We all joined for a reason..what you were looking for..did you find it.... GGs also..

[mykell]

GGs encouraged to comment too...

when i found this site i was nervous and unsure of what to expect, had beat myself up and didnt really understand the spectrum or the community...
its been about a year and a half and i feel i have made some true friends albeit virtual ones, (still hoping to meet some face to face someday),
ive learned so much about what it means to be "me" and part of the community and to represent when i can, hoping that im able to do more in the future, soo im glad i stumbled upon this place as i have found a peacefulness with myself as well as many others as i realize even more that we all have something we believe we need help with..... so i feel i found "it"....

[Stephanie47]

As an elder I went through years of self loathing about myself. I could never reconcile my desire to wear women's clothing with my sexual identity. I guess I still cannot. I feel great appearing as a woman. I feel equally great attired in men's business attire or my pair of cut off jeans, no socks and a ripped up tee shirt. I reconciled my sexual identity a long time ago. I joined this site because I can freely express how I feel. I cannot do that with my wife and family. God, I wish computers and hence this site was around in the 1960's.

PS: I use to have a blast at the Jersey shore when I was in the army. It was the greatest summer I ever had. With that warm gulf stream my future wife and I would "bob" in the water for hours without getting cold.

[Dana44]

Mikell yep we all joined for a reason. I was looking for information as I was confused. This site is full of good information on the whole spectrum and of the SO's that support us. It also helps us with the confusion that we feel daily as we are different than the normal population. It was strange growing up as a boy with a brain that is 50/50, a body that was smaller than all the other males. A dad that called you skinny mini. Yep fun growing up. Yet I became a man and lived that life. Still was confused. Poured myself into work. That helped. yet now when I'm retired and time to think. It came flooding back like a banshee. This site has helped my find the position that I'm in and the resources to the physiological resources here. It is hard enough to be a CD yet even harder on the sexual thoughts that run through my head. I finally found the answers that I spent my entire life looking for.

[cheryl reeves]

i joinwed to be a voice of reason for ts's that choose not to transition. ive been a small voice among the communty for yrs,me and my wife have helped other couples find a place of acceptance. ive helped stopped some who were so into pink fog that they were going to transition til i got them to think about it,one did transition and regretted it,later she told me she should have listened but the pink fog was too great.

[Nadine Spirit]

I joined because I was interested in interacting more with this community. I actually found the site and joined the same day. No lurking at all. And I must say that the interactions I have had have been quite educational for me about the diversity of our community. Very interesting.

[STACY B]

I was just like Nadine, I came an joined the same day a friend here that was on another site turned me on to this place, I also was looking for information about this subject an the other site was more of a hook up deal, Hey Baby Crap, I wanted to KNOW what was wrong with me, Thought I was just a run of the Mill Cross dresser like others here but low an behold I was wrong all the way around. This place is a God send for me.

Same OL story like everyone else, But only thing with me that proves different is that I couldn't do the dress up an be happy and stop. I would dress up an it would never be good enough or I felt like I was in a costume or trying to trick or fool people. I never felt right about presenting female even at home.

But when I made perminent change it was different an felt normal an didn't leave me feeling I was doing something wrong all the time. So there goes the Hair on my head,, Hair off my body, An piece by piece slowly it's all coming together little by little just takes time.
Crazy how slow change goes kinda un noticed? Atleast for now, I would be happy just to fade away and come back as me one day,,lol,,, I can dream can't I?
But anyway better be glad for this ol site an thank the folks that built it,, HEY THANKS,, I LOVE YALL !!

[AllieSF]

I cannot remember who recommended this site to me or why. I joined the first time here. My goal was to find local members with whom to go out. That was my goal after the first time dressed completely with a wig and makeup. I just carried that goal here and hoped that I could reach it soon. It did take a while, but I have met and gone out with several members here and still go out occasionally with that first partner in crime/sidekick from early 2007, WindyCissy. I have stayed here to participate in all the varied and fun conversations from what color are your panties to the more serious topics.

[pamela7]

it's only 4 months ago but that feels forever. I joined seeking understanding, perhaps also community, yes i've found it, i've relaxed into my femme side, and i am truly grateful this community exists.

[Rachel1225]

I stumbled across this site while looking for answers about myself. Best thing too ! Now I can't stay away. Loads of info and I don't feel alone in the world now.

