Feminize? Not really happy with the term.

I'm afraid that I'm too easily offended by those who choose to be easily offended :)

Seriously, we're grown-ups so we get to choose when we're going to be offended, and names and vocabulary should be seen as just that. The term 'feminized' is, like any other, far too ambiguous in actual use to serve perfectly or to cause unnecessary offense. If you'd like a different term, use it but don't fret about vocabulary that works well for others.

For what it's worth, I don't care for the term either since I've seen it misused too often. But I'm willing to give others the benefit of the doubt when they choose to use it.

Miriam

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Originally Posted by DaphneGrey

You know Nicole it may be a perfectly good word but I don't care for it.

I don't use it to refer to others and I won't use it to refer to myself that is my choice.

I had a makeover last weekend I didn't announce it by saying "I was feminized" . It just sounds silly and strange to me.

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First off, when someone talks about being “feminized” it’s usually related to a discussion about “forced feminization”.
And think about it…. Is “forced feminization” really “FORCED” ?
No, it’s a fantasy. Saying it’s “forced” just takes away the shame, guilt, of crossdressing because the CD was “FORCED” against his will to dress. You can’t be guilty of doing something if you were “forced”. If anyone can point out an example of where someone was really FORCED, like FORCED by gunpoint, against their will to crossdress (be feminized), I’d like to see it. It’s never happened.

I think that when someone has been dressing for awhile and her feminine expression has become a solid part of who she is, getting a makeover, a new outfit, or a new hairstyle is NOT "feminization". This term applies more to men who either are very new at this (their default mode is still very much a male), or it is used if someone's motive is sexual.

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Originally Posted by NicoleScott

If the word was used and you weren't offended, but you find the word offensive, who was offended? Help me understand.

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The word is used often and no I am not offended that it is used. Offend is a verb and to be offended by the word feminize someone would have to use it in reference to me. Offensive is an adjective that I have chosen to describe how I feel about the word. So for example if someone said "You really need to be feminized" Or "I want to feminize you" that would offend me.

I have said that yes I get that it is a real word. I have listed three or four reasons why I feel the way I do. The main one for me being that I am already feminine. The way I dress or what I wear on my face at any given time is irrelevant to the way I feel.

I hope that helps you understand and perhaps offensive was too strong a word.

I don't care if you use it or if anyone else uses it. I just don't like it.

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Originally Posted by ReineD

I think that when someone has been dressing for awhile and her feminine expression has become a solid part of who she is, getting a makeover, a new outfit, or a new hairstyle is NOT "feminization". This term applies more to men who either are very new at this (their default mode is still very much a male), or it is used if someone's motive is sexual.

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This is very true! Thanks for posting it.