Do you consider yourself part of the LGBT community?

[carrie001]

Maybe it's because I identify as genderfluid as much as a crossdresser, but I feel at least somewhat connected to the lgtb community and I'm wondering how others feel or if im completely off base?

[Lena]

I hate that T is included in the acronym LGBT. I understand why they do it but I don't like it because LGB are all sexual orientation and T is gender identity. They're not the same. But they are grouped together because of the general perceptions of society.

Yes, I feel part of it because I have empathy for all of them because of my own issues.

[MelanieAnne]

In a word, no.

[carrie001]

Apologies now for tye typo. Should have been LGBT

[Robin414]

Great point Lena! Myself, no. That said though Im sure many here might and who knows, maybe this forum is considered (by majority vote) to be an LGBT community and I'm here 😕

[Dana L]

I never used to, but lately I do. There again my crossdressing has become more than just dressing. I do agree with Lena that LGB are sexual orientations and T is gender identity. Although LGBT has become more accepted by society in recent times, so now probably isn't the time to separate ourselves.

[Tracii G]

I'm a part of my local LGBT in my town.
Gay,TG and a CD.
Adding the T is actually a good thing just for the political clout because if the local chapter hadn't been inclusive to T's they may not have been covered under law.
They were instrumental in getting our fairness ordinance passed in to law.

[Pat]

I consider myself LGBT and proud. And yes, T is not a sexual orientation, but it's not there because the uninformed assume all T's are G. The acronym was not put together by the people who WEREN'T members of the community. All those groups (L,G,B and T) hung around together (and still do) and thus faced a common threat back when the movement started. And T's are a much smaller community than the others, so it has been very beneficial to us and given us leverage beyond our numbers.

[MonctonGirl]

There is far too much in-fighting among them for me to want to try to add CD to it and further confuse things,
( it's almost like the different sects of certain mainstream religions )
however I am interested in the laws and rights they are getting ( even some that I do not agree with ).

[IamWren]

Nope, I do not. However I have been an ally for about 15 or 20 years. Heck I remember when the T wasn't added at the end of that acronymn. And now it isn't just LGBT... don't forget the QIA that's tagged at the end now.
Too many labels. too many labels.

[2B Natasha]

No not really. The GLBT community is great. They are active and out. Doing great work to educate and help people on many issue and causes. The Sisterhood of Perpetual Indulgence could really teach a great many christian group the meaning of caring for and loving each other. But like an earlier poster said. They, GLB are sexual orientations and the T is not.

Cheers

[ChristinaK]

I went to a gay pride parade in SF dressed up last year, but don't really feel like I'm in the club, although they have done wonders for us over the years.

When I was in High School, many decades ago, a Gay couple came to our Marriage and Family class. The "wife" was crossdressed in a purple sweater and skirt. She looked really pretty. Although I'm not gay, I wished so bad I could go out in public like her. That couple did much to help us kids understand, but on the other hand, the CD cemented the thought for us kids that CDers are gay. That kind of made me question why I crossdressed and was afraid it would lead to me being gay. Well, I am, but a lesbian, so that's okay with me!

Overall, they have been good for us, even though the T makes people think we are gay. Does that really matter though? I think gays are much more accepted by society than we are, especially since we present visually what many people abhor.

[bcpmax]

I've gone back and forth on this many times; For now I'm at yes I, as a crossdresser, consider myself a part of the LGBT community, well more like a community under LGBT umbrella (there's plenty of room under the parasol);

In the past my problem has been that a person using the word LGBT probably isn't thinking about crossdressers; they probably (until recently) weren't even thinking about trans people for that matter;

I currently think of the LBGT of people whose identity challenges traditional gender behavior (men like women; men don't wear skirts, ...);
Regardless I do participate in my schools LGBT club, But as far as I can tell I'm the only straight crossdresser there.

[Stephanie47]

Nope! I'm just a guy would for some reason likes to wear women's clothing on occasion. I am not gay and definitely not a lesbian. I am not a woman "trapped" in a man's body. When I first started reading posts on this site I never heard the term "genderfluid." Most people I know still equate "transgender" with a person born into the wrong mass of protoplasm. Ask to them to figure of "genderfluid?" I suspect most of the people I know would think "genderfluid" = bisexual.

[PaulaQ]

Yes, I'm part of LGBT. Specifically the "B" and the "T".

At 0.5% of the population, the " T" really needs the L's, G's, and even the B's (whatever they are.)

We also belong with them - many of us who are transgender are also gay, lesbian, or even bisexual.

There's a rather horrible petition on change.org demanding HRC, GLAAD, and other LGBT groups drop the 'T'.

The backlash against gay marriage is starting, ladies. In Houston Texas, a major US City with an openly lesbian mayor, they just voted down an equality ordinance that guaranteed access to services for 15 different groups by portraying trans women as cross dressing men and sexual predators. "No Men in Women's Room" was the slogan that defeated the ordinance 61% to 39%.

So folks, you might want to pay attention to that because a LOT of you here actually are cross dressing men, and believe you me, if they do stuff to hurt trans women, they will definitely do stuff to hurt CDs.

This is not the time to be squeamish about gay or bisexual folks - take allies as they come, because the people that really don't like us don't just want us to keep using the men's room - they want us GONE.

The awful people who spread such horrible lies about trans women in Houston are apparently planning to target where I live, Dallas, next. Oh joy.

[trisha kobichenko]

Color me a "T" and I am here whether "L's" B's" or "G's" think I should be or not. I am still trying to figure out what "T" is...occasional crossdresser; full time crossdresser; full time crossdresser with hormones and no desire for re-assignment; full time crossdresser with hormones in line for re-assignment; one who as already undergone sexual re-assignment.
I'll let you know when I figure that out...

[Jenniferpl]

hard to say. supportive yes.....active....not at all.

[Lacey New]

Maybe yes, maybe no. I am a crossdresser and to that extent, I sometimes dress in a manner that is not consistent with my birth gender. But that's about it. My sexual orientation is that of a heterosexual male attracted only to females. I have no desire do dress and present full time as a woman much less to transition. So that's where I am in a quandary. I am not gay, I might be described as a part time male lesbian, I am not bisexual and except for short periods (repeated over and over) I am not attempting to be or become female. So, what pigeon hole am I in?

