What if crossdressing were normalized?

[Bea_]

I'm asking because I've got mixed feelings on the issue myself . How many of us would truly like our style to become normalized to the point where half or more of the genetically male population switched to skirts, dresses, bras, etc...?

Part of the draw to my current style is that I like the differentiation from the real world. I wish I could get a full pass on going out however I wanna dress, but not sure that i want it to be the norm. Any thoughts?

[michelle64]

We are mostly a normal bunch.. many are married to GG's which castigates us to being lumped into the other side....thats why certain groups dont want us around....and i do not see any sudden switch to dudes in skirts ever being the norm.....of course it depends on how you define "normal"

[Thelise]

Go ahead and normalize it Bea. Lol. There's plenty of room to differentiate within modes of dressing.

[Bea_]

Normalized would be the general acceptance of crossdressing as 'normal'. Women in pants is normalized but it was not always so. I grew up in an era when it was totally 'abnormal' for a woman to wear pants in church, or for a public school teacher to wear pants and there were many other places it was not the accepted norm. Now it's been normalized.

[Tracii G]

I have to chime in here Women in pants is not crossdressing the pants were made for women and their body shape.
So technically women in pants was never considered to be crossdressing.
We all know the definition of the word crossdresser.

[Jodie_Lynn]

How many of us would truly like our style to become normalized to the point where half or more of the genetically male population switched to skirts, dresses, bras, etc...?

Why delineate "half the male population?"
How about if by 'normalized', it merely meant that no eyebrows would be raised by what anyone of any gender wore?

How about, if by 'normalized', it meant that a male crossdresser could venture out of their house and not be assaulted for their choice?

You state that you enjoy the "differentiation from the real world", does that mean that you get some satisfaction, or arousal, from being different from the crowd?

I continually see posts on these boards that are basically "What if..." fantasies. And that is fine, everyone needs a form of escapism. But the hard truth is that the majority of men do NOT find solace or comfort in the wearing of clothing designed for women. Sexual play being the exception., and even then, it usually involves a GG.

Long and long ago, I used to wear cowboy boots and a Stetson. I put up with countless rendition's of "Where'd you park your horse?" Until a certain movie involving a mechanical bull came out. Then, every mother's son was sporting a western look. I haven't worn a Stetson, or male cowboy boots since then.

So my question to you Bea, is if your proposed scenario became fact, would you cease to crossdress?

[Tracii G]

I guess Bea would lose her kink of CDing and the fantasy would be gone.
Where did the half number come from anyway?
CDers are 1% of the male population at best and there will never be a time where men will actually want to wear womens clothes its just not going to happen so why even post what ifs like this?

[danam]

If crossdressing were normalized, we'd be in Europe.

Ha, just kidding. A little humor for a serious topic.

[Thelise]

Dana, now I understand Brexit! Thanks.

[Aneline]

I would be more likely to go out dressed if it became "the norm" as you say. When bell bottoms became stylish I wanted bell bottoms. When long hair in men became more common in the 70's, I let my hair grow. I would now too, 'cept it doesn't grow anymore. But I'd wear traditionally women's clothing because I like the feel and fit of women's clothing, not because I'm a rebel. So it wouldn't bother me if lots of men started wearing women's clothes.

[Bobbi46]

"If crossdressing were normalised" would we lose what we think when dressed as a woman? would the nervousness and fright of going out dressed be gone? would the sometimes unwarranted attention be gone?
I don't know certainly the nervousness and fear I think would be gone because there would no longer be the thought of do I blend fully or do I stck out like a sore thumb, those thoughts I am sure would be laid to rest.
As far as dressing is concerned that too would not (I think) be anything out of the ordinary. I supppose for some dressing is a thrill in the early days but as time goes by the thrill goes away to be replaced with " this is normal for me" so yes the whole gamut would be normal.
And with all of this normalisation would we lose gay pride marches? would our crusade to be accepted be over and would homophobia be laid to rest once and for all?

[Stephanie47]

Personally, I hate the "what if" questions. I get them all the time. I always answer when my son was young I use to buy him Marvel Comics "What if" this super hero met this super hero. Deal in the reality of the situation. Otherwise go read some comics.

