Dubai Calling!

[ReineD]

Glad you made your flight and sorry it was such a rush.

But, I'll admit defeat. I was taking bets (figuratively) and was wrong. You did bring all your stuff. Glad it all went OK.

[Marleena]

Kaz lives on the edge.

[Suzette Muguet de Mai]

Well Kaz prove us all wrong and go out dressed. I dare you, like the markets or a club, go on.

[Kaz]

Great to hear you made it back safely, Kaz!

I'm curious about the situation in Dubai. I could understand why it would be dangerous to bring in pornography if it's explicitly banned there, but are there any laws that say you can't bring womens' clothing if you're travelling alone as a male? Theoretically you could say that it's for your wife, girlfriend or other female friend that lives in Dubai. Or is it because the clothing is that of western women, rather than that of conservative Arab women, and therefore would look too conspicuous?

I really ought to answer a few questions here. I got back late Sunday night and had a full day at work yesterday and was pretty 'bushed' last night so apologies for being slow to respond. I didn't really take ALL my stuff! I forgot make-up and a few things (a good idea probably!). I took three skirts, two tops, two strappy vests, one pair of heels and some underwear... not a lot, but still more than I needed! Also a wig, but forgot the brush so had to buy one while there. My reasoning was as Sveta has intimated... what is wrong with having women's clothes in your suitcase? I have bought things for my wife before now and put them in a suitcase! CDing is in itself not a crime. The crime is about behaviour... so CDing in public is risky. It could be a ticking off but could be a week in jail depending on the scale of the offence. The same with overt homosexual behaviour.

I don't think 'I live on the edge'... though thanks for the compliment!... but I was prepared to fight my case if necessary! So I behaved myself and didn't venture out of my room dressed - I would have looked a sight with no beard cover and make-up! A dead give away! Hence the blessing of forgetting the 'kit'!

No... I was up at 6.30... off for a day's work, back at about 5.30... and chilling!

I don't know if my suitcase was scanned... it was in the hold and arrived in baggage reclaim OK. I didn't put anything that would appear strange in my cabin baggage, which was scanned at entry in Dubai. I was underdressed in hold-ups and knickers, but no bra... no strange behaviours from anyone. I did go out on the balcony a few times... I guessed that at that distance no-one would have known. Looking at others on their balconies, you could make out shapes not faces... if anyone had binoculars...oh well!

Now if I had been going to Saudi, things would have been different! My view is that we should always respect the wishes of a host culture and obey their laws, whilst still expressing ourselves as the individuals we are. In my lectures I pushed the envelope on cultural interactions and had a really positive response. Mutual respect and tolerance.

But if I go again.... I just might take my make-up bag... oh my!

[kimdl93]

Glad to here you're back safe and sound. If next time it turns out otherwise, perhaps we could create CD defense fund on your behalf!

[Sister Rachel]

Glad you're back, Kaz! .. summat and nowt, eh?

[Stockingstopgirl]

Glad to see you back. Having experienced it over there ,would you ever go back and dress in womens garb dressed with a veil and full Hijab etc.

[Kaz]

Glad to see you back. Having experienced it over there ,would you ever go back and dress in womens garb dressed with a veil and full Hijab etc.

Interesting! This could be the test of a real crossdresser! And the answer is YES! I would have passed! Not blended... passed!

Dubai is very 'enlightened' and they are very progressive as a nation, as are all the UAE countries. They are trying to move towards a society that is globally friendly but one which also keeps and values their fundamental traditions... The fundamental teachings of Islam are not disconnected from Christianity nor Judaeism... these are the three Abrahamic religions and there is a commonality. Seek the commonality and you engage and build. Seek the divisions and you have war. Those who want war seek the divisions...

If we look for the underlying truth in religions, we see a code for survival and the retained knowledge of generations. Religious fanaticism is the work of minorities... the majorities share the same values and beliefs...

So yes... I would go back and CD, but proprioanlly

And Lorrilea no golf, but loads of golfers at the airport holding everyone up!

[Momarie]

I am glad you are safely back...very, very relieved in fact.

Your need for pushing the envelope and affirmation in what could have easily turned into a dangerous situation, despite your thinking their "fundamental traditions" would embrace you is shockingly 'unenlightened', to say nothing of being extremely foolish.

We all understand your need for seeking attention and our forum is a safe place to do that, but you took an extreme risk which could have had extreme consequences.

P.S.
I am quite prepared for the backlash of calling your actions foolish etc. and am willing to take what's coming, in an effort to keep our members safe.

Whether they go to Dubai or unknowingly put themselves in danger walking to their car in a dark parking lot without being cautious or aware of their surroundings.

What men forget is if you are "physically weaker or at a disadvantage" in an dangerous situation, is you MUST think ahead and be SMART all the time.
Part of that thinking is to never put yourself in such a situation in the first place.

[Kaz]

I am glad you are safely back...very, very relieved in fact.

Your need for pushing the envelope and affirmation in what could have easily turned into a dangerous situation, despite your thinking their "fundamental traditions" would embrace you is shockingly 'unenlightened', to say nothing of being extremely foolish.

We all understand your need for seeking attention and our forum is a safe place to do that, but you took an extreme risk which could have had extreme consequences.

P.S.
I am quite prepared for the backlash of calling your actions foolish etc. and am willing to take what's coming, in an effort to keep our members safe.

Whether they go to Dubai or unknowingly put themselves in danger walking to their car in a dark parking lot without being cautious or aware of their surroundings.

What men forget is if you are "physically weaker or at a disadvantage" in an dangerous situation, is you MUST think ahead and be SMART all the time.
Part of that thinking is to never put yourself in such a situation in the first place.

Hi Momarie,

I totally accept your view and I am certainly not endorsing being foolish. Rather the contrary. It is easy to sit in the boxes that others both provide for us and generally like to put us in. This is as true with religion as it is with general behaviour. Religions (as 'boxes') transcend national boundaries, but national 'boxes' still seek to contain. We also have other 'boxes' which certain people like to use to control others. My 'pushing the envelope' is merely about testing these 'boxes'. I have no need to put anyone in a box and welcome free thought... I believe in the natural 'goodness' of people - and this does transcend national and religious boundaries. I have many friends from many faiths and many nationalities... some are gay, some are CD, etc... I have no need of boxes. To me everyone is unique and special.

So I apologise if I have offended the sensitivities of people here. I am who I am... I am learning to like myself!