[heatherdress]

Community usually means you are located in a common geographical area or that you share common values. I think it is hard for many who may fall within the descriptions or boundaries of LGTB membership to identify or connect as a member because we are certainly not located near one another and the range and degree of membership is so diverse. I do not feel I am part of a community. I am supportive but do not feel I connect.

[Kate Simmons]

That's kind of like asking if a woman feels she is connected to womanhood. My answer would have to be sort of I guess. I'm mostly connected with being myself and expressing that.Most women will tell you when you ask them how it feels to be a woman that they don't know. They just know how it feels to be themselves. :battingeyelashes::)

[AllieSF]

I consider myself LGBT and proud. And yes, T is not a sexual orientation, but it's not there because the uninformed assume all T's are G. The acronym was not put together by the people who WEREN'T members of the community. All those groups (L,G,B and T) hung around together (and still do) and thus faced a common threat back when the movement started. And T's are a much smaller community than the others, so it has been very beneficial to us and given us leverage beyond our numbers.

Yes, Jennie said it all. I am very proud and consider myself fortunate to be included with our brothers and sisters in the LGB side.

[Jacqueline StGermain]

I agree with Lena
There is another thread about how the public perceives us as gay, hmmm......wonder if the glb"T" has something to do with that
The GLB community is supportive of us , and when I was first starting to get out , we would go to the gay bars because they are accepting
I think being lumped into the acronym Reinforces the public perception that we ARE gay, whether we are or not.
Might be time to create our own identity
So to answer the question, I feel part of the community, but not really connected to it, if that makes sense.

[josrphine]

Hi, I guess someone has to ask the Question???? do The L G B accept US ??? or like a lot of groups get the numbers. I have been around a few yrs, most of what I have encounter is a OH a cross dresser. I support the group and have gone to meetings . If you are gay I also have found that then they like you, because then it becomes sexual. So us that are gender fluid we live in our world. JO

[Nikki Elle]

I would choose No - for as often as LBGT community gets things right they get things wrong, and yet they aren't alone. What drives my decision on this issue:

Social media, the hypocritical idea of political correctness, and uninformed people are allowing the smallest groups to usurp a disproportionate amount of the public stage. Basically, whoever screams the loudest gets the most attention. This is not just the LBGT community, it's every special interest group and covers the spectrum of topics. We are picking away at the social fabric that binds society together in the name of equality and ignoring the consequences of an ordered system. Chaos always emerges we are just pushing it closer and closer all the time.

An inordinate amount of time is spent on lower priority issues because it's political gold at the expense of higher ranking ones. Some will argue this is the way of the political system, I put forth we are allowing the inmates to run the prison. You cannot legislate fairness, equality, alter peoples views with a law. Change takes time, a lot of time! Plus education, belief system modification, societal change....

As much as I want to see forward progress/acceptance on sexuality and gender, I have a large problem with the methodology, politicization and prioritization for our entire society. So "no" is my response.

[Jacqueline StGermain]

My personal experience is that the GLB community is VERY accepting, the only part of the community that I felt wasn't ,were some (not all by any means) drag queens that look down on us as "amatures".
Never really understood that . I'm not trying to be a performer, just me.

[AllieSF]

Hi, I guess someone has to ask the Question???? do The L G B accept US ??? or like a lot of groups get the numbers. I have been around a few yrs, most of what I have encounter is a OH a cross dresser. I support the group and have gone to meetings . If you are gay I also have found that then they like you, because then it becomes sexual. So us that are gender fluid we live in our world. JO

I have been going out into the real world for almost 9 years now. My personal experience is that the gay and lesbian community really do welcome and accept us. I meet them everywhere here in the San Francisco area, not just in gay establishments. If you are a good person in your cis presentation and carry that over to your "T" presentation, they can easily see through the outer cover and decorations to see that same good person underneath. Very few minutes of long conversations ever really talk about trans or LGBT stuff, with the rest talking about whatever is the topic of the moment. Be nice to everyone and most will return the same to you. It really does work that way. Just ask the others here who regularly go out and interface with other non "T" people, whatever their sexual orientation.

[I Am Paula]

LBGT is a political affiliation. Without the LBG, we would have no voice whatsoever, due to our tiny numbers.Most of the people that I have met personally who have an issue with being related to LBG are suffering some internalized homophobia. To them, get over it.

[Crissy Kay]

I would have to say no. From what I have read, they really don't support or like us in the first place.

[jenniferinsf]

wow...that for me is a really interesting question

i would have automatically said yes, as i turned to them for support and advice. Plus, i am going to an event to show solidarity this coming friday here in SF on the national day of remembrance.

all of that being said, i read all the posts and it got me thinking and i think i would now say no in so far as i dress as a woman most of the time and feel like a woman all of the time, but yes in so far as i am likely considered by others who do not know me as cross dresser and part of small community who is not understood by the main stream.

i think they have been helpful to all of us in raising issues wrt to rights and acceptance, therefore it is definite qualified yes.....maybe

[Steph_CD_62]

No I do not consider myself part of the LGTB community since I do not fit into any of the categories. I am a heterosexual crossdresser.
I do admire all they have accomplished to get their community being more widely accepted.

[sometimes_miss]

Yes. I think this will satisfy the character number counter.

[Jaylyn]

I don't put names on what people are. Every one is different it seems in the CD field. Yes some CDs are B T and even considered l. I for one and only speaking for myself say I'm not a part of the LGTB. I'm not a woman trying to get out of my body, I love wearing the attire and dressing but I still feel like a male even dressed. I love seeing my blemishes gone when I'm in full makeup but still know deep down I'm a guy. I absolutely find pleasure in heels, hose, and lipstick. Guess I'm a fetish. Maybe so we need to add LGTBF and CD

[pamela7]

As a T, how can I not be?

[Mayo]

Yes. I'm B and under the T umbrella. I'm not as active in or as connected to the community as I'd like to be, so I identify primarily as an ally, but to myself I'm a member by virtue of those two letters.

[Pat]

From what I have read, they really don't support or like us in the first place.

Who's "they"? Transgender people have been in the community (call it a culture if you'd rather) from the outset. Each of the constituent letters likes to complain that various combinations of the other letters don't value them properly but that's mostly because people are people and in any group there will be bitchy, grouchy and entitled people. On the whole, the LGBT community has done a good job of living the "if we don't hang together we'll assuredly hang separately" ethic.

[GretchenJ]

Two years ago -no
today - secretively yes

[AnnieMac]

Nope, do not.

