Are crossdressers on the LGBTQ+ spectrum?

I am like you Cerys, I love dressing and feeling feminine but I could never pass for a women and I am not going to transition

I feel the same way Cerys. I’m just a bloke that loves do dress in female clothing when I get the chance. I’ve no intention of any surgery done.

There are a variety of reasons people crossdress and I just want to say that I have a different opinion on what exactly crossdressing is.

I believe crossdressing is a fashion style, that's all. There should be no explanation or reasoning around that. If you like something and want to wear it; that's purely a fashion choice. It has nothing to do with being a man or a woman.

Now with breastforms or hip pads, it's not even specific to men who crossdress. A lot of women wear padded bras, shapewear and even corsets because many women don't have that coveted hourglass figure that is constantly shown in media.

The term LGBT didn't even have the T at the end previously, it was only LGB. If you are attracted to the same-sex, you're on the spectrum. The T part is half-and-half because like I said previously, people crossdress for many reasons and some associate clothing with gender, which doesn't make sense. The reason it doesn't make sense is that fashion is always changing for everyone no matter what gender you are, so if men and dresses were a thing for the next 100 years, eventually some people would get tired of it and start wearing something else.

Cerys, I’m not sure the question is as accurately phrased as it could be. LGBTQ+ is not actually a “spectrum”. It’s more a list than anything else. I think what you’re asking is, “Are crossdressers on the transgender spectrum?” If so, a resounding and emphatic yes, even for “a guy in a skirt”.

Clarifying Clara

Not if YOU don't want to be.

That is one of the better explanations I have seen written anywhere. Well done, miss!

I think there is an association of fashion to gender. But I also believe you are correct in that the pattern always changes.

I believe that evolves over generations just as you suggest. Heels are associated with ladies more now because of height differences between men and woman. It wasn't always that way. Men were shorter and used heels as a means of mounting horses as well as for a height advantage that is presented in public forums.

I'm thinking "LGBTQ+" and the rest of that alphabet soup is basically everyone that isn't conservative binary.
I mean - where do you think you find more support for your heterosexual crossdressing than in some kind of LGBT place?
I guess if you dress up and go to a sports bar or beauty parlour you may not be thrown out but it's not like it's the primary place to go for support.

/kt

Hi Cherry,

You've made interesting points in your post, but I stumble at this assertion:

"I believe crossdressing is a fashion style, that’s all".

If it was just a fashion sense then surely I could live without it? If it was a fashion sense, why would someone sometimes risk heartache, social censure, marital problems or even divorce to follow their inclination (as I might say) or fashion style (in your words)?

This isn't meant to provoke an argument, I'm just curious as to what you might think

Marti xxx

I believe crossdressing is a fashion style, that’s all

If it's just a fashion style, then why isn't it accepted the same way "goth" or "vintage" style is accepted?

Also I think that depends on the person. Some may only go for the clothes and other (maybe just sometimes) go for the full experience without having any desire to transition. The whole personality may change and then it's way more than just the clothes.

/kt

Hi Cerys!

Good question!

My needle quivers towards YES.

Personally, I could probably claim most of those letters. But the "T" is most troubling. My mind is always swirling and it's very tiring. Crossdressing is my valium. Helps me get into a good head-space and that's enough for now.

I'm blessed my SO understands my buzzing-brain and feelings. Her brain buzzes too (usually with math equations!).

xo Barb

That's not a question easy to answer yes/no....

I know plenty of CDs that do not fit any if the descriptors of an LGBTQ+ belonging in the strictest sense.

Now, let me be clear for myself. I am Non-Binary, I am Bi. I do find myself in the mix.

But I also know some very straight, cis-het, people that simply like to wear clothes that are contra to their gender according to societal expectation. Those individuals are not, in my opinion, part of the LGBTQ community in the sense that they don't "fit" any of the strict definitions.

Do I welcome every single CD that wants to participate/support LGBTQ activities? GIRL, HELL YES!

I wouldn't ever turn away a person that wants to be part of the family... ALL are welcome in my opinion.

You want to be recognized as LGBTQ? I see you! Welcome! You want to be a beautiful LGBTQ ally that knows how to rock a dress and heels? We love you for being a supportive sister!

Like I said, yes/no is hard, like the colors of ALL the different Pride flags out there, there are several shades of gray between that yes and that no....

I hope that's slightly clearer than mud, LOL

Have a great day,

XOXO

Rayna

This is a tough one, a lot of grey area but I went with yes. When you crossdress your are changing your appearance to look female so you are transitioning making you transsexual as you've crossed from one sex to the other in some degree. It may only be slight but you have crossed over. I know in my early days of dressing I tried to imitate the female persona so once again yes. Crossdressing is an evolutionary process. We start off with panties maybe stockings, next lets try the bra and we stuff it. Definitely transitioning right there, you want the female shape. After that, lets throw on a dress and shoes, this feels nice lets do my hair and makeup, once again your trying to look more female. Now you grab one of your sister's smokes hold it in your hand very feminine like and start walking around showing off your wiggle and maybe pretending your at a party and using body language and changing your voice. I call that transitioning or crossing over which in my eyes makes me transexual.

Just my opinion, Heather the transexual.

I'll always support LGBTQ+ folk. I hate oppression, haters, unfairness and ignorance. A devout socialist. I will fight for anyone not being treated fairly.

Cerys