A question on the average age of the CD on this website

[Chloe_S]

Im curious about what the average age is of the user base here. My initial impression is that it’s of a more mature group of individuals. Probably 40+ at least... I’m new here and obviously could be wrong, but assuming I’m not, what is it do you think that makes that so? I understand that age is a delicate subject and I’m trying to be as diplomatic and sensitive about discussing this and my choice of words and apologize if I offended anyone. But I simply feel young to be a crossdresser and find it easier to connect with others closer to my age, which has proven difficult. So that’s what got me asking about this.

[Nikki A.]

I'm sure that the age group is skewed towards older. Part of the reason is that it has taken time for many of us to accept this being a part of us. I do see more younger members joining and I think that is great. We can all learn from one another.

[Micki_Finn]

This was brought up in another thread and someone had a rather brilliant insight and mentioned the medium. This website and its message board/forum layout is something that is natural to an older generation that’s used to desktop computing, but the younger generation was raised on apps and smartphones so they’re probably more likely to use Reddit or Pinterest or what have you.

Also, in the last 20 years or so, the “express lane to transition” has kind of been opened. It’s easier than ever for these kids to have access to that kind of knowledge and medical resources, so I think a lot of the younger generation is kind of skipping the “crossdresser” thing and are just going straight to transition.

[Robertacd]

As usual Micki is right.

Speaking of smartphones, the mobile version of this site sort of sucks. You can't see attachments and every time I try to edit a post, it deletes it instead of updating it.

[Tracii G]

Ginger stop apologizing for asking questions.
If people get offended that is their problem not yours.
We are all adults here and willing to talk about most anything.
Being sensitive about age is found more in kids not adults so don't worry about that.
If you have questions speak right up and ask.If somebody gets offended they can just not comment and move on.

[Teresa]

Ginger,
So many reasons behind your question many of us are possibly so occupied with life , I had my business to run , two kids to educate and 101 other things at the same time .

I can't speak for everyone but many are possibly buried in the closet, it's only when you get time on your hands that you realise there's more to this CDing need than we thought . I have seen so many in their forties not only here on the forum but in reality that the lightbulb moment happens at this age . Time after time do you see members coming out in their forties .

My CDing started at the age of 8-9 but just lived with it thinking one day I would grow out of it instead it gradually took over my life , I had to turn to counselling to try and resolve my inner conflict .

Dysphoria in many takes time to build to an unacceptable level .

I don't entirely agree with Micki , I would say it's still a tiny minority that transition at a young age .

Age hopefully brings maturity and sense , it's becomes harder to live with the thought that as a man we need for whatever reason to dress in women's clothes , I can tell you it gets harder when you've been married for 40 + years with grown up children and perhaps even grandchildren and yet the dressing need is still disruptive enough to destroy all that . Did I ever think I would separate to dress full time ? No way but it's now a reality , am I too old ? Maybe but I'm happier now than I've been for some time .

[docrobbysherry]

I'm 76. Usually older than the other CD's at the events I go to. However? I'm rarely twice the age of other attendees. 400 T's at Diva Las Vegas and WildSide events this year.

The girls that operate these events worry about their aging clientel demographics!:thumbsdn:

[Allisa]

Ginger you have to speak up because my eyesight isn't as good as it used to be. I just think that it took longer for my generation to come to grips with our "alternative expression" of our being as we had a slightly harder swim against the tide than the younger of today with the more accepting social attitude. And with our arthritis and all it just took use longer to climb this hill and arrive.

[MarinaTwelve200]

I'll be 70 in a few weeks---CD ing make me look 30 years YOUNGER. We grew up in a time of HIGH "Sexual di-morphism"---that is the difference in appearances of the two sexes. (in the 50's and 60's) Such an observation was made by some famous world traveling author James A. Mitchner. "Caravans" was one of his books.---He noted the higher sexual di morphism in a country or culture, the greater the incidence of Cross Dressing.

[FrannGurl]

I agree that many prefer their smartphones and I use mine too, but much prefer my laptop for this site..Its just easier....And funny you should ask....I'm 57 today!