[Vickie_CDTV]

Fashion designers have been bringing out skirts for men at fashion shows for decades. It has never taken off unfortunately. There is a stigma associated with un-bifurcated garments in the West that I don't think will ever be overcome, barring some limited interest in kilts.

I can't see men wearing bras ever being normal anywhere (barring folks with gynecomastia), even in cultures where men wear skirts and fancier clothing.

[Tracii G]

I guess some have to keep trying to justify why they CD.Is it they just can't accept themselves because they are different?
I think its good to be different.

[Maid_Marion]

Florals everywhere? Yeah, I could deal with that. But know I'm very unusual in that I also like the fit and look of women's clothes on my body.

There was a turning point where I started looking for fitted women's T shirts to buy as vacation souvenirs, even though they were the most expensive shirts in the store.
In or out? I think it is a big step for some to start shopping like that, though I didn't give it much thought. I bought a hot pink fleece jacket that I wore everywhere for a year.

[Bea_]

I have to chime in here Women in pants is not crossdressing the pants were made for women and their body shape.
So technically women in pants was never considered to be crossdressing.
We all know the definition of the word crossdresser.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trousers_as_women%27s_clothing

On the boards here, there seem to be as many definitions of crossdressing as there are members.




Long and long ago, I used to wear cowboy boots and a Stetson. I put up with countless rendition's of "Where'd you park your horse?" Until a certain movie involving a mechanical bull came out. Then, every mother's son was sporting a western look. I haven't worn a Stetson, or male cowboy boots since then.

That's kinda my point.


So my question to you Bea, is if your proposed scenario became fact, would you cease to crossdress?

If it became fact, the definition of crossdressing would change to a degree that I'd no longer be included.

[susie evans]

I consider it normal now I just dress the way I want and go about my business

[deebra]

Bea, WONDERFUL THREAD. Half of the male population, WONDERFUL. Would dress most every day with my D boobs and all the rest and look a whole lot better than an awful lot of GG's. O.K. maybe not half just wish it was normal to dress like a woman and be accepted as normal by everyone..... wives, women, men and dogs and cats too.

[Patience]

The question is: do you dress for others or for yourself?

I dress for myself, so if others want to wear a dress, it’s no business or mine; more power to them. The record will show I did it before it was cool.

Would the normalization of crossdressing make it less fun? Maybe, on the other hand, one would be able to do it a lot more and in a lot more places.

Are you sure you didn’t post this question on deebra's behalf?

[Kelli_cd]

I feel quite normal wearing bra and panties every day.

[Asew]

I have to chime in here Women in pants is not crossdressing the pants were made for women and their body shape.
So technically women in pants was never considered to be crossdressing.
We all know the definition of the word crossdresser.
So I sew my own skirts with my male untucked body in mind. These skirts are still considered crossdressing even though there were made for me and my body shape.

I feel like it will never be normalized in my lifetime, but people typically seem tolerant (or at least keep their traps shut :) ).

[Kendra Sue]

Wish I could go out dressed

[docrobbysherry]

What do u consider "normal", Bea? Dressing to blend? Or, something a bit more stylish and sexy? Your normal may be quite different than mine!:battingeyelashes:

Women come in all looks as well as shapes and sizes, u know! U and other dressers may not approve. But, my preferred normal look, out dressed, mite be something like this! :daydreaming:

305696

[LilSissyStevie]

You could come to California where everything is "normal" as long as it's "different." It's full of people desperately attempting to express some sort of individuality but generally only succeeding in looking like morons. You won't raise any eyebrows CDing here but you might get a few yawns and eyerolls. I keep my CDing to myself. Other than that I like to dress as inconspicuously possible because I'm a loner and a rebel.

[Thelise]

Great sales pitch. I just booked a ticket....

[Teresa]

Bea,
This is a very interesting question , maybe the first point is we are all crossdressers taking the standard definition , what other labels we chose to use simply tells people where we are on the TG spectrum .

The question is when does is become normal ? Perhaps going on to ask when does it stop being crossdressing ?

