Rite of Passage

[BTWimRobin]

Happy New Year Ladies!!!

When I read through all the threads of the forum, I noticed there are several topics which seem to get more attention than others. I began to wonder if some of you consider these to be a rite of passage to help launch your next level of dressing or femininity. So what are some of your rites of passage?

I?ll go first:
Wearing that first pair of panties and being fitted for a bra were big. Being dressed for the first time, looking in the mirror and knowing how right this feels. Receiving that first complement from a GG was important to me.

[Samm]

Stepping out of the car for the first time was HUGE. I've had some ups and downs since then regarding confidence, but I keep pushing myself just the same.

A close second was putting everything together (forms, padding, shape wear, wig, make up....) and finally seeing on the outside, what was on the inside.

[Alexis00]

Ditto with Samm!

My first time out after college was in October. I was trying to work out a look, become more comfortable and try to walk like a lady not a truck driver.

Got ready one evening, got in the car, and drive cross town to mail some envelopes in a post box. It took me a while, duh, to realize that most people seeing a woman mailing something did not set off any alarm bells!

[Amelia_Rose]

I would say so far for me it would be the first time I dressed (pre-teen years), the moment I decided to just accept this as a part of me and subsequently come out to my wife, and that first time when I saw my fully realized fem self in the mirror for the first time. Still to come for me are my first public outing, and my first face to face meeting/friendship with a fellow crossdresser. I'm hoping at some point in the future the opportunity will present itself for me and my wife to attend some sort of event or support group and meet others who are going through the same experience as we are. Fingers crossed (no pun intended!)

[Natalie5004]

I do not know if I had a rite of passage yet. Yes, I have been out shopping in grocery stores and clothing stores. But that was not it.

I think if I ever get the all clear sign from my wife or I just blow the marriage up that would do it. And I am not blowing my marriage up. So, looks like no rite of passage for me.

[josie_S]

great thread!

I would say for me it was the first time I dressed head to toe, not just trying on my mom's clothes, but my cousin, who is only a year or two older than me, came to live with us when I was like 17 and they all went to Disney World for a weekend and left me alone because I said I had to work (uh huh...Suuuuuuuuure LOL) and I got to see myself in clothes that I as a girl of the same age would wear. I had a blast! The only thing missing was a wig (even though I had longish hair then). So I'd say that was the next one for me: I had that WOW moment when I put on a wig for the first time when I was in my early 20s. I finally saw the girl I'd been waiting to see for a long time in the mirror. Sadly I would also add purging, although I do NOT believe it is a necessary step. But many girls of a certain age have been there, and I hope to never go back. After that it's the big one: going out in public, and that has many layers from the first drive en femme to finally getting out of the car, and eventually *gasp* interacting with others! But that took a LOT of build up before I got there, and I think all of my previous rites of passage were necessary to go through before I ventured out for the first time.

[Helen_Highwater]

For me I'd say the first time I stepped out of the car while dressed even though it was on a dark country lane. Then much later going for a walk where I could be seen by others. Next meeting other CD'ers and then the first time I walked enfemme into a shop and a little later using the ladies changing and rest rooms.

These for me were the big milestones.

[Just Dana]

For me it was the first time with full makeup, a wig, and of course, a mirror!

Dana

[Sandi Beech]

The first time I went into a bar, sat down, had a drink, and met some people on a social level in 2017 was a game changer for me. I guess I just jumped into the deep end of the pool to see if I could swim. Fortunately it worked out just fine.

Sandi

[Geena75]

Judging by the comments and my own experience, I'd say there are many 'rites of passage,' depending on where you fall on the crossdressing continuum. I could site the first time wearing a dress, dressing with heels that fit, wearing a wig, etc. The most recent milestone is probably what you would consider your 'rite of passage.' In that case, mine would be the first time I did make up (false eyelashes and all) got all dressed up, put on the mask and looked in the mirror and really saw Geena. I got all done up, went up to the big bathroom mirror with closed eyes, braced myself, and opened them. I almost gasped. The next milestone would be if I removed the facial hair and went fully made up, lipstick and all. Don't know that it will happen for a while, but I anticipate a 'WOW' moment.

