Have you accepted the fact you are a transvestite?

[LexiNexi]

Despite my false bravado I have sometimes posted on this site (that's not me in my sig, and I'm sorry to the other member's for trying to be an "internet someone" I'm not ) it hit me the other day;

With the sig other out of town I noticed the first thing I put on after a shower was my skanky girly sissy clothes.

I like to look at my self in the mirror with no make up and short hair and I look good. I still haven't gone out in public like this in a long time. Don't know if I want to. I'm dressing for me because I like the way it looks and feels.

I'm a transvestite; whether part time or full time I will always be a transvestite. This urge is part of who I am. Still some days hard to accept.

[Jason+]

Until there is a DSM approved scary sounding name like it that really means non-passing man in a dress Transvestite is the closest match and will have to do. :D

[Teresa]

Lexi,
Joining the forum finally brought all the pieces together and a complete acceptance of being a transvestite ( crossdresser, whatever label you choose to use !) losing the shame and guilt, accepting it's for life and adopting a name . After all these years it's not pretense I have a feminine side that has needs and hiding that has looking back done so much harm to me mentally . I can't put all that right now but just being open about it and being accepted would help a great deal at the moment .

[LexiNexi]

Thank you

Im dawning the wig and make up tonight, with my toes painted pink in some nice 3" open toed heels and a little slip dress. It feels weird being raised to 5 9" on these heels. feels like Im going to fall over ! I like the feel of long hair down my back. Im thinking Swiss miss later... as the blond wig matched my normal hair...


Maybe I can be at one with my girly legs/arms and narrow feminine feet...

[Andrea_cd]

I am me i just like girls clothes better than boys

[bridget thronton]

If you mean accept that I dress - I do (labels are not important)

[Katey888]

It would be a tough one for anyone here to deny very forcibly, Lexi.... ;)

Yes - I think I accepted this at first some decades ago but it has grown to be a more complete acceptance as I have grown in confidence - what we need to do might be 'wrong' in society's view, but that's myopic and restrictive in perspective... we don't practice this as a choice, although we do have a choice of how we do it. And yes, some days self-acceptance still seems to waiver for me - society exerts a strong influence... :(

I don't object to the expression transvestite - I think it's better accepted here in the UK and Europe than the US - but I prefer trans* as it does seem to gather transvestite, transgender and transsexual in a more inclusive, if still contentious, grouping. :)

Katey x

[joanna4]

By the time I joined this site, I've labeled myself with every term in the book.

[Marcelle]

Hi Lexi,

While I have accepted who I am "Transgender" I am not a big label fan as I consider myself a person first and foremost and gender is something we are assigned at birth and/or choose later in life. However, not a big fan of the word "transvestite" for no real particular reason other than it drums up visions of Tim Curry with crazy blue eye shadow, garters, heels and a horrible hairstyle. I know, I know seems a bit shallow but , whenever I talk to people about being transgender, the older ones (my generation) tend to default to their only frame of reference "so you are like Frankenfurter from the Rocky Horror Picture Show". :facepalm:

Cheers

Isha

[Teresa]

Isha,
Why don't you give it a go you may enjoy the change of style ! I've never made that connection perhaps my wife has , but then she's probably made several connections she 'd rather not talk about !

[pamela7]

seeing as a transvestite is a person who transitions into the vestments of the "other sex", assuming binary gender ... then how can a CD'er not accept it? However, a TS would not be a transvestite, they would be wearing the clothes according to the gender they feel they are.

[NickyLycra]

Next time someone asks:
"so you are like Frankenfurter from the Rocky Horror Picture Show"?
Give them:
No ..... nothing like him ... he's from Transylvania.

===============================

I'm not much of a man by the light of day,/ but by night I'm one hell of a lover!

What's not to love about Rocky Horror.

Frank gave the world permission to be ......................... sensual.

[AnnieMac]

My self acceptance of my crossdressing seems to come and go like my urge to dress does at times.