[mykell]

i do, how could you not after hanging out here after a while, i learned much and shared myself here, i do what i can to be an ally for the community.
thats my feelings, yours may be different....

[TrishaTX]

Its funny because I really don't look at anyone as "different' race wise or sexuality.I consider myself ...well me! I read allot here and I don't think I am like anyone else...I also don't think anyone else is like anyone else. So for me , I am just another crazy human:)

[mechamoose]

While I consider myself part of the LGBT community, I have always done so because I am bisexual. I do see that the 'T' part is a minority of a minority. LGB is supposed to be what? 10%, T/CD is like 1% (I think).

I have found my experience in LGBT to be quite cliquey. Lesbians tend to hang out with lesbians, the same with gay men. We don't quite fit in either of those camps, now do we?

I mean to put it another way, how can a population that so widely embraces outrageous drag queens be put off by a 'normal' looking CD/T person?

"LGBT" is actually L,G,B,T; four separate factions who are working towards a common cause. (Most of the time)

<3

- MM

[AmandaM]

I don't feel connected to the LGBT "movement". I'm a "right-wing, Christian, gun nut" to coin a phrase. Which means that the LGBT movement hates me, except for the Pink Pistols and Log Cabin Republicans.

[~Joanne~]

I think we have had a thread about this very subject not too long ago. I think it came up when Caitlyn Jenner appeared on the magazine cover. I said No then, and nothing has changed. As a CD, and solely a CD, I don't belong under that umbrella.

[Pat]

Joanne -- That's always mystified me a little bit... I mean I can't tell you how you feel and I'm willing to believe you are what you say you are, but when the choices are cisgender and transgender (nobody's tried to make those a spectrum yet) if you are a male crossdresser how can you check the cisgender box? It always leaves me feeling like the problem is conflicting definitions rather than there actually being a distinction between transgender CDs and... (I guess you'd have to say "cisgender CDs"?)

Again, not trying to define you or argue with your own definition of yourself. Just perplexed.

[Sky]

Yes I'm a member of the club. I'm a B for sure, and a T in the broader sense (I don't worry much about the difference between the multiple "T"s)

[Acastina]

At the risk of appearing overly cerebral, I like the concept that all of the LGB phenomena can actually be considered subsets of the T, in that all are variations of gender non-conforming behavior in cultures with firmly binary sexual orientation and gender roles. For years, T was thought of as a subset of G, but the prevalence of so many otherwise straight males among CDs pretty much disproves that. Rather, all of us who do not fit more or less within the masculine/heterosexual male and feminine/heterosexual female models are transgressing traditional gender roles, whether that's expressed in sexuality or presentation as a man or a woman (or something in between, which REALLY transgresses the binary model), or both sexuality and presentation.

So, yes, I consider myself to be a part of the LGBT (and Q and whatever else is trending now) community. In our own individual and group-clustered ways, we are all somewhere out of the usual. In that difference, we should seek and affirm community. Enough of gay activists trying to throw the Ts under the bus for short-term gains.

As a further observation, it occurred to me recently that the Supreme Court's definitive decision in favor of same-sex marriage pretty much took old issues of T-marriage off the table as well, and that can only be a good thing.

[Isabella Ross]

Absolutely. 'nuff said.

[carrie001]

Wow! I love that this conversation took off! What a fantastic group of ideas! Thank you, all!

[Danitgirl1]

Yup... The second I threw on those garters and G-strings I lost the right to call myself 'straight'.
We have so much in common with the LGB community: they are fighting for human rights, acceptance, tolerance and dignity jet as we are.
They do not want to be defined by sexuality, we do not want to be defined by gender. Sexuality and gender are diffent, but related things.
TG a d LGB people are natural allies...
So I am proud to stand side by side with them.
Plus gay bars have the best cocktails.
Just saying... :D :drink: :battingeyelashes:

[kinkyboots]

I'm an occasional cd so I'm not sure how much i fit in, but i get very passionate on LGBT equality issues. I mean we are all humans; equality should be a fundamental right, and i can help fight for that.
unfortunately for me i live and work in such a stonch republican city, that you will get lambasted for the wrong color of socks (i kid you not) that it will be a source of controversy for years. I want to move badly, but then who's left here to be the voice of reason?
I'm proud of my oldest son who has joined the local LGBT club at the local college, not for himself but because he has friends that fit in the category.

[Veronica27]

:

Social media, the hypocritical idea of political correctness, and uninformed people are allowing the smallest groups to usurp a disproportionate amount of the public stage. Basically, whoever screams the loudest gets the most attention. We are picking away at the social fabric that binds society together in the name of equality and ignoring the consequences of an ordered system. Chaos always emerges we are just pushing it closer and closer all the time.

You cannot legislate fairness, equality, alter peoples views with a law. Change takes time, a lot of time! Plus education, belief system modification, societal change....

.

Thank you, Nikki, for having the courage to state this. Every movement that begins with an agenda to correct a wrong in society, never stops when that goal has been achieved. Like governments, these movements have a need to remain in existence and grow. They become louder and their demands increase in an effort to justify their own existence. They feed on political correctness, which itself has become such a movement in its own right.

I have never seen myself as being transgender, a term which defines itself with reference to an abstract concept called gender. Political activism has turned the concept into a self perpetuating social movement, which further blurred the definition of itself by inclusion with a completely unrelated movement, becoming LGBT. This movement has attempted to increase its strength by broadening its base by the "Umbrella concept" of including everyone who doesn't fit into another hypothetical term "cisgender", which of course is also defined by an abstract.

While I can applaud the initial gains made by the movement in obtaining employment and housing rights for transsexuals and others with gender identity issues, I view additional growth of the movement as leading to the type of chaos described by Nikki in her reply.

As you can guess, include me in the group that does not include myself in the LGBT community.

Veronica

[AllieSF]

Veronica and Nikki,

"You cannot legislate fairness, equality, alter peoples views with a law. Change takes time, a lot of time! Plus education, belief system modification, societal change...."


So, are you saying and agreeing that legislation that further defines, clarifies and guarantees basic human rights as defined by our wonderful Constitution should be left as a lower priority and happen whenever in the very far future while letting other higher priorities economy, business, politics, foreign relations get the most attention? If left to that, maybe the blacks would still be slaves, women would not be able to vote, nor work, nor be paid fairly and equally for performing the same work as a man and the gays would still be persecuted, and any number of other civil and human rights would never have been corrected.