[Angela Marie]

I got a makeover about 12 years ago, I was 54. Now I had makeovers before but usually just drove home. The cosmetologist did an awesome job and I looked great. This time I drove home also and was going to take all the makeup off. But I decided it was finally time to take the plunge in public. I went to a supermarket about 20 miles away. My stomach was in knots as I walked in. An awesome experience. I finally knew what it felt like to present as a woman. From then on it has only gotten better.

[Lana Mae]

First step out the front door "dressed" to go for my drive "dressed" ! Quotation marks are because there was no wig or make up!
My transformation when my eyes were popping out in the mirror! With the transformation, first make up and first wig worn(hers) and bought (mine)!
Called "Miss" in IHop!
First therapy appointment!
Starting HRT!
Changing my name legally!
And so many little ones that I could not keep track of!
Hugs Lana Mae

[GracieRose]

It had to be the first time that I went out in public dressed. I would never have had the courage if you girls here hadn't convinced me that the towns folk would not be chasing me with pitchforks.
The next would be the first time someone called me "ma'am".

[carbonara]

First time out in public just having a normal day to day meal and shopping for me. Then being ?Ma?am?ed by the waiter and other sales assistants.

[Karren H]

Not saying "they are for my wife" or "I lost a bet".... Actually not having to say anything at all!

[docrobbysherry]

Attending my first SCC trans convention in Atlanta. :love:

First time anyone saw me dressed.
First time out in public dressed.
First time I ever met another trans.
First time I ever met other cd.com members in person.
First time appearing as Sherry in public.
First and only makeover.
First time out at a kinky club event.

Probably a dozen other firsts I don't recall!:heehee:

[candykowal]

Ah, a event marking an important stage in someone's life....
So many...I suppose I had a lot of pre-events leading up to it.
My first bra, my first pair of Buster Brown Mary Janes, first skirt, first kitchen apron, necklace, first appointment at a beauty salon, first purse.
Without going into details, we just moved to Indiana and I got to present in public as Candice while I was 19.
This was a time before "Metrosexual" was a concept, and I was made glaring aware by my psychologist, I had to be on my "P's" and "Q's"....
With my Mother, we took the South Shore Railroad from North Hammond, Indiana to downtown Chicago.
We walked to Michigan avenue to shop and see the Holiday window displays at Marshall Fields (https://youtu.be/_WjZRibYwCU?t=6) and dine in the Walnut room. We shopped for Christmas gifts and did a lot of window shopping.
It was a right of passage, how to walk daintily, how to sit proper like, how to secure my purse, softly speak, not smudge my makeup...how to giggle. I was so naive.
After that trip downtown, I understood a lot about what girls went thru to be presentable in public and I saw other ladies not so proper.
But I got why I was made to be on my best behavior...I was to transition my gender in the near future, after all.
In retrospect, it is the main reason that today I enjoy dressing up, It is all about reminiscing about those days in my youth.
It is my little piece of heaven...memories I can never forget and wonder what would have happened to my life if I did transition.

[Jennifer Alise]

My first time out dressed at a mall shopping. I was so nervous but what a joyous experience. I went to Victoria Secrets, just because I wanted to. I bought a pair of panties, and a sales lady approached and asked me if I wanted help. I so didn't wish to try my feminine voice but I had no choice. After all I wanted the experience. So I told her about a panty that was on sale that I couldn't find. She couldn't figure the pair I had seen online and was going to get me more assistance. No Thanks, I told her I like these after all.

So I had to stand in line for over a half hour in the summer, in Dallas, with their A/C broken, with all the women. So crowded. But so much excitement318405.

I was also asked by a sales lady inside the mall at one of those kiosks that sold hair treatment to sit down and get a free sample. I told her no thank you. But she wouldn't take no for an answer. She even held my hair (wig) for a few seconds in the hope of getting me to stay. I learned something. While Male when I said no to a salesperson, it didn't take many times saying no, but as a woman, no wasn't respected. Not even by another woman. Before I got away she asked "What are you afraid of?" Maybe that you will realize what is in my panties!