After more than a year I feel it's perfectly normal to wear clothes that show how I feel inside . Normal measn different things to different people , I feel normal because I'm accepted comfortably in the RW .

For those who say it's a hobby normal would have a totally different meaning but would their normal be normal in the eyes of the public ? How would I feel if more men did it ? That's a tough one , if dressing is more to do with gender issues, blending in and being normal is more the objective but if a guy comes along dressed OTT and possibly upsets people we may all get tarred with the same brush . I persoanlly would be a little upset if I started getting disaparaging remarks because of the actions of others .

I appreciate this question could be applied to many factions of society , you only have to look back to how hard it was for gays when they first came out back in the sixties .

[April T]

I wish we could all wear what we want. I don't crossdress to be elitist, I do it because I love it.

[abbiedrake]

I get what you're asking Bea.
I think the answer is that for some it would be great, being able to express oneself as one desires. For some it would be awful because the kick of transgression would be absent.

Personally I would tend toward the former. I've always been somewhat different and I'd go as far as to say I like it that way. Not so much that I get a kick (and certainly not a sexual one) out of my differences but I'm good with them. I'd miss that a little. But it would be more than offset by a greater acceptance of how I would choose to present were my wife's feelings not a consideration for example. Ie. If society was such that CDing were 'normalised' then Wifeling would have no basis for complaint.

[MarinaTwelve200]

If it were to be "Normal", then most of the "Thrill" would be gone ;)

[Jodie_Lynn]

I think that Posts #28 & #29 hit the bullseye. If crossdressing were normalized, then the sense of scandal, taboo-breaking, titillation, and humiliation (yes, there are some CD's who get off of that) would be absent.

[Judy-Somthing]

If it were normal for men to dress in anything the same as women the first thing I think I would do is light makeup.
Like male actors do! And maybe color my hair, I would say 90% of women color their hair.

[Bea_]

Several people seemed to be bothered by the question in the title and I do see some validity to the concerns. A better question would be...

"What if your preferred wardrobe were suddenly normalized to the point that most of the items you now buy in the women's section were available (and widely purchased by "normal" men) in the men's department?"

In that scenario it would no longer be crossdressing which I think was the issue most seemed to have with the initial post.

My answer would be that I'd still go to the woman's section to look for things that stood out from what most see as 'manly'. I'd like to see it normalized to the point where I felt comfortable and acceptable going out to the mailbox in a nice sundress, but not necessarily to the point where every man in the neighborhood was going out to the mailbox in a nice sundress. I like feeling unique. But, I dislike having my uniqueness turned into a joke or worse.

[danam]

To me, crossdressing is exploring my femininity. If everyone wore the same clothes, and there was no difference between male/female attire, clothing would become irrelevant. I'd have to find a different method to explore my feminine side.

[Micki_Finn]

You could come to California where everything is "normal" as long as it's "different." It's full of people desperately attempting to express some sort of individuality but generally only succeeding in looking like morons. You won't raise any eyebrows CDing here but you might get a few yawns and eyerolls. I keep my CDing to myself. Other than that I like to dress as inconspicuously possible because I'm a loner and a rebel.

What a grim and shallow assessment of a hugely diverse group of people.

[Fran-K]

Several people seemed to be bothered by the question in the title and I do see some validity to the concerns. A better question would be...

"What if your preferred wardrobe were suddenly normalized to the point that most of the items you now buy in the women's section were available (and widely purchased by "normal" men) in the men's department?"

In that scenario it would no longer be crossdressing which I think was the issue most seemed to have with the initial post.


Hi Bea

To the degree that what appears in the "Men's Department" is the exact same as it appears in the "Women's Department" (other than, say, sizing), I'd have to find some other way to enable my feminine side -- to partly agree with what Dana Mathews said, dressing in designed/manufactured/...'d-specifically-for-women's clothing is a way to enabling that part of me that is dormant when I'm in men's clothes. On the other hand, I expect that there will be differences between the two -- the cut of clothes designed for women is different than for men (eg, hips, boobs, and butts on the one side vs a bulge on the other) so a dress from the women's department would be a bit different than the "same" dress in the mens ... and to that degree, I'd buy the women's department dress (in preference to the men's department version) and be quite satisfied. Also, there would be some things that are women- (and men-) only. Bras and athletic supporters, for example. I'd still buy bras.

