Fun Challenge Question! Everyone invited!

[ReineD]

I invite you to take a break from all the "transgender" definition discussions of late, and describe where you're at with regards to gender expression, using one or two sentences.

RULE: You CANNOT use the words "transsexual", "transgender", or "crossdresser" (or any other "defining" terms like transvestite, drag-queen, etc). So basically, talk about what you do: how you choose to present in your day-to-day-lives and how you identify (male, female, both, in-between, no gender, or don't know).

I'll start: I'm a birth-female who identifies as female and who presents as a female at all times, even though I don't often wear skirts or makeup (I'm no longer working in the temp job I had, so it's jeans, a top, and comfy shoes). I have no desire for others to see me as a male and have no desire to alter my physical sexual characteristics.

[Stephanie47]

I'm a straight male. I am a retiree with a working life. I wear women's clothing and a wig several days a week for up to seven hours. Wearing women's clothing is a private affair. I have no desire to interact with the public dressed as a woman. Dressing brings me peace and tranquility. I only wear dress with all the proper undergarments, hosiery and heels. Other days you may find me wearing cut off old jeans, a holey tee shirt, no socks and unshaven for several days. Either way I feel totally comfortable.

[Shayna]

I'm a birth-male who identifies as a male who presents as male to the public but likes to privately dress as, and try to emulate the look of, a woman. I frequently underdress, but have no desire to present as a woman outside of my home or modify my physical features in any way, other than removing body hair.

[UNDERDRESSER]

I am a heterosexual male. I have some interest in expressing some aspects generally regarded as feminine, and one way I do this is to adopt some items of clothing marketed to women and try to blend them into an acceptable male persona.

[Donnagirl]

Born male, lived most of my life presenting male, living male, enjoying being 'macho' male, straight with no inclination dress or present differently. This inclination began changing a number of years ago, intensifying to irristable levels 18 months ago.. From about the start of this year I now rarely dress fully male (under dress regularly) and present female as often as I can including in public and social environments. I am currently undergoing physical activities (diet and exercise) and, under the supervision medical specialists, taking medication (HRT) with the intention of becoming more presentable as female. How far I will progress this is not clear or decided at present but I am straight and in a heterosexual relationship. That I intend to maintain and have the love and support of my SO in this process.

What a tumultuous time of change the last twelve months have been..

[PaulaQ]

I am a high femme, high tech woman. I wear dresses, I get my hair and nails done frequently. I'm alternatively a mother figure, and seductive, sometimes sweet, other times a bitch. I buy a lot of makeup. I like it, and I know how to use it well. I live in a trendy part of town, I drive an expensive foreign sports car. I've been told "I thought you'd be out of my league." I'm not though. I mentor people in my community, helping them find resources, or sometimes just listening to their problems. I spend a lot of my personal time doing this. I have about four fancy dresses for formal occasions - I've used all four of them, more than once this past year.

I'm an activist. I like being in the media, the few times that's happened for me. I'm an attention *****. You are as likely to find me in some of the finest restaurants in my area as you are places that look like total, off-the-wall dives. I tip great at either. I am known by many at these places - I love this. I love people - all people. Despite seeming to be a total rich bitch (although other than this post, I never mention this, still, you can sort of tell), I'm told I'm really very nice, and approachable.

I've also been told that my intelligence is intimidating. I am a fairly powerful, go-getter type of girl. I am an aggressive woman. I fear nothing.

I think people assume I'm probably kind of conservative, sexually. I seem like a fairly conservative person anyway. I'm not conservative at all sexually however. In fact, the few people I talk to about what I do and what I like are generally quite surprised at what I'm really like. I'm a freak. My boyfriend looks at me sometimes, and asks "Is there something seriously wrong with us?"

[Student Susie]

I'm a birth-male who identifies as a female with aspects of both genders who presents mostly as male to the public but tries her best to gather the courage to show her „true self“ not only to her closest friends.
As i don’t have what i would see as an appropriately sized chest, i am currently undergoing permanent body modification as well as doing some minor temporary modifications like plucking my eyebrows and shaving my legs.

I wear dresses, skinny jeans and tops as well as high heels depending on my mood and the occasion when i meet with friends. Fully expressing myself, I can be flirty and even seductive in a way i never could when presenting as a male. I’m just more outgoing although i still might need some time to accommodate in new places.

I have been described as “a little crazy” sometimes, “but in a positive way”. Other words used include spontaneous, sexy, sassy and even man-crazy.
Some people (I admit, mostly men) told me, they thought I must be exploding like a firework when it comes to action in the bedroom, and sometime I might, but most of the time I enjoy being the passive part and just cuddle up after a long and hopefully enjoyable day.

[Mollyanne]

I am a born male who identifies as female. I prefer the female identity as this gives me choice as to how I present my daily appearance. If given my choice of gender it would be female without a second thought.

Molly

[Lacey New]

I am a male who presents as a male and who is attracted only to females. My female wardrobe consists mostly of lingerie and I enjoy wearing that under my male clothing. I enjoy shopping for more lingerie and other female garb while underdressed and I will wear those outer clothes only in the privacy of my own home. I do not have the time or the resources to fully dress with a wig, forms, make-up shoes, etc. but it would be fun to try privately.

[alwayshave]

I am a male who presents as male most of the time though normally under-dressed to some extent. I present as female several times a week either at home or out in public, this would be fully dressed with wig, makeup, dress, etc...

[njcddresser]

I'm a born male who's trying to find and understand my place on the spectrum. Though I only came out to myself 18 months ago, I now accept that this is who I am. As more time goes by, I find myself continually drawn further to the gem side and less male.

[BOBBI G.]

I am born male, well on the way to becoming the person I know I should have been all my life.

