For many crossdressers, the journey often begins at a young age—sometimes sparked by curiosity, sometimes by a fascination with femininity, and quite often, by an innocent experiment with clothing that doesn't align with traditional gender expectations. For me, it was all of the above.

I remember the first time I crossdressed. I was young, alone, and curious.

What started as slipping into something soft and feminine—like a pair of silky knickers—quickly became more than just fabric against skin.

It awakened something inside me: a mix of excitement, nervousness, and a powerful sense of pleasure.

Like many teenagers discovering themselves, I was also learning about my own sexuality.

Masturbation became a normal part of that growing-up process, (as it does for most boys.. unsure how common this is for girls?) but I noticed it was often enhanced when I was dressed. Seeing my reflection in the mirror while crossdressed created an arousing and oddly comforting feeling. It wasn’t just sexual—it was affirming. I felt attractive. I felt alive. And I felt like someone else… wearing things I loved seeing on women.. and it felt and looked nice.

This duality—being aroused while dressed and feeling emotionally connected to the feminine version of myself—can be confusing. Was it a fetish? Was it something deeper? At the time did i care to even think there thoughts? I was getting off on it..

Looking back now, I can confidently say it was a mix of both.

In my teens, it was definitely tied to sexual excitement. But as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to understand that those early experiences were also the beginning of my identity as Davina.

The lines between pleasure, escapism, and identity often blur for crossdressers. Especially in the beginning, when we don't yet have the language or freedom to explore it fully.

For many of us, what starts as arousal becomes something more. Something emotional. Something transformative.

And yet—this aspect of crossdressing is rarely talked about openly.

There’s a stigma. People assume anything sexual around crossdressing is perverted or shameful. But I believe it’s just part of a natural journey of self-discovery.

For me, and many others, the arousal was never the only reason to dress—but it was certainly one of the first signs that I was connecting with a hidden part of myself.

Now, years later, crossdressing is less about sexual release and more about peace, femininity, beauty, and freedom.

That doesn’t mean it can’t still be a turn-on sometimes—it just means it’s become something far richer, more balanced, and ultimately essential to who I am.

Prompt for Readers:

• How did your own journey with crossdressing begin?

  
  

• Partners—how do you feel about the sexual side of crossdressing?