Now, this begs the question -- if there are some (purely technical) differences between two dresses, one in the men's department and the other in the women's ... would society as a whole "disapprove" of me buying the dress in the women's department and wearing it, in preference to the one in the men's? I'll assume that the answer is that it would be ok.


That said, I also just plain like the physical feel/sensation of wearing female clothing -- so if dresses are available in the men's department as well as women's ... cool. The swish of the skirts, feeling of the fabrics, and so on would be the same, so it wouldn't matter ... and I'd be quite happy.

I realize that these are sort of mutually incompatible answers ... but this whole dressing thing is fairly complex (to me, anyway) :-)

One thing that I would _not_ do is say "Well, it's normal now ... so I have to go find some other way to be different" ... I've never (dressing/gender or otherwise) felt that I had to be different just for the sake of being different. If what I do is different ... so be it, if it's mainstream, so be it...

Fran

[SaraLin]

Well...

I guess the best answer I can come up with is by relating something that happens from time to time with my wife.

She will occasionally point out that I can buy silky or even bikini underwear in the men's department and she asks me why I don't buy them instead, since they're likely to fit certain areas better.

the best answer I can come up with is "because they're men's". I know it's a bit silly sounding, but there it is.

The "why" of that sentiment is hard to put into words. About the best way I can explain it is simply this. I just feel more in touch with my 'inner self' when I allow myself to express my feminine side- even if only a little.
Not having much in my physical reality that agrees with this inner sense of self, I have to resort to clothing to do that.


If clothing that is now considered the realm of 'women only' were suddenly unisex, I'm sure I'd love being able to wear pretty things more - but I might find myself needing to find something else to express my inner girl.

[CarlaWestin]

I think that Posts #28 & #29 hit the bullseye. If crossdressing were normalized, then the sense of scandal, taboo-breaking, titillation, and humiliation (yes, there are some CD's who get off of that) would be absent.
Not so sure that I agree. I do like the intrigue and scandalous nature of being out in public dressed in a very feminine presentation. But, I know GG's get the same elation from the clothes they wear. You know, Natalie Wood spinning around singing, "I feel pretty! Oh so pretty!"
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ye7PIyIcCro)
305705

[abbiedrake]

Anyone performing, in public, like they're in West Side Story is gonna stand out no matter what they're wearing. 😂

[Kelli_cd]

SaraLin, I can't agree with you more about those "silky" garments for men. The texture of the fabric just isn't the same, whether it's heavier or lesser quality I don't know. And even if everything else were the same, they wouldn't offer the same colors and prints that were get from the women's side of the aisle.

[Cristy2]

Give it a little more time. It won't be much longer where it will be perfectly normal. Got to think, it wasn't that long ago where crossdressing could land you in jail. In fact, it is still illegal in many places, just not enforced anymore.

[Patience]

You could come to California where everything is "normal" as long as it's "different." It's full of people desperately attempting to express some sort of individuality but generally only succeeding in looking like morons. You won't raise any eyebrows CDing here, but you might get a few yawns and eyerolls. I keep my CDing to myself. Other than that I like to dress as inconspicuously possible because I'm a loner and a rebel.

On top of making a gross generalization, with this post, you’ve unwittingly (?) given away your location. Maybe you don’t care and that’s fine, but yeah.

It’s true some people dress because they enjoy some kind of humiliation, but I’m sure that if crossdressing were normalized, they could easily find another way to debase themselves. People who crossdress for that reason evidently see it as something reproachable and therefore are not adequate allies in the quest for the normalization of crossdressing.

[Traci H]

The panty example does resonate with me. The suggestion that I buy some sexier men’s briefs just leaves me cold. Zero appeal. Now the comparison is not totally accurate as even though they are slinkier they never are close to women’s. Heavier fabric, crappy colors etc

But it does give me a clue that I still like the taboo nature of wearing female garments, and if all started wearing, some of the allure would be gone. I am not fearful that that will ever happen however.

