No wonder people get confused by all the different descriptions between the various T/girl definitions given so much misinformation out there. The press and TV (television lol)often make things worse and create confusion between the various factions who come under the accepted umbrella called TGirl.
So just what are the difference between a CD (cross dresser) and a TV (Transvestite) or TS (Transsexual) and a Shemale? I am perhaps in a good position to answer such having been a TV for as long as I can remember well since at least the age of 6. I have helped many to discover themselves, I even helped partners to understand their husband or boyfriend that have just found out they wear women’s clothes.
I am also a senior member of an internet group who help in many ways will all things TG.
The whole issue of T/Girl is further confusing as there are so many overlaps and there is no single definition for each. Even doctors argue amongst themselves as to what identifies each.
There are many grey areas and overlaps and even those who call themselves a CD or TV etc are often just as confused. Many don’t like the idea of having a label given to them and just prefer to say they are what they are, fair enough.
I will try as best I can to broadly outline the differences between each but do bear in mind the above. However for those interested I hope the following will help you understand at least some of the differences that identify each or are even unique to each group.
For me, Tgirl is a generic term that applies to any number of activities related to dressing.
Crossdresser (CD) - Dresses in one article to full outfits of women's clothing without shaving or using make-up or styling hair or adopting mannerisms that are considered feminine. Dressing is more a sexual fetish than anything else.
Transvestite (TV) - Dresses in full outfits, shaves, uses make-up, styles hair, may adopt feminine mannerisms, but does not take hormones or have any surgeries to look more feminine. Does not dress full time as a woman. Dressing can be a sexual turn on or not, depending on the person. Sexual preference (again depending on the person) can run a wide variety from only being attracted to women (while dressed or not), being attracted to women and Tgirls (while dressed or not), being attracted to women and Tgirls (when not dressed) and men (only when dressed).
Transsexual (TS) – Often dresses full time. Often lives full time as a woman. Can either take hormones or not and have surgeries or not. Dressing is not a sexual turn on. Can be attracted to men and genetic females or even other transsexuals. In my mind, all transexuals start the path to SRS, but some stop short because they value their original equipment too much.
Shemale is a term invented by the porn industry to describe transsexuals who earn their living from the fact they are transexuals. Most will be on hormones and will have had not only breast implants but face feminisation surgery as well as other parts of their bodies. They retain their penis which is often fully functional therefore they are able to have penetrative sex with either females or males.
Ladyboy is a term invented by the sex trade in Thailand to describe transsexuals working in the sex trade.
Well if you are still with me well done. I am sure theer are many T/girls who will have a difference of opinion to me but that's life and we are not all the same or think the same. I do hope however the above has been of help to you. Thank you.
Katie, I think you've hit the nail on the head squarely with your definitions....except one. For many guys cd may be a sexual fetish and without doubt
it can spice up a couple's sex life if the lady is comfortable with it or better still can really enjoy her partner being fem for a while. An area that I think you have missed slightly is the escapism element. I enjoy cd for sex but also for the non-sexual pleasure of doing something a little different.
The feel of stockings or silk is just very nice and relaxing. It's a fine line between the two but its nice to enjoy both sides. How many other readers enjoyjust this side I wonder? Don't be bashful.
Smooth1
Hi Smooth and that you for your contribution, most welcome.
Of course I am aware of the fetish area of CD (and TV come to that.) However what I was trying to do with my post is to seperate the different factions within the T/girl issue rather than to highlight the fetish side of it. You do make some valid points though.
Regarding the escape element of CD well. IMO this is also particulary true of of many transvestites. I often dress when under stress. By transforming I can leave my stress and problems behind by becoming Katie. By becoming Katie I leave my male side with his problems behind and can relax for some hours and de-stress. No drugs required and no harm done to anybody least of all myself.
Like I said there are many grey and overlap areas regarding the TG world. It was never my intention to try and cover the subject in any real depth,that would take a book. There are also many CDs and TVs that would take issue with my descriptions as they cannot apply to all. However I do hope they will see something of themselves within these descriptions.
I would like to hear from CDs, TS and other TVs on the subject and it's OK to disagree of course with what I have written. Also couples who may wish to add thier take and experiences with by dressing themslves or by meeting CDs/TVs/TSs for sexual play.
A fairly good description but........
Just to confuse the issue, you did not mention the Transexual TS who perhaps makes a choice of transformation to the opposite sex usually M to F but can be F to M too, versus the Transgender TG who has always felt that they were currently in the wrong gender and were in the wrong body so therefore seek a sex change to correct a medical anomaly.