Basic human rights apply to everyone and do and should take priority over everything else except attacks on our own safety and security. If the majority always ruled regarding human rights, a lot of our society, us small vocal and sometimes, unfortunately, nonvocal minorities would be still denied the rights that others have always taken for granted. We are not "disordering" the ordered system, we are trying to modify it as it really needs to be improved to be a more fair system. Times change and believe it or not we do advance as a society and correct past mistakes and ways of thinking. Yes, that can be disruptive sometimes and for some people. However, when that happens the disrupted need to adapt to the new paradigm which is better, more correct and fair than what existed before. The abusers and violators of civil rights need to correct their errant ways. The same thing happens at work, school and in every aspect of our life. New technology and ideas and ways of doing things impact society in many ways, many of which on the surface appear to negatively impact us, when in fact, once we adapt we find that life is actually better.

Disruption does not have to be bad. And what "chaos" does this cause, and to whom? I do not see any chaos, rather I see improvements for the better to our societies and cultures. Should we go back to the dark ages too?

[Lorileah]

If you don't want to belong, you know where the door is. It always amazes me how people think "This doesn't pertain to me." when in fact it does. Point 1: 30 years ago, you were all mentally ill. Your dressing was cause for being arrested, confined, in the 1960's they would cutout half of your brain. Now I can promise you it wasn't closeted CDs who worked to get that changed. It was the "T" part of LGBT. Point 2: and this is more current. restroom use. I totally get the dress, play and undress in 10 minute crowd, been there. No I didn't need to pee anywhere other than my house. But now many go out and I don't mean just the TSs. As a group (and please bear with me, we ARE a group) you are exponentially more likely to have some sort of violence happen to you. Now I know most aren't gay here but guess what? When a group of people corner you...you are by default. Point 3: ANY minority needs to gather numbers (sort of the definition of minority is there ain't many of you compared to the class that is in control) . So, having people of SIMILAR proclivity seems to make sense. Right? (crickets). Right, ok final point. You are a minority, you don't have a choice otherwise you wouldn't be here . You'd be doing another activity. The world has always functioned as those with the numbers and the power win. So, today it's another group of people, you're safe. Today. But tomorrow? Who knows who cn gain control? Let's just for fun say it's some off the wall GAY group. The "T"s many of whom have tried to distance themselves are now unprotected. Maybe not a mental illness this time but a moral incursion. Paula noted .5% of the population are T. You won't stand much of chance will you? The Native American's (a far higher percentage) didn't. The Jewish people in WWII didn't. All fell victims to a large group of people who banded together. The cheese stands alone.

This comes up every 4 months here. You what people? You don't want to play in the group? Go, be free...have fun...live your life. Those of us who do stay will be there for you even if you don't want us. We will make sure you have an equal chance keeping your kids in the divorce. You're welcome. We will fight to make sure that when you do get outed, your boss can't fire you. No problem it's what we do. We will push for laws that may help protect you from the people who at least follow laws, or make the punishment far worse for those who don't so maybe they'll think twice. Por nada. A lot of the rights and protections you enjoy right now could go away in a heart beat. There have been successful campaigns for just that. "First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist. (after all what does a socialist look like?). Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist. (heck, I'm a professional...unions don't help me get paid...yes?)Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.....Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me. Martin Niemöller. Or maybe if that doesn't fit "We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately." Divide and keep people fighting within their community and the wolves feast on your sheep.

[OCCarly]

How could I not be a member of the LGBT community? My youngest brother in law is gay, I have another in law who is MTF transgender, and my wife's best friend is an openly gay makeup artist. There is also a teenage transgender girl who comes to visit sometimes with the daughter of one of my wife's close friends. My home is a safe zone for LGBT folks, and even if I were not transgender, I would still consider myself a member of the community.

And last year I put my name and my money on it by openly sponsoring a transgender beauty contest in the Philippines. (Transgender beauty contests are a "thing" and quite a popular one, in that part of the world.)

So put me down for a "yes."

[Pat]

You cannot legislate fairness, equality, alter peoples views with a law. Change takes time, a lot of time! Plus education, belief system modification, societal change....

It's an interesting stance and on its surface not unreasonable. However, most of the things people complain about as "new law" aren't. Most of them are just amplifications of existing law. For example, long ago the founding fathers wrote the big words that all men deserve equal treatment under the law. Some argue that those were only meant to be grand-sounding words; that they only ever were meant to apply to white, straight landholders -- and, oh by the way "men" meant men. But time and again people have come along and said, "Hey, wait -- all men are equal under the law and so I deserve the same considerations as everyone else." And constitutional scholars (i.e. the Supreme Court) look at it and say, "Hmmm. Whadda ya know? They're right."

When you look at the history of that happening it almost never happens that the previous majority roll over and say, "Well, fair's fair. We have to let them in." So we needed laws that amplified the simple constitutional right that had been there all along. We needed specific laws that say you can't fire someone just because they not male. And we had to add another law that said you can't fire someone just because they're not white. And now we're looking for one that says you can't fire someone just because of their sexual orientation or gender presentation.

If you look at all the controversial laws that the LGBT community is trying to get passed, none of them are asking for anything new -- they're just asking for what the majority already have: the right to marry, the right to hold a job, get service in a public business and, basically, the right to be alive. Yes, we actually need law that says it's not OK to kill us for being who we are. But none of that is new law. It's just getting it written down that the old laws apply to us too. Because if it's not written down, apparently it's OK to say it doesn't apply to LGBT people.

So on the surface, I totally agree with you -- we shouldn't need a law that says gay people can get married (in a secular service.) It should have been a no-brainer the first time a same-sex couple applied for a marriage license everyone should have laughed and said, "Hey! We never thought of that -- we've been printing these forms wrong all these years. Our apologies - but we'll fix it up for you. Step over here and the judge will marry you." We shouldn't need a law that says you can't fire someone for anything not job-related. The first time someone even contemplated it they should have been taken aside and counseled. But that's not what happened and so we do need laws that say, "Yes, them too. They can eat in the restaurant; they can own a home; they can...<whatever it is that THOSE people shouldn't be allowed to do.>"

[franlee]

I think we have had a thread about this very subject not too long ago. I think it came up when Caitlyn Jenner appeared on the magazine cover. I said No then, and nothing has changed. As a CD, and solely a CD, I don't belong under that umbrella.
I feel the same way. All this publicity has done for me is alienate me from any causes that make CD's stand out instead of being left to our own devises by the way I can't think of one law that I violate and don't want or need any changed for me. And I was doing this a long time before any groups took it upon them selves to represent me. The media coverage of the Parades is offensive and immoral in most pictures that are highlighted, certainly not something I want to be tied to. As for the restroom laws I don't want you or me in the same restroom with my or your wife at the same time, it's just not right on so many levels and a receipt for trouble or worse, let alone the children that are in there. It is an inconvenience I know, I've dealt with it for years but it is just a part of doing what I enjoy and there are so many options if you plan for the need. So "NO" I am a Cd not any other initial. I don't mean to offend anyone because some of my best friends fit in with the yes's but this is my answer and reason.

