Functional Transvestite

[Jackie Blue]

My name is Jackie and I am a "Functional Transvestite"! LOL

 

I am both joking and not joking when I write this. Unfortunately, the registration did not allow me to choose "Transvestite" as a gender identity. As much as I despise the practice of labeling, if I had to choose one it would be Transvestite. My reason for this is based in the time when I first discovered this deeply hidden desire to expose my feminine side. Every definition of "Crossdresser" I could find was based on wearing articles of clothing belonging to the opposite gender. It also affiliated this desire with a sexual purpose or response. The definition of "Transvestite" was described as someone who fully presents themselves as the opposite sex and sexual stimulation was not part of the definition. That describes me to a T so that is how I identify.

 

I use the term "Functional" as that is how I have managed to incorporate my feminine alter ego into my life without turning it upside down. I am married 40+ years and my wife is well aware of my feminine side. I would not use the term accepting but rather tolerant when I describe her attitude towards it. She does go out with me regularly and she allows me to freely shop for clothing, shoes, jewelry and make-up. She very often even buys gifts for Jackie. I am not looking for dates or sexual encounters but feel like I can give real life advice to others who are not as fortunate as I am or who are nervous about their first time out.

 

I do not dress to blend in, I go out with probably much more confidence than I should and I pretty much go where I want, when I want. In most cases, my wife is much more uncomfortable when we are out than I am, which is understandable.  

[VickySGV]

When I fist joined here eight years ago, the Transvestite option was available and some archived posts in a few of the forums openly used the term.  Our vocabulary filter has not auto-corrected you either so it is good.  My first adventures out in public were over 20 years ago. the first 11+ with no intent other than  occasional days in dresses and I accepted the term then too.  The current terms "Bi-gender" or just "Transgender" or even "Gender Fluid" also cover the set of feelings you have described.  It is just going with the way the river of time runs I guess.  You may have noted that one of the options on the form was "Admirer" whom we do not allow to join for the safety of our members.  The site's original and continuing mission is to prevent self harm and potential suicide from people who are on the edge in their fear of who they are and need to live life.  Your true feelings though are much more important that how you label yourself to us. 

[Jackie Blue]

I get the concept of kinder and more gentle terms, I just don't subscribe to the practice of redefining words. Redefining words is like rewriting history in an effort to erase the negatives. The negatives are there to remind us of where we were and to ensure we don't repeat our mistakes. In seems like in an all inclusive society you would remove individual labels, not increase them while making them sound more palatable.

[Timber Wolf]

Hi Jackie,

Welcome  to Transpulse. I'm glad to meet you!

 

Lots of love and a big welcome  hug,

Timber Wolf??

[Cyndee]

Welcome Jackie

 

Cyndee -

[Susan R]

10 hours ago, Jackie Blue said:

seems like in an all inclusive society you would remove individual labels, not increase them while making them sound more palatable

Hi Jackie,  Nice to meet you and welcome.  I agree to an extent that labels can be restrictive, sometimes misleading and stereotypical.  No single word or group of words perfectly describes the characteristics of a person.  They are only an approximation.  The labels provided on your profile, perhaps, could be expanded a bit to include older and once "well accepted" ones but removing them completely could confuse the reader.  Imho, they help the reader understand better the posters' perspective and reasoning on an issue or topic being discussed.

 

My 2¢,

Susan R?