I often stand in front of my panty drawer making my selection of the day. I am elated that I have a full palette of colors and fabrics to chose from, as the drawer sparkles with such. For me that is part of the allure as well.

Bottom line to the original question is....”I just don’t know!”

[Aunt Kelly]

Really? You think GG's sing "I feel pretty..." whenever they put on their clothes... Mmmmkay.
Come on. Let's let go of the "This must be how women feel..." fantasy.

[Bea_]

The panty example does resonate with me. The suggestion that I buy some sexier men’s briefs just leaves me cold. Zero appeal. Now the comparison is not totally accurate as even though they are slinkier they never are close to women’s. Heavier fabric, crappy colors etc

But it does give me a clue that I still like the taboo nature of wearing female garments, and if all started wearing, some of the allure would be gone. I am not fearful that that will ever happen however.

I often stand in front of my panty drawer making my selection of the day. I am elated that I have a full palette of colors and fabrics to chose from, as the drawer sparkles with such. For me that is part of the allure as well.



I recently bought some sexy men's bikinis on amazon and my wife ALWAYS makes nice comments when i wear them. I don't hate them and I work them into the rotation according to my mood and whether I'm trying to get the reaction from the wife. But, like you say, I love the range of styles of panties I've collected over the years. The daily selection process of deciding on briefs, highcuts, bikinis or a thong is still a bit of a highlight of the day for me.

NOTE: The wife does occasionally compliment certain styles of my panties too. It was surprising to me to see her respond most favorably to floral lace string bikinis and to not care for nice satin briefs. I'd have thought it would be the opposite. But, panties have become totally normalized within our marriage. It's a nice place to be.

[abbiedrake]

Really? You think GG's sing "I feel pretty..." whenever they put on their clothes... Mmmmkay.
Come on. Let's let go of the "This must be how women feel..." fantasy.

^^^ How would Bernstein and Sondheim know??

[Bea_]

Really? You think GG's sing "I feel pretty..." whenever they put on their clothes... Mmmmkay.
Come on. Let's let go of the "This must be how women feel..." fantasy.

My wife was/is one who always loved shopping for clothes. She's never sung the song as far as I know, but she definitely has enjoyed wearing nice things and gets and enjoys many compliments even now in her sixties. The compliments are mostly from other women but she was recently complimented on her style by a twenty-something male physical therapist who wished his wife would meet her. It's obvious that she feels pretty and I do my damnedest to reinforce that feeling, because I agree.

If women, in general, didn't get something positive out of the variety and styles of clothes, the women's section would look more like the men's section.

[Thelise]

It’s true some people dress because they enjoy some kind of humiliation, but I’m sure that if crossdressing were normalized, they could easily find another way to debase themselves. People who crossdress for that reason evidently see it as something reproachable and therefore are not adequate allies in the quest for the normalization of crossdressing.
I think this is a little harsh. I know what it's like to feel powerless and lash out at your home town (assuming). However, once it's on the net you're a sitting duck. I'd be a little more generous and say: try not to couch wallflower as "loner and rebel". Get out there and mess things up, or bite it and admit you're a homebody, for the time being at least. Hell, that's what I am at the moment. Got no problem with that.

- - - Updated - - -

Sorry, to be clear that post was in relation to the initial L.SissySteve post.... Eh, you'll figure it out.....

[Patience]

Are you sure you quoted the right bit (or even the right person), Thelise?

[Thelise]

Um, I think so. I just scrolled down and checked too.

- - - Updated - - -

Oh, yeah. "Home state" is what I should have said.

[Patience]

Well, Thelise, being new here and not knowing about this forum's little quirks, you can be given a pass for not knowing that threads can be closed if they’re seen to be straying too far from the point. That’s why I hesitate to answer.

That being said, the bit of my post you quoted simply states that crossdressing fetishists are not adequate advocates for those of us who want to see crossdressing normalized as a form of gender expression. And not to be harsh, but the answer you provided seems to have missed that point entirely.

And regarding the point you were trying to make, It’s not necessary to be a californian to object to a gross generalization about California, just as one needn’t be a woman to object to a gross generalization about women. It all comes down to a basic sense of fairness. Stop me if I’m being too obvious.