[Nikki Elle]

This thread is getting off track, it was a question of yes or no and possibly why. If we want to debate the merits of positions start another thread and I will happily engage.

[josrphine]

I am with Jaylyn, I would like to see as I am not a "T" added LGBTCD, T means you have become a women , am I right or wrong. JO

[AllieSF]

Josrphine,

"T" which generally stands for Transgender can have several definitions depending on different points of view. On this site they have defined Transgender as the umbrella term including Crossdressers to post-op Transsexuals. When you get out in the real world the general public most of whom are not too knowledgeable about the whole Transgender situation, may think that it only refers to Transsexuals. I really do not know what definition is correct or better. All the ones that oppose the umbrella concept have their own valid reasons for disagreeing. To try to simplify conversations here, I accept the sites definition.

So, based on that definition, whether one considers themselves a CD, TS, gender fluid or some other label or non-label, it doesn't matter, they are still under that umbrella. As long as one is happy with how they define themselves that is more than fine with me. However, for the sake of clarity and commonality of definitions and hopefully less disputes about labels from members here, the site's definition could work. You will see many times here a great thread get seriously derailed and then closed down over these side discussions of labels and definitions.

[Lauri K]

.

At 0.5% of the population, the " T" really needs the L's, G's, and even the B's (whatever they are.)

- many of us who are transgender are also gay, lesbian, or even bisexual.

I consider myself part of the LGBT /Q movement

If you want a voice in this you had best get on board with them, simply because the CD numbers will never become large enough to make a movement on their own.

The "T" is very important and we must stand to support the LGBT, heck who knows some of you ladies may decide to transition some day. (many Cd's do by the way)

At the end of the day I really hate labels, but unfortunately the LGBT /Q is the only group leading the way for our rights. (not get fired, housing, healthcare, etc)

I am sorry but the time is now, get on-board and support the LGBT/Q as an Ally, it can only bring much benefit to the CD community.

This is serious, I am not joking you had better take stock of all the hatred that is going on.

Just look what happened here in Houston..............4th largest city to have no LGBT/Q protections

Its all about equality, no matter which group you are or are not affiliated with.............but the LGBT/Q has the momentum and the CD group better get on the deck and start swinging to help the effort to get to equality for ALL.

[carrie001]

@OCCarly - that may be the best response ever.

[heatherdress]

I am not sure what this thread is going to do. It seems that most members who identify as simply being a crossdresser do not feel identification with the LGBT community. They support LGBT goals or ideals, but do not feel they are part of the community. Should that be a surprise? I don't think there are any negative sentiments expressed about the LGBT community in this thread. And I don't think anyone should be surprised or upset. If you do not feel a connection, it is not a decisional statement Perhaps, however, it does offer an appreciation that the LGBT term is so broad and diverse.

[carrie001]

I agree Heather and maybe all of these responses have helped me. I want, and feel proud to consider myself part of the LGBT community. Right or wrong, I can't answer. Hopefully someday soon I'll be outwardly and openly proud.

[kittie60]

Yes,certainly do. I am T. They have opened doors for all of us one way or another. Yes as.with any group your going to get people one sided,snobbish and down right rude, but we are use to that. Take the T,if you think aboutit. Transgender transsexualand transvestite. Look it up and see. For those who think they arein no way connected the lgbt community. I'm not saying this to be thoughtless to anybody its just that I have heard so much crap about it I decided to speak my mind. Again it not meant to offend any anybody.el

[Acastina]

:sb:
With respect, I think Nikki Elle (#24), Veronica (#50) and Franlee (#55) are essentially expressing reactionary sentiments. The civil-rights movement for African Americans is far from over, and is hardly a self-perpetuating enterprise that has outlived its purpose. Do not confuse winning some battles with winning the war. Yet that war has been raging for, oh, about 60 years now on America's front burner; far from finished.

By the same token, that fear that we all experience when we step out the door as ourselves is very real and damnably durable. That alone should tell us that, for all the landmarks of change that we have seen, there is still a lot of work to be done. No, you can't legislate fairness, but you can penalize unfairness through legislation, court decisions, and political and cultural pressure. Over time, that may have much the same effect.

Finally, "the initial gains made by the movement in obtaining employment and housing rights for transsexuals and others with gender identity issues" are far from universal and exist only in enlightened jurisdictions in which those who hold and politically assert ugly traditional prejudices have been reduced to minority status. Only one who chooses to be willfully blind to the unreasoning hatred that lurks a bad experience or two away from our lives would believe the war has been won and we can all just chill.

I also believe that the development of the conversation to include political and legal aspects of inclusion under the umbrella is an appropriate extension of the OP.

[Lena]

You don't have to legislate equality. It's already a protected right. Without the LGBT (and others) taking their cases to court, the democratic majority would trample those rights. 14th Amendment means states must treat citizens equally, and can’t favor men over women, whites over blacks, or heterosexuals over gays.

See, you don't have to legislate it because it's in the Constitution.

I get so tired of people railing against this so-called "political correctness.". It seems when I was growing up we learned not to say asinine things out of politeness, not "political correctness." What's up with the desire to justify being hateful? If you want to say inappropriate crap, go for. Just don't cry about the supposed political correctness when someone is calling you out for rudeness.

I hope that came out the way it sounded in my head. I think Nikki sounds a lot like most Texans I've met. Is that politically correct?

[Pat]

I am with Jaylyn, I would like to see as I am not a "T" added LGBTCD, T means you have become a women , am I right or wrong. JO

You are wrong. You're confusing "transsexual" which is not what the T stands for with "transgender" -- transgender includes transsexuals, but also includes anyone who feels their gender (an internal sense of self) conflicts with their sex (the fleshy bits.) Men who feel a compulsion to dress in women's clothes are generally assumed to be transgender since cisgender males (manly men) would never even consider that behavior.