Bobbi

[Claire Cook]

Born male with a female soul. I dress daily around the house, but present as male most of the time. I'm out and about dressed once or twice a week, and I treasure my GG friends who know Claire. Happily married for 47 years, I love to go out with Sue as a normal (:heehee:) hetero couple ... but we also love shopping, getting our nails done and otherwise going out as two girls. Best of both worlds!

[Georgina]

Born a male and will remain so. Daytime work all male, which I enjoy, and after work I only wear female clothes. I only rarely use a wig and make up.

[Vikky]

I am male and present as male all the time in public doing typical male things, sometimes quite macho. However I like female clothes and wear them around the house whenever possible, maybe 7 – 10 hours per weeks, usually for an hour or two per session. Sometimes get the chance to wear for longer. Underdress occasionally. Just love it when dressed.

Vikky

[Erica Marie]

I am a confused gender neutral person presently confined in a male body. Outward appearance is mostly male, even though I have a somewhat gender neutral hairstyle, I do wear womens clothing daily but it is again of a gender neutral style. The last few weeks, I have had two people greet me with "maam" but correct themselves after looking twice.

[lynda]

I am a male , but have always thought I should have been female, all my emotions are female and I react to things in a more female then male way. hugs love lynda

[DonnaT]

I am a male who identifies and presents as male and am normally under-dressed to some extent. I wear ladies attire at home, and sometimes while out. Love wearing my nightgowns. They feel great on my shaved legs.

[CarlaWestin]

I am a birth male that identifies and presents as male as a daily distraction to squeeze an existence out of society. In private I am asexual and I desire domineering female company preferably while presenting as a female. Although, the female interaction while presenting as female has rarely happened. I am devoid of any interest in the usual male hunter/gatherer pastimes or pursuits although, I can build, fix, design or diagnose practically any machine or structure. I prefer to venture into a fantasy experience of extreme situations of portrayal. Further explanations upon request.

[kimdl93]

I'm a birth-male who identifies as a person, who presents as a female about 1/2 time, due to work and family obligations. I wish others could see me as a female, but I have few illusions in that regard and am reluctant to permanently alter my physical sexual characteristics.

[Rachael Leigh]

I'm a born male, straight and occasionally enjoy wearing clothes associated with women. I don't intend to become a women nor do I desire such a thing. I just enjoy the look and comfort women's style gives me.

[Karen RHT]

I'm a birth male who identifies as a hetero male, and presents as male the majority of time. I'm attracted to and enjoy wearing what is commonly labeled as "women's" clothing. About 3 years ago, my wife agreed to explore this attraction with me. I wear lingerie, skirts, dresses, heels, and of course nylon stockings around our home frequently. I'm looking for the right wig, learning how to apply makeup effectively, and look forward to presenting myself as female to others in the near future. Although I'm retired, I still lead a very busy and active life as a male, and enjoy it.

[Sarah-RT]

Im a straight male, who appears male 90% of the time. I like being male, and dress accordingly.
I like to dress and present as female as well, but due to work and other commitments I only do so for about 10% of my time.
I would like to change that to a 70-30% split, possibly more.
At times I would rather be 100% male and other times I *think* I would like to be female 100% of the time, but that depends on my mood.

[Zoe B]

I am male who presents as male 90% of the time, I do like to dress and present as a female when at home and would like to venture out in the future.

[Mistyjo]

I am a birth male who identifies as female
I dress male for work after work and weekends I present as female both privately and in public I have more women's clothing than male I would like to have breast implants but no desire to alter any other physical characteristic's

[Jenniferathome]

I'm a dude, an athlete, a father and husband. I have never doubted I am male. I like to wear clothing intended for women and sometimes, for some crazy reason, I like to present and be seen as a woman.

[ShayLeigh Dominique]

I am a birth male, identifying as ???. and presenting as male-ish full time. I say "male-ish" because though my mannerisms and behaviors are not "effeminate" they are more "feminine" than would normally be expected of a "typical male"... This confuses people, and I don't connect with them very well... I am in the military, and thus as nearly non-gender as possible with clothing choice (believe me, those uniforms flatter no one). I have presented as female and felt both liberated and vindicated. It is easier for society to accept a "mannish" woman, than a "womanly" man.

[Amy Lynn3]

I am a male and love it. At times I like to dress in cloths designed for females, but the degree varies. At times I under dress and when the feeling comes I like to go out in public dressed in female cloths. I enjoy things that most women are associated with. Things like going to a salon, for massages and both finger and toenail treatments. I even like to shop....go figure. lol

Outside this forum I am all macho male and not any woman in my life thought otherwise. It will stay that way until I die, other than that I have lead a productive life, with wonderful children.

Is this a survey of some type ?:)

[ErikaS]

I am a born male who has been aware of my female side and just accepted her into my life about 18 months ago. I wear women's clothes every day jeans tee shirts and underdressing I have a small wardrobe some skirts and heels. I am working on coming out slowly. I present as male but have female manersums. I shave legs,arms,chest. I am looking at a military group to go out enfemem trips. Life is too short. Go have fun.

Erika

[Madeleine Quinn]

I'm a heterosexual man; I sometimes enjoy wearing women's clothing and appearing feminine. I haven't gone out in public dressed in women's clothes, though I'm open to it and considering it, if the situation were right. I don't underdress on a daily—or really any regular—basis, except borrowing my wife's knit wool tights in the winter. My wife and a few close friends know about my interest in wearing women's attire. I'm not a woman; I don't identify as a woman; I don't want to be a woman, and never have. I enjoy dressing in women's clothing because it's fun to look and feel pretty, and because for some reason part of my attraction to femininity has always included a desire to inhabit it. (I recently read another man who enjoys wearing women's clothes describe his interest in it in terms of a desire to inhabit femininity as part of his attraction to it, and I think that description works really well for me too.) I've never actually used my female name except here on the Internet; I don't really feel much more attachment to it than I do to any other username I've ever used to register for a Web site or message board. I've never considered going full-time presenting as a woman, and I never feel uncomfortable or like I'm less than myself or denying any part of who I truly am if I'm presenting as a man. I think lots of things that are marked in our society as being "masculine/for men/for boys" or "feminine/for women/for girls" are arbitrary rather than natural distinctions, and I'd like to see a lot less of that. For myself, though, wearing feminine clothing is much like other interests I have: I might, e.g., get bogged down with work and go for months without firing up the flight sim on my PC and flying any missions; the interest is still there, but the time isn't, and that's OK. In that sense, I'd say that, on my own self-conception, my affinity for wearing women's clothing doesn't really factor much at all into my gender identity. It really wouldn't be that big a deal at all to me if society in general weren't so obsessed with gender classification and labeling.