Hugs!
Rachel1225

[Nicole Erin]

Had been away from the community for several years.
I moved back to Indy and was looking for TG related stuff in real life and the web.
I think what got me here is doing a search for "transgender forum" and this was the first result.

I am just here for the free food, always have been.

[Rhanda]

I was running a kiosk business in the mall selling socks and fancy ladies hosiery. I always wore eye makeup since high school days. Since I was in a dimly lit space I emphasized my eyes more and one woman noticed it and called me tell me how she liked it. That it reminded her of her late husband who spent his entire adult life as a closeted transvestite. I hadn't ever heard the word "transvestite" before and started to research it. I didn't think that I was a transvestite but as I researched it I came to this site and another one, which I am also a member of. Low and behold, I am a transvestite and in the company of some of the most open and understanding people of my long life (86 and counting).

Thanks for being here and remain understanding of one another. Together we can overcome some of the miss understandings about style and desire. I wish I could express my faith here but I'll follow the rules. If any of you would like to know about this please PM me.

Rhanda

[Julie Denier]

This about sums it up for me, too -- nice to converse with kindred spirits here ;)


I stumbled across this site while looking for answers about myself. Best thing too ! Now I can't stay away. Loads of info and I don't feel alone in the world now.

Hugs!
Rachel1225

[Athena_]

I lurked here for a year or so before joining. I was very nervous about sharing anything about my cross dressing. I was looking for answers and hoping to come to a safe place to share and learn. I think that I have learned a great deal from this site. I have been very impressed with the members that are very comfortable with themselves (and a bit jealous to be honest). I really don't know where to go from here. I am glad in knowing that there are many others that share my love of dressing in the clothes typically worn by women. Thanks to everyone!

[icantwait24]

I was on the web looking for answers learn how to cope with the seemingly strange role reversal that my wife and I were forced into. I say forced because she was just at home housewife, & I was the go to work breadwinner. the more I google the more I look that is how I found who I truly am in this site that proves that I am NOT alone and there are a lot of great folks who found themselves late in life. I look at this site quite a bit everyday.

[Beverley Sims]

Lurked for quite a while before I joined,I knew what it was all about before I joined and it has given me great satisfaction to advise and comment on posts.

[kimdl93]

I was looking for peers and information. I found friends and revelations!

[sometimes_miss]

I had spent a tremendous amount of time on the alt.transgendered newsgroup throughout the nineties, and had slacked off in the early 2000's. I don't really remember how I discovered this forum, probably via google searching for crossdressing attire vendors. After reading for a bit, I realized that there were probably a huge number of guys who had no idea at all why they were doing this, nor what to expect of this in the future. Even worse, was the amount of them who had no idea of what a panacea this is to the vast majority of women. The pink fog was great here in 2008. So I thought I'd post up my own story as an example of what I'd gone through becoming a crossdresser, hoping that it would let others know that it's not just something that you can be born into, that external events throughout our lives can make a tremendous difference in our personalities. As time went on, I got more and more active in the forum, often just trying to offer up the opposite opinions of those who paint the rosy side of this life. I don't really enjoy crushing people's dreams, but I do think it's very important to stay based in reality; mostly because ignoring it can get us killed by people who hate us for no valid reason. Now retired, I have a lot of free time. And this, like several other forums, is my online home.

[Teresa]

Mikell,
I could give you a flippant answer but when I think about my intro it was hardly that ! I was desperate to get some answers and was heading downhill fast ! In some respects I got more than I bargained for, crossdressing didn't have a simple answer , I thought at my age I was going to make a fool of myself but what an eye opener, more members than I expected far older than me still dressing and enjoying it ! This was the first time I'd really thought about it lasting for life, I had to settle my mind, fully come to terms with it, lose the guilt about something I couldn't change and start to enjoy it !
I now have a clearer understanding of my past but not such a clear picture of the future but at least I've managed to get my family on board and partially accept me to help me through it !
One other great bonus which I didn't expect was making some very good friends , knowing others that share similar problems and hopefully helping them through it and having some fun in the process. I never dreamed that I would be showing pictures of myself, at one time I would have died rather than do that, the reaction I received has been a great boost to accepting my CDing and gradually coming out into the World !
THANK YOU doesn't feel enough but it 's said with deep sincerity !

