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What does the term crossdressing mean in general society

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross-dressing
blue is me

red is the article

This post does not necessarily reflect or express the views or beliefs of its author , it is just a general consensus of how society in general may view those who live the lifestyle based on some of the basic moral , social and religious belief systems set by society in general.

Please do not take any offense , it is in no way the intent of the author to judge , shame , insult , knock , put down , dehumanize , ridicule , humiliate , or in any other way shape or form disrespect anyone who lives this lifestyle because I ( the author) am one who does live it and accepts those of you out there that do for whatever reason and to whatever end.

Well this is something I found that I feel is the way society sees us and I know that not everyone does it for the same reasons of course as the article does explain that I just took tidbits from an article I found online, the parts I either agree with and even some I may not fully agree with and or I can relate to in some way shape or form.

If you’d like to read the full article in all its parts then go to the link above.

Cross-dressing is the act of wearing items of clothing and other accoutrements commonly or typically associated with the opposite sex within a particular society. Cross-dressing has been used for purposes of disguise, comfort, and self-expression in modern times and throughout history.

The term cross-dressing refers to an action or a behavior without attributing or implying any specific causes for that behavior. It is often assumed that the connotation is directly correlated with behaviors of transgender identity or sexual, fetishist, and homosexual behavior, but the term itself does not imply any motives and is not synonymous to one's gender identity.
(and this is why I don’t personally agree with or associate what I do with the basic crossdresser term).

Almost every human society throughout history has had expected norms for each gender relating to style, color, or type of clothing they are expected to wear, and likewise most societies have had a set of guidelines, views or even laws defining what type of clothing is appropriate for each gender.

There are many different kinds of cross-dressing and many different reasons why an individual might engage in cross-dressing behavior.
Some people cross-dress as a matter of comfort or style(me) , or out of personal preference for clothing associated with the opposite sex. In this case, a person's cross-dressing may or may not be apparent to other people. Some people cross-dress to shock others or challenge social norms.


Some people who cross-dress may endeavor to project a complete impression of belonging to another gender, including mannerisms, speech patterns, and emulation of sexual characteristics. This is referred to as passing or "trying to pass" depending how successful the person is.

Sometimes either member of a heterosexual couple will cross-dress in order to arouse the other. For example, the male might wear skirts or lingerie and/or the female will wear boxers or other male clothing.

A transvestic fetishist is a person (typically a heterosexual male) who cross-dresses as part of a sexual fetish.

Others may choose to take a mixed approach [c=#003BB2](me) , adopting some feminine traits and some masculine traits in their appearance. For instance, a man might wear both a dress and a beard. This is sometimes known as genderfuck.[/c]
(personally I prefer to refer to it as femanine expression myself).

In most parts of the world it remains socially disapproved for men to wear clothes traditionally associated with women. Attempts are occasionally made, e.g. by fashion designers, to promote the acceptance of skirts as everyday wear for men. Cross-dressers (typically men) have complained that society permits women to wear pants or jeans and other masculine clothing, while condemning any man who wants to wear clothing sold for women.

Cross-dressing is cited as an abomination in the Bible in the book of Deuteronomy (22:5), which states: "A woman must not wear men’s clothing, nor a man wear women’s clothing, for the Lord your God detests anyone who does this".

What do you think.
Sorry, I keep adding stuff as I find it.
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The article is good, but makes people over think this topic. The term crossdress typically triggers the thought of a male dressed in female clothing, and that there is a fetishistic element involved. There is more to it than that, but you probably don't care unless you crossdress.
@Highonheels said "...if women can get away with it then why can't men I mean we are just wearing clothes after all is said and done right."

I think that's part of the issue- "right" is ultimately determined by the receiver(s), or general public, often in the singular - on the basis of "personalized morality" or their definition of appropriateness.

Trust me, I have no desire to argue with a overly crazed zealot on their home turf. But we all get so tied up in making definitions, rather than understanding the person or the motivations within - And it becomes a confrontational situation where many receivers will default to a more "safe" (conservative?) perspective - and for me, the hope is that it is less judgement & condemnation and more understanding & acceptance.

I'd also recommend this new discussion and thread that recently started with a crossdressing episode of Disney's Muppet Babies ( https://d23.com/exclusive-gonzo-wants-to-dress-as-a-princess-in-muppet-babies-sneak-peek/ ) - it's pretty good, and starts some discussions on non-binary genders, that some probably will understand and sympathize with.

For me, I might be more a "Gonzo," and less of a "Miss Piggy" - which is just fine, but at least they remain friends regardless - and imho, stronger because of it.
@Highonheels so when you say we need to stand up and be accepted by society, what does that mean to you?

The vision that statement triggers in my head is one in which people like us going out in public, dressed in women's clothes, hair and nails done, wearing makeup, jewelry, accessories, perfume, etc. and people treating us no differently than when in male mode.

While that sounds wonderful, most of us, including myself, are highly closeted and would be terrified out there. Not sure I could stand up and fight for it.
Highonheels · 51-55, M
@BizSuitStacy what it means to me is that society accepts us as we are unconditionally , with no judgments , ostracizing , negative connotations , no downgrading us , no treating us like were less than human beings or some kind of freaks.