[RADER]

Well I will jump in and say that I am 72, Sherry is 76, Marina is almost 70, so you see that 70 + Is A Lucky Number.
Rader

[KellyGCD]

Ginger, I was definitely thinking the same thing recently. As a young person of almost 30 I was surprised by how many older users are on this site. But with that being said, I have definitely learned so much by reading what people have experienced over their many years of being a CD. I think with a more mature group here there are going to be better, more in depth conversations because so many have "been there, done that." I know that for myself I have not experienced even a fraction of what some people here have and it's encouraging to know about the path that is before me.

[erinna]

I forget how old I am. Somewhere in my 50s. ;)

[RacyRobin]

Turning 60 next January

[Pixie_94]

Turning 25 on June.

[TheHiddenMe]

This was brought up in another thread and someone had a rather brilliant insight and mentioned the medium. This website and its message board/forum layout is something that is natural to an older generation that’s used to desktop computing, but the younger generation was raised on apps and smartphones so they’re probably more likely to use Reddit or Pinterest or what have you.

I would be extremely surprised if this forum wasn't skewed to the plus 40 crowd. I would guess the average age, or more accurately the median age, wasn't at least 50.

Again, it's the medium. Individuals in our demographic (I'm 61) were introduced to the web via AOL and forums like this. Boards like this were voices in the wilderness telling us we were not the only ones. We're the dinosaurs.

The first iPhones debuted in 2007, so someone who was 18 when smartphones came out are now 30. The younguns are on Reddit and Instragram and the dating apps.


Also, in the last 20 years or so, the “express lane to transition” has kind of been opened. It’s easier than ever for these kids to have access to that kind of knowledge and medical resources, so I think a lot of the younger generation is kind of skipping the “crossdresser” thing and are just going straight to transition.

I think the percentages along the transgender spectrum are consistent among ages; i.e., the percentage of 25 y/o's who are CDs is approximately the same as those who are 75. The same is true for those who consider themselves to be the wrong gender. I think those who are wishing to transition is consistent among age groups. The idea that someone can transition has certainly become more prevalent over the last 20 years. That is enabling people of all ages to transition.

The concept of young people "skipping" crossdressing is simply a wrong concept to me.

[Frannie7]

Ginger, I turned 60 in January. There is a different vibe here than on the crossdressing discord chat I also belong to. I think because this is not in real time the comments are sometimes more thought out. Both formats have advantages. I like that you can see and follow the thread of a conversation here even if you leave or are not here for awhile. Then again, the discord is immediate. Definitely a younger group over there.

[ReneeTD]

Recently turned 54, when I was 38 it hit me like a sort of mid-life crisis. That would have been around the summer of '03. I always indulged in CDing when the opportunity to do so presented itself since I was a child. However, some significant life changes seemed to ignite it at that point.

[RachelPortugal]

Just look at the first page of the "members list", where the majority of members have declared their age. Not one over 70 and most are under 40, but maybe the results are skewed because I imagine younger members are more inclined to have symbols and not letters at the start of their member name. So. I skipped to the last page, again no over 70's and most are under 40, but still many with symbols and not letters at the start of their member name.

This is registered members, but 10% or less of those listed on these two pages had been active this year and only half of that number this month.

Anyone want to analise the 521 pages of the members list?

PS. I am 61.

[mbmeen12]

To answer the question, the best guess is (middle age)....45-65.....

[Hogrom]

I'm 29, i don't use other social media, but I should, I guess.

[Bobbi46]

Mmmmm, makes one think somewhat brings home ones own age quite a bit (I am 72) but as the saying goes you are only as old as you feel and if you feel young despite your age then go for it and live happily.

[Tracy Ann]

I turned 69 last week. My how time has passed!

[Crissy 107]

Yes this is an older crowd and I appreciate the younger members of our community being here and posting as much as they do.
Bobbi, Yes very true!

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Ginger :hugs:, I am 76 and have been in this program for 72 years now.

>>>>>>>>>>>>Orchid .oo:daydreaming:oo.

[Maid_Marion]

Proud owner of long salt and pepper hair!

[Kenita]

54 now but started coming here in my 40s. Of course, the longer we participate the older we get.

[abbiedrake]

48. I didn't start fully dressing til 46. Sigh.
Feel fat, old, and ugly.

[fun4metoo2004]

I will be 59 later this year. Halloween last year was my first time going out dressed. I have not told anyone that I am a crossdresser, nor do I think I care to at this point. Those that do know me do know that I had a very nice time while dressed at the party and have expressed to several of my friends and family that enjoyed it very much.

