Interview with a Straight Crossdresser #4

This week we have an interview that I started 6 months ago and through a series of events going on in my life, I.... didn't finish. Now, thanks to their reminder, It has been finished.

This week we interview 18 year old Victoria from Whittier, California.
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*Victoria in the white satin top.

Pebbles: About when did you become interested in or start crossdressing?

Victoria: I started around the age of 10 with my moms bras and slips, but then stopped once I got into middle school. After that I didn’t really start doing it again until 2011, my junior year of high school and that's when I started buying my own clothes and creating 'Victoria'.

Pebbles: Where did you go to buy your first items of clothing?

Victoria: eBay, the first item I ever bought was a white satin top. In fact it’s the one I'm wearing in my profile pic*

Pebbles: Very cool!

Pebbles: Have you ever been 'caught' crossdressing? If so, by who? What was the outcome?

Victoria: I have been caught with the items (clothes, wigs and such) in my room by my mom and she's confused by it but she never really confronts me about it. But caught fully crossdressed? No not yet thank goodness

Pebbles: I hear ya!

Pebbles: Does any of your family know you 'dress'?

Victoria: Yes, my cousins Janelle, Marissa and Jessie, whom I'm close with know about it and are very supportive. Janelle and I are especially close and we often exchange christmas gifts. I just came out to her a few months before and she got me an e.l.f makeup kit!

Pebbles: AWESOME!!! I love the family involvement!

Pebbles: Have you ever gone out crossdressed in public?

Victoria: Yes, yes many times. Since going to college I have gone out in public on campus, to the nearby business and around my neighborhood, with some special memories on a few occasions.

Pebbles: Care to share a memory?

Victoria: Oh, there's so many. So I'll share a small sample a few. Going out crossed for the first time outside of campus to the real world; Going to 7/11 and 'Stater Bros' all due to my professor. Halloween: Going to a salon, getting my wig done and going to class startling my classmates who couldn't believe it was me. 

Going to get a pedicure with a friend of mine and being treated like two princesses. 

And sneaking an outfit into a family christmas party and showing my cousins ‘Victoria’. So many precious memories in only 4 months of going out dressed in public!

Pebbles: WOW!!! Those are some Great moments! Thank you for sharing.  

Pebbles: Did anyone teach you how to apply makeup? Do you have someone do it for you? Are you learning/ have you learned through youtube vids?

Victoria: Nope, self taught. But for me its easy since I really just do eye shadow, foundation and lipstick when go out. I really don't do elaborate makeup like other crossdressers. Only when my cousin Janelle gave me the e.l.f makeup did someone else do my makeup for me.

Pebbles: That's cool. You don't need to go all out make-up crazy. In fact, for the most part, less is more. 

Pebbles:Do/Have you worn fake nails or nail polish?

Victoria: I haven't worn fake nails yet, but I have worn nail polish. I get my nails painted everytime I go for a pedicure.

Pebbles: Awesome!

Pebbles: Are you 'Passing' or is it your goal to be passing? If so would you go out in public crossdressed regularly?

Victoria: I always want to pass because it makes me feel good and empowered. I honestly think I could do a little more to pass better, but I think I pass at a good enough level. Although even if I didn't I would still go out because I love going on adventures.

Pebbles: That’s cool.

Pebbles: Do you tuck & Shave when you crossdress?

Victoria: I shave my face and neck every time before I go out. So much so I actually got an electric razor for christmas. I do tuck but very lazily and not super convincingly.

Pebbles: What makes you want to crossdress? How does it make you feel?

Victoria: Feeling pretty and alive makes me want to crossdress. I love the feeling of lipstick and gloss on my lips, how beautiful I look when I put my wig on and inspecting myself in the mirror. I feel elated and happy when I crossdress, just the feeling of satin and sandals give me a feeling of calm and contentment that nothing else can make me feel.

Pebbles: Ideally what percentage of your time would you prefer to be 'dressed'? Like...if it was a month. 50% dressed, more/less?