[SandiJo]

I am a male and happy to be so.

I dress up because I find it relaxing, sometimes when I have something to solve or sort out I dress up if I can because I find it relaxes me and I can think better.
Generally I work better when dressed as a female, it's as though my brain slips into a different mode.

There is no desire to go out or mix with others whilst dressed.

Sandi

[cheryl reeves]

was born male but identify and look female. been playing a male role all my life,i love women,especially my wife,so fully changing sexes is out of the question,besides if i got surgery i woild have to use a strapon,so keeping mr penis is alot better to use..i know who i am and if people cant except that they tend to stay away..

[Dana44]

I was born male with female thoughts as my hormones was off whack. Grew up maleish. Maleish because femininity has always been with me.
I beat to my own drum and carved a good life out as a male. I sometimes present my fem self. This affliction(gift) has always had me looking into the horizon. A girl by my side with me telling her. No one will ever understand me. I am an accomplished author with three published novels. I will always be a male who sometimes likes to present myself as a female and go out on an adventure with my SO.

[Debra Russell]

Born male, heterosexual have had female tendencies since I was 3 yr old but have always enjoyed men's activities - love presenting and going out as female - my brain is both male and female ............................Debra

[LilSissyStevie]

Masochistic Emasculation Fetishist here....no brag, just fact.

[carhill2mn]

I am a heterosexual male who presents s a woman more hours per week than as a man. I thoroughly enjoy presenting as a woman however, I still present as a man to my family and the friends of my male self. I do this so as to not cause my friends and family any discomfort.

[Victoria Demeanor]

I came into this world as a male, lived my life as a male and will depart as a male. The next time around is still up for debate. So how do I describe this mush of confused, frenzied, chaotic vessel that is me?

I believe I have carried the wonderful companionate soul of a woman, the sweeter, caring and more understanding personality that is typically considered feminine and the desire to be softer and more emotional than how our present society views men.
My up bring has taught me to be tough, to tackle the world head on, to be the type A, macho man and I have played this role, set for me. I have put this mask on and portrayed myself well enough to be looked up to by other men as a role model of “manliness”. I am not trying to boast here nor can I say that this has brought me displeasure. I have truly enjoyed my life, who I am and what I have done and I have no thoughts on changing this. Having, though, suppressed my true inner self, misunderstood my feeling and denied my hearts desires for so much of my life I have found that it is time I explore it.

I am a man that likes to dress as a woman, it brings my peace, sooths my inner spirit and relaxes my mind. I found that I love to play with makeup, heels and polish and all things typically female. I would love to see myself in the mirror, at least once as my mind’s eye sees me. I would love to walk out into the daylight and allow Victoria to dance amongst the flowers. To sip tea at a café with a girlfriend, or shop the day away. Because this is, for me, a state of mind, an emotional release and calming of my chi, rather than a sexual expression. I have actually found that I don’t have to put anything female on. When I come to this site, I can be in dirty, oil stained jeans, tee shirt, with three days facial growth and when I am reading, reply to post, amongst my friends here, I am in my mind Victoria, my Ying to my Yang.

Great, thought provoking threat Reine D, thank you for posting it.

[Teresa]

Born male, naturally attracted to females from a very early age but never considered to be a sissy . Wasn't attracted to female clothes until early testosterone took hold and then the combination came together and has never really left . For years dressing was only for sex until I came out to my wife, I drifted towards wanting to dress more for the continuous sensation of the feel of clothes making me appear more like a woman . Long hours in the darkroom became less tedious, I could dress for hours without the family knowing even though they were only a short distance away . Being able to take my own photographs was the turning point to really wanting more and the need to really become passable , I prefer the look of being female rather than male.
Now I know I was actually born with a female trait it explains why I never loose the gut feeling of something not being right and wanting to appear more female than male !

[RylieCD]

I am male at birth but have been wearing women's clothes in private as much as possible. I would like to say I am female but to me we are all just people where one gets to wear pretty clothes and the othe gets to admire. To me everyone is equal. Yes, it would be nice to experience a female life and possibly not return to male, but who knows???

[Amanda M]

I am a straight male, who abhors the thought of sexual contact with another male. Now that I hate or dislike folks who are homosexual or bisexual - far from it. Whatever floats your boat! Trust m on that.

It just does not float mine. Now then, when I am dressed, I have (if this is sensible) lesbian urges. As in, I am attracted to women. Well, one, actually.

So who thinks quantum physics is difficult?

[michelleddg]

"I'm a boy, I'm a boy, but my mom won't admit it. I'm a boy, I'm a boy, but if I say I am I get it."

Birth-male who identifies as male. 100% heterosexual, happily married for 33 years, masculine tastes and pursuits. Enjoying dressing as a woman as the opportunity presents which is usually a handful of times per year. Very girly girl in my tastes. I have some tells - long hair, manicured eye brows, occasionally all the body hair comes off - but have never been called on it. I've done some things to improve my appearance and quality of life - lasik and invisalign - but have no interest in feminizing myself in any permanent way.

Hugs, Michelle

[Jorja]

I am well beyond all of that. There is no doubt about it, I am a woman.