With that said I have been under-dressing since I was in my teens, and for me, I think that being Divorced, my Ex passed, and my son is now almost 30 (moved back home recently). Add to that I have a good job that I plan to retire from as soon as 62 rolls around, and feel secure enough in myself I dress as often as I feel the urge. Makeup skills suck. not much practice there. The other factor with Makeup is that I have very sensitive eyes and allergies, so they water all the time.

I would love to go full makeup and dress up everyday. It is just not practical for me to do it. I am not sure my friends at work would understand either, and being a "go to" guy, that might present a problem. Maybe if I came in day one dressed would make a difference, but starting now? No.

Someone else mentioned Smartphones. Honestly if I was not working, I am not sure I would carry mine much. I retired from the Navy almost 30 years ago and took my watch off day one. I can go without a smart phone.

And as free spirited as California is, (born and raised there), I cannot see myself moving back to a state that is in such disrepair.

[Becoming Brianna]

29 and I love posting here. I've learned so much not only about myself but about life through interacting with all of you and I can't thank you enough!

[Sallee]

Micki Thats a good answer but I do think it is unfortunate. Transition is a big step and I have known people who regret it. When I was younger I may have considered it. But as I matured shall I say I realized that CDing might loss its thrill and that would be unfortunate.
Anyway the average age is what ever age you are. CDing spans a lifetime.

[abbiedrake]

I will add that whole 'he' is 48, I'm 43. I'll be 44 in December.
Yeah I took 5 years off my femme self so sue me. 😁

[sometimes_miss]

I think that for some like me, perhaps during the early 20's to perhaps late 30's we are able to repress the crossdressing urge to the point where we truly believe that it was either just a phase, or that we had outgrown it. During that time, I went for over 10 years without crossdressing, and the idea of doing it was rare, and fleeting at best. When other things in my life are going okay, for me it's pretty common for me to avoid crossdressing. It's when the levels of stress get too high, that I cannot keep the desire to crossdress under control, and it becomes a problem again.
It is this experience which winds up biting us in the butt, because during those good times many of us wind up getting married, thinking that all of our crossdressing is in the past. Then when the desire comes back, our wives have a conniption fit over it, and it winds up either destroying our marriage, or doing significant damage to it.
JMHO. Your experience may vary.

[Stephanie47]

I don't get offended if someone asks my age. I had to go back through some of your posts to find anything close to stating your age which appears to be in your thirties. Therefore, I am assuming Ginger82 correlates to 1982. My handle correlates to 1947. Therefore I am a senior and soon turning 72. In many of my posts I do mention my experiences of the 1950's and 1960's so people can get a perspective of the by-gone years. Thank goodness they are by-gone years!

I do agree there can be a generational issue in relating to others not of a similar age. In my male life I encounter it all the time. I just do not fit in. Yes, if I go out for a beer it will probably be with others who have shared experiences. In the area I live I have not been able to find any group of cross dressers, let alone finding a group of senior cross dressers. I do wonder, if I would find a group, would I be viewed as a "grandma?" I listen in on conversations my wife and her female friends have and I do not hear them discussing cosmetics or current fashions. Maybe, it would be informative if those on this site/thread tell us exactly what they discuss when they do get together with others of the same age or a group of mixed generations. If I attend a club for hobbyists (stamps, coins, model railroading, etc) I'd expect there would be a bond made through similar interests. I would not expect that to segregate into age groups. I really do not know what happens at a mixed group of cross dressing men.

[Jolene Robertson]

I'm 63 (soon to be 64) as quite a few members on here my DOB on the site is not my actual BD. Glad to be here and met a lot of great folks on here, some in person. It is interesting the age of our members is so diverse.

[Patience]

I’m as old as my nose and a little older than my teeth.

[Debra Russell]

I will be turning 74 in a couple of weeks but have felt the feminine pull of life from an early age...………………..Debra

[Angela Marie]

Turning 65 in a few weeks. We all share a commonality so, as far as i'm concerned, age is irrelevant.