[Thelise]

I'm lost.

[Patience]

Well, you’re in the right place, more or less.

[Jodie_Lynn]

OFF TOPIC


On top of making a gross generalization, with this post, you’ve unwittingly (?) given away your location. Maybe you don’t care and that’s fine, but yeah.

If you notice, a lot of people here list their location.

<--------- see?

My current location doesn't support any type of LGBT+ organizations, but several nearby towns and small cities do.

ON TOPIC

The OP's question, and even the revised question, are a nice fantasy. But I don't see crossdressing becoming an accepted "normalized" act any time soon. At least, not in the lifetime of the youngest member of this forum.

Until society gets over the idea that it is "abnormal" to wear clothes that are not condoned for ones gender, crossdressing will never be 'normalized'. Specifically. male-to-female, crossdressing.

When women first started wearing trousers, it was scandalous, shocking, and ridiculed. And women basically told society "F**k off! They are practical for many reasons, deal with it!" And ya know what? "Society" got over it. When is the last time anyone here has heard a woman being criticized or gossiped about, for wearing trousers, jeans, leggings, or sweatpants?

[Ressie]

No, I don't want CDing to be normal. I would like to see it accepted more than it is, but...

[Micki_Finn]

This Glamazon Queen would be fine, but y’all would have to step your p***y up. :P

[Stephanie Julianna]

I'd move everything in the back of my closet to the front. Sweet and simple. And then my wife would divorce me. LOL

[sometimes_miss]

I guess some have to keep trying to justify why they CD.Is it they just can't accept themselves because they are different?
I think its good to be different.
Not just different, but perhaps they have trouble accepting themselves as being feminine. Lot's are 'different'; some redneck, some city slicker, some foreign, some 'country', some rock'n'roll. All perfectly acceptable. But feminine? Ohhhh, NO! Not that!
Boys have pretty much been told from day one that being feminine in any way is the worst thing we can be. Growing up with that, of course we might have problems seeing ourselves as feminine. Males are still often ridiculed for it. It is, perhaps, the MOST 'different' that we can be. Consider; you can even dress like what many would consider like a suspected terrorist , and still not get the dislike that a very feminine crossdresser does.
(unless, of course, you're getting on an airplane!). In New Jersey where they still have people manning the gasoline pumps, there are quite a lot of men who defintely keep that sort of 'look', and nobody bats an eye. But put a guy in a dress pumping gas and I guarantee you people will notice.

To me, crossdressing is exploring my femininity. If everyone wore the same clothes, and there was no difference between male/female attire, clothing would become irrelevant. I'd have to find a different method to explore my feminine side.
No, it would still look different. Body hugging female specific (especially the kind that most of us prefer to wear) attire usually gives away the true physical sex of the individual. We still would be considered very different from GG females.

When is the last time anyone here has heard a woman being criticized or gossiped about, for wearing trousers, jeans, leggings, or sweatpants?
It still happens when a woman does what we do; go to the extremes, male typical haircut, zero makeup, and only wear tailored for men clothes that are purchased in the men's department that indicate she is trying to self identify as male, while changing her voice, mannerisms and body languageto that which is stereotypically male, and actively going overboard to talk with men about topics that men usually discuss; instead of relationships, clothes, family, make up, for example, they ONLY talk about politics, sports, work, and frequently use sports references when describing normal daily behavior.

Openly criticized, usually not. But gossiped about? Whispered about behind her back? Oh yeah.

[Karmen]

I don't care how many men would wear skirts and dresses, as long I could do it without being seen as weird by others. I just wish I could wear heels and skirts every day. I don't care what other people are wearing.

[dominique]

I would embrace it fully for a period of time. Then as time went on, no doubt it would wane a little. But on the whole it would be epic.

[Leslie Mary S]

I think what we need is some movies or something that makes Dressing in a skirt or dress a fashion fad. And get the male actors start wearing them. Full skirts allow for so much more leg freedom.