[sweetvici]

I joined to explore the side myself I couldn't deny but found out that I had no idea where it would take me! Now I'm starting to explore my sensuality and sexuality! I welcome any advice I may get here . It's not easy finding confidants in Corvallis Montana! If you live in the Hamilton/Corvallis area be sure to send me a message! Even if you don't live Here, I LOVE the input I've gotten over the years o on this site. Thank you all for being true to yourselves And sharing So much FANTASTIC SUPPORT AND ADVICE. I LOVE YOU ALL!

[Jodi]

This site opened when another long time cd site closed up shop. I joined at that time, Maybe 2005. Can't remember.

Just wanted to express myself and hear the opinion of others. This has worked for me.

Jodi

[Michelle789]

Two years ago I was really searching for answers on my gender identity. My gender dysphoria had reached a point where I wanted to die, and the psychic that I used to consult just turned a blind eye. She did absolutely nothing to help me, and I ultimately fired her.

I wasn't sure if I was a CD or a TS, so I started doing Google searches on CD vs TS, and the first four results were different CD vs TS threads on this forum. I decided to post my own CD vs TS thread, and thus begun my journey to truly figuring out myself. I ultimately found a therapist, joined a TG support group, and discovered that I'm a TS and started transitioning. I've been full-time as a woman for nearly a year, and I'm 9 months on hormones.

[Jenniferathome]

I think I had reached a breaking point of sorts. I was completely closeted and driving my wife away slowly. I was headed for divorce and still in the closet or deal with it. In the end, I believe I was looking for a way to come out to my wife. I found it, thanks to Mandy (Amanda22).

[Marcelle]

I think like most when I realized what was going on in my life I searched the web for answers. I had just come out to my wife and was wondering what to do next . . . I stumbled upon this site by chance . . . logged on . . . introduced myself and a wave for kinship washed over me. It has been over a year and I don't think I would be where I am today without the support I found here.

Hugs

Isha

[adrienner99]

Crossdressing
is such a lonely practice for m any of us. The site helps me just by being a place I cantalk about girly things. Have not gained much psychological insight I did not already have and at times have been astonished at some poster's hostility. Still overall the site helps me feel part of something....

[Heidi Stevens]

About a year ago I was a still a lurker and was still a secret to my wife. Then after all the talk about gay marriage and other things, I realized I had to do something. I saw some great advice from a lot of you, the conditions were right, so I came out to my wife. At the same time I knew I had to join up and get some help to some important questions. Since then I've been through the emotional ringer, but all of you and a great therapist has me more confident, calm and sure of my self than I've been in decades! I don't say it enough, THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR HELP AND LOVE OVER THIS LAST YEAR!:GD:

[Erika Lyne]

I can't say I was looking for answers, nor can I say that I had all of them but, I can say I was looking for community. My wife (Purple Puppy GG) and I were stuck. I came out to her almost 27 years ago at the young age of 15, we've lived with this with a strong sense of acceptance but also with an uneasy feeling. I've spoken in person to several CDers and a few TS over the years and through other research, I've accepted a long time ago that this 1) will not go away, 2) will likely grow and 3) can be a deal breaker with my most supportive confidante, my wife. I searched for a way for us to communicate with eachother differently, rather than just spinning our wheels and not getting anywhere as we had been doing. I stumbled across this site and a few others. My wife and I found that this site has the sense of community that we were looking for. It gave us a place to share us experiences, grow as contributing memebers of a social group and help others while helping our own relationship. I've read many threads here and brought them up in conversation with my wife. She also joined to find others with similarities to our relationship. What we've both found is that our acceptance of each of our oddities (my CDing and her physical handicaps) has helped us be closer and supportive and this site helped open our eyes to how far we've come on our own. There are many fewer supportive GG SOs here than we had both wished we would find but there are a few, enough to show eachother support. There are many more CDers here in DADT relationships that affirms to my wife and I that our relationship is closer to where we want us to be than many here are. (Please don't take that as an insult. It is not what I'm intending to do.)

Anyway, after searching, attempting a conversation with my wife but ending up fighting and going through the same motions again. (Lather, Rinse, Repeat) I was finally able to show her this site and we read many threads together before I joined. She was a little more reluctant to sign up at first. I hit the prerequisite 10 posts and showed her how the site really opened up and it indicated there was a place for her (FAB Forum), she joined shortly after.

The sense of community has led my wife and I to join and happily read regularly.

