This is us, the CD/TG community. 31 flavors, variations, different slants on the world. Beginning with the obvious differences, in their basic definitions: CDs like women’s clothing, presenting as women. TGs, wish to become and/or feel as though they are women. There are many other different varieties, non-binary, gender fluid, etc. You all know them and probably identify with one of them. And there are many more different varieties.
I’ll try to best explain my flavor. I enjoy being dressed, looking stylish. I am not hung up on a specific item or type of clothing, don’t seek to hyper-feminize myself. For example, I love a stylish pair of heels. I don’t seek to wear 4 inch stilettos just because they are ultra-feminine. My presentation is designed for the mainstream world, that of a woman my age. That is both because of who I am, my mindset and view of the world as well as how I enjoy my Kandi time. For me, just going about the day (on an outing dressed), with little notice is the perfect day. That means I assimilated, blended if you will. Practicality now trumps sensuality. I certainly enjoy the compliments I receive. Those are 100% acts of of kindness by strangers, but they are also an acknowledgement that I fooled no one. Not a bad thing, mind you, just the reality.
There are so many other flavors. Those that wish to shock. Those that wish to stand out, to be noticed. Those that want to cram every possible thing they can into an outing or evening out. Those that never leave their houses, so dress in a fashion that they may not if out. The tent here is a wide one and each slice or niche is very different than the other. I tell many, just because I share a like of wearing women’s clothing with someone doesn’t mean we have anything in common. I also wear men’s clothing and do not have anything in common with every man.
For many of us, it’s all about getting dressed. When dressed, it’s still all about being dressed. When you don’t or aren’t able to get out often, I completely get that. But once you move beyond that, things change. Many women I met early on in my journey are no longer on the scene or have moved on, evolved. I have done that as well. Who I was and what I did in 2015, 2016 is dramatically different than what I did last week. I have done things not even imaginable back then! It’s no different than how a woman progresses in her life, it’s just a bit more compressed and then you find yourself, discover who you are and settle in to live your life.
I read on CD forums someone who thrills about having worn a bra. Wants feedback on how an outfit looks (often in Ichabod Crane fashion with a headless photo). That is all part of our wanting to feel a part of something, to feel like a part of a community. We all need that. But we grow, evolve, move forward.
My flavor? I’d describe it as Butter Pecan. Really good, but very basic. Not one of those flavors with fifteen different ingredients. A classic. I’m a step up from a simple Vanilla, but nothing fancy. I know my place, stay in my lane, help and support within our community where I can, do what I can to help others and myself. My sense of community has really found it’s stride of late. My church. This place. The daily sharing that goes on here, the occasional email thanking me for creating a place where someone felt at home. Now I am starting to make a living as a woman.
Will that be a single or double scoop?
6 Responses
The variety that comes immediately to mind to describe me is maple nut. Perhaps because I live near Canada?
😊 Love that! 🍁
Kandi,
That’s an intriguing question , what flavour do we consider ourselves ?
We have to accept the cross section or spectrum of our community even if we don’t understand them all , the one thing I feel we have in common is that little seed in our brains that grows differently in each of us but the outcome is the same . We are driven to cross the gender boundary by wearing clothes opposite to our birth gender . ( I’m trying to choose my words carefully ) .
Personally I’ve really enjoyed the evolution of Teresa , back to the time when I joined a forum and I had to choose a name for the first time , at the time that was a huge step because I had to accept the existence of her . Pictures did serve a very useful function , we need to find US , if I dress as a woman what sort of woman do I want to be ? That also begs the question could I ever achieve it and would I be prepared to price that might come with it ? It is scary stuff , at the time I called it a rollercoaster ride .
Always interesting, aren’t we? Thanks Teresa!
As time has gone on, my style has become more casual. Now I’m more inclined to wear cute shorts and a tank top or leggings and a sweatshirt and take a walk in the park. This is more how I see the women around me dressing and I just want to blend in. It’s not that I don’t want to rock my LBD and a pair of sexy heels….it’s more that I can save it for occasions.
Lauren
I believe I owe you a big welcome to commenting on Kandi’s Land, Lauren! Thank you so much!!