What have you learned?

[Kate Simmons]

What have you learned about crossdressing and transgender issues since you have been a member of the Forum? No matter how long we've been doing this, none of us have all the answers and never will. I learn something new every day. New tips, new techniques, new approaches, etc. Mostly I've learned a lot about folks and their SO's and how they do their best to deal with these issues. I also appreciate the sharing of personal experiences and feelings and the help offered to others which goes a long way sometimes with understanding. It just goes to show me that everyone is a unique individual in their own right and that there are many different approaches to the issues and I appreciate everyone for who they are.

So, have you been able to understand CD and TG issues better since coming here or has it given you more questions than answers? This is open to everyone of course.:happy:

[Linda C]

One thing that I have learned since logging on to this site six months ago is that there are more of us than I originally believed.

When I first starting dressing it was before the internet - so it was hard to get an idea how many of us were out there.. :D I grew up near NYC and at the time all a was exposed to was flamboyancy and over the top lifestyles ( not everyone is like that - I know :happy:) - that is just not me..

I find this site to be such an unlimited learning and developing forum for us. It's funny - no matter what mood that you might be in there is alway some topic being discussed that will answer your question or sooth your your curiosity. One thing that I have noticed about this site - is that it can be moody- it kind of ebbs and flows with us..

I would say that I have learned much and it's ongoing!

[DawnL]

I think that the most important thing that I have learned is to accept myself. Before this forum it was just me doing something weird. I have learned many things here, technical, beauty tips, clothing tips, etc but I think that just learning to appreciate the gift I have been given is at the top of the list. The greatest gift is realizing that I have a wonderful and supportive SO and have gained a great appreciation for what this means.

[Sandi jo]

I have to agree that I knew there were some like me but not this many

[Jilmac]

Sal, compared to you I'm a new girl on this forum but in the five or so months I've been a member I've learned many good tips on makeup, shopping, and accessorising, but most of all I've learned that it takes courage to do what we do. Although I had the courage to tell my first and second wives that I enjoyed dressing before marriage, niether of them encouraged me and I carried much guilt.

It wasn't until after wife #2 passed away that I started dressing after a ten year hiatus. That's also when I joined the forum, and I'm glad I did because I've made new friends, learned that we are gaining momentum with every new member, and have gotten the courage to venture out en femme. I'm still taking baby steps, but each time Jill is accepted is a step forward. Luv and :hugs: Jill

[PaulaJeanette]

Without a doubt, the top of my list has to be that I have come to realize I am not alone. All of the other information and lessons learned do not compare with the psychological relief of knowing there are so many others who share my intimate desires to dress in women's clothes and to be a woman albeit for brief moments.

Thank you everyone for allowing me to be who I am.

Hugs,

PaulaJeanette

[VERONICARH]

I totally agree with all of these posts that I am not alone. Before I found this forum I thought I was the only one and was depressed .I thought I was a freak wanting to dress in women's clothing. Now I know I'm not alone. Thanks to all who are here.

[Sasha Anne Meadows]

I have learned that we come form all forms of occupatiions, politics, income levels, religious beliefs and geographic regions. We are everywhere and we are not going away!!!

[Daintre]

The greatest thing I have learned is that I did not have to stand alone with this. Others feel as I do and I can come here and feel like part of a family. While we are a very diverse group, the one thing we all can share is friendship along with the ability to pass along information. It would be a much lonelier place without this Forum.

[jaina]

I've learned how homophobic most of the crossdressing population is.
I've learned far too many crosdressers accept horrible treatment in realtionships.
I've learned that all CD's want rights and public acceptance, but a very small percentage are willing to contribute to getting them.

[Maria2004]

Well, I've just passed my third year here, I found this forum right after my first public outing. Some of the things I've learned from coming here is the mad diversity in how we perceive and present or manifest ourselves and there are a lot more of us then I thought. I was surprised to learn not everyone wanted to go out, and dismayed at some of the things we argued about, myself included:beatup: but this site just keeps getting better and better and glad to be a part of it.