Not an expert here but as you said some don't like labels. I do believe that these people (TV/TG's) are discriminated against more than any other section of society. We seem to accept gays better than these in-betweenies if I may use that term without causing offence.
Hi again,
Yes of course there are overlaps. It would be impossible to pidgeon-hole everyone but that seems to happen with many of Joe-public. Quite a few years ago a spokes-man? on such matters for one of the main political parties was on the radio and stated that EVERYONE who cross-dressed was gay. From his background he REALLY should have known better. Just goes to show that the more 'establishment' are largely ignorant and do p-h everyone. What I wonder do many of THEM get up to behind closed doors? Many of us cd'ers might be gay but there are a hell of a lot of straight guys who enjoy it hopefully with the enthusiasm of their partners. And as you say there is no harm done. You could be doing a lot worse, drinking, drugs etc. Another very big plus point for us is that I enjoy shopping for clothes for Madame. She's not so keen and I almost have to drag HER into some shops. But she knows when she asks "how do I look in this?" that the answer will be genuine instead of a disinterested "very nice dear". Off my soapbox now!
Lovely photos on your profile. Have done the full trans a couple of times with help from Madame Smooth but she reckons I'd need a lorry load of Ready Mixed to improve my weatherbeaten face before any make-up.
Smooth1
Hi Katie,
I would like to say I think this thread is a very good topic and well written to try and explain what is a very complicated subject due the different elements as you put and so many variations.
I am not ignorant in the matter of knowing some of the information you have written but having no personal experience of any of the above, does leave a lot open for personal interpretation.
How you have explained things and peoples comments after has been more of an insight for me, and I would like to say thanks for writing such a great topic for others like me that have no experience in this subject.
Well done :thumbup:
Minx
Sorry if I had conveyed the impression that you had missed out on a fuller explanation Katie, I thought your article was an excellent definition. I couldn't have put it better myself.
As you stated it is a very diverse subject that includes many different sexual and dressing preferences. Whether CD/TV/TS it doesn't designate thier sexual preferences whether str8/gay/bi.
I was just adding another dimension between the titles TS and TG, not from a position of knowledge but as a novice on the subject, I understand there is a difference.
Thanks for all the replies so far, very interesting and a good debate me thinks. I'm on a friends laptop and not very good at it i'm afraid so will post mote tomorrow on my own PC. I am glad so many have found the subject of value and I hope people will continue to contribute. Thank you.
What I find interesting is that there have been 249 views of this thread ( at the time of writing)and yet only a handful of people have replied. Maybe they are embrassed or they just wanted to learn a bit more about what many consider a subject.
I know there are a huge number of secret dressers (often refered to as closet CDs) out there and many want to remain so. However I have had many PMs from straight (so called on their profile)guys and couples interested in meeting me.
I am not suggesting there is anything fundamentaly wrong in that but it dose suggest they don't want it to be known they are interested in meeting CDs?TVs/TSs. I guess that's understandable while the subject is still considered being shall we say on the "dark side"
Oh well roll on another 10 or twenty years of enlightenment.
An I'm just checking for spelling mistakes :silly: :silly: :silly:
Interesting thread :smile:
When I worked in a certain area (local people were a bit more open minded lets say)I used to see a lot of CD's - after a while I realised I only saw them early evening as it became dark. I got to know a few an have a natter, they told me they did it this way as they felt more safe and comfortable being able walk around practically unnoticed by others. Unfortunately they were too scared to go into the town centre, which I can understand - cos I'm a tad wary myself.
I get confused what you call a closet CD? Is it a CD who only dresses at home? Or without a partners knowledge?
Ax
Katie the numbers indicated does not mean the amount of people, as if the same person came in here to read updates 4 times a day, it would register another number each time, a bit confusing really, might be better to have a counter each time a new member came in to read. It would then give you a better indication the amount of people that entered.
I've enjoyed reading this thread although i'm not certain that all these terms make things any easier :sad: I just hope that those I meet and have met in these lifestyle's don't mind if I make a faux pas I assure them its not intentional if I do.
Hi Sal what a great post sorry I haven't replied earlier. Your experiences and post just goes to show what a little understanding and participation can bring to a relationship. If you can share and enjoy together then thats all that matters. Thank you for post and long may you both enjoy his/her whatever label you car to put on it. You do sound a very caring lady and loving couple well done. Hugs x