[alwayshave]

While I prefer the term crossdresser, yes I accept that I am a transvestite.

[Pat]

I accept that I am transvestite (my preferred term, but I use "crossdresser" in this forum because it seems to be the preferred term here.) But transvestite only describes my behavior -- I'm still trying to figure out who/what I am. I don't believe there's a word for it yet. Whatever it is, I accept it but I'm still questing to find out what it is.

[Lacey New]

Call it whatever - I like to dress in women's clothing from time to time. Sometimes just the underwear that I can conceal and sometimes in private in full female garb. Transvestite? Crossdresser? Transgender? I don't know but I guess I'm one.

[Angie G]

I've accepted that fact 50 some years ago Lexi. And have been happy with it all these years.:hugs:
Angie

[Isabella Ross]

Let me be brief: Yes.

[Meghan4now]

Come on Skipper.
I'm not gonna dress up like a girl!
You can't make me,
You can't make me!

Seriously though, I think it's a prerequisite on some level to actually signing up for an account here. Unless of course one is here to troll.

Of course the trolls didn't realize that getting an account here has exposed them and now they have trans cooties. The never walk past the lingerie section without turning their heads again. Ha ha ha ha!

[Caden Lane]

Crossdressers, yes. I came to terms with that a long time ago. Transgender, yes, however only more recently as it seemed to be the umbrella which best encompassed my gender issues. Transsexual, not so much... Yet. Perhaps time and therapy will tell.

However I've never associated with the word transvestite. For some reason it conjures up mental images of sleazy parts of town, poorly dressed and made-up men in the prowl for other men. But that may just be a pop-culture artifact.

[Sabrina133]

In a word, yes. Probably like most of us, i had a hard time at first. As i grew older and began to understand "me" i came to embrace the fact that i am transgendered. I am comfortable with it.

Bree

[jigna]

This is my addiction to wear woman cloths, I can't sleep without it.
I am proud to be a transgender/cross dresser.

[Tracii G]

I have only seen snippets of Rocky Horror and find it rather disgusting and why its so popular I have no clue.
Transvestite? I don't care for the term because of the perceived sleaze factor.
I am transgender and I accept it.

[Shelly Preston]

I just tell anyone who asks politely that I am part of the trans community.

The details are my business unless they need to know or it affects them in some way.

[CONSUELO]

Yes, most definitely a transvestite, or to use the neologism, cross dresser. Many years ago I accepted that I have been this way since I was around five years old. I am happy to be a transvestite and I regret nothing of my transvestite past.

Remember "Gay Pride", how about "Transvestite Pride"?

[nikkid]

I love to dress and have become more of a transvestite over the years. Before that for years I was just a "panty wearer". Its amazing how I have changed over the years. If I were 30 years younger, Feeling the way I do now, I probably would consider SRS. Due to age, family, and all that goes with it, I don't see that in my future. That's why I am truly amazed by Caitlyn....it is so much easier to just enjoy my partial indulgence in this lifestyle.

[Heelios]

I am starting to accept that I am a transvestite - joining in the discussions on this site are helping. As others have said I think I prefer the term crossdresser as transvestite seems to have sleazy connotations. However the terms as I understand them basically mean the same thing. It's just our feelings towards the words, or society's feelings, that have given the word transvestite that sleazy edge.

[Jenn A116]

nomenclature aside, yes.

It took a long time (years and years) but I finally came to the realization that this was me, was not going to change, and would always be. Once I got to that, it became just another part of my personality. Not necessarily something I share with everybody else, but certainly with those close to me. My wife knew before I proposed. We've been happily married for 18 years now and hope for many more.

[maya1love]

Yes, I accept myself as a transvestite (and I quite like the word!)

[Sandie70]

I accept the fact that I'm a transvestite/crossdresser, although, like some, I detest the word transvestite... not because it doesn't define me, but rather the way I know the general public perceives the word - it does have a sleaze factor to it.