[MonicaPVD]

Humans are great at categorizing things. We allow others to do it and we do it ourselves. In terms of the clothes we wear, we categorize ourselves by income, region, ethnicity and a million other factors. So long as that remains true, crossdressing will never be normalized. Sure, more kids today enjoy gender bending styles and you will find the occasional bearded millennial in a dress and eyeliner, but those are outliers. Something tells me that, ten years from now, that same kid will be in a suit working for corporate.

[ChubbyLeahCD]

I'm asking because I've got mixed feelings on the issue myself . How many of us would truly like our style to become normalized to the point where half or more of the genetically male population switched to skirts, dresses, bras, etc...?

Part of the draw to my current style is that I like the differentiation from the real world. I wish I could get a full pass on going out however I wanna dress, but not sure that i want it to be the norm. Any thoughts?

I’d love for things to be normalized. For it be ok for men to paint their nails, for men to wear leggings. I’d love to one day dress like a girl and another dress like a guy and go into work and no one notice.

[Palaina Nocturnus]

I truly wish that not one human cared what another human is clothing their body with. I think it's just another way for people to judge others. Anytime something is considered "the norm" or "status quo" then you're alienating everything and everyone that thinks and feels different.

I understand we as humans love to put labels on everything and categorize it all, but its when we think one thing is "normal" then I believe perception has taken over logic.

Example: I was raised to not eat meat cooked less than well done. Medium tastes gross to me. In fine dining, raw to medium cooked meat is considered status quo. I'm considered weird.

I love destroying stereotypes and perceptions.

[Bea_]

Example: I was raised to not eat meat cooked less than well done. Medium tastes gross to me. In fine dining, raw to medium cooked meat is considered status quo. I'm considered weird.



Yeah, I wish it were all less complicated and a little more rational. All the rules seem arbitrary and I'm pretty much allergic to arbitrary. I would like to think I wasn't one of the judgmental folks, but I know that I've got my rules too.

And, I was raised on pan fried cheap super-well-done steaks because my mom cooked to please my dad and he liked well done. The first time I tasted a good medium-rare ribeye when I started dating, I was hooked. Now, I hate overcooked meat. I have a rule against it. My wife breaks that rule every time we go out for steaks. Pity.

[leotard fan]

For me will be great if crossdressing were normalized. But i don´t belive in magic. The people slowly, are more free mind, maybe more 70 years for we get that normalization. I am still in the closet. But i imagine the day i can wear my clothes everywhere without prejudice... The first thing i do in that day, will be go shooping!

[Macey]

In my own lifetime I've seen 'coming out' for homosexuals going from 'incredible courage' to 'what's the big deal?'. Even just the other day, a member of an outwardly religious demographic and I were talking and 'coming out' came up and this person said 'what's the big deal? Why do people even need to come out?'

In this day and age of serious political divides on social media, even some of the most staunch conservatives are nonplussed at same sex relationships.

I think we are just now starting to see this happening with gender expression as well. Yes, there's a long way to go. Yes there are always going to be people that object. Yes it won't be 'normal' in the sense of 'the usual state of being', but more and more we're seeing gender fluid styles, fashion, living, and an increasing sense of 'live and let live'.

Again, long way to go, but we're watching the leading edge of it.

There will always be knuckle-dragging three-backs who 'poo-poo' anything that upsets their narrow definition of how people should live, but as more and more of general society allows people to be who they want to be without thinking it will negatively affect their own lives, the more we'll all be free to be who we want to be.

[Raychel]

If crossdressing were normalized, I would dress 90% of the time like my Avatar,
Full dress from the neck down, I have said it before and I will say it again. That is how I feel most comfortable in my skin
When I look in the mirror, that just seems right.

I know kinda messed up, But that is the way I feel. :doh:

[Sarah Doepner]

You know it's just possible that it already is "normal" just not commonly seen or fully accepted (but what is?). The change in media representation of the Transgender community has come a long way and even the political opposition to Trans service in the military has seen wide ranging support. I'm 70 years old now and not a single person I've come out to in the last couple of years has been critical. They didn't expect it from me, but there are dozens of people who now see it as "normal" for me and that will extend toward others they meet and interact with. I'm not saying it's accepted by a majority of people, but it has slowly become a thread in our societies being addressed and argued over economically, politically, by faith communities and in the media. It may not be Normal, but it's much closer to normal than I ever expected to see.