Hugs,
-E

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Mikell, I was a lurker for a couple years before joining up.
This forum let me know that I was not alone, It has helped me in so many ways
like just getting my ears pierced for the first time four starter studs back in march of this year.
Just last night I put a third stud in each ear.
It's just amazing how we can have like minded friends all over the world with just a click f a mouse.

One of these days I would get out with other ladies. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~>Orchid ...:)... <Triple Pierced

[SharonDenise]

My wife died one year ago. Until that time she was the only one that knew about my life-long, deep. dark, dirty secret that I cross dressed- something you're ashamed to discuss with other people. Since then, I've joined this forum although I lurked for awhile and a local cross dresser support group. I also have a make-up artist/coach who I am no longer just a client to but is now a trusted friend. With all of these new resources available to me, I've been more open about my deep, dark, dirty secret. I am an older CDer and have been comfortable with my desires because my wife had accepted and supported me for all those years. Although, I still don't want my neighbors and brothers to know, I'm getting more vocal in letting others know that I cross dress. I'm going in for major surgery next month which will need to have me use extended rehab centers. I've told most of them that I would like a private room because I want to go to bed wearing women's nightgowns. I would not have been able to do this previously without the support of the resources I mentioned above. None, professionally batted an eyelash when I told them. They were all hoping that they could accommodate me.
So yes, this forum and my other resources have made me much more acceptable of myself and giving me the courage to tell others that I cross dress and I'm not ashamed about it.

[suchacutie]

Tina dressed for the first time ever, and within 48 hours my wife and I had named her and we had found this site. We knew almost nothing about being transgendered and needed information. We found it here. Tina grew up with this site. The wealth of information and opinions stored here is truly amazing and incredibly useful. We are so grateful for this site!!!!

[Jazzy Jaz]

I love to learn/teach, basically two way sharing. Its what i do for alot of my work and just a part of who i am. I've never really had anyone to share my tg/cding with or the subject in general aside from rare opertunities to express my opinions in conversation without outing myself. This forum has so many knowledgable people with various perspectives and i have certainly learned alot. I also have enjoyed sharing my thoughts and feelings and I hope i've been able to help others in the process. I am definately getting what i was looking for from this site and i'm hoping to build some friendships.

[Shayna]

I lurked for about a week before joining. While I knew there where many CDs out there, it felt good to be able to interact with others who understand. Along the way I've found out more about myself when reading about the experiences of others. The spectrum of CD/TG is so diverse. This site helped me with respecting all others on that spectrum, as well as respecting myself.

[Kate Simmons]

I was pretty comfortable with myself when I joined. I figured if I can help even one person by sharing my feelings and experience it would be worth the effort. Also I was looking for local folks to hang out with sometimes which has also been accomplished. I'm moving forward with things but still hang out here as I want to see what my friends are doing. I could think of a lot worse folks to associate with for sure.:battingeyelashes::)

[alwayshave]

I have always been a crossdresser and was looking for a place where I could freely express myself and find support. While I came across other sites, this site is the one that I have found most helpful and supportive.

[mykell]

so many response's....many heartfelt ones, thank you all for sharing these accounts with everyone.... Ive asked katey to invite our wives, girlfriends, family, ect, would love to hear other outcomes....

[Sissy_Michelle]

Mikell,

What was I looking for and did I find it???

What was I looking for by joining this forum; basically answers to many questions that were running through my head that I couldn't ask anyone I knew personally. When I was Active duty I had no one to ask or share my questions with. I kept my feeling to myself and didn't really use computers that much to even look for sites like this one. Due to position and mission / security clearance there was no way I could see a doctor. It wasn't till I was in my twenty-fourth year of service that I decided to look online for others to speak with. At the time I was married and we spoke frequently about my desires and my limitations. Basically if I wished to stay married then I have to follow her guidelines. Which I do not disagree with. So when I have questions or am curious as to how others confront their issues I come here and read them. This site is a wonderful community of people and information.

So yes I found a community to share with and glean information and experience from. I hope I was able to answer your question Mikell, for each person is different

@--}---
Michelle

[Adriana Moretti]

GREAT QUESTION !!

When I joined I was looking to try and find a way to meet people, through here I have met a few friends, some close that I hang out with, and some distant pen pals...and others I am still going to meet later this year !

When it was time to get a new pair of breast forms, I came here to get the scoop....