We need to band together and stand up for our right to be ourselves and let society know we will not stand down untill they see us ad equals among them just like the LGBT community had to do. Fight for their rights to be who they are.
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Highonheels · 51-55, M
@silkydrawers completly understood that’s pretty much the way I feel I just love expressing my feminine side I dont feel like I want to become a women I just like the way it feels to express femininity
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Gentlemickey · 70-79, M
@silkydrawers Very true... my feelings exactly !! 🤗💃
lipstickguy · 61-69, M
for some of us it is strictly a sexual turn on. I don't want to be a girl or have any contact with a guy. I think the clothes ,shoes and makeup are hot on a woman add in the taboo of my wearing it and I get hard just thinking about it. sometimes just buying the items is as much of a rush as wearing them.
lipstickguy · 61-69, M
yes but the tile makes it sound complete like you are explain all of it you should have said "what crossdressing means to me"@Highonheels
Highonheels · 51-55, M
Yes you are surely correct @lipstickguy but I wanted to have some stuff in there that I felt I related to and as a way to show how most of society looks at it based on these basic definition of the lifestyle and I’m glad to see that you tend to disagree with the normal view that is explained in most of this article and that you have a different point of view and that is appreciated so actually I’d like to thank you for pointing that out
bobbieCD · 56-60, T
@lipstickguy Thanks, I think your description fits me pretty well too.
ChatterinSeuss · 61-69, M
All I have to say is ,,, if a man dresses like a woman, it makes him feel like a woman.. I see nothing wrong there.. he wants to feel sensual and pretty.. many men that cross dress look great and act more of a lady than ladies do..Cross dressers spend more time getting prepared than women only because they want to look like or better than woman, and many succeed..I met a cross dresser on this site and she is more of a woman than I have ever seen.. great company and a fabulous dancer.. I say thumbs up to all of you, and I have seen many pictures and you all look hot !! great legs and butts and the clothing is a plus !! hugs to all of you !!
Highonheels · 51-55, M
Thank you very much@ChatterinSeuss
Tarantulella · 36-40, T
I totally agree,,, I love men and women alike and enjoy being the male... but i love a sensual pair of panties.. the clothes give me confidence to be a woman.. if you can understand where I am coming from..
Highonheels · 51-55, M
@Tarantulella yes I understand thanks for you input
For me, I prefer “genderfluid” to “genderf*ck”.

Make it out of a plaid and go to Scotland, and call it a skirt- and you’ll find out quickly that it’s a tartan and a family renowned kilt worn without underwear (regimental) and worn with shoes known as “Ghillies” that are much the same for men or women.
Gillian · 46-50, T
@wistful @Highonheels I think genderf*ck has a slightly different meaning. I'm not the expert on all the terms and labels that we all hate so much, but one thing I do stand by is my definition and my association with being gender-fluid.

In that explanation above, they gave an example of a guy wearing a dress and a beard at the same time. To me, this is more of a f*ck everyone...this is what I'm comfortable with, this is how I'm going to dress. I am both male and female and they are both parts of me.

For me (and I've put out many many posts and stories of this) it's about feeling part of both genders and being able to switch between both at any stage without effort. As a male, I do look and act very feminine. That's just who I am and my personality. But I still identify myself as a guy in real life. I don't really make any connection or preach my femininity to anyone (of course, being closeted is testament to that). When I do feel female, there is not any acknowledgement or reference to me being male at all. Except for one unfortunate part of me, I don't think you'd be able to tell I'm a guy.

My two personalities are not any different to be honest. I still speak and act the same. Except for the whole "why is it okay for girls to wear guys clothes and not okay for guys to wear girls clothes" argument. But that's a whole other discussion.

As a female, I just look a lot more naturally feminine and am able to wear more socially acceptable clothing. As a guy, I just don't look much like a guy lol, because I still wear ladies jeans and jackets and whatever isn't too obvious.

There are too many terms and labels and every one is going to start a conversation, discussion or an argument. To me, I don't really care about labels. I know what I am and people here know who I am. I only take offense and time to stand up for us when the ignorant and discriminatory trolls stick their noses and big mouths where they shouldn't be.

Damn...this has turned into one of my famous rants again. Lol. Yay! It's been a while.
Highonheels · 51-55, M
@Gillian it ok hun and I agree with what your saying you have your owns terms and society has thier a you feel gender fluid which is fine with me it makes perfect sense, for me I feel like I’m femanine expressive, we all have our own views on what it is that we do , no matter what society calls it or how they view it.
Highonheels · 51-55, M
I feel like the problem is that if men are gonna be labeled as crossdressers for wearing women’s clothes then women should also be labeled as such for wearing men’s clothes and these days they really aren’t they may be refered to as tomboys.
Bendover69 · 70-79, M
I like to dress up in women's clothing. I like to pretend that I am a woman and that I have a vagina. I have good quality stick on breasts. On occasions I like to go out dressed as a woman. I have recently bought snug fitting dresses and love wearing mini skirts. It makes me feel sexy. I get sexually aroused at times and masturbate wearing them on occasions. Generally it just makes me feel really good wearing feminine clothing. I have taken photos of myself wearing various clothing but not advertised that fact. I think that I would like to have been a woman, but wouldn't have gender reassignment surgery, as I enjoy being a man as well.
Bendover69 · 70-79, M
For me, I would love to go out normally dressed as a woman on occasions. Not really into make up though. Don't like it on women either. I have gone out dressed up as a woman before and enjoyed it. Felt as though I was going too far, as my male side was telling me, if I did it more than the once every so often. Love the feeling it gives being watched and noticed, love wearing short skirts and artificial breasts.
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Tubbs · F
https://goo.gl/search/Definition+of+cross-dress
cross-dress, verb, ˌkrôsˈdres, wear clothing typical of opposite sex
I pictured ppl walking around with crucifixes on their backs..

 
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