And actually, I don't really like the term "crossdresser," even though it is much more acceptable to me than transvestite.

I would love it if our community could come up with a different term for us... like "Gender-alt" or "Gen-alt" or something that reflects the term "Gender-fluid."

Just a thought.

[Lilblondecutie1407]

Though still figuring out exactly where I sit on the gender scale, I am comfortable using the term CD but it took me a while. I'm just starting to understand that there's more to me and that it's more than just wanting to wear the clothes.

[JessicaJHall]

I am not me when I'm dolled up, but rather a me that feels like something else. I call myself a "femulator" because I'm a fake girl. I'm starting to like "sometimes sissy" but there's somewhat of a stereotype associated with that label. I consider it beside the point, however, like it or not, we are all sisters here!
Edit: Make that trans-sisters? :facepalm:

[Teresa]

Lillblondecutie,
Try another thirty years of figuring out, it doesn't get any easier, just accept you're stuck with it and hope others will be just as accepting !

[Bria]

I don't like the term, I prefer crossdresser or transgender, but yes.

Hugs, Bria

[Ceera]

I have fully accepted the fact that I enjoy wearing female clothes, a wig and makeup and presenting as a female. Like others, I don't like the 'transvestite' label, because it has too many connotations I'd rather not apply to myself. I prefer 'cross dresser'.

At first for me, cross dressing was merely something I wrote about when writing fiction. One of many kinky behaviors in my stories. I also knew I liked role playing female characters in on-line venues, and presenting them as well-dressed, believable women.

Eventually I accepted that I was writing about that topic because some part of me wanted to try wearing women's clothes myself, and that I'd had those impulses for a long time and denied them. I bought panties, and even a corset, but told myself that was as far as it was going to go. My wife accepted my wearing panties under my male clothes, but pretty clearly was not in favor of me going further than that. Yet soon I also secretly obtained one skirt, one blouse, a push-up bra plus some silicone push up pads that between them gave me a C-cup figure, and several wigs. I still had a beard though, and didn't intend to dress up except in private, in my home when alone.

I remember when I first bought a pair of women's shoes. I told myself, "If I do this, I have to accept that the only reason I am doing it is because I eventually want to leave the house while dressed as a girl." After all, I could wear the clothes and a wig in the house and didn't need shoes that badly...

When I became a widower and no longer had to worry about what my wife would think about it, I embraced the idea that not only was I going to prepare myself for going out in public as a girl, but I was going to have a big wardrobe of clothes, shoes and wigs and do my best to present believably as a female. I got rid of the beard, learned to apply makeup, and learned to change my voice to sound more feminine. My closet is now 50% women's stuff.

Now I do it well enough that if I am using my girl voice on the phone, the other person assumes I am female. I very rarely am addressed as a male when I am presenting female. While my appearance certainly isn't 100 percent passable, I look better than a lot of real girls do, and am well within the range where a casual observer would be more likely to assume I am female than otherwise, if I am presenting female.

My skills with makeup and voice can certainly still improve. And I'm still not comfortable with dressing up and going out to public places, other than the one gay nightclub that has been my public hangout when I am being Ceera.

So how comfortable I am with what I am and what I do is continuing to evolve.

[OCCarly]

Hi Lexi,

While I have accepted who I am "Transgender" I am not a big label fan as I consider myself a person first and foremost and gender is something we are assigned at birth and/or choose later in life. However, not a big fan of the word "transvestite" for no real particular reason other than it drums up visions of Tim Curry with crazy blue eye shadow, garters, heels and a horrible hairstyle. I know, I know seems a bit shallow but , whenever I talk to people about being transgender, the older ones (my generation) tend to default to their only frame of reference "so you are like Frankenfurter from the Rocky Horror Picture Show". :facepalm:

Cheers

Isha

If I had a castle with a lab capable of creating a blond haired bodybuilder muscle boy, you can forget about making the muscle boy. I would use it to turn myself into a pretty little blonde surfer girl. Cue the lightning strike!!! :devil:

[Lilblondecutie1407]

If I had a castle with a lab capable of creating a blond haired bodybuilder muscle boy, you can forget about making the muscle boy. I would use it to turn myself into a pretty little blonde surfer girl. Cue the lightning strike!!! :devil:

Sign me up too pls :)

[docrobbysherry]

I've come to think of myself as a "female impersonator".

