Has the internet made you more of a CD or not?

[Sarah Plumber]

It occurs to me that before I had internet access I was a CD but it has probably made me worse than I perhaps would have been.

Before the net I would very rarely buy anything and spent a whole lot less time worrying about it. I would very very occationaly find a magazine or book on the subject and keep them stashed away for years.

Before the net I knew there were others out there but had no idea just how many. Seeing a ******* was a shock. Seeing another "guy" in a frock in a mag was exciting. Visiting the occational "special" shop was overpowering, very nerve wracking and brilliant. But again very rare.

Since the internet, I'm not shocked at seeing pictures of almost anything. I'm not worried about shopping and surf tht shops most days. I think about the little things like painting my nails rather than the clothes all the time. I can find some realy special pretty clothes that I would never had imagined existed for somebody of 6' 6".......and here I am conversing with others who I would never had contact with any other way..

All in all I think the internet has made me more of a CD than I would have been.

[Kali]

It has certainly made shopping easier, especially for things like forms, which would be very difficultto find locally.

[JoAnnDallas]

I will have to say that without the internet, I would not be where I am today in my CDing. Because of the internet, I have found all the others like myself, made a lot of new CD friends, found out about Tri-Ess, which I am now a member. This forum and others, which have allowed me to come to terms with what I am, helped me in telling the wife, going out in the daylight, and just enjoying being a girl all the time.
Before the internet, I felt totally alone, not sure of myself, and would never had ventured out into the daylight among the public dressed.

[Sabrina Flowers]

I don't think the internet has made me more of a C.D. but it has bought a "place" for a closet C.Der to see and chat to others and not feel alone. It has also provided a place for information, which I probaly would no find else where. And one day may make it less difficult telling the G.F about this side of me.
Also being a C.D has made me a bit more tolerent towards others.

[Sasha Anne Meadows]

I thinks we are all born cds. The internet just help bring out the girl in some of us.

[docrobbysherry]

As JoAnn says, finding so many syphathetic others, has improved my self image as a CD. And I believe I spend much more time thinking and talking about CDing online, than I did thinking about it before.
However, my actual CDing has decreased because of my time spent online!
RS

[Kate Simmons]

Not really Sarah. It has given me a better understanding of people though, especially TG folks.:happy:

[Carla4Guage]

The internet has made me aware of the notion that I am not alone in my feelings and that I am not (?) mentally ill. When I was talking with a therapist I had only his confirmation that what I was going thru was not deviant or shocking, but the family here has made me feel much better. Yes the shoping on line is easier and products for us XDressers are easier to find, but mostly its this forum that has made more comfortable.

[SiobhanW]

Since I'm in IT, the Internet (or more factually) the computer, has changed my life in every conceivable way. I quite honestly do not know what my life would be like if computers had not gone mainstream, it certainly wasn't headed much in the right direction before I found this career.

But back to CD'ing, and the answer is not significantly. With the exception being this site - I've said before that you are all bad influences (but I love it!). :heehee:

[UASIANGAL]

[QUOTE=Sarah Plumber;1108403]It occurs to me that before I had internet access I was a CD but it has probably made me worse than I perhaps would have been.

That's interesting that you think it "Made you WORSE". I hope you are not ashamed of who you are. The internet is the greatest discovery of this century and because of it, here we are. We all now have more choices to shop, watch, listen, and share. Being a CD will always be a part of me and I will always find a way to GET those shoes or bra or whatever I need to fuel my passion. Before the internet, I used magazines and mail orders...etc. Now is so much more convenient and I think the biggest benefit for me, Uasia, is to know I am not alone!

[marie354]

The internet, especially this site, has given me the knowledge that I needed to understand that it is a normal thing for us to do, whether for stress relief or what have you.
I probably would have never gone full time if I hadn't ever met the helpful people here.

So yes, the internet has made me more than I was before. I'm glad too. Not having to hide it anymore is such a load off my mind.
Keeping it hidden all these years was probably the root cause for my depression.
I'm much happier now that I'm out in public full time. I'd like to fully transition, but I'm not sure that it is possible due to my health. (Awww)
Any way, the internet is great, and so is this site!
~~Sandy~~

[RobertaFermina]

The biggest influence through the internet, for me, has been this forum.

I have found out that I am exactly what I had been telling myself: an interesting person who happens to crossdress.

I know this by finding so many interesting people, in stimulating variety, here on this board.

This helped me become more comfortable and saved me all the energy I did, or might have put into obsessing over "am I OK to do this?"

I have learned alot about what is available to buy...and I have been able to buy smarter. I get ideas on the net and from all of You, and I actually buy most of my stuff at local retail shops and transform salons.