Does that change your answer?


By the same token, that fear that we all experience when we step out the door as ourselves is very real and damnably durable. That alone should tell us that, for all the landmarks of change that we have seen, there is still a lot of work to be done.

Awesome statement! As long as that sense of fear exists, the problem exists. If you can rattle off a long list of horrible things that prevent you from coming out, then you're enumerating the problem.

[BillieAnneJean]

I wrote about this on my blog:
http://billieannejeansblog.apps-1and1.com

Lady Ambassador

I have become an ambassador for the LGBTQ community. Every time I go OUT I get one or more people asking probing but polite questions about me, my sexuality, CDing, gay friends, a trans nephew, and so on. There are times where the conversations last an hour or so. I always answer their questions because I may be helping some one that I will never meet.

[heatherdress]

The fear that we have as crossdressers of walking out the door has little to do with legislation or politics. It is primarily fear of embarrassment or becoming isolated by neighbors and friends because of our appearance. Few of us are afraid of being attacked or locked-up, but most of us are afraid of laughter, stares and unkind remarks which would make us feel uncomfortable and lead to probable isolation. That's why most crossdressing occurs in privacy and secrecy, even hidden from spouses, family and friends. We battle behavior expectations that we were taught. I feel with all the terrific accomplishments and goals of LGBT efforts, that our interaction/rejection fears will not be diminished much with legislation. Most crossdressers are private and very secret. That's why I don't even feel deserving of association, as a person who dresses part-time for pleasure, with members of the LGBT community who are battling for such important marriage, employment and other quality-of-life issues which mean so much. I feel changing our individual fears, is more on us, the individual crossdresser, if we want to experience change, at least for the present. I am only being realistic, at least for me. I need to feel different about what others think and not take possible rejection personally. I also think to change ignorance-related sneers, mocking and general non-acceptance from others, significant culture and education changes must occur over time, which I think and hope will happen. I just see that as a different effort than most LGBT efforts, which, once again, I fully support, and an effort that will take a lot of time. Even Bruce Jenner's transition, which I think was remarkable and courageous, most likely promoted knowledge and acceptance of the challenges of transsexuals, but did little to enlighten and promote acceptance of simple crossdressing. Our battles as crossdressers are generally internal, personal, small-scale, gradual, on-going - and winnable.

[Mayo]

As for the restroom laws I don't want you or me in the same restroom with my or your wife at the same time, it's just not right on so many levels and a receipt for trouble or worse, let alone the children that are in there.
I'll just leave these here:

253294

Debunking The Big Myth About Transgender-Inclusive Bathrooms (http://mediamatters.org/blog/2014/03/20/debunking-the-big-myth-about-transgender-inclus/198530)
Statistics Show Exactly How Many Times Trans People Have Attacked You in Bathrooms (http://mic.com/articles/114066/statistics-show-exactly-how-many-times-trans-people-have-attacked-you-in-bathrooms#.imK3KFSIK)
The Anti-Trans Bathroom Nightmare Has Its Roots in Racial Segregation (http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2015/11/10/anti_trans_bathroom_propaganda_has_roots_in_racial _segregation.html)
Why the obsession over bathrooms is the worst thing for transgender rights (http://mashable.com/2015/11/06/transgender-equal-rights/#cYx1B56gImqI)

[Veronica27]

See, you don't have to legislate it because it's in the Constitution.



I agree with you.


I get so tired of people railing against this so-called "political correctness.". It seems when I was growing up we learned not to say asinine things out of politeness, not "political correctness." What's up with the desire to justify being hateful? If you want to say inappropriate crap, go for. Just don't cry about the supposed political correctness when someone is calling you out for rudeness.


Political Correctness is actually much deeper than simply being polite. I recently found the following quotes while researching the subject.

“Political Correctness is Marxism, with all that implies: loss of freedom of expression, thought control, inversion of the traditional social order and, ultimately, a totalitarian state.” From a booklet entitled “Political Correctness:” A Short History of an Ideology published by the Free Congress Foundation—a US conservative think-tank. https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/political-correctness-more-insidious-and-dangerous-than-most-realize-say-wr

"The underlying theme of modern “political correctness” is the virtue of victimhood. As a society, or at least in those parts of it most shaped by academic fads, media sensationalism and the struggle for political advantage, our worth is increasingly calculated by our ability to claim we are oppressed. To be oppressed is to deserve respect, not to mention special treatment." Thomas Donnelly - The Hoover Institution
http://www.hoover.org/research/real-danger-political-correctness


A very extensive discussion of all aspects of PC, and its potential dangers is at the following site which is a lengthy read. http://thoughtprison-pc.blogspot.ca/

Veronica

[Sky]

“Political Correctness is Marxism, with all that implies"

Unfortunately that is not true. I believe in Marxism but not in Political Correctness. :D

[SHINY-J]

I don't consider myself part of that community. At least not on the outside.... For all intents and purposes, I'm a straight man and I dress completely for sexual gratification so it's more of a fetish for me, as opposed to a lifestyle. I don't socialize with the LBG community either. It's certainly not that I have anything against them... Far from it. I just never really encounter them as I don't run in those circles.

However, on the inside, I do sometimes find myself feeling like a I have a certain kinship with the them as the majority of people out there associate crossdressing with homosexuality... Even if that's not really the case. I also feel as though the LBG community, over anyone else, would understand accept my dressing and not condemn me for it. Plus, the continuing poor experiences I have sharing my dressing secret with the women that I'm in relationships with, coupled with my growing desire to dress in front of and with someone, I've become obsessed with dressing and playing with other CDs, TS, TG, etc... And I have fantasies about being with a man simply because the overwhelming majority of the attention I get comes from them. I know they only want to use me as a sex toy, but I've still grown to love the idea of it because it's another experience I can have while dressed. It's not the man that excites me, it's simply the act of me doing it that excites me... The exposure... The vulnerability... The degradation... The humiliation.... I don't want to go into further details as I know there are strict limits on this MB, but still, the fantasy is there.

Based on that, I'm sure there are some that might say I'm kidding myself to think I'm straight and that I do belong in the LBGT community, but to be honest, I don't really worry about that. Just look at my dressing style... Lol I'm obviously not afraid to be who I want to be! Lol i certainly wouldn't have any problem admitting I was gay if that was the case. It's 2015... Not 1915... Look at all of the progress that the LBGT community has made just in the last year alone!... It may not be where it needs to be yet.. Despite that, there has never been a better time to be a gay person and it's only going to get better from here.

