Part 1: My Story
Hi all, my name is Ramona Richards but I go by Mona. I’m relatively new to the CDH community, having joined just before the holidays. By way of introduction, bear with me as I begin this article describing my crossdressing history.
Over the course of my almost six decades, I’ve followed the “typical” crossdressing career path (haha, as if anything about us crossdressers is typical):
Childhood: early fascination with dominant women and men in tights. Specifically, the original Batman TV series that ran during my formative years in the 60’s was a huge influence (apologies to younger folks who aren’t familiar with this show). I can recall identifying with Robin (the Boy Wonder) more than Batman, perhaps because my unconscious mind was drawn to his cute, colorful outfit and his role as the submissive partner to Batman. Then there was Julie Newmar as Cat Woman – smoking hot in her dominatrix-like catsuit. I remember being fascinated by the power she wielded in her efforts to entice and dominate Batman.
So, there I am at the tender age of six or seven, unconsciously experiencing an erotic charge from the costumes and innuendo-laced interplay between characters on a campy TV show. Clearly, our sexuality is hardwired, and I realize this is not an earth-shattering revelation to many readers.
Early teens: beginning of “transvestic fetishism” phase – secretly wearing sister’s underthings for gratification – enough said.
College: no interest and, with roommates, not many opportunities anyway.
Adulthood: marriage, career, children – very sporadic bouts of secret CDing but still limited to underthings (wife’s) for erotic stimulation. Long stretches with no interest, including the past 20 years, up until Right Now.
Right Now: my wife of thirty-plus years and I are empty nesters. I love her and our kids, love my job as a scientist – in short, I have a great life. But about 6 months ago, the urge to cross dress hit me hard, seemingly out of nowhere. In response, I have spent a small fortune to go all in – wigs, makeup, clothes, shoes, etc. This is way beyond anything that has come before, and the intensity is surprising and frightening.
All of my crossdressing activity up to this point has taken place in secret, usually followed by feelings of guilt and shame that so many of us have experienced. A few months ago, after agonizing about it for months, I came out to my wife. She was shocked to say the least, but also appreciates the courage it took to be honest and vulnerable. However, she does not want to know any of the details. The few times I’ve brought it up since, her only response has been that she is still processing it. In the meantime, our tacit agreement is that she will tolerate it but is not inclined to discuss it – and certainly does not want to see any evidence.
As with many of us, therefore, the only time I dress is when I’m home alone, and I am diligent about erasing all signs of my activities before she returns (I would make a good criminal, haha).
For me, dressing is an intoxicating activity. I’m a fairly typical middle-aged, balding, slightly overweight, suburban man whose day-to-day office wear consists of khakis and polo shirts (i.e., the casual corporate uniform). But for those few precious hours, I’m able to transcend the mundane routine of daily life, the often-mindless conformity, and magically transform myself into something soft and beautiful and sexy.
I believe this is perfectly logical: who doesn’t want to embody that which they love and desire? I think what sets many of us crossdressers apart is the strong drive to actually act out our fantasies. And here let me state that I am sensitive to the fact that for those in our community further along the gender spectrum, it is less a matter of fantasy and more about identity.
I‘m finding that I really enjoy the creative aspects of cross dressing – trying different combinations of wigs, makeup, clothes, etc. Basically, finding my style. Note to the gal on a budget: Salvation Army, Goodwill and Payless Shoe Stores are your friends.
Right now, it doesn’t feel like I’ve started down a path toward transitioning. I’m content with my life as a heterosexual man who enjoys a variety of interests and activities outside of crossdressing. Given my history of ebbs and flows, it’s possible that in a few months, my current strong urges will abate, maybe even go away completely for another extended interval (in which case I’ll be holding a hell of a fire sale, ladies!).
Anyway, if you’re still reading this, thank you for grinding through all the long-winded navel gazing. From my research, I think I’ve followed a fairly typical (haha) trajectory. However, it’s only half the story, because as we know, saying yes to the dress is not without a good deal of distress. In addition to the fun, I’ve been struggling to understand what is happening to me. I believe this is also typical.
Part 2: The Questions I Ask Myself
Mainly the question is why? And why now?
When I look closely at my face in selfies, I see a woman smiling back with unbridled joy. My eyes are sparkling, thrilled to behold the woman in the mirror, right there in front of me. It took me a while to realize that the look on my face is that of someone who has fallen in love. I think the technical term for this is gender euphoria.
This realization both excites and frightens me. Newly and wildly in love with myself, at my advanced middle age? WTF?
Now it’s time for my scientific side to enter the picture. This is the scientist who is hardwired to spend inordinate amounts of time reading and analyzing, and he is the one who is raising questions such as:
What are the psychological underpinnings of this form of “self-love”?