But, I'll answer to; CD, transvestite, perv, pretty much anything accept TS. I may be a lot of things, but I'm not that.

[Pat]

I would love it if our community could come up with a different term for us... like "Gender-alt" or "Gen-alt" or something that reflects the term "Gender-fluid."

How about "Gender-fluid?" ;) Pretty well nails it in the connotation department. (Although thinking about it, it does sound like a new flavor of Mountain Dew or something.)

Or you could align with Tina Z, our very own "Gender Non-conforming Ukelelist." I've been enjoying the term "Transgender male" meaning to convey that I was assigned male at birth but turned out to be transgender. Though it comes uncomfortably close to "transman" which term is already staked out by FtM Transsexuals -- I certainly don't want to poach terms.

[Jodi]

I prefer the term crossdresser--think transvestite is a little too clinical. I tell people that I'm trans gendered.

Jodi

[CynthiaD]

Oh no! I'm no transvestite!

Why am I wearing open-toed shoes with little bows on them? It's just that my toes get sore when I wear regular shoes! It's just for health reasons. Honest!

And why am I wearing pantyhose? It's just to help my circulation! Honest!

And why are my toenails painted red? Well, somebody tricked me! I fell asleep on the couch a few years ago, and one of my daughters painted my toenails red. (Gee this polish has lasted a long time!)

And why am I wearing this cute little denim skirt? Well, it's actually a skort. You know. A pair of bicycle shorts with kind of an apron over them for modesty. Just for bicycling, I assure you. (I'm going to get a bicycle any day now.)

And what about that lacy peasant blouse? Well, it's really hot today, and this fabric is really thin and light and comfortable. But it's kinda macho, don't you think?

And why am I wearing a 44D bra? Well, you know those online stores! I was ordering a new chain saw, but I accidentally hit the wrong button, and they sent me a couple of bras instead. Waste not want not, I always say!

And no, these aren't really breastforms. They're chest protectors, in case I fall off my bicycle.

Oh, and the long girly wig. I went to get a toupee to cover up my bald head, but they were sooo expensive! This was much cheaper! And besides, lots of guys have long hair, right?

And that's not red lipstick I'm wearing, it's lip balm for chapped lips. I don't know why it turned bright red. I really don't!

No, I'm definitely not a transvestite, honest!

[Ineke Vashon]

Gender-fluid? No, thanks, even though my body is mostly water. I do not care for the term transvestite (I don't wear vests). Even cross dresser doesn't excite me. Frankly, I just enjoy wearing women's clothes. That's all.

Ineke

[countrygirl]

I prefer the word crossdresser and yes I have accepted myself as one.

[SharonDenise]

I just bought three summer dresses on sale from Macy's, so I guess that makes me one. I have become a lot more open about it to others since my wife passed and feel good in doing so. This forum and my cross dresser support group have changed my self, for the better.

[Jaylyn]

I just refer to myself as a CD, never liked the word transvestite.

[Patrica Gil]

Not a problem. Now and then I go out in pastel pink sweats, with a pair of white keds, suntan pantyhose and a women's tee. Why worry what others think. Like those obese women with attitude, or obese men who's belly enter a room ten minutes before they do. Each of us are who we are, and oddly, we weren't made out of the same piece of clothe. Took me a long time to like who I am, now its just going to be that way.

[Caden Lane]

Now why do we have to bash obese people? Not so long ago, I was obese. Im sure there was a kinder way to say that, or a better example hon.