[Dianne S]

I have XY chromosomes, but live full-time as a woman. I usually dress up a little more than the average woman; I wear skirts or dresses probably 5 days out of 7 and jeans the other 2. I am on HRT and am therefore attempting to feminize my body to the practical extent possible.

I am unsure at this point of my sexual orientation (I noticed others had mentioned theirs.)

[jessicabf]

I am a creative, imaginative and passionate male-born person. I present as male, while enjoying expressing feminine in clothing and other trappings in private often. While definitely enjoying masculine traits, my emotional sensitivity and social idiosyncrasy would be counted as more feminine by societal standards. A fact that has lead to an internal struggle during my life.

[Julie Denier]

Born male, live male, enjoy being male. Husband and father. Like cigars and sports, eating sloppy, being lazy and sporting a few days growth. Sometimes, when the opportunity presents itself, I love dressing completely as a woman - dress and heels, lingerie and hosiery, wig, makeup and nails. I dress mostly in private, but I have been out in public with others in a friendly environment. I'm not into underdressing -- I'm either all guy or all girl ;)

[carahawkwind]

I'm genetically male and in a happy monogamous relationship with a woman, who I have daughter with. I believe outside the actual physical genitals and few other physical features most of what is seen as gender is constructed by society and a lot of those constructs are dated to the point of being useless, particularly certain variations of macho masculinity; as a result I live the way I want to live regardless of expectations, but also in a way that makes people I care about the most safe and comfortable. I present male the vast majority of the time, because it's easier and more functional most of the, both for me and also the people around me.

[Kandi Robbins]

Born male, identify as male, think as a male. Husband (almost 30 years), deeply in love with my wife, father of two wonderful daughters, son, brother, friend, music lover, competitive runner and I have recently realized that I enjoy putting together an outfit and a look and presenting myself as a female. I have gotten rid of all of my body hair and lost quite a bit of weight, and while I won't deny that was done to look better in a dress, it was also done for comfort and my health. I have been introspective about all of this and have realized so far that when presenting as a woman, many deeply buried feelings, like love, acceptance, interest in another human being, things typically identified as feminine come out. These feelings and emotions are bleeding over into my male self, and I see this as a very good thing. I simply have never been happier with myself and my life.

[BillieJoEllen]

I have always considered myself to be a girl/woman. I grew up wondering how I could get over to the 'otherside' but it never happened. Growing up I had a lot of girl cousins and they always seemed to have so much fun being girls. They often let me join in their girly discussion. Because of my age I would often times have to accompany every one on shopping trips. I es-
pecially loved it when my cousins went shopping for dresses. Until I was older I could never quite figure out why no one would buy a dress for me also. I had a mean aunt that dressed me in a dress and I couldn't understand why I was so embarrassed being in a dress. After all that's what I dreamed about.

Now a days I dress like a woman and most always wear panties and bras. I realized a long time ago I would never realize my dream of being a woman.

[Alex!]

Reine,

I'll just copy and paste what you wrote, with some obvious adjustments :)

I'm a birth-male who identifies as a heterosexual male and who presents as a male 99% of the time. Generally speaking, I have almost no desire for others to see me as a female and have no desire at all to alter my physical sexual characteristics. I do, on rare occasions (a grand total of about 100 hours per year), wear attire and makeup with the intent to replicate the appearance of a woman typical of the society I live in. The motivation is a combination of fetishism, artistic expression, and solidarity with similar-minded people.

[Heidi Stevens]

I was born and raised male. For decades I thought I was only a male that tried to present as a female, mostly for personal satisfaction. I got married over 25 years ago, but continued to improve my female appearance as I remained a loving husband. Finally I began to realize I had a conflict between my male self and my female side. A year of therapy and personal understanding has made me come to the conclusion I have had a female self the entire time. My female presentation is now not for just gratification, but what feels natural to me. I'd love to present as female whenever I wanted but because of my love for my wife and her request, I still present as male.

[Leah Lynn]

I came into this world with a horrible birth defect; I have a male body. 20 months now on hrt, in the process of legally changing my name/gender. I've always preferred hanging out with the girls, rather than watch the game with the guys. I've considered myself hetero ( me male/ she female) but my therapist seems to think I'm hiding a desire to date males. I'm not ready to go there, yet, but it's a moot point; nobody wants this freak.

Leah

[TNRobin]

I was born a male, spent most of my life presenting as a male, but whenever I could get away with it, the women's clothing came out. About 3 years ago I decided that something had to change and I now present only as a female, and date only females, which confuses the Hell out of most of my family.

[Bridget Ann Gilbert]

I am a birth male with an androgenous personality that leans toward the female. I do not currently dress as a woman due to family concerns and a commitment to be honest with my wife. I use online accounts to "present" myself as a female as an outlet for my feminine side. I have a strong tendancy to be introspective, and joining this forum has provided me with a wealth of information to process as I discover more about who I am and how I got to this stage in life.

Bridget

[Brandi01]

I am a male and present most of the time in public as male. I present as female as much as possible around the house and have now began to appear fully dressed as female in public.

[Christina Kay]

Born male, identifies in between( fluid) but leans more female. Under dress daily,but adding a feminine flair to everyday attire (glasses and such) greatly prefers the interaction and mannerisms of my female side. Never felt that comfortable with male interaction side. Low dose HRT for emotional balance and any slight physical changes, all under my PCP and therapist's guidance. Very much in love with my wife, who is aware and very happy for the emotional balance HRT has brought me. No desire to go further.

[sometimes_miss]

OK I'll bite and try to keep it in the same format. I'm a GM who self identifies as male, live with a strong underlying desire to be a young teen female, but presents to the world as a standard issue heterosexual male. I very, very rarely go out of the house underdressed, and never, ever crossdressed. I don't have any desire to present myself to the world as an old, homely, female, and so have no desire to make alterations (surgical or hormonally induced) to my body.