[JoanFlores]

This a place to find more people like myself. That I can share what I think and not be afraid of it.

[breanna53]

Many things i would say. We are alot alike as we are different. we dress for different reasons. We are not alone. Before this site and the internet i guess most of us thought our behavour was adnormial. What has me wondering, all the people on this site that have come out, How many more are out there that are still hiding? I would be willing to bet we that have come out are a small percentage. People are all different and have different ideas, we have to accept them as they are if we expect them to accept us as we are.

[joann07]

I learned that it's ok to be who I am because I have so many lovely girlfriends on this site who are very supportive.
As I went out more and more, I learned from reading about other girls expriences learning about places go, see, and do.
I like to share my outting experiences because, just how I was encouraged, I want give back and encourage others.

Hugs!

[il.dso]

Joining this forum has been a powerful and profound experience.
I've learned many things. Here are a few:
1. I am not alone. I am not the only crossdresser out there.
2. I am not the only one who has struggled with guilt, shame
identity and relationship issues.
3. Crossdressing is a wonderful, exhilirating, stress-reducing, fun
pursuit for many people from all parts of the world.

On a lighter note, I've learned that we crossdressers seem to love the computer!

[Eugenie]

Besides the fact that I was not alone, far from it, I've learned in a few years to be far more tolerant with the look of sisters. After all we all have our own styles and may have different goals behind our X-dressing activities.

I have learned from the experinece o lots of sisters and advice of many GGs.

I've become far more confident when I'm going out...

May all of you be thanked wholeheartedly for that.

:love:
Eugenie

[annekathleen]

I'm just a "sport" crossdresser, ( i'll NEVER pass, but I enjoy it )

Some of the people here are "professional" crossdressers!
I say that as a compliment, in that you are so convincing,
if I saw you out in public or at a bar, I would definately notice!:love:

[debbeelee1]

I've learned that I'm not alone!

[ChanDelle]

I think knowing that there are so many of us is comforting and as many have already said that finding out "I'm not alone." Now that said, I was surprised in the diversity among us and I'm not sure why (why I was surprised). No two of us seem exactly alike, so must be some multivariate spectrum going on. Bottom line, I feel more freedom to compare and contrast with you all to explore myself more. Thanks to all of you for making this exchange possible.

ChanDelle

[deja true]

Most important for me was seeing the intelligence and beauty in ALL the sisters here. And that the guilt and loneliness of years was a colossal waste of time.

There are actual happy and hurting and feelng and smiling and crying people out there and I'm one of them. One of many, many, many of them.

[SusanMarie]

I have learned to accept myself...
I have learned to accept others...
And most important, I have learned that I have much more to learn about our special gift.

[Nicki B]

I'm just a "sport" crossdresser, ( i'll NEVER pass, but I enjoy it )

Some of the people here are "professional" crossdressers!
I say that as a compliment, in that you are so convincing,
if I saw you out in public or at a bar, I would definately notice!:love:

Annekathleen - the difference between a professional and an amateur is simply practice.... :strugglin :)

Myself, I'm surprised at just how much fear and homophobia is evident? :sad:

[Brynna M]

I've been here for only a few weeks but I'm starting to actually look at this part of me. I've seen a lot of ideas as to why i do this and how to accept and fully enjoy dressing. I'm also getting information on how to improve my dressing. :)

B

[vikki2020]

Besides all the great tips and how-to's, I've learned how many very cool people are out there, with the same love of CD'ing!I've learned to completely trash any guilt,accept myself,and have fun!

[Bravesoul]

For me, its coming clean with who I am. Its learning more about my wife and what she is all about(also a member). I believe that CDing has made us closer. we now share something unique and special.


And all of you have taught me how to open up and express myself. Helping me find my true femme side, and exposing it.

And as I write this, I think the list would too long to post, I have learned a lot.


So, thank you all for being there and sharing, you have make me a more open person.