Ever & Always,
Caden Lane

[Hilde_Morales]

However I've never associated with the word transvestite. For some reason it conjures up mental images of sleazy parts of town, poorly dressed and made-up men in the prowl for other men. But that may just be a pop-culture artifact.

I did feel like this, until Eddie Izzard pulled it back into more acceptable connotations for me with his bits about being an action/executive transvestite. It just makes me think of him now.
It will probably not surprise you that I love your signature, Caden.

I think I'd prefer to refer to myself as panvestite. Wearing all of the clothes

Actually, I quite like Genderfluid too.

[Wen4cd]

Is 'transvestite" not a direct, verbatim latin translation of "cross-dresser" ? I assume it's not the 'dead language' that people take offense to :)

I'm one who believes that self-acceptance and 'detesting a term' don't go together, and the existence of the latter is a good indicator of the lack of the former.

Taking ownership and control of negative labels is a big deal in acceptance, and if you can be hurt with labels, you can be victimized by them - which is not where you want to be.

I am a tranny, a transvestite, sissy, queer, ******* he-she, "it" whatever anyone wants to say. I'm too old and too busy to play 'grey area' with words.

I do remember a time when I said to myself, yeah, "I'm a transvestite" and it was a very freeing. But looking back, it was most definitely from my own self, and my own prejudices that it was freeing from. It's never really about 'them.'

[Sometimes Steffi]

I'm not a transvestite; I'm a crossdresser. I've come to hate the word transvestite. Now if only my spellchecker would agree that crossdresser is the correct word, not transvestite.

As for self acceptance, i guess my signature says it all.

[Kandi Robbins]

We are who we are. It often takes us time for us to accept who we are. Me? It only took 53 years, but yes, I do accept that I am a crossdresser.

[drushin703]

in the bar last night I noticed that I was the only person that was not in some form of transition. Not ts, not homosexual, not transsexual, not on HRT and Not awaiting any surgeries. So although the label 'transvestite' is one that makes the hair stand up on the back
of my lace front wig, perhaps that's exactly what I am. A "tranny" in every sense of the word. I'm older now so the word doesn't hurt as much and whatever stigma society puts on it's connotation, it most definitely applies to me.
I have accepted this fact so I may as well live in the skin that God has gave me.

dana

[ErikaS]

I can and now be very comfortable in saying i am somewhere in the TG/CD/TS umbrella I proud of you all in assisting me in this and another site, but it was good to accept who i am and i am happy knowing after 50ish years of not really living.
Now lets go shopping !

Erika

[Sandie70]

OK, I get it that there is a split and some of us love the word "transvestite" to define us. But I still can't get something out of my mind when I hear the word. Now, don't get me wrong - I love this song. But, as fun as it would be, I really don't think it's me (LOL).

https://youtu.be/lwUjJXxoGy4

[Caden Lane]

...As a fellow member (NicoleScott?) said in another thread, the word "transvestite" sounds professional while crossdresser sounds amateurish.

If we look t it like that, then Transgender is a) More inclusive as it brings all the names or labels under one umbrella term, and b) it sounds far more "professional," albeit a little more clinical. But that too gives credence to what it means, and it lacks that schlock so often associated with transvestite.

[Candice June Lee]

I think and feel much better today about it. I always thought something was wrong with me (maybe there is) but, i had heart to heart with me over the last few weeks. Talked to my wife today, and finding this sight, i have finally decided yes i am at peace with who iam. Thank the Great Spirit. In other words if you dont like me, look away or leave. I am me, kinky, crazy fem guy and all.
My regret, i didnt decide to say f... off before now.

[krissy]

Yes i have accepted my cross dressing It took along while but im there and so much more at peace with myself now

[Jilmac]

I never became accustomed to the term "transvestite". If I label myself at all I say I'm a crossdresser, however I have come up with a term that fits be better than any that the medical profession has come up with. I call myself "bi gender" because I'm comfortable with my true gender, and the feminine one I portray.

