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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 · 51-55, M
@BizSuitStacy well as you may know I do "crossdress" and I do care about how society in general sees us because I think we need to stand up and be accepted by society as did the LGBT community as they are now generally accepted by most of society well I think its time for "crossdressers" to be heard and seen and to fight our fight for general acceptance into society.

As you had mentioned , " The term crossdresser typically triggers the thought of a male dressed in female clothing " , that is an unfortunate and a typical and very stereotypical assumption women can also crossdress too but unfortunately these days women are not labeled as such and I believe this is the goal of most men who enjoy dressing in women's clothes is to not be labeled as a crossdresser , 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.
@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.