Victoria: Haha, that's a good question. I mean I LOVE dressing up and I would be Victoria 100% of the time if I could. But at the same time I like being a guy and not having to act prim and proper. I kind of compare to an experience had at my high school's football games. I would love looking at the cheerleaders because they were so attractive and beautiful, but at the same time I would long to be one of them cheering on the sideline in uniform and makeup waving my pom-poms around in white shoes. So even though Victoria would love to be out all the time, she can get nudged aside pretty quickly.

Pebbles: lol! So, more like 50/50-ish or more like, 'when the mood sets me'?

Victoria: 50/50 I suppose, lol. A long analogy to get to a simple answer, haha

Pebbles: lol, its a good one though

Pebbles: Are you currently dating anyone? If so, does she know?

Victoria: No,  I'm currently single.

Pebbles: Have you had one since you started crossdressing?

Victoria: Thank you and no I haven't dated yet since becoming Victoria.

Pebbles: Well, I'm sure that will change.

Pebbles: Is there anything else you would like the public to know about you? Or do you have an interesting story to share?

Pebbles: By the way, looking at your pictures, You are ADORABLE!!!

Victoria: Thank you so much. Yes, I would just like to thank all of the people who had helped me over the past few months. My English/Speech professor Ms. Maya Staylor actually help me go out in public for the first time (outside campus) and was always welcoming when I came visit as Victoria, I owe her a lot for encouraging me to become Victoria and I enjoy every moment of it. I would also like to thank Lihn, the stylist who does my wigs, she is so welcoming and sweet everytime I go and makes me look so beautiful, I encourage any crossdresser in the Walnut area (in California) to visit her at Newen's Beauty Salon (909)910-623 Tues, Thurs. And finally I'd like to my friends and family for being so encouraging of Victoria and letting me gush over my adventures as her.

Pebbles: AWESOME!!! I'm so glad you have such a GREAT support system! Thank You for interviewing with me!

So ladies, Victoria is also single and looking. If you’re in the Whittier Area of California and are interested in conversing with Victoria, you can send an email to StraightCrossdressers@gmail.com with your name age and reply email (a picture wouldn’t hurt as well, I mean, you see Victoria right here) and I will pass the info to Victoria.

Until next time, Have fun & stay safe!

Victoria's First time out!

Love Always,
Pirate Pebbs

Interview with a Straight Crossdresser # 2 ~Gia

I recently reached out to everyone who 'like' the Straight Crossdressers & Friends Facebook page to see if anyone there was willing to be interviewed for the blog. A few people volunteered to. This is the first of the finished interviews. 

This interview is with Gia, a beautiful 32 year old crossdresser from NY.

*PP: I'm glad you agreed to be interviewed for my blog, its been awhile since I've done one. I wanna try to make it a regular feature.
(*PP= Pirate Pebbs aka yours truly)

Gia: aww, you're welcome. I'm glad there are blogs like this and appreciate you doing this.

PP: Thank you!

PP: Do you find it odd that a Genetic girl, like myself, is so passionate about wanting to straighten people out?

Gia: Interesting word selection. "straighten"

PP: lol, I'm punny sometimes.

Gia: I don't think it's odd, but I do think it is rare.  It is difficult enough finding genetic women who are attracted to people like myself who perhaps are more "open" about expressing their feminine side.  To find someone who outwardly supports it to the point of building your own blog and reader base is something else altogether. So rare indeed.

PP: I never really thought of it that way...

I see myself as more of a person who doesn't like to see people put down for how they feel

I want people to be Happy and if people have to hide part of themselves because others will think they are odd or something so they keep everything pent up inside...they'll never really be happy.* (*This doesn't apply to people who become happy by abusing others or indulging in highly illegal activities People who have abusive impulses should seek help by a trained professional to help them overcome their abusive thoughts & impulses.)

Gia: Hehe. That's a good philosophy. All I can say is keep it up and perhaps you might encourage others with similar ideals.

PP: I'll do my best.

Gia: I've made sacrifices for being able to express who I am. Some are fairly significant. I think Dan Savage said something along the lines of, "the most powerful thing anyone within the LGBTQ community can do for change is to come out."