[Lux]

Similar to others, first time going out fully made up. The almost paralyzing excitement and actually feeling the wind through my hair and across my legs as I heard my heels clicking down the sidewalk. I can still remember it so clearly. And of course I never looked back. Lol!

[mbmeen12]

Mine was a Halloween in which I wore my ex wife's nylons garters and camisole. Her first reaction was why and then she stated they look better on you then me. I didnt realize it but deep down I was happy etc

[Maid_Marion]

Wearing heels to work! The noise is unmistakable!

Marion

[dominique]

For me it was going out in public for the first time. It was a major step as I had only dressed in the house.

[Teresa]

Robin ,
To talk about the " Rite of passage " depends where you want to finally be on the road , I feel my " Rite of passage " didn't start until I went full time , all that had gone before was building up to that stage .

[GretchenM]

What an amazing thread!!! Looks like going public is the watershed moment. But also a recognition that there was a lot that often goes before the stepping out that leads up to that threshold moment or event. Fascinating.

[Jillcder]

Tops on my list would. 1) Buying my first dress in person 2) Shaving the last of my facial hair and getting ok at applying makeup 3) My first outing I remember walking to the mall entrance the wind blowing up my skirt and my reflection in the door as I entered was absolutely my most memorable moment. Great thread.

[sweetdreams]

Yea I've had several Rites of Passage:


I went into a local ladies clothing store. I was in drab and looking for a bouse that was on sale. Talked to an SA. Told her what I was looking for. Mentioned it was for me and I needed to try it on. When I got to the store I sat frozen in the car for about 15 or 20 minutes playing mind games with myself. I had to stop thinking about it and just do it.
Buying my first wig. Retail store. Emailed them to explain who I was and what I wanted. Went to the store and tried on about a dozen different wig in drab mode.
Getting my first make over. Sitting in the middle of a beauty salon in drab mode with about 20 GGs while I had makeup applied.
First time out to the mall all made up. Oh that was so scary. Mingling with hundreds of people while presenting as a girl.
First time out the door all made up.
Girl friend asked me to move in with her. I had to have the talk and be totally transparent about my Cding. I had to explain who I was before I would make that commitment.

[Jillian Faith]

The night my wife took me out dressed is public. We shopped at Payless, Target and Kohl's it was both frighting and liberating at the same time. I was hooked!

[Rosemary+]

Great thread
I’ve enjoyed reading all the replies.
I have always dressed starting when I was about 4 year old but only in my mothers dresses. I started to experiment with make up when I was mid teens and for me that was a mini wow moment.
I have always had short hair, on my dressing days, I’d do make up and enjoy that, but something was missing. When I started to work in my early twenties, I was able to purchase a wig. So the first time I dressed and I put my wig on and saw myself in the mirrorit the moment I had been waiting for all my life it was that WOW moment. The woman looking back at me was me.

[MsEva]

So many memories of that special times. First time finding two Merry Widow crosolettes in the attic and trying them on in front of a mirror! Heaven. So later totally dressing with wig, forms, makeup and dress on long drive (5 hours) back to visit family in PA. I dressed in long black broom stick dress, leather boots with short heels. I wanted to get out of the car to do a short walk (Eastern Shore VA). The wind rushing under my dress and blowing my long red hair was priceless. Got to drive all the way to PA. Later I stayed at our family cottage alone. I was en femme all weekend. It was so wonderful.

[Alexis00]

Great thread
I?ve enjoyed reading all the replies.
I have always dressed starting when I was about 4 year old but only in my mothers dresses. I started to experiment with make up when I was mid teens and for me that was a mini wow moment.
I have always had short hair so I?d dress, I?d have the make up on and enjoy that, but something was missing. When I started to work in my early twenties and I was able to purchase a wig. So the first time I dressed and I put my wig on and saw myself in the mirrorit the moment I had been waiting for all my life it was that WOW moment. The woman looking back at me was me.That’s another meaningful moment: the first time you look in the mirror and say “Thst doesn’t look like me!”