Am I just a guy in love with the woman I have created out of myself?
Or is my face in the photos that of the woman inside me bursting with joy after decades of repression, finally free to fall in love with herself?
On the other hand (there is always an “on the other hand” in science), could this all just be an exercise in vanity and self-indulgence, a form of narcissism that is somehow a defect in my psyche?
Am I trying to fill a void for something else that is missing from my life? Wouldn’t I be better off focusing my time and energy on more “socially-acceptable” things, that might bring the same or more satisfaction?
What if I am publicly outed? Am I prepared to handle the fallout, including a ruined reputation, damaged relationships with friends and family, etc., etc.?
Is the sudden and intense resurgence of this activity a form of mid-life crisis? Could it be due to low testosterone or some other hormone imbalance? Mental disorder?
How about adult-onset gender dysphoria, with a sprinkling of residual transvestic fetishism and a dash of autogynephilia?
OK, that last question should convince you that I do indeed read too much. And believe me, I could go on and on with these kinds of questions.
The problem is that I haven’t found any satisfactory answers, and I’ve heard many others say that nobody ever really does. My goal in writing this is to share my thoughts and experience with the CDH community and perhaps spark some conservation.
I’ll end with a question to the millions of my fellow balding, middle-aged, khaki-clad men who at best view crossdressing with benign indifference and at worse as a deviant activity that, on the long list of atrocities that we humans have proven capable of, ranks right up there with the likes of genocide and child molestation. The question I pose is: if you had the opportunity to step outside yourself for a time to embody the beauty, femininity and alluring sexuality that women possess, would you do it?
In my opinion, those who answer no are missing out on experiencing a transformation that is magical, powerful and fascinating. So for the time being, at least, I’m saying not only yes, but hell yes to the dress.
More Articles by Mona
- Proud to be a Goodwill Girl
- My Season of Doubt and Shame Part 2
- My Season of Doubt and Shame: Part 1
- Media Review: Casa Susanna
- A Hilarious Look at the Challenges Most Crossdressers Will Face
Hi Mona Just loved your article, like Riki (and many others I expect) i can relate to most of your story, my urge to crossdress really ramped up last year which interestingly coincided with own empty nest, also with this sudden increase in the need to dress came many of the same questions you are now asking your self, what I really wanted to say was try not to over analyse it but embrace it, embrace the beautiful inner you and enjoy all the fantastic feelings she brings, believe me I know it’s not all plain sailing but for me… Read more »
Wow! what a powerful, mind blowing article! i didnt really think there were so many questions and doubtlessly more that even you have not thought of Mona! I am no scientist, (just a brief bout in chemistry) but i do spend long periods of time, pondering the many questions that flow around my head like large data streams! I have come to the conclusion that there is no singular answer to why we all cross dress, but more of a multi-factor event. I think in my case, its a mixture of things, from simply wanting to be a girl from… Read more »
Hi Mona, thank you for your article. It was informative and thought provoking and highlights the thoughts many of us have pondered over this wonderful journey. For me the why is quite simple, cross dressing feels good.
Grace
Thank you so much, Grace and sorry I did respond sooner. I really like your answer to the why question: it feels good. You’re so right and it would be so wonderful if that was all we needed to say when trying to explain to others. For me, it feels good and it’s just plain good, harmless fun. Thanks again for your kind words – I will tell you that writing that article and, more importantly, reading the responses here has been really cathartic for me. Connecting with others, and being able to help them in some small way, is… Read more »
I completely identify with your mention of Batman and Robin. To this day I still a female Robin costume would be wonderful to wear on a Halloween one of these years.
When I was about 12 (about a year after my initial interest in CD-ing), I went trick-or-treating as Robin. I didn’t think it at the time, but perhaps, that was just some latent CD feelings manifesting themselves.
I would like to go as the female sexy robin one of these years. That and a star trek girl.
I have a Supergirl costume that I hope to wear, this Halloween.
Hi Dawn and Nancy – great discussion. What is it about “The Boy Wonder" that drives us to these distracting thoughts and actions? I have no idea myself – just asking a rhetorical question. Maybe that’s the reason for the “wonder" part. I tell you what though – my costume of choice would be Cat Woman, as played by Julie Newmar (although her replacement Eartha Kitt was also pretty damn sexy). Get on YouTube and search for “Cat Woman Julie Newmar." I must admit she presses all my buttons – even as an innocent little kid. Funny how we’re influenced… Read more »
Holy gender dysphoria, Mona! I think it was the flesh colored tights. Or maybe that first episode where Jill St. John disguised herself as Robin. Anyway, I thought Lee Merriwether was pretty hot as Catwoman. Have a purr-fect day, Mona! 😆
OMG, Dawn! I wasn’t aware of Jill St. John or Lee Merriwether playing Catwoman. Prompted me to do some online searching and ran across this web site:
http://jillstjohn.catwomanfan.com/en/tv/index.php
Great photos showing the evolution of CD Robin and various incarnations of Catwoman through the decades – check it out.