PP: Indeed! Now I'll [finally] get on to the questions. 

First, What name shall I call you? Gia or is there more to the name that you'd like noted?

Gia: It's just Gia. The name is somewhat influenced by the movie and the model. And there is a closeness to my actual name, which I'll leave to everyone's imagination.

PP: Ah, I know of that Gia, cool!

About when did you become interested in or start crossdressing?

Gia: When I was just a little cross dresser. I used to sneak into my sister's closet when no one was home and play dress up in front of the mirror. Course I was a bit limited at that point, but the fascination grew.

PP: Is she older than you?

Gia: Yes, she's older. Which was good news for me since the clothes was a better fit. I wonder if I would have tried on her clothes if she was a little sister. That feels different for some reason.

PP: Have you ever been 'caught' [as a kid]? If so, by who?

Gia: Haha. Once, I think I unconsciously sabotaged myself. 

I was getting more daring and I was again rummaging through my sister's closet. This time it was in our weekend home, and there was this flowery dress that I used to love to wear. Well, it turned out that they were getting rid of it. I snuck the dress into my own closet and left it there.

Of course my mom found it, and gave me this completely embarrassing guilt trip about how boys shouldn't be wearing dresses.

That was the first and last time I was ever caught by my family. To this day, they don't have a clue.

PP: That was my next question, if your family knows you did, but I know that answer now.

Gia: Well, there was a minor incident when I still had a trace of eyeliner and my sister saw it, but I made up some story about being dragged out to a goth night by some girl friends. [so to answer the question] No, and I think I'm going to leave it that way. I'm sure my dad wouldn't really care. Well not really. But my mom, lovely woman, is a bit more old fashioned and would never get it.

PP: Have you /do you ever gone out crossdressed in public?

Gia: Yes, all of the time!

PP: When did you start going out [cross] dressed?

Gia: It took some getting used to. But I started to get dressed up on my own and going out after I finished college and moved out to my own apartment.

PP: Do you get someone to do your makeup? Did anyone teach you how to apply makeup?   Did you learn trial & error style?

Gia: Of course back [then], I relied on more help to get ready and didn't really know how to work it without looking like a cheap hooker with bad make-up. But I eventually developed my own style and with some coaching from my lovely make-up artist friends, I developed the basics for painting. I've had a long list of teachers.  Thank god for Craigslist and Myspace.

PP: Are you 'Passing' /is it your goal to be passing?

Gia: It's important to me that... I don't look like a guy in a bad wig.

Yes, passing is my goal, but I'm realistic. I'm a tall guy. Big shoulders, and there is only so much you can do. So, I do what I can to get as close as I can. But I have no expectation that people aren't going to know I'm a boy in a dress. At least after a 2nd or 3rd look.

PP: From the photos I've seen you look great! Passing or not!

Gia: Aww, why thank you.

I'm a cross dresser, but I like to refer to myself sometimes as a female illusionist. It's about creating a perception / image of being a woman. But I don't necessarily feel like a woman, or want to be one. It's also a bit like creating an alter ego where I can act a certain way that I wouldn't otherwise.

PP: Indeed!

Do you Tuck &[/or] Shave when you crossdress?

Gia: Tucking is a general term. I wear briefs and 2 pairs of tights, and usually that's enough. I don't usually pick out outfits where it would be too tight in the wrong spots.

As for shaving, I do to varying degrees. Of course I shave my face. I usually shave my chest too, but the legs I usually hold off on unless there is a really good reason.

And I leave my arms and hands alone. Those are just too tough to explain. It's all about the long gloves. 

PP: I hear ya!

What makes you want to crossdress? How does it make you feel?

Gia: Haha. Good question. I think it's changed/evolved over the years.

I didn't know what to make of it at first. Yes, like a lot of cross dressers, it's a bit of a turn on, and I think that's primarily how it started. It was exciting to see how sexy I can get. I'd look at myself in the mirror and get turned on by what I saw, and I wanted to do more. It was the primary driver to buying new clothes and shoes and make up.

PP: Does [being] Gia make you feel more empowered? Less shy? Anything like that?