I also learned a thing or two about makeup from Ashley

Once you weed through the Panty posts, and threads on " I accidentally wore a bra to the doctor" threads...its a pretty good site.

[Isabella Ross]

Once I realized that I can't change my spots (or polka dots), and actually began to see my dual life as a blessing, I needed to find some waterholes where others with the same spots were gathering. This is one of the best ones there is...lots of diversity, lots of support, some silliness...all in all, a place that reinforces with each visit that I'm so far from being alone (which is definitely how I used to feel). No lurking at the treeline, just jumped right into the water and started splashing around.

[Tina_gm]

I joined for basically two reasons, and what I write and read is generally for those same two reasons. 1st and foremost, is how to stay married and to keep the marriage strong. Secondly, to just not feel so alone with it all.

I have not come here to make close friendships. I have talked with a few of the members on here, and have made some friends including the OP, and for all who I have talked with, I am greatly appreciative of your time and advice. It has been and hopefully will continue to be helpful, A big thanks to all who I have talked with.

I have not come here looking to advance or progress, but simply to deal. Deal with myself, deal with my gender issues. Learn what I can and how to best navigate through life with this somewhat rare condition that is transgender.

[Laura28]

I guess I joined because I was searching. All my life I loved trying on woman's cloths sometime the urge was strong other times I would go years without even thinking of dressin. Then about 4 years ago the urge hit again stronger then ever and I wanted to really dress, I started with with just bra panties nylons then slowly progressed my dear wife encourage me. But isn't interested in seeing me dressed and I wanted to find out more about dressing and how it effect a marriage I found this place and was hooked so good to read about others and to know I am not alone and in fact there is nothing wrong with our secret. Since joining my wife and I have discussed it more and she is fine with it she just doesn't want to see me fully dressed other then pics. I also got the courge to tell a close GG friend and she helped me with dressing as well. So have I gotten what I wanted from the site yes and more.

[Cheryl James]

Due to growing up during a time when there was zero information available about our need to dress in women's clothing, this site offered me an opportunity to learn that there were others (a lot, actually) pretty much just like me. I suffered my whole life with recriminations about my needs and desires and with the thought that I was the only "freak" in the world that did this. This site has permitted me to like myself for the first time in my life.

[flatlander_48]

I'm a member of a number of different forums for motorsports, computers, cycling and general LGBT issues and I have never lurked. If it is of interest to me and looks to be a worthwhile site, I'm there. And so it was with this site.

I think what I was looking for originally was a sense of community. That feels very important to me and still is. The idea of shared experience and the sense that many have been down the same path is very reassuring. I appreciate that people take the time to present what they've learned or experienced. I also do the same and hope that others find my insights useful.

As a group, we cover MANY different ways to be. From the occassional crossdresser who never leaves the house to post-op transsexuals, there is a richness of thought and action that would be hard to replicate anywhere else. And if there was ever any doubt, we are EVERYWHERE and doing EVERYTHING, including being ourselves...

DeeAnn

[tifftg]

I had to check my profile of how long I have belonged and then I could remember the stage of my life. Amazing to me is the fact that I just got to 10 years on the site. So 10 years ago, I turned 50 and my need, desire, wish to explore and express myself really exploded. I was seeing a counselor thinking about whether I wanted to transition. As i worked through issues I realized that I am content as a crossdresser with no real desire to fully transition. My wife found out along the way, she isn't happy but we have found a path.

I stay to learn, share, smile and occasionally cry when a sister here confronts even tougher challenges.

[Bobbi46]

When Joined this site I was looking for information advice views on my thoughts plus support to my many questions, with all of this I have found just what I was looking for.A place where I could share my thoughts and needs with you all, and to get good advice back which I have.

[Sandra]

I used to visit another site had been a member there for a few years. I had a run in with the mods there and thought it was time to move on, also the site crashed and I wasn't a member of any other forums. I met Tamara Croft at the site and she told me about this one, so I decided to have a look, lurked for a while then joined and the rest as they say is history :D

[Jorja]

I was innocently flying over one day when all of a sudden BOOM, sparks were flying, the cockpit filled up with smoke. I couldn't see where I was going. Finally the smoke cleared enough to see that if I could keep it in the air just a little longer, it would splash down safely in the ocean. At the last possible second I pulled the ejection seat release. I gently floated down and landed right at the front door. As usual, my cell phone battery was low so I walked in and asked to use the phone. It was weird inside there. Tall, muscular women with big shoulders and no butt and deep voices were walking around. Some were dressed to the 9s others in just bra and panties. It was confusing as hell! So as I waited for my ride to come, these really pretty girls came over to talk to me. They told me all about the forum and what goes on here. I decided right then and there I needed to join. That is how I got here.