I do do plenty of dreaming at online shops, and love the inspiring photos from our own Pictures and Videos forum, and occasionally, the Beauty Tips.....

I would never say "worse", I am a "better" CD because of the 'Net and especially because of all of You participating here at this site.

:love:

Thank You All !

:rose: Roberta :rose:

[CandyDarling]

Soooooo much more - I have never shared any images before this. Its a huge increase in my activity.

[Daintre]

The Internet hasn't sped up or expanded my dressing. It has brought me the understanding I wish I had years ago. I have learned so much and found out I was not alone, not a bad person, and part of a vast number of similar minded folk.

[lmildcd]

I agree with Roberta about this forum being an influence. I am free to ask questions without being judged. I have recieved some interesting answers. I can also learn different things by reading others posts. Also there are others in here somewhat like me.

[LilahCD]

It hasn't increased my activity that much, besides helping me to find the courage to buy my first set of undergarments and wear them (especially my bra) to the point that it's no longer some novel sexual fetish; on the very rare occasions when I CD now it isn't so much of a turn-on anymore... Now it just feels, I dunno.. right, somehow.

And of course, between this site and urnotalone.com, I feel much more confident about this side of myself. :hugs:

[Mona]

it has helped me progress to Mona. Before the Internet I would wear panties and nylons, that was it. on the Internet I bought my 1st dress, 1st wig and 1st makeup! Then I found this wonderful forum!!

[jaina]

Not really.

There was always mail order for stuff not available locally. My social circles are unchanged because of the internet. I can see it being a comfort tool for the closet crossdresser, but it doesn't often portray real world crossdressing at all well because there are so many online talking about it that don't actually live it.

[Deborah Jane]

It has helped with my self acceptance knowing there are a lot of other c/ders out there. Also it has turned me into a shopaholic, with the amount i spend on girly things!!:heehee:

[EDNA]

NO, but after reading these stories. I found out more about other CDs. That I did not know before. In which has helped me to know and have greater Respect. For them and how they live.

So stay out there and be what you are or want to be.

God Bless you all.

[Vieja]

Not really as so many have already said. I knew I was not alone but hearing from so many here about how they feel and cope with being what we are has made me feel much better about myself.

Vieja

[gennee]

The internet has introduced me to other people like myself. I have also learned much about why we do what we do. I have found resources that I never would have known.

Gennee
:happy:

[tracigirl_tv]

It occurs to me that before I had internet access I was a CD but it has probably made me worse than I perhaps would have been....>snip<



Not "worse," sweetie....better :)

For me, certainly the net has helped me widen my circle of acquaintances and progress in my journey (though lately the journey has taken a short detour). Meeting others like us, chatting, reading of others' experiences, shopping....the net has been a godsend (IMHO) as far as developing as a CD. :2c:

[charllote34]

The internet as made me feel less lonely because of the friends i have made here :hugs:

[Eugenie]

Yes indeed, the net changed my life... More than the net, it was the unlimited connection time with ADSL which changed completely the accessibility to various information sources.

That's when I finaly got access to so many resources on X-dressing.

It is only then that I started to better accept who I am. In about 5 years I have made more progress than in 40 years...

And this forum in particular has been very helpful.

:hugs:
Eugenie

[StacyCD]

I've always been a crossdresser even when I tried to deny it. Because of the internet, I've found that I'm not as unique as I thought I was--there really are a lot of us out there. The people on this site have helped me in many ways with tips and tricks. But the most important thing I have gotten from being on this list is confidence!

[SiobhanW]

unlimited connection time with ADSL which changed completely the accessibility to various information sources.

Yes, I believe access to porn has gotten much better. :o

[Tina Dixon]

Oh the internet has opened my eyes to crossdressing big time, heck if it was there when I was young I'm sure I very well could be dressed at all times now, instead of the late bloomer I am today.

[Eugenie]

Yes, I believe access to porn has gotten much better. :o

In fact it was the contrary.

Before ADSL, the first sites I found when searching for "Crossdressing" on the internet were indeed porn sites and since I didn't want to spend too much time and money searching for clean sites, I abandoned my searches as these porn sites weren't what I was looking for.

When ADSL came about, I could spend more time looking for x-dressing sites that weren't porn sites. And I finaly came across some great sites such as Femme fever, or Tri ess, or this one: crossdressers.com which has taught me so much...

:hugs:
Eugenie

[il.dso]

Great question.
One of my biggest issues has always been the secretive, lonely aspect of my crossdressing and the challenge of buying the women's clothes that I'd like to buy.
Fortunately, the internet (and this website) have helped both of those issues in a wonderful way!

[KatrinaAshley]

Absolutely. If it weren't for the internet there's a chance I'd never have moved from the 'occasional borrowing' stage. To be honest there are some things to be found you wouldn't think were available to us.