[nevarrie]

I ma surprised in 20 years I can not remember having someone refer to me as a transvestite or even thinking of myself as a transvestite. I will admit that it does fit with who I am better then transgender or transsexual but I do agree that I know a lot of people get the wrong images with that word. I am to the point i really do not care as much about that what people think or call me as long as I can be happy with who I am.

[Joann0830]

Lexi I have been a long time member here and I believe I am who I am a Crossdresser or the political name Transvestite, I have been like this since I was a Child and Now at my age of 66 it is part of my being and living as one and other members have stated its my means of expressing who I really am and don't care what anyone thinks. To express myself as one in public I am not trying to deceive anyone just me being me. This is a Very good blog Thank you.

[Wen4cd]

in the bar last night I noticed that I was the only person that was not in some form of transition. Not ts, not homosexual, not transsexual, not on HRT and Not awaiting any surgeries. So although the label 'transvestite' is one that makes the hair stand up on the back
of my lace front wig, perhaps that's exactly what I am. A "tranny" in every sense of the word. I'm older now so the word doesn't hurt as much and whatever stigma society puts on it's connotation, it most definitely applies to me.
I have accepted this fact so I may as well live in the skin that God has gave me.

dana

this is how I feel.

I got to also add, in a similar vein, that I look around my small town at my peers and people I've known for years, and my family, and a lot of my inlaws, and most of my friends on the internet, and I am apparently the only one who is not drinking alcohol, doing drugs, or taking prescription meds for mental and emotional problems. I think being happy in my own skin, and having to learn the hard way how to be happy in my own skin, plays a huge part on that.

[Stephanie47]

It took a long time to come to terms that I enjoy wearing women's clothing and emulating a woman. It's more than just wearing a woman's garment. It also trying to appear as a woman with makeup and a wig. Yes, a wig. If I was still in my 20's or 30's when I had thick wavy blond hair I would be able to create a youthful short and sassy look. I saw some nice short hair on the American women's soccer game today. As a child of the 1960's I thought wearing women's clothing on occasion had some deep meaning as to my sexuality. Much confusion. Back in the 1950's, 1960's and 1970's I'd say almost everyone would say any man wearing women's clothing was gay, although THAT term was not yet co-opted by the homosexual community.

It took awhile, but, I finally was able to put together who and what I was and who and what I was not.

[Amanda77]

Yes I've accepted that I'm a crossdresser and prefer that term. I will never pass and just enjoy wearing clothing made for women.

[Mollyanne]

Not only have I accepted that fact (being a TV) but I embrace it!!!!!! I feel better about myself when I am dressed or even partially dressed. I feel I'm me when my female persona comes out and my male persona goes somewhere very far away(hoping to never return).

Molly

[Kate Simmons]

I've been a TV for many many years. Only within the last 20 or so have I become a CD. Times change I guess.:)

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Lexi, You can hang whatever label you want on me, I'm just a man that enjoys dressing and looking like a lovelylady.:daydreaming:

[Karen RHT]

I'm with Lexi and Blue Orchid.

[Krisi]

I really don't like that term but I have accepted the fact that I am a crossdresser.

[Stephanie A]

I use crossdresser to describe me. I guess transvestite is a bigger commitment, and my life does not have the time to dress more. I also still like my male side a lot with many many people who know me in my male side.

[NicoleScott]

When you start accepting, you can stop therapy and spend that money on clothes, shoes........

[Cheryl T]

When I was much younger, trying to come to terms with all this that was the term that was used to describe what I did.
At that point, Yes, I was a transvestite by strict definition, one who dresses in the clothing of the opposite sex.

Now that I am older and have accepted myself and grown as a person I know that this is much more for me than simply wearing clothes of the opposite sex. I've also seen the term *******ized. Rather than just refer to what someone does it is used to degrade by those who do not understand what we do and what we feel and what we have gone through.
I am simply ME and much of the time this is who I am, how I dress and most importantly, how I feel. I don't need a description beyond that.