That's my story and I am sticking to it!

[Meghan4now]

Jorja

You're my hero! Much better story than mine!

[Natalie cupcake]

I joined because I was looking for other girls like me. Others to talk to, get advise from, share stories with about cross dressing. I have met many wonderful girls here. Became friends with lots too.:hugs: I'm so happy I can come here and be me!!!:D

[Kandi Robbins]

I occasionally lurked here during the denial years (most of my wife). Once I self-accepted and told my wife, I "created" Kandi, set up her e-mail and jumped in here. I didn't quite know what to expect, but wanted to learn about my little hobby. What I have gotten is a tremendous sense of community and a sounding board to help me be the best person I can be, man, woman or somewhere in between. I've made many virtual friends and some real ones as well. My new life has centered around the forum. I have become quite a photo fan (taking more pictures in one outfit than I ever took for years before Kandi) and really enjoy posting pictures and sharing a well told story. There are quite a few girls here that I have grown to admire about how they approach their lives. There are a few I communicate with frequently and I always smile when I see an e-mail from one of them. I joined for a reason and definitely found something worthwhile.

[Shayna]

I had to check my profile of how long I have belonged and then I could remember the stage of my life. Amazing to me is the fact that I just got to 10 years on the site. So 10 years ago, I turned 50 and my need, desire, wish to explore and express myself really exploded. I was seeing a counselor thinking about whether I wanted to transition. As i worked through issues I realized that I am content as a crossdresser with no real desire to fully transition. My wife found out along the way, she isn't happy but we have found a path.

I stay to learn, share, smile and occasionally cry when a sister here confronts even tougher challenges.

Tiff, you're post reminds me of something I was thinking the other night while logged on. You see a lot of posts where members realize they are TS after getting to explore their feminine sides more. For me, this site confirmed that I am a CD, even though it's sometimes easy to get lost in the pink fog. Reading posts across the wide array of members of this site made me think that for me wanting to emulate being a women is about the clothes, makeup, etc. For a person who is TS, she is a woman inside no matter what clothes she may be wearing at the time.

[Jenniferpl]

Like many who posted before I was looking for answers and landed here. It is reassuring knowing there are others out there with similar stories and struggles. What is striking about this site is just how similar our journeys are especially the age at which we began.

[PretzelGirl]

I was on the slow, exploratory route after years of stuffing it internally. It was a slow advancement with my wife at my side and somehow we figured out boundaries on our own. I googled the site up because I wanted to learn more. Little did I know that would lead to a person who took me to my first group; a person who talked me into going to Diva Las Vegas, which was eye opening to say the least; the person who showed me that you could go out and be beyond comfortable with yourself and people would be cool about it; and a section of the world that would love, guide, and support me through my growth and a wonderful transition.

Now it is amazing how much my life is affected by that first step. I am living authentically. A large number of my friends are from the community. I have friends across the country that I communicate with and some I have been fortunate to meet between either of us traveling. This week I started on the Board of Directors for the Utah Pride Center. My wife is openly supportive of the community and is openly identifying as pansexual after thinking about why my transition was easy for her. Quite the stark difference from just over 6 years ago.

[chris63]

I joined recently looking for community and understanding. It was so freeing to see others with the same feelings as me. It made me feel like I wasn't alone.

[Bridget Ann Gilbert]

I came across the site while looking for make up tips. I had been out of this world for many years, but was strongly considering coming back and wanted to be able to do it right. What I have found here has proven to be so much more. This is a community of thoughtful, caring individuals who are all united by the desire to help one another. The range of experiences available here has really opened my eyes to the full range of gender identities, allowing me better insight into myself. In the short time I've been here I've already made good friends and hope to make even more. Although it can be easy to get down on the internet for all of the trivial and nonsensical garbage it gets used for, this forum represents the best use of the free exchange of information offered by the technology. It has become a great home for this cyber girl.

Bridget

[PaulaQ]

I came here looking for chicks. Nobody warned me that the one I'd find would be me...

