Does Crossdressing Make You Uncomfortable?

Share your views on the policies, philosophies, and spirit of Burning Man.
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AntiM
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Post by AntiM » Sun Jul 15, 2007 3:44 pm

MyLarry, on the far right. Sadly the velvet corset dress was stolen, it fit him so well!

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dr.placebo
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Post by dr.placebo » Sun Jul 15, 2007 3:58 pm

Does it make me uncomfortable?

Only when the fit is too tight.

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Trixy
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Post by Trixy » Sun Jul 15, 2007 4:43 pm

Hey, thanks for the pics, it's so uplifting to see a man in a dress. And you all look so good in them :)

But it makes me yearn for the playa all the more.

Only a few more weeks and I'll be HOME!
Chillax, dude.

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theCryptofishist
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Post by theCryptofishist » Sun Jul 15, 2007 7:05 pm

Trixy wrote: Yes, clothing has really only been sexist in the last century or so. Men used to wear wigs, lots of ruffles, and soft pink colors.
There was still a difference between "male" and "female" clothes, cross-dressing was scandelous, and it's creeping up to two centuries. Also, there's class issues as well. Lower class men may not wear ruffles, but they do wear more than the neutral business suit.
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Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri

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Plastic G'zus
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Post by Plastic G'zus » Sun Jul 15, 2007 9:26 pm

[quote] nothing is "worn" under a kilt[/quote]

'tis true. nothing is worn under my kilt. everythings in working order.
Make love to anything. Make war on everything.

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theCryptofishist
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Post by theCryptofishist » Mon Jul 16, 2007 7:11 pm

nothing is "worn" under a kilt
And those poor highlanders, climbing through the heather without boots...
The Lady with a Lamprey

"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri

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unjonharley
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Post by unjonharley » Mon Jul 16, 2007 7:58 pm

theCryptofishist wrote:
nothing is "worn" under a kilt
And those poor highlanders, climbing through the heather without boots...
\/
I climb on Heather but I took my boots off first..

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Post by Ugly Dougly » Tue Jul 17, 2007 10:05 am

Are kilts really cross-dressing or are they some sort of cheat?

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AntiM
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Post by AntiM » Tue Jul 17, 2007 10:22 am

Ugly Dougly wrote:Are kilts really cross-dressing or are they some sort of cheat?
They're historical. How geeky is that?

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Post by Trixy » Sat Jul 21, 2007 3:10 pm

Kilts are made for men, not women, thus they do not qualify as crossdressing. They are historical, but not geeky. They are cool, they are like a skirt, but alas, they are not a skirt.

But isn't it fun to wear a kilt?

Isn't the freedom to move nice?

The ladies are the lucky ones, they can wear a skirt anytime.
Chillax, dude.

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Post by MikeVDS » Sat Jul 21, 2007 3:24 pm

Thanks for starting this thread Trixy. I've just been following along seeing where it would go. I love reading peoples opinions on the subject because it gives a little window into how they view things. I thought it was interesting how you talked about cross dressers you've met who claim to be straight. I also find it peculiar that BM is a place you feel safe to do this but not in most other aspects of your life?

I've worn clothing that society would consider "dressing like a woman" but I've always thought of it as dressing like me and maybe pushing a few buttons that probably need to be pushed. I've done the same with all sorts of outfits regardless of what gender society might label that outfit with. I use clothing as a tool to give others an impression. Having viewed things this way it's hard for me to imagine not being comfortable in every day life wearing something people might consider "different". Just makes it all more interesting reading others opinions.

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Post by Trixy » Sat Jul 21, 2007 3:43 pm

Mike,

Thanks for the interest. I am glad that people are taking an interest as well.

BM is a place for me that I can do as I wish, with no potential for critisism or harm to my person. I agree that there are buttons that need to be pushed, and since there are LOTS of otherwise "straight" people in BRC, it's my chance to open their eye's a little.

