Who's really passing?

[Maria]

Hi Marlena!

Have you noticed the subject of feminine voice isn't emphasized in Lacey Leigh's books? It seems that art of femininity is expressed mainly with nonverbal communication and feminine behavior.

I have gone out in many public places and no one has made any comments about my male voice. As a part time dresser, I use my non-verbal skills, such as feminine movement and gestures when speaking to compensate for my deep voice. When I speak, I use a softer tone. I may not have the ideal feminine voice, but my feminine behavior toward others speak louder than words.

Maria

[MelaniePeg]

On our last two Dignity cruises, we found out quickly that few of us pass. There was a rumor on the last cruise that there were over 200 crossdressers on board the ship. In reality there were only 9 and 8 wives/partners. There were many masculine looking women on board who other passengers thought were part of our group. I will say that the acceptance and support of the other 2000+ passengers was the best on the last cruise out of 26 Dignity cruises to date. On a shore excursion when I was dressed as Mel, a couple asked me if I had seen the CD's on the ship. I said I have and asked what they thought about the CD's. This very red neck couple from Georgia said they thought the CD's looked better than most of the "real" women on board. They were correct. They dropped their jaws when I told them that I remained dressed as a woman except for 3 shore excursions. They did not recognize me when we met later at dinner.

Our next cruise is April 2-9, 06 on the Conquest out of Galveston.

Hugs,

Melanie

[S. Lisa Smith]

I'm sure I'll be in the minority here, but for me, crossdressing is all about passing. If I'm recognized as a man, I have failed - plain and simple.

It seems that the tide of opinion has turned against those of us who simply enjoy being seen as women. I was a member of Lacey's e-mail list for a while, but left because of the relentless, condescending "if you try to pass, you're not enlightened" attitude and the idea that we're doing something wrong by "fooling" people into believing we're really women.

Linda

I agree with you. I want to pass and just be one of the girls. I try really hard but get clocked on occasion, then I try harder. I can't explain why I crossdress, one GG friend said I admire women so much I want to be like one. I think that may be true. I'm not a TS, I actually like the male me, but I also like the "female" me. I guess I'm kind of like a Civil War reenactor. Sure be easier (and easier to explain and understand) if I were.

[CJ]

Hi all,

Interesting thread, Marlena. Thanks for starting it.

By what Lacey is suggesting, I would have to say that most people "passed" my RLE last week. It's an encouraging sign, I have to admit, that society isn't as intolerant as we sometimes believe it to be.

Love,
CJ

[Jeannie]

Marlena you said it best. " I'm a man in a dress....Deal with it!"Big hugs


Love
Jeannie

[MelaniePeg]

I enjoy going out in public and from all indications usually "pass" as a woman. I am fortunate in that I am not tall, have small hands/feet but could lose a few pounds. I try to dress appropriately for the time and place. Sometimes I think we can be too paranoid. Example: on our last Dignity cruise Peggy and I were in the ship's photo gallery looking at pictures. I noticed a black teenage girl staring at Peggy and I very intensively as if she was trying to figure out if I was a man dressed as a woman. I mentioned this to Peggy. She immediately walked over close to the girl who was standing with her parents. The girl asked Peggy if we were sisters. Peggy said yes we were. We play the sister act frequently but if we get friendly with people will end up educating them about the fact that we are husband and wife and I am a crossdresser. Lacey enjoys being the "man in a dress" which is alright for her but not me and many other CD's who enjoy being seen as just another woman and not a "man in a dress".

Melanie

[Pauli]

I'm a man in a dress and I feel totally cool with it. I think this topic it's just a matter of accepting yourself as you are. pass or fail, black or white. wheter you crossdress or not.
by the way, I remember being mistaken for a girl when I was about 12 or 11 several times on the phone, and a couple of times in person too!!
how do u girls think this affected me? did someone have a similar experience?....

bye!______________________

PS: something even more important for me: do I pass as an english speaker???? lolololol
some sense of humour... for the love of God!

[Stephanie H]

When ever I go out shopping, my intent is to be accepted and treated with respect. My dress code is one of a mature women in a skirt, 2 1/12 inch heels and makup done in an appropriate fashion. The girls in the stores where I shop, know who I am and accept me and always provide complements and assistance in my purchases. I try not to look like a man in a skirt but know that at times, due to my walk, I project that image.
We are who we are and make the choices to dress as we do. As long as I have my own comfort satisfied, I am happy.