[donnalee]

I guess I have to put in my $ 0.02 as well. 9 years ago, at age 60, I finally realized what was going on and started to search for some information and, hopefully, some answers to a lot of questions. My SO found out at the same time I did, but her only real concern was for my physical safety, so, as I had no real desire to go out then, it satisfied her concerns.
I spent 2 years stumbling over a bunch of porn and sexual hookup sites, none of which I was looking for. I, at least, had the sense to give out the email addresses which I use for doubtful sites that request it. They kept sending me their email for years; finally that ceased.
When I arrived here, I was amazed by the broad spectrum of people here, not only the trans part, but the people part as well; all parts of the world, all professions, a lot of different ways of coping with their situation, single, DADT couples, accepting (and participating sometimes as well) couples, all kinds of religious (or atheist/agnostic) beliefs. The variety was staggering. The other and not so great thing was those engaged in (to put it kindly) "creative writing" and I learned to take everything here with the proverbial "grain of salt".
Meanwhile, I started experimenting with different things; makeup (turned out that age and health problems had shaken a once firm hand and blurred eyesight), finally realizing that the best look I could achieve was pretty garish, so finally abandoning it recently as a bad job that would only get worse as time went on; hair removal (here I lucked out, as I have never had much body hair (less than many women) and what there was was very fine and is mostly white by now; clothing (here again I had some luck; I had always had an eye for women's clothes; one of the things that attracted me to my SO was how well she dressed and I was always able to buy clothes she liked for her); I had finally decided that I wanted to go out to gauge people's reactions and see if I could fit in; I was amazed in general by how ho-hum they were; guy in women's clothes - no biggie! Although I heard a few sotto-voice snide comments, the only thing that concerned me was the possibility of physical danger and had taken precautions against that; I felt no threat of that type, and did not care about people's comments. As I have neither the time nor money for beard treatment, settled for a close shave, but definitely a guy in a dress.
None of this would have happened without the insights gleaned from here.

[SonjaThompson]

I am or have been a member of some other websites, mainly UK based ones, and most seem to be centred around sex. After having a look at this forum a few times, and liking what I saw, I thought it would be good to join and talk to others around the globe. I know there are a wide range of people and interests, which is partly why I wanted to join.

Also, people generally don't seem to be sex mad on here (I hate it when I get pestered by guys on FB etc).

[Raychel]

When I joined this site 10 years ago at 46 years old,
I really didn't know who I was, where I was going in life or what I wanted from life.
I was a member of a few other forums, but they all had their own issues. either topic related.
or issues with the other members,

I eventually stopped going to the other sites and started calling this site home. :thumbsup:
with the help of this forum, I have grown to accept that his is who I am, now comfortable with myself.
something that I had issues with for 46 years,

I have made lots of great friends here and have met some of them in person, they will be life long friends

So I came here to figure out just who I was and to get my brain and thoughts in order.

Not only did I get that, but I got the added bonus of some great friends.

[mykell]

just to share ive gained more and done more by being here than i ever thought i wanted too.....

recently just dressed outside my home for the first time, something i never thought i could ever muster the nerve to do, was scared about how comfortable i felt afterwards....a new chapter for me....all from learning about myself and the community here....thanks all....

[LexiMay]

I joined as I knew somewhere that I can be open and honest would be a stepping stone and already after a couple of weeks of reading posts from others I feel more comfortable, have even told a friend about me!

Lexi 💜

[Alex!]

I joined way back in 2007. I actually forgot when I joined (I just rejoined, and I'm impressed I'm still in the system!). Back then, I needed to reach out and purge myself of shame. This site and getting out of the closet to meet with people made all the difference. Now, I seek like-minded people for conversations about crossdressing and related issues. Some of my friends went over to Facebook, but I can't do that without paranoia.

[lexivanderpump]

I joined to find support and like-minded people. I found it here on CD.com. I havent been here in months though because the "topics" were too repetitive for me. There are lots of wonderful gurls in here though!

Love,
Lexi V.

[TeriJean72]

I came here looking for information, and to get other people's opinions on things. I spent a lot of time over the year or so, look, lurking, and just reading what I could, before I decided to actually register.

[ErikaS]

I joined because i wanted information and to try to get some clearing of my mind and maybe some advice. I have been pushing it back and hiding for a bit. Its good to finally start some therapy and talking to my family.

Erika