I just hope that as the tolerance and acceptance improve for those in the LBG community that it improves with CDs, TGs, TS, etc...

[Anneliese]

I never really thought about it, to be honest, until I read this thread. Of course I've always supported the LBGT movement. To not do so is to not only hate others, but also to hate yourself. Of course I'm a member, even if I'm not even sure what I am exactly. What I know I'm NOT is a "standard boring hetero M/F", and neither is ANYONE here if they're honest with themselves. You can't dress in women's clothing on a regular basis and be a part of that group. You simply can't.

I might be a little of all categories.

"L" because I am mostly interested in women, even if I'm equally interested in pretty men dressed as women. The hottest sex would be both of us dressed, with my partner either being a laid-back accepting female or a CD/TS.

"B" because I am interested in both genders. I've only been with women, but I intend to try other options out before I kick the bucket.

"G" because although I've only experienced women's "parts", and am more and more interested in the male "part", with most interest in the part on a CD/TS. Strict man-on-man doesn't interest me, but at this point, I wouldn't rule it out completely.

"T" because it covers all the bases of CD/TS/TG/everyone here.

[Veronica27]

Unfortunately that is not true. I believe in Marxism but not in Political Correctness. :D

I, personally, had never thought about a possible link between PC and Marxism, but when I began to research the subject, many writers, such as the one I quoted have argued that they have similar origins and similar outcomes. I am a fan of neither concept, but I don't want to wander too far off topic.

Veronica

[Katey888]

Can I perhaps reiterate Nikki Elle's own suggestion made a little earlier...


This thread is getting off track, it was a question of yes or no and possibly why. If we want to debate the merits of positions start another thread and I will happily engage.

Good advice, I feel... :thinking:

Please just try to keep to the topic without straying too far off into political and philosophical doctrine or this thread is likely to be closed... :)

Katey
Moderator

[Veronica27]

I'll just leave these here:



In the washroom debate, too much is made of the safety angle, sexual misconduct, racism, sexism, etc. The issue is simply the discomfort of many people about sharing facilities with the opposite sex. You cannot eradicate such feelings by edict, and they have nothing to do with bigotry or ignorance. Our own insistence on such a "right" however, can at times be extremely insensitive towards others. Some women are uncomfortable with a male doctor, just as some men are uncomfortable with a woman. You cannot undo a lifetime of conditioning any more than you can overturn the need to crossdress.

Veronica

[Anneliese]

As a person who hasn't been out more than a couple blocks from home, the bathroom issue is critical. I don't think I would go out unless I felt I was passing. I think I could pass...if I got a makeover or learned how to put on make-up. Every other aspect of my body is passing, so I don't think I'd have any trouble getting to a stall without being noticed or worried about. At 61, a bathroom nearby is pretty important.

[Raychel]

I don't really consider myself as part of the LGBT community.
I guess by definition, I do fit, But I don't really feel connected,
really just a guy who like to dress in pretty women's clothes.
No gender issues here, can't really explain it myself, but no connection felt for me.

I know there are others on the forum that do feel more connected then I do.
but this whole deal is a very wide spectrum of people.

[Katey888]

Hmmm... Define 'community'...? :thinking:

As Lena said in post #2 (soooo long ago...) - LGB as a community represents it's adherents against discrimination through sexual orientation... The 'T' for Transgender may describe all of us (thank you Jennie-cd.. :)) whether you feel you are part of it or not - but it's hard to see how the community really works in crossing sexual and gender issues, OTHER THAN, the discrimination against TS or those who present habitually as the gender opposite to which they would normally be recognised. TG is an extremely broad and fragmented grouping, at best.

Personally, I do consider myself as a valid member, and feel more empathy towards those who may be discriminated against because of either sexual or gender non-conventionality. I think it's pretty hard for anyone on this board to argue that wanting to identify, dress or present as a woman, particularly when the need or desire is to do so in public, is anything but gender non-conventional - so it puts most of us in the same somewhat camp, camp... :D

I do think it's harder to explain or rationalise why so may of us fit the genderfluid, or flexigendered pattern versus explaining the nature of TS folk... because we don't fit the binary and pursue a very unconventional, sometimes shifting need...

I do wish all of us could grasp that T does not mean TS and that TG describes us without defining us... :bonk:

To paraphrase a very appropriate quote... If we do not all hang together then we will be very apt to hang separately... (Penn or Franklin, depending on whose publicist you believe...)

Katey x

[Kandi Robbins]

Am I L, G, B or T? No. Do I identify with the LGBT community? Yes.

How could we not identify with this community? We may not feel a direct part of it, but we should all support this community.

[FeliciaCDSNJ]

I consider myself part of the T community but as for the LGB that is a different story. The rest of the acronym seems to be against the T rather than with the T because they feel as if trans people are holding them back some how. So while I am part of the T community, I tend to have mixed feelings about the LGB and how they feel towards us. I guess it is so much for the united we stand divided we fall because there is a divide amongst the LGBT community with the T being as far away from the rest as possible but not by choice.

[kathtx]

Certainly I consider myself part of the LGBT community. I'm T and L. My wife is L. Many of my friends and some of my family are one or more of L,G,B, or T.

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Carrie:hugs:, I don't identify with any group I just love dressing as a lady. ...:daydreaming:...

[Lorileah]

I am with Jaylyn, I would like to see as I am not a "T" added LGBTCD, T means you have become a women , am I right or wrong. JO
No "Transgender" covers all aspects of presenting in a manner not consistent with your birth gender. Even if it mean TS your idea that you have "become" a woman would be incorrect

[irene9999]

I guess if you're bi (and there's lots of us here) you're technically LGBT, although I'm not an active member of the "community" I certainly empathize and support them

[Stephanie Julianna]

Simply, Yes. I'm B and T living in a straight role most of the time. If there was an Academy Award for playing "Life Roles" I think I'd have a shot at receiving one.

[AngelaYVR]

From conversations with quite a few G and L, they don't understand us any more than the rest of the population. There is a loose cohesion based on being on the fringes but, apart from that, it's all a bit wibbly wobbly.

To be honest, I don't feel like I'm part of any community, I'm just me doing my thing.

[maggiepat]

Not at all, although I do have some interest in having a safe restroom to use when driving en femme on long trips. So, a bit of advocacy on the interstates would be appreciated.