[Cheryl T]

Suddenly half the men in the world decided to crossdress? Not happening anytime soon.
How would I feel. I don't care.
If it made it more acceptable for me to be me then that's wonderful.

[April Rose]

Around ten percent of the male population wearing dresses would be the sweet spot. Think of the days when men started wearing long hair. At a certain point it stopped being really controversial, and was just considered colorful and non conformist. If everyone was wearing a dress it would stop being so appealing. If just enough men were wearing feminine clothes on the streets it would be liberating and fun; a statement, without undue consequences. But if it got to be too much of a fad, it would soon die out. Think of the late seventies or early eighties, long hair lost its impact and everyone started cutting their hair again.

[Sissy_in_pink]

Bring on normalization, it would be so much more fun to be able to mix with the general public in full fem clothes with makeup, jewellery, hosiery, wig and not have people staring at us as if we are freaks of nature. Also to be able to go into a dress shop in male mode and try on as many dresses as one likes without havening to worry about a sales assistant that does not approve.

[Melissa in SE Tn]

What a wonderful world it would be

[Trione]

My SO can't find 2 pair of jeans that fit the same even thou they are same mfg. & style. If retailer could get men in dresses and skirts they would rip us off just like they do GG. Just look at the price difference between disposable razors. The blue ones are always cheaper then the pink ones.

[Leslie Mary S]

My friend DarkAnGGel has started using my shaving cream and razors that I left at her place. She loves them both.

[susan54]

Some of us dress for recreation and comfort rather than any gender identification thing. I like to dress well and it never occurs to me to blend in or dress down. I genuinely dress for me, so what other people are wearing is irrelevant irrespective of their gender. If there was a huge increase in the number of men wearing skirts and dresses then I could wear my own more often, for example in work situations. Cross-dressing would be accepted by my employers but it would have an adverse impact on the way my work is perceived generally because people would relate first to what I wear, so getting rid of that barrier (and it is a barrier I impose on myself) would make a huge difference. I think the number of men wearing bras and forms would not become normal because there is no point in doing so unless you want to present an appearance that is at least partially feminine. Though I do not identify as female however I dress, I really like the appearance of my legs and figure in a dress and I would have to admit that adding boobs enhances my enjoyment of my appearance - no I can't explain this either. I think the main opportunity for such a change is hotter weather. There is a huge improvement in comfort if you change from trousers to a skirt or dress - or even change from the type of trousers we currently wear to the loose and thin trousers that women feel more free to wear and this might then require a handbag of some kind.

[Lucy23]

If crossdressing were to be normalized, I would dress openly. That's about it. I would definitely be happy because all those nice clothes would have the opportunity to be used properly, not behind closed doors.

[Robinadress]

My biggest wish is that I could wear the clothes I want whenever I want and nobody would care. Anyway, I also like the excitement when I go out. They don’t combine, but in the end I would prefer it to be complete normalized.

[HollyGreene]

If by normalized, you meant that suddenly it was acceptable for a man to dress like a woman, I would be quite happy.
Years ago, I might have said no, but then I got a bit of a thrill from the fear of getting caught, because I thought it was wrong.
Now I am in a completely different place. I love being a crossdresser and just wish that it was something I could do anytime I wanted without the fear of abuse from others.
It's never going to happen though.

[ShelbyDawn]

That would be wonderful for me. I don't dress to differentiate myself but rather to feel like me and to be able to do that all the time would be a dream come true.

[lingerieLiz]

While it will never happen, I would like it. I wear women's clothes jeans, tops, shoes and under dress. I'm into the clothes and totally hetero. I like shopping with women friends.

[Jaycie]

I think it's happening slowly.... Long hair, earrings, skinny jeans. All considered pretty normal for males today. But, I also think it works both ways and we're moving towards gender neutral clothing.

[CynthiaD]

I like the distinction between male and female clothing. When I dress, I'm making a statement about my gender. I'm female. I want that statement to be unmistakable.