Edit: Not that there's anything wrong with being an old, homely female. It's just not something that I aspire to be, and there's simply no way to become a young, foxy female (even though Jenner can use all sorts of tricks and photoshop to fake it, but I don't think she's really fooling anyone but herself with that photoshoot) . I'm already an old, homely male, so there's really not much difference. I'm OK with that..

[Natalie cupcake]

I was born as a male who presents myself as male in public. I sometimes like to wear women's clothing, makeup,etc...

[Jennifer in CO]

Born male, present as male but haven't worn male clothing for years. Usual attire is masculine or androgynous looking feminine clothes. I have altered my body taking hormones for two years and living full time as a woman for almost five (35 years ago). I like to do "guy" things as well as "girl" things and lots of other things in between. My wife once said I was the best girlfriend she has ever had.

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Reine, I'm just a 72 year old man that totally enjoys dressing and presenting as feminine as I can.
I have been in this program for over 68yrs. now and I don't see it changing any time soon.:daydreaming:

When I'm not presenting as a lady I'm totally macho guy with clear coat nails and Triple Pierced ears.

[Jane P]

I logged on tonight specifically to address this question. I am a person who has a very difficult time voicing his feelings or even opinions for that matter . By using the pronoun " his " I must be saying that I am male and I guess that no matter how I may be dressed that fact remains the same . I have not been fully dressed for quite some time and am still trying to come to terms with having these desires to do so in the first place. I hold no one else to the standards that I set for myself and as a result find myself a bit of a disappointment . I remain my own worst enemy.

[CherylFlint]

Like just about everyone else, my “X’s” and “Y’s” didn’t match-up as what is considered “normal” but it’s “normal” for me, so there you have it.
A guy who could’ve been born a women with just the littlest-tiny push but, alas, it was not to be.
However, who are we to second guess the “Fickle Hands of Fate”?
As far as dressing goes, never had so much fun.
And the fun never stops.
A MAJOR relaxing drug: dressing.

[DAVIDA]

Reine, I am a PERSON who happens to be a man.:)
I am married to my best friend who is the person who was instrumental in helping me understand the NEED to wear clothes intended for women.
I have been out and I have been to SCC too. I don't feel the need to go anywhere wearing female clothes.
I haven't put on makeup or a wig in years. I do however, wear the trappings of women dally. Most of my friends and family are aware of this side of me.
I have not had even one negative reaction from anyone. That includes neighbors, one of whose house I have been in while dressed in women's clothing to show her how to light her water heater.:heehee:

[Marcelle]

Hi Reine . . . I'll add my two cents. :)

Genetically I am male and of that there can be no doubt. I like my male characteristics with the exception of body hair and facial hair both of which I have taken measures to reduce/remove. With everything else I am good to go :) and desire no deletions or additions (surgically or chemically). I consider myself a person before I consider myself male or female because to be honest, beyond clothing, make-up, wigs and whatnot I would not know how to describe being male or female. So, I am me 24/7 and that means sometimes I present as a man and sometimes I present as a woman. How people perceive me in either guise is their business/baggage to deal with not mine. When dressed as a woman I prefer comfy clothes (jeans, capris, tops, flats, flip flops) but I will wear a dress when the occasion calls for it (dinner out with friends, work). When dressed as a man I prefer comfy clothes (jeans, shorts, t-shirts, sandals, flip flops) but will dress up when the occasion calls for it (dinner out with friends, work).

Hugs

Isha

[Carlene]

Renie, in a few short words I don't really know who I am. The normalcy perspectives of society, responsibilities to family, the self entrenchment caused by passing years of male behavior, the fear of loneliness perpetuated by being thought of as an other, and so on, have all served to limit the extent to which I can explore.

Life often gets in the way.

[Sarasometimes]

Born male, love being a male, I love doing things typically very masculine/macho activities and don't desire to change that. However I also like doing many typically feminine/womanly things. To meet this need several times a month I go out dressed for a few hours at a time to enjoy salon services as a female client would (human hair wig styled or highlighted, makeup lessons... or shopping for women's clothes..) I feel I have needs that fall on both ends of the Gender Expression continuum. I both love soft fabrics, getting pampered, caring about what earrings to wear and talking fashion. and equally so I love getting really hot, sweaty, dirty in stinky clothes using heavy tools and equipment for the betterment of strangers or hanging out with the guys talking smack and having a beer. My life at the moment keeps me in the closet.
The male equivalent of a tomboy.

[S. Lisa Smith]

I love this thread!!! I am a male. I enjoy many male things, but would would rather hang with the women( even as a young child). I present male most times, but in the cooler, cold months I dress for short periods of time Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings. I go out a few times a year presenting as my female self. I love it!! That all being said, I love being a husband (for almost 40 years), a dad to my sons and grandfather to my grand daughter. My wife knows and is supportive, although she has no desire to see me as my female self. I always have shaped eyebrows and short body hair. I have pierced ears, but that is the only permanent change to my body that I want. I am happy being who I am and hope that you are happy being you!!!

[Alexisninsar]

A non-hetronormative assigned male at birth, who feels female trying to get by in a world of lables.

[Suzanne F]

I am a female that was born with male sexual characteristics. I live as a female with my wife and son. I only present as male when I have to make an appearance at the home office or meet customers. My wife calls me Buffy because I like bling and try to always look nice in public. I have had ears pierced and laser treatment on my face. I am presently taking estrogen and testosterone blockers. Next summer I will undergo SRS and breast augmentation.
Suzanne

[Roli F]

Me 70% Male Brain 30% Female Brain
gender fluid
Love the ability to change from one to the other
orientation love females in both roles xx

[Sarah Louise]

I'm a straight male who has always been attracted to feminine women. For some reason that I don't really understand, I occasionally like to dress as a female. I can go weeks with no desire to do this. When I dress I don't feel female, I just like looking like one.