[Jazzy Jaz]

Even without the B I most certainly do!

[Vickie_CDTV]

Supporting the LGBT community and feeling like one is a part of are two different things.

While the occasional hetero TV might technically fall under the "LGBT" umbrella, in the broadest definition, in practice I seldom see people use "LGBT" (outside the trans community itself) to intentionally to include folks like myself. I can't even remember the last time "mainstream LGBT" leadership has talked about non-FT non-TS heterosexual men crossdressing. Not that they should "have to" or anything, but it is hard to feel part of a group that does not acknowledge someone like myself.

[heatherdress]

This has been an interesting discussion and apparently initiated a lot of personal thought and learning. I appreciate it and all contributions. Our diversity is a strength. I would also offer that it is OK to go "off track" with heady discussions. This was not a "What's you favorite color?" thread. Thanks to all participants.

[Krisi]

No. .

[CarlaWestin]

I hate that T is included in the acronym LGBT. I understand why they do it but I don't like it because LGB are all sexual orientation and T is gender identity. They're not the same. But they are grouped together because of the general perceptions of society.

Yes, I feel part of it because I have empathy for all of them because of my own issues.


In a word, no.


hard to say. supportive yes.....active....not at all.

I feel that I'm just a genderfluid crossdressing male in society. I do respect the LGBT cause and applaud their societal accomplishments but, I don't feel the need to be part of practically any group.

[LelaK]

I just pretend everything. Don't I?

[Pat]

So while I am part of the T community, I tend to have mixed feelings about the LGB and how they feel towards us.

So who are these people who can speak for the LGBs? I hear stuff like that a lot and really all I can think is the old saying about one bad apple spoiling the barrel. Yes, there are individuals in any group (even ours) that will have bad things to say about the other groups but that doesn't make it the official word. There are lesbians that don't like TS people and vice versa. There are gay people who don't like CDs and vice versa. And although there is no Official Party Line, since trying to manage LGBT people makes herding cats look like a walk in the park, the political organizations like HRC and GLAAD attempt to represent everyone in the community. There are always haters -- both in mainstream society and LGBT society and we have to work against all of them. ;)

[Devi SM]

I think that all people that are included i the LGBT have one thing in common. Lets go in detail for the obvious to find the hidden things.
LESBIAN, everybody knows what does it mean but is related to sexuality, gender is sexuality.
GAY is the same as Lesbian but for men. Am I wrong? I know some women call themselves gay, but the meaning is the same.
BISEXUALS, is obviously related with sex, it's not a gender issue, it's sexuality.
TRASGENDER, TRANSSEXUALS, is obviously related with sexuality.
Now, I'm a crossdresser, I'm an acting and looking straight guy, but when dressed there is a feeling of feminism that pours out of my being. I feel as a woman, and for all I've read here everybody feels the same. Independently if you hace, want or not want to have sex with another man, your sexuality shifts to the female side, so all in this group have a shift in the sexual orientation.
You want to call you gender and go in a discussion about gender and sexual orientation is up to you, but all we have a shift in our sexuality/gender orientation.
I Don like men. I love sex with women. I'm not looking or dreaming with men when straight, so I'm not gay. But my personality strongly slides to the female side when dressed an I identify myself as a woman not being one. I'm sure a lot of guys feel the same, so we're related for similar feelings related our sexuality.

[drobert44]

Greetings to you all. My wife died suddenly 2 years ago, and I have found that I like to be with crossdressers. I live in a very small town, been here 30 years, everyone knows me, got 2 kids and an X nearby, etc. I have been with two CD;s, and loved it. I dont consider myself gay, and dont go to gay bars, etc. At my age of 70, bars arent so hot for me anyway. It is a rather lonely life, and I have to content myself with chatting online with friends I meet on Literotica and Sissy Social. I go to NYC for my annual fall shopping/play visit this week. Is there a club for CD's in Manhattan? While quite conservative in many ways, I am adamant about personal freedom for Americans. I got drafted for the Vietnam War and attended the Gulf War; and do sincerely feel that one reason I was glad to go was to defend the right of the individual be be what he wants. After all, human dignity is our measure.

[JillSierra]

Of course!

[Ceera]

I do, but I knew I was bisexual (and repressed it) long before I acknowledged that I am transgender. My feminine aspect is bisexual and leaning strongly to lesbian, so I do identify a lot with the lesbian community, and hang out with a lot of lesbians.

I certainly realize that this is not the case for all of us though, and I try not to assume anyone's orientation based solely on their gender presentation.

[Julogden]

As far as I'm concerned, we are appropriately considered part of the group, but that's just my opinion.

[StevieTV]

The last meeting I attended they changed to LGBTQ. Some represented themselves as queer, hence the Q. I attend dressed and to blend and consider myself T.

[Pat]

Interesting. Q has typically been taken to stand for "Questioning."

[Jamie390]

I do not consider myself part of the LGBT community. I do own a few women's items that I wear at home in private or early in the morning when I power walk before work and before the neighborhood wakes up. I have even ventured into a hotel pool in a women's swimsuit a few times. Other than that, I am a happily married heterosexual. I actually consider myself a pretty manly guy... just one who is in touch and comfortable with his feminine side

[grace7777]

I am a "T".

[Marissa Mae]

I am not a Lesbian: I am not a genetic female, so therefore I cannot be a genetic female who is attracted to other genetic females in a sexual manner.
I am not Gay: I am not attracted to other genetic males in a sexual manner.
I am not Bisexual: I am not attracted to other genetic males in a sexual manner.
I am not Questioning: 100% firm on the above points.

I am a heterosexual, genetic male, even when I wear female clothing. My gender doesn't change then, so logically I cannot be transgender in the sense of the definition used in "LGBT". Now, if a transvestite is considered transgendered, then my answer would have to be changed to a YES.

[flatlander_48]

Interesting. Q has typically been taken to stand for "Questioning."

J:

It's both as what sometimes gets added is QQIA: Queer Questioning Intersex Asexual, as I remember without looking it up.

But, to the question at hand...

I identify as Bisexual and Transgender. I realized I was bisexual ~20 years ago. Over the last few years as I became more involved in dressing I realized that I was something beyond a regular crossdresser. It seemed like such an easy state for me to fall into.

While I am not involved in the external community, I have been a member of our LGBT affinity group at work for 12 years this month.

DeeAnn