Gia: Well, yes. And that goes to the other reasons for my dressing. 

It evolved to the point where it wasn't about turning myself on. I've reached the point where I realized that it was more of a release. A chance to escape from the same old and be someone else for awhile. While at the same point be able to more freely express my inner feminine side - which is much easier to get to when you're in a dress.

Needless to say, there were some ups and downs along the way.

PP: [Unfortunately], life is full of those.

Gia: I've heard other stories about people essentially taking these deep introspective looks at themselves and basically trying to numb the need or desire to cross dress.

Twice in my evolution, I've tossed out full wardrobes in street corner trash cans, far away from my apartment. Out of disgust.

"This is not who I am. I'm a boy, I like girls, I'm confused, stop doing this to yourself."

But it always comes back. And it's really about accepting it to whatever level that you're comfortable. Whether that's wearing the occasional panty in bed, or in my case, full ensemble head-to-toe going out to bars and dancing. Or the occasional photo shoot.

PP: Ideally what percentage of your time would you prefer to be 'dressed'? like half the time, every once in awhile, every weekend etc?

Gia: It depends. Usually I'd go out 3-4 times per month in drag. It depends if there is a reason, and I don't typically dress up to just hang out in my apartment alone. That's boring. If I'm going to spend 2 - 2 1/2 hours getting ready - I want to be seen darn it!

PP: I hear ya!

Have you ever been caught by a girlfriend? If not, have you admitted to crossdressing to a girlfriend? What was the result?

Gia: No, never caught. And with my last significant relationship I was pretty upfront about it right away. It wasn't easy. But important. And we got through it, at least at the beginning.

I wish I could say that it was a positive in our relationship, but it wasn't. And although I don't think it was the only reason for why we eventually broke up, it was a big factor.

PP: I still think being honest up front is the best way to start a relationship

thats what I generally tell to all my CD friends & on my blog.

Gia: Exactly. So now, I've been very focused on trying to date girls who know about Gia right up front so there are no surprises down the line. Gia even has her own [dating website] profile.

PP: Is there an inspiration for your look?

Gia: I can't point to anything specific. But I like to be edgy. Bit more rock and roll versus country. Nothing against country. But my roots are in punk and maybe a little glam. It's funny to put names to it, but it's like a weird combo of David Bowie, Lady Gaga, Angelina Jolie and Sid Vicious.

PP: Cool!

Do you have a story or idea to share that you haven't previously shared here?

Gia: I want to express that if it wasn't for Gia, I would not have met some of the most interesting and special people in my life. She's opened up new experiences that I would never have had before, and frankly, makes life more interesting to live.

It's not easy being a straight cross dresser. But usually it's worth it.

PP: I feel like i've met a lot of cool interesting people through my blogging etc as well. I'm glad I was encouraged to start it.

Thank you for letting me interview you for my blog today. Would you like for me to put a link to your online profile or email, in case some lovely ladies are interested in getting to get to know you better? 

Gia: Yep, anyone should feel free to reach me at callmegia@mail.com. But I can't guarantee I'll be able to reply to everyone.

That was  Interview with a Straight Crossdresser #2. If you have any questions or comments feel free to comment below or you could email me or Gia. You can reach me at StraightCrossdressers@gmail.com , PiratePebbs@gmail.com or at the Facebook page Facebook.com/straightcrossdressers. I hope you all enjoyed learning a bit more about some of the wonderful people who inhabit our world who I happen to hold dear.

How to 'PASS', Guaranteed!!!

Lisa Empanada

The following post is not My Original content, but is used with permission of, and from the perspective of, Lisa Empanada. She is a transgender woman living in Philadelphia, PA. I saw her post on a Meet-Up group that we are both members of. When I read it I had to ask her if I could re-post it here for all of you who are having trouble with Passing. Again this is from Lisa's Perspective which is a perspective that I will never truly know being that I'm a Genetic Girl and don't have to deal with such problems.  Enjoy!
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Lisa:
Who here wants to pass? Yeah, yeah... you heard me right. I am going to GUARANTEE that you will pass. Just bare with me as we try to figure out what passing really means.