[SandraB]

I'm a birth-male who identifies as male. Have recently accepted and come to embrace that I sometimes like to present as female. Still very much in discovery mode on this side of my personality.

I underdress most of the time (75%). While at home I wear full outfits including breastforms 2 or 3 times a week. I vary the outfits from casual jeans, tops, sandals to skirts, dresses, blouses, heels etc. Do full makeup maybe once week / every other week. Have a wig but am not keen on how it looks/feels and so only use on rare occassions.

I regularly remove all body hair. I grow and manicure nails, pluck and shape eyebrows to the extent it is not overly obvious when presenting as male. I think I might like to pierce ears, grow out hair but not yet. I've no desire to alter my physical sexual characteristics in any other more permanent way.

I've been out in public on 2 occasions to date fully en femme driving from the house to a city where I was unlikely to meet anyone that knows me and only with very limited public interaction. I would like and hope eventually to be able to present anyway I please to family and friends.

[Genny B]

Born male and used to cry myself to sleep wondering why I wasn't female. Happy with life and how it has turned out now. Perform as male most of the time, but when life permits I dance on the other side with a vengeance!

Genny B

[Robin414]

Born 'male' at least by definition at the time. Have always had an appreciation for the feminine condition and I've never felt completely like a guy but just though that was normal for for a guy...although I have done well in that role. I used to dress a few times a month in college but until recently haven't at all. About 8 months ago had a radical orchidectomy for cancer and within a short time and some significant changes to my body I've realized I am and always have been in a fairly significant way a woman. I've never even considered it before but I truly plan to go all the way to the pink side beginning in about 8 months!😄

[Robin777]

I am a heterosexual male who has a very understanding wife. I enjoy being a male and also enjoy presenting as a female. I do under-dress when presenting as a male. I dress as a female as much as possible in the privacy of my home. My favorite part of presenting as a female is the lingerie. I find the dressing a stress reliever as it is very relaxing and satisfies something in me. I do have a desire to present someday in public as a female and one day hope to make that happen.

[sarahcsc]

I am Venus and Mercury, the animus and the anima, the yin and the yang, the son and the daughter, the grass on this side and the other.

I am a child of this universe in all its glorious permutations, there is none other like me, never had and never will be, because I am me.

[grace7777]

I was legally born a male, but in the last few years have discovered That I feel more natural presenting as a woman. For years I tried to be as male as possible, but have realized that it is not for me. I am realizing that the male role is not for me.

I have had eleven sessions of laser hair removal done on my face. Shaving is now a quick process in the morning without the need to use shaving cream. I anticipate soon doing electrolysis to get rid of what the laser cannot. I am seriously thinking of doing HRT, which would be another step on the way to becoming a woman. It would be great If I could live my life over 95% as a female. I am hoping in the future I will be able to present as a woman in whatever job I hold.

I plan to avoid getting involved in any sexual relationships. I would just like to have friends of both genders. I dream of someday replacing the "M" on my drivers license with an "F".

[NancyJ]

I am a GM (Genetic Male). And have lived my life publicly and to my family as a guy, father, husband, etc. However, I have experienced gender discomfort with being male my whole life, do not like my male body (size, shape, facial and body hair, and "bits"), and I am an admirer of women--their bodies, clothes, lifestyles (of course I know there is q wide variation), and if I had a magic "do-over" I would re-enter the world as female. Nancy

[desertrider]

Hmmm. If you read my 'ever feel fake' post, you'd know I'm not exactly sure myself. If I had to reduce it to a 1-10 scale, I suspect both my gender and orientation land on maybe a 3, which is to say, pretty male, but not exclusively, but not quite truly bi, but sort of lean that way vs. the 'average' dude. But whatever. I spent a long time in the closet in my head. I'd dress sometimes for officially sanctioned events (i.e. drag show), but in daily life I spent way too much time trying not to be a sissy, or come off 'gay' - wait, what? I mean, I had gay friends, I'm like totally cool if *other* people are different, but me? I have to do this mysogonistic truck-nutz crap cause some ideal member of society I've never met is sitting there in my head telling me I'm not man enough all the time? So, hopefully, I'm sooooooo over that now. I'm kind of sick of the male aspects of our society right now, and my own baggage of comformance to that. Not throwing out baby & bath though - avid readers probably have gleaned that I have a somewhat affectionate relationship with my facial hair and really like to fix broken things. So I'm trying to be more fluid, genuine, and honest with myself these days. And I'm loving it :) :) :) Closets are small and dark, conformity is a straightjacket on the person you were born to be. I'm growing up, it's about bloody time!

[Isabella Ross]

The Cole's Notes version: Happy male who occasionally gets incredible joy from feeling and looking pretty.

[kkaye]

I enjoy the option to be what, I feel like when, I want to. And most of all nobody can do anything about my freedom of choice.

[Stephanie A]

I am a male who has all my life done the man things and yet I have been since my late teen years had interest in lingerie and women's clothing. Since the first time I tried on panties something clicked inside me that it is expressing the feminine me that has been a part of me. I do not want to change my physical sexual characteristics, but I am intrigued by what dressing does to my sexuality.

[Jean 103]

I’m a guy that as I have been called is gender fluid. At work I’m a guy with the white knight syndrome. I show up fix things and ride off into the sunset. I can hang with the guys or be a girl and hang with the girls. If this is not confusing enough I’m also BI. So I’m mixed up and hi maintenance.
Love Jean

[Jocelyn Quivers]

MAB (Male at Birth), currently doing the 12/7 formula consisting of working, living outside in public life as male, any other time as female, give or take a few hours here and there. Long term/ life long goal headed or trying to towards female 24/7 or 16/7, while still holding on to as much of my male side/ life, in my own slow, disorganized, not well thought out, what ever happens, happens, through crap at the wall and see what sticks, way. :straightface:

[AprilMayy<3]

I am a birth male who enjoys wearing female clothing once or twice a week. I have phases of femininity or masculinity.