It seems the character of Robin has indeed bounced across gender lines quite frequently over the years. Holy “Boy" Wonder, Batman!
Tune in next week, Dawn….same Bat time, same Bat channel.
Meow, Mona.
Hi Nancy, thanks for your comments and I don’t know if you saw my response to both you and Dawn below. XOXO Mona
Hi Mona,I just loved your story,and all of the responses I read…. I was always too chicken to share my thoughts or desires,from childhood on,( don’t talk about anything that may be embarrassing to family). I was born 1948 so grew up in the 50s,…I can remember being fascinated by mothers underwear,and how it felt so smooth and silky,but this was a sin. Can’t remember if I tried it on…I could remember the thrill of lingerie adds and porn type magazines,thru my teens,20s,to my 50s.i loved magazines like Penthouse,ForumVariations and the like.my fantasies really got intense about cding ,B and… Read more »
Hi Jackie, Sorry for me late reply to your wonderful response. It’s great to hear your story…you shouldn’t feel about sharing it here. So sorry to hear about your wife and also the constraints you now have on your ability to dress as Jackie. It’s funny you mention Halloween as a time when you came out, with help of your wife – that’s great. I too started back cross dressing last year at Halloween. I didn’t go out or anything, but it was a great excuse to buy wigs and a few other supplies without fear of embarrassment. I’ve heard… Read more »
Hello Mona, I liked your article, but what really spurred my attention was that you mentioned you were a scientist and that you felt that there haven’t been enough studies on crossdressing, even though communities such as CDH are rich with data. I picked a few of the questions that you asked in your article and that I have also been confronted with during my lifetime, and tried finding some at least partially satisfying answer. My hope is that you could take some time looking over them and hopefully add your thoughts as to whether they are plausible or not.… Read more »
Hi Ella, I apologize for the very long delay getting back to you on this, but I finally have a few Hi Ella, I apologize for the very long delay getting back to you on this, but I finally have a few minutes to offer some thoughts. First of all, thank you again for kind words about the article – it is so gratifying to know that it resonates with so many here at CDH. Secondly, I must tell you that although I am a scientist, it is in a completely different field than the one called “psychology” – in… Read more »
Mons,
You nailed it! In my years of crossing (40+) I have purged so many time only to end up with more girl clothes than before the purge. I would Dress when alone and feel guilty afterwards. Now I have passed the point of feeling guilt and purging.
Today I was able to be Lynda all day, trying different outfits dresses, shoes, bras, and wigs an awesome day, but all good things come to an end.
For now back to my male mode
Lynda.
Hi Lynda – very late reply but thank you for your comments. I too have lost the feelings of guilt and it is so liberating. Mona is a high-spirited girl and she needs to come out regardless of how the other half of me feels about it. That’s just the way it is and I have learned to embrace it and her…hell yes to the dress. Hugs, Mona
Hi Mona,
Thank you for writing such an open and honest piece. Not only does it shed some light on what many of us are also going through to varying degrees, but it also (and I think more importantly) stimulated responses from others which add to the colour and texture of our combined experiences and feelings. Where each of us end up on our life journeys may be different but it is comforting and encouraging to know that there are others who are sharing some of the same paths.
Steph
Your story is very similar to my story and, I’m sure, most of of the rest of us. To answer your final question, “In a heartbeat!"
Hi Dawn – thanks for much for your kind words and apologies for this very late reply. I can’t tell you how gratifying it is to know that my story resonates with so many. It’s really quite remarkable how so many of our paths are so similar. I must say that both writing the article and seeing the responses have been quite cathartic for me. Like I got something off my chest and then realizing so many of us have the same struggles. Keep being your beautiful self, darling, and keep saying yes to the dress – I know I… Read more »
Mona: I loved reading your article. So much of it resonates within my own experience as a crossdresser/transvestite. I can only hope (as you probably do) that, at some point, your wife will become more supportive and actively involved with Mona. Stay well and happy, Hugs, Melissa
Hi Melissa – thank you so much and it’s very gratifying to hear that it resonates with you. So many of us have very similar stories, it’s really quite remarkable, isn’t it?
Hope to see more of your beautiful photos here. In the meantime, all the best and keep smiling, girlfriend. XOXO Mona