( I might cry)

:luvu:

[TGMarla]

I learn something new every day. New tips, new techniques, new approaches, etc. Mostly I've learned a lot about folks and their SO's and how they do their best to deal with these issues.Yeah, me too. That's why I started coming back here again. That and I missed all of you.

But sometimes I just shake my head and say to myself, "Man, you just never learn, do you?"

[Patrice]

What have I learned so far? Heh, this feels like a pop-quiz or a midterm.

I have learned that crossdressing is just one possible path to peace.
I have learned that Im not the first to walk this path, nor will I be the last.
I have learned that I have no right or cause to judge any group or single person
(ye olde first stone proposition)

Lastly, I have learned I still have a lot to learn, hopefully my last thought before death will be, "Huh, I didnt know that."

[Roberta Rain]

I agree with what Patrice said in it's entirety, as well as with the thing that most everyone else placed as most important:
That I am not alone. That others share the same challenges, doubts, fears, joys, and excitements. I'm intensly grateful for this list and the people on it.

[docrobbysherry]

Myself, I'm surprised at just how much fear and homophobia is evident? :sad:

When I found this site 5 months ago, I thot, " OMG, I'm home!" Then, I quickly discovered I was on the receiving end of what Nicki said in her post!

Don't get me wrong, Sherry was a weird, guilt ridden, scared little closet fantasy female of mine back then. I still have all of those feelings. Despite that, she and I have blossomed here!

What I discovered, is that many here feel I, and others like me, are the "wrong kind" of CDs. Or maybe that we're not dressing for the "rite reasons"! I still haven't a clue what that's about.

On the other hand, I have learned that some of u r the most loving, caring, and open minded humans on this planet! U KNOW who u r, too. In time, I hope to learn who I am, with the help of those very same wonderful individuals!

[Kate Simmons]

Well, I've just passed my third year here, I found this forum right after my first public outing. Some of the things I've learned from coming here is the mad diversity in how we perceive and present or manifest ourselves and there are a lot more of us then I thought. I was surprised to learn not everyone wanted to go out, and dismayed at some of the things we argued about, myself included:beatup: but this site just keeps getting better and better and glad to be a part of it.And that is part of the key Maria. I even look at the arguments in a positive way because how do we know how others really feel about things unless they tell us? We truely have to get our own "house" in order before we can expect society in general to ever accept us. This is one way to do it.:happy:

[Deborah Jane]

1..I,ve learned i,m not alone with this.
2..I,ve learned we are all alike, but totally differant.
3..I,ve learned a lot about myself from reading of the expeiriances of others here.
And 4..I,ve finally learned to accept myself and embrace my "gift".

I,m going to keep coming here and keep learning in the company of my friends, as i,m sure there is still so much more to learn.
Oh and i,ve finally learned how to put eyeliner on without stabbing myself in my eyes!!!

[Dalece]

To accept who I am and to go forward and not be afraid. many tips on care of yourself and doing things make up dressing and sorts of things. I have found friends that come to your aid when needed. and a luv that I thought I'd never find in each and everyone:love:.

[beth ann]

Your site notes that you are in Denver. Have you ever used Phyliss Fantacies or Studio Lites for transformation supplies and ideas? Thanks, beth ann

[Edwina]

What I discovered, is that many here feel I, and others like me, are the "wrong kind" of CDs. Or maybe that we're not dressing for the "rite reasons"! I still haven't a clue what that's about.