[Robyn2006]

With two beautiful older sisters, I knew early on that I wanted to be just like them. It's been a long, rocky road, but thinking I'm able to become the sister I wish they had... though in my own, private world.

[Kiwi Primrose]

I'm hetero male but find it difficult to associate with men; happily married for over 50 years. All my friends are women and I prefer the company of women.
My underwear has been all female most of my life and in public I wear as much female or uni outer clothing as I can.
I have no desire to go further than I do now because I get my satisfaction in being as feminine as I like at home.

[Amanda_P]

I'm 57 straight male. I've been married twice. Both knew but didn't care for it. Now after my second wife Amanda has really come into her own. I go out shopping, Try on clothes in the store weather I'm in fem mode or not. I found a wonderful woman that puts up with me and Amanda. We go on outings and shopping together. I'm sorry to say she thinks I have better taste then her in clothes. Amanda likes nice things and I find it hard to keep her out of the womens section. I have WAY to many bras and shoes.

[ReineD]

I've been neglecting this thread, sorry. I want to thank everyone for responding. It's nice to have an idea of how members actually express themselves rather than trying to figure it out based on the labels they assign themselves.

Thank you!

[DMichele]

I am a birth male who identifies more female than male today. I present as male in the work environment, although I wear panties, bra and knee-hi stockings. Weekends I dress female casual, including breast forms (36C), light make-up, and jewelry when out and about on errands. In the privacy of my home, I often wear skirts, tops, dresses, stockings, heels or flats, full make-up, and complete jewelry.

[Brenn]

I am a birth male who likes who he is and doesn't want to change a thing. I tried several bouts of presenting as a woman in my distant past and while it still has a certain appeal to me, I have not fully dressed as a woman in over a decade. I do, however, love certain aspects of women's clothes and often mix in women's garments into my male wardrobe. Most of my shorts and jeans are from the women's department, I only wear women's panties, and I wear pantyhose, ballet flats and mary-janes frequently as part of my male attire, including in public. Most of my shirts are male because I can never find women's shirts that fit right.

[Kristy 56]

Genetic male,present male,but a strong feminine side that frequently needs to be explored,or used as a retreat from the stresses of life. :)

[Tina_gm]

Birth male with many female like traits and mannerisms. I dress in female clothing as a form of relaxation often but for short periods of time typically. I feel very comfortable in female clothing. I also feel comfortable in male clothing as well, although my personality sometimes seems to be closer to that of a females.

[OCCarly]

I was born outwardly male, eight weeks premature, and mom took DES during the pregnancy. I've wanted to be a girl since I was five years old. Tried to be the best guy I could, but in my mind and heart, I am a very sweet, sensitive, intelligent girl who has done a really great job of being a guy. I am not out to anyone but my wife, and I only dress at home. I am in the process of becoming ... me. The me that I want to be, not the me that my father wanted me to be or anyone else. This part of my life is for me, and I am going to be me -- and look cute doing it by golly!

[antonyio]

born a male,always wanted to be a girl but had it dornedd into me it was wrong,now live more as afemale than male except work and around family,done the marriage thing,didnt work as wife couldn't handle a fem male,now I am me and happy with me as a fem-male who wishes to be more female than male,all friends are females

[Michelle789]

I am a woman who was assigned male at birth. I am very, very feminine, and I love wearing dresses and makeup. I am very feminine by personality too, very sweet, and very smart, and very high tech. I am all female who happened to be born with the wrong parts. I take hormones (testosterone blocker and estrogen), and I am doing laser to remove my facial hair. I am currently in a relationship with a very loving and amazing man, who was assigned female at birth. I have been living full-time as a woman for nearly a year.

[flatlander_48]

I am a bisexual male; 66 as of last December. I have grown children; a daughter and a son. My daughter and her husband have 2 daughters. They do not know about DeeAnn. If I had to guess a ratio of male to female, I would say either 80/20 or 90/10. I don't recall ever thinking that I was in the wrong body and have always been comfortable presenting as male. However, there is a significant attraction to presenting as female. There is still a bit of sexual attachment to presenting as female, but it has been greatly reduced over the years. I have always marveled at women's clothing as there were just so many more possibilities in terms of style and color. In male mode, I've never been afraid of colors and think nothing of wearing pink, purple, red, fuschia, turquoise, etc. (NOT all at once!!) Unless it is actually snowing or significant snow on the ground, I wear Merrell or Keen sandals and Acorn sandal socks all the time. MANY of the sandal socks are listed as women's and are in bright colors and wild patterns.

I underdress 100% with either a thong or firm control shapewear briefs. Occasionally in winter I'll include tights or pantyhose. I am a member of 2 groups in different towns from where I live. One is 55 miles away (more of a support group) and the other is 99 (a social group). I present as fully female 1 to 3 times a month when I attend those meetings. Fully meaning undergarments with breast forms, dress or skirt/blouse or pants/blouse, hose, heels, wig, nail polish, makeup and jewelry. At work, I present as male. The only exceptions are the socks that I mentioned and sometimes a pair of tassel loafers with a 2" wedge heel. I'm a mechanical engineer and am often in machine shops and factories. Presenting as something more towards androgynous wouldn't be useful. At home I dress neck down 2 to 4 times a week.

I have always related well to women and have had some really good friendships. I've gotten along with men much better in the last 15 years or so. It seems to have been inversely proportional to the degree that I worried about being discovered as a bisexual (which long preceded any thoughts of presenting as female).