I hope to be a stronger person someday, and dress as I like outside of the comfort of my house or my home(BRC). I hope the fine people of BRC will continue to help me grow as a person, as they have done an amazing job so far.

Without Burning Man, I'd be a less happy person, not an unhappy person, just not as happy as I am now.

Thanks to one and all!
Chillax, dude.

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Post by hunter S » Sat Jul 21, 2007 4:03 pm

OK! I'm going out on a limb here (small town I live in) tonight! After reading this thred (Thanks Trixy!) I have decided to go ahead with a thought I've been toying with for a few days. This local bar is re-opening tonight & having a beer belly & Daisy duke contest! (Should give you some idea of how red neck & small this town is)

I have the legs for it, I have most of the out fit in my playa gear. So I think I'll go for the Daisy Duke! Buy the way I have yet to meet another burner in the three years I have been here. I just can't resist the chance to Drag out this close to the burn! I am very much in the local media eye & work for one of the most conservative company's in the U.S.

Ok got wig to wash & legs to shave! I'll let you know how it all turns out. (providing I'm not jailed, raped, escorted to the next county!)
Objects behind you may appeare larger than reality!

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Post by Trixy » Sat Jul 21, 2007 4:18 pm

Way to go Hunter S.

Show those good ol' boys how good you look in those daisy dukes!

Help them open their eye's and minds!

Then bring those dukes to the playa and show off those legs again!

Maybe we should all go out in drag tonight?
Chillax, dude.

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Post by Sensei » Sat Jul 21, 2007 4:22 pm

Ron wrote:I've found that women who appreciate a man in a dress tend to be my kind of ladies. :)
Yep, that's what I learned too. The Black Rock City Marching Band (RIP!) was invited to play at the "Little Black Dress Party" at the Glom bar a few years back. I thought 'what the heck' and bought a little black dress (LBD) at a thrift shop here in Seattle. That party rocked, btw.

Image

It was buying the dress that was probably the funniest part of the whole deal. These old ladies in the thrift shop were trying to be casual but couldn't stop staring at me as I held various LBD's up to see if they'd fit. Finally, as the old ladies were starting to walk away, the assistant walked over to me and asked if I needed any help. I asked her in a loud voice, "Do you think this one makes my ass look big?", and both old ladies' heads snapped around at lightning speed to gape at me once more. Absolutely priceless.

The surprising thing to me about wearing a dress was how many women came up to me telling me how much they liked it. I didn't quite understand it - hell, I still don't understand it - but there's no denying that quite a lot of women find it very attractive. So... the next year I borrowed Gigglesnort's old cheerleader costume.
Image
A couple of my neighbors at BM are these two huge manly-man type gay guys from L.A. They dressed up in drag once and off they went to Bianca's for a big night out (of camp, which they tend not to do). Anyhoo, the next morning I asked them about the night before, and they said it was dull and that nobody would talk to them. They found out a little later that all the other gay men thought they were undercover cops because their drag-wear was so loud and corny. HA! I've never let 'em forget it, and it drives them crazy that a straight boy from the sticks in Seattle can do drag better then they can. HA!

Everytime I wear a dress or skirt, every single time, I'm amazed at the positive reaction I get from women.

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Tiahaar
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Post by Tiahaar » Sat Jul 21, 2007 10:56 pm

Sensei wrote:Everytime I wear a dress or skirt, every single time, I'm amazed at the positive reaction I get from women.

Its the legs! Ya gots great gams there Sensai, and you know how to use them : )

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Post by Me2 » Sun Jul 22, 2007 2:35 am

Trixy I have never met you but I think you're very brave and rather fabulous to boot.

Go for it!


I, on the other hand, am a woman who has not worn a dress or skirt of any description in several years. I don't own any or want any. I find I feel very vunerable in them, not feminine. I'd much prefer a pair of jeans and a t-shirt.
(clearly i have issues, but let's not go there shall we)

Sensei: Definately the legs honey! :wink:
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The soul recovers radical innocence

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Post by unjonharley » Sun Jul 22, 2007 7:28 am

Tiahaar wrote:
Sensei wrote:Everytime I wear a dress or skirt, every single time, I'm amazed at the positive reaction I get from women.

