I’ve observed that many crossdressers and transgender women recognize their gender identity at a young age. For some, it’s an early realization, while for others, it unfolds later in life.
I’m curious about your experience…
When did you first realize you were female or had a feminine side? Was this something you felt as a child, or did it develop over time?
I’d love to hear your story! Feel free share your thoughts in the comments below!
Love,
Lucille
Around age 4. But full expression occurred on very rare occasions until I was in my mid-50’s. In between that time, I was a husband and father, raised a family and had a career. Lot’s of physical injuries during that time. What triggered full expression? Didn’t really start until some 10 years after my divorce, so it wasn’t that, though that did lead to a lot of introspection about who I was. A bout with cancer is what finally allowed me to say, “To heck with everyone else. I’m going to do what I want and be who I am without hurting anyone, including myself. More than 5 years down the road, I am fighting the good fight!
Very early on it was evident to me that I was not like the other boys. I was always timid and being aggressive was just not me. Images in catalogs of women’s clothing, shoes and boots would transfix me. My sisters would dress me up in their clothes and put makeup and perfume on me. I secretly loved it, but didn’t know why. Despite looking very masculine, I would always get bullied and was terrified to respond. In grade school I would try on my mothers and sisters things. As an adult I tried to be overly masculine, but it was just an act. Finally, after college I started to cross dress and was amazed at how natural it felt.
I knew I was different but didnt have a name for it. Didn’t figure it out till about 5 years ago and started my transition. I look forward to the day I can live full time.
Melissa
I have known since I was 4 years old. It has been a part of my life secretly for too many years. I’m now accepting myself for who I am and displaying my truth.
At the age of 12 i stole my moms lingerie and wore those underneath my close because it felt comfortable
When I was 6 and realized I would rather window shop in the JCP and Sears catalogs than Toys R Us while getting upset that those clothing options weren’t something I would be allowed. That was my first inkling something was askew.
Looking back it was about 1965. That’s when I first had the soon-to-be recurring dream of some sort of gas entering my kindergarten classroom that made all of us love each other. We became quiet and all gender roles were meaningless – we were all just happy and peaceful.
I now recognize that as my first feminine yearnings expressing themselves subconsciously. Not for me was the rough, scary world of the boys. I was one, though, or so I thought.
Another year and I would be snooping through Mom’s silky stuff – not only to snoop – but to be… happy, peaceful.. feminine.
I’ve been living as a woman since 1995 or so – 20 years now – but it started when the #1 record was “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction,” by the Rolling Stones in 1964.
Rue
I knew at a young age that I was different. My body was not shaped like a boys body, wider hips, and noticable small breast developing as I got older. I also liked to wear femme clothes as they made me feel better about myself, and still is true today. For my parents I tried my best to act like a boy, but it was not natural for me. My Mom noticed this and was acceptive of the fact that her son was feminine in nature. I should also say that as a youngster my voice was softer and more female sounding. Yes I knew at a young age I was a girl in a boys body. Loved it then and love it more today as an older gurlie. veronnica
As far back as I can begin to remember I knew in my mind, heart & soul
that I was a girl- even though for some unexplainable reason I had this guy body.