[TeriAnn]

I believe it has helped me figure out who I am and what I want. Aside from being able to buy things that I can not around my area. There is so much information out there that has really opened my eyes. For both the good and the bad. Some folks take it to far and ruin everything cder's have fought so hard to get up to this point.They use it to ther benifit for ther personal gain mostly illegal I think it is a shame that the one thing we love to do is being drug through the mud.

[Jammie 3]

Well here's my :2c:hope it counts. Yea I suppose it hasn"t Unleashed the beast any more than I have.I really didn't know there were as many people that enjoyed womens clothing the way I do,And that is of the upmost comfort to me knowing that others get to enjoy the feeling that I have, if this makes any sense! I do talk more about cd on this site than ever before,but I really feel that I found friends that I can absolutly comply with! And this to me is the greatest feeling since I've never got to talk to anyone B-4.

[Denise Barrett]

Hi Sarah, :hugs:

Without this site, I probably would be less of a Cder, because I wouldn’t be around any more. All of the TGs and GGs here gave me all the information, and courage, I needed to turn what I would have to call a worthless life into a life worth living. Can’t thank you all enough for that.

I wish you all a very exciting, happy, and fun holiday. I love, respect, and admire you all, :love:
Denise

[Vicky_Scot]

I thinks we are all born cds. The internet just help bring out the girl in some of us.

Spot on Sasha.

[Raychel]

Not necessarily the internet, but more this forum. Before I came on this forum, I guess it was just a bit of lingerie here and there for me. Now it is lingerie all the time and dresses with pantyhose here and there.

So this forum has broadened my CDing, but it has always been there

[Marcie Sexton]

I'm not sure the internet has made me more of a Cd, but it has surley help me make contact with girls like myself and provided me with lots of valuable information...

[Nicole Erin]

At the height of my CD'ing, I did not have the web, that was back in like 97 or 98.

Hmmm, I don't think the web has really had any effect on my CD'ing really, but it is nice to have this venue to chat with other people like myself.

[Lucypink]

It for sure it had a influence on how I CD, It has been encouraging and has helped in the learning process. I don't think I would have gone out if it wasn't for the stories and great experiences that I read on the internet. The good thing is that now I am part of it. I do not think it made me MORE CD it just made me better faster and sexier... YES!!

[Priscilla Ann]

Yes, the internet is at fault for my delving even deeper into crossdressing. I also place a good amount of blame on digital photography and photo software programs. Who do I sue?

[windycissy]

The Internet has been huge for me. I used to spend hours searching in libraries and bookstores for information about "transvestism", now there is a whole world of information available at the click of a mouse. But it's meant so much more, like

1) Learning that there are girls like me on places like this wonderful forum, which has led me to actually meet and hang out with several of you, those are precious times in my life

2) Encouraging me to start my own Internet advice column for crossdressers, Ask Windy Cissy (http://snurl.com/askwindy)

3) Doing fun stuff like posting picture of myself en femme on mainstream sites like Hot or Not (http://www.hotornot.com/r/?eid=EEESERR&key=KHB)

4) Enabling me to buy silicone breast forms, unisex eyeglasses, etc. online

The list goes on and on....

[Debbie47]

For me the internet has been a good thing since there is so much more availability of the things we need. In some ways though I think it has hurt. When I first came out in 1992 and went to a gay bar dressed to hook up with Crossport a local support group for CDers, there was a huge turnout. It seemed that there was always about 30 or more girls present and around midnight or a bit later a bunch of us (about 8 or 10) would head out to Perkins for a late night snack. Today, with the net we only get about 10 to 15 at meetings and only average about 3 people going out late. I know crowds come and go and things always fluctuate but I believe most of us are living our CD lives online. I go out dressed about 3 or 4 times a month and except for Crossport meeting nights I have not seen a CDer out for well over a year.

[Bethany_Anne_Fae]

Without a doubt the internet has opened up my world to so many new ideas. Not just in Cding either, but that was where it started.
As others have noted, one doesnt feel so alone out here anymore. With just the click of a mouse we can drop our friends a note, jump into a chat room and just talk.

Aside from the occasional spammers and date seekers... the net has made a direct difference in my life.

*hugs*

[jane53acd]

I agree the Internet has made it easier to buy the things I love. My wardrobe has expanded dramatically over the last couple years. One of the things that I find nice are the self-checkout lines at some grocery stores now, which allows me to sneak my makeup and other feminine products thru without a clerk. I AM still closeted, sadly.
Just attempted my first french manicure tonight with some success. Such fun! ooohh!!

