The fetish Aspect ( open to everyone)

[Marilyn Beck]

Cross-dressing is not considered a fetish by the psychological community.

The definition of Fetishism in your post technically excludes crossdressing, but refers to another paraphilia (Transvestic Fetishism) that involves crossdressing. I think Pythos is referring to transvestic fetishism in this thread.

occasionally on this forum I find some rather ugly, or mean spirited posts. They differ greatly from what one would expect from a group of people wanting acceptance or encouragement for doing something that society for the most part shuns.

It is clear that our members vary widely in their reasons for crossdressing, and in the nature and extent to which they crossdress. But all of us seem to seek greater tolerance and acceptance from society for crossdressing, at least for our particular version of crossdressing. It amazes me that some of us are intolerant of those who follow a different crossdressing playbook.

I find some items of the clothing to be quite arousing. Sorry, but I do. I have stated before I am a very sensuous and tactile person. The feel of smooth nylon, or tight spandex is quite a turn on for me.

No need to apologize. I also find crossdressing to be arousing, but for different reasons. I don't really get much satisfaction from the tactile sensation of female clothing, per se. For me, the clothing, makeup, and other accessories are psychological cues that trigger a feeling of femininity inside of me, which I find (inexplicably) to be arousing.

Now, to the point of this thread.

Why is fetish viewed so negatively? Why do fellow CDers or Transsexuals put others down for this aspect.

I suppose each person who puts down others should speak for themselves (and I would like to hear what they have to say), but my take is that being aroused by crossdressing reveals, as Sherry stated, a "baser instinct" that some find to be repugnant. I think some of those people would point out that their own reasons for crossdressing are far more noble and respectable, such as "expressing the feminine side of my personality" or "because I like the fabrics, styles and colors of women's clothing." I think they might say that one who crossdresses to become sexually aroused is essentially just a pervert and should be scorned.