[kimdl93]

Without bothering to quibble over terms, yes I have accepted myself.

[claireforever]

I'm 50 this year and I dress every chance I get .the older I get the more I want to dress .Transvestite does it for me ..I find it quite erotic word in my peverse brain .

[NicoleScott]

The thread's about accepting yourself or not. The transvestite/crossdresser label argument has been beat to death already.

[Hell on Heels]

Hell-o Lexi,
The only problem I have with the term transvestite is it's actual Latin translation.
If this were just about wearing women's clothing for me, I'd be fine with it.
But what of everything else? The, wig, breast forms, makeup, perfume, fake nails,
all the other things. that aren't necessarily items of clothing? And what about all the
things we do to present as close to passable as possible.
Transvestite, and crossdresser are both partially correct, but neither of the terms seem to cover it all.
I know who I am, and what I do. Other people can label me anyway they please.
Much Love,
Kristyn

[Adriana Moretti]

I have accepted it a long time ago....own it, enjoy it, and make the best of it.

As far as the word transvestite...to me it's old school....not many people use it anymore not to mention i think its nasty..not professional either ( it was though) .....
i will use the word tranny once in a while to make fun of my friends and say things like omg look at that tranny train wreck or something if they get a little silly & sloppy...but thats about it..more of a joking term......

the more i dive into the cd/tg world though i find i cant even relate to the term crossdresser anymore .....they jokingly say the difference between a tg and a cd is 5 years...and im kinda starting to agree with that....

[natalieout]

About 6 months before I realized I was unique, I had determined to no longer label people (racist issues with family). So when my wife helped me figure out that I have both genders within me, I decided I would not label myself, other then I am me. And I don't really care what others want to call me!

[MelanieAnne]

I hate that word. :Angry3:

[njcddresser]

I equate the term transvestite with one who wears women's clothing for sexual gratification. I am so much more than that and truthfully find the term demeaning.

Not sure what 'label' I'd apply to myself. I'm a guy who has a very strong feminine personality and am happiest when dressed as a woman. Is there a term for that?

Jackie

[Dana44]

Yes I am a transvestite, I have experienced being with a male as a woman (trans). He sure showed me the other side and how to please him. Now I am in a monogamous relationship. I'm still a transvestite and love it. I really do not like the term cross dress but we use it. We are the T in LBGT.

[Sarah V]

Yes, absolutely I am comfortable with who I am and I am liking it more all the time. I am really starting to get out a lot more whenever I want to enfemme now that I am retired.

[irene9999]

Yeah, transvestite here! Although when I hear the term transvestite I think Rocky Horror Picture Show more than how I like to dress up. I generally try to emulate a female, not be as extravagant as in that movie. In the vanilla world both terms transvestite and crossdresser seem to be interchangeable though, which is too bad

[Cara Lacey]

trans·ves·tite
transˈvesˌtīt,tranzˈvesˌtīt/Submit
noun

a person, typically a man, who derives pleasure from dressing in clothes appropriate to the opposite sex.
synonyms: drag queen, cross-dresser, female impersonator;

247798

Yep...that's me!

[kelliboots]

I do not prefer the word Transvestite.... I prefer MTF Crossdresser or Transgender.

[ChristinaK]

Transvestite is one of those words that kind rolls off the tongue and just sounds cool.

When I was a teenager and found out I was a transvestite, I thought it was kind of a cool label. Unfortunately, not from Transylvania. Am I the only one who found that movie erotic?

[AbigailJordan]

Thank you

Im dawning the wig and make up tonight, with my toes painted pink in some nice 3" open toed heels and a little slip dress. It feels weird being raised to 5 9" on these heels. feels like Im going to fall over ! I like the feel of long hair down my back. Im thinking Swiss miss later... as the blond wig matched my normal hair...


Maybe I can be at one with my girly legs/arms and narrow feminine feet...