[Karen Francis]

Without a doubt it has increased my activity. I have brought this topic up with others in our TG group(Lehigh Valley Renaisance, PA). I really wonder if I would have gotten married and had children if I had had the internet in 1973 If you thought television brought changes to society we are now just understanding to their depths, the long term implications of the internet are almost beyond comprehension.

[Janet Bern]

The internet and this site has given me more courage than I would have ever had in the past. I can openly shop in stores and tell the sales person that the dress skirt bra etc is for me. I am surprised at how many of us (CD's) there are in the world. I read somewhere that 20% of the male population are CD's in some way or another and that 80% of them are hetero. That makes me feel pretty good about myself
Janet

[Charleen]

I agree, not worse, but better! This site gave the freedom from guilt I had from doing what I HAD to do all my life. I have been able to accept me for me and who I am.

[Dawn Marie]

I would have to agree that the internet has definitely made shopping easier, but it has also given me the great feeling that I am not alone in what I do. It has brought me from being ashamed of what I do to finally liking myself and enjoying the feelings that I have long kept hidden deep inside of me.
Over all I don't think the internet has made me more of a CD but it surely has helped me overcome some emotional obsticales and made me realize that I am not alone.

[becky t]

I agree, not worse, but better! This site gave the freedom from guilt I had from doing what I HAD to do all my life. I have been able to accept me for me and who I am.

ditto, spot-on words, i now know who i am and love it!!:happy:

[MJ]

Hi Sarah, :hugs:

Without this site, I probably would be less of a Cder, because I wouldn’t be around any more. All of the TGs and GGs here gave me all the information, and courage, I needed to turn what I would have to call a worthless life into a life worth living. Can’t thank you all enough for that.

I wish you all a very exciting, happy, and fun holiday. I love, respect, and admire you all, :love:
Denise

Denise this world is a better place because you stayed with us ..and jioned our little bit of cyber space



I thinks we are all born cds. The Internet just help bring out the girl in some of us.

to be honest i had no idea how many of us there are .. i guess i am not alone after all

[sami1952]

I would say that it has made it easiler for me to shop around and made me feel better about myself.

[NIKKI99]

I think that the internet brings us all together and shows us that we are not on our own. A lot of the posts on this site have helped me and I think it will help me to bring out the girl inside.

Nikki.

[Sally-Ann]

I don't think it's made me more of a CDer, but it has allowed me to find more resources, and more wonderful people (like you lot :hugs:).

It's also given me the strength to talk to my wife and get her acceptance (and support - she offered to get me some hold-ups and tights when she did the shopping next time after realising that my last pair of hold-ups had a ladder in them).

[Suzy Harrison]

I don't think the internet made any difference to me - but what did make a huge difference was this forum - and the girls on it :hugs:

I'm now out and about doing things I wouldn't have dared to do just 6 months ago.

[Mary Morgan]

The internet has not made me more of a CD, it has made me more comfortable with the fact that I am a CD, that I am transgender. I have learned that I am part of the great gender contrinuum, that I am as entitled to my place in society as anyone else. I no longer feel afflicted with my gender issues, I feel blessed by them. I am grateful for what I have and who I am, I hope for more, expect more and will work for more. I have discovered that I am my only obstacle, and I will get beyond where I am today. I love my wife, my family, and all of my wonderful friends in the TG community. The internet has brought to me an awareness of our potential, and we must promote our rightful place in society for it's good. We have alot to contribute.

[Mary Jane]

Had it not been for the internet I would never have started dressing fully. I saw I was not alone doing this and seeing so many pretty girls just made me realize that I too could possibly be pretty dressed as a woman. At any rate, with the net and especially this site I am a very happy camper these days. It also made it so easy to buy the things I needed for the transformation.

[InHerShoes]

This and other web sites have made me feel so much more comfortable with who I am. I think I am very much more open about dressing than I would ever be without knowing that I had such a great community to fall back on. Thanks girls!

[Marvina Martian]

I know without a doubt that it net has enabled me to grow and to explore myself. This has made CDing more comfortable and accepting in my mind and so therefore I have embraced dressing more. It is also very reassuring that I am not the only freak out here! All of you other girls have really helped to change my perception and acceptance.

Thanks for all of your strength and support!
:love:

[Elizabeth2]

breath of fresh air in a sometimes very depressing world:love:

[Celeste]

When I was younger and before the net,I was pretty much petrified to even purchase a pair of nylons.Now it's not a problem.I went from that stage to now wanting to really go out.I think in my case the INTERNET is largely responsible for broadening my horizons and helping to kick unnecessary fear out of my life.

[Carly D.]

All the internet has done for me is make me realize that I am not alone.. thank you to every one here.. thank you to everyone on myspace.. thank you to the ones on the youtube.. in general thank you to every one who is using the internet to come out...