A question on the average age of the CD on this website

[Chloe_S]

Im curious about what the average age is of the user base here. My initial impression is that it’s of a more mature group of individuals. Probably 40+ at least... I’m new here and obviously could be wrong, but assuming I’m not, what is it do you think that makes that so? I understand that age is a delicate subject and I’m trying to be as diplomatic and sensitive about discussing this and my choice of words and apologize if I offended anyone. But I simply feel young to be a crossdresser and find it easier to connect with others closer to my age, which has proven difficult. So that’s what got me asking about this.

[Nikki A.]

I'm sure that the age group is skewed towards older. Part of the reason is that it has taken time for many of us to accept this being a part of us. I do see more younger members joining and I think that is great. We can all learn from one another.

[Micki_Finn]

This was brought up in another thread and someone had a rather brilliant insight and mentioned the medium. This website and its message board/forum layout is something that is natural to an older generation that’s used to desktop computing, but the younger generation was raised on apps and smartphones so they’re probably more likely to use Reddit or Pinterest or what have you.

Also, in the last 20 years or so, the “express lane to transition” has kind of been opened. It’s easier than ever for these kids to have access to that kind of knowledge and medical resources, so I think a lot of the younger generation is kind of skipping the “crossdresser” thing and are just going straight to transition.

[TheHiddenMe]

This was brought up in another thread and someone had a rather brilliant insight and mentioned the medium. This website and its message board/forum layout is something that is natural to an older generation that’s used to desktop computing, but the younger generation was raised on apps and smartphones so they’re probably more likely to use Reddit or Pinterest or what have you.

I would be extremely surprised if this forum wasn't skewed to the plus 40 crowd. I would guess the average age, or more accurately the median age, wasn't at least 50.

Again, it's the medium. Individuals in our demographic (I'm 61) were introduced to the web via AOL and forums like this. Boards like this were voices in the wilderness telling us we were not the only ones. We're the dinosaurs.

The first iPhones debuted in 2007, so someone who was 18 when smartphones came out are now 30. The younguns are on Reddit and Instragram and the dating apps.

Also, in the last 20 years or so, the “express lane to transition” has kind of been opened. It’s easier than ever for these kids to have access to that kind of knowledge and medical resources, so I think a lot of the younger generation is kind of skipping the “crossdresser” thing and are just going straight to transition.

I think the percentages along the transgender spectrum are consistent among ages; i.e., the percentage of 25 y/o's who are CDs is approximately the same as those who are 75. The same is true for those who consider themselves to be the wrong gender. I think those who are wishing to transition is consistent among age groups. The idea that someone can transition has certainly become more prevalent over the last 20 years. That is enabling people of all ages to transition.

The concept of young people "skipping" crossdressing is simply a wrong concept to me.

[Sallee]

Micki Thats a good answer but I do think it is unfortunate. Transition is a big step and I have known people who regret it. When I was younger I may have considered it. But as I matured shall I say I realized that CDing might loss its thrill and that would be unfortunate.
Anyway the average age is what ever age you are. CDing spans a lifetime.

[Laura28]

61 this year.

[Robertacd]

As usual Micki is right.

Speaking of smartphones, the mobile version of this site sort of sucks. You can't see attachments and every time I try to edit a post, it deletes it instead of updating it.

[Tracii G]

Ginger stop apologizing for asking questions.
If people get offended that is their problem not yours.
We are all adults here and willing to talk about most anything.
Being sensitive about age is found more in kids not adults so don't worry about that.
If you have questions speak right up and ask.If somebody gets offended they can just not comment and move on.

[Becoming Brianna]

29 and I love posting here. I've learned so much not only about myself but about life through interacting with all of you and I can't thank you enough!

[Teresa]

Ginger,
So many reasons behind your question many of us are possibly so occupied with life , I had my business to run , two kids to educate and 101 other things at the same time .

I can't speak for everyone but many are possibly buried in the closet, it's only when you get time on your hands that you realise there's more to this CDing need than we thought . I have seen so many in their forties not only here on the forum but in reality that the lightbulb moment happens at this age . Time after time do you see members coming out in their forties .

My CDing started at the age of 8-9 but just lived with it thinking one day I would grow out of it instead it gradually took over my life , I had to turn to counselling to try and resolve my inner conflict .

Dysphoria in many takes time to build to an unacceptable level .

I don't entirely agree with Micki , I would say it's still a tiny minority that transition at a young age .

Age hopefully brings maturity and sense , it's becomes harder to live with the thought that as a man we need for whatever reason to dress in women's clothes , I can tell you it gets harder when you've been married for 40 + years with grown up children and perhaps even grandchildren and yet the dressing need is still disruptive enough to destroy all that . Did I ever think I would separate to dress full time ? No way but it's now a reality , am I too old ? Maybe but I'm happier now than I've been for some time .

[docrobbysherry]

I'm 76. Usually older than the other CD's at the events I go to. However? I'm rarely twice the age of other attendees. 400 T's at Diva Las Vegas and WildSide events this year.

The girls that operate these events worry about their aging clientel demographics!

[Allisa]

Ginger you have to speak up because my eyesight isn't as good as it used to be. I just think that it took longer for my generation to come to grips with our "alternative expression" of our being as we had a slightly harder swim against the tide than the younger of today with the more accepting social attitude. And with our arthritis and all it just took use longer to climb this hill and arrive.

[MarinaTwelve200]

I'll be 70 in a few weeks---CD ing make me look 30 years YOUNGER. We grew up in a time of HIGH "Sexual di-morphism"---that is the difference in appearances of the two sexes. (in the 50's and 60's) Such an observation was made by some famous world traveling author James A. Mitchner. "Caravans" was one of his books.---He noted the higher sexual di morphism in a country or culture, the greater the incidence of Cross Dressing.

[JoanneNY]

He is 81, I'm stuck at 39. Does anyone remember Jack Benny?

Joanne

[April Rose]

29x2.379

[FrannGurl]

I agree that many prefer their smartphones and I use mine too, but much prefer my laptop for this site..Its just easier....And funny you should ask....I'm 57 today!

[RADER]

Well I will jump in and say that I am 72, Sherry is 76, Marina is almost 70, so you see that 70 + Is A Lucky Number.
Rader

[Jolene Robertson]

I'm 63 (soon to be 64) as quite a few members on here my DOB on the site is not my actual BD. Glad to be here and met a lot of great folks on here, some in person. It is interesting the age of our members is so diverse.

[Patience]

I’m as old as my nose and a little older than my teeth.

[Debra Russell]

I will be turning 74 in a couple of weeks but have felt the feminine pull of life from an early age...………………..Debra

[KymG]

Late 40's for me.

[KellyGCD]

Ginger, I was definitely thinking the same thing recently. As a young person of almost 30 I was surprised by how many older users are on this site. But with that being said, I have definitely learned so much by reading what people have experienced over their many years of being a CD. I think with a more mature group here there are going to be better, more in depth conversations because so many have "been there, done that." I know that for myself I have not experienced even a fraction of what some people here have and it's encouraging to know about the path that is before me.

[erinna]

I forget how old I am. Somewhere in my 50s.

[Angela Marie]

Turning 65 in a few weeks. We all share a commonality so, as far as i'm concerned, age is irrelevant.

[JocelynJames]

I always thought if I told someone I was 5-0 👮*♀️ I would be a cop , not fifty. It kind of snuck up on me