[BTWimRobin]

I have had a desire to dress since I was a child. Throughout the years the urges to don feminine attire would come and go. I never did much about it and I was always able to control the urges. Around the time I turned 50 my feminine side grew stronger as did the urges to dress. I fought the urges for another six years but my feminine side eventually won the battle. I turned 57 last month and have started to dress a bit more feminine. I am now a much happier person.

[Diane Taylor]

I'm 73 but didn't come out until I was 46. I think that probably the average age is somewhere in the range of middle age 40-55 because most don't come out at an early age.

[Tina Davis]

I've been dressing since around age 11, but it became so much more about 6 years ago when I first went out dressed. I'm really 55, but like Abbie, I've shaved a few years off of Tina's age and claim I'm now 50.

[Melissa_Me]

I'm 38.
I first experimented with dressing, probably like some many others, with my mom's clothes when I was around 10-11 years old. That was in the 80's and when my mom found a pile of her clothes stashed in my room, the scathing I received put pay to doing that again.

Until, I started babysitting for my neighbours. They eldest daughter who had moved out to university, had left a great selection of underwear and dresses. Once I'd made sure the lad I was looking after was sound asleep, I took my babysitting duties seriously, I would go to her room and select clothes to try on and go through her make-up and practice putting on lipstick.

As I went through my college years and meeting my, then girlfriend, now, wife, I stopped CDing. I til one anniversary in a very posh hotel in London.
We had a few too many drinks and I told her that I occasionally tried her underwear and dresses on.
Since then I've never looked back and she embraces the dressing as much as I do.

In answer to your question, I think the younger generation has so much more of an open world with the acceptance of the LGBT community that they can openly converse on any platform about their desires, needs or fetishes.
For the older generations, it's still something that they feel needs to be kept to any inner circle of trusted friends and family and most of the people their own age probably wouldn't approve.

Xx

[AndreaCalifCD]

Turning 54 in a few weeks.
Where does the time go?

[Michaelasfun]

57 here. I listened to my mom about the Ponds cold cream regimen ;)

[Julie Slowinski]

49 here.

[Leelou]

Turning 54 in a few weeks.
Where does the time go?

Wow, I'm the 4th one in the thread that's 54. There might be someone here with my birthday. Obviously still unlikely, but I'm an a Aquarius :)

[Zoeytgtx]

A very young 64!

[mattea]

I am 46 and been at this as long as I can remember. I think my mother knew or could sense that I was this way and while she didn't encourage or directly support, I think she silently and subtlety enabled me to be where I am today to some extent. If she didn't pass so long ago, I feel strongly that she would be a full-on encouragement and support to me today. She always said she wanted a girl, I think she knew she had one.....

I need to say it too as I read through everyone's post, for so many of you to be as "experienced" as you are in life, when you look at your pictures and then look at the age you all look pretty damn good!

[Vickie_CDTV]

I'm 42. I started posting here as a young adult. Now middle aged. How times flies.

The trans community has traditionally leaned middle aged and up (especially 50+). It is only in recent years it has started to change. I made first contact with the trans community at 19, in 1996, and no one I met was even close to my age. I remember one person just shy of 30, but even then they were married with a kid and such.

I use my phone for looking things up when traveling, but not much else. I don't know how young people manage to type on those tiny screens. I miss my buckling spring Model M IBM keyboard. Really showing my age I suppose.

[Palaina Nocturnus]

I'll be 43 in Halloween

[Michele14]

I just turned 60 in March

[Lacy PJs]

A couple of thoughts...

First, I note that a few who have answered have listed their age as 29; that wouldn't happen to have anything to do with "the best ten years of a woman's life are the ten years between 29 and 30!" would it? Just asking... :)

On a more serious note... I wonder if people here are generally older because of life's pressures in their younger years. In my case, I had a career to pursue/protect, I didn't really have a lot of extra $$$ for "girl" things and there were young ones in the house. Now that I'm older, my career is over, I have some "spending money" and we are empty nesters. So some of the many things that may keep someone from actively CDing are no longer in my way.

Lacy PJs

[Laura28]

61 this year.

[Teresa]

Lacy,
My thoughts precisely as I mentiioned in my reply .

[Miss V]

38 here.

Started dressing in my mid teens. Got more serious in my late-twenties.

[Mary Lawrence]

I have a moderately short gray femme wig to conceal my shorter, mostly gray, real hair. I am 72 and didn't really start my crossdressing until I was nearly 50.

