Do you ever feel misunderstood?

Sadly, there’s a lot of ignorance out there. That’s why I decided to put together a post debunking some of the most common myths about crossdressers and transgender women.

Let’s start with one of the BIGGEST myths of all:

Transgender women, crossdressers, and drag queens are all the same.

Uh, NO.

I created this site to be a welcoming place for transgender women, crossdressers, and those on all sides of the gender spectrum. But as you know, these are distinct groups and the terms aren’t interchangeable.

Here’s how the GLAAD Media Reference Guide defines some common transgender terms:

• Transgender women – People who were assigned male at birth but who identify as women. Many transgender women are prescribed hormones or undergo surgery, but transgender identity is not dependent upon medical procedures.

• Crossdressers – Men, typically heterosexual men, who occasionally wear clothes, makeup, and accessories associated with women. This activity is a form of gender expression and is not done for entertainment purposes. Crossdressers do not wish to permanently change their sex or live full-time as women.

• Drag queens – Men, typically gay men, who dress like women for the purpose of entertainment.

• Gender non-conforming – A term used to describe some people whose gender expression is different from conventional expectations of masculinity and femininity. The term is not a synonym for transgender or transsexual and should only be used if someone self-identifies as gender non-conforming

• Non-binary and/or genderqueer – Terms used by some people who experience their gender identity and/or gender expression as falling outside the categories of man and woman. The term is not a synonym for transgender or transsexual and should only be used if someone self-identifies as non-binary and/or genderqueer.

Now that the record has been set straight, let’s look at some of the most common myths about crossdressers and transgender women.

7 Myths About Transgender Women

1. Being transgender is a choice.
2. Transgender people are gay.
3. Transgender women aren’t “real” women.
4. Your sex is defined by your chromosomes and/or hormones.
5. You have to have surgery to be a “real” transgender person.
6. You aren’t transgender until you start HRT.
7. Kids and teens are too young to know if they’re really transgender.

7 Myths About Crossdressers

• Crossdressers are gay.
• Crossdressers are perverts.
• Crossdressing is a psychological problem.
• Crossdressing can be cured.
• Crossdressers want to change their sex.
• Crossdressing is a destructive addiction.
• Crossdressers can’t be good husbands or fathers.

Have you heard any of these myths before? They’re frustrating and hurtful, aren’t they?

It’s time for the world to wake up and realize this truth:

Your gender is who you are on the inside. There are infinite gender expressions and all are valid!

GLAAD has some excellent resources to spread awareness of transgender issues. I highly recommend checking them out.

Recommended Resources from GLAAD

• Transgender FAQ
• Tips for Allies
• GLAAD’s Work on Transgender Issues
• Report Defamation
• Transgender Resources

Now let’s hear from you…

What’s the truth that YOU’D like to set straight? Let’s continue the conversation in the comments below!

Love,
Lucille

The post Top 7 Myths About Crossdressers and Transgender Women appeared first on .

Summer is in full swing here in the Northern Hemisphere, so you know what that means…

Time to rock a bikini or swimsuit!

Even if you aren’t ready to hit the beach en femme, I think every crossdresser and transgender women should own a bathing suit. Wear one for sunbathing, lounging by the pool, or posing in a beach babe photoshoot.

But how can you look your best when so little is left to the imagination?

Read on for my top 5 tips for looking hot in swimwear!

1. Enhance your hips and bust

To maximize your feminine curves, try these tips:

• Go for ruffles and ruching. These style details are great for adding volume where you might lack curves.

• Wear a padded bikini top. Fortunately, many bikinis and swimsuits come with built-in padding for added oomph.

• Try a skirted bikini bottom. A skirt that flares out at the hips is an easy way to add inches. It’s also great for covering areas you may not feel comfortable displaying.

Ruffles and ruching	Padded bikini tip	Skirted bikini bottom

2. Downplay your shoulders

The secret to a sexy body is balanced proportions. Downplaying your shoulders will create a more feminine balance between your upper and lower body.

Here are some tricks for making broad shoulders appear more delicate:

• Avoid string bikinis unless you are truly tiny. Instead, select a bikini top with wide straps to balance the proportion of your shoulders.

• Try a halter top. Halter tops draw the eye in, creating a slimming effect. They’re also great for showing off cleavage.

• Avoid bandeau tops. Bandeau tops create a strong horizontal line across the chest, making your upper body look even wider.

DON’T: String bikini	DO: Halter top	DON’T: Bandeau top

3. Slim your middle

Here are 3 strategies to help create the illusion of an hourglass shape:

• Wear a shaping swimsuit. There are a lot of swimsuits with built-in control panels to hold in and slenderize your torso. Check out the MiracleSuit and Spanx swimwear.

• Look for suits with side panels in a contrasting color. A color blocked swimsuit is a great trick for slimming your torso. The eye is drawn towards the middle of your body and the sides are minimized, creating the look of a slimmer torso.

• Wear a monokini. A monokini is a sexy swimwear style that has cutout sides. It’s less revealing than a bikini and the cutout side panels create the visual illusion of an hourglass figure.

Shaping swimsuit	Contrasting side panels	Monokini

4. Smooth your silhouette

It’s not just about shape and size, but about creating a sleek and smooth silhouette, too. Keep these tips in mind:

• Make sure your swimsuit fits well. A suit that is too small will dig in and create unattractive bulges and belly rolls. A suit that is too big will droop.

• Master the art of the “tuck.” Bikini bottoms leave nothing to the imagination, so you’ll want to ensure a smooth look. There are lots of forums and websites that can give pointers on how to do this comfortably. (Or take my first tip and wear a skirted bikini bottom.)

5. Pose pretty

Posture is always important, but it’s especially crucial when your entire body is on full display.

You should always be aware of the way you hold your body when you’re in a bikini. Think about your posture whether you’re sitting around a pool chatting with friends or posing for the camera.

Keep your tummy in and avoid slouching at all times. The more long and lifted your posture, the slimmer you will appear.

Ready for your own beach babe moment?

Follow these tips and I promise you’ll look sizzling on the beach or poolside.

For inspiration, I’ve compiled a gallery of 8 stunning transgender bikini models below.

Who is your favorite? Vote below and – if you’re feeling brave – share your own bikini babe photo in the comments!

Love,
Lucille

8 Stunning Transgender Bikini Models

Lea T	Jenna Talackova
Isis King	Caroline Cossey
Ines-Loan Rau	Geena Rocero
Carmen Carrera	Miss saHHara

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post’s poll.