Ok, lets get started... Who here has a masculine build? *Lisa's hand goes up.*

Who here is too tall? *Lisa's hand goes up again.*

Who here has a not so feminine voice? *Lisa's hand goes up. Thankful that her hand is speaking for her.*

Who here has big hands, man hands? *Lisa starts to raise her hand, but self consciously leaves it in her lap and in her baritone voice yells out..."HEY! No fair Lisa you are picking on me!"*

So is it true that Lisa can't 'pass' in public? (after that question I am betting my dance card becomes less full) In fact a lot of us girls who say we are passable probably would find many who disagree. Would I write 'passable' in my profile? No, I would say that I am sexy (a state of mind, a projection) I can be beautiful (again a state of mind, a projection) And I would say I am definitely feminine (which is certainly a state of mind and projection)

Sexy, Beautiful, Feminine all traits commonly applied to woman but not traits that all woman apply. So by now you can see where I am going with this. The question is why do you feel you don't pass in public. Do you see yourself as a man in a dress or are you fearful that this is how others will see you? Are you preoccupied with worrying if you have been 'read'? Chances are these are causing you not to pass.

When someone feels that they do not pass its because they feel like they look out of place, unnatural to their surroundings. Looking exactly like a woman is something you can't control, either you have it, or like me, you don't. But you do have control over looking out of place and appearing unnatural. Its all in the projection.

First off mannerisms. We can all, with practice, walk, sit, move, smile, flirt, gesture and in general act exactly like genetic woman. If you come plodding into a club, like some Neanderthal in heels way too high, as if you are trying to carry an invisible watermelon between your thighs, chances are you'll look unnatural, not only to your surroundings but to who you are. There is a flow and a grace to woman. A grace that can only be accomplished through practice and attitude. You must act and think like who you are is what you should be. Others will hear with their eyes what you are trying to say about yourself.
Feeling and acting natural is all that really matters. So right now half the readers are screaming... Rip Off! We want our money back! No Fair! ....Alright now, calm down missy, and cross those legs by the way. I am serious here.

If you want to look out of place then all you have to do is to act in a way that supports that visual. If you subconsciously look down and away and your body language projects insecurity and doubt, most people will look at you and not think Why is that man in a dress?.... but more accurately... Why is that person so uncomfortable in their own skin? Its less likely that they will wonder why you are there, but more likely they will wonder why you didn't keep your insecure flat @$$ home.

When a woman walks into the room she should do so with confidence (not to be mistaken for being flamboyant). If how you look and how you act seems the most natural thing to you and you smile and enjoy the fact that you are where you belong, most people will see that energy and respect your comfort. They certainly won't feel sorry for you. They rightfully will conclude that any prejudices that they may chose to inflict upon you will be a total waste of their time.

Simply put passing in public is acting and feeling natural in your surroundings. Dress as most people around you are dressed, Act according to your environment. If you believe you belong where you are, then so will others. Refine your femininity and project the inside outside you'll live it and they'll get it, trust me.
So passing is all about projecting who you are...with confidence. Am I a genetic woman? NO! I am a Transwoman and I pass as such. We all should be proud of who we are.

"But Lisa, I'm a just a crossdresser and I love club wear and exotic wear, I'll never pass...right?"

No! WRONG! You are not 'JUST' anything. You are 'ALSO' which makes you 'more than', which should be looked at as a huge plus. And besides that you will pass as a person who celebrates his/her freedom. You will pass as someone who is not beholden to the expectations of others. You WILL pass as a spirited individual if you are not afraid to let your spirit shine.

There it is ...that is how we PASS. We proudly present ourselves for who we are and that will get us a passing grade every time. Ooh one more thing, if you are peeing standing up that's not passing and that's not peeing, That's pissing and only guys take a piss. You get a big fat incomplete in this course and have to start over. Girls 'pee' or 'tinkle' and always remember you are a girl, sit while you pee but if you 'wipe' yourself afterward give yourself extra girlie points for taking passing to extremes...lol.

Good Luck and get out there Girls!