[Jane G]

I was much younger when I started crossdresser. But there where no web sites then. This is still the only one I chat on. Works just great on a tablet ladies.

[BobbiJo C]

Hi Ginger. I'm 61. I've been crossdressing since age 8. Similar stories to others here.

[JoanneNY]

He is 81, I'm stuck at 39. Does anyone remember Jack Benny?

Joanne

[KymG]

Late 40's for me.

[April Rose]

29x2.379

[Davina2833]

I'm lucky, most people guess that I'm in late 50's, actually mid 70's... have been doing this since
high school, when mom and her friends dressed me up as a girl (have picture to prove it). It was
a life changing Halloween experience, thank goodness, (I think?)

[JocelynJames]

I always thought if I told someone I was 5-0 👮*♀️ I would be a cop , not fifty. It kind of snuck up on me

[donnalee]

I will celebrate my 35th annual 39th birthday in August. I didn't start until pretty late;up to then just considered it a minor and inconsequential perversion.

[jacques]

hello Ginger,
I suspect that the age profile of membership is skewed towards the senior.
I would really love to believe that is because younger grossdressers and transpersons do not need the support of a group like this because they are accepted by "society" or just braver that us earlier generations.
luv J

[Kay J]

Hi girls i am 69 and been dressing at about 6 or 7 i don't remember exactly because i slept since then. :heehee:

[Lacey New]

21 three times over. Been putting on panties since my early teens

[Ressie]

I was sooo young when I joined this forum. I got my first internet connection in the late 90s when forums were the venue to chat with others that share your interests. 20+ years later, I still like this format. Time waits for no one and I'm now 66.

[paulinescotlandcd]

I will be 62 come October. No presents please just send money.

[vivian fair]

I am 81 years old, mostly restrained from dressing, but still have the desire.

[BobbiKay]

I am 66 (decimal), but only 42 (hexadecimal).

[Elizabeth G]

54 here. I've been crossdressing for over four decades. Do you think it will go away? :lol:

[Daniella12]

I'm 28 and still trying to understand myself more hopefully I can hurry that up a bit so I can enjoy my youth but time flys by lol

[Sallee]

Well after skimming almost all the responses in this thread I would say some where between early 60's to the early 70's is the age medium. Youngest are in there 20's and the oldest in their 80's So we span all age groups but we new that I'm 72 Yikes, but I am immature.
"Age ain't nothin but a number" Le3ts keep it Fun

[Katherine L.]

Just turned 61 last month.

[ChubbyLeahCD]

36 here.

[Bruce64]

Since I start crossdressing I still feel I am 25, 30 years after.

[Seana Summer]

For the sake of the survey I will admit I am 47.
I think the medium of this forum is a factor, but there are other factors as well, as others have mentioned. When I was younger I was so deep in the closet I would have not taken the chance on being outed by participating in anything CD related. Now I go out every now and then.

[il.dso]

I'm 58.
Could never have imagined the internet and this website when I was growing up.
So much loneliness, shame and confusion.
This website is such a remarkable place, indeed, and I am grateful for it.

[KimberlyCasino]

I am 29 and just recently started experimenting with dressing up

[Ozark]

I thought I had replied to this one...

I'm 70.

[Asew]

36 here.

[Jenny22]

I'll be 85 soon. Not many here who are older ladies, I'll bet. I just wish that today's access to our life style acceptance and info was available to we more senior ones when we were younger. Our lives may well have been happier.

[Vicky Peters]

I'm in my early 70's and hae been enjoying dressing since I was 12 years old.

[Pumped]

Just turned 60 but only got serious about dressing in the last few years.

For me I changed jobs a few years ago and i spend a few nights a month on motels. The time alone with zero chance of getting caught helped push my dressing over the edge! Now my wife laughs as I drag two suitcases out the door, one for guy clothing, one for "her" clothing, and she knows.

[Helen 2]

almost 67 here....time does fly.

I read thru all the responses and looked at pics and...my new Fountain of Youth theory is 'CD'ing'.
My Lord, soooo many of you ladies do NOT look ANYWHERE your age!
Must be the Noxema, or Clinique, or Ponds, or whatever, but I don't think ANY of you >50 look anywhere like your chronological age.
Well done, ladies....