The dictionary defines a transvestite as a man who gains sexual pleasure from dressing in women’s clothes. Though it might seem unusual behaviour, it is far more prevalent than people think. In fact, research has shown that up to 50% of men have, at some stage in their lives, dressed partly or fully in female clothing. It’s all part of the sexual road map, a journey of exploration and self- discovery that all adults go through.
I recall in my pubescent years having a fascination with my sister’s wardrobe. For a time in my early teens, I would sneak into her room and rummage through her clothing. I never tried anything on, but I was enthralled by the shape and texture of her various garments. Getting in touch with my feminine side I might have been, but what finally closed the door on my sister’s smalls for me, was her wardrobe falling on top of me one day and pinning me underneath. I got such a shock, I never darkened her door again!
Transvestism is far from a recent phenomenon. Ever since man learned to dress himself, he’s been indulging in a little cross-dressing and role reversal. The ancient Romans were past masters of sexual adventure and ambiguity, while in recent times popular comedians and sportsmen have promoted the joys of female apparel.
Indeed, both Eddie Izzard and Dennis Rodman, the American basketball player, have become icons for transvestites. Through their openness and honesty, they have help to popularise and take the stigma out of transvestism. They have also destroyed a few myths in the process, the overwhelming one being that all transvestites are homosexuals (both Izzard and Rodman are hot-blooded heterosexuals.)
The recent admission that a certain D. Beckham likes to wear his wife’s thong is another great boost for transvestites. When the most popular man in Britain endorsed (albeit unwittingly) a supposed ‘weirdo’ practice, trannies everywhere knew they were in good company. And how many more men are there like Beckham? Quite a few you’d imagine.
The point is that transvestism is not the pursuit of a bunch of perverts. A lot of guys might be secretly ashamed or embarrassed by their habit, but the fact remains, there is nothing intrinsically wrong with it. You are not harming yourself or others and if you derive a sexual thrill from wearing women’s clothes, all you are doing is expressing your own individual sexuality. It certainly doesn’t make you any less of a ‘man’.
Just look at J.Edgar Hoover, former head of the FBI and many people’s idea of the quintessential American male; he was a secret transvestite for many years.
In any relationship you find yourself in, it’s important to be honest and open with each other. If you are in a loving relationship and you are a transvestite, don’t keep it a secret. If she loves and respects you and you are forthright with her, there’s no reason why she can’t come to understand and accept you.