I define cross-dressing as wearing apparel that is traditionally associated with or worn by the opposite gender. It has become entirely socially acceptable for women in this culture to cross-dress even though at one time it was not and in some sub-cultures a woman in pants or a tee shirt (a man’s undershirt) it still is considered unacceptable. People cross-dress for a number of reasons and I don’t believe there is a single “syndrome” where all of us are on the same “path” to some sort of womanhood. We are not a community; we are individuals with some common interests. At most we are communities, and we really cannot, or should not impose our expectations or values on the rest of the members of this forum. I oppose homosexual marriage and would oppose a man trying to pass as a woman in certain circumstances. Some forum members are horrified with this, but I have no obligation or inclination to buy into a particular agenda simply because I like to wear women’s clothing. I understand Freddy's point of view and have experienced the conflict between simple cross-dressing and other practices or lifestyles that incorporate men wearing woman’s clothing.
I cross-dress. Sometimes I even go out in public cross-dressed - a guy in a skirt. I don't do makeup, nor do I shave off my beard. The only reason I would try to "pass" is so that I might be able to go out in public and not feel so stared at! I enjoy, as sort of a hobby, taking photographs of myself looking as female as I possibly can look; I do not want to be female or live a female life. But if I had my way I would simply be able to wear whatever feminine or masculine attire suits my mood or task for the day.
