Any reliable stats? And Social consequences

[battybattybats]

Has there been any academic socialogical study that gives any reliable data on how prevalent we are in society in general?

And what would the social consequences be if they became common knowledge.. I've heard remarks that 1 in 10 or 1 in 12 males crossdress. If that's true what would happen if every womens magazine and tv show started telling everyone that they had a 1 in 10 chance that their husband/boyfriend dresses?

[Sharon]

Seeing how deeply closeted most crossdressers are, I don't see how reliable data is even possible, at least in this day and age. I have read many figures -- anywhere from two to 10 percent -- but who's to know if it even falls in this broad range? Would you honestly answer a poll if your greatest fear was of being discovered? I'm totally honest about being TG, but even I would think twice if someone called me on the telephone asking about my lifestyle.

[Lovely Rita]

Has there been any academic socialogical study that gives any reliable data on how prevalent we are in society in general?

And what would the social consequences be if they became common knowledge.. I've heard remarks that 1 in 10 or 1 in 12 males crossdress. If that's true what would happen if every womens magazine and tv show started telling everyone that they had a 1 in 10 chance that their husband/boyfriend dresses?

I am sure they do not have a clue. I mean consider all the scardy cats like me. I have only told a close friend and my SO. The government men have not asked me lately on their survey if I cross dress so I believe all the stats are just one big guess. Nothing more and nothing less.

If you want my opinion I believe it is probably a lot more than the guesstimates out there, but then again how scientific is my opinion?:D

[MrsDiane]

The 1 in 10 refers to an often stated pecentage of gay men, not transsexuals

[Wendy me]

it's hard to tell just look at this place ....Members: 16,124, Active Members: 6,770 .... and with new members coming everyday .... let alone how many don't get on line .... i think if fear of being busted was gone you would be surprised at how many there are of us...

[joan42]

I wonder if Fredricks or VS keep statistics on what percentage of thier customers are men?
I bet that number would be close!

[Sharon]

I wonder if Fredricks or VS keep statistics on what percentage of thier customers are men?
I bet that number would be close!

Except that VS only knows me as Sharon. :happy:

[MarinaTwelve200]

Actually the percentage of gay men is about 3.5 percent---Masters and Johnson (or whoever contrived the 10% number) not withstanding (political factors were involved).

3.5% is ONE STANDARD DEVIATION which is common for "exceptions to the rule" in most natural and biological systems. Indeed I read of a poll a few years back that asked men if they were gay and 2.5-3% of Americans admitted they were and about 3.3 % of Europeans. The lower US numbers were said to have reflected more of a reluctance of American men to admit to homosexuality----And notice that the numbers approach the "magic" 3.5 %

We see this number in several different places eg. The percentage of criminals in the human population---All the locks in the world were made for 3.5% of us. This is also said to the percentage of HIV patients that did NOT have homosexual relations or are not drug users.

Indeed, whenever there is a "hard and fast" "RULE" in nature, biology and physical systems, 3.5% of the time there will be an exception to it, usually.

There are also other number combinations such as 80/20 and 50/50 etc. that show up a lot in more complex and social systems ( like 20 percent do 80 percent of the work, or sales, etc.) Percentages for things seldom deviate from a few sets of numbers---and 10% is not a common one.

As far as CDers go, Like anyone else, I can only guess. Certianly the number is greater than 3.5%. I remembered the boys who would dress up like girls on Halloween and Mardi Gras when I was a kid (I wouldnt dare) and a few other indicators I see from time to time.----I dare say that the percentage of Hetro CDs is likely 20% or even more (not all may dress) 50 percent or more would not surprise me.

[Kimberley]

I recall reading (I think it was on the Harry Benjamin site) that the incidence of M2F TS is about 1:10000 or so and F2M was 1:100,000. They also admit that the numbers cant be trusted because of the number of us that live under the radar. Sooooo it is anyone's guess. As to CD I think 2% could be somewhat realistic although even that might be a bit of a stretch.

:hugs:
Kimberley

[Kate Simmons]

Well, I guess I'm one of the rule exceptions then. I have the nasty habit of whenever anyone thinks they have me figured out, I throw them a "zinger" and then they are back to square one. I love doing that. One reason is that I hate steroetypes and classifications and always try to get others to look at the more human side of things and not put everyone in a convenient little "box". I have a funny feeling that the actual CD population is closer to 15-20% but as we agree, not too many will readily admit it. As far as consequences, it depends just how willing we are to be open about things and live with it. I certainly don't go around wearing a sign saying I'm a CD but if asked or found out, I will not deny it. Really, how many "upstanding citizens" are into child porn or whatever and usually hardly a week goes by when you don't hear about one getting "busted" on the news. What we do is basically harmless and doesn't even come close to that kind of stuff. Any family issues need to be worked out personally. At least here we are talking about things and getting each others' feelings.That is somewhat of an indicator anyway.:happy:

[trannie T]

Our government is terrified of sex and and any sex related issue. Funding any sex or gender related research is very rare. Until the attitudes of our funding agencies and research facilities change we will remain in the dark.

[CaptLex]

The 1 in 10 refers to an often stated pecentage of gay men, not transsexuals
And even this can't be right. :straightface:

[marie354]

Simple... NO!
There are so many that are not even known that keep it such a secret that not even their spouse or best friend knows.
But these figures are expanded from the surveys of the people that are "out."

So, reliable data... Too minimal yet. Just an educated guess is all they have, based on the figures that they do have.

The weather man makes educated guesses as what tomorrow will bring every day... Does it help?

[noname]

Well, I suspect it's higher than 1 in 10. But lets suppose it's started getting major media coverage. The public reaction would depend on how it is portrayed. I think there would be many many inquiring GG's to their husbands. Probably many non cd guys would be accused. But in the end it would probably be positive.

[Joy Carter]

Has there been any academic sociological study that gives any reliable data on how prevalent we are in society in general?

And what would the social consequences be if they became common knowledge.. I've heard remarks that 1 in 10 or 1 in 12 males cross dress. If that's true what would happen if every womens magazine and tv show started telling everyone that they had a 1 in 10 chance that their husband/boyfriend dresses?

Interesting thread here Batty. I was with Sandra Stewart of central Michigan Tri Ess today. She is writing a book on the statistics that make us gurls.
Many constants about Cd's. Very technical types, pilots, educators, high stress jobs. And there is even a Autistic reason for being CD and working the above careers. Autism is found to be more prevalent (mild cases) than realized before.

[amanda barber]

the 1 in 10, and 3.5% are just made up #'s. Made up by people that hope and pray that they really are that few so anything they don't like is a "true" small minority.

[Marcie Sexton]

I would suggest, just by our group of gals that the number would border 5-6 of 10...but again there are those so embedded in the closet there is no real way to tell...

The only pity is we would be so arstrisied that the vast majority will not take the chance to come out...

[Jere Oneil]

I would venture to say, that nearly 100% of all males have at least tried on a feminine garment at sometime in their lives. This could be anything from a bra or panties to fully dressed. Not all became crossdressers, but I bet the percentage is much higher than most people think it is. It would be interesting if that question was put on the next US census.

[Penny]

Since my sons are all grown and move out, 100% of the males in my house are crossdressers. This is the one stat I am sure is correct.