Despite being 3-4” taller I look just like my sister so my first time was kind of wierd. But my many requests to borrow her high school cheerleader outfit have been shut down. Go Warriors!

[SherriePall]

I have read all the other replies and was thinking what would mine be? Make-overs? Buying some femme item? Going somewhere special?
No, I think my rite of passage would have to be when I was dolled up and walking through Macy's past a Prescriptive counter (hope that's the right cosmetics firm) where an SA I was friendly with worked. She had already done a make-over on me and I had purchased many items from her.
Anyhow, she was not busy as I approached and she motioned for me to sit down on one of those chairs where you could try their wares. I sat and she sat and we talked for quite a while about different things as two women would. And it all was so natural.

[Cheryl T]

I don't know about a "rite of passage" but the big moment for me was when I came out to my wife and dressed for her the first time fully.
I had all day to prepare and that meant a full removal of all body hair, full makeup and outfit.
I don't know how I managed to survive it without a heart attack I was so nervous.

[WomanAtHeart4]

Robin, Thanks for the post. It was good to think back on the memories or "rites of passage". Very first was cd memorable experience i remember was me being caught by my mother wearing her bra and me trying to evade her around the yard (like I could evade my mother!!???) (she was gracious enough to let me escape with proof in hand). Then, maybe my first efem "stepping out" moment was at a mall parking lot fully e-efem (but now with many more experiences being e-fem) stepping out of my car fully e-fem with skirt, as I exited my car door, feeling the thrill and feminine emotions of the cool air coming under my skirt, the sexy feel of a skirt wonderfully smooth and shaved legs and hearing the unique click of womens heels. I went shopping in the mall with great confidence (not for sure how passing I was back then but it was a great experience for me) It was a wonderful femmine experience that I will never forget.

[JennB]

I can't help but think one of the major rites of passage is that first order of clothing, makeup, panties, or whatever that first order you make is for delivery to you. The initial fear that there is with "what if the mail carrier knows" or "my significant other sees the package" or whatever concern we have is real for most of us. It is a barrier that has to be passed. I feel like passing that "I am willing to order something for my crossdressing and have it delivered to me" is a major rite of passage. There are likely many between, but certainly buying clothing or supplies in person at a store would be another.

[Alexis00]

I can't help but think one of the major rites of passage is that first order of clothing, makeup, panties, or whatever that first order you make is for delivery to you. The initial fear that there is with "what if the mail carrier knows" or "my significant other sees the package" or whatever concern we have is real for most of us. It is a barrier that has to be passed. I feel like passing that "I am willing to order something for my crossdressing and have it delivered to me" is a major rite of passage. There are likely many between, but certainly buying clothing or supplies in person at a store would be another.My ex-wife used to look at my Amazon search history.

[Katherine L.]

Getting my first professional makeover and seeing myself fully dressed for the first time! Absolutely breathtaking!

[Samm]

I'm still waiting for that one, Katherine :daydreaming:

[Jennifer0874]

My first time out. Halloween 2001. She was Sonny, I was Cher. My girlfriend at the time did my makeup and when she finished said “you’re pretty”. Then seeing the surprise and similar compliments when we arrived at the party.

[MarinaTwelve200]

Well, the first time I did it in Public was the Church Adult Sunday School Halloween party. The year previous, the costumes were fading out, so I figured I had to do something "Shocking" for the next year to get us back in spirit again---Yes I thought of "A woman", but THAT is not really showing any imagination----Later the idea HIT me! A 'Gypsy Fortune Teller" ! both Halloween themed and also the chance for some exotic clothes and makeup---PERFECT!. Indeed I won the costume contest and all the ladies wanted me to tell their fortune (I had Tarot Cards and a Crystal ball). My Idea to liven up the party worked!---Next year I came in only SECOND as a dead on "Mark Twain"---Beat out by an 80 yo "pregnant Nun".

[MissSixties]

definitely was going out to a (gay) bar getting hit on and told "you're beautiful" and being full on kissed and cuddled.....the next level awaits