My 2nd wife knows about me completely and went with me the first couple of times I went out dressed. I have always liked shopping for male clothes and female clothes. I will also admit to a Shoe Jones. I am good with color coordination but I do favor a color block or monochromatic kind of dressing, for the want of a better term. For example, an outfit might be: bright red blazer, bright white blouse and a black leather maxi skirt; all strong colors, but no patterns. The only pattern might be in a scarf, also with bright colors. A variation might be a medium olive green suede maxi skirt, black turtleneck and a vest with a Native American blanket print that included a darker version of the olive green.

I love the transformation that takes place when I do makeup or my nails. I'm different, but I'm the same. It just blows me away; every time...

DeeAnn

[MissTee]

I am by birth and in public presentation: a male. I do not want to or intend to change that. Ever. In private I enjoy dressing in women's fashion, with most of that dressing time in something that's comfortable and cute. I am husband, father, grandfather, executive, artist and an infinitely curious soul. I like feeling as much as I do thinking, and do both rather well. Clothes don't make me, but they do complete me.

[Gypsy Sam]

Birth -male who presents as male when ever I leave the house. Dabble in cross dressing during me time only, and present as male to family and friends. Enjoy the time with the mirror, and chatting on this site. Nurturing the imagination and wondering about the possibilties. Great respect for ReineD as she counsels those who ask for help with their thoughts and feelings.

[suchacutie]

I'm a GM, married 42 years, and for decades thought I was just a guy. Joking around, one morning we found that I was completely comfortable wearing women's clothes. That lead us to weeks of talking and experimenting. My wife now describes me as "two apps working with the same database."

I generally don't mix my gendered selves since we are distinct. The male I thought I was for years was really a composite, and now that we've come to understand the distinctions between my masculine and feminine selves, life makes so much more sense.

At the moment I mostly present male, only compromising my male appearance enough to make the transformation to a convincing Tina possible. My fantasy goal would be to live in each gender for 2 or 3 days and then switch.

[Joansometimes]

I AM ME!!!!!!!!!!!:battingeyelashes::):daydreaming:

[Ceera]

I was born male, still identify as my birth gender, and most of the time present as a male - yet I also have a strong feminine aspect that I like to express, so I also occasionally - like once a week or so - present as female with appropriate clothes, forms, wig and makeup and even voice, and I definitely enjoy being accepted as a female when I do. I tend to be attracted more to female partners regardless of my presentation mode, but I also find some males attractive, and I have no desire to alter my body, beyond removing body and facial hair and maybe getting my ears pierced.

[steftoday]

It's taken me a few days to figure out how to answer this.
Genetic male at birth. Since the age of 3, I've had this "tugging" feeling in my mind that I didn't fit the boy only mold.
I am attracted only to women. I probably spend about the same amount of time wearing Stephanie's clothes as I do my male clothes. I am highly creative and artistic, yet I work in IT where logic rules. I have a spouse that is fairly accepting, as I can dress with forms and makeup whenever. (She doesn't like me wearing a wig around, though.)
I tend toward think of myself as "two spirited"; however, my therapist feels that dual gender is more easily adopted by younger people.
If I could get away with it, I would have breasts (naturally or not); however my job and social status will not allow that at this time. I have discussed HRT with my therapist.
I shave everything, I have pierced ears, I groom my eyebrows to a not quite females state. I let my hair grow longer, but not as long as I wish I could. When I am presenting as a woman, I prefer to present as well dressed, and I prefer classy to trashy; I try to dress mostly age appropriate.

[April_Ligeia]

I am a genetic male and present as male for work and family. I live with a girlfriend and present and identify as more female at home. I typically wear makeup in tge evenings, nail polish on my toes most of the time and on my fingers when i can leave it on for the weekend. I don't really know or care where I fit in on the gender spectrum, I love feminine style and just dress and wesr makeup because i like the way it looks.

[Joanne108]

I am a heterosexual male with a unique talent. My talent is that I can alter my appearance to present as a woman. I really enjoy starting out looking male and then step by step becoming female in my appearance. Most of the time I'm dressed male but I do love to dress female. Sometimes I forget how I'm dressed and go out in the world dressed as a woman. It is fun.

[ShelbyDawn]

I am a male blessed/cursed with very strong masculine looks. I say blessed because I enjoy all aspects of being male from my appearance to the traditional role expectations to the traditional hobbies. I say cursed because, as much as i enjoy being male, I would love to have my life as it is with a significantly more feminine appearance; breasts, hips, smaller frame, etc. - legitimate reasons to wear the clothes I want to wear. It just occurred to me that I think I want to be a man trapped in a woman's body..:heehee:

[ReluctantDebutant]

I was born and identify as a heterosexual male who enjoys life living as such but sometimes derives pleasure from wearing clothing made for women and fantasizing what it would be like look like an attractive woman. I have come to realize that the fantasy is better then the reality and no longer feel the need to realize that fantasy but I would not object if the right circumstances came along but I am not going to seek them out.

[kryss.cd]

I'm a heterosexual male that has chosen to wear female underwear instead of male underwear. I find it more comfortable and it gives me a confidence boost.

[MonctonGirl]

Straight male - dress straight male except when alone for a while and then I enjoy women's clothing for a while.
I am fascinated with females, their anatomy ( not just "girl parts" but also body shape; hip/waist ratio, etc. ) and all things created for them to waste money on. Wish I knew what it was like to experience life as a female for a few days.

Going en-femme is also like having a magic power to be invisible - the male me is not there - and I like the "prank" of fooling everyone around me ( or at least that's what I strive for haha - gotta work on that. )

[Laurie A]

when i was born i was identified as a male. as i grew up, i tried to maintain appearances as a male, but i always knew that something was not quite right.

i spent (too) many years of my life denying and repressing. then found out through the internet that i was not alone (or even that unique). relieved to know that i am not an a pervert, weird, or sick.

these days, now fully invested in my male personae, i pursue my interests in femininity on a part time basis in private only

[Jaymees22]

I'm just happy to be me, whatever I am. Hugs Jaymee