Try being almost 6' tall and donning 6" stillettos!!!

I suppose I've accepted that I'm a crossdresser since I bought my very first wig.. before that I tended to view it as "Just liking the clothes" or whatever.. and I tend not to go for labels..

I am me.. and I am happy. that is all that matters to me.. and none of it should matter to anyone else :)

[Angela Marie]

I equate the term transvestite with one who wears women's clothing for sexual gratification. I am so much more than that and truthfully find the term demeaning.
Not sure what 'label' I'd apply to myself. I'm a guy who has a very strong feminine personality and am happiest when dressed as a woman. Is there a term for that?

Jackie

My sentiments exactly. But expanding on that; usually I don't get too hung up on words. However they do have meaning. Transvestite, I think, conjures up a rather stereotypical and often times demeaning description of who we are. If you are comfortable in using that term to describe yourself fine. But I struggled long and hard before finally accepting my female side and allowing her to grow. I think transgender is a much more appropriate term for me since it reflects my strong female persona.

[Robert]

I'm a transvestite. I've tried them all, but 'transvestite' is the only label I'm willing to own.

I have no feminine side. I'm a guy who likes to wear a wide range of clothing.

[Lily Catherine]

I don't like the term, to put it bluntly; the stereotypical image the word projects doesn't click well. As far as my acceptance of being a transvestite (if I am one at all) goes, I'm nowhere near there even though I consider myself on the way. Not sure if it's a process or an outcome though. But I'm sure it's much more than the clothes.

[cheryl reeves]

transvestite was the only label i knew til 99,when i came out to my so before we got married it was the only term out there for us other then transsexual. ive always excepted this term even though i like to dress like a girly girl.

[HollyGreene]

I'm a transvestite, and I love it. I'm not bothered about the terminology (transvestite, or cross-dresser - they both mean the same thing)
I'm in my fifties and I've been a transvestite since I was about 10. I don't think people used the term cross-dresser when I was that age, so I've always thought of myself as a transvestite. (I do hate the word "tranny" though - it just sounds very seedy to me. Plus that's what we used to call transistor radios when I was a kid)

[Belle Cri]

Well, I am quite sure I am very late on this thread, and what I say will have already been repeated or chewed to death, so take this as another supportive voice in the din of the crowd: I accepted myself a long time ago - it's the rest of the world that has proven the hard part. I learned to keep things inside, have very tough skin, never show doubt fear or pain, be a man, and wind up in an agony of self destruction as a result.

If I am being thoughtful, then my best advice would be γνῶθι σεαυτόν - or 'know thyself'. With that, the fear of the judgment of others begins to fall away in favor of your own self reliance, and that is a worthy goal.

[flatlander_48]

I came out to myself as bisexual about 15 years ago. I came out to myself as a crossdresser about 5 years ago. About 12-18 months ago I checked various definitions within our community and determined what fits is the notion of being transgender, but somewhere towards the crossdressing end of the spectrum. I have never felt that I am in the wrong body and have no plans to transition. That said, my personality is maybe somewhere around 80%/20%, male to female; no more than that I would guess. However, that is enough for me to derive pleasure from dressing and presenting as female. As far as I can see, though, doing that 24/7 all that time seems to be far more than what I need.

So yes, I have gotten fairly comfortable with the state of things; even to the point where I'm planning on a big Reveal in mid-October.

DeeAnn

[Alice Torn]

Society still , and may always look on this as deviance. Religion does too. But, we need to accept we have this strong desire, that seldom goes away, without letting it control us, and get us hurt.

[Maria Blackwood]

I'm a private dresser, so it's easier for me. It was pretty much hmm let me try this. Hey this feels nice. Think I'll keep doing it. Now I have a spare bedroom half devoted to it. :)

Guilt or shame never came into it. I credit a long life of exploration that did involve other people- BDSM and indulging my bi side that emerged aggressively in my 30s.

Having some feminine me time at home to relax? Pfft.