassie is "something to deal with" to part of someone, ME. I think one of the most important things I've seen in the forum is when I read of so many gals who say, "I'm built like a lumberjack" or I look at the pictures of a truely handsome, masculine man with his feminine picture right next to him. Having the male genes, I guess the visual is what I needed to burn into my mind, "it's not what you look like, it's what you know is true in your mind and heart, everything you can't see".

I have gone from vowing never to let anyone know I'm a sissy to actually putting a picture (sans face, in time), and being proud and excited and knowing I'm transgendered. Knowing it, embracing it, yes, even mourning the loss of my illusion of my phantom masculine self-idenitity, so that I could accept my true nature.

Otherwise, it's been ok.... :battingeyelashes:

Cassie :hugs:

[erica2]

Coming in here was quite enlightening. Finding that I was not so much weird, nor as alone as I may have thought was a relief. I enjoy the fact that now I have far less guilt feelings than before, and have a slightly better understanding of who I am. I can safely say I don't look any better, but have learned some things that help.

I have yet to try to pass anywhere other than the back yard, but my wife seems to think I should give it a shot. She continues to surprise me as I travel along this path. Just yesterday, she brought me a dress from a yard sale she went to. It may require a bit of work prior to wearing, as it looks REALLY big (even for me!). She has modified bras for me, taken up some things I bought, and for my birthday she bought me some shoes - two pairs of heels and a pair of flats. That was a monumental step to me, as I have NEVER had the nerve to consider it.

So finding this place has changed things a bit, as I've shown her some of the participants of the site that have photos available to me, as well as the "beautiful transmowmen" site. We were both amazed at some of you and how beautifully you turn up as women!

To those who started this site, thank you. To those who have photos and links to your photo pages and sites, thank you as well. When I get the nerve to go further than out the back door, I only hope I do as much justice to being beautiful in apearance as you all. Now... I gotta do something about all this facial fur!

For me, beauty is gonna have to work really hard if it starts on the inside, because it's gonna be rough to get it to come out! I'm gonna need to lose a bit of weight as well. May be a bit easier being a little more happy with myself.

I am Erica2 (and am enjoying it more lately.)

[Melanie Sykes]

It's been such a help to me just to know that there are others who enjoy this craziness as much as I do. I always thought there was something wrong with me: until I found this site, the only cross-dressers I'd seen were drag queens and once, whilst visiting a relative in Somerset, a bearded guy in his 60s en-drab but wearing high heels. (Now, I wish I'd talked to him about it, but I remember as a teenager thinking he was mad. Even though I did such things myself in private, for some reason my brain didn't connect what I was doing with what he was doing.) I hid my dressing from my wife for 12 years, then she came home unexpectedly one day and it shocked her terribly. She completely rejected it and made me throw everything out. Shortly after I found this site earlier this year, I found the courage to talk to her about it again and now she lets me keep my girlie clothes in my wardrobe and things are progressing in baby, baby steps. It's great! I don't think my marriage would be as strong as it is today if it weren't for the accounts and advice I found here. You are all hugely appreciated. :-)

[Ruthi]

I feel comfortable and at ease here

[misskristykitty]

As a GG and also a SO to my CD boyfriend I feel like I owe him a big thank you as I feel this site has helped me understand more then what I did. Its also made our relationship even stronger for I have always accepted him just even better with understanding.

[sissystephanie]

I only wish that I had found this site much earlier!! I actually found it by accident when surfing the Net after my wife died. For those of you who don't know, my late wife and I had been married almost 50 years when cancer took her. She knew that I was a CD when we married and totally supported me. Because she was very skilled in makeup, she could make me very passable. She also would fix my wig!! But even with all that I never actually accepted who, or what, I was!! Yes, I did like to dress and go out as Stephanie, but I wasn't really a girl. Then when I got on this forum I learned that some CD's just dress, and never go any further. Now that my dear wife is no longer around to do my makeup and fix my wig, that is what I do. I dress totally enfemme from the skin out, but wear no makeup and no wig!! So, of course I am a guy in female clothing!! I have been going out that way for the past 6 years, and have not one negative comment made to me!! I have had compliments on my outfits, but that's all!! And most importantly, I have accepted who I am!! I am ME, and I like ME just fine!! Regardless of what I am wearing!!

[Marie-Elise]

I found this site the morning after I told my wife I liked to crossdress. Luckily, she was accepting and asked a lot of the usual questions. I showed her the site and she browsed around it a bit but never really took a shine to it. I don't know why and I never asked.

What has this site done for me? Well, it has let me know that I am not strange or alone in what I enjoy. It has also allowed me to communicate with others who enjoy my hobby, something that had never happened before. I appreciate it for that.