Neither have I. I have never noticed that in my all to limited viewing of the posts.
Could it possibly be reaction to your sometimes abrasive responses? I know I have but I let it go, someone else answered for me anyway. (Thanks Love)

Otherwise I agree with most here that I have learned a lot, have gained confidence to venture out a couple of times and I will do so again.
I have also realized how important it was for me to find this site and how grateful I am to all who have shown interest in my own posts. So I thank all here for your love and support.
:love:

Edwina

[DAVIDA]

Hi Sal!
Well, you've done it again! You have come up with another thread that makes us take a step back and look at ourselves!
I personally had already accepted myself and all that makes me who I am due to the help and understanding of my lovely wife, Jean! What I found in this forum is kind of a sanctuary. It is somewhere I come to to be with like(and unlike) people. I did learn that I can get over some of the fear that other people might find out about me. As a result, I now stay dressed when friends come over. I have recieved the support of you and others here that gave me the courage to go out dressed the first time. I have new friends that I never would have met if it were not for this forum. I truly feel that if I were anywhere in the world, and I needed help, I could call on someone from this forum.
I learned that "WISE" is not the same as smart. You can not buy it and it is something that you don't learn in school. Several people on this forum are very wise and I treasure the advise that comes from these people.
And you, SAl my friend, fall into that catagory, and at the top of the list!

[Amy Hepker]

The biggest thing I have found is that I am not alone in my quest to be female. I am not weird, gay, or crazy, just an individual on my own journey in this world. But I am not totally alone I have made many new friends here and when I see how many more are joining our group everyday, I am begining to think we are more wide spread that anyone ever imagined. I know Lawyers, Doctors, Truck Drivers, ect, ect that crossdress and have been looking to come out for most of their lives. Most afraid of what others think or say. Most look on here now and say, "Hey I am a crossdresser and I am proud of it". When I was young I was afraid of being called a sissy, now I welcome it.

[Angie G]

I learned that there are A lot of great people In this family and I love you all.:hugs:
Angie

[LACD]

Like many others I learned I am not alone and to be more accepting of myself. I came out full to my wife three years ago(after 31 yrs. of marriage) and she is now fully accepting of my dressing. I can only dress infrequently due to work, family, etc. One day I will be able to dress more. I guess I am a "sport dresser" as so aptly put in another reply.

[Paula G]

What have I learned since joining this forum? Like many others I discovered that I wasn't alone in my liking to dress and was suprised at how many people share in this.

I also have learned how to better communicate with my wife in terms of my dressing, to listen and acknowledge her concerns, and to honor her requests when she wants her husband around more than her "girlfriend".

Finally, I have learned that I am not weird in my desires to dress, and in fact it is helping me to become a more complete person overall, to find the balance that I need in my life.

[Cassy11]

I learned that I was not alone. Reading others experiences and sharing my own has made me feel less isolated. When you read something and can say "been there done that" and this is how I dealt with it, makes me feel like I helped someone. With the number of threads some girls have posted, I know I have learned more from them than I have been able to give back.

[Kate Simmons]

You do give back Cassy, every time you make a post because we know who is out there and it is great to see everyone's thoughts. It's the people dynamics that are important. Real people communicating with real people discussing real issues. The Forum is a positive step in that direction and tackles those issues head on and honestly. That is one reason I come here. The main one however is to see how my friends are doing because they are the most important part of the whole thing.:happy:

[jill s]

I had a melt down about the same time I found this place, Quit my job , came out to my wife as a tranny. I am only now getting the idea that I have always been trans and most likely always will be. I hope the scary part is over cause 1 1/2 years of being in a spin is not real fun. I have also learned how many go out dressed, I never even thought about doing it until now. So it's all your fault if a real ugly man in dress shows up on the news ! Just kidding about that part.

[DeeAnn]

Oh, Sal, your question moved me to tears. Thank you so very much for asking this question.

This forum has become a lifeline for me. I've learned that I don't have to be isolated. I'm not alone. I've learned to accept myself and I've learned that I like my femininity very much.

I used to think I was just some kind of pervert who was, for whatever reason, out of sync with humanity. Now I know that I'm a normal human being just learning to accept herself.

It's as if all my life half my brain has been in a sleepy fog and I've come out of the semi comatose state. I've discovered that I've only been living half a life and there is a whole world of discovery just waiting for me to experience it.

This forum and all the wonderful people on here have become my mentors and I'm learning about the woman I am. If I never post another thing here please know this...

This forum and everyone here have changed my life forever in a very positive way and I can't thank you all enough.

Dee