Its the legs! Ya gots great gams there Sensai, and you know how to use them : )

\/
Tiahaar has no special knowlage of cross dressing.. All he wears is that great tan..But we wont speak of that eather.. I understand it's sprayed on..

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theCryptofishist
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Post by theCryptofishist » Sun Jul 22, 2007 9:27 am

Me2
I'm with you in a lot of ways. This soft butch was told that to go to the toilet without legs, she should wear skirts. And go commando.

And that thought makes me uncomfortable.

Although I do wear sarongs on playa.
The Lady with a Lamprey

"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri

Trixy
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Post by Trixy » Sun Jul 22, 2007 9:49 am

Ok,,,,,,,M2, Crypto, and other females who don't wear skirts/dresses.

I understand how you feel, really I do. But by wearing only shorts and pants, aren't you also crossdressing? Maybe not in the literal sense of the word, since I assume the pants you wear were made and cut for women. But usually men wear pants. And this would be especially true 100 years ago. Now I'm glad that times have changed, and women have the freedom to wear jeans, big oversized flannel shirts, and tool belts if you choose. And I hope you wear them proudly, as you've fought very hard to achieve the acceptance to wear what you want.

Now Men, it's time to follow suit, and let the world know it's ok for men to wear whatever they want. We should not be looked down upon, or harrassed for wearing a skirt. Shouldn't it be ok for me to carry my purse into a store? And what if I look better in a pair of 3 inch heels than a boring pair of loafers?

When will this world/society get over the gender/clothing issue?

I know it will take a while, but it's nice to know we are working on it.

Equality for all!!!!!!
Chillax, dude.

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Post by Sensei » Sun Jul 22, 2007 10:32 am

theCryptofishist wrote:... Although I do wear sarongs on playa.
Really? I seem to remember that the last time I threw my arms around you, you were wearing nothing but a t-shirt and a thong! ... and a smile, of course.

Which reminds me - Thank you, Crypto!

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Post by MozyBonz » Sun Jul 22, 2007 11:38 am

Fishy gave me my first pair of fishnet stocking.
I seem to remember that the last time I threw my arms around you, you were wearing nothing but a t-shirt and a thong! ... and a smile, of course.



Yea..That’s the way I remember it too. A big smile

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theCryptofishist
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Post by theCryptofishist » Sun Jul 22, 2007 3:23 pm

the teeshirt I can believe--but I odn't even own a thong!
The Lady with a Lamprey

"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri

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Me2
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Post by Me2 » Sun Jul 22, 2007 6:35 pm

Now Men, it's time to follow suit, and let the world know it's ok for men to wear whatever they want. We should not be looked down upon, or harrassed for wearing a skirt. When will this world/society get over the gender/clothing issue?

I know it will take a while, but it's nice to know we are working on it.

Equality for all!!!!!!
I think it's definately a western cultural hurdle. In India and Pakistan it's perfectly acceptable for men (straight men) to walk down the street holding hands. In Fiji the sulu is part of the uniform for many schools, and men are often seen wearing them in everyday life, including ones cut to be worn with business jackets. Western society is slowly changing as we become more and more of a global village, but these things take time.

Women had to fight and persevere for a long time to gain freedom to wear a broader variety of clothing, but even now we still 'class' and classifiy ppl according to how they present themselves.....sadly I don't think that will ever change.
:(
Consider that, all hatred driven hence,
The soul recovers radical innocence

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unjonharley
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Post by unjonharley » Sun Jul 22, 2007 7:39 pm

This thread is getting stale.. We need some imput from DR Pyro.. Oh, wait were not talking about street walking are we..

MozyBonz
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Post by MozyBonz » Sun Jul 22, 2007 11:42 pm

theCryptofishist wrote:the teeshirt I can believe--but I odn't even own a thong!

Sorry... maybe they where sandals.

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